One of my favorite parts of this move to Georgia has been the weather experiences I've had. From muggy days with thundery nights to frigid cold like I've never felt. I've also discovered the meaning of a wind chill factor.
With the ever changing weather comes the amazing seasons. I absolutely loved Fall. The colors and smells and feelings of warmth. I am still loving Winter. Crisp days and chilly nights make my home feel that much more comforting. Now I can't wait until Spring.
The stores here in Georgia are a bit ahead of themselves in this sense. The winter clothes, decor, etc are already on the clearance rack and bright springy colors are beginning to crowd the shelves. It's a constant reminder of what's to come. I must say, I really can't wait!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A strange miniature world in the middle of nowhere, Georgia. 12/20/09
Miniature goats, donkeys, horses and roosters? Yup. In the middle of nowhere Georgia.
Today I set out to find Tanglewood Farm, a petting zoo that houses 100 plus strange and interesting miniature animals. The 10 acre farm is in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, in Canton (about an hour drive from Atlanta).
I must admit I did not set my standards high, especially as I drove through the "backwoods" of Canton. And upon arrival my car stood solitary in the parking lot. I made my husband venture ahead of me to "check out the place". You see, from where I was standing I was concerned about the farm becoming the setting for my very own horror film, starring Leather Face.
He came back and reported that the place seemed nice, and that the person he spoke with had given him directions, instructions and made him sign a waver.
I'm often surprised by these strange Georgia gems out in the middle of the woods. This trip was no exception. The grounds are set like a maze, each animal has it's own section. You walk from pen to pen and feed the animals, pick them up and cuddle them and snap photos. We were actually encouraged to pick up the animals, for the record.
I've seen a few petting zoos in my 25 years, but this one was different in every way possible. We fed the animals whole wheat bread from a tin bucket. The animals were sweet and ran straight up to you. We were followed by a herd of Miniature Minx cats that jumped from fence post to fence post. Basically, what I'm saying is....this place is a little circus-esque. You can't take your eyes off the beauty of the animals, and they melt your heart because of their strange tiny size.
To name a few miniatures we pet and fed: goats, horses, a cow (which was dressed up like a reindeer-moodeer?) rabbits, donkeys, pigs, turkeys, chickens, roosters and more. My favorite was definitely the alpacas. There was a new baby that I made friends with.
So if your looking for something really strange yet really cute....Tanglewood Farm is your solution! I imagine in spring it's really something, with all the babies.
http://www.tanglewoodfarmminiatures.com/
Today I set out to find Tanglewood Farm, a petting zoo that houses 100 plus strange and interesting miniature animals. The 10 acre farm is in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, in Canton (about an hour drive from Atlanta).
I must admit I did not set my standards high, especially as I drove through the "backwoods" of Canton. And upon arrival my car stood solitary in the parking lot. I made my husband venture ahead of me to "check out the place". You see, from where I was standing I was concerned about the farm becoming the setting for my very own horror film, starring Leather Face.
He came back and reported that the place seemed nice, and that the person he spoke with had given him directions, instructions and made him sign a waver.
I'm often surprised by these strange Georgia gems out in the middle of the woods. This trip was no exception. The grounds are set like a maze, each animal has it's own section. You walk from pen to pen and feed the animals, pick them up and cuddle them and snap photos. We were actually encouraged to pick up the animals, for the record.
I've seen a few petting zoos in my 25 years, but this one was different in every way possible. We fed the animals whole wheat bread from a tin bucket. The animals were sweet and ran straight up to you. We were followed by a herd of Miniature Minx cats that jumped from fence post to fence post. Basically, what I'm saying is....this place is a little circus-esque. You can't take your eyes off the beauty of the animals, and they melt your heart because of their strange tiny size.
To name a few miniatures we pet and fed: goats, horses, a cow (which was dressed up like a reindeer-moodeer?) rabbits, donkeys, pigs, turkeys, chickens, roosters and more. My favorite was definitely the alpacas. There was a new baby that I made friends with.
