When August comes I start longing for Fall and the mountains of West Virginia. We lived in the Beckley area for 11 years and there is a wonderful Appalachia Arts and Craft Festival there every August. I have gone to it for over twenty years. I get to see many friends that are so talented and set up beautiful and creative booths there to sell their wares. I get hugs, we share quick memories and laughter and sometimes a tear or two because it has been so long since we have seen each other.
I always said they made us sing "Oh Those West Virginia Hills" too often in elementary school and that is what pulls us back to the mountains. I know that it is much more than that. I have lived in many different states and I still feel there is something different about WV. Maybe it is the old fashioned ways of some people there, like knowing your neighbors well and pitching in to help when there is a crisis. But I have seen that in other places too. I'm not sure there are words for what I long for when I head into those mountains but I find it and it is always worth the trip.
I will come home with my car full of Autumn and Christmas hand made goodies and my heart full of new memories and my spirit refreshed from having been back once again. I hope you have a place, a space, a home that does that for you. Everybody needs one.
Have fun on your trip, Terri. Sounds wonderful. I love craft shows. I can't wait to see what all you buy. Please share with us. Have a safe trip. Love & blessings from NC!
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