tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68621748997353336292024-03-05T22:00:43.097-08:00The Art of Positive LivingBecky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.comBlogger354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-15887241267005588642024-03-03T16:52:00.000-08:002024-03-03T16:52:14.924-08:00"Positive Thoughts and Images"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HLfDoYSev8YVVtFvfq_OIfsWJgTuaORLcd6TiRV19IKm8DPuAFssrYc2hmDY4LJajzdEwWIBaTAPTMIGexsbptiADHc35fGDY468RPUkWUPG6uwqYakePjoj9dof1VS5Mn7-aHS7J4trfEsK6qztxXfBdisI5tXttRG-L3CdTxXS_vKQQzV2RrJGvPE/s3675/IMG_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="3675" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HLfDoYSev8YVVtFvfq_OIfsWJgTuaORLcd6TiRV19IKm8DPuAFssrYc2hmDY4LJajzdEwWIBaTAPTMIGexsbptiADHc35fGDY468RPUkWUPG6uwqYakePjoj9dof1VS5Mn7-aHS7J4trfEsK6qztxXfBdisI5tXttRG-L3CdTxXS_vKQQzV2RrJGvPE/s320/IMG_2160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Especially now, it's good to be as positive as possible. We need to expose ourselves regularly to positive thoughts and images, etc. for a better life.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here are a few photos,* along with quotes, that might help put us in a better frame of mind-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnkm17yTDjM_Ex3_iziO0SY0pFcGdvzQs8RqsBGS4c8cFtrAnomnHMfV4X4l8me6ctcNwgSoP3WjWif2H1mQTCPIPyZFc0xZKJNtxEJSo2HCOuaCHb9mv5W8kbmh2x9AW4gejR7XaCgfPwH-OR8b_jKYxAmfNeoAlgZ4DzVQ2QVRxN5MzOGzc4sF59aU/s2356/015%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1922" data-original-width="2356" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnkm17yTDjM_Ex3_iziO0SY0pFcGdvzQs8RqsBGS4c8cFtrAnomnHMfV4X4l8me6ctcNwgSoP3WjWif2H1mQTCPIPyZFc0xZKJNtxEJSo2HCOuaCHb9mv5W8kbmh2x9AW4gejR7XaCgfPwH-OR8b_jKYxAmfNeoAlgZ4DzVQ2QVRxN5MzOGzc4sF59aU/s320/015%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"Be pawsitive!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRQbhbnivoNgEE9u4I7GP70l3N_lkOiVPkrVYlXZFsan8E3kRr-8MEYvqWdxa4b6Bcr_y6_NoIWXQYcpqACCpgN4bQj6NRb5JWSoFifmM6pKFqm7m4C796oA3jUMD2Oz1Rv0p1mVm6cAoWnRLKha_imZCLJMA6Pjb3sTY-kCAyc2i6HjikuiNbBzmN2k/s2806/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1805" data-original-width="2806" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRQbhbnivoNgEE9u4I7GP70l3N_lkOiVPkrVYlXZFsan8E3kRr-8MEYvqWdxa4b6Bcr_y6_NoIWXQYcpqACCpgN4bQj6NRb5JWSoFifmM6pKFqm7m4C796oA3jUMD2Oz1Rv0p1mVm6cAoWnRLKha_imZCLJMA6Pjb3sTY-kCAyc2i6HjikuiNbBzmN2k/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"Love lives here."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElWoMdSQvlvbKPSVU6hbYMtT3KM9jBVU-wBGiVWdWFUFLeLHkSPlr0iu7Qd963RfpXT3QRxwqhjoCZOCuLpEMUOP_bgAMUP_yJ8QKymPeieFoiTTSpwiClRxEAOzK8IOOIydBxsoJajnce-T71o9j_nNdF6cHYVOoNGcScsPv3SNknmCI7oTAIm8VrJg/s4333/IMG_6702%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3336" data-original-width="4333" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElWoMdSQvlvbKPSVU6hbYMtT3KM9jBVU-wBGiVWdWFUFLeLHkSPlr0iu7Qd963RfpXT3QRxwqhjoCZOCuLpEMUOP_bgAMUP_yJ8QKymPeieFoiTTSpwiClRxEAOzK8IOOIydBxsoJajnce-T71o9j_nNdF6cHYVOoNGcScsPv3SNknmCI7oTAIm8VrJg/s320/IMG_6702%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"Live life in full bloom."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Greg and I enjoy wall calendars with pictures that have quotes. For Christmas, I received a cute animal calendar with quotes, which I love. I gave Greg a famous-artist calendar featuring some of the artist's work, as well as his quotes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Funny videos of animals can put you in a really good mood. Someone recently sent us an email that featured baby monkeys. It was hilarious!</p><p style="text-align: left;">We love the old comedies on TV, and we even have a large collection of old comedies on some of our DVD's.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Also, the Hertz frequency videos on YouTube are supposed to be very healing. The music and images are really beautiful! The different frequencies are supposed to be good for different things.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Special kitty feature-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwZtPWrLjGd11AySLjXFHHIdH4ddLCIkfdq23OWgc5BhNU32fTygtWwgDLhI0p-NDTZuIz5SnS-9d9zLtN1edT7y5z_jLda-mPY6eeomRlCl7qaHZJxUMW9MlHMexyqVGDAaldYIY-2FsZoH-ha2YeP2KC5B1M6eBmk0-hcUewmhg6TPOGodZ3MsLX3k/s3987/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3987" data-original-width="3498" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwZtPWrLjGd11AySLjXFHHIdH4ddLCIkfdq23OWgc5BhNU32fTygtWwgDLhI0p-NDTZuIz5SnS-9d9zLtN1edT7y5z_jLda-mPY6eeomRlCl7qaHZJxUMW9MlHMexyqVGDAaldYIY-2FsZoH-ha2YeP2KC5B1M6eBmk0-hcUewmhg6TPOGodZ3MsLX3k/s320/IMG_2014.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Here's our Mitzi, a few weeks ago, trying to warm herself with a heat duct. She, along with a lot of us, are looking forward to spring, with it's warmer weather. Spring is just a couple of weeks away!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Wishing you a very happy spring, and a happy, pawsitive life, no matter what the season!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought- "Let the sunshine in!"</p><p style="text-align: left;">*All photographs and written words on this, and all blog posts, for both "The Art of Positive Living" and "Spirit Photographs," are under the copyright of Becky Arnott Artist and Becky Arnott Photography.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, April 6, 2024, Becky</p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-56535397107133169632024-02-12T22:31:00.000-08:002024-02-12T22:31:19.192-08:00"Positive Signs"<p> WELCOME!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC7GmbC_Mc3-lYo2ZHjuizJkP4ZVvD9socTkuIZwz_CjqKU7qFleIJo5CV5O7DLWf64NUHlIxczt6yMd9GMuqcyUAPXy7bg3tXK3okwwQUwSR1bV4R7VoBT2H2NAmhiQCw_iZHlszxPriU9dY9-8JBn8C6mgabtg9pK_FKg_smEJ0l-xckir1T1VnGAo/s5152/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC7GmbC_Mc3-lYo2ZHjuizJkP4ZVvD9socTkuIZwz_CjqKU7qFleIJo5CV5O7DLWf64NUHlIxczt6yMd9GMuqcyUAPXy7bg3tXK3okwwQUwSR1bV4R7VoBT2H2NAmhiQCw_iZHlszxPriU9dY9-8JBn8C6mgabtg9pK_FKg_smEJ0l-xckir1T1VnGAo/s320/IMG_2077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">(All photographs and text on this blog are under the copywrite of Becky Arnott Photography and Becky Arnott Artist.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">I am so glad to be back, writing my monthly blog post. I've had technical difficulties for over a week so I was unable to post until now. I really appreciate your understanding!</p><p style="text-align: left;">This blog post was inspired by the large sign which is outside of each of Pal's Sudden Service restaurants. (Pal's is a local drive-thru restaurant chain in Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. They feature such tasty items as Chili Buns and Frenchie Fries.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4acPwf08Ss048cG4QecDd2BnlEdFj9TqnMSkgcN6p_ihhAnUSKXIQEoaISaJ-xD3j9rXxxdf-a36jLpFk0t6T3Q6H18ppe_IJhdugLOVLv2yub9Lvb1RUfHLcYJasa3ZJeU7yiD2xNhQCEWqCEAmzJQyq-V4x7zzEF7m1m7aiDzvAIACALklMVrB_Xxc/s3491/IMG_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3491" data-original-width="3386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4acPwf08Ss048cG4QecDd2BnlEdFj9TqnMSkgcN6p_ihhAnUSKXIQEoaISaJ-xD3j9rXxxdf-a36jLpFk0t6T3Q6H18ppe_IJhdugLOVLv2yub9Lvb1RUfHLcYJasa3ZJeU7yiD2xNhQCEWqCEAmzJQyq-V4x7zzEF7m1m7aiDzvAIACALklMVrB_Xxc/s320/IMG_2051.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Pal's changes the messages on the signs daily.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I've often wondered what life would be like if you followed the suggestions on their signs every day. I betcha our lives would be a lot more positive since the messages are always so positive!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I thought that for this post, I'd come up with some ideas of my own for messages that are similar to those that Pal's might put on their signs.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here they are-</p><p style="text-align: left;">~TAKE YOUR DOG FOR A WALK~</p><p style="text-align: left;">Recently, Greg and I got a carry-out from a local restaurant in Kingsport, Tennessee. We took our lunch to a nearby park where we had a fun picnic in our car.</p><p style="text-align: left;">While there, we went for a walk since it was warm (around 60 degrees) for this time of year. While on our walk, I took pictures, as usual. We noticed that a few people were walking their dogs.</p><p style="text-align: left;">One dog was particularly interesting since part of the fur on top of its head was dyed red. It's personable owner, Brittany, gave me permission to put its picture on my blog post, and here it is-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesIiwz5no_aJpWTiWJF2A6Fd338larVyN7s1I_5M8hm4D5bQvslG7K4ngXw_ZPSAIuqjFEnECfZSqe2UurDd9xOE91Fs-wF8QjxiV82JruHs3WW9MksxDTesUrl3NxKNd9XZeUCB2bmJVtGYq_fiV9Zr5sO51_9eyLZPZvmCg0lR5VhXnzCpIZ_PiM40/s5152/IMG_2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesIiwz5no_aJpWTiWJF2A6Fd338larVyN7s1I_5M8hm4D5bQvslG7K4ngXw_ZPSAIuqjFEnECfZSqe2UurDd9xOE91Fs-wF8QjxiV82JruHs3WW9MksxDTesUrl3NxKNd9XZeUCB2bmJVtGYq_fiV9Zr5sO51_9eyLZPZvmCg0lR5VhXnzCpIZ_PiM40/s320/IMG_2030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Boone, with Brittany</p><p style="text-align: left;">Boone got his name from beautiful Boone Lake which is a TVA reservoir located in upper East Tennessee.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~EAT LOCALLY~</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here's a new restaurant, Hen House, inside the new business, The Commons, located in Abingdon, Virginia-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAiZiNJx0hleia9EU5KW3pEix3c5fCw0_gN6nsH02R9oWnjasy8ybqp4a3N2g35Jmm0qdVUVMjc6Miy0lQHEG49uTztKyFQ-fjP2Y3yZN9WJ2UTa6QYYLb8JQHjevJ7uxRQVicGBAd8uNP2sdGDsmFukrq5XQOnzCyqBGWJv0OcyQyi2RsH_R4gW2aDY/s5152/IMG_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAiZiNJx0hleia9EU5KW3pEix3c5fCw0_gN6nsH02R9oWnjasy8ybqp4a3N2g35Jmm0qdVUVMjc6Miy0lQHEG49uTztKyFQ-fjP2Y3yZN9WJ2UTa6QYYLb8JQHjevJ7uxRQVicGBAd8uNP2sdGDsmFukrq5XQOnzCyqBGWJv0OcyQyi2RsH_R4gW2aDY/s320/IMG_2042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's a farm-to-table restaurant that has wholesome tasty food from local sources.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0ZBbC4jQU-aX6C11ZCP75r1oQSPVHkz_yWAHOtmrr2-kNYPjaMINpEH-SNHltG3El4BF1ZYHa0qO8gTzL-kZ19Y4UOIZOTs-EzsnD3s6LOpJiflNL6EnWiJK1efR1fLXEOnR8xsdB2Lo_PrhDP51SgQCpQtVHMzKg_AYZdtW9fEsDrM-cRuVH20nNjA/s5152/IMG_2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0ZBbC4jQU-aX6C11ZCP75r1oQSPVHkz_yWAHOtmrr2-kNYPjaMINpEH-SNHltG3El4BF1ZYHa0qO8gTzL-kZ19Y4UOIZOTs-EzsnD3s6LOpJiflNL6EnWiJK1efR1fLXEOnR8xsdB2Lo_PrhDP51SgQCpQtVHMzKg_AYZdtW9fEsDrM-cRuVH20nNjA/s320/IMG_2046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Greg and I both had the cheese sandwich which was absolutely delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>~VENTURE OUTSIDE THE BOX~</div><div><br /></div><div>It's exciting and fun to occasionally step outside your comfort zone, and do something a little different, like-</div><div><br /></div><div>-Read a book that is a little way-out-there, like a book that prolific author, David Icke, has written. His latest intriguing book is "The Dream." You'll probably never look at life the same after reading that one!</div><div>-Laten to late-night radio and/or visit a great paranormal news show website, www.coasttocoastam.com for some mind-boggling stories.</div><div><br /></div><div>~BELIEVE IN YOURSELF~</div><div><br /></div><div>(Love this one!)- "Believe in yourself even if no one else does." -Bigfoot</div><div><br /></div><div>~PAY SOMEONE A COMPLIMENT~</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems that paying other people a compliment is not done that much anymore. A few weeks ago, a woman I met by chance gave me a really nice compliment about my hair which made me feel really good. Now, I'm trying to give sincere compliments to other people to help them feel good about themselves. How wonderful it would be if we could all do this every day. We just might help change the world for the better, one compliment at a time!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp17YtDZxv_1j6EAWy0nevREyD-GJng6rzbdIJeQ7F-_40CNdl6F8dmxMP-hkgQOatczjco7MwJYA6s4rZRPd3IibIc8CIsboZcap0qLzYYgeQIAYxCCabCctvF3UJO_McoS4viZkEbtjunAs7dlIinxpEiyARqO9ISiYzF4YPXJMFqS3J9wIRYbl00Y/s5152/IMG_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp17YtDZxv_1j6EAWy0nevREyD-GJng6rzbdIJeQ7F-_40CNdl6F8dmxMP-hkgQOatczjco7MwJYA6s4rZRPd3IibIc8CIsboZcap0qLzYYgeQIAYxCCabCctvF3UJO_McoS4viZkEbtjunAs7dlIinxpEiyARqO9ISiYzF4YPXJMFqS3J9wIRYbl00Y/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Positive thought- "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."-Hamilton Wright Mabie<div>Thanks for visiting! Until (Hopefully!) Saturday, March 2, 2024, Becky<br /><div><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div></div>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-46271353088748138492024-01-07T21:29:00.000-08:002024-01-07T21:29:15.550-08:00"Some Thoughts About Christmas Past, and the New Year"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4ROi0sA_vMWK0Q0-Qg0LFYErJba9KApbWDo71bzeIRG2U3YwFD8sfzqh2lmvDeNtQ8tdeONjrBuxnr0MEZgsGy_YInEVripnOQ7YWmNmaS2S06S9-_X8y03NtlKU0I8WzjW4dQ6jzosTxyPtkYa4BoyhK0dAEEWFY2KQoASqEjtR7l1BF-GH48Zwyv0/s5152/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4ROi0sA_vMWK0Q0-Qg0LFYErJba9KApbWDo71bzeIRG2U3YwFD8sfzqh2lmvDeNtQ8tdeONjrBuxnr0MEZgsGy_YInEVripnOQ7YWmNmaS2S06S9-_X8y03NtlKU0I8WzjW4dQ6jzosTxyPtkYa4BoyhK0dAEEWFY2KQoASqEjtR7l1BF-GH48Zwyv0/s320/IMG_1797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have some thoughts about this past Christmas, as well as about the new year.</p><p>In my last "The Art of Positive Living" blog post on Sunday, December 3, 2023, I discussed the spirit of Christmas. I mentioned several things that the spirit of Christmas could be, but there's another important one that I should have mentioned, but didn't, and that was-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEt7TT-Xj-3_0WYuIni8odIcVPCHvAAOhqMNucXhdjxeDruW656Cd542JezsABr-eoZuEpM2gmiBfhHNRN-E0zJhcthRZIHGblrGFnyotfhwO_ZsXFYBVacOop6PKTI46dKDZpP2RFp2l-bU4wIZtpTnIobHdDf2Wv5BzGqEdO1FaZXlCTD5n5mirC90/s4898/IMG_3967%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="4898" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEt7TT-Xj-3_0WYuIni8odIcVPCHvAAOhqMNucXhdjxeDruW656Cd542JezsABr-eoZuEpM2gmiBfhHNRN-E0zJhcthRZIHGblrGFnyotfhwO_ZsXFYBVacOop6PKTI46dKDZpP2RFp2l-bU4wIZtpTnIobHdDf2Wv5BzGqEdO1FaZXlCTD5n5mirC90/s320/IMG_3967%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">music!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Around the first of December, I was really busy painting portraits and making coal jewelry, as well as doing the usual pre-Christmas activities, so much so that I just didn't have that spirit-of-Christmas feeling, until I was shopping in one store where I heard a beautiful song over the store's sound system, with the words, "That's Christmas to me." I researched those words, and I found out that the song was sung by a group that was new to me, Pentatonix. I also discovered that besides Christmas songs, they sing other types of songs, as well. So now, I'm a yearlong fan!</p><p style="text-align: left;">So, music is another great way to get yourself into the spirit of Christmas.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thankfully, most of us have a relatively merry Christmas with family and/or friends, with Christmas cards, holiday gatherings, and various other holiday activities, but for some, the Christmas/New Year's holidays are not so happy, especially if a loved one has passed away during that time. In that case, Dr. Laura Koniver has the answer for depression, sorrow, and anxiety, etc., for then, as well as for any time of the year. (See www.intuition-physician.com for more information.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">For 2024, I started thinking about a quote that I really like, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" (Dr. Seuss) The truth is that we are all unique individuals, and we should just try to be ourselves, to be who God created us to be, instead of trying to be like everyone else.</p><p style="text-align: left;">For example, just because everyone else is wearing black tights, doesn't mean that is necessarily right for us. Instead, dress however you like; wear whatever suits you; don't try to be a carbon copy of everyone else.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Also, don't go along with the crowd on even more important matters. We need to decide if the path we're taking is the right one. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm still working on several New Year's resolutions. I'm devoting one week for each one. For example, Greg and I tend to be workaholics, and we need to get more sleep, so we worked on a plan to get in bed 15 minutes earlier each night until we reach our target time. Another week, we're working to incorporate more fun into our lives. We've made out a fun-list of things to do and places to go, to just have fun! Sounds like a plan!</p><p style="text-align: left;">What positive changes would you like to see in your life?</p><p style="text-align: left;">~Cute pet feature-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kNRB2zT6nVTfIFxpDpKUWvlNl1iQ-rn8Qlu1O3Mzu2_W28TUDmyeJ-rQpHJaPLmlUJQlc-tXr3jIsNmtZayYgQJOBvwcVXYTm1KJLGSjDaE2s0YmRzMyFY-y_IekuVOX8nJo1SL39y4HUNEUw8UdOglkmN0NoGeFYa2SWOOEEfRC_iMe0UIdEx9saQ8/s4708/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2994" data-original-width="4708" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kNRB2zT6nVTfIFxpDpKUWvlNl1iQ-rn8Qlu1O3Mzu2_W28TUDmyeJ-rQpHJaPLmlUJQlc-tXr3jIsNmtZayYgQJOBvwcVXYTm1KJLGSjDaE2s0YmRzMyFY-y_IekuVOX8nJo1SL39y4HUNEUw8UdOglkmN0NoGeFYa2SWOOEEfRC_iMe0UIdEx9saQ8/s320/IMG_1420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">This doggie (above) is all ready to go-"2024, here I come!" (Are you ready to go, too?)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?" -John Steinbeck</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, February 3, 2024, Becky</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-13980309586284435682023-12-03T22:04:00.000-08:002023-12-03T23:06:13.244-08:00"The Spirit of Christmas"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5KhAqedVnehUjLCwA6K7vRJAt5j2aT7gvuwTZn9JoKvsTBzu0iKjAkisIm2RCoGHXFINp5XweId63SG7Kn2AlWBzWyYWsWpumBem8I7FQfwKLVzJd7GU349dM-w5kycG1qmz36zLCj9Pby_ltyooAXq777GcfMspXtMYeZh9cIq_OHIxl3oad16EyEQ/s4902/IMG_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4902" data-original-width="3824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5KhAqedVnehUjLCwA6K7vRJAt5j2aT7gvuwTZn9JoKvsTBzu0iKjAkisIm2RCoGHXFINp5XweId63SG7Kn2AlWBzWyYWsWpumBem8I7FQfwKLVzJd7GU349dM-w5kycG1qmz36zLCj9Pby_ltyooAXq777GcfMspXtMYeZh9cIq_OHIxl3oad16EyEQ/s320/IMG_1568.JPG" width="250" /></a></div><p>It's that time of year again, and for many people, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." (From a song by Andy Williams) What makes it so wonderful?