Photo Hunt - "Furry" and My 250th Post!

Visit Whistlestop Cafe and/or Biker Betty to see links to other Photo Hunt participants.

My Heritage

If you've ever been to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee you already know it is a place of stunning beauty. Have you ever been to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountain National Park? Have you driven around The Loop to see the original historical homes and buildings of a thriving Appalachian community? Cades Cove was settled in the 1820's on land that the Unites States government had purchased from the Cherokee Indians. John Oliver was the first non Indian to live there, settling the community - and he was my great great great grandfather. I grew up spending time in the Smokies and in Cades Cove. I remember my grandfather taking me to the John Oliver cabin as a child. The walls were wallpapered with old newspapers and at that time you could go into the upper level to see the area the children slept in. There is a large fireplace in the cabin used for heating and cooking. My great grandparents were married in front of that fireplace. If you visit the Cove and drive the Loop, do stop and go in the cabins and buildings. You will find a wealth of information and you will be impressed and amazed at the creativity and hardy disposition the early settlers had to possess in order to survive this beautiful but challenging country.

About 6 or 7 years ago my daughter and her husband started a Limited Edition collection for me from the National Heritage Gallery called the Cades Cove Winter Series. Each hand crafted piece is signed and numbered. I only have three pieces but I definitely want more! Of course, the first building they bought me was the John Oliver cabin. Next, they gave me the Primitive Baptist Church, where my great great grandfather was a minister. Lastly, they gave me the Blacksmith Shop which is part of the Cable Mill Community area. The next building I want to add to my collection is the Cable Grist Mill. Below are some pictures of the three buildings in my collection so far. The Appalachian heritage is rich in arts, music, folklore. There is a wonderful Native American, English, and Irish history in the Smokies. My family heritage is rich in all three. Thanks for stopping by Mimi's Garden today to see my Show & Tell Heritage post!

To find links to more Show & Tell posts visit Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home!

"Y"

Pam at Gray Like Snuffie is hosting A B C's of the Word. Today's letter is "Y".

"You made me, you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands."

Psalm 119:73 NLT

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"Your word I have hidden in my heart."

Psalm 119:11

Presidential Transformation - Wordless Wednesday

Kind of a cool photo transformation from President Bush to President Obama.

("Bushama" photo found on http://www.hahastop.com/)

Never Underestimate An Old Gal!

I'm not sure of the original source of this video since I got it in an e-mail (it may have been on You Tube). I would love to give credit where it is due, but I can't be sure, so we'll just have to enjoy it for what it is - proof that age is no excuse for choosing the armchair! This delightful woman is 80 years old and can dance like nobody's business. I would end up in a wheelchair if I attempted this! She masters it. Enjoy the Salsa Queen!

The Cowboy Boots

A friend sent me this cute story -i f you've ever dressed a child you'll enjoy it!

The Cowboy Boots

Have you heard about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots just didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.

She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet.

He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.' She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.

No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear 'em.' Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots onto his feet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?' He said, 'I stuffed 'em into the toes of my boots.'

...the teacher will be eligible for parole in three years.

Photo Hunt - "Chipped"

Visit Whistlestop Cafe to see links to other Photo Hunt participants.

Vintage Jewelry For Show & Tell

I thought I would show you some of my vintage jewelry collection today for Show & Tell. Some of it was my mothers, some of it was my mother-in-law's, and some I collected over the years from antique shops and flea markets. I have quite a bit more that I'll get out and show over the coming months.

To find links to more Show & Tell posts visit Kelly, There Is No Place Like Home.

Charlotte, Robins Nest, has honored my blog with the Proximadade Award, which translated from Portuguese means:

"This blog contributes to and supports or believes in close friendships.

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I simply can't choose between the many wonderful women I have developed friendship with through blogging. If you are a visitor and/or follower of Mimi's Garden I hope you will allow me to pass this award along to you. Please accept it with my gratitude for your friendship.

