I’m itching to travel again. Big surprise there. I’m planning a trip for June but not sure where yet. In the meantime, spring has sprung here in North Carolina! Sometimes I’m so focused on exploring other places, that I almost forget how beautiful this state is, particularly in the spring and fall.
Sometimes when we travel-holics are at home, we can get restless quickly and focus on when and where we’re going next. Often, it seems we are searching for something we feel we can’t find in our own hometown. This can be true to an extent as things such as fresh adventure, new sights, and different cultures can only be found when we travel to other locations. But really, most everything we are all truly looking for is wherever we are right now. Kind people, unique spots, interesting experiences, a home cooked meal enjoyed with wine and friends, and opportunities to help others can be found most anywhere. There are interesting people and fun things to do even in the most unexpected places. Even if we have to look a little. And believe me, I know this being from a small, but beautiful town in Alabama. Like my mom always said to me when I would get shy or lazy about trying something new, ‘Honey, you have to bloom where you’re planted.’
So this weekend, I took advantage of the gorgeous spring weather and decided to explore Raleigh a little more with my camera in tow. I started paying attention to the small things, and found beauty everywhere. A few of my favorite photos are in the new photo gallery on the right.
Happy Spring!
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“Bloom where you’re planted.” I like your way of putting it! I see a lot of tourists snapping photos in my neighborhood – and am often surprised to “discover” the details they pick out (that I take for granted every day).
Nice post Leigh! I live in a major tourist spot in tidewater VA and it is easy to forget what neat things there are to see and do in your own town. I always want to go somewhere else. Nice shots of the arboretum!
Hi Leigh
A BIG hello from your favourite destination, Spain. I am a Brit and have been living in Spain for the last 9 years. Like Yifie, I live in a beautiful city (Seville) and with the daily hustle and bustle of life, I forget just how beautiful the city is. It isn’t until I hear/see tourists enthusiasm when they are in the city, or I catch a tourist who is complaining because they are leaving the city to return home, that I really have to take a few deep breaths and take stock of the beautiful place where I live.
Thanks Yifei, I was suprised to discover some of Raleigh’s details as well!
Steve, I’ve never been to tidewater, VA but I’m sure it’s beautiful.
Hi Vanessa! You do indeed live in a beautiful city. I love Seville. And all of Spain for that matter. Glad to hear you’re taking a moment to appreciate it.:)
Hi Leigh,
Great photos and let me say how impressed I am that you took the camera out and about as I know how you can’t be bothered so much with that sometimes…
I agree that we do live in a great area. To watch the birth of new life every season and getting out during this time (if you can stand the pollen) is an amazing experience! I love the quote from your mom and I couldn’t agree more! But I have to say most of all you nailed when you said… “But really, most everything we are all truly looking for is wherever we are right now.” Now only if we could just trust our self to believe in that every day…
Thanks for the great words as usual….
Lance, ha ha… yes, I’m not much for the camera usually as I like to be in the moment rather than worry about a flash. :) But this was fun! And it’s nice to have a record of beautiful things.
Well said Leigh. There’s so much to see right in your backyard. Maybe you can try making some tea from the hibiscus plants that bloom around our pond all summer. Nice photo of SJ and the Jade!