PORTRAITS OF A PLACE: VERMONT

I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least—and it is commonly more than that—sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements. 

-Henry David Thoreau

I was lucky enough to spend the first week of October in Vermont. I had a gorgeous wedding booked and arrived during peak weekend in Burlington. I knew my week would be spent planning for the big day, spending time with family and my favorite pastime—driving hours through the woods, exploring small towns and bringing my camera (and sometimes a couple of friends). 

Fall is a breath of fresh air. One that I truly needed too—as I have been through many changes this year with the growth of the business and living on my own. It gave me some time to reflect. To be with myself and have that walk in the woods. Another favorite quote of mine, by US author Elizabeth Lawrence, "Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." 

I must admit that a couple times a year, I miss Vermont terribly. I yearn for my family and friends, spending afternoons with my grandparents (who are well into their 80s) and driving to the Northeast Kingdom to see my father. I miss the air, the rolling hills, the solar panels that line those hills and the lack of billboards. But once I am there for too long, especially leading into the cold winter, I begin to miss Florida— the sun that never seems to stay away too long, the powerful ocean rocking the shore and the connections I have made here as an artist. 

I suppose what I have learned is to accept these changes. To not feel defined by a certain geographic region but to embrace the many regions that hold the memories of my life. I am so blessed to have the best of both worlds and to work in the mountains and by the sea. For those of you who did not get the chance to see the seasons change this year, I want to share some images with you. Take a moment today and reflect on the change of the year, because there is always time to watch the leaves turn, the sunlight change direction and waves ebb and flow. 

Sincerely yours,

Sarah Annay