Everyday Living

Our Garden, Our Haven

~ Outdoors

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬

I’m sure you all have that place that is known as your “little piece of heaven”.  That place where your cares subside and the world quietens.  I think in our rushed and busy lives, we all need a place of solitude to just get away from it all.  If you remember last year, we did a complete overhaul of our backyard, and we just thought we loved it then!  From bright zinnias to climbing foxgloves to the sweet aroma of gardenias, the garden has become our little haven.  You have seen it on Tablescape Tuesdays, but today we want to slow it down a little and show you the details of our springtime garden!


A striking contrast of the Bloodgood Japanese Maple and all the shades of green!


Coral Drift RosesREAD MORE

In Our Own Backyard

~ Outdoors, Travel

“How great are your works, O Lord!  Your thoughts are very deep!”
Psalm 92:5

Isn’t it true that we overlook things right in front of our eyes?  We can be surrounded by something our whole lives and never really give it a second thought!  Noccalula Falls is one of the most visited attractions in Alabama…and it is right here in our Appalachian foothills!  The waterfall leaves you awe-struck as the waters roar over a 90 foot drop, and the scenery that surrounds it absolutely takes your breath away!  People travel from all over to spend the day inside the park taking in the sights, riding the train from place to place, or even hiking to the ravine underneath the water.  And one thing you will always find is a photographer, whether professional or amateur, trying to catch that perfect shot of those majestic falls!

But there is so much history behind the place that sits right here in our own backyard.  Lace up your walking shoes and let’s take a stroll around Noccalula Falls!


Every shot is a picturesque moment!  Notice the rainbow!


Noccalula Falls is named after the Cherokee girl, Noccalula, who was the daughter of a Cherokee Chief.  She had fallen in love with a brave man who wasn’t suitable for marriage in her father’s eyes, because he didn’t possess the worldly goods that he wanted for his daughter.  So he took matters in his own hands and arranged her marriage to a wealthy chief of a powerful rival tribe.  Story goes that she was unhappy about the forthcoming marriage and jumped to her death near where this statue stands in honor of her.


This beautiful wedding chapel sits at the entrance of The Black Creek Trail, a 2.9 mile trail that runs along side the water…ideal for hiking, walking and running!  I attended a wedding here and the inside is so very rustic and quaint, as you can imagine!READ MORE

Truly A Dream Garden

~ Outdoors

“And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed…
…The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:8, 15‬ ‭

If you have been following our everyday living, you may remember that last spring we took on a major project…we turned our back yard space into a garden!  And oh how we love it!  (You can see inspiration for our garden here and the big reveal here) We own almost 15 acres, mostly pasture, and we had wanted to do this for a couple of years.  We finally took our ideas and dreams to a landscaper…and within a few weeks our garden took shape!  He installed pavers, built the focal point, and planted zoysia and foundational plants.  Then it was Butch’s turn…he installed the picket fence that we’ve always wanted!  With springtime upon us, we are making plans to add color and variety with lovely annuals and perennials!  Last week we planted sunflowers behind the back of the fence along with our tomatoes, squash, and okra!  I can hardly wait to sit in the garden, surrounded by sunflowers, and eat farm-to-table, alfresco style!

While browsing around for ideas, I found this garden that would inspire any novice gardener like myself…and it is truly a dream!  But of course, the upkeep would require a full-time gardener and lots of money!  But, these are great ideas for the DIY’ers like us!  So, let this garden relax you as we tour….and just maybe you will find some ideas for yours!

Click each photo for the original source.

The rustic arbor and gate adds charm to the Tudor-style home!


A pathway is lined with dianthus!READ MORE