What is it about Savannah?

One of many Bonaventure Cemetery Sentinels

Ventured to one of Georgia's Barrier Islands last week to catch up with a friend and spend a couple of days immersed in Savannah. . .we took in galleries, historic squares, the river front, antique shops, restaurants. . .all in and amongst throngs of tourists attending the Music Festival and the Historic Home Tour.  Savannah was hopping and the good weather on Friday and Saturday, along with showy azaleas, just made you fall in love with it all over again. 

I hesitate to say my best moment was traversing the small shrimping village of Thunderbolt (east of Savannah) to arrive at the Bonaventure Cemetery, located on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River.  Why hesitate?  Well, I'm not sure how many people love combing through cemeteries or actually "get" it, but I personally have always loved the quiet beauty of sacred ground.  We arrived at Bonaventure before most other "alive" people on Saturday morning, quietly walking and admiring the headstones, unique names, sweetly carved remembrances and the glory of southern flora and fauna in bloom.  It was, in a word, spectacular.

Bonaventure Headstone

One of Bonaventure's Oak-lined Drives

Wikipedia will tell you that it is the largest of the city's (Savannah's) municipal cemeteries, containing nearly 160 acres. . .located on the site of a former plantation and private cemetery.  It's changed hands and name since 1846, and has the distinction of having given shelter and comfort to John Muir in 1867 for six days and nights!  It's nice to know John  Muir also found the cemetery "breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring."   

Morning bird chatter and silvery moss blowing languidly only enhanced the atmosphere. . .we came around a corner to suddenly spy a woman dressed in mourning black from head to toe. . .with a black sun-shade umbrella to boot!  Almost a fright. . .but she spoke immediately and told us she was in costume for a tour that would be coming through later in the morning. . .sigh of relief. . . from me at least!  A dedicated docent ready to tell a little history, playing the part very well I might add.

The magical,  mystical air of Savannah seems to always be at work. . .perhaps that's what makes it so alluring.  The past comes alive and here is a place where we can feel deep roots. . .roots of the human condition.  Not always lovely, but certainly a past preceded by a past, preceded by yet another past, preceded by. . . .well, you get my drift.  

Meanwhile, back to reality this week. . .I am hanging several of my watercolor works at the pretty Lewisville Library tomorrow.  The exhibition will be up for the month of April and I must stop daydreaming about Savannah and complete all tasks in order for that to happen!