From Skilled Hands

I have come to realize that home really is where the heart is; and that the cool thing about this is that it travels.

I have, in the past year, left my heart with my daughter in NYC, and in the mountains of Black Mountain, North Carolina and Blue Mountain Lake, NY.

I have discovered so much about my town, the Village of Peninsula, Ohio, population 602; its rich history and colorful stories.

So this week’s MTM post is a scrapbook of sorts, photos in which, if you look closely, you will find a wee piece of my heart, nestled in the sweet softness of lovely memories.

In April, I traveled by train to visit my daughter in New York City. I learned so much about my wise and wonderful daughter, and left a piece of my heart in the Avenue B Garden.

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Number 2 daughter and I traveled to the Adirondacks in July.

As my daughter and I traveled along the highway, we passed exit signs for towns and cities large and small. And then there was one sign for an entire country. Go figure…

A rock along the roadside. Shortly thereafter a sign hoped we had had a nice visit in a town (we both forgot which town), and wished us Toodle-oo.

The road to Blue Mountain Lake. Where you begin to feel your muscles relax…

After a 9 hour drive, we were greeted with this. Sunset at Blue Mountain Lake repeated it’s glorious self each night.

My daughter and friends kayaked across crystal clear Blue Mountain Lake; then they kicked off their sandals and climbed Castle Rock.

We were staying next to Prospect Point Cottages. Prospect Point Cottages are on the grounds of the grand old Prospect House Hotel, one of the original Adirondack camps. Carol, the innkeeper, is gracious and hospitable. We attended a talent show and donated items to their “kitchen library,” where guests can borrow items they may have forgotten. Carol and her staff were also hosts to Lucy, a homing pigeon who showed up one day. She was offered food and water, and she stayed until she was ready to move on.

We also hiked up the beautiful Goodnow Mountain. Bare-footed kids beat adults with shoes without a problem!

It doesn’t get much better than this.

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Next week: Part 2: Black Mountain, NC and the Village of Peninsula.

As always, the amazing Travis Erwin, who celebrates his 25th (count ‘em) MTM post this week, is the founder and main MTM guy. Take a trip on over to his site. You’ll have fun and learn something, too. Then visit my other My Town Monday Marauders. I promise you won’t regret it.

This week’s My Town Monday post is on the road most traveled—–you know, the one that is paved with good intentions.

I had intended to write about our trip to beautiful Blue Mountain Lake, NY, where we visited the Adirondack Museum, climbed mountains, and played in the clear water of the lake. We met some wonderful people and went to a talent show at Prospect Point Cottages. Ice cream played an important part of our week, and we dutifully tasted a wide variety of flavors and brands. When I was looking for links to post, I came across the Blue Mountain Center, a working community of writers, artists, activists and musicians. Take a look at their website—interesting food for thought.

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Then, LIFE HAPPENED: we had an out of town guest, my niece got married on Saturday (it was beautiful), I had to work at the 4-H Dog Agility Show on Sunday evening.

I will plan on posting photos and more stories from our trip next week. Scroll down to my last post here, add a comment and you could win a Little Blue Santa.
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As always, My Town Monday is brought to you by the incomparable Travis Erwin. Take a trip on over to his site for a look at Taos, New Mexico, and links to others in the My Town Monday crew. You’ll read some great writing, see some great photos, and learn a lot.