</p><p>It could be because of the spirit of Christmas! What is the spirit of Christmas?</p><p>Is it the decorations?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3ufAczSO5OfBi15mo3v9fHPhTpkSjnbbJptgjNvZ_AwOzgbUTCXtZz51c6n9u9UBDcqgUvsGSRHTRo379fl89ZEoEF4V9Xpwk-5jGshIcPwh90-Yh1n7uiLMMh8FaH45EbpGif0Ap0pdLrBQVcXK9EqWYNj3zOKctykD5pMo3EO2Sh4UA_rkU-1fzJs/s1370/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1370" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3ufAczSO5OfBi15mo3v9fHPhTpkSjnbbJptgjNvZ_AwOzgbUTCXtZz51c6n9u9UBDcqgUvsGSRHTRo379fl89ZEoEF4V9Xpwk-5jGshIcPwh90-Yh1n7uiLMMh8FaH45EbpGif0Ap0pdLrBQVcXK9EqWYNj3zOKctykD5pMo3EO2Sh4UA_rkU-1fzJs/s320/IMG_1558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We often enjoy reading Pal's thought of the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHU6ukr4UFMB4fUYkfqKTbYk4iouO2otrcPCarnjPJe6jl5iBFZ5j3QSJBaJqh86JIwrninm-MeYwK9O77HvLkgCSP_sAj-RvKii1u7421mo2xw9jyRVtXgt1FFWHLV1xaQJ7TG3O93znjXscNJ6SlZ7nrU5b3fnDw92aYSoXW3Zi0MFOCEBFWjYySPU/s4929/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="4929" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHU6ukr4UFMB4fUYkfqKTbYk4iouO2otrcPCarnjPJe6jl5iBFZ5j3QSJBaJqh86JIwrninm-MeYwK9O77HvLkgCSP_sAj-RvKii1u7421mo2xw9jyRVtXgt1FFWHLV1xaQJ7TG3O93znjXscNJ6SlZ7nrU5b3fnDw92aYSoXW3Zi0MFOCEBFWjYySPU/s320/IMG_1555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">There are several colorful decorated trees outside the welcome center in historic Abingdon, Virginia.</p><p>Is the spirit of Christmas fellowship?</p><p>Going with others to the world-famous Barter Theatre in Abingdon...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CKXTFZ2mdPUuaKa-w3Dn5lAU6G8kIQwkJOn58m-vU8iX1Sh0OyRJAQ2re6RMIhoFYEkczp9J_xe9a4-ZDooaPiyMkDBDuy0RWhKGGtkS9y4iC0h0avqYAQR8HudjGub-LUBFIsP2wXCehW-CWRlthCp7MqI83ItPp1TKTCeTcodt1DvWzOIz3AQwVfw/s3560/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2734" data-original-width="3560" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CKXTFZ2mdPUuaKa-w3Dn5lAU6G8kIQwkJOn58m-vU8iX1Sh0OyRJAQ2re6RMIhoFYEkczp9J_xe9a4-ZDooaPiyMkDBDuy0RWhKGGtkS9y4iC0h0avqYAQR8HudjGub-LUBFIsP2wXCehW-CWRlthCp7MqI83ItPp1TKTCeTcodt1DvWzOIz3AQwVfw/s320/IMG_1559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="text-align: center;">to see a Christmas play is a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Also, many people enjoy having a Christmas meal or refreshments with loved ones- </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorLSzZp0tB0PzWvRROHUT4y_qK6Em1FPV96H6-RTv0K9ZOtnkrDUfTuLo3uNofLL4CR8gzSUaQ7lZR8FglpcuQGnSYA_NLklyfi-HJ_PZmlQkMXQmbxcBRKnqo1iRHTEY4Pwd4w3OGBEQ8ntrq6qe1OByT-eSC8mR5A-x7uJzQlCl_OGKM3I0ZtBpEdw/s2848/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1949" data-original-width="2848" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorLSzZp0tB0PzWvRROHUT4y_qK6Em1FPV96H6-RTv0K9ZOtnkrDUfTuLo3uNofLL4CR8gzSUaQ7lZR8FglpcuQGnSYA_NLklyfi-HJ_PZmlQkMXQmbxcBRKnqo1iRHTEY4Pwd4w3OGBEQ8ntrq6qe1OByT-eSC8mR5A-x7uJzQlCl_OGKM3I0ZtBpEdw/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">Most people like to give gifts at Christmas-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySZT_w1cJ4qwGLkvLinqfIJbFxMyfI3ObhR_3UcQtOJlraUQ42JtSy5NIfgPmUxri1woj5DrnfQsIN90bSIuWLFQ87tqdUzbB5VjjBUEBdG3NsKO-Rx01759RZdYSrjD1rmAvGv7PI8TE4NURxrN9XzhH3obamnWAaSNj0GTKC8WzBKAskUOexpmYIJA/s5152/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySZT_w1cJ4qwGLkvLinqfIJbFxMyfI3ObhR_3UcQtOJlraUQ42JtSy5NIfgPmUxri1woj5DrnfQsIN90bSIuWLFQ87tqdUzbB5VjjBUEBdG3NsKO-Rx01759RZdYSrjD1rmAvGv7PI8TE4NURxrN9XzhH3obamnWAaSNj0GTKC8WzBKAskUOexpmYIJA/s320/IMG_2619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">These gifts don't need to be expensive. The Antique Barn in Abingdon, for example, has really nice gifts for really great prices! You could give gifts that you make yourself. You could give people something that you already have that you don't need. I have received gifts that are family heirlooms, which I really cherish. You could give someone a gift of your time, like organizing a closet for them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">When it comes to giving to charities, we're always careful since they are not always honest. We mostly give locally. We give food and other pet supplies to our local animal shelter which is run by the sheriff's department.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The decorations, fellowship, sharing and giving are a large part of Christmas, but, of course, without Jesus, the Christ Child, there would be no spirit of Christmas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPvsGUVDZpEzCjn4rKCL0BcHbM8hv25q5CZhFFGRmHi8Z1vMRc508CsGTQ52gVNFZV4M__DzL0z-DRHy3nc3rywCEuuc0iK6Nu4RSXsXuLVdw03L6KOpPYLC2rLRzvWk5vF7RgyBliFrlyw6iEgjdgNRMAe_9R5loXA1l4I2Vs8OSYh60E7PLZbayiuE/s2848/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="2848" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPvsGUVDZpEzCjn4rKCL0BcHbM8hv25q5CZhFFGRmHi8Z1vMRc508CsGTQ52gVNFZV4M__DzL0z-DRHy3nc3rywCEuuc0iK6Nu4RSXsXuLVdw03L6KOpPYLC2rLRzvWk5vF7RgyBliFrlyw6iEgjdgNRMAe_9R5loXA1l4I2Vs8OSYh60E7PLZbayiuE/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">And, because of Jesus, we can conclude that, the true spirit of Christmas is love.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Infinite Love Is the Only Truth: Everything Else Is Illusion" -David Icke</p><p style="text-align: left;">"May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path." -Holy Hope</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsmaaCEb9gBPnBphH2hJG_1X5_WBfUf3kvy9qT347FI2FKT6SDctSY3L1-2a3hyphenhyphen0_y1oBGQ6d2G9pH7Eb2LLTyHomf6h5WOTLE1tGkyuMcFbLVfGaArysKuq6OBn8_0jK-lJ06SJvPX7FIRIYI8rkdrI8zPADphLwMkHZy5DnwyMQMtky0EpbX5jX7i8/s4608/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsmaaCEb9gBPnBphH2hJG_1X5_WBfUf3kvy9qT347FI2FKT6SDctSY3L1-2a3hyphenhyphen0_y1oBGQ6d2G9pH7Eb2LLTyHomf6h5WOTLE1tGkyuMcFbLVfGaArysKuq6OBn8_0jK-lJ06SJvPX7FIRIYI8rkdrI8zPADphLwMkHZy5DnwyMQMtky0EpbX5jX7i8/s320/IMG_1066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Wishing you a very Merry Christmas-From Our Home to Yours</p><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "For it is in giving that we receive" -Saint Francis of Assisi</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, January 6, 2024, Becky</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></span><p></p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-34009008902119178772023-11-11T19:49:00.000-08:002023-11-11T19:49:46.396-08:00"The Importance of Being Thankful"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEowtDqXSRs2qXfnCoGzm0fEGlJo3DWYH6h6-jZBWR5vTrSwhKp-DxoEvrpdiaSbaI4ll5SwtxHGZG0ZQ-Hh2t2hDpFX8M0Kmsvlg6Sj-2_6vh6CHgx5QknOvajBZW9HtvEqLBSfaDlAB_Gd_HWLNcIvjowtEEyFiQsRmnF_kb-9_O9s46sNdAH24aV8/s4276/IMG_9130%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="4276" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEowtDqXSRs2qXfnCoGzm0fEGlJo3DWYH6h6-jZBWR5vTrSwhKp-DxoEvrpdiaSbaI4ll5SwtxHGZG0ZQ-Hh2t2hDpFX8M0Kmsvlg6Sj-2_6vh6CHgx5QknOvajBZW9HtvEqLBSfaDlAB_Gd_HWLNcIvjowtEEyFiQsRmnF_kb-9_O9s46sNdAH24aV8/s320/IMG_9130%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, I started thinking more about the importance of being thankful. Especially during this time of year, I like to contemplate the things in my life for which I am truly grateful. </p><p>One thing that I am feeling thankful for right now is that I'm finally getting to write this blog post! I'm running a bit late with my post since I've been working on a pet portrait which was due yesterday. Just in the nick of time, I finally finished it! It must have been okay, since the ones who commissioned the portrait seemed to love it! Happy! Thankful!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X6vm5Qx4aCQIGYSgbD0L4VLjLYR-QhPOUs25vrQATXkZM8YnaUiANP8EajMKaDXmWYejUUNxW-HR7hW7_zx6t1hILaVqjxyC4xOMkfPz9uJvLDSAARt0mM-a3AfXH4S7bRBV4U4afAz1iYoAE-XEndEjJPmmxE0nhENHaoQJOk8F_3GtMO7oGj1Tkxk/s4553/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3525" data-original-width="4553" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X6vm5Qx4aCQIGYSgbD0L4VLjLYR-QhPOUs25vrQATXkZM8YnaUiANP8EajMKaDXmWYejUUNxW-HR7hW7_zx6t1hILaVqjxyC4xOMkfPz9uJvLDSAARt0mM-a3AfXH4S7bRBV4U4afAz1iYoAE-XEndEjJPmmxE0nhENHaoQJOk8F_3GtMO7oGj1Tkxk/s320/IMG_1488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Pastel Portrait of Cute Dog</p><p style="text-align: left;">I even have a thankful journal that I write in at the end of every day. My journal entries range from simple things like being thankful for a beautiful, sunny day or being thankful that I am still able make some calculations using a pencil and paper (I can cypher like Jethro who often does cyphering on one of our favorite television shows, "The Beverly Hillbillies," a '60's American sitcom.) instead of using a calculator.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In my journal, I write about important things, too, like being thankful that the vet's less-than-positive diagnosis for one of our beloved cats has changed- We researched healing our cat. We even contacted a psychic who is a reiki master that did long-distance reiki on her. Greg, who is a natural healer, continues healing her periodically. In addition, we contacted the prayer group at Julie Green Ministries to pray for our fur baby. (FYI- www.jgminternational.org ) </p><p style="text-align: left;">Doing all of the above seems to be working because she has made a remarkable recovery for which we are truly grateful! (The power of prayer, positive thinking and doing, and being thankful for her healing all worked together for a positive outcome.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">For a better life, author Eldon Taylor says to say, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." and to smile.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Being thankful is really important since it opens the door for even more wonderful things to come into our lives. In fact, you can be thankful in advance for things you hope to manifest in your life!</p><p style="text-align: left;">We have a pretty painting of a colorful arrangement of vegetables that my father, Bill Botts, did when he first started painting. It hangs in our kitchen, along with a plaque above it, with the word "thankful." These are colorful, everyday reminders for us to always be thankful for our blessings, not just one day a year, but all year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GZDZg0-0h3soQtj1gW1_GXxqWbrw9bVOoMAj_-M8Xbar8jwHwMrcJOzUtl5LVIownrX7zUGIxO4y4hJDtXofsxTU3um4RkWqpF8nzDVQVBfdMkcl_g8b6ZRMQDTdhUpF5Zgf6h54bbjbPtOMekJNcwweXkAPzVTvLrEmwzpG30FCmjXu2tTarPnG39Y/s2570/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2570" data-original-width="2289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GZDZg0-0h3soQtj1gW1_GXxqWbrw9bVOoMAj_-M8Xbar8jwHwMrcJOzUtl5LVIownrX7zUGIxO4y4hJDtXofsxTU3um4RkWqpF8nzDVQVBfdMkcl_g8b6ZRMQDTdhUpF5Zgf6h54bbjbPtOMekJNcwweXkAPzVTvLrEmwzpG30FCmjXu2tTarPnG39Y/s320/IMG_1455.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving!</p><p>For a positive memoir about living life in Southern Appalachia, check out Becky's book, "Down Memory Lane" which is on Amazon in both the Kindle and paperback versions. For more information, please see the widget above.</p><p>Positive thought: "Try to stay positive, and thankful, and believe that things will get better!" -Becky Arnott</p><p>Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, December 2, 2023, Becky</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-45854656647992713482023-10-08T13:46:00.000-07:002023-10-08T13:46:19.504-07:00"Happy Fall!"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOWNnYQxVxKrRVbVAA9l5x19V9qa4IAD_waUqmVlC8iIQGzqebIB-Vv7is-ZCSa7drOaYjbiB8MPG8PS_P5U9CY2jJS01nAPlVmo683YAlX7J9IWlQBWXgM5OucxZ3ahIfAtos-0RgyjczFVAyPunMvBxeyUEgn0MnLgoDaDakrlzrJWBO1Shqlh_Nc8/s4369/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4369" data-original-width="3073" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOWNnYQxVxKrRVbVAA9l5x19V9qa4IAD_waUqmVlC8iIQGzqebIB-Vv7is-ZCSa7drOaYjbiB8MPG8PS_P5U9CY2jJS01nAPlVmo683YAlX7J9IWlQBWXgM5OucxZ3ahIfAtos-0RgyjczFVAyPunMvBxeyUEgn0MnLgoDaDakrlzrJWBO1Shqlh_Nc8/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I really love early fall, with all of the beautiful bright colors of the season.</p><p>~"When autumn moves with silent step across the summer scene, she weaves a vivid fabric to cover the woodland green. Over the quiet countryside, in glorious array, over the field and meadow, she spreads her bright display." -From "The Pageantry of Autumn" by Alexa Kirsten</p><p>There are, of course, colorful leaves on the trees-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhUo6kdxFHyeGDI1X1mqdu34xA_FS1yILf9XfGYT0XmiKvXrTLnLXhwftDUlLzofRxRi7mqZUu6Hg232vXIDSiZr0axEr1gTeQRIgSbtlzw43HIi1mOC9RceCwyEZxoNvTkNEq3Vpq5qoAuXmc4vJGl0hsWUby4io2W1TF2yENf2Xs-n2XBMZwNPJqmc/s4406/IMG_7008%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2968" data-original-width="4406" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhUo6kdxFHyeGDI1X1mqdu34xA_FS1yILf9XfGYT0XmiKvXrTLnLXhwftDUlLzofRxRi7mqZUu6Hg232vXIDSiZr0axEr1gTeQRIgSbtlzw43HIi1mOC9RceCwyEZxoNvTkNEq3Vpq5qoAuXmc4vJGl0hsWUby4io2W1TF2yENf2Xs-n2XBMZwNPJqmc/s320/IMG_7008%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>and brightly colored flowers in people's yards and beside the road-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh7fnDk4X42gpucWZCMJP5JHTdJDIj5G92V2dF8VesCSS5HSHb9QjrZhfeGYfbDFM_cAWUDDO_jx4hdTQJXHllRRcVehMkub33wa8UqLwk6Y-XMpfHHX42mQ1ouVjfItdv5BMAJgV83IL5Cc_L3PblxohziAY8mx9xgLZlBFO7ZYJRrVvdt5JuNAzWB0/s4909/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2109" data-original-width="4909" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh7fnDk4X42gpucWZCMJP5JHTdJDIj5G92V2dF8VesCSS5HSHb9QjrZhfeGYfbDFM_cAWUDDO_jx4hdTQJXHllRRcVehMkub33wa8UqLwk6Y-XMpfHHX42mQ1ouVjfItdv5BMAJgV83IL5Cc_L3PblxohziAY8mx9xgLZlBFO7ZYJRrVvdt5JuNAzWB0/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Colorful produce greets you outside your grocery store or roadside stand-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtlZLCPftIOzpTvaJNMEGzzV2FSrf-21FOZnzqJt-H-Ym2TzPY2C4gek_ubHmsEmOFvHBxWIx2sdYLitf4FAmzmAodBzt3-6vJrww-mw1wHL9_hC6i27icSRkMiJMO1jxULX_AmM4y28f7AEKw_v5e6KDqLLtnaSnFkbjk55Jnzpz3-VGcT1dOiMcVvQ/s4350/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3285" data-original-width="4350" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtlZLCPftIOzpTvaJNMEGzzV2FSrf-21FOZnzqJt-H-Ym2TzPY2C4gek_ubHmsEmOFvHBxWIx2sdYLitf4FAmzmAodBzt3-6vJrww-mw1wHL9_hC6i27icSRkMiJMO1jxULX_AmM4y28f7AEKw_v5e6KDqLLtnaSnFkbjk55Jnzpz3-VGcT1dOiMcVvQ/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>All of these cheerful colors-the reds, oranges, and yellows, can help us feel happier. </p><p>Also, this can be a great time to walk, in a park, or even your own back yard. Did you know that walking can actually "reduce negative thoughts and boost self-esteem"? -From Farm Bureau</p><p>Just recently, Greg and I visited Jonesborough, Tennessee which is about an hour from where we live. There, we met two of Greg's family members at The Black Olive for a delicious lunch-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsJ0x9MpdASazDQso6Gl5TBvAECLsN7xrleYu8_BPUHa5W9Yx-sed_l0cY1RznenC_xP4kE87_2X5HJBuM8ZgLQxeaO1Zwr680qaZpbXkugOD83XgZy1CJeL8T5nCaaDgrZkoUIsRE_h3-9JInyiT73D18bFJE63Cr3WYAHzCjEX-71PbMXpZTbKCK_8/s5152/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsJ0x9MpdASazDQso6Gl5TBvAECLsN7xrleYu8_BPUHa5W9Yx-sed_l0cY1RznenC_xP4kE87_2X5HJBuM8ZgLQxeaO1Zwr680qaZpbXkugOD83XgZy1CJeL8T5nCaaDgrZkoUIsRE_h3-9JInyiT73D18bFJE63Cr3WYAHzCjEX-71PbMXpZTbKCK_8/s320/IMG_1229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Cheese Calzone</p><p>FYI-</p><p>The Black Olive, Jonesborough, Tennessee </p><p>https://theblackolivetn.com</p>Then, we got to enjoy a really entertaining storyteller at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough. The storyteller was Donald Davis who was from Western North Carolina. (Our relatives that went with us are from that same area.) He made us laugh, and, of course, laughter is good for us all. It can be very healing, and make us happier!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRXR6zKcaZ1BNiLLUYXl8QRVXFfZ1e_7ILcRqCAxoGemCbi3RUL2S8LaJ2QH3FgA8KX0Tn5ExciRyGn7_vpawEK5FPIMkl6Ap43pJoINX-wruv0NGwtobACZLeuNlJHtqaKlik87h3JLPEwGhRl7ySMz45cqUdparP6JOSR9nitoWN9N55FvvbJT-zAY/s4816/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3612" data-original-width="4816" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRXR6zKcaZ1BNiLLUYXl8QRVXFfZ1e_7ILcRqCAxoGemCbi3RUL2S8LaJ2QH3FgA8KX0Tn5ExciRyGn7_vpawEK5FPIMkl6Ap43pJoINX-wruv0NGwtobACZLeuNlJHtqaKlik87h3JLPEwGhRl7ySMz45cqUdparP6JOSR9nitoWN9N55FvvbJT-zAY/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Colorful Fall Decorations Outside the International Storytelling Center</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">FYI-</div><div style="text-align: left;">International Storytelling Center</div><div style="text-align: left;">https://www.storytellingcenter.net</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Of course, we don't have to go out somewhere to laugh and feel happier. We can watch funny TV shows on television, watch funny DVD's, or funny videos on the Internet. We can even read funny stories in books, etc.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~"People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Outside the Crystal Raven store in Jonesborough-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeRS8LdwqrgvTocgjnwj-2sDqXRwCqIKZgf-Whr84xHu-0mbeM4nGlX8xQNO4R7xR_RNh_NG6cuDnioGWPYEPBeCQtEuuPYKM9b2GYY6JgT0NXvHT3CUm4Yt7TVtKUKf8WL4mUkCnVVrrbkm5jk8lWQsaToPiU4iJXV7iL7mQ_CxNRU0Wpuyhph5xo-w/s4889/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3009" data-original-width="4889" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeRS8LdwqrgvTocgjnwj-2sDqXRwCqIKZgf-Whr84xHu-0mbeM4nGlX8xQNO4R7xR_RNh_NG6cuDnioGWPYEPBeCQtEuuPYKM9b2GYY6JgT0NXvHT3CUm4Yt7TVtKUKf8WL4mUkCnVVrrbkm5jk8lWQsaToPiU4iJXV7iL7mQ_CxNRU0Wpuyhph5xo-w/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Fall, Y'all</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~Recommended Reading- "Down Memory Lane" by Becky Arnott. "Down Memory Lane" is a true nostalgic memoir about growing up and growing older in Southern Appalachia. It is on Amazon in both the Kindle and paperback versions. Please see the widget above for more information.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Positive thoughts: "Who will remember that skies are gray if he carries a happy heart all day." -Author Unknown, and, "You happy up the world. The world thanks you." -Cheryl Gaines, Hallmark Writer</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, November 4, 2023, Becky</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-15354508593037563692023-09-03T21:56:00.001-07:002023-09-03T21:56:48.505-07:00Celebrating and Having Fun!