Before I could even say I was fully over my jet-lag, we're on the road again. This time it is our annual visit to the Asheville, NC area that we call home for a couple of weeks each summer. What does one do in the mountains of western North Carolina, you might ask? Nothing. That's the point.
I awoke this morning to my friends - song sparrows and Carolina Wrens - my mountain alarm clock. I ventured out to greet them, cup of coffee in hand, and had a long conversation. Catching up, you know. It has been a whole year. In bird years...
As I type this blog post, two of the old-timers that call this area home are chatting about the good times within ear shot. I heard one of them talking about the "most beautiful one he had ever seen". I assumed he was talking about a woman. After a couple more minutes I realized it was a trout that he was describing.
I'm watching a couple of very young children walking with their dad just across the dirt road. They are caught up in the wonder of all the sights - and dad is taking the time to take it all in with them. He's pointing out a spectacular spider-web at the moment. It glistens with dew in the early-day sunlight.
I've realized once again how much I dislike the pace of life we all seem to fall into throughout the year. When is the last time you slowed down to listen to song sparrows sing you awake? When was the last time you sat on a lawn-chair and recalled with your best friend the time you caught a record trout? When's the last time you took a walk with your children and took in the wonders of it all?
It's day one of vacation in North Carolina. I cook all the meals for my family when we're here. This morning's menu is eggs, bacon and hash-browns on my griddle. I better get to it. Hey, when was the last time you stood in the mountains and smelled bacon on the griddle?
Hey, welcome to Asheville! I write a blog about what's going on in the area, so you may want to check it out while you're here. Of course, all those activities I mention might get in the way of doing nothing! Enjoy your stay :)
Posted by: Kelly | July 24, 2008 at 09:54 AM