Changing Coast, 22 Impressions & Random Observations of VA So Far, Poetry Flowing
plus new promos
Changing Coast
Here I am, near where the James Elizabeth and Nansemond meet at Chesapeake Bay , which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
After an extended absence, I now post in a cozy inland abode in the Virginia region of Hampton Roads, or Tidewater area. Bidding adieu to the West Coast, I‘ll be wanderlusting primarily on my ol’ native East Coast. At first, there was intrepidation about the big move to VA- but over time an assured feeling settled in me that here is right where I need to be. But it took a whole month to get over the 3 hour time zone change!
22 Impressions & Random Observations of My Hampton Roads & Virginia Experience so Far
Photo by Marinarena/ Mariners Museum, Newport News, VA
Coming from desert-like southern California, I appreciate the plentiful water outlets and how they are laid out geographically in Hampton Roads, including the peninsula area and coastal parts.
People are so polite here overall, more so tha in California. Of course there are exceptions but I’m gladly getting used to people saying to me, “Yes, ma’am!”, consistently addressing women formerly with “Miss”,
“Good morning!” from near and far, holding doors open and such.The VA air is so breathable- indeed more desirable than in Socal.
Virginia is blessed with trees. I’ll have to but can’t wait to experience Virginian arborlust in Spring.
What a joy simply watching squirrels run in my yard and all around. Their wagging of the tail, dashing in the grass and cement and constant digging for acorns tickles me so.
6. Love the American history sites throughout VA. This place is awakening the history buff in me. **Note to modern-day culture revisionists: this country’s past will not be stamped out in the VA commonwealth.
7. Demographically, Hampton Roads and the commonwealth as a whole is very diverse. The American story of not just folks strictly Black and strictly White, but Latino, Asian, Indian (from India), mixed/multiracial and so on…
There is a high number of seafood and hot dog joints in Hampton Roads. Yum- I should try about a dozen of them before year’s end.
It has been unseasonably warm here in winter. Some days have been chilly but compared to other east coast states, VA’s on the mild side- so far.
VA native birds are prettier than in my old California haunts. I love the seagulls but am quite fond of the orange breasted American robins. The latter also arrive often in my yard! OMG, I’m becoming a bird lady!
There are a disturbing number of sketchy neighborhood smoke shops. They rival the 7-11s even!
Chesapeake seasoning is supreme! It’s great on fried chicken, fries and about anything savory.
It’s not the healthiest thing, but I love eating Virginia hickory sausage with dark red casing at the market.
The “Washington Redskins” are alive and their fans are well represented here in VA. I feel their spirit. Redskins Nation rock the old Washington football gear and w/ pride say “Redskins”, not the politically correct NFL approved name “Commanders”.
Overall, I feel that VA folk embody a strong case of identity with their own place (state and town), more than people in California do of theirs. In CA, there’s more association with ethnicity and/or social affinity groups.
Deer are dotted throughout the state. I love doe-gazing.
VA is a purple state. Quite intriguing the split of blue & red. Big chucks of rural red are rivaling big blue city sprawl. Battle on!
The town of Williamsburg is so gosh darn cute! Perfect mix of old town and new town charm. It will be a contast stomping grounf for me.
Virginia is fairly affordable. Fuel prices are at national average or lower. One doesn’t have to give an arm and a leg to have a decent home. Compared to Socal, taxes are fewer and less.
There are too many pesky, tricky right turn lanes on highway and town streets that come up all of a sudden (At least in Hampton Roads).
Sadly, the state has been cursed by recent shootings making national and world headlines. Tragic. Too close to home for me. Don’t let these still unusual incidents cloud your idea of these towns, esp. charming Chesapeake & Newport News
Read for free: UVA shooting Wal Mart Chesapeake shooting
Newport News Elementary School shooting
But on a good note…
Hampton Roads is quite up-and-coming. I look forward to seeing it flourish.
Virginia Beach is the standout for that classic long coastline and shopping (am planning multiple trips) plus VB is in-demand real estate wise. And not to leave out: The ‘23 Something in the Water event will be HUGE .
Norfolk offers a wealth of waterside and cultural attractions. My must-do plans: visiting each dedicated mermaid statue locations and hopping on board harbor cruises from here to Portsmouth or beyond.
POETRY FLOWING
While unpacking boxes and setting up home in VA,
streams of fresh poetic thought has flowed and have fallen
down like a cascade.
Latest in Marinarena “Place and Time” Poetry
(Like & Follow):
Going South By South West
Palos Verdes
He, Like the Eiffel Tower
(Bonus poem at the end of post)
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Bonus poem:
Bleed For the Truth
Truth hurts. We know.
We run straight up to the bombs
while others go the other way
We don’t search for cover- not at all.
We’re berserkers
We get hit hard by the shrapnel,
bleed like crazy.
But the blood is our war paint.
We keep charging forward!
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