These past couple of weeks have been (and will continue to be) filled with doctors’ appointments, errands and commitments, but my terrific hubby and I managed to sneak away Monday morning for a drive through the North Georgia mountains to look at the fall colors. Because Hurricane Sandy and the arctic cold front had already begun to blow strong winds across the southeast on Sunday evening, we were afraid that we wouldn’t be seeing much color left on the trees, but we made the attempt anyway. It really was worth it, if for no other reason than to just get away from the hustle and bustle and worries of life for a few hours, and simply enjoy the world around us.
We were prepared to do a little walking on some of the trails, but once we got up on Blood Mountain the weather turned rather winterish, with harsh biting winds and light, icy mist. We could even see it snowing from one of the low-lying clouds on top of the adjacent mountain peak. So we stuck to driving and enjoying the views, with a pleasant stop for lunch in Blairsville. On the way back home, as we descended the higher elevations, the weather became noticeably warmer. Not summery by any means, but much warmer than the mid-30s we discovered in the mountains.
Earlier this year, we were needing a good, used car to add to our used car lot. (No, we really don’t own a car lot, but with four sons–three still at home–and all of which are in their teens or early twenties, it definitely feels like we own one!) Our seventeen-year-old finally got his driver’s license and was in need of transportation to and from school. What hubby found was this incredible deal on a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire convertible that had been barely used. So we passed the Sentra he was using on to the high schooler and purchased the Crossfire for hubby–and me when I can beg it away from him–to use. And what a joy it has been! How much fun it has been to drive around and let the wind blow through my hair–now that I once again have a head full! The tangles aren’t much fun, but so worth the glory in the moment! Monday I discovered the real joys of owning an open-top car.
We took the convertible up the mountains, but were unable to enjoy the benefits of a convertible while we were there–just too cold and misty. But once we reached the warmer temperatures of the upper-40s and low-50s, the top came down and the heater cranked up. Yes, I know. Sounds silly and frivolous. Have you ever tried it? Wow, what a rush! Cool air in your hair and warm air blowing on your toes. And when you look up at the sky…pure magnificence! What you lose by being surrounded by metal! I looked up into the sky and just soaked up the glory of the sun and the brilliant blues and the ever-changing patterns of the clouds. I could almost feel as if I were floating in those beautiful clouds. And as we passed through the tree-lined roads, the falling leaves would dance through air over our heads and around our shoulders. Glorious! When I looked straight up and focused solely on the sky above, I felt as if I were floating in those clouds, floating high above the cares and worries of the world around me and simply hanging out on my own little piece of sky.
As we drove back home and I soaked up the joy and freedom of the open air, I realized how vitally important it is for all of us to simply let go and enjoy a moment or two of totally unrestricted fun. Splash in a puddle after the rain. Drive to your favorite lookout and capture a few quick shots of the sunset. Rake up a big pile of leaves and jump in. Something frivolous, something silly, something fun. As adults we get way too wrapped up in the worries and cares and stresses of life to just relax…really relax. Relax your body, your mind, your heart. Just spend a few minutes wrapping yourself up in your own little piece of sky and truly savor life. It’s worth the effort to try.
life in between... 