How many times can I photograph this flower, right? It seems that everywhere I turn this summer, I see a cone flower. But this one is different.  This one was photographed in Jan Karon’s former hometown—Blowing Rock, North Carolina—the place where she wrote many of her novels in the Mitford series. Can I just say that I have never been to a more “perfect” town. Well, maybe Windsor in England, but that is totally different. I’m not kidding. The flowers were drop-dead gorgeous. Every yard contained a “Mitford-like” garden complete with winding pea-gravel walkways. It was pretty amazing and even overwhelming.

And I had to wonder if this little Episcopalian church the one that Karon had in mind when she wrote most of her novels? If I had stood there long enough, would Father Tim have walked out the front door? (smile)

I don’t know what to write about this photo. Let’s see: “Sitting Pretty?” No . . . maybe not. “Just Ducky”? That’s weird and a little slap-stick. Not into that either. . . . The truth is—he was just a cute little duck that was very content to watch me take his photograph. And he sort of has a sweet face, too, don’t you agree?

I’m one of those persons who enjoys recording the normal events of the day. Above we are heading into the Brickyard in Greenville for lunch. The food was great; the desert (the first one I have had in months) even better—fresh (homemade) pineapple cake. Great choice!

Then we passed on the offer for ice cream, but the lights in the background were attractive.

I need to enjoy taking photos of these flowers—a purple cone flower. The ones I planted at the cottage are not doing that well. Come to think of it, I always have a hard time getting these to grow.

I absolutely love it when friends from Atlanta visit. Without fail, Toccoa Falls is always a true surprise to them. It’s 186 feet high, and I never take it for granted. Every time I see it, I think: “Wow, this really is beautiful.” Judy and her sister Carolyn thought so, too.

Maybe you look at this photo and want to write your own story. Perhaps if C. S. Lewis was here he would read a chapter to us from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He might even read the ending to the chapter titled: Peter’s First Battle. “Then, after a bit, Susan came down the tree. She and Peter felt pretty shaky when they met and I won’t say there wasn’t kissing and crying on both sides. But in Narnia no one thinks any worse of you for that.

“‘Quick! Quick!’ shouted the voice of Aslan. ‘Centaurs! Eagles! I see another wolf in the thickets. There behind you. He has just darted away. After him, all of you. He will be going to his mistress. Now is your chance to find the Witch and rescue the fourth Son of Adam.’ And instantly with a thunder of hoofs and beating of wings a dozen or so of the swiftest creatures disappeared into the gathering darkness.’”

This photo was taken of the path on the way to the Chimney Tops—a rock formation in the Great Smokey National Park. Around here we just say, “The Smokies.” I can’t wait to meet up with my friends Ann and Marc in the park this summer. It has been way too long since I have seen them.