Looking Through The Backyard Of My Life

I've gotten brave in my old age. There was a time I wouldn't venture out on my own exploring. Something about it makes me nervous. I suppose it is because I'm not used to handling everything on my own. I met my husband 1 month after I left home, we were engaged 3 weeks later and married 7 months later. I have never really been on my own. I encourage my children to experience life, but as they will tell you, I temper it with strong warnings about guarding their safety.When we took our last business trip to Cherokee NC, while my husband slept, I took off and explored the Blue Ridge Parkway.I drove up to 5250 ft elevation. Tame by Rocky Mountain standards, but by Smoky Mountain standards, pretty nice. It was a beautiful day, and I could see for miles. I spent my youth in the flatlands of southern Alabama, on land that my family has owned for about 70 years. I love that place, but when I saw these mountains for the first time, I felt as though I had found my place. I've lived here in Tennessee as long as I lived on that land in Alabama, and like they say, home is where your heart is.