I just got this sweatshirt and it should tell you everything you need to know about me.

Although I’ve made plenty of good decisions since then (and probably even more terrible ones), my last standout good idea was Charleston for Thanksgiving. My last two visits were less than mediocre, as I spent most of my time on the beach. That isn’t my cup of tea for more than a day. But love is about compromise.

So anyway, this Thanksgiving dinner found me on an island, sipping something fruity, and eating lobster. I mean, what’s not to love? I was torn, sure. I love to cook, and had been making my own Thanksgiving meal at home for several years now. It sure cut down on the stress of having to be here and there. Probably a little selfish, but when I worked at Co-op I had to be back at work on Friday morning so it was exhausting spending the whole day running and the general mayhem. I didn’t have the usual crew coming this year, everybody seemed to be up in the air on plans, and I didn’t have any solid ones, either. There were several places I was welcomed, thankfully, but I wasn’t really feeling it. Additionally, I had several vacation days to burn. I couldn’t see rattling around my house for a week, even if it did mean having all the time in the world to get all my Christmas decorations out. The only wild card was my dog. I couldn’t board him (they were booked, plus he’s an @$$hole), I couldn’t ask someone to come by and let him out twice a day (again, @$$hole), and I wasn’t sure about leaving the door downstairs open this time of year. But East Tennessee was blessed with a mild forecast for the week, so I made my reservations. And then my host very generously granted me an extra night. It was if this trip was meant to be.

And when I got there, and I stood on one of the cobblestone streets, gazing up at the centuries old houses around me, I knew that at this moment in time I was exactly where I was supposed to be. No matter the amount of trauma I had weathered, no matter the heartbreak and indecision, I had been placed here for this holiday in 2019.

I got to see things that had been on my list since before I’d ever made my first journey to The Holy City. I got to dawdle and take my time at every landmark, restaurant, bar, and in every conversation. It was unforgettable. I was treated as a local everywhere I went because I must have had that placid, contented, totally at-home look. It ranks up there as one of the best times I’ve ever had. As the wise ones say, wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Love from Appalachia,

~Amy