I knew I had to go to the mountains this October. Besides the gorgeous leaves it brings, just the way the breeze blows and the air cools always makes me feel happy. Lilly, Willow and I made the 6 hour trek from Pawleys to Asheville. This was my first trip outside the low country since moving this summer. Let me tell you, Asheville did not disappoint. It was an amazing week of blue skies and bright leaves. As we pulled off at one of the parkway overlooks and joined the crowd of leaf lookers, I had this surreal moment where I fully realized that I am now one of the tourists. My camera doing no justice to the view we were taking in, I couldn’t help but want to yell, “I grew up here!” I am now such a stranger to the new Asheville but the parkway is a familiar friend.
After looking around Pawleys for a good pumpkin patch and coming up short, I was glad to go to the Farmers Market and have our pick of pumpkins.
As usual, Kei Kei and PePaw spoiled us all rotten with amazing food and love. Lilly took to the Keith family friend John LaRowe like she had known him for years. He is pretty darn adorable.
One night, Kei Kei hosted my side of the family. It was great seeing my brother and his family (missed my mom and dad!) and even Aunt Rita came which is always so special. I think back on my time with cousins and at grandparent’s homes. As far as memories are concerned, those always seem to be such strong ones. I can see the old trestle and feel that scary back bedroom. I remember objects like the domino set at my grandparent’s house and the way the garage smelled. When Lilly is running around her grandparent’s home with cousins Rachel and Kylie, I hope she too is having some of the best times.
In the middle of all the family gatherings, I saw my old friends and quite a few of them which I always make a priority. For me, the time with them is stress relief and my thoughts are always so clear when talking to people who have known me for many years. I didn’t get to see everyone I wanted to see but what I did get has filled me up and carried me through.
The whole time we were having fun in Asheville, I wasn’t really missing Pawleys. Wil was very busy with all kinds of church happenings and I was absorbed in Western NC. Then I saw pictures from Wil:
As if on cue, it felt like I was being beckoned back to my new adventure. The mountains and people are so steadfast and I am so lucky to have two gorgeous places that I call home.