I live in Goshen, a semi-rural town, in Orange County New York. Technically the town is a suburb of New York City. But it's a lot more peaceful than NYC generally is. Maybe peaceful isn't the right word for it. There's been a name for this town, that's stuck around for many decades: "slow motion Goshen." Even the village itself is slow. But I live outside the village, so there aren't too many buildings in the area.

The New York City summer breeze gently swarms into my room tickling the bottom of my left foot. Rainbow sparkling lights begin to dance around on my orange wall migrating into the “Good Times” painting by Ernie Barnes.

As the holiday weekend approaches, my husband and I are looking forward to our journey to the summer home in Gloucester. We recently renovated the house, and between the new cabinets of dark midnight blue and slate grey, the new faux wood floors, open floor space, new yellow and egg shell paint; the house is almost brand new again. Gone is the drabness of the seventies chic. The old dark wooden cabinets, the drabness of the foam green and, baby blue paint all but a memory preserved in old photographs of the past. Luckily the orange shag rug had disappeared before I got there but there is evidence of that in the old photographs as well.

It is nearly impossible to set up a tent when the wind is howling like a banshee in heat.

I live in Roanoke Virginia, the “Star City” of the south. The “Noke” as we hometown folk call it, was so named because of its most famous attraction, the star that sits atop Mill Mountain which is part of the Blue Ridge mountain range. This iconic landmark is in the South Eastern part of the city, facing North West which is where I live. From my upstairs hallway window I can see the star towering above the buildings, houses and trees about 6 miles away. My husband, 3 children and I once made a trek up the 3 1/2 mile mountain path that took us about an hour. We walked to the star, walked back down, drove our car up then went to the picnic area to eat. I watch out my window now at night, taking in the sight of the star that has brought comfort to the city for 70 years. I watch and I wait for what I believe is to come.

If you ever find yourself on the northeastern side of the USA, try to make your way to the city of Pasadena, MD. Located in Anne Arundel County, the city of Pasadena has a few things that will impress you. Especially if you like outdoor activities such as going to the beach or to one of the city’s stunning parks, there are some amazing places to see in the city of Pasadena, MD.

I never thought I would ever feel nervous about taking a road trip to San Francisco and what it would be like to stay in a hotel during this time. There were a few reasons for this trip and valid reasons. How do you prepare for a trip like this? In the first step, don't forget the mask and sanitizers!

I have not been to my hometown in two years. Nashville, Tennessee is my home. I often visit there when I can, but because of the COVID-19, I’ve been stuck at home and plans of visiting my hometown this summer has been cancelled.

1. The Desolate Landscape

COVID-19 came in like a freight train and sent us all back to our homes. We are all now sick and tired of being trapped in our homes. We want to be free to live our lives, to go where we want and do what we want. However, the reality is the better days will not be here for a very long time.

7am. I draw the curtain and open my window. The warm rays of sunshine lap over my arms and each wave warms my face. I stick my slides on and wash my face and moisturise. I look up one last time at my quarantine face. Eyes of isolation and folded dreams. A suppressed smile would be unchained. I also glance up to my chalkboard, where I have written a bucket list for that first day back in the world. It's a golden list of things, and I hear the sounds of the places I'll go. It sounds like that Dr Seuss book.

I have to admit, even if I'm enjoying the quarantine and trying to be productive as much as I can... I can't stop thinking about those better days.