Celebrating Discoveries
I was pretty excited to learn of Ruth Ayres' Celebrations Round-Up at Ruth Ayres Writes. As I have thought about it, I have so much to celebrate each week it is hard to choose just one thing, but here it goes.
Today I'm celebrating DISCOVERIES. This weekend we found a little time to sneak away to visit our oldest daughter. As teachers it isn't often we manage a fall get away. With Friday off, we packed our bags, jumped in the car, and decided to head south.
The drive was beautiful as we meandered through the Blue Ridge Mountains speckled in crimson and gold. We arrived in North Carolina at the end of her school day and the adventure began.
Staying at the Ritz Cortney has been full of delightful discoveries. I became a vegetarian after eating a zucchini sandwich at Natty Greens in Greensboro. Maybe it was the combination of vegetables. Maybe it was the fresh bread. Either way, I wondered why I didn't order veggie meals more often.
While in the Carolinas, I found I love antique stores after discovering they hold so many great memories for me. What's not to love about those Looney Toons Pepsi glasses, a 70s Barbie case, a silver Christmas tree like my grandma's, and an avocado green Easy Bake Oven? I'm not sure what to think about the fact that antique stores now hold clues to memories long forgotten for me. For now, I'm not going to think much about it --- just revel in the discovery.
This weekend has reminded me that new cities are full of places to discover. While in Greensboro we found cheesecake, the Woolworth's lunch counter where the 1960 sit-in occurred, and interesting local artisans. I realized I am a discoverer. Today I celebrate discovery: new places, new hobbies and discovering memories to last a lifetime.
Cathy--I loved your post! Sounds like you had an amazing trip, filled with lots of memory-making and discovering. I'd love it if you'd discover your way a bit more South next time.... to Alabama! :) Need a loooonnngg porch visit!
ReplyDeleteAnn Marie,
DeleteThere is nothing I would like more than some time on your porch catching up! I wish you lived closer so you could join our porches and patio tour we do when the weather permits. I hope we'll get to catch up in Boston. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Cathy
What an exciting weekend! I remember those Barbie and Ken cases, but never had one. My mom insisted that I have a Tammy since she was much more sedate. I start feeling very antique-y when I realize how much I identify with the objects I see.
ReplyDeleteRamona, that is what made me laugh. I've never really been a big antique fan (though I have a lot of respect for those who enjoy antiquing). It was funny to me that I enjoyed going through the stores so much since I could find things that reminded me of my childhood. Many things I saw reminded me of memories I really had forgotten. I swore if I found Mrs. Beasley in one of the stores I was going to buy her.
DeleteCathy
Cathy - I love your discoveries because as you share about them, they always trigger a memory for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip this is. Glad you got time to spend with Cortney, but also glad you had time to meander. Safe travels home.
Thanks, Karen. I know you know how much fun getting to spend time with our daughters can be. We had a fabulous time in North Carolina.
DeleteCathy
Such a lovely unfolding of your weekend getaway. I find I experience the same feelings in most any antique shop I visit -- pieces of my past meld into tangible memories. I see relatives, reunions, and holiday celebrations. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. A definite celebration. (Oh, and a favorite line: "...Blue Ridge Mountains speckled crimson and gold...") Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove this!
Delete"pieces of my past meld into tangible memories. I see relatives, reunions, and holiday celebrations."
Exactly!
Cathy
We have always loved antiques -- never thought about it in terms of discovering. We like this idea of discovering and the time you took to do it. Good reminder for us!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Clare and Tammy
It's really the first time I have been in any antique stores. Very interesting!
DeleteCathy
What a fun get-away! I am sure the mountains were beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, they were absolutely gorgeous.
DeleteCathy
It sounds like a trip I'd love to take with you, Cathy. Good food, company & antiques! It's great you were able to visit that particular Woolworth's, too. I still see the photo of those courageous people in my mind. Discovering is a good thing to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteYou are welcome to join us anytime. I could learn a little more about antiquing and need an expert to guide me a bit. Seeing the Woolworth's was a delightful surprise. I love the picture book, Sit In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down. I always think about how brave they were. I would like to go through the museum that is now located there.
Cathy
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteWhat neat angle for sharing your celebrations -- DISCOVERIES. Whenever I hang around you, I always discover new inspiration. Thanks for joining the celebration.
Shine on,
Ruth
Thanks for hosting the event, Ruth. I love thinking about parts of life to celebrate. I realize I am truly blessed. Thank you for letting me join your journey.
DeleteCathy
Wow! What an adventure!
ReplyDeleteIt was fabulous!
DeleteWhat a fun weekend! Visiting different celebrations today I keep finding new ideas to think about for next week. Your "discoveries" is one of them.
ReplyDeleteSo many fun celebrations across the blogs.
DeleteCathy
How nice that you were able to visit Cortney. I remember when my parents would visit and always looked forward to their arrival.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jackie. It was so much fun to spend some time with her.
DeleteCathy
So glad you were able to spend time with Cortney and enjoy the South with her... It will be a trip you all will never forget.. Times with family are so very special...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mom. We loved it. Cortney showed us all around and found some fun places to hang out.
DeleteCathy
Your enthusiasm for these discoveries comes through clearly in this post. I feel like I ate that zucchini sandwich and went shopping for antiques alongside you!
ReplyDeleteI love going to new cities. I can't wait to find a new one to discover.
DeleteThanks, Christy.
Cathy