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W7Y0wYZ5zi8v50GHVb_n4DMuybRW-mgKk1taUOYfkfqnEN9DnP8TUGf61j8Sx9K1K96npch4jPhMUH52SEHRxyryZsYMd6tmNmazCvaZ4vjYOnICMY2kdYzGwSSnHmBc0Zmv3KcP3hz11PzfWtxV1CEha9wmmGqMl40oyr3nd3fDovCW9pbqzdCsUps/s1301/IMG_9864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1301" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W7Y0wYZ5zi8v50GHVb_n4DMuybRW-mgKk1taUOYfkfqnEN9DnP8TUGf61j8Sx9K1K96npch4jPhMUH52SEHRxyryZsYMd6tmNmazCvaZ4vjYOnICMY2kdYzGwSSnHmBc0Zmv3KcP3hz11PzfWtxV1CEha9wmmGqMl40oyr3nd3fDovCW9pbqzdCsUps/s320/IMG_9864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>August is Greg's and my special month since our wedding anniversary and Greg's birthday are both in August. So every August, we really celebrate and have fun. August was even more special this year since we had a milestone anniversary, and Greg had a milestone birthday.</p><p>~"Let's have some fun!"-Jesse Kelly</p><p>The celebrating began when special relatives sent us special balloons, candy, and other treats for our anniversary which is during the first week of the month.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKgm9GSTmU8mTPtHcxdI-G0m3jHCGlPeHYFHvazjaJjStNjZr7jna4LDx7IBhF2BNThOiSDzdb3lCIg54Keb3TDwn6L2YWOUQibGgvY8FN4YtWKadJuoeAwQCg3oPLLSXLFykUvJ8-NQknKpYJqIcOGMDTKmn2uiJEdxASNgi4spQCk7RIOT06gtYAao/s4672/IMG_1032%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4672" data-original-width="2800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKgm9GSTmU8mTPtHcxdI-G0m3jHCGlPeHYFHvazjaJjStNjZr7jna4LDx7IBhF2BNThOiSDzdb3lCIg54Keb3TDwn6L2YWOUQibGgvY8FN4YtWKadJuoeAwQCg3oPLLSXLFykUvJ8-NQknKpYJqIcOGMDTKmn2uiJEdxASNgi4spQCk7RIOT06gtYAao/s320/IMG_1032%20(2).JPG" width="192" /></a></div><p>Near the end of the month, our cat Kallie had fun playing with the balloons after they were past their prime. (Supervised, of course!)</p><p>A few days later, some members of my side of the family came to our house to help celebrate Greg's birthday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDEvY3C_or4M4RFZYWCg9DKm5YEXmQTOWIMqr5XSxltTiuCtGXZ0G9X_o0uAzW35YtSVl9pdb-rUs4W7rowfPFnuHahIg9Ia1jxml6IOeLYm9WGxYGu8h1sAUdyopizPi8r-oGCuibdDngxuKnWRB8fp_s6t77bU5vThck28Z4Plbx90McizR8GZtuWo/s4445/IMG_9787%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4445" data-original-width="3128" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDEvY3C_or4M4RFZYWCg9DKm5YEXmQTOWIMqr5XSxltTiuCtGXZ0G9X_o0uAzW35YtSVl9pdb-rUs4W7rowfPFnuHahIg9Ia1jxml6IOeLYm9WGxYGu8h1sAUdyopizPi8r-oGCuibdDngxuKnWRB8fp_s6t77bU5vThck28Z4Plbx90McizR8GZtuWo/s320/IMG_9787%20(2).JPG" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting in the kitchen...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd71dk9tnznZBcBlBr_DC5zQVO0jSMctiMf86GqesmWOpZU_GOCssfJqenMfj3uEaPhgTyJ2rUgae7COIMhrrJuyhZNdYOePuyaUFVNE3AUVgwmVKq-cHHD3q9V1-PyIbTCcXgYKzY4Z_7Z0d2Oe5RuwHs8vXZIrj-KUCMjMpZrNsS-efx4MrjPRKV4s/s4134/IMG_9788%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3189" data-original-width="4134" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd71dk9tnznZBcBlBr_DC5zQVO0jSMctiMf86GqesmWOpZU_GOCssfJqenMfj3uEaPhgTyJ2rUgae7COIMhrrJuyhZNdYOePuyaUFVNE3AUVgwmVKq-cHHD3q9V1-PyIbTCcXgYKzY4Z_7Z0d2Oe5RuwHs8vXZIrj-KUCMjMpZrNsS-efx4MrjPRKV4s/s320/IMG_9788%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">for our little buffet meal,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5xplXoWsGEv6j3vzdnmY8FxfR2Zsc4vwk1gfuDFlkYPztCTCvYh58uOfZtnGynZBkvDBToGRtIsOHJ1a7qwe978ZxBvrfMjwKkb5qHijjeJAT3Zi0QMfl6a55Kdah5UiuVTwOVkEBiaDFbiwHs_4ITa8QZVggPpXRRlM0BXQA1hhjitLgy_ZJTiBl6M/s3030/IMG_9803%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3030" data-original-width="2886" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5xplXoWsGEv6j3vzdnmY8FxfR2Zsc4vwk1gfuDFlkYPztCTCvYh58uOfZtnGynZBkvDBToGRtIsOHJ1a7qwe978ZxBvrfMjwKkb5qHijjeJAT3Zi0QMfl6a55Kdah5UiuVTwOVkEBiaDFbiwHs_4ITa8QZVggPpXRRlM0BXQA1hhjitLgy_ZJTiBl6M/s320/IMG_9803%20(3).JPG" width="305" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">complete with a special dessert.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, a couple of days later, we celebrated with two members of Greg's side of the family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JBts_qX-HMtNKai9wxJ5Pa_E3K1aQUUqjtENAW8z5-d1EpIXXhhT3qZyaAsTZ6MNO2W5IeO4jBOP4GySat8YBP_058OKvy2EYmJ8SQVTC5C7devexoh5296Mp45MqjEHNn3BoZcKtQ3cmehkvGhnH3hjDIWKIvqkc0yU6kKB1dhTIF1T5snRGJspg2Q/s5152/IMG_0917%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JBts_qX-HMtNKai9wxJ5Pa_E3K1aQUUqjtENAW8z5-d1EpIXXhhT3qZyaAsTZ6MNO2W5IeO4jBOP4GySat8YBP_058OKvy2EYmJ8SQVTC5C7devexoh5296Mp45MqjEHNn3BoZcKtQ3cmehkvGhnH3hjDIWKIvqkc0yU6kKB1dhTIF1T5snRGJspg2Q/s320/IMG_0917%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Betty and Greg</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since Betty's birthday is close to Greg's, we celebrated her birthday, too, at Pisgah Inn in North Carolina at lunchtime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3Y4kx6Q2BgARWN13nb_Wqe3b1lmmAS3F2MHgE4-KBhMj6ojAxinu3_KfU-XTF8tRROZcqokiRTb4AwHG3BzwAMEm6zEubU68-_OHx3k2vwnkyY6y_Zo_TnC8BIjabx0SCzC4kGKXgzgPgNjRNr4-Mqn24l98QzNvFAS4Mc4LNymfJrfzSoh_pA37RXY/s3765/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3480" data-original-width="3765" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3Y4kx6Q2BgARWN13nb_Wqe3b1lmmAS3F2MHgE4-KBhMj6ojAxinu3_KfU-XTF8tRROZcqokiRTb4AwHG3BzwAMEm6zEubU68-_OHx3k2vwnkyY6y_Zo_TnC8BIjabx0SCzC4kGKXgzgPgNjRNr4-Mqn24l98QzNvFAS4Mc4LNymfJrfzSoh_pA37RXY/s320/IMG_0926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mike and Greg Waiting to Go Get Some Birthday Desserts in Asheville, North Carolina </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later in "our" month, Greg and I went on a little trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee which was a lot of fun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We really enjoyed lunch at Huck Finn's Catfish-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhxIufbIU9ahu0JM5IIZK-FY0seIL2nkB4R00xNE6hpEM8q0rYOBkYVMNHC5IHpwTez6MboUiugQzVYX_T_mSc9Yz0MKkGFGUC1H_4bGdrHaqYCq3mET_y_URhNy7HCnm9gso6rGqN4NVB49BQtouon4x7nkjU2b-oG0IZrpJkzSzbfNtK2dhWizay6E/s4989/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3697" data-original-width="4989" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhxIufbIU9ahu0JM5IIZK-FY0seIL2nkB4R00xNE6hpEM8q0rYOBkYVMNHC5IHpwTez6MboUiugQzVYX_T_mSc9Yz0MKkGFGUC1H_4bGdrHaqYCq3mET_y_URhNy7HCnm9gso6rGqN4NVB49BQtouon4x7nkjU2b-oG0IZrpJkzSzbfNtK2dhWizay6E/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The delicious food was served family-style. We even had hush puppies left over for supper at home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is so much to see and do in Pigeon Forge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWS29FXyXmIpLQaBiIlBncLV0kAuzAaDkryoIbV19AlMtTU3RMo0Rii2l31hspm0m0vO8LNdB6-Zu5-1Wgm3XKFL8_SEorCV92bPnxXq3zJAq9DTaUivNWtFlKQxn28J8C4yHHw4kyIwd-uXypbVBXueHT7MJPLMNyloY3y9b4MXpQChSgfx24kzDGYs/s4027/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3393" data-original-width="4027" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWS29FXyXmIpLQaBiIlBncLV0kAuzAaDkryoIbV19AlMtTU3RMo0Rii2l31hspm0m0vO8LNdB6-Zu5-1Wgm3XKFL8_SEorCV92bPnxXq3zJAq9DTaUivNWtFlKQxn28J8C4yHHw4kyIwd-uXypbVBXueHT7MJPLMNyloY3y9b4MXpQChSgfx24kzDGYs/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What a wonderful way to celebrate! (Gatlinburg and Sevierville are also great!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~Positive Feature-</div><div style="text-align: left;">To live a more positive life, you might want to get this "special edition" of "Real Simple" magazine at your local newsstand, "The Power of Positivity." It features articles on "The Science of Smiling" and "Make your Own Luck," as well as others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~Cute Dog Feature-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgSXUgmyODz-xx4ncrqWGr0g3yyIfdxLFjy8j5OZhg51u1lANMdeNCEi3OEDfne61NaCBMLms5GxIRmlILd8_6ulZ7tzwKRj9K8QGsW1rQAsQRMkwLGuYkSguBmV1uDUd1mHlBSX9SQplEb-XTCwXv6hbWKcwPf2VdiwpgtN9tDXfOph8e1YHrJWgzOc/s4034/IMG_0899%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4034" data-original-width="2304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgSXUgmyODz-xx4ncrqWGr0g3yyIfdxLFjy8j5OZhg51u1lANMdeNCEi3OEDfne61NaCBMLms5GxIRmlILd8_6ulZ7tzwKRj9K8QGsW1rQAsQRMkwLGuYkSguBmV1uDUd1mHlBSX9SQplEb-XTCwXv6hbWKcwPf2VdiwpgtN9tDXfOph8e1YHrJWgzOc/s320/IMG_0899%20(2).JPG" width="183" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Rip</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Recently, Greg and I were outside our local convenience store when we ran into a nice couple visiting from Maryland which is to the north of our state of Virginia. They had a super-cute dog, a Shih Tzu, named Rip. I touched its fur, which really felt more like cotton than fur. It would really be neat to have a little dog like this, but there's no way our three cats would tolerate that!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">You never know what or who you might encounter when you go out. Life is truly an adventure!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~Book Feature-</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you like retro, and would like to take a positive walk down memory lane, you might want to check out my latest book, "Down Memory Lane" by Becky Arnott. Please see the widget above for more information on Amazon for both the paperback and Kindle editions.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDDw0-HNWL5Iv18H4Nq3XulyQxxQ52G9WIeQ67n9VwkfoaImuY4EpaODTl1f6FbvyWpdS4exmXUKS3yHOBSrs2dVISfMF-hIF2B_d3OMm9l9CaMdM0FUceQEgW4GpQ9Q1Re4qsEtr-xseliWN7qT372BQuNfwp6d91FAc0-elrRp6La7E-bEQb3SRviU/s5152/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDDw0-HNWL5Iv18H4Nq3XulyQxxQ52G9WIeQ67n9VwkfoaImuY4EpaODTl1f6FbvyWpdS4exmXUKS3yHOBSrs2dVISfMF-hIF2B_d3OMm9l9CaMdM0FUceQEgW4GpQ9Q1Re4qsEtr-xseliWN7qT372BQuNfwp6d91FAc0-elrRp6La7E-bEQb3SRviU/s320/IMG_0910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mountain View from Pisgah Inn</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a list of United States flag holidays, visit this website- www.flagsusa.com/flag-holidays/ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Celebrate and have fun!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "Happiness is not by chance, but by choice." Jim Rohn</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, October 7, 2023, Becky</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-33966467415656237392023-08-06T21:02:00.000-07:002023-08-06T21:02:17.106-07:00"Positive Thoughts, Ideas"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ-JdkxEVghd3Ur6kZxO0c-0PHhc1RjhbftkrCZtDM0Y27OVOdEz9S0NFmZntQHh6VaqkZLYkj3i_IdKrO0kIVFiCTmphuSJ8EwHRQ6wNvnwqAu_SKYj07NQXxYAKaI_LkYdbvtbKztvJPI1CDOpa_LAFn8Ft-IuTwbPJJpt9LVx-5ZYLdfP7q4dcg8w/s2311/IMG_9569%20(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="2311" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ-JdkxEVghd3Ur6kZxO0c-0PHhc1RjhbftkrCZtDM0Y27OVOdEz9S0NFmZntQHh6VaqkZLYkj3i_IdKrO0kIVFiCTmphuSJ8EwHRQ6wNvnwqAu_SKYj07NQXxYAKaI_LkYdbvtbKztvJPI1CDOpa_LAFn8Ft-IuTwbPJJpt9LVx-5ZYLdfP7q4dcg8w/s320/IMG_9569%20(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This is a really busy, important month for Greg and me. We're celebrating a big birthday and a big anniversary, etc., but I still wanted to take time to share some positive thoughts and ideas with you today.*</p><p>Here are some positive thoughts-</p><p>~"What I love most about my home is who I share it with."-Unknown</p><p>~"Even busy bees stop and smell the roses."-Unknown ( I'm working on this one!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFosJvcmMARKvty9C-TWDznKPNlfgk_h2xUHAejwX07FMCyc5UmkSklHwaNuiBHSbS-mdOz0WO4oZFn97bEKrqg6XkhbBPW4LTgiCOa0tMYO0YwYC-iCbS2Bw2KewY9bQzwmCZPrDDsXrt9-0a5vA7WszDJrKGXrLAMhIONKqk7nEOzVMABsBabSCQa9o/s5035/IMG_0652%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3777" data-original-width="5035" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFosJvcmMARKvty9C-TWDznKPNlfgk_h2xUHAejwX07FMCyc5UmkSklHwaNuiBHSbS-mdOz0WO4oZFn97bEKrqg6XkhbBPW4LTgiCOa0tMYO0YwYC-iCbS2Bw2KewY9bQzwmCZPrDDsXrt9-0a5vA7WszDJrKGXrLAMhIONKqk7nEOzVMABsBabSCQa9o/s320/IMG_0652%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>~"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."-Abraham Lincoln</p><p>~"Happiness is not a destination, it's a way of life."-Unknown</p><p>Here are some unique, fun ideas-</p><p>This is something that is relatively new to me, but it might be worth exploring-going to YouTube and watching and listening to the different hertz frequencies. I've only tried it briefly a couple of times, so I haven't really had time to form an opinion about its value.</p><p>However, one person, after watching one of the hertz videos, said, "...it is very powerful, and is healing my DNA....it truly changes your negative attitudes into positive...."</p><p>To access the hertz frequency videos on YouTube, go to YouTube and search for "hertz frequencies."</p><p>Otherwise, the only thing I know about the hertz frequencies is that Greg and I have two grounding mats that connect us to the frequency of the earth which is 7.83 hertz.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNriI3Fxh8hdpkM7AeN2CQVVQhGvE-IGIPxnSTgjrGlIvYzww10IzStNZ8TIDJtcekGyttf5Qyp4tEnX7YIwIyR-1n-zPAKjlhM4NR49EiATJBHuZexrINauhJ-5CgBnsXfmG7yURJa9BWulf3Kiqa6XsOitJjO2S-AlczKwMBvgO6xuRgrG9GSBws3vU/s5152/IMG_6267%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNriI3Fxh8hdpkM7AeN2CQVVQhGvE-IGIPxnSTgjrGlIvYzww10IzStNZ8TIDJtcekGyttf5Qyp4tEnX7YIwIyR-1n-zPAKjlhM4NR49EiATJBHuZexrINauhJ-5CgBnsXfmG7yURJa9BWulf3Kiqa6XsOitJjO2S-AlczKwMBvgO6xuRgrG9GSBws3vU/s320/IMG_6267%20(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The Earth-7.83 Hertz</p><p style="text-align: left;">Our cats even seem to enjoy being on our downstairs grounding mat.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~"Work hard, be yourself, and have fun."-Michelle Kwan</p><p style="text-align: left;">For something else that's really fun, also on YouTube, is an old novelty song, a catchy little tune, that my mother used to sing to me when I was little. It was passed down to her from her mother. It's called "Mairzy Doats." Just search online for "Mairzy Doats," and you'll find singers singing it on YouTube. Also on YouTube, there is one video, "Sheet Music Singer" that has the words to this song written out.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Children seem to love this cute little song, but it's really for children of all ages! This is good old-fashioned fun that's sure to put a smile on your face, and a spring in your step! Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstn-1aCyEisx37wMkwd0P4cLyLN9ilP6haWISWsV8Q1MkwbbGIp5o9xOJfzRD4__zpsEpIbDwZGHut9zrnozyiyz6h9mj4a97KZErkAjzVO9Ju7Ssn8Eyo9ZTUvLr-Kgm7uiGK7NUpkUOG50Sb8EMx3OMoXEIUmVe_97uEr47P5MKqtdFZ5fCxIeFuS4/s3509/IMG_0141%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3509" data-original-width="2916" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstn-1aCyEisx37wMkwd0P4cLyLN9ilP6haWISWsV8Q1MkwbbGIp5o9xOJfzRD4__zpsEpIbDwZGHut9zrnozyiyz6h9mj4a97KZErkAjzVO9Ju7Ssn8Eyo9ZTUvLr-Kgm7uiGK7NUpkUOG50Sb8EMx3OMoXEIUmVe_97uEr47P5MKqtdFZ5fCxIeFuS4/s320/IMG_0141%20(2).JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div> For a gift for someone or as a gift for yourself, please check out my newest book, which is a positive memoir about my life in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, "Down Memory Lane." Just click on the widget above for more information about my book on Amazon.<div><br /></div><div>*Disclaimer: Becky Arnott is not responsible for anything negative that might happen as a result of anything that is written in this or any other blog post on "The Art of Positive Living" blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>Positive thought: "You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts."-Brian Tracy</div><div>Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, September 2, 2023, Becky<br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-39064803492643998262023-07-02T20:48:00.003-07:002023-07-02T20:57:08.809-07:00"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BqI2AMUSj37PtPQUnr65eacuU3WlEUZuYlqA2BCb1io5_46wrLiOXu8CeQtvDYzixb8bNnvnGbKDcc7rIoPnWdRRrxJCtD43aJ4XoyWYP694pJKQnXnS5JDpSgXXBFIWsgtVHVZKEP8nGmeqLYI5Yt9zCClv7H7kg3mnEx9XefVDNFQwGF77ZeOqmnw/s2777/044%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2777" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BqI2AMUSj37PtPQUnr65eacuU3WlEUZuYlqA2BCb1io5_46wrLiOXu8CeQtvDYzixb8bNnvnGbKDcc7rIoPnWdRRrxJCtD43aJ4XoyWYP694pJKQnXnS5JDpSgXXBFIWsgtVHVZKEP8nGmeqLYI5Yt9zCClv7H7kg3mnEx9XefVDNFQwGF77ZeOqmnw/s320/044%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In two days, we, here in the United States, will be celebrating a special holiday in various ways, with cookouts, picnics, parades, and fireworks, thanks to those brave men who fought for our liberty 247 years ago. On July 4, 1776, our great country, the United States of America, became independent, free from the rule of the British Government.</p><p>Before we became a free country, in 1775, Patrick Henry, the great orator, gave his famous speech, "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death." His speech helped encourage others to fight for independence.</p><p>The following photograph shows two items (in our memorabilia room) that we treasure- an old post card that depicts a painting by American artist, John Trumbull, entitled "Declaration of Independence" and...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3AQcwbgsVXLVlTjxgQblXRJe0cjHvmKS1VIYZYDXmReAMIv-7Kel6y0JQBiw842I8mwE_xA_eL_5R93NdqjWDzRnk7WIr1UGTa861sU2-yxpe2lO8QqkbFCUyQ6CDXhGT6ZvqybBHIX2-T8-0_PrxzJS83qWmJgBoEjbImbVF0NiRLlYY_j1o0LqfWg/s3699/IMG_0675%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3699" data-original-width="2901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3AQcwbgsVXLVlTjxgQblXRJe0cjHvmKS1VIYZYDXmReAMIv-7Kel6y0JQBiw842I8mwE_xA_eL_5R93NdqjWDzRnk7WIr1UGTa861sU2-yxpe2lO8QqkbFCUyQ6CDXhGT6ZvqybBHIX2-T8-0_PrxzJS83qWmJgBoEjbImbVF0NiRLlYY_j1o0LqfWg/s320/IMG_0675%20(2).JPG" width="251" /></a></div><p>a booklet from the Cato Institute which contains the "Declaration of Independence" and the "Constitution of the United States of America."</p><p>"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."~ From the "Declaration of Independence"</p><p>This means that we can live our lives freely and happily, but, at the same time, it doesn't mean that we are free to live recklessly and cause harm to others, etc.</p><p>We are free to choose our path in life, our profession, our spouse, where to live, how to spend our free time, etc.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ1wahHe3w_alCGowf3K8e1C859mRYSbiRxpUWZ1YIjAI0BtbaOeQiB7ymHhPVvXcLIB0c1oJ1eosoQYE7NDklT2EuR9F_WoZrzXYby_0HyYJvuznEtRR34USnvXsCCSiIjxPQ15F1eo-ZeyKBUzcnSa-qEw5iQiKvxuJnijhaWRZ8r5YXOz_oFp2yrc/s4341/IMG_8231%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2936" data-original-width="4341" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ1wahHe3w_alCGowf3K8e1C859mRYSbiRxpUWZ1YIjAI0BtbaOeQiB7ymHhPVvXcLIB0c1oJ1eosoQYE7NDklT2EuR9F_WoZrzXYby_0HyYJvuznEtRR34USnvXsCCSiIjxPQ15F1eo-ZeyKBUzcnSa-qEw5iQiKvxuJnijhaWRZ8r5YXOz_oFp2yrc/s320/IMG_8231%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here are some quotes to encourage us to live our lives more positively-</p><p>~"Why fit in when you were born to stand out."- Dr. Seuss</p><p>~"God doesn't make junk."- From the "Bible"</p><p>~"Hope Encouragement Love" - Julie Green Ministries</p><p>~"Stars are meant to sparkle. Let yourself shine!"