Train Thru Crestline

One of the sounds we love at our little lake cottage is the train whistle reverberating in the distance. We are too far to hear the chug-chug-chug of the wheels rolling down the tracks but the long, low whistle breaks into the quiet three or four times a day.

My husband and I go to very different places in our mind’s eye when we hear that sound.

As we heard the whistle last weekend, my husband commented that he likes to hear the sound because it signals another load of freight being transported across the country; American commerce is literally rolling along. Someone is buying, someone is selling. Resources or products are moving and the economy is growing.

He asked me what I think of when I hear the train whistle.

I think of restlessness and adventure. I think back to childhood memories of watching TV shows that featured hobos jumping on trains and criss-crossing the country in search of food, work, or simply a fresh start in another town. Now, as an adult, I know that the life of a hobo was a most difficult one, but my memory sees it as wanderlust.

It was an interesting conversation. I’m sure that our different viewpoints reveal a contrast between our life experiences and what we value, as well. My husband is much more concerned about economic issues and financial security than I am; I am much more about wandering and wondering than he is.

What do you think of when you hear a train whistle? Consider opening a conversation today with that question!

.

Photo taken in Crestline, Ohio two weeks ago as we finally saw one of the trains that we usually only hear passing through.