We spent Valentine’s weekend in Mystic, Connecticut during what can only be described as Polar Vortex Supremo. I was not prepared for that level of cold, but on the upside I got to wear my coral pink scarf pretty much every second of every day. I also considered sleeping in it, but nixed the idea because strangling to death in my sleep would have put quite the damper on V-day.
But it was lovely. So lovely. Getting out of a giant city is always exciting, but getting away to a little quaint town on the water is even more exciting. The streets are dotted with old houses named after sea captains. Like this one.
When Jane was little I used to read her my favorite book. She loved it, and called it “Miss Grumpius.”
This house and this town were straight out of that story book. Straight out of sea captain legends, sea shell shops, boats, houses painted white with creaking wood floors, and yes, there is actually a Mystic Pizza.
I loved every second of Valentine’s Day with my two people.
And then we drove home while it snowed. The closer we got to New York the stronger my migraine grew, pounding in my right ear like it always does when the weather shifts, the harder the white powder covered the road, the bigger and grayer the city seemed with it’s plumes of smoke and glass windows staring back at me. But even on these snowy, cold days, I know there are oceans and mountains and magical little towns only a short drive away. Memories of red hearts and chocolate and weekends surrounded by sea captain houses make all the difference.
Can it be spring now please? The flowers at the corner store are calling my name.
elizabeth-harrell.com 
I love that book, too. It will be hard for your Arkansas heart to get used to not feeling spring until April… 🙂
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I grew up in Connecticut. Spent the first 25 years of my life there. You live in an amazing corner of the world. So much — so many places with unique personalities — just a stone’s throw or a day trip or a weekend away. I used to bus into NYC or do a roadtrip to Boston. Travel a thousand winding old roads through charming towns. It’s a beautiful place, brimming with adventures, big and small. I hope you find a way to love it all! (Even the winter, from which I escaped some 14 years ago now.)
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That looks like a wonderful getaway. Except for the cold part. Here in California, we’re just not used to that.
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Love that top pic, very pretty, very Connecticut winter. (Former CT resident here)
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I’m sure you’ve already studied up on this, but just in case, do make sure that chocolate isn’t a trigger for your migraines! It’s pretty common. Nothing to do about the weather … but we can (try to) avoid chocolate if it’s a trigger. Be well!
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I love your way of seeing things, Liz, and how you put the tiny moments into word-pictures, and they stay with the reader. Your writing gift has made me smile for as long as I’ve been reading your blog.
Thank you for this post.
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I discovered Miss Rumphius just a few weeks ago and I was all like, where have you been all my life. Seriously. I want to live in that book.
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Hi Liz! Don’t you just love Mystic? We’ve been a couple of times since we moved to upstate New York. There are so many sweet charming little towns up here. Sometimes we take the train to The City and then poodle around! I hope you’re feeling better.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
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