What an amazing summer we’ve had!

I spent the summer in East Tennessee where my husband was working; who would have thought that this Canadian girl, born and raised on the West Coast would ever end up in the South!

I had the opportunity to learn more about southern culture and meet some wonderful people in the process:  people like our wonderful landlady or the fun-loving folks at the farmer’s market where you can purchase the sweetest tasting cantaloupes and peaches or our kind-hearted neighbour who would always wave and share a good laugh with me whenever we saw each other or the girls that I worked with at the local church who are enthusiastic about life but at the same time, facing so many pressures that go along with being a teenager in this day and age…

And then there were the outdoor concerts that I attended in the area.  The folks of East Tennessee pride themselves on the historical roots of country and bluegrass music in the area.  The beautiful Appalachian Mountains are at the heart and soul of so much of the music in this region.  I had the chance to hear some bluegrass bands, jazz groups and an amazing solo artist named John Lily.  Then there was a concert I attended by a great musician named Lightin’ Charlie.  You should have seen this energetic artist on stage with his eclectic band!  They were on fire!  By the end of the show, we were all on our feet clapping and dancing along with the band…

Oh, I could go on and on…

Sure, there were many days when I missed the Pacific Ocean so much.  And I longed to be back at home with my friends and family and the culture that I am so much more familiar with.  But by the end of the summer, I was thankful to have had the experience of spending time with a people who are down to earth and love to eat tomato sandwiches…