Friday, June 13, 2008

back in the hood

I'm having a great time in California. It's been fun to visit - not only family, but places that hold so many memories for me. It never ceases to amaze me how hard nostalgia can hit me as I travel through old neighborhoods, eat at favorite eateries, and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of my youth.

Some times I'm hit so hard, I have to stop and try to hold it all in. Actually, I'm having a hard time articulating how it feels. I can only say it's an overwhelming wave of emotions. At times, my eyes sting with tears and my heart is so full I'm not sure I can contain it all. I guess this is the way it should be. Memories hold a strong place in our lives so we can remember who we are and how we got to where we are now.


So I'll make this into an Aloha Friday. My question is:

Where do you look forward to going when you go back to visit some place you used to live?

Be sure to visit Kailani who hosts Aloha Friday where all you have to do is ask a simple question in hopes that others will answer it.

14 comments:

Amy @ The Q Family said...

I will say my favorite places to eat. And the list is long so I don't have the only one place to go but several places to go.

-Amy @ The Q Family

Just Mom said...

Other than seeing family and friends?

When I go back to Portland, Ore., I can't wait to visit the Portland Zoo, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and, of course, the mall. :-D

When I go back to Hawaii (where I grew up), I can't wait to see Hanauma Bay, go for a drive around the island (O'ahu), and visit the mall. :-D

Are you seeing a pattern here? :-D

Momma Roar said...

I still live where I grew up - but if I went back to where I went to college, I would look forward to seeing the buildings where I lived, had classes and of course the student bookstore - to get me a fun, new t-shirt...and then, of course, the local mall! :-D

Cathi said...

That's a hard question as I've lived in the same town for over thirty years. I did live in Florida for 2005-2007 and when I go back I'll enjoy visiting good friends.

Barb said...

Beautiful, heart-felt blog. I know just the feeling.

Susan said...

My forever friend and I always have to go eat at this truly authentic Mexican restaurant that is so small it holds only about 8 people but it is pure, REAL Mexican food. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!!!
Susan

MightyMom said...

well, I don't really know, but I'm glad you're having a good time.

Lori said...

I would say visiting my family and friends.

Seems like we don't eat out much when we go home. We usually eat at my moms.

We look forward to going to Walmart, Menards, K-Mart, Shopko to shop as we don't have any of those stores where we live.

sharon brobst said...

When I visit the town of my birth the one place I always look forward to visiting is the cemetary. I know that might sound morbid, but it's where my father is and my grandparents. I lost all of them before the age of 20 yrs, my father when I was 5. I also love visiting the church I attended as a little girl with my grandparents, it holds some wonderful memories.

Unknown said...

Friends, family and places. At least that is what I will be enjoying when I return home to Canada next month!

Anonymous said...

Some day, we hope to take the kids back to Rochester, NY, where they were born. We left when my son was 3, and he still remembers the yard of our house (it was awesome). I'd also like to go back to a place we hiked in the Adirondacks...Craig Mtn??

Anonymous said...

I currently live about 20 minutes away from the place I was born and raised so I can't really think of a place. Maybe my elementary school?

Anonymous said...

Glad your doing well, Your emotions are normal. . . Its ok:)
hugs
Deb

Heart of Rachel said...

Whenever I go back to the city to the place where I used to live when I was younger, I love seeing old friends and neighbors.