Staycations Are For Everyone
This summer I will have lived in Columbus, Ohio for SIX years. The last few years have flown by and the more we travel, the more I appreciate this fine city. We started off in the suburbs (blech), lived close to campus (oye) but finally settled in the Grandview area almost four years ago. We’ve experienced blizzards, negative temps, crazy OSU fans and the Doo Dah Parade. We’ve considered moving somewhere warmer (or with fewer allergens) a million times. And yet here we are. It’s home.
Last week we kicked off our four-city road trip here in Columbus. We took two days off to act like tourists in our own town. We visited new places for brunch (Zoe and Philco), Cherbourg for something sweet, we walked downtown, we bought everyone rounds of cocktails, wandered around a metro park and spent time with Brandon Rike as he re-designed our logo in a day.
I’m glad we could rep home during this adventure. It forced me to look at this city in a new light (we distributed the 50 Columbus photos to our backers this week) and pick up my camera for fun again. After awhile, shooting can feel like a chore and I hate when that happens.
Bottom line: it’s important to implement staycations often. It’s important to find peace amidst chaos. Don’t forget that you can sit on your front porch and leave your phone inside. You can find those pockets of rest in the day-to-day life. Tired of designing? Pick up a paint set. Tired of shooting commercial shoots? Pick up a 35mm camera. Tired of your laptop? SHUT THE DAMN THING!
A Consideration
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Comments (9)
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Aw I’m close to you right now! I grew up in Bloomington-Normal, IL and we’re here for Memorial Day. Enjoying this nice weather and hope you can explore lots in Champaign-Urbana!!
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I was born and grew up in a living museum. When I met my husband, I stayed more than 15 years abroad ( UK, Singapore, USA ) and it’s been almost 2 years since we moved back in my city. I love spending time here, I loved living abroad but staycations here are so wonderful. Each time, I discover a new place to eat, a new place to rest, a new place to visit. Paris is a wonderful city!
Bon week-end ^_^
Ally-
Exactly!! Both can be such great adventures and feed our soul in different ways. I want to visit Paris very soon!
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Ah, yes. I am the worst when it comes to relaxing at home and staying put. I always feel like a different city or place is more full of adventure, but each town is a gem in itself! Thanks for the reminder :)
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Glad I could remind you! It’s hard to stay fresh + inspired when you stay home but I really did enjoy it!!
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Lori
Hi! I found your blog after listening to the “Elise Gets Crafty” podcast and following up with the shownotes. And as soon as your blog opened I immediately recognized my city! I’ve lived in Lexington, Houston, St. Louis and abroad, but there really is no place like home. I’m so glad to see you highlight Columbus. A few moves ago, my husband and I lived in Grandview, and I did my student teaching there. It’s a wonderful community. We’re in Westerville now, which we also love very much. Just wanted to say “Hi” and nice to “meet” you! :)
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Lori! I love to meet fellow Columbusites (is that a term?) – we should grab a coffee sometime! We are in Grandview!
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I could definitely use some proper rest. I’m glad I don’t have to worry about rent right now, though the situation rooming with my sister isn’t the best. I still don’t see any charm in my hometown either. But I’m certain I could find ways to disconnect if I tried a little harder to get my ass out of the house. Even if it’s just walking around.
Briana Kapper
Haha. The last line. “Tired of your laptop? SHUT THE DAMN THING!” I love this reminder of how wonderful staycations can be. I’m still new to the area I live in, and this just makes me want to use our time off to explore Champaign-Urbana! (Or visit Columbus.)