I know I failed the task I set for myself of writing for 30 minutes at least once a week until the foreseeable future … or now that I am thinking about it - maybe I only said the month of September and if that was the case I didn’t necessarily fail. Regardless it has been a bit and A WHOLE LOTTA OF LIFE has happened.  But I can’t live in the past or really in the future - all I have is this moment right here in the present. 

Right now I am listening to the wind blow gently through the tree tops at the cabin up in Blue Ridge.  The cutie cakes and I have been on a bit of a fall break. I truly think I get my best sleep up here in the dark room of the cabin and let me tell you for a girl who loves her sleep it is fantabulous. There are obviously other fantastic things about BR and I am not even a mountain girl so to speak. Actually if I really thought about it I probably am a beach girl in the Spring and Summer and a mountain girl in the late Fall and Winter.  I get the beach loving from my mama and I have been told my dad loved the mountains - I don’t have a ton of memories with my dad (he died when I was six) but I do have this picture of me and my sister with him up at my grandparents trailer in the north GA mountains and I think he might have taken me fishing up there.  All this to say I think there is this pull in me with the mountains. So maybe I’m 50/50 split with the beach loving from my mom and the mountain loving from my dad. 

It is usually so very peaceful up here ( at the moment I think the neighbor is vacuuming out her car and well that’s not to peaceful LOL) but what I am trying to say is there usually isn’t a lot of noise. One can do a lot of thinking up here and if you know me  I can be a pretty deep thinking girl - just ask husband, friends or Sunday School class.  Even right now all this wind blowing has been thinking about Pentecost in Acts when the Holy Spirit showed up hard core on the scene, I a digressing A LOT I know.  Really today was just about me getting out the laptop and typing words.  At one point this weekend cutie and I were at the local coffee shop which I LOVE and I dreamed of sitting in there one day writing a blog or maybe a book or a Bible study -because I hands down think the cabin would be a great place to write. The porch is screened in and there is this lovely bed swing. I am telling you its just delightful and I don’t think it was until this weekend that I really realized how delightful and refreshing to my soul it is.. again I think it’s because I proudly scream I LOVE the beach! And I do - but I also love it here too.  So I am so grateful for to have had the opportunity to spend a few days up here with my girl. Side note - the vacuuming has stopped and I am back to peaceful LOL. 

I have a few more minutes on my 30 minute timer so let me tell you some of my favorite local places up here in the Blue Ridge Mountains 

1. Merciers Orchard - this is a great time of year to pick apples but listens peeps I love this place year round.  Fun fact if you ever get a pie from the Varsity or any of the CFA Dwarf Houses/Truetts Grills those fried pies come from none other than Merciers. I like a lot of things there but a few faves are obvi the apples (I ask for what is the sweetest in the season) pies, peach salsa, strawberry and traffic jam, the cinnamon bread and I like to grab some cinnamon donuts and make a breakfast sammy with eggs, cheese, bacon or sausage.  
2. The Sweet Shoppe of the South - these ladies are cupcake war winners.  Need I say more? We have come to develop such a sweet friendship with these ladies and y’all know I love a good cupcake.  They also have great cinnamon rolls, as well as I have a friend who really likes their cookies.  My favorite cupcakes include French toast, anything pumpkin this time of year and the s’mores! 
3. Chesters - yummy food and beverages lunch and dinner! 
4. Cantaberrys - great lunch spot and get the Tomato Basil Soup - you won’t be sorry! 
5. Paradise Beauty Company - this used to be known as the Blue Ridge Beatuy Barn but she rebranded maybe a year or so ago.  This place is one of my favorite places to shop.  All her beauty supplies are a clean brand but she also sells a variety of other things like candles and she has a variety of Bible Studies by the Daily Grace Company.  I really just adore this store! 
6. Blue Ridge Cotton Company - this is the cutie cakes favorite store and I really like it too.  It’s just a great gift shop and a must visit for us when we are in town, 
7. Hucks General Store - another family favorite but also a fave of the cutie cakes! Think old school - you can get candy cigarettes LOL.  I think my favorite thing about this store is the owner remembers us.  He sees a plethora of people but to remember us just warms my heart.  This is a unique little store with toys in the back, the sell all kinds of things but definitely a fun one for the kids! 

