i have a love affair for the state i live in. the rolling mountains, the endless valleys, the vineyards, and the easy access to downtown DC. on any given beautiful day, we can hop in the car and be at a number of vineyards in under 10 minutes. i have many memories as a child driving through shenandoah in the fall, wide-eyed at the vibrant, changing leaves that seemed to go on for miles. and yet there is a comfort there knowing that if i need a quick night in the city with friends, complete with stiff drinks and swanky restaurants, i can also be there. i love the state of virginia, i have never left. not sure if that is a good thing… but for now i am totally okay with it.