-"Woman's World"</p><p>"It may not always be easy, convenient, or politically correct to stand for truth and right, but it is the right thing to do. Always." -M. Russell Ballard</p><p>Big Stone Gap, Virginia-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eOi0o_BDSqIiPzWzx6JxxOVyzeyRhfaofn__gt2xFDSGM9dpzpov99xiB7PpZEezs1OC2SK8-FxhjfqciC2AB3mrbn8k9Zwe78RfR7159_BavlO5rD4HVJNLDozdQUWSbPxt2T-0u4pVsQIvZLTtCF9i6WG8cRG-p1oESH0gpCtSONRVjt67LkwS0Ho/s4556/IMG_0572%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4556" data-original-width="3299" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eOi0o_BDSqIiPzWzx6JxxOVyzeyRhfaofn__gt2xFDSGM9dpzpov99xiB7PpZEezs1OC2SK8-FxhjfqciC2AB3mrbn8k9Zwe78RfR7159_BavlO5rD4HVJNLDozdQUWSbPxt2T-0u4pVsQIvZLTtCF9i6WG8cRG-p1oESH0gpCtSONRVjt67LkwS0Ho/s320/IMG_0572%20(2).JPG" width="232" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Showing Its Patriotic Colors</p><p></p><p>"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it." -Mark Twain</p><p>Here is a powerful, touching video on YouTube about the history of the United States and our national anthem- (Enjoy!)</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/embed/YaxGNQE5ZLA</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08ZbpnT0YDKkHJylJrNIzoRU_wDS2LnApaiA_ns_4ZkVa3nrwD6nYM79gsBM1XNj9H8XX0AVl6jgpgxpI1fmHxdmNVLZpfhRr81iIldKFa6HEgkbjeLehhSL4R3XvcUgXUM1tsXcT5tcMNkuHBD0_q7OBNVJkO51SQsseSHNJh-HmB4dbrKowhlWcwnQ/s3088/IMG_0599%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08ZbpnT0YDKkHJylJrNIzoRU_wDS2LnApaiA_ns_4ZkVa3nrwD6nYM79gsBM1XNj9H8XX0AVl6jgpgxpI1fmHxdmNVLZpfhRr81iIldKFa6HEgkbjeLehhSL4R3XvcUgXUM1tsXcT5tcMNkuHBD0_q7OBNVJkO51SQsseSHNJh-HmB4dbrKowhlWcwnQ/s320/IMG_0599%20(3).JPG" width="267" /></a></div><p>Positive thought: "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." -Ralph Waldo Emerson</p><p>Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, August 5, 2023, Becky</p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-42197719907782052712023-06-03T20:57:00.002-07:002023-06-03T20:57:40.036-07:00Optimistic About the Future<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQG5HUEpslXj3baoAP6O203MZlzGfIfd-ALUJiIE1Uno0aUo6E-79uJ_hS-gmrGAdhFJNnemqGLO1_f_2BF2ON9YcLm4Z5F5uuWZqkOLM930M37qk5pcnzZgipP5nkRIxE3c7meQZx5_KsfTFodl2XwBBsVMAxMcSxpvl5U9VhffZOxajcKjpCNOl/s4319/IMG_9912%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="4319" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQG5HUEpslXj3baoAP6O203MZlzGfIfd-ALUJiIE1Uno0aUo6E-79uJ_hS-gmrGAdhFJNnemqGLO1_f_2BF2ON9YcLm4Z5F5uuWZqkOLM930M37qk5pcnzZgipP5nkRIxE3c7meQZx5_KsfTFodl2XwBBsVMAxMcSxpvl5U9VhffZOxajcKjpCNOl/s320/IMG_9912%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In these tumultuous times, we need to be, more than ever, optimistic about the future.</p><p>We need to be and stay positive; we need to look at what's good in life.</p><p>When I look around where I live, I see entrepreneurs opening businesses, like the new milkshake and baked goods shop in Abingdon, Virginia, named Shaked!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfdVKa7MjKEl7obgNjQss_GrjBzOEmQD19mkg_-9_qnjm4TURZ1u6eDYHDgNnDJmwOYt58OJ7gcKR9QbGjZCcYIRo1i9aekehs656D-YwlK1rUBXoYvtIH0EafCB4uwKoBmcQhnYFz8-hOFkEqKL4y8XXixSSZt_YKIaP1osU6YZ5YeFh6BKWtTgF/s3442/IMG_0364%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3442" data-original-width="3201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfdVKa7MjKEl7obgNjQss_GrjBzOEmQD19mkg_-9_qnjm4TURZ1u6eDYHDgNnDJmwOYt58OJ7gcKR9QbGjZCcYIRo1i9aekehs656D-YwlK1rUBXoYvtIH0EafCB4uwKoBmcQhnYFz8-hOFkEqKL4y8XXixSSZt_YKIaP1osU6YZ5YeFh6BKWtTgF/s320/IMG_0364%20(2).JPG" width="298" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Love the Logo!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSc1mMNG8kiE6WVfi-Sm_v0veaRxsNa--t_WCGk7iGWwx82Akd-29QJhwMOK3wPKE6f154m90ScsjgnXj3fKzr_0eW0qw11vmaS3dBziFKHPvKuGFjGwJTuUpZOcSwWggYzIV-4snBsOsv8iTf6IUxb9OSx83a5tn7OZDi92Rfh8v9RHkIWyShXuf/s5152/IMG_0360%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSc1mMNG8kiE6WVfi-Sm_v0veaRxsNa--t_WCGk7iGWwx82Akd-29QJhwMOK3wPKE6f154m90ScsjgnXj3fKzr_0eW0qw11vmaS3dBziFKHPvKuGFjGwJTuUpZOcSwWggYzIV-4snBsOsv8iTf6IUxb9OSx83a5tn7OZDi92Rfh8v9RHkIWyShXuf/s320/IMG_0360%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Love the Ice Cream, Too!</p><p style="text-align: left;">FYI-Shaked!, 284 W. Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia</p><p style="text-align: left;">Also in Abingdon, a new convenience store, Royal Farms, is now being built.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A couple of days ago, Greg and I visited Warriors Path State Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. While there, we saw the newly renovated marina with a new restaurant and upgraded boat docks. Lots of other people were also there. They seemed happy, enjoying the warm weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Me7YDOlDURcyCexkV0fLaXBID_wb_QFyttlk1-nuU9SRpa5Po4bMbnponUJmGhFJmdZW-VR3qYT_Q0fs-pmonGgFv2g5GQtSSQZU4HLoC81MGQ5khrtUOjA2t_csp1ZT6msvjRyjmQ5XFEONcW3tjxSkpxRor3My-vkz0I62CmFEfyRTEyK0iTr_/s5152/IMG_0440%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Me7YDOlDURcyCexkV0fLaXBID_wb_QFyttlk1-nuU9SRpa5Po4bMbnponUJmGhFJmdZW-VR3qYT_Q0fs-pmonGgFv2g5GQtSSQZU4HLoC81MGQ5khrtUOjA2t_csp1ZT6msvjRyjmQ5XFEONcW3tjxSkpxRor3My-vkz0I62CmFEfyRTEyK0iTr_/s320/IMG_0440%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Greg on the Deck of the Marina</p><p style="text-align: left;">While there, we took a stroll around the park,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfN4KFae-3ZSesZJ0LUyCv7Hp5Pj8WUxwyot2X4MXQAKyPyNSoTIDUwMkT8uKY26d5-9FkMHqceN-2gaY6DZVk48JJ5TQaMh33yFWu-YZbEfvKbyBrPXmAR2pT8wuKoaCuv8a2ODhUGUXiHpU2GwYmuY2dZborB7BGsbRErW_vgK4qijsJvSe5LbT/s5152/IMG_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfN4KFae-3ZSesZJ0LUyCv7Hp5Pj8WUxwyot2X4MXQAKyPyNSoTIDUwMkT8uKY26d5-9FkMHqceN-2gaY6DZVk48JJ5TQaMh33yFWu-YZbEfvKbyBrPXmAR2pT8wuKoaCuv8a2ODhUGUXiHpU2GwYmuY2dZborB7BGsbRErW_vgK4qijsJvSe5LbT/s320/IMG_0431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"And what is so rare as a day in June?"-James Russell Lowell</p><p style="text-align: left;">and we were lucky enough to see this deer-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnyk3-a887GrEMp2US-w0yDgeyveOz-BENKWrWM5txjyRHRK6AVAL_b9wmVmjp_RSICwqviM4w3tL_QbrKUZdS5anSNC9RYrNdroQUU7x_Q9tY8vFFJK6HaQhuVMxjGBngSS5h-T7gwfvxj7oni4RWGfNDVbDd_2I2ckgmHWKhVOutqWyTL6SU5s0/s4008/IMG_0436%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2715" data-original-width="4008" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnyk3-a887GrEMp2US-w0yDgeyveOz-BENKWrWM5txjyRHRK6AVAL_b9wmVmjp_RSICwqviM4w3tL_QbrKUZdS5anSNC9RYrNdroQUU7x_Q9tY8vFFJK6HaQhuVMxjGBngSS5h-T7gwfvxj7oni4RWGfNDVbDd_2I2ckgmHWKhVOutqWyTL6SU5s0/s320/IMG_0436%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">that didn't seem to mind that people were around.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Last month, for the first time, we visited Grayson Highlands State Park, about an hour's drive from our house in Southwest Virginia.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The altitude is so high there that most of the leaves were not out yet, but it was still very picturesque-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4zL8OGglhGkdvIdzCZBtvV0IqA1eyF4f4kjUGV0Nx213UzmwJYkEUzXFgQtd0zFUU8lxPgmkwHAB4fJf0oUB724Ppx35MnWxoJpo2JjtNr9EKOwmFeoUvoRDhrf9iEc2ODfgcsUxQWw4VZnyHbYdud9PSyvKzWHEu8E4ZgeGyHokK10mIvr4BD1b/s5152/IMG_0224%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4zL8OGglhGkdvIdzCZBtvV0IqA1eyF4f4kjUGV0Nx213UzmwJYkEUzXFgQtd0zFUU8lxPgmkwHAB4fJf0oUB724Ppx35MnWxoJpo2JjtNr9EKOwmFeoUvoRDhrf9iEc2ODfgcsUxQWw4VZnyHbYdud9PSyvKzWHEu8E4ZgeGyHokK10mIvr4BD1b/s320/IMG_0224%20(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Black bears and even wild ponies reside there. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The world is so beautiful. We just need to take time and enjoy it, by ourselves and/or with the people we love.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Also, when you look for the good, you are bound to find it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm optimistic about people because, for the most part, they know what's really going on.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I was recently in a beauty shop, and the people there were discussing current events, and they seemed really savvy about things.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"...know the truth, and the truth will set you free."-John 8:32</p><p style="text-align: left;">"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time."-Abraham Lincoln </p><p style="text-align: left;">Many people are attending church or watching services on television or on the Internet, and they know the power of prayer.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I just like to always remember that love overcomes hate, light overcomes darkness, and that positive is more powerful than negative.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We are truly in a spiritual battle of good versus evil for our souls and for the soul of our nation and even for the soul of the world, but we are winning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzC-MvXUHeGCYGRgFM0eNaWQULZJQt4EdNVbwmRzLeso5DMeWYGMyHQQgNJKCKmATUpEsYgHqHZmYKqctUxixkOzmpocIpiSHBzvICfPgFjUf9qBH0gZnFVJ1cLkZTsDUrBYViNzQNdqQU9hhWHXG4MHR3ecD5nMFRdmB1vDZkz38Yg1MXI57Y48cd/s4464/IMG_0459%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4464" data-original-width="3404" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzC-MvXUHeGCYGRgFM0eNaWQULZJQt4EdNVbwmRzLeso5DMeWYGMyHQQgNJKCKmATUpEsYgHqHZmYKqctUxixkOzmpocIpiSHBzvICfPgFjUf9qBH0gZnFVJ1cLkZTsDUrBYViNzQNdqQU9hhWHXG4MHR3ecD5nMFRdmB1vDZkz38Yg1MXI57Y48cd/s320/IMG_0459%20(3).JPG" width="244" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Good always wins!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thankfully, we have a bright future ahead of us. We just need to keep the faith!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "The greatest power that God has given to any individual is the power of prayer."-Kathryn Kuhlman</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, July 1, 2023, Becky</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-19548010098232701282023-05-06T22:49:00.127-07:002023-05-07T11:30:48.144-07:00The Good Old Days<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG7Fu70S9ZtcjL7Dl3RF7oslcUgarsRW2D0xNJ26udhs8AVuMjAYMuiHT4689Dk59nxy1xRu5FxYddOJ9u2QJLYs9bSehpm-ZejTFIznF_Xh34A7p8FooYar_WtgmZPQS8RwJGsHEzbZJzkbzC40CaldUXt-1lSXr6UYWTDB4qHfyC1cPlE2eYqFW/s5011/IMG_3018%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2639" data-original-width="5011" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG7Fu70S9ZtcjL7Dl3RF7oslcUgarsRW2D0xNJ26udhs8AVuMjAYMuiHT4689Dk59nxy1xRu5FxYddOJ9u2QJLYs9bSehpm-ZejTFIznF_Xh34A7p8FooYar_WtgmZPQS8RwJGsHEzbZJzkbzC40CaldUXt-1lSXr6UYWTDB4qHfyC1cPlE2eYqFW/s320/IMG_3018%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I'm so glad you are here for my first blog post on this first Saturday of the month. I plan to have every "The Art of Positive Living" post on the first Saturday of every month from now on. I will post my blog, "Spirit Photographs," on the third Saturday of each month.</p><p>I've been thinking a lot about the subject of my post for today, something that is close to my heart, the good old days, since my newly revised book, "Down Memory Lane,"* is about the good old days!</p><p>Although we perhaps romanticize days in the past, there is much we can learn from the positive aspects of those days.</p><p>And, here are many of them-</p><p>~People were very patriotic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9JxEXAVOtGxEjPClDYptj1VbG2maIBvuH4V4vg9pFuteeiZBHOu0khyWxXER3Cdpbm6avpJ5_wMJ8LKRNV7j9gGV6IcdYP_dSdhE7fxJJMQmNBIOqSxXM1_M-6GcPbUKvPxxrWAaLoThpmw9NzyNimRsf4vzjUNznIGFTjVNniY5O9K5z7XKT4js/s4888/IMG_0164%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4888" data-original-width="3669" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9JxEXAVOtGxEjPClDYptj1VbG2maIBvuH4V4vg9pFuteeiZBHOu0khyWxXER3Cdpbm6avpJ5_wMJ8LKRNV7j9gGV6IcdYP_dSdhE7fxJJMQmNBIOqSxXM1_M-6GcPbUKvPxxrWAaLoThpmw9NzyNimRsf4vzjUNznIGFTjVNniY5O9K5z7XKT4js/s320/IMG_0164%20(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"I pledge allegiance to the flag...."</p><p style="text-align: left;">~People read books, had hobbies, and played board games.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~School students were generally well-behaved. Those few who weren't, were disciplined. The worst thing that I can remember when I went to school was that one boy had to be sent home because his hair was too long in the back.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~Most people graduated from high school, and many went on to higher education.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~People dressed nicely. Here's an excerpt from a chapter in my book that Greg wrote - "Personal appearance was important. Most people looked neat and well-groomed. Shirt tails were tucked in and shoes were shined....Most people looked fit and trim."</p><p style="text-align: left;">~People were honest. If they found a missing wallet, they'd return it. Also, they kept their word. If they said they were going to do something, they would do it. If they found out they couldn't do it, they'd let it be known.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Do what you know to be right." -David Icke</p><p style="text-align: left;">~Religion was important to most people.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sw4ocgn8ti6pA-g5UA69K3r3l30w0N9siAamPcbSkJmUavVC6kt0d8ff4jqGPNbV84YPfR3D-VU3m-xD7oBAvQmwByHxAy-IapIsoufv3l2A2OQJFOMaYu9tJeHCRvmqCiJONQNDSiKq8_6UPelSBJwLEYMLvVi3Ec9mYq9SvrWhYRGaD28_s6Ld/s2848/241%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="2848" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sw4ocgn8ti6pA-g5UA69K3r3l30w0N9siAamPcbSkJmUavVC6kt0d8ff4jqGPNbV84YPfR3D-VU3m-xD7oBAvQmwByHxAy-IapIsoufv3l2A2OQJFOMaYu9tJeHCRvmqCiJONQNDSiKq8_6UPelSBJwLEYMLvVi3Ec9mYq9SvrWhYRGaD28_s6Ld/s320/241%20(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">~In fact, two of my high school graduation gifts were two small gold crosses that two different people gave me. </p><p style="text-align: left;">~People were generally complimentary to each other. They tried to make people feel good about themselves. Things like this mean a lot to others.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~People helped their friends, relatives, and neighbors when needed.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~One day, Greg and I were at a garage, and a woman who was a receptionist there was so nice. She was pleasant and very efficient. She seemed happy, and she made you feel better by just being around her. </p><p style="text-align: left;">~Most television shows and movies were G-rated. They were good, decent. quality shows. The characters set a good example. The good guys won. There was a moral to every story.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~People were industrious, hard-working, and ambitious. Most kept the same job or profession their whole lives. My grandfather was a doctor who truly cared about other people, and he charged his patients very little.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~The man was the breadwinner, and his wife stayed home and kept house and cared for their children.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~Families had fun times together, like going on picnics with made-from-scratch dishes like homemade potato salad or fresh green beans.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~Most leaders were honest and respected.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~Music was harmonious.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~In the early days, all food was organic.</p><p style="text-align: left;">How does life today compare to the good old days?</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thankfully, we generally stack up pretty well overall, but, of course, there is plenty of room for improvement. Any areas in which we are lacking can be turned around. Anywhere that we're falling short can be remedied with some positive planning and some work, but it can be done, individually and/or by people working together.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If we do that, then we can then truly say, "The good ol' days are being made right now." -From Blue Bell Ice Cream commercial</p><p style="text-align: left;">Coincidentally, I just recently found out about a really neat festival, the "Good Old Days" street festival in Pacific Grove, California this weekend. There will be a parade, a pie-eating contest, and much more! It sounds like fun!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Appalachian Author Feature: Linda Hudson Hoagland </p><p style="text-align: left;">FYI: facebook.com/lindahudsonhoagland/</p><p style="text-align: left;">Linda Hoagland lives in Southwest Virginia. She is a talented author who has won several writing awards for her poetry, short stories, and books. Some of her book titles are "Snooping Can Be Dangerous," "The Backwards House." and "The Best Darn Secret." Do these sound intriguing! If so, be sure and check out her work. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Also, Linda makes beautiful angel afghans that are for sale. If you are interested in these, contact her at lhhoagland@yahoo.com </p><p style="text-align: left;">*For more information about my book, "Down Memory Lane," please see the widget above. It's available on Amazon in both the paperback and Kindle versions.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "We are all here to 'practice being godlike'-to treat others how we'd like to be treated." -From "Tools for Freedom"</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, June 3, 2023, Becky </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-64522956325119298512023-04-09T20:22:00.000-07:002023-04-09T20:22:29.815-07:00Inspirational Thoughts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsdgXZLRygFEaLF72eMsK3a18wpcouFz08-ZKD0BwlqrecoxyxUibGWqYvOsUJXMb8jBjIQBKG8Eb39WhVxQf27y0Rc0rYrdnylXEgb6_xrtR2ZKhNjpRa9KpSIfclyQR1adS51GM3jLpEoxPODbwA8p573RFB0tsqHb4To6kLUQasLKt3tjj4Znu/s4875/IMG_9942%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2605" data-original-width="4875" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsdgXZLRygFEaLF72eMsK3a18wpcouFz08-ZKD0BwlqrecoxyxUibGWqYvOsUJXMb8jBjIQBKG8Eb39WhVxQf27y0Rc0rYrdnylXEgb6_xrtR2ZKhNjpRa9KpSIfclyQR1adS51GM3jLpEoxPODbwA8p573RFB0tsqHb4To6kLUQasLKt3tjj4Znu/s320/IMG_9942%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Here are some positive, inspirational thoughts, etc. to consider-</p><p>Spring symbolizes "rebirth, joy, and love...." and that "good always triumphs over evil, light over darkness, life over death."- Twinkl USA</p><p>Especially in today's world, we just have to believe, and to think and feel positively.</p><p>Remember, "It's always darkest before the dawn."