"A Few Positive Thoughts"

 

I'm still working on my new book about Southern Appalachia, and I also have a new coal jewelry order to finish, so I'm limited on the time I can spend writing my blog posts, etc.

However, I have a few positive thoughts I'd like to share with you.in this blog post today.

Here they are, in no certain order-

~Because of the dry weather this year in our area, most of the leaves on the trees have not been as vibrant as usual, but some of them are really pretty-

If we look for the good, for the beauty, we can find it!

As I was working on this blog post last night, I was also half-way listening to an interesting radio show that comes on earlier than usual on Sunday nights, "Coast to Coast AM." I got to hear part of an interview that the host, George Noory, had with a guest. 

She was an expert on the way the brain works, and she told about an experiment in which there were two groups of people that were taken to Las Vegas. One group was very positive, happy, and friendly, and the other group consisted of people who were mean and very negative. Guess which group did a lot better in Las Vegas? 

Before we try something like this experiment ourselves, we just need to be positive, so our lives and the lives of others will be happier and more fulfilling in all ways. This positive attitude must become a way of life, like being nice to other people, thinking well of others and ourselves. We need to look on the bright side of things, and to expect the best. We should then attract better people and things into our lives, including material things. ( I certainly don't promote compulsive gambling though!) Your life should flow a lot better with a kind, loving, calm, positive attitude. Just try for yourself, and see!

Another thing that Greg and I both heard was that if your have a positive attitude, even toward your computer printer, that it will work a lot better!

Something very important that I wanted to mention was that if you have an election in your state tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, please vote as if your future depends on it, because it does! Good can overcome evil because good is much stronger than evil!

Here is something that I could have put in my book about Appalachia, but I didn't. Instead, I decided to save it for this blog post- 

One time, at a family holiday dinner, I bit into a mini tomato (that we call a tommie toe here in Southern Appalachia), that squirted my cousin who was seated across from me, right in the face! I was appalled, but thankfully, everyone, including my cousin, just laughed! (I wouldn't be able do that again even if I positively tried!)

A Basket of Tommie Toes

Wishing you and your loved ones-

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Positive thought: Greg and I were out shopping last week when we saw this beautiful rainbow (above) in the sky. It was the closest we'd ever been to one. Other people came by, and we all marveled at the beautiful sight. A rainbow traditionally symbolizes hope, peace, and new beginnings, even after difficult times. We took that to mean a better, more positive life for all of us here on our Earth!

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, December 6, 2025, Becky

 

 

"Positively Inspirational"

 

Sometimes we feel like we need to have some positive inspiration to help us navigate today's world, so here are some positive quotes and ideas to help us on our journey through life.

~"We've known for a long time...that time spent outside lifts your spirits." -Laura Koniver, MD

Let's connect with nature. If we can't be outside, we can look out the window as Greg often does when he can't go out and do gardening or other yardwork. Even looking at pictures of nature-landscapes, etc. can make us feel a lot better. 

Nature can be so inspirational!

~"Join me on a journey into the infinite diversity of our world. Let us explore the beauty of variety in others and ourselves and enjoy the harmonies of every sound, color, and feeling this journey holds in store for us." -Malte Marten, musician

~"I think if the whole world (saw) this video, the world would be a better place." -A viewer's comment after seeing one of Malte Marten's handpan music videos

Pets can be such a wonderful inspiration. We can learn lessons from them. For example-

Our Kallie was a beautiful example of pure, unconditional love.

~"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anatole France

In my Sunday, August 4, 2024 blog post, "Living Positively," I wrote about a man's pet bird, a white parrot, that he had with him in Sevierville, Tennessee, that he was showing off to some other visitors there. 

I had taken several pictures of this pretty parrot, and I had wanted to put one of the pictures in that blog post, but I couldn't, because all of the pictures on my photo card had completely disappeared! I even went to several photo stores, but no one could help me. 

I never gave up hope, however, and I finally asked a woman who sometimes comes by to work with me on our computer if she could help me recover the missing photos. I told her if she could do so, it would be a miracle.

It turned out that she recovered nearly all of my missing photos! I told her that she was a miracle-worker! People like her are a real inspiration!

And here is one of my miracle photos-

~"Expect a miracle! Miracles happen every day." -Josie Grouse

An extremely important presidential, etc. election in the United States is coming up this Tuesday, November 5, 2024. For the sake of our country and for the sake of the world, please take the time to vote if you haven't already, not just for the next president, but for the others who are running for different other offices, as well.

Greg and I voted about a week ago, and before we voted, we asked ourselves this important question- "Are we better off now than we were four years ago?" The answer to that, for us, was simple.

~"America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea." From "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, positive, inspirational, and blessed Thanksgiving!

Positive thought- "May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door." -Irish Blessing

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, December 7, 2024, Becky

A Fun Trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

 

Greg and I recently went on a fun trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee which is less than three hours from our home in Virginia. Beginning in childhood, Greg and I enjoyed going to Gatlinburg with our families, and we have continued going there throughout our adult lives. Over time, many of the shops and attractions have come and gone, but even today, it is still the same charming town.

There are several good restaurants with delicious food like the-

Pancake Pantry.

We hadn't been there in several years, so I'm so glad we got to enjoy the same great food that we had gotten there in the past.