So if your looking for something really strange yet really cute....Tanglewood Farm is your solution! I imagine in spring it's really something, with all the babies.
http://www.tanglewoodfarmminiatures.com/
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Kindness shines through in Georgia. 12/16/09
Being from California, I consider myself something of an expert on the topic of neighborly love. In California, this time of year especially, cold shoulders and dirty looks abound. Everyone is in a hurry. The stores are packed and the overall mood is....well let's just say "Christmas Spirit" is not all around.
From our first day in Atlanta I've noticed the vast differences in people's general attitudes. While I wouldn't say that the "southern hospitality" myth is completely accurate, I will say that striking up conversation with strangers in more likely here in the South. People say hello, nod when they pass each other, hold doors open, etc.
I'm not saying that California is a horrible place to live, or that Californians are a certain way. I just think that everyone is so wrapped up in their busy lives that they've forgotten the little things that make a community a community.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Holiday shoppers here in Georgia, kindness shines through every where I go. From the neighborhood police officers enjoying coffee and conversation at the local Starbucks (there's only one in my town) to the large amount of companies running charities for families in need. In the last few weeks I've talked to more strangers than I have in the years I spent in California. Our town isn't decorated to the hilt. It's not so crowded you have to spend 45 minutes looking for a parking spot. And it's cold outside. Yet, the Spirit does seem to be everywhere around me. It's enough to warm the heart.
From our first day in Atlanta I've noticed the vast differences in people's general attitudes. While I wouldn't say that the "southern hospitality" myth is completely accurate, I will say that striking up conversation with strangers in more likely here in the South. People say hello, nod when they pass each other, hold doors open, etc.
I'm not saying that California is a horrible place to live, or that Californians are a certain way. I just think that everyone is so wrapped up in their busy lives that they've forgotten the little things that make a community a community.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Holiday shoppers here in Georgia, kindness shines through every where I go. From the neighborhood police officers enjoying coffee and conversation at the local Starbucks (there's only one in my town) to the large amount of companies running charities for families in need. In the last few weeks I've talked to more strangers than I have in the years I spent in California. Our town isn't decorated to the hilt. It's not so crowded you have to spend 45 minutes looking for a parking spot. And it's cold outside. Yet, the Spirit does seem to be everywhere around me. It's enough to warm the heart.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sweetgrass. 12/01/09
Being a self proclaimed artist myself, I greatly appreciate other artist's skills and talents. I've seen all sorts of art from wood carving to sculpture to the layering of paper. I had never seen nor heard of sweetgrass baskets until we took a trip to Charleston, SC to visit my cousins.
400 years ago, the slaves in Lowcountry practiced the art of basket weaving. This is a tradition that was in essence, kidnapped and brought to America much like the slaves themselves. The tradition has been passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. In fact, there are very few instructional books or classes on this specific weaving because of the way it has been shared within families.
This is a dying art, as the artists themselves have fewer and fewer family members to teach the art to. Sweetgrass baskets are becoming increasingly rare.
The baskets themselves were originally created for practical reasons, as tools on a plantation. They were used to gather rice and cotton. Now, they are pieces of fine art.
Today, you can drive down the "Sweetgrass Basket Maker's Highway" in South Carolina, and see about 20 roadside stands selling the baskets. Each stand is run by family, often on the families property. As time goes by, there will be fewer and fewer stands.
A stroll through the old slave market in downtown Charleston will give you a much closer look at these baskets. Women sit on the ground and weave, and sell the baskets they have finished. A very small basket, about the size of an egg costs $35. A very large basket can run $400 or more.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Walking in a Georgian winter wonderland. 12/01/09
As we being our descent from 2009 and begin to see 2010 on the horizon, I can only say one thing. Where has this year gone? As a child we wait impatiently for earmarks throughout the year, making time drag. As teenagers we crave eighteen and complain about the pace of life. As an adult, we stand on the sidelines unable to stop the quickness and frenzy called life. What a year my friends, what a year.
