Smiling Happy Métro Faces :)

Normally Paris métro passengers are focused on a book, listening to an ipod, or speaking rapid French on a cell phone. I, like so many other Parisians, perfected the "métro stare" (an inpenetrable look which screams "Do not touch me, look at me, or any combination of the two") when I was living in France. I've taken the métro many times in Paris and I have listened to many cheesy, some good, and some horrific, musicians on the train. Never have I heard anything this impressive, and NEVER have I seen métro patrons smile, clap, and/or dance. I ADORE this video.

The Christmas Cat

Merry Christmas from Phoebe the Cat

Christmas Pie

Christmas Pie

George Wither 1588-1677

So now is come our joyful feast,
Let every man be jolly;
Each room with ivy leaves is dressed,
And every post with holly.
Though some churls at our mirth repine,
Round your foreheads garlands twine,
Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
And let us all be merry.

Now all our neighbors' chimneys smoke,
And Christmas blocks are burning;
Their ovens they with baked meats choke,
And all their spits are turning.
Without the door let sorrow lie,
And if for cold it hap to die,
We'll bury it in a Christmas pie,
And evermore be merry.

Merry Christmas to all from Amy Ellen

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas. Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Oh, holiday quizzes...

You Are a Gingerbread House

A little spicy and a little sweet, anyone would like to be lost in the woods with you.

What Holiday Food Are You?

Glenmore Mansion...a step back in time

Last Saturday, Mom and I went to visit the Glenmore Mansion. My camera was on the blink, unfortunately, so the photo above is actually from the website. No photography is allowed in the mansion, however.

The home is beautifully decorated for Christmas with elaborate Victorian Christmas trees in every room. The rooms are lavishly furnished with both original and donated pieces. My favorite room was the dining room, which contained a red wallpaper with the appearance of velvet. The bedroom was a mustard yellow with an exquisite bed and wardrobe. The rest of the home was absolutely beautiful, and the aroma of Christmas time was all over the still magnificent and haunting Victorian mansion.

The Glenmore Mansion is maintained by the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and relies heavily upon donations for the upkeep and repairs of the mansion. The volunteer-run home is elegantly maintained, but still requires a great deal of additional work. The home's "gift shop" contains donated items. All of the proceeds are designated strictly for Glenmore. I am thoroughly impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm of the volunteers, and will return again to this Jefferson City treasure.

I encourage you to visit the Glenmore and discover for yourself the stories and splendor of this beautiful masterpiece. It is closed for the season, but will reopen in the spring.

Hours:

Sat. & Sun. 1:00 - 5:00 pm May 1 - October 31 (except holidays)

Admission:

$5.00 adults; $3.00 children under 12

Please visit www.glenmoremansion.org for more information.

Happy Christmas!

Last Saturday, whilst listening to the traditional Kenny and Dolly Christmas record, yes, record, I decorated the family Christmas tree. Enjoy the pictures with some favorite ornaments highlighted. I hope everyone is enjoying this Christmas season. However, I challenge you not to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you forget the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Thanksgiving Prayer...

From Johnny Cash. :) Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.



We've come to the time in the season
When family and friends gather near
To offer a prayer of Thanksgiving
For blessings we've known through the year
To join hands and thank the creator
And now when Thanksgiving is due
This year when I count my blessings
I'm thanking the Lord He made you
This year when I count my blessings
I'm thanking the Lord He made you

I'm grateful for the laughter of children
The sun and the wind and the rain
The color of blue in your sweet eyes
The sight of a high ball and train
The moon rise over a prairie
Old love that you've made new
This year when I count my blessings
I'm thanking the Lord He made you
This year when I count my blessings
I'm thanking the Lord He made you

And when the time comes to be going
It won't be in sorrow and tear
I'll kiss you goodbye and I'll go on my way
Grateful for all of the years
I thank for all that you gave me
For teaching me what love can do
Thanksgiving day for the rest of my life
I'm thanking the Lord He made you
Thanksgiving day for the rest of my life
I'm thanking the Lord He made you

Autumn at home.

To the Pumpkin Patch we go!

Every year, a visit to Myers Pumpkin Patch (with hayride, of course!) is a local tradition! Visitors enjoy seeing the cows, the corn, the pumpkins, and the beautiful fall foliage in the nearby mountains.

Myers Pumpkin Patch offers fun for the entire family with its corn maze, and for braver visitors (myself not included) its Trail of Terror Haunted Maze. In addition to these activities, there are pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, mums, hay bales, fodder, and many fall crafts that are made on-site. The Shed also offers local honey from the Midway area as well as local jams and jellies. Folks can also roast a hot dog (which comes with all the trimmings: chili, mustard, onion, you name it!) or make a s'more. Vera Ann Myers, owner and operator of the Pumpkin Patch, offers Tennessee products at her farm, which benefit our great state.

Vera Ann Myers was my sixth grade homeroom teacher, and she now uses education at her farm by hosting school groups throughout the month of October. Students learn about honey production, pumpkins, corn, and other farm-related topics. This promotes an interest in agriculture, which is, unfortunately, a dying profession.

By heading out to Myers Pumpkin Patch, you are "supporting a local farmer." Myers Pumpkin Patch closes tonight after the last hay wagon leaves at midnight, but is open every year from September 12-November 1st. It is located at 3415 Gap Creek Road in Bulls Gap, TN off exit 23 on 81. Enjoy this brief video of a hayride at the Pumpkin Patch!

Visit www.myerspumpkinpatch.com for more information!