My Virginia roots sprout new and vague feelings and recollections shift into familiar focus. After 30 years in The West, I’m back in The South. Charm, hospitality, friendly hellos and humidity. I love the moisture in the air. I know, I know…in the summer, I’ll swelter. But I will be happier in flip flops and sun dresses. And I can officially pack away the blue jeans (which I squirm in and tug on and generally bitch about). I hope not to wear them for a very long time.
My southern accent is returning. I love the cadence of it. It’s so sweet and easy.
At dinner, I asked a server for something and she brought it. I said thank you and she said, “Yes, girl.” She called me girl! I could be her grandma. Seriously. She was the best server I’ve had in 3 weeks.
Last night, I walked out of a cold, air conditioned hotel lobby into the rich, thick, warm night. I heard one of my favorite sounds: palm fronds rustling in a wind that comes straight off the ocean.
I prayed there that I never take it for granted. That everything “beach” will always bring this peace and joy.
That was last night and I’ll get to that soon.
This post started in Murfreesboro, TN a few days ago with a dessert I want to make one day. The server told me you freeze the cream cheese icing before baking it into the middle of…
CARROT CAKE!
It’s called carrot cake lava cake. My goodness.
Next stop, North Carolina. The “plan” was to stay in the Smokey Mountains for a night…
It just didn’t work out that way. I got to Frankin, NC at 4:30 PM and just wasn’t feeling it. So I kept on going. Made my way to Greenville, South Carolina. It was dark when I crossed state lines so no photo. Grabbed a room and headed out for dinner.
Oh yeah…I am close to the ocean!
Crab balls and roasted oysters. Oh my GOODNESS!
Texas Pete—only in The South.
Had a good night’s sleep in a brand new, clean-as-a-whistle hotel. I could still smell the fresh paint! On the road early with the OCEAN in my sights.
Cotton for days. Wish these were better photos but this is at 60 mph. I like the cotton bales. I wish I coulda gotten up close and touched it.
This is my trip odometer set to zero when I gassed up in Tahoe. That tank cost me $60.
Someone cut loose the cows into the pumpkin patch!
It’s a blessing when I pass something and can turn around. How could you not for the Smallest Church in America??
The Spanish moss on the trees is so beautiful.
Big bridge heading over on to the barrier islands. Destination: Jekyll Island.
Look closely, the ocean at the bottom of the rainbow.
The sensations of the ocean and beach were all around me. It was so overwhelming that I cried.
This is what God delivered to me on my first glimpse of the ocean on this fantastic voyage over the last 3 weeks.
A girl boogie-boarding. That will be me soon. Not gonna get there for awhile. Rip tides all week.
I have not yet completed the tasks to start a new life in Florida. Heck, I haven’t even gotten to Florida. But this stop, this event, was such a milestone. I am so humbled and grateful for the favor God showed me on this journey and the beautiful gift He gave me when I arrived. These beautiful moments are what buoy believers. Because we know they are delivered just for us. If you listen, God will speak to you. Be still and listen.
Awe! I love this.. What an adventure and a true testimony to listening to what you need for what season in your life! Love you!
I guess if you miss mass at that church EVERYONE will know
I just love your adventure captions and stories. Love the “smallest church n America” stop..