A Walk through Cheekwood - Happy Easter!

Come take a walk with me as I take in the flowers blooming in the Robert Ellis Color Garden at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. This gorgeous garden was adorned with red and yellow Tulips in every size and variety that the landscapers could possibly imagine.

Visitors may have surrounded me as I meandered along the garden path, but it was as though I were totally alone in the universe, as I took in every vibrant red and stunning yellow Tulip popped open with sunshine diving deep into its inner beauty.

The deep reds and yellows were laden with black centers and large stamens. The varieties of Tulips was astounding with single and double and even peony shaped Tulips all around.

Oh, Cheekwood how you out did yourself on this glorious Bloom Fest celebration.

Every Spring I attempt to capture the beauty of the Crepe Myrtles as they stand sentinel keeping a watchful eye over the stunning blooms around them.

Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Jonquils, Petunias. Thank you Cheekwood for a glorious Bloom Fest. I take my hat off to you!!

I wish each and every one of you a very peaceful and Happy Easter. May your day be filled with sunshine and bright blue skies. And may all the wonders of Easter surround you. Whether it be chocolate bunnies and dyed eggs or a sit down feast of scrumptious baked ham with all the trimmings, I wish everyone peace and joy on this glorious day of Resurrection. ENJOY!

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

THE TRUE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING

The true meaning of Thanksgiving focuses upon relationship. Thanksgiving is a relationship between God and man. Upon their arrival at New Plymouth, the Pilgrims composed The Mayflower Compact, which honored God.

Thanksgiving begins with acknowledging God as faithful, earnestly giving Him thanks, in advance, for His abundant blessings. “. . . In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart that reinforces an intimate relationship with God.

I found this meaning online and wanted to share this with you all. I sometimes feel we, as Americans, have forgotten the path that brought us here to this great United States. Perhaps we have forgotten God, faith, friendships, relationships. To embrace those in need and less fortunate. To know that every person, no matter the color or nationality, is welcome here in this great land we call America. So for this one day, I wish for you a bountiful feast with friends and family and more in an effort to thank God for all the riches he has bestowed upon you and yours. Be safe, be happy and God Bless you in your journey no matter where the road takes you. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The Beauty of the Southern Magnolia

There is only one Magnolia tree I consider more beautiful than the Japanese Magnolias, like the ones I photograph at Bernheim Arboretum in Kentucky. That Magnolia is the Southern Magnolia tree. It's huge Magnolia blooms are unmatched. The farther south you travel, the more Southern Magnolias you encounter, which is why I am finding them in abundance here in Tennessee, and in and around Nashville.

As I traveled around the city and the outskirts last year, I kept an eye out for beautiful Magnolia blooms, but never really found any until I happened out my back door. One afternoon while taking a brief walk, I discovered Southern Magnolias all along the back of the building next to the sidewalk. I went inside and grabbed my camera and snapped photo after photo. The blooms were perfect and gorgeous. I noticed the trees were growing in other pathways around the complex.

Southern Magnolias are found all throughout the southeast United States and even more so the farther south you travel. And while the grounds under the trees are a mess with their fallen leaves and blooms, I have to say the Southern Magnolia is my favorite bloom. I captured these images last year out back, but only shared one of the photos. Today seemed like the perfect day to post these gorgeous blooms.

Soon Dogwoods will be in full bloom and shortly after the Southern Magnolias will bloom. It's odd Southern Magnolias bloom in the Summer. And sad too as once the temperatures hit a sweltering high, the blooms immediately wilt. Sad, but there you have it.

Did I mention it's snowing outside today. No accumulation is expected. Just some snow flurries passing through on their way East. With the temperatures in the mid thirties, Cheekwood in Bloom festivities were cancelled and admission is being offered at half price today. Baby, it's cold outside. Oh, Spring! Where art though? ENJOY!

LINKING TO The Scoop at Stonegable

Beautiful Cade's Cove

It has been many years since I had stopped at Cable Mill in the farthest corner of Cade's Cove, but I decided on this trip to pay a visit.

Along the road to Cable Mill, I happened upon several Deer grazing in the fields. Tourists were everywhere photographing them. Several of the Bucks attempted to play fight, but I didn't capture it.

