“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust
Every weekday morning before I retired, I drove to school down the same country road. You won’t find my route in any guidebooks. It is just an ordinary rural asphalt passage through Northern New York State. But to me, it is very special. It is the beginning of all my journeys. It is the path that always welcomes me home.
Over the years, I have come to appreciate the things I see on this road as much as I have been thrilled by the sights I have witnessed in Paris or The Rocky Mountains or any place I have traveled.
I have learned to observe and appreciate. This practice has brought me great joy.
These pictures were all taken four miles from my home during various times of year. I invite all my readers to look and really see the interesting things just down the road. Take time to stop. You may discovery some pretty extraordinary things.
The Autonomous Traveler 
The Holkins Road was the beginning of my journey. My home for 37 wonderful years. My great grandmother was born on that road. Her father Stanton Holkins was the first man to homestead on that beautiful piece of country. That road has been the beginning of many journeys. It’s a glorious piece of heaven on earth.
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Tammy, thank you. We are the ones with the romantic hearts that see the infinite power of little things…..a country road, well written words, beloved stories, and the smile on a little child’s face. So glad you are in my life, my magical lovely friend.
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Joyce, the first year I was retired was the first time I really started learning to observe and appreciate. And I did that because I had the BEST giver of all, the gift of time!!! Although retirement life is a busy one, you can still take time to enjoy the little things. Beautiful photos.
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Thanks, Terry. We really do live in a beautiful place. Hope you are doing well. Stay safe and healthy, my friend!
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I like your photos!! CMS
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Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your support.
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You do know how too take great pics.
Zeus
On Sun, Jun 10, 2018 at 5:20 PM, The Autonomous Traveler wrote:
> The Autonomous Traveler posted: ” “The real voyage of discovery consists > not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust > Every weekday morning before before I retired, I drove to school down the > same country road. You won’t find my route in any guidebook” >
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Thank you, Zeus. 🙂
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I have “seen” parts of the north country through new eyes and some I never even knew existed, since I retired. It’s amazing what you notice when you are off the career treadmill. We are so blessed. Again, love reading your words, Joyce.
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Terry, I know exactly what you mean. I have seen so many new places in The North Country since I gained freedom. I have a sign on my wall that says “freedom -noun, doing what you like.” We are blessed.
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