My favorite time of year is the Autumn, maybe because I was born toward the end of November, which in some locations could still be considered Autumn. I love the change of colors, the cooler, fresher air, and the crunch of fallen leaves under foot. I feel the beginning of a period of renewal.
Yet, I always think of April 1st as the beginning, a rebirth with fresh new blossoms after a winter of rest. It has often been a time of new beginnings for me, even if only in my mind, my heart and spirit.
This last weekend March 31st-April 1st I spent in Greenville, South Carolina. I rediscovered this location last summer 2006 when something guided me to look it up on the internet where I found the downtown area being in the midst of a renewal. I decided to take a day trip there, and oh my, what I found was so wonderful. My favorite area is the Reedy River which runs through downtown and under the Main Street bridge, the little water falls (yes there is more than one) along the way into beautiful Falls Park just off Main Street. The landscape is so lovely. The benches, swings, grass, and the huge rocks along the river allow for spots of choice for resting and watching.
The most amazing aspect of Greenville is the people. Since 1990, I have driven through Greenville many times on the way to see friends in North Carolina. Most of those times I stopped in Greenville for gas, a snack, and occasionally the Haywood Mall to walk around and stretch my legs. Every single person I have ever met, even briefly has been so friendly. During my trips since last summer, every person I met was the same and many of them stopped for conversations with me as if we were friends. They are all so warm and welcoming.
My trip this last weekend was to see a special art show by one of their own, Ric Standridge. The Love Show was a multi-sensory production with food, drink, and Ric painting to the music of the Beatles. New people I met, Denton and Connie invited me to join them for a drink and go to the show with them as they also had tickets for the same night. When we arrived they introduced me to Sheila, a friend of theirs. We all had a great time. I felt as though I was part of the town, the culture, as though it was the most natural thing for me to be there.
At the end of the show I also saw Jared, another artist who shares a studio with Ric along the river downtown. Jared introduced me to his girlfriend, Barbara.
Sunday morning after attending St. Mary’s church, I went to Starbucks downtown along the river, and ran into Jared again. We visited for awhile, he introduced me to a friend of his just before he left to meet Barbara. The friend, Chuck, and I visited for awhile before we both went our own ways, after he said “maybe I will see you when you’re in town again.” I went off for lunch then another walk, mostly along the river and the park, taking a lot more photos before it was time to hit the road and head back to Georgia.
I felt sad as I forced myself to leave. But, there will be another day. At least it is close enough to be a day trip visit.