- Thomas Fuller</p><p>"Unlock the power of 'instead'! What if instead of imagining the worse-case scenario, you pictured the best? What if instead of worrying, you wished? What if instead of bracing yourself for the bad, you opened your heart to the good? Great and wonderful things happen every single day." "Woman's World" magazine</p><p>"It's Time to Pray"- jgminternational.org</p><p>"If you spend your time praying for people instead of talking about them, you'll get better results."- Jaron Alexander</p><p>"Everything Will Be Okay"- Dana Perino</p><p>Interesting, intriguing website- matthewbooks.com</p><p>"Expect a miracle. Miracles happen everyday."- Unknown</p><p>In my newly revised memoir, "Down Memory Lane,"* I write about, among a lot of other things, memorabilia. I like to collect and to keep things that are special to me, things that remind me of the best, the special times in my life. </p><p>One of those things is my-</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FfEjac_3pZbVD_m4nFZFByO0yszHtsqssNhnCrNska_xnQFWo9xa2CL0YclHHBXAQZZgS68NvRbho3tQj-H_ltgbAZxOl3BeG16h6AnYE9xsNIlbnsW5OLnW14dyWHytCgnHb7uz8oBIjjrHTzU3oHkrVtIxMt-9gNOx-eGFmoyUhiWtxw67mBvR/s4524/IMG_9977%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4524" data-original-width="3476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FfEjac_3pZbVD_m4nFZFByO0yszHtsqssNhnCrNska_xnQFWo9xa2CL0YclHHBXAQZZgS68NvRbho3tQj-H_ltgbAZxOl3BeG16h6AnYE9xsNIlbnsW5OLnW14dyWHytCgnHb7uz8oBIjjrHTzU3oHkrVtIxMt-9gNOx-eGFmoyUhiWtxw67mBvR/s320/IMG_9977%20(3).JPG" width="246" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> cell phone.</div><p></p><p>To anyone else, this just looks like an old beaten-up phone, but to me, it's special. I only carried it with me when I'd go away from home, but that cell phone went through a lot. It got run over by a car when it fell into the street. It had scuff marks, but it kept on working. It even rode all the way on top of the trunk of my car for several miles, after I had accidentally left it there. It was dropped several times, and I even had to tape the back of it to hold it together.</p><p>Because of what all it had been through, and survived, I call it my miracle phone. It served me well, and it never let me down, so I felt it deserved a special place among my memorabilia when I was forced to retire it.</p><p>How many of us or the people in our lives would have that much tenacity, would go through all of that, and still be that loyal and giving?</p><p>How to stay warm on a cold spring morning?-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQVML8g6crD5Y3ASMhths9PvVZ22QU2Griq2dYWM09jkp3E9hXiiVtca0F7BNJXjutwCX2ctAzXGdrmtTStgm9ia3uoola5MLNEWlaLyOjZPBbHZYelURm25mvq5Z_dTxGaKZKP50YwkUAwhilAtmzNnu8Kt5ICYMqxuCz_DaC84pHVkkb_PNWewV/s3167/IMG_9934%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3167" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQVML8g6crD5Y3ASMhths9PvVZ22QU2Griq2dYWM09jkp3E9hXiiVtca0F7BNJXjutwCX2ctAzXGdrmtTStgm9ia3uoola5MLNEWlaLyOjZPBbHZYelURm25mvq5Z_dTxGaKZKP50YwkUAwhilAtmzNnu8Kt5ICYMqxuCz_DaC84pHVkkb_PNWewV/s320/IMG_9934%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Our Mitzi seems to have the right idea!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Small Business Feature: Hoot Books Publishing</p><p style="text-align: left;">Victoria Fletcher is the owner of successful Hoot Books Publishing where she not only publishes books, but she also offers other services such as proofreading, website design, as well as many other services. She publishes books for people all over our country.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In addition, she is a highly acclaimed Appalachian author, with such books as "Daily Dose of Encouragement," as well as many others.</p><p style="text-align: left;">FYI- hootbookspublishing.biz and victoriafletcher.biz</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB-sVVi-4BcPYIC-fuoG_geWvyEUf0k3ekYBCCmjKZCxu1GNtLp_nWsWC05NI0SK3H5-tMsgEhfamrleZHYBk0J4J-De9ZWWtFGhXnruN0g44SxaTPUDe39zCHb76WC9hZnk4najjeAECklOWVmMmgauk0g70vlw-TvoV6EX-9YrGpMIB7WZ1rPh4/s5152/IMG_9952%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB-sVVi-4BcPYIC-fuoG_geWvyEUf0k3ekYBCCmjKZCxu1GNtLp_nWsWC05NI0SK3H5-tMsgEhfamrleZHYBk0J4J-De9ZWWtFGhXnruN0g44SxaTPUDe39zCHb76WC9hZnk4najjeAECklOWVmMmgauk0g70vlw-TvoV6EX-9YrGpMIB7WZ1rPh4/s320/IMG_9952%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Just like spring, the Easter lily symbolizes new beginnings. It also symbolizes hope. And, I hope you had a very happy Easter.<div><br /></div><div>*For more information about my book, "Down Memory Lane," please see the widget above.</div><div><br /></div><div>~ Here's a special, important note about my blog, "The Art of Positive Living,"-Starting next month, I'll be publishing my "The Art of Positive Living" blog post only on the first Saturday of each month, so I'll have more time to write another book that I hope to have published by early fall. I have several other projects that I'm working on, as well. I'll continue to publish my "Spirit Photographs" blog post the third Saturday of each month.</div><div><br /></div><div>Positive thought- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." -John 3:16</div><div>Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, May 6, 2023, Becky<br /><p><br /></p></div>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-67945638015173313212023-03-26T21:29:00.000-07:002023-03-26T21:29:18.814-07:00Friendships<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKG6HOHhCGjzKM660twVwfk0PKNHyLXAVQ201nxY4KPqMB5kCsByhAXBSt5QOntL2khnUqw95MV4ITTEZzom5vRaqONYevKGYmMdOXv12eX0TT9rFZ8YTlNt-3yZ-9CzqbfzbZhGCaiTiaQCPzTn78wMUy4_DKZ7CNpdbR0fezMOUSGBEPKmKW0Fo/s5152/IMG_9883%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKG6HOHhCGjzKM660twVwfk0PKNHyLXAVQ201nxY4KPqMB5kCsByhAXBSt5QOntL2khnUqw95MV4ITTEZzom5vRaqONYevKGYmMdOXv12eX0TT9rFZ8YTlNt-3yZ-9CzqbfzbZhGCaiTiaQCPzTn78wMUy4_DKZ7CNpdbR0fezMOUSGBEPKmKW0Fo/s320/IMG_9883%20(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>First of all, during this time period in our lives, we all need people we can count on, to confide in, and to celebrate with, in victories both large and small. Instead of pulling apart, we need to stand together, united. These people might be in our family or they may be outside of our family. In any case, anyone who cares about us as we do them would be considered our friends.</p><p>Traditional friends could be childhood friends, teenage friends, workplace friends, social friends, or lifelong friends. We might see these friends often, but there may be others that we connect with only occasionally.</p><p>Some might come into our lives for a while, and then go out as quickly as they came, but we can learn something from every type of friendship.</p><p>In my newly revised book, "Down Memory Lane,"* I mention friendships.</p><p>Here are some things that weren't in my book, but they could have been:</p><p>I was invited to go on a cruise to the Bahamas by two of my friends who are sisters. I'd never been on a cruise before, and it was quite an adventure, soaking up all of the local culture and the sun, and enjoying the fun and fellowship.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXIQH1KYxwYlSdmr-xXvW14A3BHsM82cheMh53Ge5TgsUR-ucvajfN_J8fD0zBkE_PWXNjxs56HAE8HmvAYsnF6_4tYxE1-OTT2-VwNYZEcpmodpT84ejSBu_Vn2NqtZdA2Wa9J40bZICd6zLpnwRO3UJEuQMtkbUtjRMr9xOeXnpdJO21AhGTrdi/s4936/IMG_9879%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4936" data-original-width="3591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXIQH1KYxwYlSdmr-xXvW14A3BHsM82cheMh53Ge5TgsUR-ucvajfN_J8fD0zBkE_PWXNjxs56HAE8HmvAYsnF6_4tYxE1-OTT2-VwNYZEcpmodpT84ejSBu_Vn2NqtZdA2Wa9J40bZICd6zLpnwRO3UJEuQMtkbUtjRMr9xOeXnpdJO21AhGTrdi/s320/IMG_9879%20(2).JPG" width="233" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">With One of My Friends (Incognito) in the Bahamas</p><p>One day on the cruise, we got off at one stop, and we decided we wanted mangos. We didn't have any transportation so we had to walk, and it wasn't a short stroll. I don't remember how good the mangos were after we got them, but I do remember that my brand new sandals were in shreds when we got back from our little walk! I also remember how one of us had said, "I'd walk a mile for a mango!"</p><p>We were all single girls, having a lot of fun, but none of us had any shipboard romances like on "The Love Boat" which was a popular television comedy/drama from 1977-1987. However, after our cruise, a few months later, I was lucky to have found Greg who became my best friend and soulmate, and six months later, we were married. My friend from the cruise (pictured above) was my maid of honor at our wedding.</p><p>When I was growing up, everybody on our part of the street in our small town knew each other, and some even became friends. I dated a couple of the guys, and some of the other people and I are still in contact.</p><p>The last few years, one of my childhood friends has been sending me little gifts that had belonged to my grandparents which they had given to her grandmother. I really cherish these since I love memorabilia, especially things that belonged to my family members that have passed on. I'm sending my friend a copy of my latest book.* (My friend [Susie] is also mentioned in my book.)</p><p>Those early times seemed simpler, more wonderful, because now, most people in neighborhoods hardly know each other. It would be great to get back to that same sense of camaraderie. We need it now more than ever!</p><p>*For more information about my book, please see the widget above.</p><p>Small Business Feature: Adda Leah Davis, Appalachian Author</p><p>FYI: https://addaleahdavis.com</p><p>I'd like to tell you about a local Appalachian author in Virginia, Adda Leah Davis, who has written several books including "The Beckoning Hills," "The Whisperer," (a mystery), "Lucinda's Mountain," and "A Heaven Sent Wife," to mention a few.</p><p>This prolific author is currently writing yet another book, and it should be equally as good as the others are.</p><p>If you love Appalachia, as I do, please be sure and check out her wonderful website. Bet you'll be glad you did!</p><p>PS: Addie knows the value of friendship since she really cherishes her friends.</p><p>Positive thought: "Friends make the world beautiful." - Unknown</p><p>Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, April 9, 2023, Becky</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-87715834759577424192023-03-12T19:22:00.000-07:002023-03-12T19:22:09.259-07:00Positive Memories<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiNN2vTpkTaGAGi5OZ_VgJcKtDu3qa-wQKYq4LLC_WzA_uhmJykbDO1LwFAeFHrsyldzhFthheDhdhS_yGBtJgXmlWyiyPIRiqJ423bbNvnwyxjQAQfLAym00N9hdgWKhj-2Lx2fKERveRJKIvUiuQE-yBg-O1yHk272xAeOJ5COPsGezlKXaW6xw/s4113/IMG_9789%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2883" data-original-width="4113" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiNN2vTpkTaGAGi5OZ_VgJcKtDu3qa-wQKYq4LLC_WzA_uhmJykbDO1LwFAeFHrsyldzhFthheDhdhS_yGBtJgXmlWyiyPIRiqJ423bbNvnwyxjQAQfLAym00N9hdgWKhj-2Lx2fKERveRJKIvUiuQE-yBg-O1yHk272xAeOJ5COPsGezlKXaW6xw/s320/IMG_9789%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Spring is almost here, and it officially begins on Monday, March 20, but this year, it looks like it got an early start! </p><p>My cousin Bruce and I recently celebrated our birthdays together, and his gifts to me were two pieces of art that my grandmother had done, and old handmade quilts that were the handiwork of other family members.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DZEYSAEmq19Z4zdF_srGCEC1ZKUtu76YTKHWYilxu-JDsWr-9yWtuLoWjC5YQ-CexAS1grtQ09Kd3UI-LeNIYxMiSJEND5WU2Po9vbT4rFnxeGP3MPzGVJ2zWmCKLqltIU3koNovUJrv4IiZs7YVfUFgCVtj-arN5uyUpXPUg215GQ3jup_VvNwN/s3859/IMG_9613%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3363" data-original-width="3859" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DZEYSAEmq19Z4zdF_srGCEC1ZKUtu76YTKHWYilxu-JDsWr-9yWtuLoWjC5YQ-CexAS1grtQ09Kd3UI-LeNIYxMiSJEND5WU2Po9vbT4rFnxeGP3MPzGVJ2zWmCKLqltIU3koNovUJrv4IiZs7YVfUFgCVtj-arN5uyUpXPUg215GQ3jup_VvNwN/s320/IMG_9613%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> These pretty quilts are in a nice quilt display case.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">These gifts mean so much to me since I enjoy collecting memorabilia.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">One of our gifts to Bruce was my newly revised book, "Down Memory Lane,"* which now contains old (and a few new) photographs from our personal photo albums.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnOpgAHWCSZ5QnZzOotrbQ2oqdEpmhj8i3terfDuZmeXA_7VQ7QXB5xZajwnMyRR1EzRHuF4JPi93G88QygggCwAgnAdUk2ZxeW1dM7Fu9EqK8LZk98zS7DCv5sG-UudPd2WTK7HvZRWCL9lDzTk5IjSd_bg-rHjL_FA_Hm5TQxxxkVTGu4NDeDxA/s2607/downmemorylanefrontcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2607" data-original-width="1737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnOpgAHWCSZ5QnZzOotrbQ2oqdEpmhj8i3terfDuZmeXA_7VQ7QXB5xZajwnMyRR1EzRHuF4JPi93G88QygggCwAgnAdUk2ZxeW1dM7Fu9EqK8LZk98zS7DCv5sG-UudPd2WTK7HvZRWCL9lDzTk5IjSd_bg-rHjL_FA_Hm5TQxxxkVTGu4NDeDxA/s320/downmemorylanefrontcover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">In my book, I tell about the positive memories that I had living in the beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and East Tennessee. In the book, I also briefly mention memorabilia, and how I display it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Small Business Feature:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Antique Barn</div><div style="text-align: left;">Abingdon, Virginia</div><div style="text-align: left;">abingdonantiquebarn.com</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you love old things, vintage pieces, glassware, jewelry, art, memorabilia, etc., you'll love this antique mall in Abingdon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a beautiful piece that Greg and I bought for a bargain price at The Antique Barn-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbb-JiDnh3sFToHSyQkmaJAJO0EE4lrDZNq7n6o8mDrBx9w61CqB4PtF-6mnaMY_ZPKVn2IVLMBXitsn97dFjcb4JN1kzHiqHUMcIBaNuci6sSHdtcNcGzlrXR0UA-KPB0XZTmYe41ZpHVFd9chCedhsuMy-cytpg5MV2YWfCEtmXyl7UfS9vgnX6/s4248/IMG_1379%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4248" data-original-width="2308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbb-JiDnh3sFToHSyQkmaJAJO0EE4lrDZNq7n6o8mDrBx9w61CqB4PtF-6mnaMY_ZPKVn2IVLMBXitsn97dFjcb4JN1kzHiqHUMcIBaNuci6sSHdtcNcGzlrXR0UA-KPB0XZTmYe41ZpHVFd9chCedhsuMy-cytpg5MV2YWfCEtmXyl7UfS9vgnX6/s320/IMG_1379%20(2).JPG" width="174" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Every few weeks, I enjoy visiting this antique mall to see what all is new. Their inventory is always changing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, for really nice pieces at reasonable prices, be sure and check out this wonderful place.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> *For more information about my book, and to purchase on Amazon, please see and click on the widget above.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "If you focus completely on the things you love, then you are on your way to a beautiful life." "May the joy be with you," Rhonda Byrne</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, March 26, 2023, Becky</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-58387478978155823432023-03-01T15:08:00.000-08:002023-03-01T15:08:32.248-08:00Do Something Different!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox4SBMH6p7gBofkwRzIGZWhlobA4GzrfzG9LKzHQgz9NFO-1E_G2n7zdPA-PDMzI8742xvTewBguiZshDMhn6vszJeTgLKKVyFBsVloiqVo_e7ODPyjvhnvi945_qK3etsp3YRjmV64TMg9c884BBOS7gmE3o46tNxMAEfKnrSIWalA4hi4TeW0I4/s3899/DSCN0912%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2037" data-original-width="3899" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox4SBMH6p7gBofkwRzIGZWhlobA4GzrfzG9LKzHQgz9NFO-1E_G2n7zdPA-PDMzI8742xvTewBguiZshDMhn6vszJeTgLKKVyFBsVloiqVo_e7ODPyjvhnvi945_qK3etsp3YRjmV64TMg9c884BBOS7gmE3o46tNxMAEfKnrSIWalA4hi4TeW0I4/s320/DSCN0912%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Right now, we're having some nice weather for this time of year. Here, at least, spring is in the air! It's a good time to go out and do things, to even do something that's a little different!</p><p>Just recently, Greg and I were invited to go to an event that was new to us, a middle school robotics competition in which our young nephew was taking part.</p><p>Since we had never even heard of a robotics competition before, we did a little Internet research on the subject before we went. Basically, small teams of students work together on robots that are supposed to perform certain tasks in the competition. Each team member has a specific duty, like to design the robot, which is what our nephew, James, did in his team. Several teams compete against each other, and judges decide which teams win the competition.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEPr1nCSOABiiQbS9QLwHM2MTPz33G3dl3qOKO7YOw0fkchKiyOhDWTFznPTDudC3q5g3r_Sl_H2trt-Ve_bISwxdPCYrwHab1LbzGl6ZbWHpxT0DwRxIvRuoIoEAbji56DAjVP6KnA1Hr-PnqtjN3XAWB8iziKvSfHw7CID8RYb_oBK1ULRydxO2/s5152/IMG_9696%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3556" data-original-width="5152" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEPr1nCSOABiiQbS9QLwHM2MTPz33G3dl3qOKO7YOw0fkchKiyOhDWTFznPTDudC3q5g3r_Sl_H2trt-Ve_bISwxdPCYrwHab1LbzGl6ZbWHpxT0DwRxIvRuoIoEAbji56DAjVP6KnA1Hr-PnqtjN3XAWB8iziKvSfHw7CID8RYb_oBK1ULRydxO2/s320/IMG_9696%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EIHzqBbYuxyZbiR8ok8p96jseOjma97isHiCaAe982LKH3SBhfgJaQFoEhj45yEnVBJoyilXn6D_wnLnHbT_VwATh5NMFPPeJjcj3d-bSRf6uDuMqQNjVlGpsAcaNQ_Uyjx0XDV5GM9r9iCK3-_JxpWI9LHvYYnEiXr_F4ODQ7dA1cbMFgYeDz4h/s5152/IMG_9698%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EIHzqBbYuxyZbiR8ok8p96jseOjma97isHiCaAe982LKH3SBhfgJaQFoEhj45yEnVBJoyilXn6D_wnLnHbT_VwATh5NMFPPeJjcj3d-bSRf6uDuMqQNjVlGpsAcaNQ_Uyjx0XDV5GM9r9iCK3-_JxpWI9LHvYYnEiXr_F4ODQ7dA1cbMFgYeDz4h/s320/IMG_9698%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>We really enjoyed our time there with our relatives as we showed our support for a family member. </p><p>Also, it's good to get out and do something a little different as often as possible.</p><p>Book Feature- "Down Memory Lane" by Becky Arnott</p><p>A few weeks ago my book, "Down Memory Lane," was republished on Amazon. (For more information on ordering, etc., please see the widget above.) It now contains quite a bit more information, and it also has photographs from my personal photo albums which helps to tell my story even better since you may have heard that "a picture is worth a thousand words."</p><p>On each of my new blog posts now, I'm showing a photograph along with a short narrative that is similar to what is in my book. (However, not all of the narrative in my book has accompanying photos.) </p><p>This photograph is not in my book, but it could have been-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8xwjEZmpnIGvxPiBcTM7Q9ennc20ix1gTWLKjbWOeE1fHas_4ddal7N9tocfnin5t9cE04x6BfLeeQ951L_LyCb-LiHbOI9aftQBgrhnN_UyYuKcszQj3geS2c_3-ClNjWZeL6svyRzzgdu15BOyyDJw0SyMTvEe6yjjKrZQZziXrhCNGyQtGuVH/s4438/IMG_9762%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2941" data-original-width="4438" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8xwjEZmpnIGvxPiBcTM7Q9ennc20ix1gTWLKjbWOeE1fHas_4ddal7N9tocfnin5t9cE04x6BfLeeQ951L_LyCb-LiHbOI9aftQBgrhnN_UyYuKcszQj3geS2c_3-ClNjWZeL6svyRzzgdu15BOyyDJw0SyMTvEe6yjjKrZQZziXrhCNGyQtGuVH/s320/IMG_9762%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The photo above shows Greg and me a few years ago, enjoying the RC Cola-MoonPie Festival in Bell Buckle, Tennessee which is June 17 this year. It has music, contests, games, dancers, a parade, etc. As you can see in the photo, we even got to sit on bales of hay. Also, the refreshments there were great! This festival was something simple, inexpensive, a lot of fun, and- different! </p><p>You don't have to go to Bell Buckle to a festival since there's probably a great festival or other neat event near you.