Matt and I made the largest and most difficult choice we've ever been faced with this year. Our move to Georgia has yielded so much in the way of experiences and life lessons. I struggle here and there with my new environment, but overall....I will always cherish the memories we've created.
It seems that most editions of "Notes on Georgia" contain weather information. I suppose this is because the weather has been one of the most drastic changes we've faced as of yet. People move to San Diego for two reasons: 1) the mild amazing weather and 2) scenery. People move to Georgia for one reason: to appreciate sun.
Were walking in a winter wonderland in Georgia. I can tell you one thing for sure! I have a new appreciation for Christmas lights. Without the sparkling homes throughout this state our environment would be just plain depressing! The trees that I found so amazing upon moving here are now dormant, barren and cold looking. Without a leaf in sight on the branches, Georgia looks like a tree cemetery. At night branches are illuminated by the moon, creating a sea of contorted arms, reaching for who knows what.
I also have a new appreciation for the saying "chilled to the bone". The air is so incredibly crisp and cold. You can see your breath, and the occasional gust of wind is enough to knock you down.
Christmas saves the day of course! Businesses and homes alike are decked out in white twinkle lights. Our town of Dunwoody, GA has morphed into a Christmas dream. We've watched the temperature drop to the high 28 degrees in the last few nights. My California blood was certainly not prepared!
Matt and I made the largest and most difficult choice we've ever been faced with this year. Our move to Georgia has yielded so much in the way of experiences and life lessons. I struggle here and there with my new environment, but overall....I will always cherish the memories we've created.
It seems that most editions of "Notes on Georgia" contain weather information. I suppose this is because the weather has been one of the most drastic changes we've faced as of yet. People move to San Diego for two reasons: 1) the mild amazing weather and 2) scenery. People move to Georgia for one reason: to appreciate sun.
Were walking in a winter wonderland in Georgia. I can tell you one thing for sure! I have a new appreciation for Christmas lights. Without the sparkling homes throughout this state our environment would be just plain depressing! The trees that I found so amazing upon moving here are now dormant, barren and cold looking. Without a leaf in sight on the branches, Georgia looks like a tree cemetery. At night branches are illuminated by the moon, creating a sea of contorted arms, reaching for who knows what.
I also have a new appreciation for the saying "chilled to the bone". The air is so incredibly crisp and cold. You can see your breath, and the occasional gust of wind is enough to knock you down.
Christmas saves the day of course! Businesses and homes alike are decked out in white twinkle lights. Our town of Dunwoody, GA has morphed into a Christmas dream. We've watched the temperature drop to the high 28 degrees in the last few nights. My California blood was certainly not prepared!
Apple orchard and pumkin patch dreams. 10/25/09
I can now say in my lifetime (as of yet) I have witnessed the most amazing sunset. It trumped all beach sunsets at the cliffs in Ocean Beach, the sun setting in the mountains of Julian and any pallet of paints I have ever worked with.
The Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee are a mirror of the sky at sunset. The colors of fall foliage are vibrant and striking in the morning and the afternoon. Oranges, yellows and reds like I have never imagined exist here in this famous National Park. But the magic happens at dusk. As the sun begins to set across the hills a vibrant light hits these leaves and creates gem like sparkles as far as the eye can see. In the sky itself, the reds and oranges mimic these leaves....or is it the other way around? You lose sight of horizon as the sunset and the swaying hills become one in an amazing show of nature.
Hundreds of other tourists toured the mountains the same day we did. It was refreshing to watch crowds of people stop and wait in line to appreciate this sight. For once we weren't spending money to see something, we weren't waiting to catch a glimpse of an actor...we were waiting to be part of something spectacular and natural. ( On a side note, we sat in traffic for a half an hour because of a bear in a tree!)
