Learning to be present doesn’t stop when you leave your destination. I have learned to increase my level of attention and awareness while driving. (Good thing, I get it).
What I’m referring to is taking my time and assessing my surroundings while I drive and not always be in such a rush to get to my next location.
Lucky for me that’s what I did as I passed Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, CT. (right it was NOT Woodstock, NY but Woodstock, CT)
I pulled over to learn that this home was built in 1846 and is a National Historical Landmark (there’s a new tag for this blog!). This was the summer home of Woodstock native Henry Bowen.
While tours are available, I stopped by around sunset. That is the yellow glow you see on the right of the picture featured at the top. I strolled the manicured grounds and was pleasantly surprised to meet Amanda, the landscape architect.
Although this was the Fall, the flowers were still stunning and there was a tree filled with pink and white flowers and a beautiful shape. Amanda was kind enough to share that the pink in the flowers only appear where the sun hits them – otherwise they’re white!
Amanda then cut four beautiful branches for me and told me to hang them upside down to dry and they should stay the same color for a long time (she actually said forever).
What a perfect ending to my day. What a gift to be present.
Roseland Cottage in Woodstock is on Connecticut Route 169- 556 CT-169, Woodstock, CT
Pivot and Pause in New England 