A view for inspiration

We all have something in us that makes certain settings very comfortable mentally.  To me having water or mountains creates that virtual space which lets my mind wander beyond the physical boundaries of real property. 

Having mountains and oceans both is pretty special, but  not many places are that lucky especially if you want your water to be  warm salt water.

I have enjoyed living on the side of a mountain overlooking Roanoke.  I have taken many shots of the sun coming up over the mountains or the evening light sliding away from downtown.

The inspiration that you get when you look across a wide valley or a wide open expanse of blue water keeps the wheels under the human spirit turning.

The first step in dreaming is to see beyond your space.  It helps loosen the bounds on our minds.

It was a strange experience for me, the few years that we lived in Columbia, Md.  Our house in Columbia was surrounded by huge poplar trees.  It wasn't long before I felt smothered.  When I got to our home on the side of a mountain in Roanoke, I felt liberated.  In  fact each time I went back to Northern Virginia, I would feel the land closing in on me.

As soon I would cross into the Shenandoah Valley, I would feel like the whole world was spreading out in front of me.  Now that we get the chance to spend some time near open water, I can feel my mind racing across the water.

I feel especially lucky to have lived in so many wonder spots from the coast of Nova Scotia to Roanoke and North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks.

Views inspire us but they can also provide a great feeling of peace as the day closes.