There is a back story to the sunset of course! You may be asking yourself what we were doing in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. It all started with an apple orchard dream. Weeks ago I picked up a flier for the Apple Barn, a famous apple winery and baked good community o
f stores. An orchard. Infact it produces 65% of Tennessee's apples. We drove the several hours to experience crisp mountain air, cinnamon scents and to purchase a much coveted bottle of sparkling apple cider for Matt and myself's FIRST Thanksgiving Holiday alone! We left the apple barn with mulling spices and apple spice bread mix as well.
At this time of year in San Diego, Matt and I would have already visited Julian to capture a moment of that fall feeling. Here in Georgia we've been smacked in the face with the season! The leaves change outside of our window, we don't have to drive hours to find an unsatisfying glimpse of that change. We don't have to drive to Big Bear and drive around with the windows down to experience crisp air. Georgia has reached 35 degrees at night for a week or so now.
So here we are.
We got exactly what we had been looking for. (I now wish for toilet seat warmers and warm jammies!)
Today I had pumpkin patch dreams...a short drive and we were bouncing along on a hay ride to a patch. What a magical place! The tinkling of children's laughter, the warm love of families choosing their beloved pumpkins and the musky smell of mud. Shhh, don't tell....but we left the patch empty handed, not wanting to spend a small fortune on gourds. Wal Mart sells the same squash for $4!
Tonight we practiced one of my all-time favorite traditions (ahh memories of me drawing a face on a pumpkin and Chris carving it for me because my folks didn't let me play with knives), the carving of the pumpkins! These are the moments that make life beautiful.
The Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee are a mirror of the sky at sunset. The colors of fall foliage are vibrant and striking in the morning and the afternoon. Oranges, yellows and reds like I have never imagined exist here in this famous National Park. But the magic happens at dusk. As the sun begins to set across the hills a vibrant light hits these leaves and creates gem like sparkles as far as the eye can see. In the sky itself, the reds and oranges mimic these leaves....or is it the other way around? You lose sight of horizon as the sunset and the swaying hills become one in an amazing show of nature.
Hundreds of other tourists toured the mountains the same day we did. It was refreshing to watch crowds of people stop and wait in line to appreciate this sight. For once we weren't spending money to see something, we weren't waiting to catch a glimpse of an actor...we were waiting to be part of something spectacular and natural. ( On a side note, we sat in traffic for a half an hour because of a bear in a tree!)
There is a back story to the sunset of course! You may be asking yourself what we were doing in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. It all started with an apple orchard dream. Weeks ago I picked up a flier for the Apple Barn, a famous apple winery and baked good community o
f stores. An orchard. Infact it produces 65% of Tennessee's apples. We drove the several hours to experience crisp mountain air, cinnamon scents and to purchase a much coveted bottle of sparkling apple cider for Matt and myself's FIRST Thanksgiving Holiday alone! We left the apple barn with mulling spices and apple spice bread mix as well.At this time of year in San Diego, Matt and I would have already visited Julian to capture a moment of that fall feeling. Here in Georgia we've been smacked in the face with the season! The leaves change outside of our window, we don't have to drive hours to find an unsatisfying glimpse of that change. We don't have to drive to Big Bear and drive around with the windows down to experience crisp air. Georgia has reached 35 degrees at night for a week or so now.
So here we are.
We got exactly what we had been looking for. (I now wish for toilet seat warmers and warm jammies!)
Today I had pumpkin patch dreams...a short drive and we were bouncing along on a hay ride to a patch. What a magical place! The tinkling of children's laughter, the warm love of families choosing their beloved pumpkins and the musky smell of mud. Shhh, don't tell....but we left the patch empty handed, not wanting to spend a small fortune on gourds. Wal Mart sells the same squash for $4!
Tonight we practiced one of my all-time favorite traditions (ahh memories of me drawing a face on a pumpkin and Chris carving it for me because my folks didn't let me play with knives), the carving of the pumpkins! These are the moments that make life beautiful.
