Laying Memories on the Hearth

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Frances Mayes is one of my favorite authors. 

In her latest work,

  A Year In the World, Journeys of a Passionate Traveller, 

she explains the allure of travel

 in a manner that captures it perfectly. 

Last week I, too, experienced the joy 

of a journey unfolding before me.  

Let Frances narrate as I share images 

from my travels over those four days.  

Come along, won't you?  

View from the Castle Restaurant ~ Dunleith Planation, Natchez, MS

Travel pushes my boundries.

Seemingly self-indulgent, travel

paradoxically obliterates me-me-me,

because very quickly--

pretissimo--the own little self

is unlocked from the present

and released to move through

layers of time.

Upper floors {unfinished due to the Civil War}
Longwood Plantation, Natchez, MS

You are released also because

you are insignificant to the life

of the new place.

Illinois and Michigan monuments,
Vicksburg Battleground, Vicksburg, MS

When you travel,  you become

invisible, if you want.

I do want.

I like to be the observer.

What makes these people

who they are?  

Could I feel at home here?

No one expects you to

have the stacks of papers

back by Tuesday, or

to check messages or

to fertilize the geraniums.....

Travel releases spontaneity.

You become a godlike creature

full of choice, free to visit

the stately pleasure domes....

....sketch a bell tower,

read a history.....

You open, as in childhood,

and--for a time--

receive this world.

Moon over Dunleith

There's the visceral aspect,

too--the huntress who is free.

Free to go, free to return

home bringing memories

to lay on the hearth.

Thank you for traveling with me.
Your comments have been so meaningful
and precious.


Now,
enjoy this weekend...
Go out as a traveler 
in your own life, pause and
receive this world!

[1 Country Living] [All others: Privet and Holly]

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Posted in Frances Mayes , historic homes , images , journey , joy , the South , travel