Lake Lynn                           from 2013 Photo Collection by Julie Z. Russo

This January 2014, I am celebrating the one-year anniversary of City Serene, my online arts and parks news service with an annual “Year in Review” photo collection of top places to visit in Raleigh and North Carolina.

When reflecting on the year, I remember the many losses humanity has suffered, the friends and family who have passed away or been harmed. In a perfect world, pain and suffering would no longer exist and all people would live in peace. This is the time to be thankful for the 365 days of living on earth, to celebrate the journey, and consider how we can contribute to a more inclusive society that better cares for all its inhabitants in a sustainable future.

North Carolina’s natural beauty continues to provide solace and inspiration to travelers throughout the state. Thousands of acres of open space with abundant water, flora and fauna, as well as cultural gathering spaces make this one of the most desirable places to live. Many of these natural and cultural resources are free, providing residents and guests with an equal share of the best the state has to offer.

Readers will recognize their own experiences in these images, a reminder that in both private and public ways we share so much in common. A personal prayer is to never lose the sense of awe and gratitude for nature’s bounty and ingenuity: the surprise of witnessing a first snow or sunrise of the year as well as thanks for a warm place to live. The four seasons also offer ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors whether it’s kayaking on Jordan Lake, bicycling on the Neuse River Trail, or bird watching on the banks of a backyard pond. Family farms and markets are open for seasonal produce, and a healthier lifestyle is within reach of more families. From the clouds brushing the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the lighthouse at Ocracoke Island, there exists a timeless grandeur that is larger than any one individual—it is both humbling and ennobling to reach these remote places and receive sustenance from them.

Visiting North Carolina’s cultural and historic venues is also a way to connect with the larger narrative about our shared history. My favorites this year were the many cool spots along Fayetteville Street and the Warehouse District in downtown Raleigh whether it was outdoor ice skating, or attending a lecture at the new City of Raleigh (COR) or Contemporary Art Museum (CAM). Leaving the city for an hour and a half drive to New Bern, there’s an emerging arts scene as well as the historic Tryon Palace. The Town of Cary has also emerged as a great place for the arts including affordable concerts and many venues for individual artists to showcase their work.

As the publisher of City Serene, I am dedicated to providing readers with timely information related to resources in the city. As a teaching artist, one focus is reporting on educational opportunities provided by museums throughout the state and country, and ways to enhance lifelong learning through the arts.

Here I offer you my personal prayer for peace and love on earth. Happy 2014!

Julie Z. Russo
Publisher, City Serene
http://www.cityserene.com