Because the lecture was on walkable communities, I walked to the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy today.
Julie Campoli was scheduled to talk about her book Made for Walking: Density and Neighborhood Form.
From the Institute’s website: “In this era of high energy prices, economic uncertainty, and demographic change, an increasing number of Americans are showing an interest in urban living as an alternative to the traditional automobile-dependent suburb. Many people are also concerned about reducing their annual vehicle miles traveled as a way to lower greenhouse gas emissions affecting climate change. …
“Researchers delving into the question of how urban form affects travel behavior identify specific characteristics of place that boost walking and transit use while reducing [vehicle miles traveled]. In the 1990s some pinpointed diversity (of land uses), density, and design as the key elements … After a decade of successive studies on the topic, these ‘three Ds’ were joined by two others deemed equally important—distance to transit and destination accessibility … Added to the list is another key player: parking.”
Campoli talked about all five elements, showed great pictures, and shared intriguing stories from successful communities. More.
By the way, if I had gone by car to the lecture instead of on foot, I would most assuredly have missed the possum, one of the more contemplative creatures in Cambridge today. He was still on his branch when I walked back after the presentation. But he had turned around.
.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Don’t want to think of how much I’ve missed because of a need for speed. Life may not be passing me by, but I sure am zooming by it! Great thought provoking post!
I guess we’re bound to miss some things no matter how slow we go. Probably the key is to savor whatever we do manage to notice and slow down when we can.