I’m not sure who originally taught us this lesson, but Sonny and Cher, Neil Sedaka and many others have reminded us over the years.

Some days you just have to create your own sunshine.

I love that Essex sunburst motif presiding over the principal intersection in the middle of Essex, a daily reminder that even the grayest of days and the most perilous of foibles can’t undermine this human gift. You can illuminate the darkest hour if you choose to. You just need to create your own sunshine!

Essex’s enterprising roots and endurance elevate this slightly woo-woo aphorism to a mission. This handsome town on the Adirondack shores of Lake Champlain is proof that you genuinely can create your own sunshine.

Create Your Own Sunshine in Essex

I’ve just returned after a short week away, and in my first morning (yesterday) I was reminded that my Essex friends and neighbors are living and proving this aphorism daily. I started at the Essex Post Office (the proverbial agora of Essex), followed by a quick stop at Beggs Park (where neat stacks of stone awaited installation on the “seawall”), a visit to the Adirondack Art Association (where ironically the lights and electricity had mysteriously flickered off), and a delicious lunch at The Pink Pig. Everywhere I went, sunshine. Despite the overcast day, everyone I saw was brimming with optimism and joy. Really!

Within a 5-10 minute visit to the Post Office a steady stream of news bearers caught me up on missed adventures. And despite slower autumn traffic, Debbie Schrodt was serving up delicious potato soup and tuna sandwiches (mine was prepared on gluten free bread with thick slices or oh-so-ripe tomato) to happy, chatty customers at The Pink Pig. Life is good…

I’m thrilled to be back in Essex where we all know how (and why) it’s important to create your own sunshine. Every. Day.

Related articles

• Essex Doodles Weekly: Essex Icons and Doodle Tips (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Photo: Lake Champlain from Beggs Park (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)