countryhart

Day 197 Stop and Look 365I have been exploring “staycation” destinations, so I thought I might share a few with you. This is the Great Dismal Swamp. It is on the border between Virginia and North Carolina. I first heard about the swamp when I read a book called Freewater. I highly recommend it. Slaves would escape to the swamp and live there. The children in the swamp never knew anything about slavery. The swamp is also an ecological paradise. There is every form of wildlife here from: eagles, beavers, ducks, and birds. Plus, there are so many varieties of trees and plants you can explore. But most importantly, you will marvel at how escaped slaves lived and formed a strong community here that flourished. If you live near the border of Virginia and North Carolina, this is definitely a Staycation Destination. If you don’t live in these states, this place is still worth visiting.

countryhart

Day 196 Stop and Look 365I recently visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. This was my fourth time at the museum since its opening in 2016. Every time I visit, I discover a new area or detail in an exhibit. I think we overlook places in our own backyard. We take them for granted, places that tourists flock to. When you act like a tourist in your hometown they now call it a “staycation.” Let’s see what you can explore in your hometown.

countryhart

Day 193 Stop and Look 365I grew cotton. Ok, it was just an experiment, but I finally got it to grow. Now, some of you will wonder, given a Black person’s history with cotton, why I would want to do this. But, to me, I just had to see if I could. It was my choice. We have so many choices of things we can do these days. Never take them for granted. I can’t do anything with this little bit. But it makes me smile and remember my heritage. Plus, I appreciate my ancestors.