Magical Road Trips

There's something magical about road trips—the open road, the unexpected turns, and the strange little stops that make the journey just as fun as the destination. Somewhere between point A and point B on our latest trip, I saw the sign: "Gnome Village, next exit." And just like that, we took a detour that turned a regular travel day into a memory.

Now, I'll be the first to admit it—I have a soft spot for oddball attractions. Giant rocking chairs? Love them. Mystery spots? Can't resist. A village of tiny gnome homes nestled under trees and tucked beside bubbling brooks? Absolutely had to stop. Some might call it weird. I call it wonderful.

What made it even better was sharing this little slice of whimsy with not just one Annie, but two. There was Roland, my grandbaby, wide-eyed and curious, toddling from one miniature mushroom house to the next, trying to knock on every gnome door. And then there was Annie the Porcupine—my fictional friend who lives in the pages of my books—tagging along in spirit. I could practically hear her asking questions about which gnome baked carrot cake or which one kept glitter in his hat.

It's funny how the things we love, even the weird little things, become even more special when we get to share them. I've always believed that childhood isn't just a phase—it's a way of looking at the world with wonder. And being a grandma (and an author!) lets me live in that world a little longer.

So yes, we took a side stop to see a gnome village. And yes, I squealed with delight more than once. But more importantly, we made a memory—three generations, one odd little village, and a reminder that embracing your weirdness and sharing it with those you love makes life infinitely richer.

If you ever see a hand-painted sign pointing down a dusty road that promises something quirky or curious—take the turn. Bring your weirdo joy with you. And if you're lucky, you might just find magic in the moss, gnomes in the garden, and love in the laughter of a little one discovering it all for the first time.