Sometimes it’s hard to tell when to slow down. Two lovely days in North Carolina (good food, family, and seeing a dear friend perform on stage) were just what we needed.
A Quick Getaway
Eight Years
On our anniversary, after a night at the Grove Park Inn, an unexpected gift from David’s aunt, we ate breakfast on the grounds overlooking Asheville and the mountains, explored the city again, and then drove home through the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. We’ve made this drive before and again I was stunned by its beauty. We gasped in awe the whole way, grateful to behold even a small taste of God’s incredible creation. I couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate eight years of one of his greatest and most treasured gifts.
Home With Full Hearts
We’re back from a long and exciting vacation, tired but glad. We enjoyed three cities in four days and hardly had time to rest. I always make a list of old favorites and must-see places I’ve never been before–it helps to have a plan. We bought art and ceramics and too many books, coffee, and pastries, perhaps. That plus amazing meals, delicious cocktails, a beautiful wedding, and sweet company made for the best trip. Our one regret is that we didn’t make it to any museums so they’re at the top of our list for next time.
Saturday night we popped into Plieades Gallery before dinner and drinks with friends in Durham. I’m happy we did because I left inspired and in awe of the talent represented there. I took home a piece by Lucia Marcus and can’t wait to have it framed.
I’m so grateful for our time spent with those we love. David’s aunt was incredibly kind and generous to us. And we loved seeing our dear friend who moved to Alabama and getting to know his fiancée better. They are such good people and I feel blessed to know them. Sunday we had brunch with one of our favorite couples who happened to be in town celebrating their anniversary as well. We haven’t been terribly social lately and this was exactly what we needed to remind us of the joys of fellowship.
Our stay in Asheville wasn’t too long but David and I fell in love with the city all over again. So much has changed since we were there 6 years ago, and especially since David lived there twenty years ago. There’s so much to see and do. We can’t wait to visit places like Old North, Villagers, and the incredible studios in the River Arts District again soon.
To me the best vacations are the ones where you come home feeling inspired, hopeful, and excited about the city you live in. There are things our city doesn’t have, yes, but seeing other places grow and thrive, particularly in the arts, makes me appreciate all that we do offer and all that we’re working toward. I’m truly happy to be home.
North Carolina Bound
Another week gone, filled with ups and downs and events left and right. It all sort of blurred together, but we made sure to slow down a bit for a date night and walks around the neighborhood. I enjoyed myself, though at times it was a challenge. As an introvert I often wish for more alone time to recharge than I’m able to get. I gave in to a lot of my negative emotions last week and failed to do the things I know to be helpful. This week has been just as chaotic but I’m doing my best to get through it all feeling less overwhelmed.
Today we’re headed to my brother-in-law’s graduation and then off on a four day vacation! We haven’t been out of town overnight in a year and I’m so thrilled to get the chance to relax with my love in Raleigh, Durham, and Asheville. We’ll be going to a wedding, visiting family, and celebrating our eighth anniversary. Is it silly to talk about how quickly time flies? Because it really, really does. Yet somehow I can barely remember what I was like 8 years ago. Always moving forward, always changing.
A few nights ago we watched The Last of the Mohicans and between my sighing over Daniel Day-Lewis David pointed out places we’d been on our second anniversary trip to North Carolina (where this photo was taken). I’ll be happy to breathe the mountain air again, even if just briefly.