I love to watch the Deer grazing. It's even more fun to try and get good images of them. It looks like these guys are keeping a close eye on all of us photographers too.

John Cable Gristmill was built back in the late 1800's and, along with five or six other structures, moved to the far end of Cade's Cove where the national park also built a Visitors Center in a log cabin style. The gristmill is barely visible in this image, but it's there.

It had been at least fifteen years since I had stopped at Cable Mill. There was one yellow Maple tree in its Fall regalia. I wished I could have brought it home with me. It was beautiful. Sorry for the construction work in this photo, but I still wanted to share it.

The sun was shining making the leaves on this Persimmon tree really pop. While I was capturing this image, people kept getting into my shots. I just kept shooting around them. I did something different this trip. I kept a mental note of all the license plates from different states that I saw during the time in the park. When I left I was up to 21 different states. All of the Southeast and mid Atlantic states were covered and a few Northeast and Midwest states were represented. The farthest state from the park I happened upon was from Oregon. Gads what a drive. ENJOY!

Linking to Foodie Friday & Everything Else

Beautiful Japanese Maple Tree

As I drove along the roadways in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park last week, I happened upon this gorgeous red Japanese Maple tree. I have such a time identifying trees. If it's not Maple or Oak or Birch, I probably will guess wrong the first time.

I thought this tree might be an American Sweetgum or a Sycamore, but I believe it's a Japanese Maple tree. There are so many different species of trees in the Smokies, I couldn't begin to name them all. The one thing I didn't see much of in the park this year were the Red Maple trees. So sad. I can always hope for better color next year. Hope your week is off to a great start. ENJOY!

Dogwoods at Bernheim

On my visit to Bernheim Saturday, I noticed quite a few Dogwood trees. I hadn't really noticed how many there were in year's past.

As I was driving up to the arboretum I saw this small Dogwood off in the distance. I love these trees in bloom with the bright green grasses having just sprouted for Spring. The sky was a beautiful blue with white fluffy clouds which made it all the better.

Soon all the Dogwood blooms will be gone for another year. Oh how I love them. Sadly, I missed the Japanese Magnolias and the Crab Apples this year. Perhaps next year.

Before reaching the arboretum on the perimeter drive, sits this small lake with a bridge across it. I noticed the Dogwoods up on the hill. The reflection of the bridge was almost perfect as the wind had died down and the water was very still. I hope you enjoyed the Dogwoods. The Crocus are gone. The Daffodils are gone. Soon the Tulips will be gone. And of course, the Dogwoods. Leaving us with Summer's flowers. Foxgloves and Roses and Daisies and Black Eyed Susan's. ENJOY!

Beauty of Spring

While the Northeast is in the throws of a major snowstorm, with a second one promptly on its heels, I wanted to post an image representative of Spring. Winter's last hooray will soon be gone, but not before the misery of it. Yet, as I think of it, I almost wished it would snow here in Tennessee as it harbors such a beautiful landscape. I would require at least 6 inches to sufficiently blanket the ground for days to come and leave vignettes of soft fluffiness here and there throughout the lawns and woodlands. There has been virtually no snow here this Winter. We did get a sprinkling this weekend, but it was further South from me. I have visions of Fir trees blanketed with snow, branches hanging heavy toward the ground, and park benches aptly covered in a thick glistening layer of white, as though the snow needed a respite before it fell to the ground. These last snows of Winter will soon be gone leaving behind a landscape of pinks and yellows and lavenders with flowers budding and blooms bursting forth. Good bye my Winter, hello dearest Spring. ENJOY!

Dog Days of Spring Are Coming

Things are turning up Spring everywhere you look here in Tennessee. There are flowering Japanese Magnolias and bright yellow Daffodils and even a few early blooming Tulips. In the shops, there are a plethora of bunnies. There are bunny figurines and ceramic bunnies and chocolate bunnies and faux grass covered bunnies. There are eggs everywhere. Faux speckled eggs in pink and blue and yellow and chocolate eggs and marshmallow eggs and even malted milk eggs. Easter baskets have popped up too. You can find wooden baskets and metal baskets and faux grass baskets. Are you a fan of Peeps? I love the yellow and pink ones especially. Yes, Spring is in the air and everywhere. Have a fabulous weekend. ENJOY!

