My Favorite Places

In my travels over the last several years, I have run across some pretty great places. These are a few of my favorites.

• Amelia Island, Florida - This was the location of our first job on the road. To me, this place is just about as close to heaven as you can get. I especially love the north end of the island. It is mainly privately-owned beach houses with very few condos. That equals lots of personal space on the beach! Being able to walk (or ride my bike) without constantly dodging other people is perfect. If I could, I would live there. Or at least have a place there!
• Early morning in Boquillas Canyon in Big Bend National Park, Texas - We visited Big Bend in February of 2004. Our first hike one morning was in this canyon. We noticed some wild burros across the Rio Grande River. As we watched, we noticed that their ears were perked up, listening to something. Soon we heard, too. There was a man walking to his spot along the river where he sells his wares. He was singing a joyous song in Spanish. His serenade mixing with the quiet stillness of the canyon made this our favorite hike of the trip.
• Afternoon on the bank of the James River at Jamestown, Virginia - I have visited Historic Jamestowne on several occasions. All of which were in the winter but each day that I picked seemed to turn out warm and sunny. On every visit, I sat on a bench overlooking the river and soaking in the sun. If I close my eyes, I can still conjure the peaceful feeling of that spot.
• Sunday afternoon at Rutledge Falls in Tullahoma, Tennessee - During my childhood on Sunday afternoons in the summer, we would go to explore and wade in the water. Dad always said, "Don't get wet!" but we would always 'slip'. I still love to visit this place - to walk, to listen to the rushing of the water, to skip rocks, to look for fossils, to picnic. It is a magical place.
• In the mimosa tree in my grandparent's front yard - During our summertime visits, everyone would gather under this tree in the front yard. I would climb the tree and listen to the stories that were swapped. Eventually, they would forget that I was up there and the stories would get much more interesting. I think that was where my love of genealogy started - all those family secrets!! I still like to climb a nice tree.
• Late afternoon/early evening on the beach or at the lake - To me, that time of day is perfect. Most everyone has headed in for the day, leaving the beach deserted. The waters of lakes are at their calmest. And the light - the light calls to the photographer in me. The golden glow as the sun sets. Perfect!
• My closet - As a kid, one of my favorite things was to throw all the shoes and junk out of my closet. Then I would gather every pillow in the house, my lamp, the cat, and whatever book I was reading. I would arrange all that in my closet, get in, and close the door. I could stay in there for hours, reading - letting the book take me to faraway places and times. I still enjoy to be somewhere comfy, snug, and warm while I read.
• On my bike - I really enjoy being on my bike. It makes me feel like a kid again. Back in the day, I would meet my best friend Sandra halfway between her house and mine. We would ride all day long. That feeling of freedom, the wind in my hair, the sun on my face - that is what I love about riding.
• My home - No matter where I call home, it is always good to be there. No place sleeps quite like a familiar bed. No place sits quite like a familiar couch. No place..., um..., well, there is no place quite like a familiar bathroom.
• In the arms of a loved one - Nothing quite compares to a heart-felt hug from someone that loves you.