Peace and Quiet. . .

I live about two miles away from a really beautiful cemetery. I like to go for walks there -- it's quiet, there are no other people to bug you when you're lost in thought, and it has really nice landscaping and architecture. All of this may sound a bit disingenuous, but I am serious. There is no better place to collect your thoughts if you live in a city.

I was lucky enough to live near one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country while I was in college, the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA. You can take a virtual tour and read about the local legends here. It's just a few blocks away from the campus, and a lot of art students would go there to sketch the stone angels.

It really sparked my interest, and every city I visit, I try to find a beautiful or famous cemetery. I didn't even know about the one near my house until I had been here a month, but I'm very glad I've found it now!