Say Cheese

I've passed by this sign more times than I could even begin to imagine. It's at the entrance of the GSMNP just outside of Townsend, TN. What's significant about it? Well, let's just say it's probably one of the most photogenic landmarks in East Tennessee (It was actually third runner-up in the 1978 Miss Tennessee pageant, but the scores were just a bit too low in the talent category to claim the crown).

At any given time, you can pass it, and chances are that there will be a maroon 1993 Chevy Astro van with out-of-state/country plates parked nearby. Younger brothers racing older ones. Moms trying to get control. And, of course, Dad piddling with the lens cap on the 35mm that was recently dusted off just for this trip. Yep, they are going to gather around this sign to document their visit.

I, however, take it for granted all too often. The pile of cars. Out-of-state plates. Foreign languages (Yankee accents included). Blue-haired women riding with white-knuckled old men while blue tags hang from the rearview. Impatience overflowing out of my car in some of the most apparent forms on earth.

All that said, I'm starting to appreciate (we tend not to with the things that are right in front of us) this sign as I see more of its significance. Not just for me, but for others that are visiting. Forgotten quickly by many who visit, I hope will one day be rekindled from a photograph of friends and family surrounding this brown, jaggedly crooked smiling face that always (no matter the weather outside) says, "Welcome...and enjoy!"