I visited Little Cranberry Island in 2015, and a return visit is long overdue
Though there's still a month of summer to come, I'm beginning to look ahead to autumn, Seven-11 is advertising pumpkin spice latte and Halloween is starting its annual takeover of store windows. But before I move on to the fall there will still be days with shorts and t-shirts and there will be more days than not when I'm grateful for air conditioning.
All of that said, the summer of 2023 has been quite a summer. Before it's done there will be two weddings, a funeral, two milestone birthdays and out-of-town visitors from all over the world. There were two trips out of New York City, neither especially far or exotic, but both meaningful and very enjoyable.
When I was younger, it was a rare day when I wasn't thinking about weekends and holidays and vacations and counting the days to those treats. The years went (sometimes) quickly, but there were days and weeks filled with meetings that went by so slowly. It's only been since retirement in 2013 that the years started to fly and they are flying at greater speed with every passing year.
I was e-chatting on Instagram with my sweet friend, Nellie of the blog, Berries and More, and she asked if I would be visiting Tennessee this year. I replied that I was going to the Midwest, but I really wish that "I could be everywhere." I don't plan to write a formal memoir -- and this blog had been my informal memoir -- but if I change my mind and start to write one, that will be the title. I wish I could be everywhere.
In the last month I've planned one trip for November, discussed several trips for the upcoming winter and written/said to at least half a dozen friends, "I'm overdue for a trip to..." As much as I enjoy my life in New York City (and I do), there are still so many places to see and re-see and so many people that I'd like to spend time with, and at the heart of it all, the years are flying by. There's Paris and Bruges, a return to England, Italy and Amsterdam. I want to see all fifty states, return to Sedona and the Smokies and there's still so much to see in California. I want to visit a sloth sanctuary and maybe, maybe finally get to Bali. After all the flying all over, I want to see New England in every season and maybe one day return to Little Cranberry Island, where I spent time exactly eight years ago today.
One day I will choose to slow down or circumstances will choose it for me. At that time I may still wish I could be everywhere, but even when it's not possible I will know that I gave it my best.
As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.
6 comments
Carol, I so enjoyed reading your wish list of the places you still hope to visit or revisit. And, your statement about the years passing even faster resonates with myself as well. We have done so many local getaways this year, perhaps to make up for the non-travel time that you-know-what took from so many. Yes, the stores do rush the seasons even more which is depressing as I soon expect to see Christmas items displayed and am so not ready😕 New England is wonderful to visit in the fall but beware of all the “leaf peepers.”
I love this, Carol!
Oh, to have your spirit of adventure. That (proposed) title would totally define my father, as well.
If not a memoir, I can envision a film -- perhaps starring Diane Keaton?
You know I love reading your blog! As for traveling - - if you have energy and the resources to take you, then go whenever you get a chance. The day when we all are more homebound than we desire is going to come too quickly!
Almost sixty years ago, when I still lived in upstate NY, we went to the Cape with family friends. It truly is a very special place. It is still in my memory as a "magical" place but that is probably my impression because of the beauty and uniqueness of the area - - - unique to my being raised in the Catskill Mountains and farmland.
I admire your ability to travel like you do. I love to do more, but don't get around the way I used to. The older we get the faster time flies. Enjoy every moment to best pf your ability. I think you do!
So beautifully said. I love to travel also; but note the flights and time changes tire me out more than they used to. I would like to return to places, but there's still too many places I want to see for the first time. No enough hours in the day. Hubby and I will be spending a week in Williamsburg soon, and that's probably the last of travel for this year; but I've got things on the calendar for 2024. Keep planning and going, and enjoy! Thanks for your visit, always appreciated.
You certainly have a spirit of adventure ... my good wishes to you.
All the best Jan
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