A Day Away

Yesterday we trekked through Henry County in Virginia, places like the original Homestead of the Reynolds tobacco family, Fairystone Park, and areas in and about the sleepy city of Martinsville. Michael and I write a piece for Piedmont Magazine called Day Tripping. This edition will feature Henry County and it's hot spots.

Well, there's nothing in the Piedmont that's really hot. But that's the allure. That's why folks live there. This pastural land is God's country. There's some industry, furniture making mostly (Bassett and Stanley) but this area of Southwestern Virginia and Northwestern North Carolina holds the Blue Ridge Parkway and (in my opinion) the most picturesque part of the Eastern United States. No doubt about it.

That's why I love this little job. It gets us out for the day, and I get to see parts of the country I love. It's a dreamy time. Of course, stopping at antique stores and out-of-the-way cafes and local restaurants and wineries ... I'm in heaven. But yesterday, the realization I came away with was ... my husband is a damn good photographer. You'll have to pick up a copy of Piedmont Magazine to see yesterday's pictures OR go to http://www.cablecreative.net/ and click on slide show. Take a look around his web site. You'll see some amazing work by a very talented man. Of course, I'm a bit prejudiced, but he truly loves what he does, so much so, he charges virtually little for his services. Does this sound like a commercial? Ah, who cares ... I'm proud of him; he's finally getting to follow his own dream. And there's nothing wrong with that.

My point is, as a writer, a photographer, whatever your niche may be ... getting out for the day, exploring new cities and towns even in the counties that surround your own ... it revitalizes you. Gives you new ideas and prospective. Take a day and go away. Just for the day. It's not expensive, you can come home and sleep in your own bed, but explore 50 miles, 100 miles from your home in any direction and take a good look around. You can research before you go, plan your routes, and make educated stops along the way. Or go blind. Have fun. Just get in the car with your sweetheart and take off not knowing where you'll end up. Take a map so you can find your way back. If you've got a good sense of direction, it's a blast!

It's a day away from life, work, troubles. Everybody needs to do it. It's good for the economy. It's good for you.

Blessings to you and yours.