Spring Cleaning

As the weather warms, we have been venturing further from our burrow and becoming reacquainted with the outside world.  The wanderlust has begun to form within me, and I'm already planning a slew of day trips and adventures to share with the family over the next few months...on the cheap of course. I know from experience that out of the 1,547 excursions I plan to take only 5 might materialize into actual "been there, done that" trips. Life has become so busy, and it is hard to leave the ties of work, school, and our various commitments behind for even a day. 

A few weeks ago, we decided it was time to get off the grid for awhile so we hopped in our car and headed for Nashville. With no concrete plans, no list of must see attractions, we just let the day unfold like the road before us. This spontaneity freed us from any expectations allowing us to savor each moment and surprise.  We toured The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson and a place I  once thought reserved for school groups and those who frequent cafeterias and early bird specials. The gardens were beautiful in their drowsy state just awakened and full of promise. I could imagine guests arriving at the house dusty and fatigued from travel and being replenished by the live oaks and shady magnolias.  I'm so glad we paid attention to the historic road marker or I would have missed it all. 

Over the course of two days, we drove around for hours just appreciating architecture, browsing antique stores, and creating our own personalized tour of the capitol city. We came home refreshed and more appreciative of our own landscape and each other. This little trip was our version of spring cleaning, a time to reawaken our senses and let go of  our complacent natures letting new passion and ideas burst forth.

Here is a little photo journey of our trip....

Ok, I am totally stealing this idea for Grassy Valley. Coming soon to a shop near you!

If you love warm melt in your mouth biscuits and getting your picture made in crazy cutouts, The Loveless Cafe is right for you!

Off the beaten path, but well worth the find.

Finding Christmas

Each December, I sit down with my notebook and pen and make a list of all the things I'd like to accomplish prior to December 25th.  This list is comprised of places I want to visit, like the the big tree downtown, as well as family activities I find special during the holidays including baking Christmas cookies and watching Elf for the 1,057 time.  My list making has become as much of a tradition as the things written on it. 

Yesterday while I was busy penciling in holiday parties and school commitments on the calendar, I noticed there were very few "white spaces" remaining before Christmas. I looked back and forth from my list to the calendar frantically trying to orchestrate a plan that would allow me to maximize holiday fun while efficiently utilizing every spare moment we have available before Santa Claus makes it to town. Festive? No. Stressful? Very. 

As my shoulders started to tense up, I was struck by how my quest to 'create' the perfect holiday experience for my family has squelched the true joy of the season.  For example, Matt would rather not go and stand in line at Bass Pro Shop for 1.5 hours to see Santa on a weekday night after working at the shop all day just because the calendar dictates it so. And, surly Matt will lead to short-fuse Stephanie thus bringing out whiny Weston. By the time we reach Santa's lap, we'd rather kick him in the shins than sit and chat.  I began thinking what's the worst thing that will happen if I (gasp) abandon the list?

The last time I marched/ran down Broadway was, well, never.  It was kind of a spur of the moment decision for Grassy Valley Antiques to join the Fountain City Parade, but some of the sweetest moments are indeed spontaneous.  There wasn't much planning involved, no fancy float was constructed ...Although, if we ever do make one,  I'd like to build it out of red and green recycled doors. That, as my nephews like to say, would be epic... Still, as our small group made our way down Broadway all decked out in Santa hats and antlers (me) passing out candy to bundled up children I unexpectedly found Christmas.  It wasn't during a list-mandated activity, and it didn't have to be deemed a "tradition" to be enjoyed.  It just was wonderful because the look in Weston's eyes as he leaned out of the festooned Mustang shouting "Merry Christmas "and handing out candy canes could never be orchestrated.

This year I'm going to try and fly through the holidays without planning the fun. I think we will all have much more of it if we just let it happen.