The Christmas Spirit

Do you have the Christmas spirit?

After last week, Greg and I can say that indeed we do have the spirit of Christmas!

In historic Franklin, Tennessee, we attended "Dickens of a Christmas" which is a festival where Christmas comes alive around the time of author Charles Dickens.

Costumed characters abounded on the streets of Franklin-

A little girl is talking to Scrooge, the Dickens character who finally gets the Christmas spirit in "A Christmas Carol."

Another character looked like a statue!

Some of the vendors even got into the act...

as did some of the visiting dogs-

There was Christmas music-

of different types-

There was plenty of yummy food to try...

and coffee to help keep warm on a cold day,

although some found other ways to stay warm-

After the festival, it was on to Nashville, to visit the Hermitage Hotel which is in a word-

elegant, especially at Christmas!

Across the street is the Tennessee Performing Arts Center which presented-

the Nashville Ballet's "Nashville's Nutcracker,"

in which we are proud to say that our little niece performed, and did a great job!

Afterwards, we visited with family at their house which was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Hear ye! Hear ye! Have a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!

If you like the paranormal, check out my other blog, "Spirit Photographs."
www.spiritphotographs.blogspot.com

Also, I have a book which might make a nice Christmas gift for someone that enjoys the paranormal,, "Photographic Encounters of the Spirit Kind" which is available now, either in paperback or as a kindle download.
http://amzn.to/2usXWIO

Positive thought: Always remember the spirit of Christmas which is love.

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 7, 2018, Becky

Celebrating Fall, Tennessee Style

Fall is a wonderful time of the year, especially in Tennessee, with the vibrant colors, the cool crisp air which calls for warm, rich foods and drinks, festivals, and other types of celebrations.

Greg and I have taken time from our busy schedules to thoroughly enjoy this time of  year.

We have visited several places this fall, both far and near.

First of all, Greg and I met some special members of our family to enjoy "Bush's Visitor Center" in the Smoky Mountains in Dandridge, Tennessee.

Everything was dressed up in its fall finery.

We visited the General Store, Museum, and the Cafe.

Bush's Family Cafe

Our helpful, personable waitress Sharon (not pictured) was great. She made our visit there more enjoyable.

The food in the Cafe was simply delish!

There had to be beans on the menu, of course!

And, we just had to try the pinto bean pie! Yum!

www.bushbeans.com

In Spring Hill, Tennessee, Greg and I went to "Vintage 615" ("trendy clothes, gifts, furniture, & decor") for the "Fall Photo Party & Anniversary Sale" where we had our picture taken with a vintage truck which was decorated with pumpkins and bales of hay. 

We really enjoyed the free refreshments.

And, I found a pretty bracelet at a reasonable price which I absolutely love!

www.facebook.com/vintage615studio.com

Next, we traveled to Waverly, Tennessee to a small but terrific restaurant with a big menu, "Hole in the Wall Diner," where they make "Homemade Donuts & Buns Every Day."

Does this look good or what! It was! They even serve fried cheese!

www.holeinthewalldiner.com

Greg and I just happened upon "Pumpkinfest" in Franklin, Tennessee, and we're glad we did! It was so much fun!

There were pumpkins galore,

and a pumpkin carver-

There was delicious food, even gourmet Greek-

There were great arts and crafts-

Check it out!  A lovely little handmade bookmark and much more!

The pumpkin festival was well-attended. Many people even brought their dogs.

A darling little sweetheart!

After "Pumpkinfest," we went to a new coffee shop in Spring Hill, "The Fainting Goat Coffee."

It is a very popular place, and it's almost always crowded inside and out although it's not evident in this photo. Right after I took this picture, the outside tables filled up even though the temperature was in the 50's!

We really enjoyed the coffee and the bakery items which were perfect on a cool autumn day!

www.facebook.com/tfgspringhill/

And, speaking of food, what about a pumpkin pie for this time of year, especially for the perfect ending for your Thanksgiving meal!

This luscious-looking pumpkin pie is from "Pie Sensations" in Columbia, Tennessee.

www.piesensations.com

Fall Decorations Outside "Puckett's Downtown Columbia"

If you like the paranormal, check out my other blog, "Spirit Photographs."

www.spiritphotographs.blogspot.com

Also, I have a book you might enjoy, "Photographic Encounters of the Spirit Kind" which is available now, either in paperback or as a kindle download.

http://amzn.to/2usXWIO

Positive thought: "Eat, drink, and be thankful!" (from a plaque)

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 10, 2017, Becky

Fall Festival Time in Tennessee!

Welcome!

"My Take on Fall"

"Tell stories around the fire...
Jump in leaves
Wrap your hands around a hot mug
Eat a caramel apple
Be outdoors...
Roast marshmallows
Carve a pumpkin
Go on a hayride...
Wear a scarf
Bake cookies and pies
Take a drive just to look at leaves."
-www.diariesfromthedirtroad.blogspot.com

Go to a fall festival in Tennessee!

This is such a beautiful time of year in Tennessee, and the weather is warm with a slight breeze. It's just a perfect time to attend one of the many fall festivals in Tennessee during the month of October.

"Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen."
- From www.picturescafe.com

Here are some of the best fall festivals in Tennessee that I have either personally attended or that I know of-

-Unicoi Apple Festival, Erwin

Although I've never attended this festival, I know it's very popular. A friend of mine from Erwin told me that it's fantastic, and that she thought I'd really enjoy the arts and crafts, the wonderful food including apple dishes, and the entertainment. Greg and I decided that we're finally going next year, so we're putting it on our 2018 calendar!

