December 7 - YIMBYs and the English Countryside

In the heart of the picturesque English countryside, nestled between rolling hills and lush green meadows, lay a quaint village named Redbrook. This idyllic village was known for its charming cottages, cobblestone streets, and a tranquility that was a balm for weary souls. Everything was as it had always been, and as far as most people in Redbrook were concerned, that was just fine. But now beneath its serene exterior, an undercurrent of change stirred, a new movement was quietly gaining momentum: the YIMBYs.

For years, Redbrook had resisted change, clinging to its quiet, timeless beauty. Newcomers were rare, and outsiders viewed the village as a well-preserved example of how England once was, and for some, how it ought to be. But now handful of residents, many of them young families, had formed the Redbook YIMBY society. Sophie, a young artist, was one of the driving forces behind this new movement. She had grown up in Redbrook and, while she cherished its beauty, she also longed for a more vibrant community. The village had been her muse, was it still, but she yearned for more, something new, something different, something invigorating.

One day, as Sophie set up her easel to capture the village's timeless charm, she noticed a group of children playing in a small park. The YIMBY Society had convinced the local council to invest in creating a community space where children could play, families could gather, and people could connect. That had meant removing a number of old trees, which had caused a great deal of commotion at local council.

This had also been a turning point. The YIMBY movement didn't seek to destroy the village's beauty; rather, it aimed to enhance it. They advocated for responsible development, affordable housing for young families, and improved infrastructure. Their efforts were met with some resistance, but gradually, more villagers began to appreciate the benefits of positive change.

One morning, as the sun perked over horizon and painted the sky with hues of orange and purple, Sophie stood in the park, admiring how it had transformed into a hub of community life. The laughter of children on their way to school already echoed through the village, and the once-quiet streets buzzed with energy as early birds gathered to do their daily shopping.

Redbrook was still beautiful, picturesque, and quiet, but it had evolved into a place where its beauty wasn't confined to postcard-perfect images but extended to the warmth of a community that thrived. New houses and flats were now underway on the open fields to the west of the village. The YIMBY movement had shown that progress could coexist with tradition, that change could be a path to preserving what truly mattered. The English countryside had never looked more picturesque, and it was no longer just a haven; it was a dynamic, inclusive, and vibrant space for all who called it home.

That morning Roald, who had lived in Redbrook since he was born, was out for his walk as usual, walking stick in hand. As he stood peering across the valley, watching the morning dew give way to the sun, he thought to himself; change is coming, and perhaps that isn't such a bad thing.

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DALL E 2 prompt:  “A turner painting of a beautiful picturesque english country side” (original)

Chat GPT prompt: Write a progressive YIMBY short story in 400 words about a beautiful, picturesque, quiet and open English country side.