Scenic Bald Cypress Trees

Such a beautiful view of the Bald Cypress Trees and Fall colors of the surrounding forest at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Duck River Unit, on my visit recently. Hope you are having a wonderful week. ENJOY!

Reflections at Radnor Lake

The leaves crunch under foot as I walk the trail.

Squirrels and Chipmunks frantically scurry up tree trunks.

Birds chirp and sing as they fly from branch to branch and tree to tree.

Warm breezes wisp past me as though in a hurry.

Visitors walk and chat among themselves.

In the heart of the city, I find solitude at lakeside.

Hope you are having a fabulous week. ENJOY!

Black Magic of Autumn

No doubt Cheekwood is well known for its magnificent floral displays throughout its gardens. Yet, as I walk under the Arbor in the Robert Ellis Color Garden, my senses were overtaken by the enormous deep purple leaves of the Black Magic Elephant Ears. They were stunning and they attracted me much like bees are attracted to honey. But it isn't just the Elephant Ears, the bright purple Salvia which grows behind the Black Magic is simply gorgeous. The color contrast like no other. And I am certain Cheekwood gardeners planned this combination just for this exact reaction.

With Autumn comes the red, orange and yellow colors that delight us all and bring us out of our houses to tour the woods and forests and countrysides. However, at Cheekwood you can find a setting like none other. Here reside the deep purplish blacks and vibrant, stunning lavenders that emit a warmth that adds a whole new dimension to the term Autumn. I can never walk past the Black Magic Elephant Ears without capturing a few images. These beauties are surrounded by our customary red, yellow and orange Chrysanthemums planted up and down the entire length of the Arbor. Did you know that Black Magic Elephant Ears unfold in bright green, then slowly turn to purple and finally give way to the blackish purple I share with you today. ENJOY!

Tulips & Hyacinths

On my last visit to Cheekwood, I encountered a gorgeous flower garden filled with bright yellow Tulips and pink Hyacinths. The second I caught a glimpse of this garden, thoughts of Easter began to conjure up in my mind. It was the perfect abode to Easter what with Sunday being the holiday. Hyacinths were originally from the Middle Eastern countries. Something I did not know until I looked up the flower itself online. Also during the Victorian era, Hyacinths were revered for their long lingering fragrance.

Those violets, if that is the flower they are, tucked throughout the entire garden made for an amazing display. While I have never been and never will be a gardener, I honestly have to say I am amazed to think of all of the work that goes into each individual garden. At every turn in the walkway, there is a different colored flower featured, not to mention a different species altogether, and then with the other flowers tucked in throughout, it surely is a big job tending to these gardens. In my opinion, the most beautiful displays are very close to the front of the botanical gardens especiallly around the Bradford Robertson Color Garden and the Botanical Hall.

There is a walkway lined with Crepe Myrtles near the Botanical Hall. Last year I was able to capture images of gorgeous yellow and red Tulips blooming all throughout those Crepe Myrtles. However, it was too early this year. If you missed that post from last year, simply go here.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is a truly remarkable place to visit as are most botanical gardens. There are gardens within Cheekwood that have become increasingly familiar to me. Yet, I don't think I will ever be as fond of any place as I am Bernheim, perhaps if for no other reason than it is close to home for me being right outside Louisville. It is in the sixties with lots of sunshine here this weekend. I am exhausted from work due to numerous deadlines, but I am hoping to get outdoors none the less. I wish for you is a fabulous weekend. ENJOY!

Fall's Leftovers

Is it a coincidence that beautiful Fall colors are followed by Winter's dull and dreary days followed by Spring's brightly colored bulbs. I think not. I think there surely is a reason why Winter was tucked in between two radiant colorful seasons with reds and oranges and yellows and blues and purples and pinks. Special Note: Set your turkey out to thaw. ENJOY!

Fall Colorscape

If I had to choose an image that I love most from my trip to the mountains of eastern Tennessee, it might be this one. I hope you will leave me a note and let me know your thoughts. Have a fabulous Sunday all. ENJOY!

Red Maple, GSMNP

As I approached the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, on the eastern most side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this gorgeous red Maple Tree greeted me with stunning red leaves.

