A Christmas Open House

Welcome!

Greg and I, and a few of our relatives were recently invited to a wonderful Christmas open house. It was hosted by other relatives, a young couple who are newlyweds. They have a really nice house that was made a lot nicer with their hard work. (We know what it's like, to fix up an old house. Greg and I have redone three of them, and we're still working on our fourth one. Working on our house is actually more like a hobby for us.)

We were greeted at the door by this festive Christmas wreath...

and also by John and Ashley, the owners of the house.

They have done a beautiful job of restoring, furnishing, and decorating their house. 

We could hardly wait to see the rest of the house, so John and Ashley took us on a tour-

John really likes his new man cave.

After the tour, it was time for refreshments, and they were wonderful!

 There was eggnog (my favorite!) and a wide variety of munchies and other tasty treats.

We all enjoyed not only the food, but also the fellowship.

Way too soon, our memorable afternoon was over; we always enjoy being with family. It is time well-spent!

"The magic of Christmas never ends, and its greatest gifts are family and friends." ~The Random Vibes

Gift suggestion: "Down Memory Lane," a nostalgic memoir by Becky Arnott on Amazon. For more information, click on the widget above.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Love, Greg and Becky

Positive thought: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." -Luke 2:14

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 8, 2023, Becky

'Tis the Season

 

Welcome!

This is a very special time of the year, for many reasons. 

It's the holiday season that began with Thanksgiving, which most of us just celebrated in many different ways with family and/or friends.

"If you practice gratitude a lot every day, your life will change dramatically and in ways you can hardly imagine."-From "The Magic" by Rhonda Byrne

So, it's important to give thanks, not just at Thanksgiving, but throughout your day, every day. the more you are thankful, the more you are blessed.

Last week, Greg and I were outside a grocery store which is in a small shopping center when we heard absolutely beautiful music outside another nearby store. A grocery store employee walked by, and I asked her what was going on. She said that it was a busker. I had to ask her what a busker was, and she explained that it was someone who performed for money, usually on a street.

Greg and I had seen people occasionally performing on the street in larger towns and cities, but we'd never before heard the word "busker." This type of entertainment is very rare in our area.

I decided to investigate, and I saw a man expertly playing an electrified violin. 

Tears filled my eyes as I read the sign beside him and listened to his wonderful music. He was good enough to play with the finest orchestras in the world, and yet, here he was, during the time of the holidays, having to help support his family the best he knew how. Many people who passed by were thankfully donating to him and his family.

"Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."-Mother Teresa

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."-Aesop

The talented violinist is not the only one who has suffered during this time in our country (and in other countries, as well). I recently heard a caller on a radio talk show, and I learned that through no fault of his own, he was without a job and was homeless. This, unfortunately, seems to be the tip of the iceberg these days!

"Helping others in need is not only a responsibility of life; it is what gives meaning to life."-Molly Marti

While it is great to help others when they need it, nearly everyone can improve their situation in life by applying certain principles.

"A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you."-Joyce Meyer 

To overcome any difficult circumstance, I do believe we need to have a positive attitude, to pray, and to believe everything will turn out for the best. 

Don't go by appearances; we need to know in our hearts that- "Everything Will Be Okay"-Dana Perino

"The Best Is Yet to Come..." www.jgminternational.org

"-play, laugh, sing, dance, be joyful, hug a tree, and love each other!"-www.matthewbooks.com

Yes, 'tis the season to be thankful, to give to others, and to be positive, all of which would be great to do all year long! What a great world we'd all have then!

Positive thought: "As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way."-Mary Anne Radmacher

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 11, 2022, Becky

 

A Great Place to Stay!

 

When you are in Western North Carolina, I know of a great place to stay, at one of Mike and Betty's vacation rentals, because there you will see beautiful views of the peaceful countryside and the picturesque mountains, and you might even see some horses grazing.

You'll have a choice of two cottages in which to stay.

The first one is-

Mountain Side Cottage

Interior View

The second one is-

Carolina Cottage

Interior View

There's a picture everywhere you look!

