Before our eyes.

Hello friends!

Yesterday I went on an adventure.

I drove my little VW from the flat lands of Maryland to the winding hills that lead to my hometown in Lancaster, PA. It took about 2 and a half hours and, when I finally got home, the first thing I did was hit up the Barnes and Noble. 

Ah, heaven.

If there’s one thing I miss living in a small town, it’s Barnes and Noble. 

I spent a good hour combing the shelves trying to pick out a book that will make me fall in love.

I chose one full of promise, but we’ll see. I don’t like getting my heart broken when it comes to books.

After cover perusing and page turning, I grabbed a bite to eat from my favorite sandwich shop: Isaac’s. It’s a small chain in the Lancaster area, and they make the best sandwiches that they name after birds. I went with my go-to called the Scarlet Ibis. It’s a small piece of French bread loaded with fresh turkey, melted muenster, lettuce, tomato, and light mayo. 

It was so, so good. So good in fact that I forgot to take a picture as I jammed it into my mouth and sat in my car with the air conditioning running. I blame hunger. And the woman who I paid for my sandwich.

She had a Wicked tattoo. It wasn’t the word “wicked” printed in script on her forearm, but the logo of Elphaba from the Broadway musical. It took me a few seconds to recognize it, and then I couldn’t decide if I should comment on it or not. I was afraid something goofy would pop out of my mouth because what does one say to someone so passionate about a musical that she decides to imprint it on her body for life. “I love Wicked too,” just didn’t feel appropriate.

With my belly full and embarrassment averted, next I travelled to a place I love and have known well my entire life. 

In the midst of busy highways and numerous modern-day grocery stores lies a museum dedicated to the history and culture of early Pennsylvania German rural history. It’s called Landis Valley Museum and, at one time, several years ago, it was a real, live village where people farmed, worked, and lived.

I spent 3 summers volunteering here as an adolescent, and I’ve longed to go back.

Despite the rude greeting from the woman at the hospitality center (go figure), I felt like I was really home as soon as I stepped outside.

I’ll spare you a tour and history of the entire museum, which I do remember, and just show you pictures.

I want to lie beneath this tree and read my new book.

Isn’t this twisted tree absolutely amazing?

Dolly and I became fast friends. I told her she’s cute and thanked her for the picture.

Love the juxtaposition of seasons here- a fall pumpkin and some summer flowers.

I love everything about this picture from the kitchen utensils through the window, to the chipped paint, to the old stone.

What’s wrong with this picture?

So many cool things to cook with here.

This picture reminds me of the Anne of Green Gables movie when Matthew first meets Anne and takes her to Green Gables.

The Landis brothers original home shares a striking resemblance to Dennis and my house. They actually were both built in the same era, just different states.

And after my historical afternoon, I was off to see my baby sister graduate from high school. It was a long evening of names called and lackluster speeches, but I was so proud.

It’s amazing how the world changes right before our eyes.

Love.

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