I grew up at the foot of these mountains. The Peaks of Otter, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.
Before I moved to Raleigh in 2005, I saw the mountains every day from my front yard, I drove around them constantly. There were some views of them that I loved, but I knew that there were bigger mountains. Higher mountains, teeming with wildlife, flowers, and rock formations I’d never seen.
Wanderlust leaves me always wanting to watch the sunrise from the edge of gorgeous red rock formations … to witness the moonrise below a still taller peak. I get that.
I am living back in my hometown now. So this gorgeous Autumn afternoon I headed back to “the Peaks” … back to the mountains of my childhood.
Lots of families were there, enjoying the day. From the first whiff of campfires, I remembered what it was that I loved so about this place.
I smiled out loud, as so many memories flooded back from wherever they’ve lived all these decades. This was our retreat … where we headed for a bit of cool in the hot summer, where I had my first job at the camp store, where we gathered for birthdays, cookouts, and breakfast at the Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Back then, I was the little girl so lost in climbing around on the rocks in the creek, that I didn’t even realize the rocks had worn the seat right out of my pink and white seersucker pants … the mountain creek water, so cold it numbed my feet. And each time I hiked to the summit, with my heart pounding out of my chest, I vowed I’d never do it again. I’ve always done it again … except that last time … but that view still awaits, so … I’ll do it again.
Today as I walked around the lake, I surely looked happier than anyone else around … stopping to take in spots at the edge of the lake, and the moss creeping its way across decaying logs beside the path. The day so clear and crisp I could see every boulder at the top of Sharp Top.
I kept saying to myself, “Wow, I got to grow up here … this place is gorgeous.” I realized that when I lived here before, I got used to it, and needed to be away for a bit to see it with new eyes … to appreciate it’s spectacular beauty, and to realize this gift … right here.
It was a powerful reminder to be present, and to take in the gifts of each moment, no matter what else we know to exist. No matter where else we wish to wander.
The sky was blue, children were running and laughing all about, the water was smooth as glass, and my heart was home.
With big love, and wishes that we each find our way home ~
Love,
(ps, the artwork at the top is one of my pieces. It’s available for purchase, 10″ x 21″ $225)
Let’s connect on Facebook ~ hop over to my page at Jane Barefoot Rochelle … also, I’ll be sending out the Barefoot Studios Monthly Newsletter today, so be sure to sign up for it. You can click here to sign up.
(and if you’re a Gmail user, be sure to watch for the newsletter in the’ Social’ tab and drag it over to the ‘Primary’ tab so that you won’t miss it next month … so good of Google to sort our mail for us, right?)
Thanks loves ~ Jane
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