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First, my apologies to poet Robert Frost for the poor title wordplay.
The State of Vermont (VT) has resonated with me on a profoundly personal level ever since I lived and worked in Stowe, VT, from 1976-1977. Being there produces a profound familiarity and ease that I can’t explain. The winding roads, the charming little towns, the live-and-let-live attitude of the locals – all feel so recognizable, as though I have lived there in a previous life. This period in VT was a time of mental and emotional growth for me. I considered remaining in Vermont, but I was young and wanted to travel and see more of the world, so I decided to join the United States Air Force. The military offered and fulfilled both of those wayfarer needs. Choices made, few regrets.
I also have other emotional connections with Vermont; Bonnie and I were married there. During this most recent visit, we both agreed it could have been a home for us.
From personal experience, I would only share that if you ever stumble upon a place that touches you profoundly, don’t hesitate to embrace it for however long you might. Whether it’s a bustling metropolis or a tranquil countryside, a location can possess a unique magic that can transform your life in ways you never imagined. So explore in whatever way you can, and who knows – you may discover your special place that feels like home.
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Another wonderful quote from you, “So explore in whatever way you can, and who knows – you may discover your special place that feels like home.” I like the image of the store and how you edited it. Looks inviting. Seems like there ought to be a piece of apple pie, or at least pumpkin pie, inside. 😂 I can also say the first image of the water falls is inviting. When I worked as a flight attendant we had overnights in Burlington, Vermont. One of my favorite overnights.
The Weston store is the original location and boasts an extensive selection of products, including Vermont cheese, maple syrup, fudge, rock candy, kitchen utensils, and high-end apparel. Its popularity as a tourist destination is evident in the prices. Although I have not personally visited a second store in Rockingham, Vermont, also exists. Furthermore, the store has a notable online presence. It is undoubtedly worthwhile to peruse the store and discover all the captivating items it has to offer.
Agreed, Burlington is a lovely town. I used to visit it regularly when I was in Stowe.
Thank you, I’m pleased you like the finished store image. Have a good week, my friend!
I have never been to Vermont, but always wanted to go. I’ve always read it is a great place for autumn scenery. One of those “someday” things I guess. In just 2 photos, you certainly communicated good reasons why it resonates. I really really like the development of the country store photo. I think the ominous sky kinda makes you want to go inside for shelter – and it certainly looks like a place you’d like to hang out for a while.
The autumn scenery in Vermont is genuinely stunning, arguably the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen. However, the downside is the heavy traffic of cars and buses packed with leaf peepers, which I can only imagine has intensified over time. As I made the photo of the store, looming clouds from the previous day’s rain threatened to pour, but thankfully, it remained mostly dry. The store itself is more spacious than it appears in the picture, and there’s a plethora of items to peruse. Despite this, I only purchased a new signature Vermont Country Store coffee mug, which I’m thoroughly enjoying. 😄
Have a good week, Mark!
I just read that a small” Instagram ready” village has closed the roads to non-local traffic since all those IGers have been guilty of tearing up gardens, trampling the landscape and other such awful behavior.
It wouldn’t surprise me, Joe, and I wouldn’t blame the Vermont locals for “locking it down.” It’s more than just the number of visitors these days, although that can get ridiculous, it’s the attitudes and lack of respect you mentioned. I hope you enjoyed your time in Italy. 😄
No wonder more people are getting more secretive about locations. Just craziness with this influencer stuff, or we are just getting old guys.
No worries though, soon AI will just generate content for folks through their AR/VR headsets while waiting for robot pizza delivery.
For myself, I can answer one of your questions, Mark. Yes to the getting old but it still seems like craziness. 😧