countryhart

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.

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.