Happy Halloween from the East Coast! I’m in Boston today and it’s a gloomy, windy morning — somewhat perfect for the holiday. More pictures from that to come next week, I’m sure, but for now: let’s talk the week past.
The White Mountains are jaw-dropping. Behind every turn on the winding road to Manchester, the view was more spectacular than the last. The photos do it NO justice, and it’s just one of many moments that I wished someone else was behind the wheel so I could keep my eyes wrapt on the ridges themselves.
SO BEAUTIFUL.
Friday night, I was invited to attend a part-Bible discussion, part-community dinner at a local Protestant church. The topic centered around expectations, which felt all too fitting for questions I’ve been grappling with here over the past few weeks.
Saturday, I explored Manchester with the man who invited me to the aforementioned Bible study and then spent the afternoon in Bedford, talking with a wonderful couple about education, the New Hampshire primary, and more. (I cannot wait to share that discussion with you.)
They invited me to dinner and sitting at the table, I was struck with overwhelming humility. I am constantly in awe through this project, humbled by the people who have welcomed me into their homes and communities. They are kind, generous and genuinely interested in sharing parts of their lives with a complete stranger. I know I say it often, but I am so grateful.
Saturday evening, I was invited to a game night by one of the women who was at Friday’s Bible study event. In the same vein of saying YES (my theme of the past few weeks), I accepted the invite and spent the night playing Pictionary and charades with a group of kind strangers.
And then, on a rainy Sunday afternoon, I had the chance to talk with one of the premier chocolate makers in the country about his business, community and global advocacy. (It’s another conversation I am so eager to share!) I’m not sure if the highlight was the insights he shared or the drinking chocolate we indulged in during the interview.
The road to Massachusetts was beautiful, moody and utterly fall. I think I may love these views eve more than the spectacular peak foliage.
I bounced around a handful of towns in Western/Central Mass, including Amherst, where I visited Emily Dickinson’s grave and saw her home. It was a quick break from the cycle of interviewing-editing-writing-repeat, but delightful nonetheless.
I based myself in Agawam, a small town outside of Springfield, in a cute AirBNB hosted by an even cuter couple. Here, I was able to indulge in my favorite question (prying into people’s love stories), as well as get tons of writing and work done. (Laundry, organizing the car, planning the next phase of the trip — they might not be glamorous, but they sure are necessary and I feel so much better when they’re taken care of.)
I took a self-guided tour through some gorgeous neighborhoods with stunning New England homes. Every single turn, a new house to swoon over. (And a quick trip to Zillow to dream about where I could live after this year is complete. Anyone want to make me an instant millionaire?)
I made it to Boston (my favorite city in the world!!) to spend the next few days with my cousin and her boyfriend. She’s a med student, which works out sort of perfect, because she needs to study basically as much as I typically work. Our first stop was a student lounge to get some work done, but I swear, we also have tons of fun planned.
See! Tons of fun. We had tapas and sangria at a cute place near her med school.
Which brings us to today. It’s HALLOWEEN(!!!!), so I can break out my favorite holiday themed shirt for it’s one true day of glory. I walked up to the center of Boston to see some more of the city and explore on this gloomy, misty morning while she’s in class.
I swear, Boston seems to bring out some of it’s worst weather every time I visit, but it cannot deter me. I love it (actually, all caps LOVE IT) nonetheless.
How can you not, when there is beauty AND history AND red brick nearly everywhere you look?
I’ve settled myself into the Boston Public Library to indulge some of my past Boston law student fantasies, writing in a room so picturesque it’s almost hard to focus. Needless to say, I’m in love.
Until next time.
