an ode to places other than Sierra Vista

Around this time of year, I get really nostalgic.  It actually starts when fall hits and lasts through the holidays.  Tonight I was thinking how I really miss the places I have been and where I have lived that aren't Sierra Vista.  Don't get me wrong, I don't hate it here.  I will likely be stuck here live here the rest of my life.  I have found ways of being happy here.  The weather is great, I have superb friends, Mike has a great job, and my kids like their schools.  But there is something missing here.  Something that makes me sad, and wish we lived somewhere else.  The first thing that really bothers me, especially around this time of year, is the lack of history here.  There is no "center", no "downtown", no "historic" neighborhoods.  I remember when I was very young, my parents would take us kids to "downtown" Safford at Christmas time to see the lights, and look in the store windows.  One store had a mechanical Santa that was sleeping in a store window.  His belly would move up and down like he was breathing.  I was there just a few days ago.  The Santa hasn't been around for decades, but the lights are great, and the feel of Christmas (despite the warmth) was there.

Downtown Safford

As I got older, I have found that I love historic buildings.  Living in the Prescott area instilled that for me.  I loved cruising driving downtown with my friends and looking at all the old buildings.  Even the run down ones!  I especially loved it around Christmas time when the courthouse was all lit up.  I dreamed still do of some day being able to buy one of the old Victorian homes there and refurbishing it.  I toured the old hotels, and imagined being a guest there 100 years ago!  Just thinking about spending time there makes me happy!

Downtown Prescott

When we moved to Oklahoma, the only place we could afford was a little run down 2 bedroom house.  I loved that little house.  It had old wood floors, old ceramic tile, and these windows that were painted shut that just made me feel nostalgic.  What I liked most about that old house though, was that 3 houses down from us began the street with bigger, beautiful, and even older homes (I imagined our house was "servant's quarters for these homes).  I loved taking walks down the street and just staring at the houses.  Then I found out about other even older and fancier homes that I could drive around and dream about.  I spent lots of time driving slow and craning my head out the window to "admire" old homes.  And in OKC, there is an old "downtown".  There is now a huge memorial there to commemorate those who died in the bombing.  There are also hockey games we would go to, fireworks, art shows, races of all sorts, and HISTORY!

Central High in OKC

Mike and I had a chance to visit New Orleans a few years ago.  I loved everything about it.  The historic cemeteries, the crusty old buildings, the refurbished mansions, and the tiny apartments covered with character.

the oldest pub in New Orleans

I even love visiting Bisbee with all the strange hippie people that live there! 

downtown Bisbee

Sierra Vista is a newer town.  The "center" here is the park LAME.  Even if someone were to create a downtown or strip here, it wouldn't be authentic, and wouldn't hold the character that I crave.  The weather is a bit TOO nice for me too.  I want 4 seasons, and we really only get 2.  I know that there are people who would trade me in a heartbeat to get out of their winter right now, but right now I'm yearning for places other than Sierra Vista.