Monday, June 29, 2009

A Little More Haunting Going On

I posted about my visit to the Carnton Plantation recently

and I am still thinking about it.



Many of you expressed some of the same interests that I have so



Have a seat on the front porch and I will share just a couple more things..


and...Maybe a little ghost story or two

I was fascinated with this painting

It has a surreal look to it

the photo doesn't do it justice

it had a "feeling" when you looked at it




It is the deceased children of John and Carrie McGavock ages 12,6 and 3 months


The original hangs in the master bedroom at Carnton



I was unaware that paintings of that time period featured portraits of the deceased floating above clouds



Now let's walk down the Carton Garden path and turn down the lights




A Carnton Ghost Story???



The most famous ghost is the restless soldier who has been seen walking through the house and across the back porch. Some visitors have reported that he has been spotted a few times marching around the perimeter of the yard. Everywhere that he goes, the sound of his heavy boots accompanies his wandering.



The ghost has been joined at the house by the spirit of a former cook, of whom an anomalous photo was taken years ago showing her hovering head in the hallway,


Caroline "Carrie" McGavock

a mysterious woman in white wanders the halls at night

it is believed to be Caroline herself,


Carrie's spirit in her own words


there also the spirit of a girl killed in the 1840's and a ghost who is fond of breaking glass.




Although staff members don't mention the many ghosts on their tours, they are often asked about them by visitors....
some of whom claim to hear heavy walking or who have seen a phantom soldier in one of the bedrooms.



If you would like to learn more I have added this youtube link that gives you a peek into the home and tells about the WIDOW OF THE SOUTH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTzbHvDI8Gk


All photos are from the Carnton Archives and Flickr friends-Thank You!

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Friday, June 26, 2009

Welcome to THE TeaParty

It's Time for the Second Annual Mad Tea Party!

A dream of a Tea Party you simply can't miss it.



Our Hostess is the wonderful

Miss Vanessa Valencia of A Fanciful Twist




My garden and I have been preparing all spring for this Fanciful Event
But I must give you a word of caution!


Think-about-flowers


Don't say I didn't warn you...



The Begonia Pink Sugar is ready to party


As well as the sweet Iris cream



The Teapot is filled and ready to pour


all the little teacups to the top with Rose Bud Tea


A Garden Tea Party

A Tea Party fit for all the party bloggers visiting from A Fanciful Twist
You must stop by Vanessa's to visit all the Tea Parties via the links on her blog.
A Special THANK YOU to Vanessa for hosting such a wonderful event
AND
A Special THANK YOU TO YOU

I would like to show my appreciation for you visiting by having
A SPECIAL GIVE AWAY!


All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and you will be entered
to win this Rose Bud Bracelet that I made just for this SPECIAL EVENT

Have fun at all the parties!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I'm Back with my Ex!

I have strayed from what I know,
what made me happy and what I was comfortable with.


I thought I would be happier with a younger, sleeker, more modern model.

I was dazzled by infatuation...the newness of it all

and Free Shipping????


In January I left my always faithful and always dependable companion.




It was a little awkward at first

but I thought I just needed more time to adjust to my new friend.


I really tried, I really, really did but...

Today I had to compromise my new relationship
and revisit my Ex.





Oh it was heavenly!

The earth came alive like knew it could.

At every turn I had to smile!

I have recaptured my love affair with the camera!!!


I have been so discouraged lately with my photographs


I bought books to help me improve

I reread my camera manual again and again

I went online to find out what was going on...


Well. just like Dorothy, I had the power all the time.

It was sitting quietly waiting for me to realize what a fine relationship we had.
It was easy, effortless just so comfortable.


Flowers-Galore
I am thrilled to be back with my old camera to capture all the wonder and beauty around me without disappointment.

Thank you old friend, happy to be back!

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Mad Hatters Tea Party COuNtDoWn


Saturday is the Day!!!!!!!!

The second annual Mad Hatters Bloggers Tea Party



Last Year was so much fun...Miss Vannessa NEVER disappoints!!!!

Please visit me on Saturday to select your choice of my garden teas.




All the "floral" teas are directly from my garden.

Hope to see you then!
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Monday, June 22, 2009

A Haunting Visit

While in Tennessee I visited the Carnton House and gardens


At first glance this garden is peaceful

this garden is beautiful

this garden has survived war

this garden is part of history

this garden weeps silent tears





This garden overlooks The Carnton House in Franklin, Tennessee


it is the historical basis for the book







The grounds are the final resting place of 1,481 men killed in the Battle of Franklin

The largest private military cemetery in the United States



on November 30, 1864
Five terrible hours of combat

2.000 dead

6,500 wounded

1,000 missing



John and Carrie McGavock lived quietly with their children in the Carnton House but on that one day it changed forever




The Carnton House was one of 44 private homes turned into a "field hospital" on that dreadful day.
A staff officer later wrote that "the wounded, in hundreds, were brought to Carnton House during the battle, and all the night after. And when the noble old house could hold no more, the yard was appropriated until the wounded and dead filled that...
Amputated limbs of solder's were thrown out the window and the pile reached past the second story at the back of the house

Today it wears the grace of history, horror and sacrifice

Photos of the interior are not allowed.

Not needed for me...A memory that will stay with me forever.

The house has been restored to it's original condition but still the blood of soldiers stain the wood plank floors.

A visit that was well worth it.

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Friday, June 19, 2009

The Not So Secret Garden

When I arrived home, from my little adventure, I was dazzled by what I found.


It happens every year and I am ALWAYS AMAZED!



Only it s always better than the year before



The rising of the gardens from more than 200 inches of snow





The decorating of Mother Nature


Now I think that Mother Nature has a thing for PURPLE


why???



The ornaments of all of our spring green purple is the first to appear



why???? This I can't answer, perhaps someone could enlighten me?!?!?!


The finishing touches that change year to year are the hanging baskets that I try to hang EVERY WHERE, don't stand still too long at my house because before you know it you will be adorning a hanging basket.

Have a GREAT weekend!


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