Love.
I use this word a lot. In fact, I probably use it too much, taking away the impact the word. I tend to love everything. I mean really, can I actually love movie theater popcorn that much? The answer to that is yes, yes I can. I don’t just like things, I LOVE them! I suppose it’s all or nothing for me. 😉
As Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, it got me thinking about love. I actually don’t have a love interest at the moment (unless you count my celebrity crush Duff Goldman), but I wholeheartedly believe in love. I love sappy, romantic comedies, a good romance novel, or even love songs. I enjoy watching people getting engaged in creative, fun ways.
So, this time of year is perfect for me. Everywhere you turn there are the colors pink, red, and white. As well as heart shaped everything-even pizza! I think I might actually buy one from Me-N-Ed’s this year. My son would love it. Well, he’ll love the pizza, and I’ll love the heart. I say it’s win-win.
Anyway, I was thinking today about how much I also happen to love Fresno!
As I was driving back into Fresno this evening, I saw a sign off the 99 that said, “Welcome to the city of Fresno California.” At first glance I thought it said, “Welcome to the wonderful city of Fresno.” This got me thinking about my hometown, why I think it’s wonderful, and what brought me back home after a few years of being away. I then wondered what brings others to Fresno? Oftentimes the first thing you’ll hear someone say when they’ve heard that someone came to Fresno by choice is, “Why?” For myself, the answer was family. Right after high school I moved away to Redding to attend college. After a year and a half or so I then moved to Southern California. (I figured I’d cover the whole state.) Another couple of years went by, and I decided to move back to Fresno-by choice! My siblings were here. My grandparents were moving back. I could attend college much cheaper than where I was living. Most of my friends were here. It’s where I grew up. It was home.
So after a 4 year stint of living in other parts of our lovely state, I moved back to good ole Fresno. As an adult I began to really appreciate the city. I found a new love for different areas of town. Tower, Fresno High, Downtown. I discovered new businesses, and remembered old ones with fondness. (Anyone remember Foodland?) It’s been 16 years since I’ve been back in town, and I still have a love for my city. I honestly, truly do.
What are some of the things I love?
The snow topped mountains. The smell of a warm chocolate tea. Driving on the freeway at night, and looking at all the lights downtown. The sunset, and the sunrise. The peacefulness of the morning.
Okay, so these are things that can be true of any city.
So how about this then…It only takes us an hour and hour and a half to go to the mountains, and three hours to go to the beach. Speaking of mountains, we have amazing views of them!
I took this picture on Wednesday, and while it doesn’t do it justice, you can still appreciate the beauty of the snow topped mountains! What I like most about this picture is that it shows what the Valley is all about. Wide open space, with acreage for farming, as well as a majestic view of the mountains.
Other things about Fresno I love…
Community involvement, my church, the foggy mornings that can remind us all of what it’s like to have winter, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the food. Fresno has some of the best local eateries. Dusty Buns, Ampersand, Frosted Cakery, Luna’s…Really, the list could go on and on.
So now, it’s your turn. What do you love about Fresno? Where’s a favorite place to visit? If you’re from somewhere else, how’d Fresno become your home?
I can’t wait to hear about some of your stories-I’m sure I’m going to LOVE them!! 😉
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Jan Meeuwesen says
What I love about Fresno? What about the Forestiere Underground Gardens! I put them on the number 1 spot of a recent Top 25 I wrote on the city: http://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-fresno/