This is Sheriff Peanut Butter Brickle. There are many things that you may not know about me. And I like to keep it that way. Because there is a lot to be said for mystery…being mysterious and all.
But I will let you in on a little secret. I. Love. Attractions. Parks with displays, roadside stands, markets and places like the stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
So yesterday, when we planned our drive and made more progress toward our goal of driving the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the persons had a surprise for me.
We got to stop at a place called the Mabry Mill.
Yes, Digby and I love hiking. We love traveling. But when we get to go to a place with persons looking at important stuff and we are allowed to be there, it means so much to us…I mean, me. Digby is just always worried about his next meal.
Since this was an old mill, they made breakfast here and Digby knew it. They had grits and pancakes and bacon, and well, that was the only part of the whole place that dogs were not allowed. But Girl Person had planned ahead and brought all of our breakfast with us. Because her sign always is lit for breakfast all day.
What I like best about going to attractions like this is that I can appreciate things like the persons. I like being allowed in to explore and to feel welcomed. Some of my favorite places in all of our travels have been places like this and short days like this.
Things don’t have to be complicated to enjoy them. They just have to make you feel welcome. It actually wants to make me show a little bit of happy and dance like no one is watching. A little bit.
And when I am happy, just like you, I become even more attractive. And that is a side benefit of doing things that make you happy. Your happy translates to others. I was so happy that even Deputy Digby forgot about his stomach for a moment and joined in the fun.
What amazes me about this mill is not just its history. But the people that built it, the people that worked here.
And they would have never thought that it would be a place for millions of people to stop at each year. No, they just did their job and lived their lives.
But they now are still providing a wonderful thing. Nope, not just grits and pancakes. But happiness, entertainment and a way to escape to the past while we can learn more about ourselves now. We thank them for that.
So if you know of something simple that makes you happy…can you revisit that attraction? Be the best you that you can be and by doing so, making others happy in ways that you can’t even imagine will happen.
I will never forget my day to the Mabry Mill along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and in fact, this journey has been such a pleasant surprise…like that first moment I see myself in the morning. We can’t wait to see more! Won’t you join us? We are up to mile marker 212!
-Sheriff Peanut Butter Brickle
