Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Waterfalls at Chapel Brook





   The waterfalls at Chapel Brook are an amazing sight to see. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are even more fun to slide down! The rocks form a natural waterslide that ends in a small pool of water at the bottom. There are three different falls you can slide down. The best one for small children is the one at the bottom! This is a great day trip for the whole family, but be sure to wear your hiking shoes!

   For more information about Chapel Brook and directions, visit http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/pioneer-valley/chapel-brook.html#t1.

Musante Beach






   Musante Beach in Leeds is a great spot to take the family on hot days when you don't want to drive too far away. There's plenty of space to set up a picnic on the sand as well as a few trees for shadier spots. There's also a few benches and picnic tables. There are plenty of beach toys (one less thing for mom to carry) and a few life jackets. It's one of my favorite spots to go in the summer! 

Three Sisters Sanctuary






   Three Sisters Sanctuary in Goshen is filled with plants, stonework and sculptures perfect for picture taking. Your little one will love walking around looking at all of the jewels and "treasures" hidden in the garden.

Forbes Library


   Forbes Library has a great selection of books, DVD's, VHS's, and CD's. I like to make a stop at the coffee machine upstairs before heading downstairs to the children's room so that I can sip on some java while my little one browses the books. Don't forget to bring change for the parking meters in the parking lot!


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

City Girl in the Valley (that is, the Pioneer Valley)

View from Mount Sugarloaf

A few words about my hometown...

Downtown Flint

As of 2011, Flint, Michigan was ranked the most dangerous city by the CQ press. Those rankings also showed Flint had the most crimes per capita, which include homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults.



Despite its crime, danger, high unemployment rates, and horrible school system, Flint is my hometown and will always hold a special place in my heart.



That being said, I have found a new “home” here in Western Massachusetts. I love the history, culture, and liberal environment. It is inspiring!


Downtown Northampton

Part of me will always feel like a city girl stuck in the valley of some rolling hills, but I love my new home. Hopefully I will be able to capture the beauty and life I have found here in Western Massachusetts.