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Day 221 Stop and Look 365.  I almost missed this “stop and look.” To quote a somewhat old adage “I was so focused on the flowers that I almost missed the trees.” OK, it’s not quite the saving, but you get what I mean. For those of you who have read or seen the movie The Hobbit, this place looks like a road leading to Frodo’s house. Or any place in Middle Earth. These trees have a character, an old soul. I am not crazy but I feel like they want to talk to me. They want me to walk amongst them, and they will transport me to Middle Earth to visit Frodo. We all can benefit from some fantasy, magical places. Don’t let scenes like this escape your imagination.

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Day 220 Stop and Look 365   I think this looks magical. Some call it an invasive weed. It’s  wisteria. I guess too much of something can be overwhelming. But, how can you ignore the delicacy of these tiny lilac color flowers?Yes, it has taken over these trees. But, these flowers are providing food for the pollinators (the bees). They need our help. The sound resonating is like a lullaby, humming you to sleep. This place is stimulating for my imagination.  I am being transformed into a world of wonder and dreams. I think we need to leave nature alone. Not always try to control it. Admire the beauty it shares with us. Before, we lose it.

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Stop and Look 365 Day 214I have been absent for a while. I haven’t  taken my own advice, to take a moment and “Stop and Look.” I know at times it can be difficult. My soul has missed this time of reflection. It’s the beginning of spring and blooms are turning up all over. I enjoy searching for crocuses in my yard. They appear every year in some unusual places. But they remind me that the flowers are waking up and there will be a lot of beauty for me to “stop and look” and reflect.Remember to feed your soul with beauty and interesting images.

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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.

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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.