"Happy Fall!"

 

I really love early fall, with all of the beautiful bright colors of the season.

~"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

There are, of course, colorful leaves on the trees-

and brightly colored flowers in people's yards  and beside the road-

Colorful produce greets you outside your grocery store or roadside stand-

All of these cheerful colors-the reds, oranges, and yellows, can help us feel happier. 

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

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-

Cheese Calzone

FYI-

The Black Olive, Jonesborough, Tennessee 

https://theblackolivetn.com

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!

Colorful Fall Decorations Outside the International Storytelling Center

FYI-

International Storytelling Center

https://www.storytellingcenter.net

(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.)

~"People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln

Outside the Crystal Raven store in Jonesborough-

Happy Fall, Y'all

~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.

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

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, November 4, 2023, Becky

Festive Christmas

Welcome!

"Be merry all, be merry all,
With holly dress the festive hall;...
To welcome merry Christmas."
-William Robert Spencer

During this special time of year, I'd like to share with you some very special images of festive Christmas decorations in Tennessee and North Carolina-

Christmas Wreath in Jonesborough, Tennessee

Festively decorated Christmas Window at Pie Sensations in Columbia, Tennessee 

Also at Pie Sensations

A Carriage Decorated for Christmas at Homestead Manor in  Thompson's Station, Tennessee

Collection Box at Homestead Manor

"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart... that thinks of others first."
-quotesgram.com

Christmas Tree in Franklin

"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How lovely are thy branches!"

-Traditional German carol

With Mike and Betty During Their Christmas Open House in North Carolina

A Decoration at Mike and Betty's

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."

-Norman Vincent Peale

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!"

-Hamilton Wright Mable

Shop Window in Franklin, Tennessee

"Perhaps the best yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles."

-Author Unknown

(Also, remembering my father, whose birthday was December 19)

Positive Thought: "May you have the gladness of  Christmas which is hope;
                                 The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
                                 The heart of Christmas which is love."
                                 -Ada V. Hendricks
Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 1, 2017, Becky

An East Tennessee Adventure

Welcome!

A few weeks ago, Greg and I went for a visit to East Tennessee which we thoroughly enjoyed.

The main purpose of our trip was to celebrate the birthdays of three family members.

Photo by John

The celebration was at Nick and Lisa's where we had an end-of-summer cookout, complete with...

hot dogs...

birthday cake and...

ice cream sundaes.

A great time was had by all!

Greg and I spent the night in nearby Jonesborough, Tennessee in the "Jonesborough Bed and Breakfast," which is a "quaint turn of the century Queen's cottage...", to quote the website. 

It is the number one B&B in Jonesborough, according to "TripAdvisor."

It even has a resident dog, Tori Amos.

The decor is bohemian.

The innkeeper, Brian Mills, who makes you feel at home right away, is from London, and speaks French and Spanish, as well as English.

The large Continental breakfast was delicious, especially the granola with fresh fruit and milk.

FYI:

"Jonesborough Bed and Breakfast"

232 East Main Street

Jonesborough, Tennessee

www.jonesboroughbedandbreakfast.com

After breakfast, Greg and I headed to downtown Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, where we...

explored around town which was all dressed up in its fall finery.

Jonesborough is well-known as the "Storytelling Capital of the World." It holds the "National Storytelling Festival" every October.

After a bit of shopping (including finding Christmas gifts!), we had a wonderful lunch at one of our favorite places, "Main Street Cafe."

Does this look good, or what! It was!

A little later, we stopped by "J J's" for some ice cream. So good on a warm autumn day!

You really ought to try Jonesborough. Bet you'd love it!

On my 9/18/16 blog post, I discussed things that I've found that made me feel happier and more positive. 

On this post, I'd like to add to that list-

Reading something inspirational, like Rhonda Byrne's new book How the Secret Changed My Life. This book is, to quote the ad, "...how everyday people completely transformed their lives by applying the teachings of The Secret." This book got five stars on "Amazon." Might be a book worth looking into!

Positive thought: "We are the creators of our universe."-"The Secret"

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 23, 2016, Becky