Authoritarians are generally a boring group of conformists who want everyone to conform to their bland tastes. But the world is so much more vibrant than their small views of it. Even in my small city of Gainesville, there is so much beauty, sometimes in unexpected places, and that beauty, that art, that nature, that weirdness and creativity and the people who help make that all happen, that is worth fighting for. Here’s just a small sample of that from my recent trips around town.
You can catch a creek at just the right light and it looks perfect
GRU belongs to us, not a state-appointed board and a CEO with a revenge fantasy.
You can find art in some unexpected places.
At its best, Gainesville is a welcoming place for everyone. We don’t always hit that mark, but I like to think we try harder at it than most other places.
Mindful messages are everywhere.
Look up and all around when you walk and you might see a magnificent oak.
It’s tucked away a bit, behind some GRU facilities, but people here have made this wall something beautiful.
Downtown Arts Festival was a great reminder of how rich we are in creativity.
Love the weirdo art downtown. I always think we’re becoming too conventional and then something like this jumps right out at me.
The freedom to enjoy a beautiful sunset with whoever you choose, without having an overbearing governor trying to tell you who belongs and who doesn’t.
Librarians shouldn’t have to worry about the state banning books.
A Very GNV Parade was a great display of how welcoming and diverse our community can be.