It is always interesting to hear the perspective of an outsiderlooking in.

For the next few weeks, I will be an outsider looking into thedaily life of Brookhaven. It is my hope that after a few weeks, Iwill no longer be looking into the snow globe with an eagerness togive it a shake, but rather I will be inside enjoying snowflakesthat swirl around.

Now I know that many are reading this thinking, “Snowflakes? Atthis time of year? Has this girl lost her mind?” Well, probably,but it depends on who you ask!

Let’s just say that it’s my attempt at a little poeticsentiment.

To me, snowflakes are those little parts of life that come foronly a moment, bring joy and happiness, and then are gone with thepassing of the wind. I have experienced many of those events in myfirst weeks here: from conversations with Brookhaven residents toriding around trying to find my way to my first week at The DAILYLEADER.

I can say that I have been truly impressed with this wonderfullyquaint town. The people that I have met have been more thanhospitable: from a gracious lady who is allowing me to stay withher until I find a permanent place to the advice I have received onmeeting people, getting my car repaired, finding an apartment andeven local businesses to check out.

The first thing that impressed me most is the atmospherehere.

“Family, friendly, fun” is the only way I can think to describeit.

A friend took me on a driving tour of Brookhaven and I could notbelieve all the things that are here for just that; playgrounds,the Exchange Club Park, Kids’ Kingdom, countless athletic fieldsand so much more. All these things are important for children toexperience the small joys of childhood – from that first victoryover the opposing team to that dizzy feeling the Tilt-A-Whirl cangive. The memories and life lessons learned at these places willmake a huge impact on their lives.

The historical presences of this town is quiet impressive aswell.

The downtown buildings, Victorian District, Military MemorialMuseum, Foster-Smith log cabin, Whitworth College and theHomeseekers Paradise Sign all have important roles to play in thepreservation of this town’s history. The story of the sign comingdown and being donated to the war effort in 1943 impressed me sothat I purchased a sketch of the sign at Wesson’s Founder’sDay.

I want to remember these special things about Brookhaven becauseI never paid attention to them in my hometown and now I regretit.

I grew up in Laurel – a city very similar to Brookhaven – andwhen I actually take the time to stop and think, I know that thepeople there are just as hospitable, the city is full of things toenjoy, and the historical significance is just as affluent, but Inever took the time to notice those things. I just lived each day,going from here to there, doing my daily mundane routine.

It’s so easy sometimes to forget the small things that make lifein a particular place so wonderful, especially when the busyness oflife picks up and time seems to fade as quickly as the settingsun.

But there are a thousand different reasons why Brookhaven is agreat place to live. It’s not at all about the beautiful homes, butrather it is about the beauty and spirit of those who live withinthose walls.

I’ve only been here a short time, but it didn’t take me long tounderstand why this city has been deemed “The HomeseekersParadise.”