Getting lost in the history that surrounds me - OM [one moment] meet up #47

I have a bucket list of things I want to do here on the East Coast before we move. Last weekend, I was able to cross one item off - spending time in Salem, MA. I had spent a mere two hours in Salem just one week before Halloween in 2009.  That isn't the best time to go as the streets were crowded with witches in pointy hats and attractions that have nothing to do with Salem's history (i.e., Frankenstein's laboratory).  My friend, Ann, and I often talked about visiting during the "off season" and finally arranged to do it.

Salem is known for the witch trials of 1692, but this small coastal town has more to offer.  We visited the House of the Seven Gables, the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's book.

We strolled the quaint streets, ate wonderful meals, and thoroughly enjoyed some time away from the everyday grind.  A highlight for me, was visiting the Peabody Essex Museum which features maritime art and history; American art; Asian, Oceanic, and African art; Asian export art; and the only complete Qing Dynasty house outside China, Yin Yu Tang (an amazing house tour). 

In less than 36 hours I felt like I had vacationed somewhere far away.  I had been transported to another time.  I could easily imagine life in another era.  I forgot about my own struggles.

Ah, bliss.  And it was less than 2 hours away from my front door. 

If you are stuck in your own head and need a new perspective in life or simply a break, look at the history that surrounds you.  Take a few hours and explore a local museum, town hall, cemetery.  Go with a friend, your kids, or by yourself.  It will give you an unexpected lift.  And, you may even learn something new.

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OM is a weekly meet up that promotes living in the moment.  Whether funny, sad, ridiculous, or banal, actively looking for and sharing these moments will promote balance in our lives.

Share in the blog comments here, on your own blog (and link back below)  or on my Facebook fan page. If you are on Twitter,  use hash tag - #omMeetup so we can converse if we'd like. We'd love to hear your moment this week!

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