[JWERTIS]

Originally Posted by Spence&Kim

This thread is actually an offshoot from another discussion. A poster, lets just call him "mountain-william 59+1" posted a longwhinded negative rant on what he thought was wrong with this state and I wanted to give everyone here the chance to throw in their 2 cents worth about what they love about this state. So please, I invite you not to respond to my thoughts, thair just my opinion, but to add your own thoughts, opinions attitudes, ect towards this state. Just keep it on a positive note.


We're Arkansans. We have been so for generations. Our fathers we're proud to be here, and for many their fathers before them. They taught us how to fish, and how to hunt and most importantly why it's more than a reason to kill something.

We learned how to stand up for what we believe in and to respect others for doing the same.

We learned young what a work ethic is, no matter if we worked on a farm, chicken ranch, fast food restaurant or grocery store. We are an example of the backbone that built this country. And if you don't think we've got the smarts to go along with the hard work, just think of the last time you bought your day-to-day essentials at a store other than Wally World or at least a model of what Sam Walton created from his simple 5 and 10. The family of that "dumb Arkansan" is still laughing all the way to the bank.

Other "Dumb Arkansans" make thousands of dollars every year convincing tourists to pay good money to dig around in the dirt hunting for diamonds. Others make good money selling empty milk jugs to even more tourists so they can bring home "authentic spring water"

We salute the flag and remember those who worked a lot harder and sacrificed a whole lot more than we did so that we have the privelage to wave that banner proudly.

We know our neighbors and their kids and we all watch out for one another.

We wave to other cars as we pass on a country highway, even if we don't know the driver. And when a new face moves into the neighborhood we say "hello" and "welcome" with a peach cobbler.

We consume catfish, and okra, and sweet tea by the gallon. And nobody elses' fried chicken nor biscuits can stand up to the way momma makes 'em.

We are not politically correct, nor do we appologize for that.

We say things like "y'all" and "fixin" and "over yonder". We don't worry about the way they sound to others, we know what we mean.

Our children say things like, "yes M'am" and "Sir." And we also know what that means. A southern draw may sound like the mark of a dumb hick to some, but it can sure make a boy homesick when he's been away for a while.

A handshake is as solid as a signed contract.

We have provided fodder for the likes of Jeff Foxworthy, Cleatus T. Judd, Jerry Clower, and Larry the Cable Guy. Material that has made the rest of the world laugh, but not nearly as hard as we can laugh at ourselves.

"Hell Yeah" means just what it means.

When it gets too hot, we head to the swimmin hole, or we go play out on the lake, or just take a nice long float trip down a river with water cool enough to chill down the six-pack tied to our tube.

We are the buckle of the bible belt. Going to church on Sunday is not just for worship, but to reconnect with our community after a long week of work. And because of this we know how to trust each other. We leave our front door unlocked at night. We go to Wal-Mart and leave the keyes in our car. We pump our gas THEN we go in and pay for it. And yes, if our county elders choose to keep things dry we have a little Friday night tradition. It's called a b-e-e-r-r-u-n.

We raise a little hell from time to time.

We meet our buddies on an old dirt road, pop a few tops, and talk about the good 'ol days while counting fireflies on a warm summer night.

We still drive our girls out to the lake and watch the submarine races. (That's going parkin' for those who just don't know). Or we drive up to a mountain top lookout just to watch the sunset over a dense patchwork of green.

We are what country songs are written about.

We know where the bad parts of town are and do our best to stay away from there. We know there are some parts of the state that just plain suck, so guess what? We just don't hang out there.

We know about familes that are dirt-floor-poor that are closer to each other and know how to get more out of life than other families living in the lap of luxury that barely speak to each other.

We don't mind the outsiders. If you've come here to work and have got a strong back we can use ya'. We pay our own way and expect everyone else to. We welcome anyone who is lucky enough to have to opportunity to come and enjoy our beautiful state and all it has to offer. We just hope you can enjoy our home for what it is rather than bitchin` about all the things it aint. If we seem to be just a little on the shorter side with someone whose not from these parts, it's usually because they come in with a lousy attitude towards the way things are and want to change them to the way THEY think things should be. And all I can say is that if you have a particular problem with the way things are down here then maybe this isn't place for you after all and you should go back to the greener grass on your side rather than pissin' on ours.

I wasn't born in this state, I don't currently live in this state but I was raised here and the values I gained from the time my family spent here have taken me a long way in life and I'm currently working very hard to return to the only place I've ever called home. I just hope I can get back before this place gets overrun with a bunch of left coast, hair-brained, hollier than thow, belly-aching, never happy about nuthin, snotty, snooty, angry little people doing their best to create their own silk purse out our beloved sows ear!

But that's all just my opinion, I could be wrong.

My husband and I are planning to relocate to Jonesboro, Arkansas next year. It's GREAT to find someone so passionate about Arkansas. Good for you!! If you are any indication of the folks there, I know we are going to love it.

[lindata]

I've only lived here a few months, but here's why I love AR:

Friendliest people anywhere who ask you how you are and really mean it

Way better shopping than where I was from!

Close-knit communities who will welcome you in

Beautiful, beautiful scenery

Laid-back atmosphere

Family values

Linda

[Music Junkie]

I think Arkansas sounds wonderful to me. We have been looking at the northern part of Arkansas and the southern part of Missouri because we love the community of the area and the great fishing, hunting and great outdoor activities.

[junkman18]

Originally Posted by Music Junkie

I think Arkansas sounds wonderful to me. We have been looking at the northern part of Arkansas and the southern part of Missouri because we love the community of the area and the great fishing, hunting and great outdoor activities.

I am sure you will love north Arkansas..
..

[Music Junkie]

I wonder why it is that some have so many problems with the south and the way that true southerners live.

[junkman18]

Originally Posted by Music Junkie

I wonder why it is that some have so many problems with the south and the way that true southerners live.

Maybe they are just jealous and they can't stand seeing other people so happy.

[Music Junkie]

I suppose that could be. All that matters to me is that I love that part of the country and the people who reside there.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by junkman18

Maybe they are just jealous and they can't stand seeing other people so happy.

That could be it, plus many people think, if you are running from place to place, on your cell phone or spending money faster than you can make it, you are not living. The slow pace and relaxed life style is why we intend to be part of the Arkansas population in the next 6 to 9 months. Will be miss NM? Of course we will and will Arkansas be the perfect place? Of course not. But the positives so outweigh the negatives.

Nita

[Music Junkie]

That sounds wonderful to me, a nice slower lifestyle. You are right though that so many yuppes think that one has to be on the go constantly and in constant contact with someone or some business.

[junkman18]

Originally Posted by Music Junkie

That sounds wonderful to me, a nice slower lifestyle. You are right though that so many yuppes think that one has to be on the go constantly and in constant contact with someone or some business.

What part of Arkansas are you moving too? We are in the north east part near Hardy only 15 mils from Mo.