The word relocation elicits nearly the same excitement in me as the word jackpot, and I've heard it about as often. I'm not sure if I was actually born with wanderlust, but that feeling of wanting- no, needing- to see and explore most everywhere has rooted itself deep.
I've lived in the same state nearly all my life and although I've resigned made peace with the idea of possibly living here forever, I've longed for change for quite a while. With that in mind, here are six places I'd move in a heartbeat if I could just find that elusive magic wand.
1- North Carolina
When my babies were little and life seemed open to possibilities, I would spend hours imagining where our family might end up. I think the website FindYourSpot.com was new then and many areas in the southeast appeared on my list. After reading the information on ALL of the locations, I decided NC was the place for me, and I've wanted to live there ever since.
2. Paris, France
Two summers ago we were fortunate enough to realize a dream and take our children to France. Paris had always been on my list of places I wanted to visit, but it was never at the top. Maybe not even in the top 5. After spending some time there, however, I fell deeply in love with that city. I think it would take an entire lifetime to begin to know it intimately and I would definitely be up for the challenge.
3- Hawaii
Growing up, I always heard the rich kids talk about going to Hawaii for vacations. Our family "vacations" were camping, and while I love doing that now, when you're old enough as a kid to realize other kids go cooler places, going camping again just seemed lame. These days, one of my brothers lives in Hawaii. The lucky bastard and his lovely wife escaped the cold and headed to paradise several years ago. Since then I've visited twice and while a visit isn't the same as a move, I think it's safe to say I could live with that peaceful island rhythm forever.
4. Prince Edward Island
Specifically, Green Gables. With Anne. I want that old-fashioned, farm community life and don't forget the raspberry cordial! My mom grew up in a rural area and I absolutely loved visiting my grandparents, and my cousins who lived on an actual farm. Those summer days were heaven to me. I mean, horseback rides for picnics? I'm sure they thought that stuff was blasé but they humored me and I was grateful. But Green Gables would be even better because it's not the rural western desert- it's lush and green and has the Lake of Shining Waters, of course.
5- Washington, D.C./Boston/Chicago
You name it. Except, perhaps, for New York, I want to live in the thick of a thriving big city that has plenty of people to meet and plenty of culture to experience. Yes, I know, there are people to meet and things to do wherever you are but large cities are something different entirely. The diversity, in every sense of the word, seems to give off an energy that's almost palpable. And hearing a dozen languages being spoken while strolling along is so different from what I know that I'm drawn to that unfamiliarity.
So tell me, where would your magic wand take you?
Today I'm linking up with Mama Kat. I love her prompts and her community, so I'm always happy when I can join in. Welcome, and thanks for reading! If you like what you see, find me on Facebook, Pinterest, or I'll come straight to your inbox. No spam; pinky promise!
