Townsend, Tennessee: Part 2

I promised to share with you a little more of our time in the mountains last weekend, so here it is! There is a shop at the edge of the river that has to be one of the most unique places I've ever seen.

It belongs to Capt'n. Dave but there are a few other artists there as well. They mostly work in wood, but there is a ceramic artist. Here are some examples of their work.

I didn't get his name, but this man was working on freeform cedar mantles.

finished freeform cedar mantles

More hand finished wooden mantles.  

Another local artist who works in wood is Gene Webb. He also has woodcarving classes.Click on his name to check out his website. 

AMAZING horse sculpture!

freeform sculpture

Here are some beautiful tiles by the ceramic artist (I didn't get her name either).

This is her studio. The contraption you see is a slab roller that helps to make tiles. 

You definitely cannot miss the entrance, and the yard says, "Hey you! Come over HERE!"

Driftwood in the yard

Enter at the hand carved bears

The guys there were super friendly. They even have a sign that says, "photos welcome". Great news for us bloggers! Stop by for a visit next time you're in Townsend. They are located on the road that goes from Townsend to Pigeon Forge via Wears Valley.

I think it's important to note that I didn't get any money for promoting this place, just the joy of your smile.

Also, I HAVE BIG NEWS!!!! No, I'm not pregnant, lol. I am starting a new blog! I have so enjoyed this space and being the Drowsy Bee, but my needs for an online presence are changing a little. It has been my heart's desire to be able to sell things that I make here. I am also looking into an Etsy shop, although every little bit helps, so I need a site where I can expand in the future. That is leading me to this difficult but exciting decision. It is still under construction so I'll keep you posted as soon as it's ready. I will have an easy way to find me  when it happens. Wish me luck!
 
I'm so thrilled you visited with me today. Wasn't it a beautiful day?

Townsend, Tennessee

I was able to go to my Happy Place this past weekend and, as usual, felt a sense of restoration. It's been a long, hard winter and I was able to have a taste of SPRING! It is amazing what a sunny Saturday, the river, and some dear friends and family can do for a person! We went on a walk down the street to the swingin' bridge and across to an old farmhouse that is falling down.  It breaks my heart to see it in this state, but I'm also drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are lots of stories about it. All I really know is that the current owner is an elderly man who will not sell it or let any of his children fix it up so it continues to crumble. The entire front porch has fallen now. So sad.

Here's a picture of  another old farmhouse and pasture down the road from THE white farmhouse.

Later in the week I will show some pictures of one of the most interesting shops in town. Come back and see more!

Where is your happy place? I'd love to hear about it!

A Walk in the Woods

One of my favorite blogs to read is Alisa Burke. She has a regular posting called "Exploring We Will Go".  They live in the Pacific Northwest and have some AMAZING places to visit with visually stunning scenery. We may not have the ocean but we are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Come exploring with me and see if you don't agree.


Good Friday

T and I went on a hike in my Smoky Mountains. It was freezing cold with a little snow left on the ground from last week. The air was crisp and damp with heavy clouds above. We decided to walk as far as we wanted and then eat lunch... and pray for no rain. Off we went.

 There were a few others willing to brave the cold for such a dreamy walk. Here are a few photos along the way. This is known as the waterfall hike and you will see why.

Right past the parking lot is this stunning cascade

Rhododendron

First, and largest waterfall

My hubby and Me, wearing one of my cuddly cowls from the last post.

Naturally formed heart in a fallen tree

Moss grows on fallen trees.

SNOW

From the other side of the trail water cascades from the mountain

Sculptural bark

Moss on the mountainside

Rock overhangs

The first wildflower of the spring. I think it's called Bloodroot.

YEAH!!! We walked for 2 hours, ate our lunch, and it didn't rain until the minute we got back to the car.
This is the first time either one of us had been on this particular hike but it won't be our last. It is literally 10 minutes from our cabin in Townsend and I think this is the most AMAZING place. It is a gradual slope and follows the Middle Prong of the Little River so it will be very pleasant any time of year.

I hope you've had a wonderful Easter Break wherever you are and were able to ponder the meaning of the season.

He is Risen!   He is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter!

A Little piece of Heaven on Earth

 When I go to my "Happy Place" I am always at the Little River in Townsend, Tennessee, "The Peaceful Side Of the Smokies", as their welcome sign reads. I have visited this river every summer since I was born and it makes me... whole, calm, peaceful, closer to God, HAPPY! The cabin we are staying in belonged to my Great Aunt Maurine and her presence is felt everywhere here. Especially in the garden. Today I have been raking leaves and trying to find some of the wildflowers that she transplanted to this hillside. It bears noting that she didn't move here until her late 70's so you when you see the pictures you will be impressed with her physical abilities.

This is the street side and is nice and flat.The back of the house has a large screened in porch that overlooks the river.

THE backporch

Plenty of rocking chairs for rockin' the day away.

This shows how steep the backyard gets.

The far end of the porch has a swing and a daybed.

The view from the swing.

The beach area for swimming and sunning.

The beach in relation to the cabin.

Some Maidenhair ferns that Aunt Maurine planted.

 Where is your "Happy Place"?  It is my prayer that everyone has somewhere they can go to get away from it all. We all need a little piece of heaven here on earth! Thanks for visiting today!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo