Day of Hope #134 - Tuesday February 13, 2024
Goal: Become a tourist in my own town, discover something new, and enjoy the adventure.
Quote: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
This was honestly one of my favorite Days of Hope! And the funny thing is, I didn't go anywhere far away. I decided to become a tourist in my own town.
I lived in Eagle, Idaho, but with all the growth happening around me, I realized there were so many shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and little businesses I had never taken the time to explore. I drove through downtown Eagle all the time. But when was the last time I actually stopped to see what was there? Well, today was the day!
A Walking Tour of Eagle
I started my morning with my Peloton bike. I had been challenging myself to ride for 13 minutes a day for 13 days. Because, of course, there had to be a 13 involved somewhere. After getting ready, I grabbed a copy of the Historic Eagle Walking Tour map I had found online. My plan was simple.
I would walk around downtown Eagle, visit the historic locations, stop in the shops, learn about the businesses, and purchase something small along the way. And naturally, I would tell people about my upcoming book, A Day of Hope.
Now, here's something funny about me. I don't particularly enjoy shopping. But I LOVE exploring. I love discovering new places, learning their history, and hearing the stories behind the businesses. So this wasn't really a shopping trip. It was an adventure. At least that's what I was telling myself. Ha!
Breakfast and People-Watching
My first stop was Rembrandts for breakfast. I ordered my favorite Market Spice tea and a delicious Eggs Benedict with seasonal potatoes. Oh, so good! There were probably 20 people in the restaurant. A group of girlfriends enjoying tea. Some adorable grandmas having breakfast. A couple of men discussing work. Two women talking about one of their love lives, or apparently the lack thereof.
And then there was me.
Sitting in the corner, journaling, enjoying breakfast, and watching the world go by. I love moments like this. No rushing. No schedule. Nowhere I absolutely had to be. Just enjoying the morning and wondering what I might discover next.
Discovering the History in My Own Backyard
With my walking tour map in hand, I started exploring. One of my first discoveries was the historic Jackson House, built in 1930. I also saw the original Eagle drugstore, Orville Jackson's, which opened in 1906. Then there was the old Bank of Eagle, dating back to 1907. The building still had its original safe! How cool is that?
I walked past historic homes, older commercial buildings, and newer developments such as The Landing. It was fascinating to see how much Eagle had changed while still holding on to pieces of its history. Some shops were closed, which seemed strange for a Tuesday, and others were open by appointment only. But that didn't bother me. I wasn't in a hurry.
I wandered through boutiques, antique stores, consignment shops, art and framing businesses, and specialty stores. I discovered places such as Chambray Boutique, Finer Frames, Again Consignments, Donovan James Antiques and Estate Jewelry, The Cottage, and Mansion Blue.
There were restaurants, salons, bike shops, yoga studios, massage businesses, and all kinds of places I had driven past without ever really noticing. I stopped for lunch at Spitfire Tacos and Tequila and continued exploring. At one point, I passed a bank and happened to look at the time. 1:30 p.m. There's my 13! Apparently, even the clock wanted to participate in my Day of Hope.
A Little More Than Books at the Library
One of my favorite discoveries was the local library. I stopped in to ask about the possibility of getting my book into their collection. But while I was there, I learned something interesting. Did you know libraries have so much more than books? You can borrow DVDs, video games, puzzles, board games, and even some sports equipment! I had no idea.
Here I was, living in this community and not realizing all the wonderful resources available right down the street. It reminded me that sometimes we get so busy moving through our daily routines that we forget to explore what's already around us.
Cookies, a Gazebo, and a Moment to Reflect
Of course, an adventure like this requires snacks. I stopped at a cookie shop called One Haute Cookies and bought myself two cookies. Then I found a small park with a gazebo. Perfect.
I sat down, enjoyed my cookies, and reflected on how wonderful the day had been. The weather was nice. I explored new places. I met new people. I was learning about my community. And I was having a fantastic time. All within a few miles of home.
Who knew being a tourist in my own town could be so much fun?
A Rose Just for Me - Since Valentine's Day was the following day, the flower shops were especially busy. I wandered down another side street and discovered a cute flower shop called Wishing Well. I decided to buy myself a single salmon-colored rose. Not because someone else had given it to me. Not because it was almost Valentine's Day. But because I wanted to celebrate myself.
I was taking time out of my busy life to do something I enjoyed. And I thought that deserved a flower. Sometimes you don't need to wait for someone else to bring you flowers. You can buy your own. I carried my rose proudly as I continued exploring.
The Shop That Changed My Shopping Experience
One of my final stops was a boutique called Urban Casuals. And this little shop turned out to be one of the best discoveries of the entire day. I met Amiee, the store manager, and her mom. They were wonderful! We talked, looked at clothes, and had such a great time.
I had no idea that this one little stop would eventually turn into a whole new shopping experience for me. More on that in a minute.
I continued my tour, stopping at another historic home before visiting Hope Blooms, one of my favorite flower shops. I originally started going there because of the name. Hope Blooms. How could I not? They were extremely busy preparing for Valentine's Day, but it was still fun to stop by.
And because apparently two cookies weren't enough for one adventure, I finished my outing with a doughnut. Hey, I walked all day. I earned it.
Home Sweet Home
By the time I got home, my feet were definitely feeling all that walking. But my heart was happy. I took a long bath, relaxed, and finished my evening with Hallmark movies.
It had been such a simple idea. Walk around downtown Eagle. Explore. Meet people. Learn something new. And yet it turned into one of my favorite Days of Hope. I didn't have to travel far to have an adventure. I just had to slow down long enough to discover what was already around me.
Bonus: My Own Personal Shopping Guru
Remember Urban Casuals? Well, that little boutique deserves its own story. A few weeks after my Day of Hope, I went back with one of my girlfriends. And we had an absolute blast! Now, remember, I am not someone who particularly enjoys shopping. But this was different. Amiee and her mom made the entire experience so much fun.
I told Amiee: “I'll try on anything you want me to.” And boy, did she take me up on that! I tried on outfit after outfit. Shirts. Pants. Different styles. Clothes I would never have picked out for myself.
I felt like I was having my own personal fashion show. And the best part was that Amiee wasn't just trying to sell me something. She really paid attention to how everything looked. If an outfit was just okay, she would find a different shirt or pair of pants to make it look great. She encouraged me to try things outside my normal comfort zone. And I loved it.
For someone who doesn't like shopping, I was having a ridiculously good time.
Thirteen Outfits!
With Hopes Highways growing, I knew I needed some new clothes for networking events, business meetings, speaking opportunities, and everything else I was preparing for. This shopping experience helped me start building that wardrobe.
When I finally got home and counted everything I had purchased, I couldn't believe it. 13 outfits! Seriously. I didn't plan that. I didn't count while I was shopping. But somehow, I came home with exactly 13 outfits. Of course I did. Ha! Now I had a wonderful selection of clothes for my new business adventures. And even better, I had discovered a local shop where I felt comfortable trying new things.
I've continued going back to see Amiee, and she always seems to find something wonderful for me to try. She has officially become my personal shopping guru. If you're ever in Eagle, stop by Urban Casuals and ask for Amiee. Tell her Kayla sent you. And don't be afraid to try on something you wouldn't normally choose. You might just surprise yourself.
The Adventure Was Right Outside My Door
Looking back, this Day of Hope was about so much more than walking around downtown Eagle. It was about curiosity. It was about slowing down. It was about discovering the people, places, and opportunities that had been right in front of me all along.
Sometimes we think we need a big vacation, an expensive experience, or a completely new destination to make a Day of Hope special. But this day reminded me that hope and adventure don't have to be far away. Sometimes they're waiting just around the corner. You simply have to be willing to go looking.
My Lesson of Hope: You don't have to travel far or spend a lot of money to create a meaningful Day of Hope. Sometimes the greatest adventures are waiting in your own backyard. Be curious. Explore somewhere familiar with fresh eyes. Talk to people, learn their stories, and try something outside your comfort zone. You never know what you might discover, or who you might meet, when you slow down and give yourself permission to explore. And while you're at it, buy yourself a flower. You're worth celebrating, too.
