When I was a kid, our parents often took us on car rides. We would drive into the country around Buffalo, for the sole purpose of looking at the trees, pastures, lakes, and hills that surround us. My parents encouraged us to “Look at the scenery,” or would say, “Isn’t that a beautiful vista?” (They talked like that—really!) Dad would take us on country roads that had dips in them, which he called “upsy-daiseys.” And to us it was like riding a roller coaster.
I remember enjoying these trips. We never stopped to eat or buy things. Instead the whole purpose of these rides was to appreciate the beauty that surrounded us.
Even now, as an adult, I am often entranced by what I see as I drive. This past weekend, my husband and I drove to Vero Beach, a special destination for us. The weather was really awful—it was like a hurricane without the “eye”! High winds, ferocious downpours and cloudy skies accompanied the entire two hour drive. But I still found wonderful scenery to enjoy: The boats madly bouncing on the roiled up waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, the emerald green grass and the sun attempting to break out every now and then from behind clouds that were piled up like grey wool were beautiful to me. The ride back two days later was even better—almost cloudless skies dotted with fluffy white clouds, boats bobbing gently on the Intracoastal, trees waving lazily in the breeze. I keep pointing out the wonderful scenery to my husband. He would look up and agree that it was nice, but he really was much more interested in cleaning out the glove box. (Don’t worry—I was driving.)
It occurred to me that my husband doesn’t enjoy these rides the way I do. Because of my childhood experiences, I look for fantastic views to appreciate. I especially love when I am the passenger. Then I can really look and enjoy the view.
To me, it is a blessing to have these rides as part of my childhood experiences, it has opened my eyes to the beauty all around us.
My family always took Sunday rides to the country and I loved them! My husband and I head out, on any given day, and always enjoy our little piece of the world : )
How wonderful it is to be bleesed with such a lovely world.
Yes, that is an inspiring story about the natural beauty that nature has provided us.
Thanks for your comment, Bill.
Reminds me of Sunday afternoons growing up in northeastern Pennsylvania! I often comment to my husband how much I miss that! It was especially beautiful this time of year with the lovely patchwork of Autumn colors!
I miss the Autumn colors,too. They were really magnificent.
I can find pleasure in the back roads to Haines City. I often think about a girls-only road trip like Thelma and Louise’s. We could eliminate the plunge over the cliff, but maybe pick up Brad Pitt. What do you say?
I’m in!! We can take Eileen and Mary Ann, too!!
God gave us so much beauty we just need to take the time to relax and really appreciate it all. Driving, walking or what ever. Last week at the beach, last night my husband called me outside to see the sunset
How lovely–take time to enjoy the beauty around us.
When I am the passenger, which is most of the time, I can drive my husband to distraction by exclaiming over and over, “Look at that, isn’t it beautiful?” We don’t take as many road trips as we used to and I miss the fall colors, the rock formations, large and small water features and all kinds of structures that are surprises along the way. An airplane gets you there faster but there is nothing at all beautiful about it. Thank you for sharing your trip.
Thanks for sharing your thougths, too Linda.