I am sure there are things I am missing on my list of places I love in BR and I could create a whole other list with things to do. In fact I am pretty sure DP has a document with all the things listed.  So if you ever need recommendations we’ve got plenty. 

If you have remotely read this far kudos to you and thanks for letting me ramble. The Lord kindly used this weekend to refresh my soul. Until next time 

~leighann

Special Olympics - Event 1

Hey hey hey!! Happy FriYAY afternoon!  I had originally really wanted to pop on in a coffee shop this morning and do my 30 minutes of writing there, but that was not in the cards as today was our first Special Olympics game of the season.  So this morning was a little busy with me getting my walk in and getting ready to see my girl do her thang!  Special Olympics always starts out with bowling and that is the cutie cakes favorite event.  

Y’all her school had THE MOST PRECIOUS send off for these kiddos this morning.  I thought I was video taping the whole send off but alas I never hit record …insert big sigh…. But just believe me when I tell you how spectacular and special it was. The ENTIRE school came out with cheering, posters, high-fives, the band playing - Y’ALL - it was simply over the top.  I know it was overwhelming for the kiddos, gracious I was overwhelmed albeit in a different way.  I was crying at the end!! This mama heart will forever remember what those teachers and students did for my girl and her classmates. I am so glad I had a front row seat to it this morning. 

Off to the bowling alley we went where my girl bowled til her heart was content. She was really excited about bowling at home and her daddy even commented that she was a pretty good bowler to which she responded “I SURE am!”  Not sure that excitement transferred to the bowling alley LOL. She maybe didn’t have her BEST bowling game ever -but she played and participated and we are so proud of her! We got to see old friends and teachers and even make some new ones today.  All in all it was a great day! 

I am the luckiest to be that girls mama and have a front row seat to all life has for her. 

~leighann

Hello Fall …..

 Today at approximately  2:19 pm Eastern standard time, “the earth from pole to pole received an equal distribution of light and dark, day and night. For one quiet moment on the days’ way to becoming shorter and the nights’ path to longer, they meet in the middle, gracefully passing through twelve hours each. (Thank you Emily P Freeman for those beautiful words about the Fall equinox - because you know I didn’t pen that eloquence) 

Guys I had never really thought about that - that for one day we get equal parts light and equal parts dark.  I am always very aware of the “change time” as the cutie cakes calls it because of course you know I am loving when the days get longer me being a summer loving girl and all. But that thought of the fall equinox and the equal distribution of light and dark was yet just another reminder of the Sovereignty of God, the order, the fine attention to detail - gosh I am just in awe even more. As one of the worship songs says “Great are YOU LORD!”

Well Fall has officially arrived regardless of those 80plus degree temperatures we are currently experiencing. And goodness next week our social media feeds will be filled with that famous Anne of Green Gables quote that says “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” - and you know what I am too very glad for this! My most favorite human on the planet was born during that very month. We will blink and a new year will be here….poof!

I snapped this pic this morning …do you know the will power it has taken me not to buy those pumpkin delights until now? No you probably don’t and that’s okay with me - I know it.  And let’s not fool ourselves yes I know how ridiculously bad they likely are for me but I love those little things in part thanks to my Mimi.  And I did wonder when I saw those first hit the shelves would they even be around here when Fall officially began - because let me tell you folks if you haven’t noticed the gingerbread business is out now too.  But as part of my “savor the summer mantra” I purposely waited in purchasing said Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights until this weekend. So yes after my walk this morning I came home and powered up my espresso machine, pulled out my favorite somewhat fall mug, {“don’t you just love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address”  (side note here - that movie is good for anytime of the year day or night as it belongs in the number one spot for me as far as movies are concerned - but on a technicality other people feel its a fall movie - but I digress)} I whipped up a white pumpkin mocha, and indulged in a pumpkin delight. All in all not a bad way to spend the 8 am hour on this Monday. Later this week I will go and pull out the fall decor from the attic and pray the weather will turn cooler. Seasons - what a gift. 

~leighann 

So long summer …..

