A view from a bicycle seat

A trio of dancers graced the stage at the SUAF/Greenfest 2009 at the Farmer's Market in Trustees Garden. (Photo by T. J. Rutherford.)


I LOVE SAVANNAH.

I have been here almost 11 years and I believe life in this coastal city just keeps getting better.  Economy be damned, there are so many things to do and places to go that cost little yet offer lots.

I rode my bike from my mid-town neighborhood this afternoon to be one of 10 judges in Greenfest 2009's Top Chef Competition. As I pedaled through the streets and squares toward Trustees Garden, my Trek helmet snapped firmly in place, I felt a true surge of appreciation for this town, my town.

People waved from their yards and drivers didn't seem impatient as I crossed the main streets.

I watched tourists, maps in hand, as they looked up at our historic homes that were bedecked with window boxes and flower pots bursting with gardenias, periwinkle ivy, and petunias.

Once I arrived at Greenfest/SUAF central, the air was filled with hip hop music, the smells of food being prepared for the chef competition (snapper, pork cheeks, crab cakes, and more), and the sounds of excited voices from all directions.  As I walked my bike along the tented lane, I felt like I belonged to something really special.

And, you know, I do. 

Savannah is a community that is filled with some pretty cool people who make a difference by creating gatherings where we can meet one another to share this beautiful place. 

We are the lucky ones.  C'mon out and play. I think you'll be glad you did.

Yours,
Miss T. J.