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.
My mom and dad are funny people. They are "old school", and if any of you know them well, you know just what I mean. My dad is such a generous and kind old guy. My mom is funny and lovingly affectionate. I have found that if I ever am feeling down about myself for any reason, I have only to call or visit my folks, and then I'm showered with praise and love. It pulls me right up! Yesterday was one of those days for me. I had the chance to drive to Thatcher to go to the temple. I knew my folks would be there since my dad works there every Wednesday night. I got there a bit early. After I changed, I came out to find my mom and her twin sister coming in the dressing room. They were excited to see me and we hugged and kissed. Then I went into the chapel to wait for them. My dad came to the door to talk to one of the workers there. He didn't know I was going to be there, so when I went up to greet him, he was full of surprise. I love it when he is happy like that! It was great to see him all decked out in his white suit. It was also really cool to see my dad officiate in the session. I was very proud of him, and my mom couldn't stop gushing praise of him. It is a big deal to us since all my life dad wasn't one to attend the temple much. When each of us kids got married, we had to give him time to make sure he had a recommend. Now he is working at the temple once or twice a week, and he loves it.
Dad at Levi's baptism.
After our session, I took my mom and Aunt Shirley out to dinner. Of course, people had to ask them about being twins because they had to go and dress alike. It is so cute. I used to be embarrassed by how much my mom and her sister would play up being identical twins. Mostly because they used to try to dress me and my brother, and twin cousins alike. Now I think it is adorable (as long as I don't have to dress like Allen!). This spring they will be 70 years old. I am so glad they live close enough to spend time together each week. They also informed me that if one of their spouses dies first, they will move in with the other for the rest of their lives. So sweet!
Mom and Aunt Shirley
I left feeling uplifted from my temple service, but also feeling much love from my family who gushed love and compliments to me. I really needed that, and I hope they know how much they are loved!
