I’m writing this letter from a porch overlooking majestic redwoods. The air is crisp, and the terrain on both sides rises sharply up. It’s an environment I’ve been wanting to experience for years, and it lives up to every hopeful expectation I’ve long held. Yesterday I was in the Napa Valley, happily visiting wineries and loving the Italy-like beauty of that area.
It’s wonderful to visit other places, both for the experience and for the comparison to home. And while I’m obviously not comparing apples to apples, I am aware of how deeply I love our Outer Banks. This place is lovely, and I appreciate being here. But I’ll also be very happy to come home.
I note how the Outer Banks is embedded in my psyche. The ocean runs in my veins, the open expense of the marshes clears my emotions. The horizon that never stops keeps my thoughts expanding.
We’re lucky, you know — those of us who live here and those who alight here for a short time. It’s easy to take this place for granted. We get used to the astonishing beauty that surrounds us. But maybe that’s one of the greatest aspects of leaving here, even for a few days. We can look with refreshed eyes and remember why we call this place home.
Beth
VIEW A DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS ISSUE
Hatteras Island: The Best of Both Worlds
Holiday Magic at The Christmas Shop
It Takes a Village
CBD: A Healing Game Changer
