A few weeks ago I was stuck behind a large truck on my way to work. I often am stuck behind a large truck or two on my way to work. This particular truck, however, had the normal "offensive" stickers all over it. One of which said, "Welcome to America. Now learn English." I posted about this topic on my Facebook and got quite a response.

Although I do understand the frustration of trying to communicate with someone who doesn't know much English (and the irritiation that comes with knowing that some families choose not to EVER learn once they arrive here), imagine being in their shoes. And let's just remember that when we visit outside of our Land of the Free, we should never assume everyone there will or CAN speak English. In this instance I found myself torn on the topic for the reasons I mentioned above and for the fact that I am an American. And I know how many people who come here want that affiliation but don't have it yet. 

Bumper stickers as food for thought isn't really a new thing. But I have found myself noticing them more these days. My friend Marie, Eden's Gardener, gave me a sticker that says, "Who's Your Farmer?" Well, she is. And I was proud to display it. And it must have been a pretty cool sticker because when I came back to my car after lunch in Deep Ellum yesterday, it was gone. Peeled clean off. I guess they wanted Marie to be THEIR farmer too...

But all of this just makes me wonder, should we wear our thoughts, ideals, emotions and our hearts on our cars? In the journalism biz, we are pretty much forbidden to place political stuff on our cars. It shows bias and is frowned upon. However, I've seen plenty of J folks sporting their beliefs loud and clear on their back windows. And in today's interesting climate in the media industry, does this even matter anymore? The rules have changed. We have changed. So is it wrong to share our thoughts as openly as what we stick on our cars?

Even if you aren't a media type, what about if you are a teacher? A pastor? A therapist? Should your car remain silent and forever hold it's peace?

Having a new perspective on things is so refreshing...

Last weekend, I had a rare opportunity to connect with what’s important and I haven’t been the same since — and I hope I never will be.

You are probably wondering what this means — why I’m writing this way. Even though it was a commonly used word over the past few months during election season, change is crucial to moving forward in life. Change isn’t always good, and it isn’t always bad — it’s just part of our existence and we learn to accept it, embrace it and learn from it. Through my years with neighborsgo, I’ve learned to do all three because change is such a constant in the newspaper industry.

I’ve loved working with you. Mesquite, Balch Springs and Sunnyvale are bright spots that more people need to know. I’ve met so many great folks, and I call you all my friends. I moved pretty close to you when I bought my first house in July. Some of you were even there for the housewarming. I’ve watched your kiddos grow up. I’ve watched your cities flourish. Your communities are strong and proud.

But I have to go back to that word again — change. And with change sometimes you can grow heavy in the heart but still know that everything will work out fine. That is the place I am in right now. Being editor for Mesquite neighborsgo (back then it was Neighbors) since 2005 has changed my life in so many positive ways. It has helped me learn from mistakes. It also has toughened my skin and warmed my heart at the same time. But it’s now time for a change.