I never get enough time with my best friend, Lela. It feels like forever since our last girls’ trip — our wonderful adventure to Fredericksburg, Texas, with our dear friend Iris. This time, it was just the two of us, off on a weekend filled with laughter, history, and a little New England charm. We stayed in a great little Airbnb that was cozy, welcoming, and perfectly located for exploring. And just a heads-up — Lela prefers not to be in photos, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see my beautiful bestie in the pictures. Trust me though, she was right there beside me for every moment. 💛
I actually arrived a day before Lela, so I used that time to explore Salem on my own. I visited a couple of museums and wandered through town a bit. I’m not going to lie — maybe because it was October — but it was packed. And here’s my little secret: I am not a fan of crowds. 😅 The shops were fun to peek into, but they were overflowing with people too, so I didn’t stay long. What I really enjoyed were the two museums I visited that focused on the Salem Witch Trials. It’s heartbreaking and shocking to learn how many innocent people lost their lives — 20 people were executed, and there was never any real proof of witchcraft at all. It’s such a somber reminder of how fear and hysteria can take over a community. On a lighter note, as a lifelong Bewitched fan, I was thrilled to see the bronze statue of Samantha from the show. That definitely brought a smile to my face and made my inner TV-nostalgia heart happy!
The next day, we stayed in Rockport, a picturesque coastal town straight out of a postcard. We spent the morning driving along the water and visiting several lighthouses, soaking in those classic New England views. We explored the harbor and stopped to admire Motif No. 1, the iconic red fishing shack that has been painted and photographed more than almost any building in America. Rockport felt like stepping into another era — charming streets, weathered buildings, and that peaceful small-town magic you only find by the ocean. One of my favorite moments was hunting for sea glass along the beach. The rhythm of the waves, the salty breeze, and the excitement of spotting those tiny treasures — it felt absolutely magical. And of course, you can’t visit the coast without indulging in fresh lobster. It was buttery, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! I was also amazed by how many flowers were still blooming — little pops of color everywhere despite the fall chill. I truly loved Rockport; such a small, perfect town with so much beauty and charm.
Back in Salem, we visited the Salem Witch Museum, which brings the history of the 1692 witch hysteria to life. The museum walks you through the events leading up to the trials — how fear, superstition, and community tensions spiraled into one of the most tragic chapters in early American history. More than 200 people were accused, 19 were hanged, and one man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to plead. Standing there and hearing those stories made it impossible not to feel the weight of what happened. It’s heartbreaking to think that innocent lives were lost simply because of fear and rumor — no real evidence, just panic and power struggles that fueled devastating injustice. Even with the crowds and the October excitement, that moment felt still and reflective. It reminded me how important it is to learn from history and to remember the consequences when fear outweighs fairness and compassion.
We also visited the House of the Seven Gables, the historic Colonial-era home made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. I’ve always wanted to see it in person — and if you know me, you know why! I grew up watching Bewitched in the 1970s, and they filmed a few episodes right here in Salem. That show has always had a special place in my heart, so being here felt a little magical. And yes, in true girls-trip fashion, Lela and I even watched a few of those classic Bewitched episodes while we were away. There’s nothing like a little Samantha Stephens nose-wiggle nostalgia to make a trip even sweeter!
What a wonderful weekend it was. Anytime I get to spend time with Lela, my best friend, it fills my heart with gratitude. We’ve shared so many memories over the years, but this trip was truly special — a reminder of how important it is to slow down, laugh together, and make new memories with the people who know you best. I’ll cherish our Salem and Rockport adventure forever. 💕
Thank you all for following along and for understanding that my newsletters and blogs aren’t always just about fused glass. 💕 While glass is such an important part of my life, so are the experiences, friendships, and adventures that inspire me along the way. Whether it’s a girls’ weekend full of laughter, a road trip through the mountains, or a day in the studio, each moment shapes who I am as an artist and person. I’m so grateful you take the time to share in those moments with me.
If you would like to see some of my fused glass work, please refer to my website Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. If you get a chance, check out all my site and my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube. If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to and learn a little more about jewelry, check out our newsletter. It is published the last day of each month.
Keeping my kilns warm,
Karen
