We’re planning a trip to Washington D.C. and Alexandria, Virginia this weekend to see our Southern kids and grandchildren…and celebrate a birthday. 

When we visit, we usually stay in Old Town Alexandria. If you haven’t visited Old Town, you should. 

In addition to seeing the kids and grandchildren, I am really looking forward to two things: the farmer’s market and the stationery store on King Street. 

It doesn’t surprise me that I’m attracted to the market and shop. There’s a certain similarity between them. They take me back to simple things. Produce right from the farm. Pencils, pens and paper. A fresh piece of fruit to pick up and bite into. A pen to pick up and set a fresh thought to paper. 

Perhaps it is my family of generations of printers, but there is something about putting it on paper that resonates with me. I have always preferred to write it out. 

So, I’ll browse the market and pick up a few apples. And I’ll browse the stationery store and, no doubt, leave with a journal and pen.