This charming place is like your home away from home.

Mike and Betty are wonderful hosts, the cottages are comfy and cozy, and there are great mountain and pastoral views any season of the year. Also, there is so much to see and do in this area, including Asheville, which is only a few miles away.

"The mountains are calling, and I must go."- John Muir

FYI- 

www.vrbo.com  Once on the website, for more information, type in the following numbers:

For Mountain Side Cottage, 1128348

For Carolina Cottage, 841917

Happy Thanksgiving!

Positive thought: 

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, November 27, 2022, Becky

An Important Opportunity

 

In a few days, on Tuesday, November 8, we have the opportunity to make our voices heard in this country through our right to vote. This is an important election since state and local elections are just as important as national ones. Greg and I are looking forward to once again casting our votes since we are proud citizens of The United States of America.

Here are some quotes that might inspire you as they did me-

"All beings are free. Truth can never be destroyed. Right action creates right results.." -Mark Passio

"Voting is not only our right-it is our power." -Loung Ung

"The eagle will soar again." -From the "Bible"

These great quotes inspired me so much that I created a quote of my own-

"Vote as if your future depends on it which it does!" Becky Arnott

Here is part of a banner on display in downtown Abingdon, Virginia-

"Remember, if you don't vote, you lose the right to complain." -George Carlin

Photograph taken at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa in Abingdon-

Happy Halloween!

Positive thought: "Somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the world." Roald Dahl

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, November 13, 2022, Becky

It's the Most Colorful Time of the Year!

 

Although each of the seasons has its own special kind of beauty, fall seems to be the most colorful time of the year with its vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds which I'll show in this blog post.

Let's begin with our neighbor's cute fall display,

complete, with a fodder shock.

"It is time for a great harvest." -Julie Green, www.jgminternational.org

It's also time for October fall festivals in the mountains of Virginia, like Home Craft Days in Big Stone Gap, from October 21-October 23 which features music, culture, and art.

There is also a fall festival in the mountains of Tennessee, in Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair from October 13-October 30.

Downtown Gatlinburg

Small Business Feature-

A couple of weeks ago, Greg and I met Nick and Lisa for lunch at Greeko's Grill & Cafe in Abingdon, Virginia.

Lisa, Nick, and Greg

This is a great place if you love Greek food, as well as a place for those who prefer good ol' American food options such as cheeseburgers, like Greg does!

FYI- www.getgreekos.com

Happy Columbus Day!

Positive thought: "Always believe something wonderful is about to happen." -Unknown

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 30, 2022, Becky

Some Positive Thoughts and Ideas

 

A new season, colorful fall, is here, and on this post, we'll celebrate its arrival with a few autumn photos, and some positive thoughts and ideas, as well.

I recently heard on local radio about how very important laughter is to your overall well being. An easy way to get laughter into your daily life is to watch something funny on television or on the Internet. Animal videos are especially cute and funny. Personally, Greg and I enjoy our collection of old comedy shows that are on our DVD's.

Remember, "Laughter is the best medicine."- Originated from Proverbs 17:22, the "Bible"

Here are a some positive thoughts from others-

Matthew Ward says, among other words of wisdom, that for beneficial outcomes, have confidence and optimism.- https://www.matthewbooks.com

Julie Green, a modern-day prophet, helps "people stand against adversity when all hope seems lost and know they're not alone." She says that "each of us is special..."- www.jgminternational.org

I'm looking forward to reading a book that I recently ordered, "The Modern Chakra Guide Book" by author Carol Tuttle. This book says that its information should make you "feel balanced and joyful-even with today's world swirling around you." I'm a big fan of Carol Tuttle, so I'm sure her book will be helpful and informative, and even fun!- https.//ct.liveyourtruth.com

Happy Fall Y'all!