FYI:
Dates: Oct. 6 & 7, 2017
www.unicoicounty.org

-National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough

We have been to historic Jonesborough many times, but we have never been to this festival either. The stories are told by professional storytellers, and I have heard that the event is quite good and well-attended. This is its 45th year, so you know they're doing something right! You can see examples of the Storytelling Festival on Youtube.

FYI:
Dates: Oct. 6-8, 2017
www.storytellingcenter.net

-Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homcoming, Sevierville

For those of you who like art, you will love this one! Greg and I once stopped by Robert A. Tino's art gallery on our way to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Robert Tino is an excellent landscape artist who paints scenes of the beautiful Smoky Mountains in acrylics and in watercolor. Besides the artist's work, this festival also features Southern food, mountain music, crafts, and activities for children.

FYI:
Dates: Oct. 6-8, 2017
www.RobertATinoSmokyMountainHomecoming.com

-National Banana Pudding Festival, Centerville

Greg and I have attended this festival which we really enjoyed, especially the banana pudding! (It's flavor brings back fond memories of back home, and of the wonderful banana pudding Mama used to make.) The pudding made at this festival should be good since this is a competition to determine the best banana pudding in our nation! Besides puddin,' there are crafts, entertainment, and children's activities.

Bananas on Display at the National Banana Pudding Festival in Centerville, Tennessee

F.Y.I:
Dates: Oct. 7 & 8, 2017
www.bananapuddingfest.org

-Heritage Days, Rogersville

Not only have Greg and I attended this festival in the past, but we have also had our own booth in the arts and crafts area where we did portraits of people. It was a great festival, a lot of fun, and we did really well there. Besides the arts and crafts, they have a lot of other things going on-traditional Appalachian Mountain music, dancers, food, storytelling, pioneer demonstrations, antique cars and quilts, etc.!

FYI:
Dates: Oct. 13-15, 2017
www.rogersvilleheritage.org

-Webb Art and Craft Show, Bell Buckle

We have been to Bell Buckle many times since it's such a unique, quaint little town (with a population of only 500!). According to "Thrill List" which rates the best small town to visit in each state, Bell Buckle is the best small town to visit in Tennessee! We have to agree that it's a fantastic place to visit for its charming little shops and tasty food. I've written blog posts about it several times, including the last one that I wrote on 8/21/16, "A Bell Buckle Celebration."

Greg and Me at a Festival in Bell Buckle

A good time to visit Bell Buckle might be this month for the Webb Art & Craft Show where there will be over 100 artists with their pottery, plants, jewelry, paintings, photography, and many other delightful things.

FYI:
Dates: Oct. 21 & 22, 2017
www.bellbucklechamber.com

-Henry Horton Spirits of the Past, Chapel Hill

Lastly, no October celebration would be complete without doing something kinda scary, so how about going on a paranormal Halloween investigation at Henry Horton State Park! We have been to this nice park before, but not during October, and certainly not on a paranormal investigation. A friend emailed me about this event, and Greg and I are thinking about going. It would make a great "Spirit Photographs" blog post!

FYI:
Date: Oct. 28, 2017
http://tnstateparks.com/events/details/#/?event=henry-horton-spirits-of-the-past

So, the different above-mentioned festivals and events offer something for just about everyone, and hopefully you'll find something here that you might enjoy. Have fun!

If you like the paranormal, check out my other blog, "Spirit Photographs."
www.spiritphotographs.blogspot.com

Also, especially since Halloween is coming soon, might I recommend my book on the paranormal, "Photographic Encounters of the Spirit Kind" which is available now, either in paperback or as a kindle download,
http://amzn.to/2usXWIO

Happy Halloween!

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, November 5, 2017, Becky
Positive thought: "One way to make the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure."
-William Feather

Time to Celebrate!

Although we're now in the month of September, I wanted to look back to last month, to August.

The month of August has no formal holidays here in the United States, but that doesn't mean that you can't take the time to celebrate during this month!

In fact, August is always a big month for Greg and me since both our wedding anniversary and Greg's birthday are in August. Each year, our celebrations are a little different; no two years are exactly alike.

This year, for our anniversary, we went to our favorite park for a romantic picnic...

and we exchanged gifts.

"Our wedding was many years ago. The celebration continues to this day."
-Gene Perret

Then came Greg's birthday...

We celebrated at home on his real birthday,

and at Puckett's Boat House in Franklin, Tennessee two days later.

The main part of the meal was super good...

as was the generous serving of free birthday dessert!

Next on the calendar was something very special for many of us to enjoy, the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse-

Although we had solar eclipse glasses, we decided just to keep them as souvenirs.

Instead, we made our own pinhole projector to view the eclipse-

Also, Greg noticed that we could see several eclipse shapes in this shadow of a plant on the sidewalk as the sun shone through the plant's leaves-

Finally, at the end of the month, I attended a birthday party for talented graphic designer and friend, Lynn.

A delightful luncheon was given for Lynn by her mother, Carole.

The food was simply gourmet,

and the meal was complete with a tasty birthday cake. (Guess what kind it was?)

"Cakes are special. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It's all about memories."
-Buddy Valastro

When I got back home, our Mitzi inspected take-home goodies from the party.

And, that's not all! Just because August is over, that sure doesn't mean that the celebrating is over.

In September, fall arrives in a few weeks; and, of course, there's Labor Day! Let the celebrations continue!

HAPPY LABOR DAY and HAPPY SEPTEMBER!

If you enjoy the paranormal, check out my other blog, "Spirit Photographs."

www.spiritphotographs.blogspot.com

For much more about the paranormal, be sure to check out my book, "Photographic Encounters of the Spirit Kind," available now, either in paperback or as a kindle download on Amazon.

http://amzn.to/2usXWIO

Positive thought: "Life should not only be lived, it should be celebrated."-Gene Perret
Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 8, 2017, Becky