Another chapter. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Colorado girl through and through, but sometimes I still like a little salt on my watermelon while I listen to some folky/blugrassy/acoustic music. Having spent most of my childhood in the hills of East Tennessee, I guess some of it still leaks out now and again. I'm sure everyone looks back at parts of their childhood and wish it didn't all happen. But when you look again, being a kid was kind of awesome. You didn't have to worry about money, food, or what you were going to do with your life...at least most of us didn't. We just got to run around and play and be a kid. I don't keep in touch with too many kids I grew up with, but sometimes re-connecting with an old friend can be sweet for the soul.
This year has definitely been a trip so far. I wouldn't say it's been the best, but I have high hopes for the last half. I love my job. I love seeing the mountains every day. I love that I can talk to my family. Sometimes not having very many friends can make things feel more difficult. And sometimes people you've known, or at least thought you've known, for a long time can let you down. And sometimes even new friends can let you down. And it will hit ya right in the gut when it comes at just the right moment. I like to think that in general I'm pretty good at reading people. As of late, I either misread some people or simply didn't listen to my gut. But once I tuned in again, it was a tad too late. So I'm back to square one and hoping that I've learned my lesson.
But it's been tough. A person can only take so much stress, so many emotional highs and lows, until they need a break. I never thought I'd return to my little East Tennessee beginnings. And I definitely never thought I'd view it as a comfort. But as I've said before, life sometimes has some major curve-balls and you've just got to learn to keep playing. So last week I went to visit an old friend...who so happens to be in my old town.
We got some of my favorite food....which we ate all weekend...and my hosts were so kind in welcoming me with only 2 weeks notice.
We visited some of my favorite parks, including where my old boat had been docked, and toured some of the same places our families/fieldtrips always went...and yes, the lilly pad boat ride was still as boring as I remember it being...but the wolves are still cool.
We then walked around the old neighborhood and realized that not much had changed...but all the fields look remarkably smaller and the hill where my dad let go of my bike the first time has definitely flattened out some.
We climbed the same front yard tree and re-made a pretty cute picture if I don't say so myself.
And we celebrated the 4th with a good 'ol fashioned small-town feel...and who can't smile while about to endulge in a beer AND a funnel cake?!?
The next day we swung on by Asheville, NC as I had never been there, but was told it was pretty cool. Plus, I'm always up for some good brewery hopping after a gorgeous drive.
All in all it was a great trip. A break from my reality that was desperately needed. Now back in reality, I think I could go for another trip already, but luckily some busy plans with family should help soften the blow.
(Side note: I can't figure out how to make the pictures do what I want them to, so I gave up- reason for the weird spacing, etc.)
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