Deciphering words from the mountain

We lived among the Homes on the hill

Writers like to perch somewhere and bless the world with their thoughts on whatever they imagine might be interesting. Rarely does does anyone look what might have influenced the writers thoughts including where they live and what they have recently done. If we do take the time to stand back and try to understand the author’s biases and how their location and surroundings might impact that what they write, we get closer to the truth.

It has often been said that reporters living inside the Washington Beltway take a far different view of the world than anyone living on the outside. I can attest to that. When we lived in Columbia, MD, which might as well have been inside the beltway, our local news was whatever the Washington Post printed about DC. In 1987–89, it was not nice news. Because of the massive amount of traffic moving north and south near Columbia and all the air traffic, the place seemed to have a low hum at all hours and the evening light was tinged with pink.

If you were writing from Columbia, I am guessing your opinions might be colored by the intensity of life there. I had a neighbor who was car jacked. When we went on account calls, we were given instructions to make sure our car doors and windows were locked and to not open them for any reason. A little paranoia might seep into your words.