A Real Life Miracle

Some of you know about the real life drama of Nate and Tricia Lawrenson. You may follow their blogs, Confessions of A CF Husband and 65 Roses For Patty Sue. I first posted about Nate and Tricia's struggle on 04/03/08 after my daughter shared their story with me. Whether you have or have not read their story before, you will be blessed by this recent news footage focused on the young family. It is a very uplifting piece about a faithful young couple who have overcome incredible odds. It just makes you want to jump up and down with glee that wonderful things DO happen! Check out their blogs and the news footage - you'll be touched and encouraged.


Here's the link to the news footage:
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6617635&status=ok

"X"

Pam at Gray Like Snuffie is hosting 'The A B C's of the Word'. Today's letter is "X".

Pam suggested this week we use a verse which has extra meaningful to us at this particular time in our lives since verses with x are far and few between. I had already prepared this post using
II Peter 1:4:

"exceeding great and precious promises are given to us. "

It actually ties in with the verse I've added tonight. I want to share my life verse, which is especially meaningful to me right now. Some things feel out of control in my life right now and lately I have been doubting my ability to deal. But then Pam made this suggestion to share a special personal verse. And I remembered what promises can be found in the Word of God. Philippians 4:13 is a welcome reminder that even though I cannot control things, He can. I can cope through the strength He provides.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

Wordless Wednesday - Winter

Please visit Dixie at FRENCH LIQUE, TEXAS to find the links for other participants.

I'm Ready For You, Spring!

Good morning and happy Monday everyone! I thought I would start the week by showing you the view from my patio doors this morning...

We've had about 44 inches of snow in the last 8 weeks or so. I NEED beach!

Tagged

Ro, A Hint of Home, tagged me this week with these five simple questions:

Name five things in your purse:
wallet, reading glasses, lipstick, cell phone, notebook

Name five things in your work room:
computer, port-a-crib, twin sofa sleeper, art supplies, sewing machine

Name five things you've always wanted to do:
live on the beach, go to Italy, see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, throw a pot, create a mosaic table

Name five things you're into: painting, blogging, reading my Bible (The Message) from Genesis to Revelation, family/my grandbabies, my son's wedding

Name five bloggers to do the tag:
Sharon, Techno Nanna; Dixie's Whimsey, French Lique TX; Deb, Life As I See It; Julie, The Princess Diaries; Carrie, Oak Rise Cottage.

Photo Hunt - "Hats"

The theme this week is "HATS".

Amish hats for sale!

Montmorency County, Michigan

Stop by Whistlestop Cafe to see links to other Photo Hunt participants.

Old & Cruddy To Beautiful!

A couple of summers ago my husband and I walked around the neighborhood during our community garage sale weekend. We happened upon this chair in a driveway. I loved the caning, shape, and size. The family just wanted to get rid of all their stuff (and I get that!) so they offered the chair to us for $6.00. Well, how could I pass that up? So Hubby carried it home for me. I didn't do anything to the chair that summer, but last summer when I was redecorating our guest room I got the chair out.

As you can see it was dark wood so I primed it and then painted it several coats of a low sheen white. Then I made a new seat and covered it with a rose print in off white and dark pinks. I love the chair but it doesn't fit well in the guest room. Fortunately, we redecorated our family room this Fall and it fits perfectly nestled in a corner between the fireplace and my new bookcases.

To find links to other Metamorphosis Monday participants, visit Susan at Between Naps On The Porch.

"W"

Pam at Gray Like Snuffie is hosting 'The A B C's of the Word'. Today's letter is "W".

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. "

Matthew 2:10

Wordless Wednesday - Favorite Things

Please visit Dixie at FRENCH LIQUE, TEXAS to find the links for other participants.