</p><p>Restaurant Feature- Luke's Cafe</p><p>For a unique place to dine, you might want to try Luke's Cafe the next time you're in Abingdon, Virginia.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5camr6VpeAUzWIYaVcLhq9-QOSD106lt9wHXKH2pXXFIXUgK-OQTwq1Fz8E2PEWHTmnJWLrMXD4uMfur1N5NCNBfzlLeIHNmfmW6cfB30QvA6A7RA9HDnqbjuI-v116xhUjlebnxCqas6538PSuMM4NCbXWz3yalf_s0FoCjmYBhaLqbVzWECNbc6/s4850/IMG_9710%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4850" data-original-width="3211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5camr6VpeAUzWIYaVcLhq9-QOSD106lt9wHXKH2pXXFIXUgK-OQTwq1Fz8E2PEWHTmnJWLrMXD4uMfur1N5NCNBfzlLeIHNmfmW6cfB30QvA6A7RA9HDnqbjuI-v116xhUjlebnxCqas6538PSuMM4NCbXWz3yalf_s0FoCjmYBhaLqbVzWECNbc6/s320/IMG_9710%20(2).JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"Luke's Cafe ain't it Kool"</p><p>This cafe is different from the very artistic sculptures outside to the retro images of movie stars, etc. inside</p><p>And, the food is great!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eB1pFmSZCa4YYQN1YVM4zMW7i1WsfS86Z40mBUaCKbAOivjcgPhYozgJrLFhj2s_ZUKMZ7Zs4JzTUAYJPW5y6fougFh01vMcLBQzufO1PTXlsns9h4hVtVUd33z8rXRjD8aTgdda1p0JRKJ9FCP9SuTGhGKqNt72RsVFA0VOIc-ZQDjMoF49ToQh/s5049/IMG_9711%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3849" data-original-width="5049" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eB1pFmSZCa4YYQN1YVM4zMW7i1WsfS86Z40mBUaCKbAOivjcgPhYozgJrLFhj2s_ZUKMZ7Zs4JzTUAYJPW5y6fougFh01vMcLBQzufO1PTXlsns9h4hVtVUd33z8rXRjD8aTgdda1p0JRKJ9FCP9SuTGhGKqNt72RsVFA0VOIc-ZQDjMoF49ToQh/s320/IMG_9711%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">My favorite is the Pimento Cheese Fruit Plate. So good! </p><p></p><p>FYI- ilovelukes.com</p><p>Why not try something a little different this week! </p><p>Positive thought: </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhYkQZZsOH6irfxC989-yzjy5GJVOVYRY2K9hJ_DYCuuWpmZv52OnyVsT8OafswBz5AAFKERCZoH-77XlgCov6ckd6ph5vXEuu2ELO2gHK4oDk9EhCQHEPW2HoVSehytZJWDiFq68POSDoJv5Eppci6BiHOpASvci9FV85K1-vEhdxycC5D6GxG2R/s4359/IMG_9712%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3417" data-original-width="4359" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhYkQZZsOH6irfxC989-yzjy5GJVOVYRY2K9hJ_DYCuuWpmZv52OnyVsT8OafswBz5AAFKERCZoH-77XlgCov6ckd6ph5vXEuu2ELO2gHK4oDk9EhCQHEPW2HoVSehytZJWDiFq68POSDoJv5Eppci6BiHOpASvci9FV85K1-vEhdxycC5D6GxG2R/w200-h157/IMG_9712%20(2).JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for visiting! Until around Sunday, March 12, 2023, Becky</p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-85459014080177769002023-02-14T23:30:00.000-08:002023-02-14T23:30:51.104-08:00"Down Memory Lane"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxeFCD_yeUyiNXoxNzbuGVjLvqbwURssOKIGfN8KZgc3eG8VrZCkKzioPxM_uUmR-WvwJg-MeLn81EFw1oddvJ12aoIcS_ne4N8Jw0zV3XmHW1f0dNQDClyJyDZ0-j1esq5b_TuMsCYqXLSIw7xpGe6fGDuiLbDgmd-FcypNT3JUaTmIyY-IMFsq5/s4805/IMG_2171%20(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="4805" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxeFCD_yeUyiNXoxNzbuGVjLvqbwURssOKIGfN8KZgc3eG8VrZCkKzioPxM_uUmR-WvwJg-MeLn81EFw1oddvJ12aoIcS_ne4N8Jw0zV3XmHW1f0dNQDClyJyDZ0-j1esq5b_TuMsCYqXLSIw7xpGe6fGDuiLbDgmd-FcypNT3JUaTmIyY-IMFsq5/s320/IMG_2171%20(11).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Today I have a blog post that is special to me, and I hope that it will be special for you, too.</p><p>My book, "Down Memory Lane A Nostalgic Memoir of Life in the Southern Appalachians," was recently republished by Hoot Books Publishing. This book is about the "joys of growing up and growing older and about the people and pets along the way that inspired (me) and touched (my) life in a positive way."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaBwLGI8nNS5d2Y3ZDZORkipoDL-Dad8UzCVOaDcBNZRLeIEHcTmRScPMTBC5-wDW2PcPS8L-94kf2-Ug9y1ClybRYvUBPyZ2Zo0WEa-3qYlQzv1rYz4l5kP_MtJ_EHmwXD6bvimUqWUP-fFjef6sCW9PPJjRXfHF4GdiT6wUlv1KyKrDXPauVnW8/s2607/downmemorylanefrontcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2607" data-original-width="1737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaBwLGI8nNS5d2Y3ZDZORkipoDL-Dad8UzCVOaDcBNZRLeIEHcTmRScPMTBC5-wDW2PcPS8L-94kf2-Ug9y1ClybRYvUBPyZ2Zo0WEa-3qYlQzv1rYz4l5kP_MtJ_EHmwXD6bvimUqWUP-fFjef6sCW9PPJjRXfHF4GdiT6wUlv1KyKrDXPauVnW8/s320/downmemorylanefrontcover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p>In this republished version of my book, I added more chapters with more memories, and I also added several personal photographs for the first time. A picture does often seem to be "worth a thousand words," so I believe these photographs do help me tell my story much better. The photos were taken not only by me, but also by my husband, Greg, my brother, Nick, my mother, Jean, and my father, Bill, as well as others.</p><p>I tried to include as many wonderful memories of my life in the beautiful Appalachians as I could, but even after I'd finished revising my book, and had sent it in, more memories kept coming to me, and I still have hundreds of photographs that I could have included in my book, but didn't.</p><p>So, each time I write my "The Art of Positive Living" blog post, I plan to include a photograph, along with a description, similar to what is in my newly revised book. (However, some, but not all of the memories in my book are accompanied by a photograph.)</p><p>~"Down Memory Lane" Feature-</p><p>Here is a picture that could have been in my book, but isn't.-</p><p>(Since we've just had Valentine's Day, I thought that this photo would be very appropriate for this blog post.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dBFSlxzuKukQ__D4nRgzFfD5Gpep06C-TQvSKaYRW8v71l68lDMfbrTm83sTYSi9GSNWWTZwhj7v4b3w_u4P2wZ7_7p5c1uKkTS66fWhb50FD5e-_G4FaPyfdvQUOkP9yK9LHflfOg1NDSdTcwRx0v7LWRuZMuPEi3OBx-xtkUuWUi_MLMke_SCl/s3653/IMG_9683%20(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2666" data-original-width="3653" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dBFSlxzuKukQ__D4nRgzFfD5Gpep06C-TQvSKaYRW8v71l68lDMfbrTm83sTYSi9GSNWWTZwhj7v4b3w_u4P2wZ7_7p5c1uKkTS66fWhb50FD5e-_G4FaPyfdvQUOkP9yK9LHflfOg1NDSdTcwRx0v7LWRuZMuPEi3OBx-xtkUuWUi_MLMke_SCl/s320/IMG_9683%20(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I attended my brother and sister-in law's wedding when I was lucky enough to catch my new sister-in-law's bridal bouquet. No wonder I caught it, because I remember how high I leapt up into the air (and I'm not that athletic!), determined to catch the bouquet. It paid off, since only three months later, I was married to my sweetheart, Greg!</p><p>"Moments come and go, but memories last forever." -Unknown</p><p>FYI: </p><p>"Down Memory Lane" by Becky Arnott (For more information about this book, please click the widget above.) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1V2Tjd3J7PFI7pyLJ6oSDxVKw_WSigFnqxyDDYcY_42gcYE_mxE8LguJw2dVOtoUKfO9umWS7QWYA3SUGM4sgOxDChxAhsJuHsTG7OMibHTvF3AkT9E-fKQk8Rl3Gc7QEkFpKFzElT3_PRfIV8ISXDcuboMe1kVnI1QxuWRX6KoDzC_CwBwr0b15/s3564/IMG_9667%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3258" data-original-width="3564" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1V2Tjd3J7PFI7pyLJ6oSDxVKw_WSigFnqxyDDYcY_42gcYE_mxE8LguJw2dVOtoUKfO9umWS7QWYA3SUGM4sgOxDChxAhsJuHsTG7OMibHTvF3AkT9E-fKQk8Rl3Gc7QEkFpKFzElT3_PRfIV8ISXDcuboMe1kVnI1QxuWRX6KoDzC_CwBwr0b15/s320/IMG_9667%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Cookie from Our Local Food City Bakery</p><p style="text-align: left;">Valentine's Day may be over, but we can still love and cherish our loved ones every day!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "God loves you. I love you. God bless you, and have a wonderful day." -Julie Green (Ditto! -Becky A.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, February 26, 2023, Becky</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-74266739405180620712023-01-23T20:48:00.000-08:002023-01-23T20:48:11.310-08:00We Are All Special, Unique<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChpH3CATue-XlRKNj_YxM3LDYp6197wEpcxqiDWmW1coSCIm4blwWyBdwMVnfysnQg99rKPT2mdPJSNLJZlIjZHMRbL2F8cDx-E7-PWIKOZR73An4SYPt5Uwd9z9KOmMmyEktNnTINSBGRkNjpP0iWCPwh8MWPNkc6HGqov2r1uRQGV9b9F2AtC2O/s4914/IMG_9610%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="4914" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChpH3CATue-XlRKNj_YxM3LDYp6197wEpcxqiDWmW1coSCIm4blwWyBdwMVnfysnQg99rKPT2mdPJSNLJZlIjZHMRbL2F8cDx-E7-PWIKOZR73An4SYPt5Uwd9z9KOmMmyEktNnTINSBGRkNjpP0iWCPwh8MWPNkc6HGqov2r1uRQGV9b9F2AtC2O/s320/IMG_9610%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greg and I recently visited a unique store a few miles from our home in Southwest Virginia...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2nNbjDGmiI2HMFuAiOPu_7p4ZnEe5ghXH_w6a1_VsJ0X4V202ibOLiJW08sllK7psSSaonOttABjbjYdB09UuZEE2eYGJV1dcPVqz0asAysht1rZrN2au4-ZS5K6w0ENPxI33JB8SR09s7Mg-sx-YG91icu9PRQPD8SC7ULnspQsq2Ti5bKven85/s4750/IMG_9615%20(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3720" data-original-width="4750" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2nNbjDGmiI2HMFuAiOPu_7p4ZnEe5ghXH_w6a1_VsJ0X4V202ibOLiJW08sllK7psSSaonOttABjbjYdB09UuZEE2eYGJV1dcPVqz0asAysht1rZrN2au4-ZS5K6w0ENPxI33JB8SR09s7Mg-sx-YG91icu9PRQPD8SC7ULnspQsq2Ti5bKven85/s320/IMG_9615%20(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and we were impressed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiADlyfhII0c4i00so9lzcKrBuVph96BGf_PabWWjImlhIKphJPVQVAmeCKDpPJoh7RQn_6HAkS0fKOgDCuTtHPSLazp5114GlKEdRRGwihKwTLVMVpF3XyIEhcvE1gGWM9mxRd-IjdI8p5dLPi_vM_C2dtVnETCUHNQs7AFW6cwldxxFhiPTtsH91/s5032/IMG_9612%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5032" data-original-width="3095" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiADlyfhII0c4i00so9lzcKrBuVph96BGf_PabWWjImlhIKphJPVQVAmeCKDpPJoh7RQn_6HAkS0fKOgDCuTtHPSLazp5114GlKEdRRGwihKwTLVMVpF3XyIEhcvE1gGWM9mxRd-IjdI8p5dLPi_vM_C2dtVnETCUHNQs7AFW6cwldxxFhiPTtsH91/s320/IMG_9612%20(3).JPG" width="197" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was a Mennonite store where things were a little different. <br /><p>There's an area in the store where you can place an order for soup, made-to-order sandwiches, and salads. While waiting, you can look around and perhaps pick up some potato salad or small fruit pie to go with your order.</p><p>Also, you might want to check out their jellies, breads, desserts, Amish snacks, etc., ice cream, and bulk candies of all types. They also have kitchen items, home decor, toys, religious items, fresh vegetables, as well as many other things.</p><p>Greg and I enjoyed our sandwiches, and we took a couple of their desserts home with us-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqNYftuJJXw5fzkk2a-BysqnMozUhemt-TSs9e_sfDS_KicAuR__NAkW80KNNcD60h4G3OlGKfOjy-JvlGRL0HBKHL6pyeyyrxUQacCqYCXUxSmeMoKx7nCdtudhnhw32lJwbyGNcm_2yDlInD2ImK-lIwCseg-GPcfcO7N_MSorNN6U7X-Rl3K9_/s4407/IMG_9563%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3246" data-original-width="4407" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqNYftuJJXw5fzkk2a-BysqnMozUhemt-TSs9e_sfDS_KicAuR__NAkW80KNNcD60h4G3OlGKfOjy-JvlGRL0HBKHL6pyeyyrxUQacCqYCXUxSmeMoKx7nCdtudhnhw32lJwbyGNcm_2yDlInD2ImK-lIwCseg-GPcfcO7N_MSorNN6U7X-Rl3K9_/s320/IMG_9563%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An Apple Turnover</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdznj6NUqnQJQuMisnqjy3B5p-Hxw1hGvg4UV2l0X2JFBwSQSHB_DqHR10Gx4gTqdd6-hTebkV124Zi6H07RHDXcVnl8o58GLVPJK48JVg_BxYxUW3_r5v-_9kkrqP-715rHKD2mK3IZNTSj1ledFQC4iqK5-1j2MCU3f6vuo8QN2ArgpTZKgNy6s5/s4366/IMG_9568%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3437" data-original-width="4366" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdznj6NUqnQJQuMisnqjy3B5p-Hxw1hGvg4UV2l0X2JFBwSQSHB_DqHR10Gx4gTqdd6-hTebkV124Zi6H07RHDXcVnl8o58GLVPJK48JVg_BxYxUW3_r5v-_9kkrqP-715rHKD2mK3IZNTSj1ledFQC4iqK5-1j2MCU3f6vuo8QN2ArgpTZKgNy6s5/s320/IMG_9568%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Banana Pudding</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yum!</p><p style="text-align: left;">FYI</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Dutch Pantry, 6891 W. Lee Highway, Rural Retreat, VA 24368</p><p style="text-align: left;">All of this made me think of how special and unique this experience was. Mennonites have a different way of life, and they express who they are in their own unique way. In this store, they are just living their lives, and they are sharing with the world who they are and what they do, and those that go there benefit from what they have to offer.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the same way, each of us has something special to offer just by positively expressing our God-given talents, whatever those happen to be.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~ Don't "hide your light under a bushel." means not to hide your talents or abilities. This is from the Sermon on the Mount.</p><p style="text-align: left;">~ "Being different means you have something unique to offer to offer the world." -Unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">We are all different expressions of God. We are all very special.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: From a sign in The Dutch Pantry-</p><p style="text-align: center;">Also important- </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAcnkNk8m_ntQt060vH6Se86UgEDUSYuig_rs9yeUmMEUokx5kP67nUu4JBA_0vB1lzEUR8VcbLrYFm713YL7C1IR4MurBi4oSVxa-J0R2-_dEQzfEvZcKJkRA47qDIRbOe4hPAxM5Q2XMsnrsuv15iNXWLfXSsyFRVKvvfQWBzzX7iU_LQNx9evV/s4342/IMG_9609%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="4342" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAcnkNk8m_ntQt060vH6Se86UgEDUSYuig_rs9yeUmMEUokx5kP67nUu4JBA_0vB1lzEUR8VcbLrYFm713YL7C1IR4MurBi4oSVxa-J0R2-_dEQzfEvZcKJkRA47qDIRbOe4hPAxM5Q2XMsnrsuv15iNXWLfXSsyFRVKvvfQWBzzX7iU_LQNx9evV/w200-h99/IMG_9609%20(2).JPG" width="200" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Becky</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-65258590990878980412023-01-08T19:49:00.001-08:002023-01-08T19:49:30.093-08:00Some Positive Thoughts for the New Year<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjipqK7764QrPLGXoSDMUdTwQmtiBkCuLxAMCMlr5X1hH3dy_gFQc6yKfQ_KzhnOz2Ew2kSklwbHF4PyZfMsllT7c-udU3bHxc7lODbvSfAVDacRog_8jeByz8T3lawCQ3W8O8rhQjMlpljgzdsdvI5Hq_ePjbAMlkS0k0p9dgnsh6QvFO10Zy5zs/s3583/IMG_9433%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3583" data-original-width="2838" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjipqK7764QrPLGXoSDMUdTwQmtiBkCuLxAMCMlr5X1hH3dy_gFQc6yKfQ_KzhnOz2Ew2kSklwbHF4PyZfMsllT7c-udU3bHxc7lODbvSfAVDacRog_8jeByz8T3lawCQ3W8O8rhQjMlpljgzdsdvI5Hq_ePjbAMlkS0k0p9dgnsh6QvFO10Zy5zs/s320/IMG_9433%20(2).JPG" width="253" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A new year has begun, and I have some positive thoughts for this new year.</p><p>I made out some resolutions for 2023, and I imagine many of you have. as well. My resolutions are mostly a continuation of last year's, like to be a positive thinker, feeler, doer, and speaker.</p><p>~ "Look at yourself. Love what you see. Go be the 'you' you're meant to be."- Andrew Blackman, Hallmark Writer</p><p>I also have some observations about a few things that happened in my life just recently.</p><p>During the cold spell that many of us just experienced, we were without water for three days. (It would have been longer, but Greg figured out a couple of solutions. He's, thankfully, very resourceful!) Sometimes an experience like that makes you appreciate the things that we so often take for granted. We feel so much more thankful now for all of our blessings, both large and small.</p><p>~ "When life gets sour, sweeten it with gratitude." -Unknown</p><p>For several weeks, I wanted a small pendant. I knew what I wanted, but I thought I'd have to travel a long distance to get one, but synchronicity came into play a few days ago when, before going out, I was trying to decide what jewelry I'd wear. I finally decided to wear a gemstone bracelet that I liked, but hadn't worn in a while.</p><p>It just happened, while I was out, that a lady noticed my bracelet, and commented on how much she admired it. I told her that I really liked gemstones, and that I needed a gemstone pendant since I had lost one that I loved and had worn a lot. She then told me about a place where I might find one to replace my old one. She referred me to a place in the town where I was visiting at the time, Johnson City, Tennessee. </p><p>The shop was-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTb-OzDyG-0-aBSEOzvkroKrT1inGol1sgUuMRTnqCf5N0zqGHbf9Hmli-IWgrdG-N6ooXXwNGluoL5i-BJKCx-j8TF5Wr5iaDU7EpZKtPXihqQOVaTea3P7TjqxUe5vWX981sEGiWwFYZN3WUz-AGeaJc1FrEmn8O0P4jFa2TykgpFTFY4T-y1tC/s4707/IMG_9578%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="4707" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTb-OzDyG-0-aBSEOzvkroKrT1inGol1sgUuMRTnqCf5N0zqGHbf9Hmli-IWgrdG-N6ooXXwNGluoL5i-BJKCx-j8TF5Wr5iaDU7EpZKtPXihqQOVaTea3P7TjqxUe5vWX981sEGiWwFYZN3WUz-AGeaJc1FrEmn8O0P4jFa2TykgpFTFY4T-y1tC/s320/IMG_9578%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I went by the shop that same day since I was already very close to it. Although I didn't find one ready-made, the owner made me one to order right there in the shop in less that ten minutes! I love it! I like it even better than the one I lost!</p><p>I felt like I had been guided in the right direction when I needed a new pendant replacement. I feel happy every time I wear it, and I will wear it more than any of my other ones because it was exactly what I wanted to go with most of my outfits. </p><p>Let the helpful people there make your gemstone/jewelry dreams come true. Check it out!</p><p>Finally, I was in line recently at the checkout in a small store in a small town when a woman in the front of the line wished the cashier and the others of us in line a happy new year. She seemed positive and very happy. Just being in her presence made you feel uplifted. Although it was after Christmas, it was like she was continuing the Christmas spirit. How wonderful if we could all carry that same spirit throughout the rest of the year!</p><p>Greg and I would like to wish you all a very happy 2023!</p><p>Positive Thought: ~ "2023 A Year to Be Free and a Year of Great Victory"- jgminternational.org</p><p>Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 22, 2023, Becky</p><p><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-25383545388907768572022-12-16T20:12:00.000-08:002022-12-16T20:12:17.716-08:00A Christmas Open House<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHD7baogmXuxoGImhRNDpE9BYRWpeTWYKXOhcnqs7HhSEACfNQRpnRlLqxQyW94NbLVk4JGZnN7NI-Vy1wnOCYY_aoIzeHA3DbnQ9zwU04gz9jxdbMYyE61AGKmz8VSTv4SikP5J4l1kB1Q_W5NOqgcrqgH6HgZGIA_pg8Q_WgeXsTSipu07RrFAk/s5152/IMG_9462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHD7baogmXuxoGImhRNDpE9BYRWpeTWYKXOhcnqs7HhSEACfNQRpnRlLqxQyW94NbLVk4JGZnN7NI-Vy1wnOCYY_aoIzeHA3DbnQ9zwU04gz9jxdbMYyE61AGKmz8VSTv4SikP5J4l1kB1Q_W5NOqgcrqgH6HgZGIA_pg8Q_WgeXsTSipu07RrFAk/s320/IMG_9462.