Christmas-It's the Most Wonderful (and Busiest!) Time of the Year

A friend recently emailed me to apologize that she had not responded to my email sooner, but that she'd been really busy. I told her not to worry, that nearly everyone this time of year was busier than usual.

That's why I'm late with this monthly blog post-busier than usual.

We have shopping to do-

This shop is in Fancy Gap, Virginia. (I'll have more about Fancy Gap in another blog post.)

There's decorating to do-

 inside...

and outside.

There are parties to attend.

There are also Christmas cards to send, gifts to wrap, and food to prepare.

And, personally, for Greg and me...

we've been working on our semi-fixer-upper old house.

And, I've had coal jewelry orders to fill.

But through all of the busyness of this wonderful time of year, I like to look at the positive aspects of Christmas-to count our many blessings, to connect with family and friends, to enjoy the pretty decorations, beautiful music, varied entertainment, and delicious food of the season...and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Our heartfelt wish for you...

And, a very happy New Year!

(Thanks to Betty and Mike for letting me take pictures of their beautiful house and yard.)

Positive thought: From Skyler at SmartStyle

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 5, 2020!, Becky

Apple Festival in Tennessee

For years, I'd heard about the Unicoi County Apple Festival in Erwin, Tennessee, and this year, since Greg and I now live a lot closer to Erwin, we decided to go. We were not disappointed! It was so much fun!

There were arts and crafts galore!

Margaret Pinney from Georgia...

had her cute "woodland critters." (woodlandcrt@yahoo.com)

A J Harris...

had his unique glass creations. (facebook.com/GlassCannonStudios)

And, there were over 350 other arts and crafts vendors from around the country. There was something for everyone. I bought a pair of pretty bead earrings.

In addition to arts and crafts, there was also a food court with all kinds of goodies.

This food truck from Uncle Lars Outpost from Trenton, Georgia had some delicious, healthy food for our lunch.

And, for dessert, we shared a very tasty key lime pie from... 

"Buttermilk Sky" (www.buttermilkskypie.com) in Johnson City, Tennessee. 

There were also canned delights...

But, the stars of the festival were, of course, the apples!

Like from the True Family Apple Orchard in Flag Pond, Tennessee. They also have homemade jelly and jam. (423-791-7620)

There were:

caramel apples...

and fancy apples.

Each year, several thousand people visit the festival.

Some of the visitors even have fur!

The next festival is October 2-3, 2020!

(I can hardly wait!)

Positive thought:

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 8, 2019, Becky

                                                                                                                             

Our Flea Market Adventure

The past few weeks, Greg and I have been searching different places to find some things we needed for our new house. A few days ago, we went to a couple of flea markets near where we live which was quiet an adventure.

When we got to the first flea market, we looked around, and I found a cute magnet with two cats on it on sale for just 50 cents. I felt proud of myself since I love finding a bargain.

Just as we were about to leave, I went over to a man's booth that had some pretty antique pieces. However, as I was trying to look around, the vendor at this booth bombarded me with a barrage of negativity which included, among other things, his lack of health and his lack of wealth and how horrible the world was. I'd only been with him for two minutes, and during that short time, he'd told me his life story which was nothing but doom and gloom. No wonder things didn't go his way since he was so negative!

I couldn't get away from there fast enough. I backed away quickly, while saying something like "I try to look at the positive side of things." That poor man is a good example of how not to be in life. If you are that negative, you are going to attract negativity to you, but if you are positive, you'll attract positive things, people, and events into your life since like attracts like.

I knew that I'd never be able to convince him to be otherwise, so I decided that I'd just use him in my blog post on how not to be!

When we got back to our car, I got out my very helpful book, "365 Ways to Raise Your Frequency" by Melissa Alvarez to regain my emotional balance.

By the time we got to the next flea market, the "Tri-Cities Flea Market" in Bluff City, which is the largest flea market in Tennessee, I felt really good, and we had a wonderful time meeting new people and finding more bargains.

There is something for everyone here, with over 1,000 vendor booths!

Antiques and Collectibles

Plenty of Stuff for the Guys

You won't go hungry here!

A couple of the more outstanding booths were...

...with some of the most delicious desserts we've ever had, made with healthy sugar!

This talented lady has some beautiful creations, one of which I took home with me, a small cloth pumpkin like in the photo for only $3.00!

I wasn't the only one who bought something as there is truly something for everyone here! Wonder what you might find!

FYI
Tri-Cities Flea Market
Bluff City, Tennessee
(423) 538-3532

Sugar Daddy's Soda Pop Cones and Bakery
(423) 444-9980

Dyed and Tied Creations
(423) 330-7845

Positive thought- "Happy, positive fall, y'all!"-Becky Arnott

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, November 3, 2019, Becky

New Blog Post on Wednesday

Welcome!

I've been really busy, and we're off on yet another adventure. I will have my newest delayed blog post this coming Wednesday, October 9, 2019, sometime during the afternoon. Please stay tuned!

Positive thought:
"Life is like a camera...
Focus on what's important,
Capture the good times,
Develop from the negatives,
and if things don't work out,
Take another shot!"

I can relate to this quote since I'm really into photography...

as is my husband Greg...

and my cousin Bruce...

and my brother Nick. Check out Nick's unbelievable photograph on my next "Spirit Photographs" blog post on Saturday, October 19! Warning-It's pretty scary, and appropriately, just before Halloween! 

Thanks for visiting! Until Wednesday, October 9, Becky

Picturesque Abingdon, Virginia

Welcome!

Greg and I had a very busy Labor Day weekend (as I'm sure was the same for many of you), so I'm running behind on my projects, including this blog post!

This is a post that I believe you will really enjoy. It's about a place, a town, that you may or may not have ever visited. If you haven't yet been there, you might want to put it on your to-do list of places you'd like to go and see.

The name of this town is Abingdon which is located in Southwest Virginia.

Abingdon is beautiful, very picturesque.

It is the epitome of art and culture.

Which can be seen on the streets...

as well as at the annual...

 which is held in August.

There are high-quality arts and crafts galore.

There are several refreshment stands with delicious food.

A strawberry smoothie, anyone?

Right next door to the festival is the elegant Martha Washington Inn...

which is also known as...

The grounds are lovely-

You might want to just relax and enjoy,...

the sights and sounds of Abingdon,

or you might want to play a rousing game of croquet.

Later, you could have a tasty supper there, and even spend the night in one of the beautiful rooms.

Before turning in, however, be sure to take in one of the excellent professional productions at the famous Barter Theatre which is just a stone's throw from The Martha.

The Barter Theatre

The Barter has some wonderful productions. "Wait Until Dark" which starred Audrey Hepburn in the movie version is coming soon. Greg and I are planning to go see "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" in October which is one of my very favorite tales of all time. The ad said it was for children of all ages. That's good, because Greg and I are just overgrown children at heart.

(Remember to be true to yourself. Be who you are! You are unique! Don't try to be someone you are not.)

(Please support the Barter, especially right now, as they are going through some financial difficulties.)

FYI

www.themartha.com

www.bartertheatre.com

Positive thought: From a painting on a car parked in Abingdon, Virginia-

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 6, 2019, Becky

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