Tradition

Each year, Mom and I had two special outings -- each of which I loved. Our first special outing was to the Parade of Homes. Local builders, architects, and interior designers hosted an event where several recently-built homes would be open for tour. It was fun! These houses were beautifully designed with no detail left undone. Several times the Parade of Homes would fall around the time of Mom's birthday, and it was always something fun to do on a day of celebration. I remember a good family friend, Cindy, calling from Russia to wish Mom a happy birthday when we were at a Parade in Franklin -- it was the one where you had to take a trolley from the parking area to the actual home sites. Mom and I also would attend the Junior League's Decorator's Show House ... but there was always something about that Parade of Homes.

We also loved attending Christmas Village together. I must have been under the age of 10 the first time I tagged along to Christmas Village. And oh how I was inspired to be Christmas Decorator Extraordinaire! Well, maybe not decorator ... but I sure did make a lot of Christmas cards and stationary that first year.

Most of all, I just loved spending time with my mom and having traditions that were unique to the two of us. As I make plans to come home and visit with my family this summer, I'd love to be able to revive a few of our traditions. When I attended college only a few hours from home, I could still keep our traditions alive. Law school was a bit more difficult but still manageable. Living overseas -- hardly manageable. But I will put forth effort! Obviously, Christmas Village will not be held in July or August. However, I am on the hunt for a Parade of Homes. Thus far I've found one in Utah and another in Wisconsin.

So, friends, family, and readers, if you have a suggestion as to a Parade of Homes or anything somewhat like it, please send the info my way. While Utah and Wisconsin aren't the most desirable of areas to visit, I am still open to traveling -- but I'm primarily looking for somewhere in the South and preferably a somewhat easy drive.

That's enough reminiscing and planning for now .... signing off and back to work.

~ Ashli ~