Positive thought: "Positivity has more power than you think."- "Woman's World" magazine

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 9, 2022, Becky

The Kitchen at Grace Meadows Farm

 

A few weeks ago, Greg and I got to have an early supper at a really unique, wonderful restaurant, The Kitchen at Grace Meadows Farm in Jonesborough, Tennessee in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Greg, on His Way to the Restaurant

I really liked the country decor,

as well as the family-style, country cooking!

There's plenty of delicious food here,

including a scrumptious dessert of your choice. How about a hot fudge cake!

Greg was one of many satisfied customers.

People were so friendly there. A couple came by our table and asked us what food we got, and we all exchanged info about our food. Everyone we talked with or overheard remarked about the great food, and we decided we'd go back there again since it was such a wonderful experience.

Our waiter, Lane, was very informative and personable, and he suggested that we explore more of the farm before we left.

On our way out, we looked around the gift shop, and I found a unique, small gift to give to someone.

Outside, Greg enjoyed seeing this old farm truck.

I loved the grounds which included this beautiful old fountain with flowers. Grace Meadows Farm is also a wedding venue. I can see why!

After eating all of that delicious food and having a little stroll around the grounds, the rocking chairs and the swing looked very tempting!

One of the reviews about Grace Meadows Farm mentioned that the area scenery reminded the reviewer of a John Constable painting. I would have to agree with that!

FYI-

https://thekitchenatgracemeadows.com

A special tribute to my brother, Nick, who recently celebrated his birthday with family at his home.

United States Flag at Grace Meadows Farm

On this day (9/11) and every day, let's pray for our country and our world, and imagine golden white light overcoming any darkness.

Positive thought: "Stay positive. Better days are on their way."-Unknown

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, September 25, 2022, Becky

 

Special Times with Family

 

August is a special time for Greg and me since it's the month for Greg's birthday and our wedding anniversary. 

We celebrated our special days together, and also with family.

Our anniversary came first, and relatives sent us anniversary emails and even...

pretty flowers with balloons.

Greg also gave me some...

 beautiful, unique anniversary flowers.

We went on a little anniversary trip to Fancy Gap, Virginia where we had a tasty lunch at-

FYI: www.thegapdeli.com

Afterwards, we went to Poor Boys Variety Concrete Store (on Facebook.com) in Cana, Virginia... 

where I got Greg a neat yard statue since he loves gardening and working outside in our yard.

A few days later, it was time to celebrate Greg's birthday. He received nice birthday cards, emails, and gifts. 

We had two very different celebrations. 

One part of our family came to our house...

for a birthday dinner...

complete with cake (and ice cream) for dessert.

The second celebration was at-

The Peppermill (FYI: www.the peppermillnew.com) in Abingdon, Virginia with another part of our family.

Photo of the four of us taken by our wonderful waitress.

Loved the healthy salad!

We then went to our house for...

a birthday cake for Betty and Greg since Betty's birthday is close to Greg's.

We had our refreshments...

in our new gazebo. This was very special for Greg and me since this was the first time that we'd ever gotten to use it. 

We got our unfinished gazebo just a few weeks ago, and Greg and I painted it ourselves, but we're still not quite finished with it. The gazebo was something I'd been wishing for, for a long time. Getting the gazebo is solid evidence that with positive thinking (and a little elbow grease!) dreams can and do come true!

~"Time spent with family is time well spent." -Unknown

After my father passed away, I consulted an excellent psychic who told me that family was important to my father, that family meant everything to him, which comforted me because I had never realized how much he cherished our family.

Now, especially, it's so important to enjoy our time with family and friends, and to remember them, and also our loved ones who have passed away, in our prayers every day.

Special note: Starting in September, I'll be writing mini-blog posts for "The Art of Positive Living" on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Posts for my other blog, "Spirit Photographs," will still be published the third Saturday of each month. With this schedule, I hope to free up some time so I can work on books that I'm planning to publish sometime in the fall of this year. Also, please see the widgets above for information about my current books.

Positive thoughts: "The love of a family is life's greatest blessing." -Eva Burrows

"Family. Like branches on a tree our lives may grow in different directions, but our roots will stay as one." -Unknown

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, September 11, 2022, Becky