Rounding the bend of I-49, coming into view of the cityscape, I marveled once more at the awesome power this place has over me. In the case of Fayetteville, Arkansas, I don’t resent this feeling of attachment. This is the first place that I can truly say feels like what many people have described to me as being my “hometown connection”.

I have written about this before so for this of you who follow me this will seem somewhat familiar, but I grew up an academic nomad. My parents moved us several times to very different parts of the country as a part of their career paths and efforts to give us the best educational opportunities that they could manage. Fayetteville is where we landed near the start of high school.

While living atop the thin aired mountains of Arkansas was not an easy adjustment for me, somehow I forged a bond with this little tucked away city that has left an undeniable imprint on my life.

When I have the opportunity to come back as I did this weekend, I do my level best to reconnect and explore my hometown. On one of my lunch breaks I had the chance to swing by Fresco just off the Fayetteville Square and was treated to an amazing meal and a gorgeous view.

I also got extremely lucky and caught up with my sis who happened to be off this weekend. It’s so good to be able to catch up even though we both have crazy busy schedules.

And of course, there are those simple magic moments that make the 3 hour drive worth it every time. Spending time with these three always blesses my spirit, especially since my nephew seems determined to grow up so stinking fast.

I had another delightful food encounter at Havana Tropical Grill in Rogers that I got to share with my other sis. We were so busy eating we forgot to take our selfie! LOL

One thing led to another and I decided it was time to add a new painting to my wall in my office so it was off to Painting With A Twist – Bentonville. I think my blending technique is getting much better, don’t you?

Last but not least I have a confession to make. A colleague told me that I should check out the Ford Fusion Hybrid and I waved him off because I am a Hyundai girl and I have eyes on that Sonata Hybrid. However, things have changed now that I’ve driven this Fusion for the weekend. The look and feel of this car suits me and so hubby and I have got to talk when I get home. 😉

I’m headed back down the mountain tomorrow feeling rejuvenated and fortified by the rarefied air of my hometown.

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.