As a side note, it's a really good thing we had pictures taken Friday. Saturday I woke up with a cold sore and a bunch of facial blemishes. Photo shop is probably one of the world's greatest inventions (next to chocolate cake), but I'd rather Katie have to use it for the mud Savvy got on her tights. I swear I already went through this awkward stage in middle school, but my face says otherwise. I really don't think it's fair when stress makes itself manifest all over my face. Isn't being stressed bad enough? I really don't think it's necessary to have reminders all over my face that life isn't particularly relaxing at the moment.....
On to the real reason for posting....
A word about Nebraska. Many caring friends have offered me their condolences for having to drive through the "barren mid-west"... it cracks me up. Here's an excerpt of an e-mail I received regarding my drive.
NEBRASKA!?!?!?! ...that is THE most flat, empty, desolate, flat,
empty...did I mention desolate????
Truth be told, I love driving through Nebraska. I would put it on my top 3 favorite states to drive through. Having grown up in Virginia, a state filled with innumerable trees, I have developed a strong appreciation for wide, open spaces. I think the trees and hills and Blue Ridge Mountains are nice and all, but driving down the freeway with the trees so thick I can't see beyond a few yards in either direction makes me feel cornered and claustrophobic.
While driving through Nebraska, I feel anything but claustrophobic. The blue sky with big, puffy clouds against the golden fields that just go on for miles and miles gives me a sense of indescribable freedom. The scenery of old farmhouses along the freeway peppered by a few cottonwood trees here and there is beautiful and real. Driving through I feel so free to think, dream, ponder, wonder, and just feel. I love it.
You can't deny the beauty of this landscape:
[both photos courtesy of http://ad3065.k12.sd.us/State/Photo_Album.htm ]
I doubt it if very many of you share the same sentiment. So, the next time you find yourself on a road trip traveling through Nebraska, just promise me you'll try not to give it such a hard time. Nebraska has feelings, too.
So.....what's your favorite state to drive through?
13 comments:
Hawaii. Nuff said.
What's not to love about driving through Nebraska? I love it for lack of being able to take a wrong turn. Straight line all the way through!
Those are great pictures of you guys and we heard the same thing about Nebraska when we travelled through it, but we Loved it as well! It was beautiful with the wideness of it!
I certainly don't think Nebraska is as bad as Wyoming. Still, wide open, but all you're looking at in Wyoming (the I-80 part) is gray rocky terrain.
My dad feels the same way about lots of sky. He thinks it's Illinois' most redeeming feature!
Alaska for sure! Nothing can beat a trip up to Fairbanks where I can see moose, bears, caribou, Denali and the Northern Lights. It is a pretty great place to drive.
The only problem with Nebraska is that it's really long, meaning you don't have the satisfaction of flipping to the next state in the atlas quite as soon. I think it's beautiful, too, and every time I express that sentiment people tell me I'm crazy.
By the way, I got pulled over in Nebraska last summer as well. That is seriously the ONLY time I've ever gotten pulled over in my life. The shame!
YOU are crazy!!! i hope my giveaway didn't pressure you into your purchase b/c that was tooootally not the intention. but thank you all the same for your business!
and i LOVE that pic in your header. super cute! can't wait to see the rest -- better late than never to a photo shoot, i always say ;)
I LOVE driving through Nebraska. Kansas is also pretty amazing.
Oh, the memories of driving through Nebraska . . . we used to get paid 5 cents for every antelope we could spot before our dad, which wasn't easy, so we were occupied. Wyoming is the not-so-great part for me, and at least Nebraska has corn. I always liked it. I don't know what my favorite is . . . Missouri is really pretty, but not a forest like back east . . . I know your happiness hinges on me figuring this out, so I'll have to think about it more.
I love driving through Idaho and Oregon. My favorite drives: Rexburg to Arco thru Mud Lake area; Arco to Mtn. Home thru Fairfield; Burley to Mtn Home on I-84; Ontario to Burns, Oregon on Hwy 20; Columbia River Gorge on I-84; plus a Colorado drive on I-70 from Denver to Green River. Actually I like driving anywhere except on I-66 between Williamsburg and Chalottesville.
Oh, Nebraska... Nearly 500 miles across of vast and unalterable Midwestern terrain - What's not to love? :) JK, Michelle, you are too funny! Glad you enjoyed the drive! As for my fave states to drive through...
Vermont with all its windy-road splendor, followed closely by Maine and then, of course, my beloved Oregon. :)
P.S. Yes, you DEFINITELY have no excuse not to get together with us when you're out here! We'll be gone the 13 - 21st on a trip with the in-laws, but should be here other than that. :)
The Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side for sure...I LOVE love love your family pictures. The second one of Savannah is one of my favs. What a good looking family you have. Isn't that the same lady who did Nie Nies pictures? Hmmmm...looks like the same place. So glad you guys are back for a while.
I can't exactly think of a FAVORITE, but Wyoming is basically....well, I won't say any bad words on here.
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