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome!</div><p style="text-align: left;">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.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJY77lPXdq-2zczWJy1nmNHMRXonuDFGHHibAFtQ8rdkrjoWR_NH55aEDRNGvRIW5tgsQ3wt46uEwkuQeat09pIr_gjCKLhLiFm-EZOi3xNHHx3QIH1UU6HLD4V6M0CO3vrynHfd14mHGg0XWDa1rcYpWr5x9NzPUB3bXPHUD-DBXcVb1qjU6n68qK/s3710/IMG_9439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3710" data-original-width="3557" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJY77lPXdq-2zczWJy1nmNHMRXonuDFGHHibAFtQ8rdkrjoWR_NH55aEDRNGvRIW5tgsQ3wt46uEwkuQeat09pIr_gjCKLhLiFm-EZOi3xNHHx3QIH1UU6HLD4V6M0CO3vrynHfd14mHGg0XWDa1rcYpWr5x9NzPUB3bXPHUD-DBXcVb1qjU6n68qK/s320/IMG_9439.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We were greeted at the door by this festive Christmas wreath...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARbw-OcFu-5JZdk_wjGLuWREr_kyhC1mt4Z3mI-XWiCnzrxLjA0qe9hgKLPDJky2tw5kUAubS8yl8BBAkfVAyn1Yf97lTcbhfiu8f94-wIdYkCdR_yFlvPzoEMdcqELern-xYbepIhUbO204fTHx54OX14wjdi1wMAxKbKkDh7BwUetzIT9MsA9H4/s3892/IMG_9454%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3711" data-original-width="3892" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARbw-OcFu-5JZdk_wjGLuWREr_kyhC1mt4Z3mI-XWiCnzrxLjA0qe9hgKLPDJky2tw5kUAubS8yl8BBAkfVAyn1Yf97lTcbhfiu8f94-wIdYkCdR_yFlvPzoEMdcqELern-xYbepIhUbO204fTHx54OX14wjdi1wMAxKbKkDh7BwUetzIT9MsA9H4/s320/IMG_9454%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">and also by John and Ashley, the owners of the house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikP8T-aRLSGV7dxitX2XtzdqJ33c2p056gYI4QsgHKwHFjMXA1Db-p4U1ZfjovQackbm-YQSfXozh0pO8G6iTOyd1An54y-_TMc9DjD15L-ZPUpqBE03XLIeRHhQI6t6DchuyliK-yh27MAeMX606dzRyzT-8YKxPxS-QxZcQhjkOKfwZl63DtAFEV/s4481/IMG_9436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3453" data-original-width="4481" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikP8T-aRLSGV7dxitX2XtzdqJ33c2p056gYI4QsgHKwHFjMXA1Db-p4U1ZfjovQackbm-YQSfXozh0pO8G6iTOyd1An54y-_TMc9DjD15L-ZPUpqBE03XLIeRHhQI6t6DchuyliK-yh27MAeMX606dzRyzT-8YKxPxS-QxZcQhjkOKfwZl63DtAFEV/s320/IMG_9436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">They have done a beautiful job of restoring, furnishing, and decorating their house. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We could hardly wait to see the rest of the house, so John and Ashley took us on a tour-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtvWfoj5MDNzrs8HjDj-GSiOlKp29cHQf7RrSJtgtk_iHRQkTEFtyWhve2p6VFG1t5PuC-YOBkXVu_GOt7dXwowGmzwC4mthsSIot2XvKgs90oazsTPQl8fVrgIKZGiYzUtV9-wj-Jo1fP4EtzD65LE-SnaTiM55HVPlkut0X_IoOxooGpERPq0s6/s3650/IMG_9449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3650" data-original-width="2835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtvWfoj5MDNzrs8HjDj-GSiOlKp29cHQf7RrSJtgtk_iHRQkTEFtyWhve2p6VFG1t5PuC-YOBkXVu_GOt7dXwowGmzwC4mthsSIot2XvKgs90oazsTPQl8fVrgIKZGiYzUtV9-wj-Jo1fP4EtzD65LE-SnaTiM55HVPlkut0X_IoOxooGpERPq0s6/s320/IMG_9449.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">John really likes his new man cave.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After the tour, it was time for refreshments, and they were wonderful!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3V4F-l9MXPUZNK00tIxN4p0ChXhkeejST-NDTNeKQIjzVXew57CJDA25bfbmWZdphdQpOcAOXvY7U0p0cbaHZkfwTe8QsQq5t8QlNIgisSbtRwZWvm-Ez3s4E_uK9Qb5gesZqsKJT8DCXcIelYtrxmrovhDNk9ocqeXlcxR-1MSQM0DqN0KDBIUX/s4511/IMG_9445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3719" data-original-width="4511" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3V4F-l9MXPUZNK00tIxN4p0ChXhkeejST-NDTNeKQIjzVXew57CJDA25bfbmWZdphdQpOcAOXvY7U0p0cbaHZkfwTe8QsQq5t8QlNIgisSbtRwZWvm-Ez3s4E_uK9Qb5gesZqsKJT8DCXcIelYtrxmrovhDNk9ocqeXlcxR-1MSQM0DqN0KDBIUX/s320/IMG_9445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"> There was eggnog (my favorite!) and a wide variety of munchies and other tasty treats.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4D4TmKQrVuipj2D9OeEXTwDOTAyrVLaMvesEqgaGgiJHRMtzejleBYi9b3y7SfLkd6SoanbEif7yJtNQk-nfGorbvgMqeMYdLqbmH9Ng8ZyNHosKM6QtOWa6ObMO6JYfavsMogSVlnTtVPNN26cwDxlDroVRXhqWpBpSJ6jUzldw9bhuk9LNrFe0/s5030/IMG_9438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3553" data-original-width="5030" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4D4TmKQrVuipj2D9OeEXTwDOTAyrVLaMvesEqgaGgiJHRMtzejleBYi9b3y7SfLkd6SoanbEif7yJtNQk-nfGorbvgMqeMYdLqbmH9Ng8ZyNHosKM6QtOWa6ObMO6JYfavsMogSVlnTtVPNN26cwDxlDroVRXhqWpBpSJ6jUzldw9bhuk9LNrFe0/s320/IMG_9438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We all enjoyed not only the food, but also the fellowship.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jZYdNnwkPqUsVQ8Nm51L0J92xDrecbceLJ0jcgeCQxHKwWSz8lo3KoqJgSUGBxapd3VZo2yyLV5-fC5GCTQ5q1JyqtiSzW77mKlSh7C3fzBRY3YCE99dLZKYSV9no_xt2aX5taqxa9TRfYcpcl8CTrpYXl1ac5OcAm_nAG7MQdC1ualU8sluZGF2/s4335/IMG_9456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3632" data-original-width="4335" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jZYdNnwkPqUsVQ8Nm51L0J92xDrecbceLJ0jcgeCQxHKwWSz8lo3KoqJgSUGBxapd3VZo2yyLV5-fC5GCTQ5q1JyqtiSzW77mKlSh7C3fzBRY3YCE99dLZKYSV9no_xt2aX5taqxa9TRfYcpcl8CTrpYXl1ac5OcAm_nAG7MQdC1ualU8sluZGF2/s320/IMG_9456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Way too soon, our memorable afternoon was over; we always enjoy being with family. It is time well-spent!</p><p style="text-align: left;">"The magic of Christmas never ends, and its greatest gifts are family and friends." ~The Random Vibes</p><p style="text-align: left;">Gift suggestion: "Down Memory Lane," a nostalgic memoir by Becky Arnott on Amazon. For more information, click on the widget above.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk1VNgfRT_EA6DI4uRoIVx_RbeLXMlkvM6y1axO634WI8rN1EVsAKg8oaOs7B446jBzWmWC1NTHyb2QLkysIytk4x2RHjNj-8XxveQFfrpVu2cLRCEWOeeypSuXc4XEdSbQAfWVc8hkzkWB5v3q3-n-Ki07RjnbiKAKNcWJBkVc3xkcKZmtx5A9C_/s3633/IMG_9467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3633" data-original-width="3416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk1VNgfRT_EA6DI4uRoIVx_RbeLXMlkvM6y1axO634WI8rN1EVsAKg8oaOs7B446jBzWmWC1NTHyb2QLkysIytk4x2RHjNj-8XxveQFfrpVu2cLRCEWOeeypSuXc4XEdSbQAfWVc8hkzkWB5v3q3-n-Ki07RjnbiKAKNcWJBkVc3xkcKZmtx5A9C_/s320/IMG_9467.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Love, Greg and Becky</div><p style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." -Luke 2:14</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 8, 2023, Becky</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p></div>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-337593551405346822022-12-01T18:14:00.003-08:002022-12-01T18:26:35.127-08:00'Tis the Season<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34sSbyX0-93eyUBC6sf-8NqjfeBQrBuN03MISnWNtG9tKgBEDrVte_F2YSMwcyuRnm9lFDPBTp-KZimB5ndvhDktIpjcKIDPggYyoKzoZfX3iMfCqeguPoeJlYCW82WLoSxhVRuKRji3NfEyVfGEeEao4T7yWA1HOOmU1qwHSx9OVsjiyBivsF_C8/s2760/011%20(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1862" data-original-width="2760" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34sSbyX0-93eyUBC6sf-8NqjfeBQrBuN03MISnWNtG9tKgBEDrVte_F2YSMwcyuRnm9lFDPBTp-KZimB5ndvhDktIpjcKIDPggYyoKzoZfX3iMfCqeguPoeJlYCW82WLoSxhVRuKRji3NfEyVfGEeEao4T7yWA1HOOmU1qwHSx9OVsjiyBivsF_C8/s320/011%20(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a very special time of the year, for many reasons. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's the holiday season that began with Thanksgiving, which most of us just celebrated in many different ways with family and/or friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to investigate, and I saw a man expertly playing an electrified violin. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0jAvkl2FSZzpuBxicAKsCFtBFEecGJRD5gPyB4UK8Ds3Wa0bhgTh8QbLRrq8XHqd3gfDoWheTcmpR7ilLP1WvRRJg_0uhGc3yjNzROGmLyuMObEog39M6InOoi79tahqqFM0PwqGbWl8P-4BcsEnOTDOGA0ad6ONPaf7POG3xfE89rH356Mqn8MU/s3890/IMG_9365%20(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3345" data-original-width="3890" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0jAvkl2FSZzpuBxicAKsCFtBFEecGJRD5gPyB4UK8Ds3Wa0bhgTh8QbLRrq8XHqd3gfDoWheTcmpR7ilLP1WvRRJg_0uhGc3yjNzROGmLyuMObEog39M6InOoi79tahqqFM0PwqGbWl8P-4BcsEnOTDOGA0ad6ONPaf7POG3xfE89rH356Mqn8MU/s320/IMG_9365%20(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."-Mother Teresa</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."-Aesop</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Helping others in need is not only a responsibility of life; it is what gives meaning to life."-Molly Marti</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While it is great to help others when they need it, nearly everyone can improve their situation in life by applying certain principles.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you."-Joyce Meyer </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't go by appearances; we need to know in our hearts that- "Everything Will Be Okay"-Dana Perino</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"The Best Is Yet to Come..." www.jgminternational.org</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"-play, laugh, sing, dance, be joyful, hug a tree, and love each other!"-www.matthewbooks.com</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NReD79Ax-68GOtRipzS917HEGyhqM3G4Qmwxi2q5bbwNvoXKIDb-gFicNlDz_nMQvb3iHHaSCao6GgrchQtWACyezFV9474ZFg3daoKvL6o1nlEkfKc0p9lU1FBIdH-V9CKZO7fjam4seLJ4bDnnM3bSLxYgTMXKejs6UmY3M1loCg9d5uxC0zTZ/s5152/IMG_0783WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NReD79Ax-68GOtRipzS917HEGyhqM3G4Qmwxi2q5bbwNvoXKIDb-gFicNlDz_nMQvb3iHHaSCao6GgrchQtWACyezFV9474ZFg3daoKvL6o1nlEkfKc0p9lU1FBIdH-V9CKZO7fjam4seLJ4bDnnM3bSLxYgTMXKejs6UmY3M1loCg9d5uxC0zTZ/s320/IMG_0783WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">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!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way."-Mary Anne Radmacher</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 11, 2022, Becky</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-19575323484087492982022-11-17T19:40:00.000-08:002022-11-17T19:40:14.686-08:00A Great Place to Stay!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0JkSQU0OJMJhayyOEnso_2SXVhyUqKojcIQIGOtYrSwptgLkLC48yRMisTzC25ya09jp93nxod0mDx9jqDWcKaXiajqCQ_lW2RpQYBm45FpgsaVYk0FgoSJL-pTq3dKNX38231InHVp7l7gC5uZf41UKgXU6wbOExKfyURi_3hmy2BwjkoRytTnA/s4608/IMG_2375%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0JkSQU0OJMJhayyOEnso_2SXVhyUqKojcIQIGOtYrSwptgLkLC48yRMisTzC25ya09jp93nxod0mDx9jqDWcKaXiajqCQ_lW2RpQYBm45FpgsaVYk0FgoSJL-pTq3dKNX38231InHVp7l7gC5uZf41UKgXU6wbOExKfyURi_3hmy2BwjkoRytTnA/s320/IMG_2375%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittgWntWGjw8sCKtKpdZjqt1YJ7E2nxPb3_nBGZIHYtCSgNmK0whl8bYAFn3mT5G5M17PdnSWR9ODUk9d1JLc_sBExk3jzpZX9Bweg3KVqUFGgcmHWiZGtbbrH6JKPbCKXRn8d1OJo71H18fJNDB4usXQU1SFWqXutQctzpU2c8q-bh_uf8kiD1mHB/s4347/IMG_2383%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2649" data-original-width="4347" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittgWntWGjw8sCKtKpdZjqt1YJ7E2nxPb3_nBGZIHYtCSgNmK0whl8bYAFn3mT5G5M17PdnSWR9ODUk9d1JLc_sBExk3jzpZX9Bweg3KVqUFGgcmHWiZGtbbrH6JKPbCKXRn8d1OJo71H18fJNDB4usXQU1SFWqXutQctzpU2c8q-bh_uf8kiD1mHB/s320/IMG_2383%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>You'll have a choice of two cottages in which to stay.</p><p>The first one is-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYpGQd2U4gnQiWKZWBkpg8KDp_GfWRhsbn629yuqiF3zHSzoNn6JxqOmpX7HrT5aUvI96GrbGUhAKPRfz8JJ6UEA0lcA8QSvQ6-fsHX9fQ4dSlrPPqHUksguaBn_zSHZjNX8rdnZhp6sQaVsi9q8er4VfyhnYmqZ29m_Jvzu5KYrTNQmKuTwJFndU/s4028/DSCN0871%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2737" data-original-width="4028" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYpGQd2U4gnQiWKZWBkpg8KDp_GfWRhsbn629yuqiF3zHSzoNn6JxqOmpX7HrT5aUvI96GrbGUhAKPRfz8JJ6UEA0lcA8QSvQ6-fsHX9fQ4dSlrPPqHUksguaBn_zSHZjNX8rdnZhp6sQaVsi9q8er4VfyhnYmqZ29m_Jvzu5KYrTNQmKuTwJFndU/s320/DSCN0871%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mountain Side Cottage</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA66jpmFzV_rTOXKW67Kqd0DJBfTWIVGVHkim3FGXQnCLx8V93oz87_1YVnr1p-WQJAFEoNaMzgmWH86x4m4zfZgxCsjuWVEF_dPwyBMwhuL_rG4xHRGCT7Oc8EITMfNBm7cxhHxhKrqG4FPtKrlU-1Mvok8CQ9sIXp6spEZ8XMHF5hfZ-w87GVZbh/s4494/IMG_2420%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3173" data-original-width="4494" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA66jpmFzV_rTOXKW67Kqd0DJBfTWIVGVHkim3FGXQnCLx8V93oz87_1YVnr1p-WQJAFEoNaMzgmWH86x4m4zfZgxCsjuWVEF_dPwyBMwhuL_rG4xHRGCT7Oc8EITMfNBm7cxhHxhKrqG4FPtKrlU-1Mvok8CQ9sIXp6spEZ8XMHF5hfZ-w87GVZbh/s320/IMG_2420%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Interior View</p><p style="text-align: left;">The second one is-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1BVt0NfeSWU1tgZhIEJulD7WfmD6NgsMCBBYEBhudR3fW4lxxiFgWk2c-sAvq4QU6qMsOvZ8esdqlfNJtALEXy5UfTqy8Nxs_x3qMa4QNV2fsaaETrLeEU4FJjX_088rMpQI_fRf6ZjD5Ba_u1aQEsdZYdsMFJuplasr1InggTYP3l_YLLbzc9DY/s4178/IMG_2442%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2968" data-original-width="4178" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1BVt0NfeSWU1tgZhIEJulD7WfmD6NgsMCBBYEBhudR3fW4lxxiFgWk2c-sAvq4QU6qMsOvZ8esdqlfNJtALEXy5UfTqy8Nxs_x3qMa4QNV2fsaaETrLeEU4FJjX_088rMpQI_fRf6ZjD5Ba_u1aQEsdZYdsMFJuplasr1InggTYP3l_YLLbzc9DY/s320/IMG_2442%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Carolina Cottage</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C39KSX1yxaZizwyRXJPl04q0TtKT07OGKC7ZvHxjPUXYbyB8hv3swM5tZc38Kk7fjSk31VjiUi6n44hsxe50iigWJEYjGhmO_4ht7Bs1ObXTgKdyc1QNwW0FRtYxeLnzzwM7FeW3ACMaYTfgkbgh_6xREsa8GprefjINliL__td0jM883MLQ1lNK/s3707/IMG_2462%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3327" data-original-width="3707" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C39KSX1yxaZizwyRXJPl04q0TtKT07OGKC7ZvHxjPUXYbyB8hv3swM5tZc38Kk7fjSk31VjiUi6n44hsxe50iigWJEYjGhmO_4ht7Bs1ObXTgKdyc1QNwW0FRtYxeLnzzwM7FeW3ACMaYTfgkbgh_6xREsa8GprefjINliL__td0jM883MLQ1lNK/s320/IMG_2462%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Interior View</p><p style="text-align: left;">There's a picture everywhere you look!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmel41nVxgAVG7tcT5Vduq2VH0_nIs_0SiGoD7TrmpWc_zwZ8WxGIqwZJbUv_7G9vwvEKuPQqNC5X3NtyyteC4NfrmbCFgqtr-EoGhR4nASVE6yYoK-rFQ4yE2XsxcKjyyeOtgIxG89-k-McpN5dVjPXtWA9xtz2EoJDXqFLElRCl3XHezBxEkHsZ/s4239/IMG_2471%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3179" data-original-width="4239" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmel41nVxgAVG7tcT5Vduq2VH0_nIs_0SiGoD7TrmpWc_zwZ8WxGIqwZJbUv_7G9vwvEKuPQqNC5X3NtyyteC4NfrmbCFgqtr-EoGhR4nASVE6yYoK-rFQ4yE2XsxcKjyyeOtgIxG89-k-McpN5dVjPXtWA9xtz2EoJDXqFLElRCl3XHezBxEkHsZ/s320/IMG_2471%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">This charming place is like your home away from home.</p><p style="text-align: left;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4RzAvaLfEQ5WU7qaLSLcbGhz0LmyWWa8SwEMFYV101afjL-TdbT17gpMz_hYjjSD251n-56n8HSNvcL06cLLSTBWJT0WsDcGrgZbYtVy8q7_Zf1iQHuBt90XeVMKzdzN9NCRNUSyEl3iWnxp6f8SNPyWeshCPlrgbU5YocafVj_lMK8S0oVifeQs/s4488/IMG_2392%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3427" data-original-width="4488" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4RzAvaLfEQ5WU7qaLSLcbGhz0LmyWWa8SwEMFYV101afjL-TdbT17gpMz_hYjjSD251n-56n8HSNvcL06cLLSTBWJT0WsDcGrgZbYtVy8q7_Zf1iQHuBt90XeVMKzdzN9NCRNUSyEl3iWnxp6f8SNPyWeshCPlrgbU5YocafVj_lMK8S0oVifeQs/s320/IMG_2392%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">"The mountains are calling, and I must go."- John Muir</p><p style="text-align: left;">FYI- </p><p style="text-align: left;">www.vrbo.com Once on the website, for more information, type in the following numbers:</p><p style="text-align: left;">For Mountain Side Cottage, 1128348</p><p style="text-align: left;">For Carolina Cottage, 841917</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGTfVgZtQBTLTHpEBsIHNMccXu5y6130RNnyOvNmxSr7yj_0FluKeQM4wyoMjzpATbiVCRCsaLQjxbaWL3iQjzUcKg2UPkypGBdaRit_kutcf4TDAjhRP4smSctOti1eRvRPPIT4GaUuBQO-Hf24RVcwvEy6ZdlfOUln5AHSLXPXCZu-qV5ILyOGZ/s2848/022WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="2848" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGTfVgZtQBTLTHpEBsIHNMccXu5y6130RNnyOvNmxSr7yj_0FluKeQM4wyoMjzpATbiVCRCsaLQjxbaWL3iQjzUcKg2UPkypGBdaRit_kutcf4TDAjhRP4smSctOti1eRvRPPIT4GaUuBQO-Hf24RVcwvEy6ZdlfOUln5AHSLXPXCZu-qV5ILyOGZ/s320/022WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dL-Yk-gQYFooUs_v70WR7tQ6HTp85AQGbfj_aL67eBVhPJOzShAxqtk4YZW5eSE2RqZBJv_fWhXsQOzDpjGjdOOrSTpqmdFF0Gnf5m0bvdgqamFlC5XeaZ4pCheYAeFBHWKOs4Akv3i3k7V-hCrz7EgOb-7b7GzjghWYdPiZiE23M21G3ygFHT7B/s1684/IMG_9346%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1684" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dL-Yk-gQYFooUs_v70WR7tQ6HTp85AQGbfj_aL67eBVhPJOzShAxqtk4YZW5eSE2RqZBJv_fWhXsQOzDpjGjdOOrSTpqmdFF0Gnf5m0bvdgqamFlC5XeaZ4pCheYAeFBHWKOs4Akv3i3k7V-hCrz7EgOb-7b7GzjghWYdPiZiE23M21G3ygFHT7B/s320/IMG_9346%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, November 27, 2022, Becky</div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-26388611209176985262022-10-30T19:49:00.000-07:002022-10-30T19:49:14.764-07:00An Important Opportunity<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWyhnMaqWVrAYPgsxzvUa_VkTJp7LzR66KWdutoR1Lkf8RhbQZJHOyW4Fk7wPAtPGPY4CvYtuRQrSjUUdCTAmttpwrX2r-KG9ulA40M0hW5i_At4dZl-JVSW4QMVpmb6JpcTUfgSXhVGwefde5HhOpLZSqwtl8Zee0lG7CPR9QK8BMs4f-7vIS-Xr/s2777/044%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2777" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWyhnMaqWVrAYPgsxzvUa_VkTJp7LzR66KWdutoR1Lkf8RhbQZJHOyW4Fk7wPAtPGPY4CvYtuRQrSjUUdCTAmttpwrX2r-KG9ulA40M0hW5i_At4dZl-JVSW4QMVpmb6JpcTUfgSXhVGwefde5HhOpLZSqwtl8Zee0lG7CPR9QK8BMs4f-7vIS-Xr/s320/044%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>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.