Walking in Savannah

I recently enjoyed a lovely weekend in Savannah, Georgia. I stayed at the William A.Thomas Home (built in 1871) in the historic district. Life circumstances have made me an early riser. Each morning I would slip out just after sunrise and explore the neighborhood. But for the cars, I would have thought myself transported a 100 years back. Every couple of blocks I would come across a city park square. Most of them commemorated an individual such as Casimir Pulaski. Typically, there is some combination of a statue, monument and fountain. The spanish moss draped off the trees. It all just screams Gracious Living.

Wright Square

German Square fountain

Tree covered with spanish moss

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William A Thomas House located at 109 Liberty. It's a lovely site to host a group

Sadly, I can't remember the name of this square which is the largest of the squares that I visited. This walkway was magnificent.

Casimir Pulaski Square

Even now as I post these photos I feel the residual sense of peacefulness from these early morning walks. I understand that the summers are pretty hot and miserable, but with January daytime temps in the 70's, this Chicago Gal was just loving it!

Now back in Chicago basking in the current daytime highs of 15 degrees F., I think about all of the monuments to important people of days past and I wonder what it would be like to design my own city. Let's call it "Linda-tropolis." Who would I commemorate in my own city with shady tree filled squares, bubbling fountains and impressive statues and monuments? Certainly my parents and grandparents who nurtured me. ......Several teachers that provided such important encouragement: Barbara Smith, Lyn Wetteroth, Eva Knapp.... Mentors in my careers..... Family and  friends...... Those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others that have so inspired me.... To honor them all, I believe that I would have to design a very large city. 

I suspect that my city design would not be that different from others. As each of us travels along our life paths, we are supported and positively impacted by so many people. Maybe we won't be able to design parks and statues, but we can name and honor those who have played such an important part in our lives. 

With gratitude and joy - Linda