For lunch, this is what Greg had-

He is somewhat of a cheeseburger expert, so he thought this was one was really good!

When I went to the Pancake Pantry when I was younger, I almost always ordered the Caribbean pancakes, but this time I decided to try something new- 

strawberry crepes. Great choice! Almost to pretty to eat, though!

After our big meal, we walked around and checked out the neat shops like those at-

The Village

We really like a shop that's been in Gatlinburg for many years-

which has a large array of tasty candies for those with a sweet tooth!

And for something unique, educational, and interesting, be sure and stop by-

Ripley's Believe It or Not! (Love the arty, creative building design!)

(Notice the Space Needle in the background. From there, you'll have a bird's eye view of Gatlinburg.)

If you'd like something adventurous, try riding-

the skylift up and down a mountain.

Instead of walking around town, you could take the-

Gatlinburg Trolley.

If we'd had more time, we could have enjoyed supper-

on a rooftop!

We might just do that on our next trip, or on the next one after that. Gatlinburg will still be there waiting for us to enjoy and explore.

What a great place to just get away with loved ones and have a good time. You can feel the positive energy, the camaraderie of the people there just having fun!

Positive Message

Just outside Gatlinburg, we saw this American flag made out of wood on an old building-

 

It is a symbol that reminds us that we are entitled to "...certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

-Thomas Jefferson, from "The Declaration of Independence"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Positive thought- Keep the faith!

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 5, 2021, Becky

Blessed

 

This is the time of year, the holiday season, that we start thinking about our lives, our blessings, the things for which we are thankful.

Greg and I have a wonderful painting that my father did which to me represents abundance. It hangs in our kitchen to remind us to always be thankful for that which we have, not just once a year, but throughout the whole year.

Original Painting by W. N. Botts

Each morning I begin my day with a special thought of the day. I got the idea from "Woman's World" magazine. The magazine has a featured segment, "7 Days of Inspiration" in which there is a different quote for each day of the week. 

I fixed a permanent sheet that has my favorite "Woman's World" quotes on it. For example, on Sundays, my quote is "Life brings more blessings than anyone could ever count." Throughout the day on Sundays, I often think and say, "I am blessed."

I really like it when someone who has waited on me in a shop or elsewhere says, "Have a blessed day." It makes me feel connected, like we are all one.

Also, I have a friend who ends her emails with, "Blessings," and her name. What a kind, thoughtful way to end an email!

"When I'm worried, And I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, And I fall asleep, Counting my blessings."-Irving Berlin

You know, we are all so lucky here in the United States of America. What a great country! With the right leadership, we can all flourish and live happy, fulfilling lives. We can be free to be who we were meant to be in a free society.

"Life without liberty is like a body without a spirit."-Kahlil Gibran

My sister-in-law Betty recently told me about a great women's website that is helping America heal. It's- www.womenfightingforamerica.com .

To contact your politician, the website is, www.contactmypolitician.com .

For those living in Virginia, a good website is, www.virginiaconservatives.net .

The really important thing is: GO VOTE!-for freedom, peace of mind, a return to sanity!

An author that has greatly inspired me to live a happier, more blessed life is Rhonda Byrne. I have several of her books, and I'm looking forward to her more recent book that will be released on November 24 of this year. It's entitled, "The Greatest Secret." (There is an audio version, as well.)

Here's an excerpt from the introduction of the book- "This book reveals the greatest discovery a human being can ever make, and show you the way out of negativity, problems, and what you don't want, to a life of permanent happiness and bliss."

It sounds like a winner to me!

Have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving!

Positive thought: "When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around."-Willie Nelson

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 6, 2020, Becky

                                                                                                                                

 

Beautiful Western North Carolina

Welcome!

Greg and I recently visited relatives in beautiful Western North Carolina where they live.

They are so lucky since that area is...

a photographer's dream!

There are...

magnificent mountains...

including Mount Pisgah.

There are picturesque waterfalls like...

"Looking Glass Waterfall."

Lovely fall flowers, as well as changing leaves, add dashes of color to the landscape.

On our trek through North Carolina, we found a new friend!

If you're looking for beauty and adventure, look no further than beautiful Western North Carolina! Bet you'll be glad you did!

One of the most important elections in our lifetime is coming up on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Please vote, and take other voters with you! The future of our country depends on this election!

Also, Greg and I would like to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

Positive thought: "Thanksgiving isn't just a day... It's a way we can live our lives every day."- Katrina Mayer
Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 2, 2018, Becky

Celebrating Fall, Tennessee Style

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

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

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

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

Everything was dressed up in its fall finery.

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

Bush's Family Cafe

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

The food in the Cafe was simply delish!

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

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

www.bushbeans.com

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

We really enjoyed the free refreshments.

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

www.facebook.com/vintage615studio.com

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

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

www.holeinthewalldiner.com

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

There were pumpkins galore,

and a pumpkin carver-

There was delicious food, even gourmet Greek-

There were great arts and crafts-

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

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

A darling little sweetheart!

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

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

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

www.facebook.com/tfgspringhill/

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

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

www.piesensations.com

Fall Decorations Outside "Puckett's Downtown Columbia"

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

www.spiritphotographs.blogspot.com

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

http://amzn.to/2usXWIO

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

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