</p><p>Here are some quotes that might inspire you as they did me-</p><p>"All beings are free. Truth can never be destroyed. Right action creates right results.." -Mark Passio</p><p>"Voting is not only our right-it is our power." -Loung Ung</p><p>"The eagle will soar again." -From the "Bible"</p><p>These great quotes inspired me so much that I created a quote of my own-</p><p>"Vote as if your future depends on it which it does!" Becky Arnott</p><p>Here is part of a banner on display in downtown Abingdon, Virginia-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWUUquvhZV2P8Syvz_PyFPUwgLBdpoCQwNIS5THCwjngtmRFVbTS6bNczS2Qxe8t431xppZV5YxboBiwKdWKk0IvHzouae6QucskkNQyQKx7B4iqify7h3zi-wRuav8uPVYDNZQQwEgqSZFzCS2p0DkjED84_VCUrFUDvDkbtY1Trmgwdo4iXaqnv/s4244/IMG_9249%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1977" data-original-width="4244" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWUUquvhZV2P8Syvz_PyFPUwgLBdpoCQwNIS5THCwjngtmRFVbTS6bNczS2Qxe8t431xppZV5YxboBiwKdWKk0IvHzouae6QucskkNQyQKx7B4iqify7h3zi-wRuav8uPVYDNZQQwEgqSZFzCS2p0DkjED84_VCUrFUDvDkbtY1Trmgwdo4iXaqnv/s320/IMG_9249%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Remember, if you don't vote, you lose the right to complain." -George Carlin</div><div><br /></div><div>Photograph taken at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa in Abingdon-</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1BFBQYeF_cpcYGCp0PzUW4GJlOmF7Xg3DY0WQuoQhVqZX7CP9v0QkxG_D4zLucNM9GM-F3ugerrrIN1AQB1ChH9Q5XzihWNWpQg4SKqlSSUmtiyPvE5U8E0PrS_PXQLlyIXuhtOk8ponzFPO_5w7HwZCQLr9qCWB8_u9lrHfZjdZvKtWlpmwXTJ9/s5152/IMG_9227%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1BFBQYeF_cpcYGCp0PzUW4GJlOmF7Xg3DY0WQuoQhVqZX7CP9v0QkxG_D4zLucNM9GM-F3ugerrrIN1AQB1ChH9Q5XzihWNWpQg4SKqlSSUmtiyPvE5U8E0PrS_PXQLlyIXuhtOk8ponzFPO_5w7HwZCQLr9qCWB8_u9lrHfZjdZvKtWlpmwXTJ9/s320/IMG_9227%20(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Positive thought: "Somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the world." Roald Dahl</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, November 13, 2022, Becky</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-35409123646113133992022-10-10T16:07:00.000-07:002022-10-10T16:07:12.091-07:00It's the Most Colorful Time of the Year!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEgJm-AMHyNHzj1Co2uMdyuWPnB6UsYnnrFT9MbAc4VjUFedJD2-kkQezkmcsyJu4J_fK3XDjWN7fdH1ALIHcKfX9_QFsdsgQTzvBrnB9jda4Fr-pLMIahsMl1h4G8j8LmHK2VVysuTY5gQSUg7SoSQIS4N68shxVBn0oZ_lGuE16GM7MkKBnK6x2/s4699/IMG_9198%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2435" data-original-width="4699" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEgJm-AMHyNHzj1Co2uMdyuWPnB6UsYnnrFT9MbAc4VjUFedJD2-kkQezkmcsyJu4J_fK3XDjWN7fdH1ALIHcKfX9_QFsdsgQTzvBrnB9jda4Fr-pLMIahsMl1h4G8j8LmHK2VVysuTY5gQSUg7SoSQIS4N68shxVBn0oZ_lGuE16GM7MkKBnK6x2/s320/IMG_9198%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>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.</p><p>Let's begin with our neighbor's cute fall display,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODVUJ8FPoWpxtkFnZy9b_WwhjeY-gcg8U-BQtyVQ42mydG2FRfauTZPm5KQMkZdSyybm8xUXHGfjTo4WAC2gWKCQ94s4ZDYnrgkIhEN6oEcf_ZpCiu-vcvMKfxu9L7NWD66W09OWZ1SqtvXV9HgCCIUxcHQARKGQpgURPIxtvWBpd714FyYkVXKuR/s2599/IMG_9093%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2599" data-original-width="1566" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODVUJ8FPoWpxtkFnZy9b_WwhjeY-gcg8U-BQtyVQ42mydG2FRfauTZPm5KQMkZdSyybm8xUXHGfjTo4WAC2gWKCQ94s4ZDYnrgkIhEN6oEcf_ZpCiu-vcvMKfxu9L7NWD66W09OWZ1SqtvXV9HgCCIUxcHQARKGQpgURPIxtvWBpd714FyYkVXKuR/s320/IMG_9093%20(2).JPG" width="193" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">complete, with a fodder shock.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27duic_qdLVa8DAl4Uwz8oBHVdo1sajDt-ZziQRH2yRbFwFNx_Hr5_RM3hWPNbW_EhzYUYt61qofpCfGDB4rdixg5cgA9mwWRHOSwYtu1N-4xqeIEn2pPfGgVeD0oKSbxHvK87VBAisbHAifw41lFZh8Ti1pj0scLzkRTlx868ctU4VCp-ppFDkkV/s1768/IMG_9108%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1768" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27duic_qdLVa8DAl4Uwz8oBHVdo1sajDt-ZziQRH2yRbFwFNx_Hr5_RM3hWPNbW_EhzYUYt61qofpCfGDB4rdixg5cgA9mwWRHOSwYtu1N-4xqeIEn2pPfGgVeD0oKSbxHvK87VBAisbHAifw41lFZh8Ti1pj0scLzkRTlx868ctU4VCp-ppFDkkV/s320/IMG_9108%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"It is time for a great harvest." -Julie Green, www.jgminternational.org</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is also a fall festival in the mountains of Tennessee, in Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair from October 13-October 30.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWglzfmU-KQytfdxfxdJ2zDc81bFVzUSZ3m-go4hnKPQP1OI7I6l78JZPgJ6Q5Iw4Dm9yYn66pVydGYtW05BrXf02ZWgNCfCPvjZzlw4eU4jjXwVLl9GnSl40SlYbQ-jn_kyPsH0L6jBQlLd9Elhit0pRdykbOKep2nskY5lWflGM0mbox2WZR1Ul/s5152/IMG_9138%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWglzfmU-KQytfdxfxdJ2zDc81bFVzUSZ3m-go4hnKPQP1OI7I6l78JZPgJ6Q5Iw4Dm9yYn66pVydGYtW05BrXf02ZWgNCfCPvjZzlw4eU4jjXwVLl9GnSl40SlYbQ-jn_kyPsH0L6jBQlLd9Elhit0pRdykbOKep2nskY5lWflGM0mbox2WZR1Ul/s320/IMG_9138%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Downtown Gatlinburg</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Small Business Feature-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple of weeks ago, Greg and I met Nick and Lisa for lunch at Greeko's Grill & Cafe in Abingdon, Virginia.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FIk5ICU8412eKJPAbTu3a9kXjKGPSwyOBgNhrjrLCJzhUzVH_0SVEiBpQCeIuquED8lKXVcy2dFhU5wvytBD_HX96yU0sxt6rjk6muP9SvBg5nl9us1HcxCYLjOzlZ-KWAaEijBY_wl4ov2WBFts70brYKIkPQ00lzlH5ALEekJwywIYu_AL7G_J/s5019/IMG_9176%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3765" data-original-width="5019" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FIk5ICU8412eKJPAbTu3a9kXjKGPSwyOBgNhrjrLCJzhUzVH_0SVEiBpQCeIuquED8lKXVcy2dFhU5wvytBD_HX96yU0sxt6rjk6muP9SvBg5nl9us1HcxCYLjOzlZ-KWAaEijBY_wl4ov2WBFts70brYKIkPQ00lzlH5ALEekJwywIYu_AL7G_J/s320/IMG_9176%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lisa, Nick, and Greg</div><div><br /></div><div>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!</div><div>FYI- www.getgreekos.com</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdFj8W1TanSmAtq9uGn9jBb9FftdLxWy857QWigRr0kpOrUhzFJkrm6QnqPoDXmcL8f-rBXUP4r-uTnpjSB61OllVPrfCxviSH41fB03qJrnTZO1ACJMUooqIdVMsTr7AVixNFN1yOin8yllUiCYSZBwke9vBIECBv5byNa-2s4JmvjopFHhtxCTH/s4149/IMG_9161%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3371" data-original-width="4149" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdFj8W1TanSmAtq9uGn9jBb9FftdLxWy857QWigRr0kpOrUhzFJkrm6QnqPoDXmcL8f-rBXUP4r-uTnpjSB61OllVPrfCxviSH41fB03qJrnTZO1ACJMUooqIdVMsTr7AVixNFN1yOin8yllUiCYSZBwke9vBIECBv5byNa-2s4JmvjopFHhtxCTH/s320/IMG_9161%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Columbus Day!</div><div><br /></div><div>Positive thought: "Always believe something wonderful is about to happen." -Unknown</div><div>Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 30, 2022, Becky</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-28919755821899544462022-09-25T21:20:00.000-07:002022-09-25T21:20:16.603-07:00Some Positive Thoughts and Ideas<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1q5GYJgSKNM2UqOyShdJz1zYg8V_4jeLls0w_aSZUORGwu2UOk1oBXcq27f9EwqGedqNVkM20vXYG99qh0h2YUFTgDxiZSvHBoRRAS2pA44KYnJ79PXEZaUutyfB_WsjmLrtPKuNQuqOkftnxsfQyHJZYN7x8st0i3193dDUs0cb16F9FFdDqckL/s4154/IMG_9102%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3441" data-original-width="4154" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1q5GYJgSKNM2UqOyShdJz1zYg8V_4jeLls0w_aSZUORGwu2UOk1oBXcq27f9EwqGedqNVkM20vXYG99qh0h2YUFTgDxiZSvHBoRRAS2pA44KYnJ79PXEZaUutyfB_WsjmLrtPKuNQuqOkftnxsfQyHJZYN7x8st0i3193dDUs0cb16F9FFdDqckL/s320/IMG_9102%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Remember, "Laughter is the best medicine."- Originated from Proverbs 17:22, the "Bible"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjh5-7q2_eB8emI3lfKns48od2KN64POuTx0BKmMwn5G-b7m4JTtS6YZS4vrPLHjSj_q7cxSwc0ho1O4qu9jgAW0QOSSMSM7-ZeugLAq19IoGDmfE_tNJrkTwocF4dwldnF7vgJY0cc5nVNpoveHDD_7RP02tozKWpN7FDKAFHxYnVumoaqdk4C6e/s5152/IMG_9069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjh5-7q2_eB8emI3lfKns48od2KN64POuTx0BKmMwn5G-b7m4JTtS6YZS4vrPLHjSj_q7cxSwc0ho1O4qu9jgAW0QOSSMSM7-ZeugLAq19IoGDmfE_tNJrkTwocF4dwldnF7vgJY0cc5nVNpoveHDD_7RP02tozKWpN7FDKAFHxYnVumoaqdk4C6e/s320/IMG_9069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here are a some positive thoughts from others-</p><p>Matthew Ward says, among other words of wisdom, that for beneficial outcomes, have confidence and optimism.- https://www.matthewbooks.com</p><p>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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRHnjUbr7Zpja4N-nJteNHQYJtNpdNc-yODc0MzhipzanJ5eJ4XuqCfcWdzHS7ZG1uPQ7cxJgI6CC-e66BSLuQlml3PjqdWkKrh2hJ93xoLeSrsuZ1bQJyjr65AHOw-7BoDOrg_oR55mpEwSz9DjmV98lZQ4ZHZcjx5B1-1meSK-uk5wdKO3N7Uw/s4136/IMG_7046%20(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3257" data-original-width="4136" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRHnjUbr7Zpja4N-nJteNHQYJtNpdNc-yODc0MzhipzanJ5eJ4XuqCfcWdzHS7ZG1uPQ7cxJgI6CC-e66BSLuQlml3PjqdWkKrh2hJ93xoLeSrsuZ1bQJyjr65AHOw-7BoDOrg_oR55mpEwSz9DjmV98lZQ4ZHZcjx5B1-1meSK-uk5wdKO3N7Uw/s320/IMG_7046%20(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbde0Yy213kIZb0O_xqjGhylMA4LzWwSUU8pNOKXpLXDd0R561-oHHHVQUZb4xBuZfIGfkpvp0qEjOs6OQvP_oKT7B_i90_M2dtvZAcav_gYWzleSKVXVomit-jjFnJwF30n6U-SFHihlCXMBS5u5O0DGmXlWqBvwLWntcuC38YRRFgPdwXlFOU1yH/s5152/IMG_9141%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbde0Yy213kIZb0O_xqjGhylMA4LzWwSUU8pNOKXpLXDd0R561-oHHHVQUZb4xBuZfIGfkpvp0qEjOs6OQvP_oKT7B_i90_M2dtvZAcav_gYWzleSKVXVomit-jjFnJwF30n6U-SFHihlCXMBS5u5O0DGmXlWqBvwLWntcuC38YRRFgPdwXlFOU1yH/s320/IMG_9141%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Fall Y'all!</p><p>Positive thought: "Positivity has more power than you think."- "Woman's World" magazine</p><p>Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 9, 2022, Becky</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862174899735333629.post-60348462470339239502022-09-11T22:04:00.000-07:002022-09-11T22:04:22.860-07:00The Kitchen at Grace Meadows Farm<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m7SSYgOLBTj5xmwKmj39VMbtgHuTtVSiFM7Jh-hPenn7iKcmZkurOId2KmXoE74yKEcqBqtE0rxGXB7SepN7gOW0oGHkMqz4icUuMnNhip9DW-jmUqycM204mAEcuNF7XPol0THZ5FeWJFYUkIIr2dR-gnghxZqJZ-YVcFFX8heWgvrbCrjsHlWZ/s4865/IMG_9002%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4865" data-original-width="3826" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m7SSYgOLBTj5xmwKmj39VMbtgHuTtVSiFM7Jh-hPenn7iKcmZkurOId2KmXoE74yKEcqBqtE0rxGXB7SepN7gOW0oGHkMqz4icUuMnNhip9DW-jmUqycM204mAEcuNF7XPol0THZ5FeWJFYUkIIr2dR-gnghxZqJZ-YVcFFX8heWgvrbCrjsHlWZ/s320/IMG_9002%20(2).JPG" width="252" /></a></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfFsUvfZ4w_24I5tYlVcIH2vm22-ME2Q_ptI3aiA-sZ6c5N6dFwVPz4VQQzz4vpToom2A4oaBkhAW3sXENZSWPfzqh-_3kVCRdjIIfm4vTJs2MfCxav-5CZFjO1rObBjLD4EABHhEWUTx4eKzL-f68aa2uDog66FPJnyp5pVXha6kBcAOFE4yN_7a/s3175/IMG_9004%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="3175" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfFsUvfZ4w_24I5tYlVcIH2vm22-ME2Q_ptI3aiA-sZ6c5N6dFwVPz4VQQzz4vpToom2A4oaBkhAW3sXENZSWPfzqh-_3kVCRdjIIfm4vTJs2MfCxav-5CZFjO1rObBjLD4EABHhEWUTx4eKzL-f68aa2uDog66FPJnyp5pVXha6kBcAOFE4yN_7a/s320/IMG_9004%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Greg, on His Way to the Restaurant</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-aZeXgcREZz-Z-FZx6jsyz3_9L51JvJ-edjfRZrEQgaDkWd8zKpYHAxMFuBAfCqE5Fo_bYjQ2k96IMkQ1KO6LyVksF8RqTzbhcDqjRcaWPC-zSlZ3DZrpLF0mp9FvAsoShjmcBRrU48qles8wzs9dljt6Xjfr0BhEjYd4v1F5RBoZWm836d2wVO3/s4069/IMG_9024%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4069" data-original-width="2305" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-aZeXgcREZz-Z-FZx6jsyz3_9L51JvJ-edjfRZrEQgaDkWd8zKpYHAxMFuBAfCqE5Fo_bYjQ2k96IMkQ1KO6LyVksF8RqTzbhcDqjRcaWPC-zSlZ3DZrpLF0mp9FvAsoShjmcBRrU48qles8wzs9dljt6Xjfr0BhEjYd4v1F5RBoZWm836d2wVO3/s320/IMG_9024%20(2).JPG" width="181" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really liked the country decor,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi9Vm-z-WZg_J7qIFt-2bJkBvTRxW5qj5RZh3-qxqinxfAUC03HUx3IHb76CRbnCsSsgxOs95e18rDXvb-LFd0lvSFWPZc9i4UnX6C9Cy3_fkHOaZxeqjEiPtZpbinSJt9LnnqbUGbnL4zHuHFd5QO75pc14yNJJQh0WG4jAKWsKpmkPLaZlYjHQ8/s4968/IMG_9007%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3845" data-original-width="4968" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi9Vm-z-WZg_J7qIFt-2bJkBvTRxW5qj5RZh3-qxqinxfAUC03HUx3IHb76CRbnCsSsgxOs95e18rDXvb-LFd0lvSFWPZc9i4UnX6C9Cy3_fkHOaZxeqjEiPtZpbinSJt9LnnqbUGbnL4zHuHFd5QO75pc14yNJJQh0WG4jAKWsKpmkPLaZlYjHQ8/s320/IMG_9007%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">as well as the family-style, country cooking!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHRxcV6NPFItNQANfmpegHgNWwb9rIHs0gea5Ha1B9cgl-q3ObB4TeTMkGotPhUD0SGC4fRAJmhysFrMhjwcNRiymGGVpisvCVMxCzdEPnEXhEZY6PuMe-DxTi5dQxZUL5NZ_oWNJDEJlsRiiaK4CNj2k9e-cxTZz08tk4Aoxi9ijJh59kYvWiBiG/s5124/IMG_9009%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="5124" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHRxcV6NPFItNQANfmpegHgNWwb9rIHs0gea5Ha1B9cgl-q3ObB4TeTMkGotPhUD0SGC4fRAJmhysFrMhjwcNRiymGGVpisvCVMxCzdEPnEXhEZY6PuMe-DxTi5dQxZUL5NZ_oWNJDEJlsRiiaK4CNj2k9e-cxTZz08tk4Aoxi9ijJh59kYvWiBiG/s320/IMG_9009%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">There's plenty of delicious food here,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VgNaJYzIBDWAnitYZMmlpa1NIliogUDUeNVmw_QaPqxupkkTCVNTTnoDtsS6xyZSSAfBi7P2H5w_kdfki0UX2_RBwLT93Gs9SctvHwFdnRPeXUHVNilxkA7CkJe_KxSV4KYAWdLYUOqxQl0_OscDVpUlzhZvxxwKqFPt-_r1H5kKBzOWDntAs0ws/s5031/IMG_9013%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5031" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VgNaJYzIBDWAnitYZMmlpa1NIliogUDUeNVmw_QaPqxupkkTCVNTTnoDtsS6xyZSSAfBi7P2H5w_kdfki0UX2_RBwLT93Gs9SctvHwFdnRPeXUHVNilxkA7CkJe_KxSV4KYAWdLYUOqxQl0_OscDVpUlzhZvxxwKqFPt-_r1H5kKBzOWDntAs0ws/s320/IMG_9013%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">including a scrumptious dessert of your choice. How about a hot fudge cake!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlK0oZQ0jig0A60_HjhOW9bnFy5dsb9SEpBnkPho0Yv07JTPMX4_rrGy6esH7a1NgtSWqDQMNwQPR7Qp4riKCbE0DQkClu-0rPzLUp261u_sNzD7YLNtWLO2JwJpuNBR9JRQff9qu5T8zfxClACnEJg6kSBbgnTElq02AaoZSG_KqGCCBR60C0FOw/s4263/IMG_9016%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3097" data-original-width="4263" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlK0oZQ0jig0A60_HjhOW9bnFy5dsb9SEpBnkPho0Yv07JTPMX4_rrGy6esH7a1NgtSWqDQMNwQPR7Qp4riKCbE0DQkClu-0rPzLUp261u_sNzD7YLNtWLO2JwJpuNBR9JRQff9qu5T8zfxClACnEJg6kSBbgnTElq02AaoZSG_KqGCCBR60C0FOw/s320/IMG_9016%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Greg was one of many satisfied customers.</p><p style="text-align: left;">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.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Our waiter, Lane, was very informative and personable, and he suggested that we explore more of the farm before we left.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivydwc_4SY4vSUnu0e-M83F9SAS2wep51d0lTT5Dzu54AzI1ILdVMUYUY5Ei9HCrNaomISB3T0CPQpbaE05N70_hOQ6R68wT58vyp_KgbVrKY54uBwWw9lrZzGDs81Zsh89tlVGnAuC6CfNm4UjAzH3mkoTPA2X4wMtHmVTOAMuiGzjcEMKwQrbO6i/s4422/IMG_9018%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3489" data-original-width="4422" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivydwc_4SY4vSUnu0e-M83F9SAS2wep51d0lTT5Dzu54AzI1ILdVMUYUY5Ei9HCrNaomISB3T0CPQpbaE05N70_hOQ6R68wT58vyp_KgbVrKY54uBwWw9lrZzGDs81Zsh89tlVGnAuC6CfNm4UjAzH3mkoTPA2X4wMtHmVTOAMuiGzjcEMKwQrbO6i/s320/IMG_9018%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>On our way out, we looked around the gift shop, and I found a unique, small gift to give to someone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLLhMhlWiiW6K44y4aPuCbLsuhFBZV8bwY9wBsynMEoyoVDXFwUoVDaMx7lz3ckwGtox5nvYxjMMWUffItN9PojKaL7WwlQ-gFPDTTMZsTxdMQ1m7kifStfQK8j9qWsm08i40uYdlwrMex3p8FiV4h8FBtcPmD--3qMNlJZTkOfsPiZYQpIB8ciT-/s5152/IMG_9025%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLLhMhlWiiW6K44y4aPuCbLsuhFBZV8bwY9wBsynMEoyoVDXFwUoVDaMx7lz3ckwGtox5nvYxjMMWUffItN9PojKaL7WwlQ-gFPDTTMZsTxdMQ1m7kifStfQK8j9qWsm08i40uYdlwrMex3p8FiV4h8FBtcPmD--3qMNlJZTkOfsPiZYQpIB8ciT-/s320/IMG_9025%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Outside, Greg enjoyed seeing this old farm truck.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQtVWWmbPX93r0XfnmPkywhWf9JoajLXpkoHA4adnNxT8d2uMLHwn2N6-u-UNAaR7_x9otvtgZ8az_WNNqr4PfmeKZzoMWQk8Yue7IZWbrmckD_zaLYaElQQ-YuWrK4mKeyYUjPNEkzndXaxVagvEIBxSesjHXz9WU1UYOdod06vLa0qNl4S3YIP-/s5152/IMG_9026%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQtVWWmbPX93r0XfnmPkywhWf9JoajLXpkoHA4adnNxT8d2uMLHwn2N6-u-UNAaR7_x9otvtgZ8az_WNNqr4PfmeKZzoMWQk8Yue7IZWbrmckD_zaLYaElQQ-YuWrK4mKeyYUjPNEkzndXaxVagvEIBxSesjHXz9WU1UYOdod06vLa0qNl4S3YIP-/s320/IMG_9026%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I loved the grounds which included this beautiful old fountain with flowers. Grace Meadows Farm is also a wedding venue. I can see why!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDwN2F2igw2cJc7OdWXiaZtpJy-SzrCGtNbui2TbruIlyQv33A90GvBsf-KSuOaoqRx0ROMzf58R1fONs1_qxixfOm95SHZaVpKDGoF4QMsjNqggLnCIzW8nD1izpsh5VooX8gvS1ogoBDIGjhvcoD-3XwwPjb6vSnWavoRx_CNQShxo0P_DZ3_Y_/s3952/IMG_9028%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3952" data-original-width="3465" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDwN2F2igw2cJc7OdWXiaZtpJy-SzrCGtNbui2TbruIlyQv33A90GvBsf-KSuOaoqRx0ROMzf58R1fONs1_qxixfOm95SHZaVpKDGoF4QMsjNqggLnCIzW8nD1izpsh5VooX8gvS1ogoBDIGjhvcoD-3XwwPjb6vSnWavoRx_CNQShxo0P_DZ3_Y_/s320/IMG_9028%20(2).JPG" width="281" /></a></div><p>After eating all of that delicious food and having a little stroll around the grounds, the rocking chairs and the swing looked very tempting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfe2LxuL7IYUpY_txN-F5yeAuCOwQtY6Z-oRvSmCFXleHNfjC8cB3_BNmwJPdSoV6PhneuC76EJj2GUOfgxQz2_eoUCaXaFdcNFDRYUQQx4xoncsM0yEaBIxwDSLCb7638wjNCjspInVjw2IVtKoBIBHWoZs989VH-5wm2dwmzUmGUu1KLEnMJTGa/s5152/IMG_9032%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfe2LxuL7IYUpY_txN-F5yeAuCOwQtY6Z-oRvSmCFXleHNfjC8cB3_BNmwJPdSoV6PhneuC76EJj2GUOfgxQz2_eoUCaXaFdcNFDRYUQQx4xoncsM0yEaBIxwDSLCb7638wjNCjspInVjw2IVtKoBIBHWoZs989VH-5wm2dwmzUmGUu1KLEnMJTGa/s320/IMG_9032%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>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!</p><p>FYI-</p><p>https://thekitchenatgracemeadows.com</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9hJBtkUWlkYXiOWhj1pCL6P8oZxmUzjx4iZxYw_TTRsa8Wzw3QpMW9n5bmB3PNvq3xSLTBAwzFoLDqAf97PYvMKG9sgmosDYopELrJcLeviihE5PWWf36Uwk9g9UNTTMqzWQIpH3Sp-kI7yuVWmjFIsb7Ow3PYaAw1hNQQGB179tQrxbDt-55SZk/s3752/IMG_9059%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3454" data-original-width="3752" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9hJBtkUWlkYXiOWhj1pCL6P8oZxmUzjx4iZxYw_TTRsa8Wzw3QpMW9n5bmB3PNvq3xSLTBAwzFoLDqAf97PYvMKG9sgmosDYopELrJcLeviihE5PWWf36Uwk9g9UNTTMqzWQIpH3Sp-kI7yuVWmjFIsb7Ow3PYaAw1hNQQGB179tQrxbDt-55SZk/s320/IMG_9059%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>A special tribute to my brother, Nick, who recently celebrated his birthday with family at his home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhYyQJMLMoYWH0xsA8cfjajZcSH1AGO6XK21RZQYjwvnS27IRvPlgVNOY5y3MZpnnIZ82D8rdENRA0stzWHojsIB_TBjAphDm9TyxdT7Issohdb6ngau9ph1-ikBAqSpOVdVTxVvQU_Nqn9H4Op0wLyh73ZrqUMYNidfoCsWEbOq0Z95cEFHIUVhc/s5152/IMG_9003%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhYyQJMLMoYWH0xsA8cfjajZcSH1AGO6XK21RZQYjwvnS27IRvPlgVNOY5y3MZpnnIZ82D8rdENRA0stzWHojsIB_TBjAphDm9TyxdT7Issohdb6ngau9ph1-ikBAqSpOVdVTxVvQU_Nqn9H4Op0wLyh73ZrqUMYNidfoCsWEbOq0Z95cEFHIUVhc/s320/IMG_9003%20(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">United States Flag at Grace Meadows Farm</p><p>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.</p><p>Positive thought: "Stay positive. Better days are on their way."-Unknown</p><p>Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, September 25, 2022, Becky</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p></p>Becky Arnotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324730638687527882noreply@blogger.com0