Lee Heads West
Nashville, U.S.A. - May 17, 2005
My first real journey began by saying goodbye to Nashville, TN, a city that I have become quite fond of over the past 3 years. I will definitely miss Nashville... the Southern twang, Georgia Peach pancakes at the Pancake Pantry, Sushi lunch buffet at RuSans, sweet tea and Baja Burrito. But what I will TRULY miss most are the amazing friendships that I have made in this city.
I have had more meaningful relationships in 3 years in this city than any other time of my life...people that have challenged me, encouraged me, inspired me and loved me. There is no question that I will miss that most.
My next journey began just a day ago, as I set out west towards Seattle. As I write this, I am in the middle of Wyoming in a nifty little Hampton Inn. Apparently, this is one of the Top 10 Hampton Inns in the country! Who would have guessed it would be HERE of all places? (Of course there could be some bias here, since I was just made aware of that little fact by the guest receptionist).
My drive so far has been incredibly inspiring. Yesterday, I strategically planned my route so I could see Mt. Rushmore, and it was well worth the detour. The beauty of the landscape is far too great to explain in words and far too expansive to capture in a photo. (I will say that I am now a bit envious of Ted Turner who owns nearly a million acres near these parts). Every possible hue of color was represented in the rolling meadows I drove by earlier. I was so enthralled by what I was seeing I literally almost drove my car right off the road attempting to snag a photo or ten while driving. It was just too great to pass up the opportunity.
The photo on the left is from my first day driving through Iowa. I was so captivated by these giant windmills, the way they simultaneously embody gracefulness and power.