An Opportunity

As a subscriber to his web site, I received an e-mail this evening from the author Max Lucado. He is seeking those willing to commit to pray for President Elect Obama during these final days before taking office and during what is sure to be difficult days during his presidency. I thought some of you might be interested in this ministry whether you voted for him or not. I can't imagine a more difficult or stressful job in the world than to be President of the United States!

http://www.maxlucado.com/president/

Holiday Tablescape Tuesday

In December my husband bought me some gorgeous new Christmas china! I was so excited to set the table with them on Christmas morning for dinner with our children and granddaughters. The dishes are white with a green holly and red berry border. I used a red tablecloth and green napkins. Then I placed small dark green velvet stockings on each napkin to slide the fork into. The red and green plaid fold at the top of the little stockings looked really cute with the tablecloth and napkins. I was thrilled to discover the identical holly border on my Christmas goblets! Also, I already had salt and pepper shakers and a cream and sugar which matched the china pattern perfectly. For a centerpiece, I used a large wooden box with a wooden handle, painted red. I placed a glass cylinder inside and inside that I placed a candle in a jeweled silver glass mosaic bowl. I still thought it looked a little plain so I encircled the glass cylinder with a thin green holly wreath. A similar holly garland wrapped its way around the handle of the red wooden box. I think pictures rarely look as pretty as the real thing and that is definitely the case in this picture. I thought the pictures I took on Christmas Day of the table were quite disappointing. The table actually did look gorgeous in red and green! The white china looked pretty with the white chairs and the linens.

Don't you just love setting a special table?!

Tablescape Tuesday is hosted by Susan at Between Naps On the Porch. Make your way there to see lots of wonderful tables!

Nostalgic Pink

I have been feeling a bit nostalgic this week and thinking back to my childhood and special days in our family. I really wanted a Chatty Kathy doll for Christmas one year and I can still remember getting her. I think I was 7. Sweet little Kathy still lives on top of my dresser! She still wears her original pink pin striped dress and hair bows. Somehow she lost her shoes along the way though - probably testament to a little southern girl's doll! I never wear them if I can avoid it either! I hadn't gotten Kathy down for a while to look at her, or even dust her off. I did so tonight - I combed her still new looking shiny black hair, I washed her freckled face and beautiful blue eyes...oh, what a sweet girl. Oh, to hear her lovely voice again...the pull on her back was right where it should be. With great expectation I gently pulled the string...I'll let you know when I find the 666 tattoo. Poor Chatty girl has gone to the other side since I last enjoyed her company!

Note to self: Do not ever again converse with Chatty at midnight.

As I was placing my demented friend back on her dresser perch, I spotted the once pink rose bouquet my daughter carried in her wedding. I remember well the day we found the florist. We had been to visit many florists, but none of them could perfectly match the exact rose Julie had found in a brides magazine. After being told by an aggravated florist at a previous appointment that the roses do not exist but were merely the result of an editor's clever touch ups, I was beginning to think we might have to settle. But the lovely lady immediately say, "Of course. You would like semi forced Bridal Pinks." Hallelujah, ring 'em up! The barely blush pink bridal bouquet was spectacular, wrapped in white organza to match Julie's gorgeous white organza dress.

Here it is on the big day:

Here it is today on my dresser. Darling Julie...you've been married 7 1/2 years. Please come get your bouquet. I don't like it nearly as much as I once did :) !

This little pink box is not old but I do love it. My husband bought it for me at the Venetian in Las Vegas. It reminds me of a wonderful, peaceful time we had - just the two of us last winter after a really difficult health issue had created a lot of stress in our lives. We just needed to be together to have a little mindless fun!

Finally, nothing nostalgic at all! But I do love these fluffy, frilly slippers my sweet husband gave me for Christmas. I love the pink satin ribbon trim. I did need slippers so everywhere we shopped together I would point out any cute slippers I saw. The sweet man bought me THREE pairs of slippers. Every time I pointed a pair out, he bought them!

For more Pink Saturday posts visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound! You'll be glad you did!