Fall in Georgia. 09/28/09
It's definitely feeling like Fall here in Atlanta, GA. The air is crisp and the Cicada's Lullaby has been replaced with "Swaying Tree Songs". With an occasional gust of wind, leaves trickle slowly to the ground making a crystalline sound as they reach their destinations. This time of year is truly magical. Nature takes out her brushes and paints the trees deep red with hints of yellow and orange. I swear I can almost smell the cider mulling; musky apple with hints of clove, ginger and cinnamon.
This is the season that I always seem to feel my best physically, emotionally and mentally. Fall represents change for me. It's the end of one era and the beginning of the next. And the future looks beautiful from where I'm standing.
This past Sunday, Matt and I ventured to the Appalachian Foothills in North Georgia. In this part of the state the trees are even more abundant (if that's possible). Though the leaves have just begun to change, the mountains have a yellow hue. A promise of colors that I'm positive will blow my mind.
As usual Matt and I found ourselves lost (some would worry about being lost in the Appalachians). Being lost always seems to yield a hidden treasure for us. Hence the many adventures we've had since moving to Georgia. This day proved to be the same! A sign boasting Amicolola Falls State Park caught Matt's attention. It's always as if we find our guide point! Our main goal is the Falls! Anything we find along the way is just a bonus.
We've been to a couple of "Falls" State Parks....in general a healthy hike is required to see the waterfall. It's like a teaser. You can hear the water rushing, but just can't quite get to it. You see, Matt and I are not hikers. We are flip flop wearing, drive to the attraction types. So I must say I was pleasantly surprised to find that this park was a bit different. Upon driving into Amicolola Falls Park and an insanely steep drive up the side of a mountain we found ourselves at the "Top of the Falls Overlook". A short walk and we were standing in paradise! A small bridge is situated at the very spot that the water begins it's descent down the side of the mountain. A small stream runs into a raging waterfall. In fact, the falls are so steep that you can't see all the way to the bottom! The sound of the water is very powerful and kind of makes your heart skip a beat. Oh and the view! I swear you could see all the way to Tennessee!
We drove to the bottom of the falls to see the calm pond that the falls run into. It's the strangest thing! Matt and I stopped to watch the water skimming bugs and orange leaves floating peacefully.
Yet another trip in Georgia that proves that the best adventures are the least traveled! Until the next adventure!
This is the season that I always seem to feel my best physically, emotionally and mentally. Fall represents change for me. It's the end of one era and the beginning of the next. And the future looks beautiful from where I'm standing.
This past Sunday, Matt and I ventured to the Appalachian Foothills in North Georgia. In this part of the state the trees are even more abundant (if that's possible). Though the leaves have just begun to change, the mountains have a yellow hue. A promise of colors that I'm positive will blow my mind.
As usual Matt and I found ourselves lost (some would worry about being lost in the Appalachians). Being lost always seems to yield a hidden treasure for us. Hence the many adventures we've had since moving to Georgia. This day proved to be the same! A sign boasting Amicolola Falls State Park caught Matt's attention. It's always as if we find our guide point! Our main goal is the Falls! Anything we find along the way is just a bonus.
We've been to a couple of "Falls" State Parks....in general a healthy hike is required to see the waterfall. It's like a teaser. You can hear the water rushing, but just can't quite get to it. You see, Matt and I are not hikers. We are flip flop wearing, drive to the attraction types. So I must say I was pleasantly surprised to find that this park was a bit different. Upon driving into Amicolola Falls Park and an insanely steep drive up the side of a mountain we found ourselves at the "Top of the Falls Overlook". A short walk and we were standing in paradise! A small bridge is situated at the very spot that the water begins it's descent down the side of the mountain. A small stream runs into a raging waterfall. In fact, the falls are so steep that you can't see all the way to the bottom! The sound of the water is very powerful and kind of makes your heart skip a beat. Oh and the view! I swear you could see all the way to Tennessee!
We drove to the bottom of the falls to see the calm pond that the falls run into. It's the strangest thing! Matt and I stopped to watch the water skimming bugs and orange leaves floating peacefully.
Yet another trip in Georgia that proves that the best adventures are the least traveled! Until the next adventure!
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