As I stopped at the visitor center, I noticed I wasn't the only one capturing images of this beautiful red Maple. Others were stopping to photograph it as well. So beautiful. ENJOY!

GSMNP, Shrouded in Fog

There is always more to photograph than there is time to do so when you spend any amount of time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a virtual wonderland of rivers, streams, forests, woods, mountains, valleys and let's not forget the history that is found here. When you take 500 images over the course of four days and slowly cull through them to see just what you have captured, you never know what will be peering back at you.

When I happened upon this image, I decided it has to be one of my favorites from my trek to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No doubt there are people who believe rain and fog won't net them much on a photography trip. I beg to differ. A foggy mountainside can be stunning to me and when you add yellow Fall leaves with the dark green Fir trees, I declare a winner. I love to capture photos that have natural lines such as the one I shot here of the ridge line. It takes your eye right up to the top left of the photo. I did photograph some Fall color and some water images while on my trek and will post those soon. Back very soon. ENJOY!

Fall Color in the Smokies

Every color I encountered on my trip this week to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park surely is present in this image. The least of which is the blue smoke.

I moved to Hendersonville Friday. I like this small bedroom community north of Nashville and I think I will enjoy living next to the lake especially in Summer. I unpacked my furniture and such Friday night and Saturday. Then I had to pack Saturday evening for my Fall sojourn to the Smokies. The remnants of Hurricane Patricia made its way across Texas and the southern states and moved up into middle and eastern Tennessee Sunday. The front was so huge it rained every day while in the Smokies. It wasn't a steady rain which made it bearable. Today the sun did make a brief appearance. I am so very happy I do not have to pack anything for quite a while. I will be back soon with more Smokies images. ENJOY!

Thatched Cabin, Howe Garden

It is late Summer at Cheekwood and there is ample evidence that Fall is slowing creeping in. Inside the botanical gardens there are a variety of different types of gardens. After several visits one quickly becomes fond of particular gardens. I am not surprised that I am becoming quite fond of the Herb Garden and the Wildflower Garden. Both are filled with plants and flowers and fluttering butterflies and busy bees all around.

At the entrance to the Wildflower Garden, officially the Howe Garden which was just renovated in 2012, sits a quaint thatched cabin. On the opposite side of the cabin there is a small woodland like setting with wildflowers growing around the trees. Meander along the garden path and you come to a beautiful arbor. Walking through the arbor, you nudge yourself to turn and look back at the setting. This is the scene that awaits you with the thatched cabin quaintly setting in the background and the plants surrounding the cabin. I hope this sets the stage for a relaxing Labor Day everyone. ENJOY!

Yellow Japanese Magnolias

Luck was on my side this Spring as I was able to photograph the beautiful hybrid Japanese Magnolia trees in bloom at Bernheim. It has been a month at least since I made a day trip up to Louisville. On the way back to Nashville, I stopped in at Bernheim just south of Louisville and there to greet me were gorgeous yellow and pink blooms.

If you have been a follower for long, you know how much I love Bernheim. And if you are new here, look back at some of the posts over the years. Bernheim is gorgeous in almost any season and I am positive there's an image in each one you will surely enjoy. At Bernheim the arboretum houses about ten hybrid Japanese Magnolias within close proximity of each other. Their beautiful blooms vary in color from blush to yellow to a deep pink.

As you walk among the trees, the scent of Magnolia blooms wafts through the air. It is so intoxicating that you really don't want to leave the arboretum. Today, I wanted to share two different perspectives of these beautiful flowers. I would love to know which one you like best. I hope to be back soon. I hope you promise to come back. ENJOY!

Linking to Foodie Friday and Everything Else

Spring I Love You

Spring, I love you! I love the bright green leaves newly sprouted on the trees. I love the smell of fresh mowed grass as the mowers create artistic patterns on the lawns. I love the flowers blooming in the gardens, along the roadsides and in the woods. I love the Dogwood trees in full bloom all over the city.

I love the birds building new nests and renovating old ones. I love the tiny Goslings in tow as their parents glide around the lakes and ponds. I love the warm, sunny days with lots of blue skies and just a hint of a breeze. So just in case no one has said it lately, Spring, I love you. ENJOY!