Well I did it. I think I can safely say that I savored summer until the very end which is officially tomorrow. I haven’t put out one fall decoration and I have restrained from tasting all things pumpkin.  I know summer is my favorite season but I truly think this has been one of the best summers.  We’ve made a lot of memories, did a lot of dreaming and I dare say I might have even done some growing :-) 

So what did this summer hold - lots of pool time, crafting (painting, sewing, and stitching), memorizing Psalm 16 with my summer stitching club, reading of course, a trip to DC, spending time with old friends on the 4th, time at the Cape x 2, puzzles, baking all things sourdough, meeting my favorite podcaster Annie F. Downs, seeing LeAnne Morgans comedy show in person, and let us not forget learning to play Mahjong! 

As I looked through my pictures over the summer the majority of them came from time at the Cape.  It’s no secret I LOVE the beach but that place in particular well as I have said before it just feels like home. We did take a trip to Hilton Head in late May/Early June but that is not technically officially summer.  I really believe we need to change these official summer start and summer end dates but no one is really asking me.  Here are a few of my favorite summer moments with the indulgent SC trip photo! 

Not officially a summer pic - but a cute beach one with my prince of a human at the beach :-) 

Took this cutie to DC for a specialist appointment and she was just so happy to have her IPad with her. She thought she had forgotten it and let me tell you and you will just have to believe me when I say that that was a whole moment in itself….

This year at the Cape we had the amazing privilege of watching a mama sea turtle lay her eggs and then head back to sea! 

This poor dog - she puts up with so much.  We sure do love our Bailey boo! 

My girl doing her thang -collecting every seashell possible on the shore! 

Y’all it is soo rare that we are all riding in the same car together now that all these people (minus the cutie cakes) drive! This was such a super little fun outing complete with those boys making fun of me every chance they could get and I will forever treasure it in my heart. Hands down a favorite picture/memory of mine from the summer

THIS VIEW!! I am typically a sunrise girl because I love to get up and get going in the morning but those Cape sunsets…. Y’ALL!!! 

Yes I 1000% was a fangirl the night I got to meet Annie - she is my friend and funny enough she would say the same thing - I just love her to pieces and LOVE that she is always pointing me and countless others to Jesus! 

My Psalm 16 project.  I loved this so much. Two of my dear friends stitched this same pattern with me and we memorized Psalm 16 together.  It really was the sweetest. (Confession - I would often stitch on Sunday afternoons while watching reruns of Greys Anatomy .. just keeping it real over here lest you think I am all good) 

Yes this is my new favorite game. Yes I will play with you any day of the week, multiple times a day. 

And quite possibly my favorite photo to end the summer - this was the best of both worlds colliding - college football and the beach - need I say more … but yes, yes I did straight up watch the GA/UT game on the beach. And yes when they won in overtime during that gorgeous sunset no less I might have gotten slightly loud on the beach. 

WHAT A SUMMER! 

 

This summer season has been infinitely sweet to me. What a gift! God is soo soo good to me but HE is also kind and I felt every bit of HIS kindness this summer.  

~leighann

The last week of Summer 2025 - Saturday

One more day of the official season of Summer! My favorite season is coming to a close.  I started off the morning finishing up my study in the book of Proverbs as well as a short study on People in the New Testament with She Reads Truth. I love how the Lord orchestrates ALL things but I really love it when I get a front row seat to HIS timing on some things.  I was little sad to close the book on two great studies AND excited to kick off my Revelation study on Monday.

During my study time this cutie cakes came in saying “Look what I found taking Bailey outside! A baby sea turtle!” I guess all turtles are sea turtle in her book.  One of her sweet big brothers helped her relocate this baby to the creek outside our house. She was so excited and I was just so excited for her- also impressed she just picked it up and brought it in the house. Never a dull moment!

And then this precious baby boy of mine was off to a Homecoming dance this evening. Isn’t he so handsome! Being a mom is such a gift but being a mama to boys .. it’s whipped cream, hot fudge, and sprinkles with cherries on top. Basically I am saying it’s the BEST.  And this boy loves his mama well. Grateful! 

Happy Saturday peeps. See you tomorrow for Summers end! 

~leighann 

The last week of Summer 2025 - Friday

It’s FriYAY!  Today was a pretty lowkey day - minus my early morning appointment.  So here’s your PSA  in the picture a day for the last Friday of summer.

That pink gown can only mean one thing! I had my yearly mammogram today bright and early at 8 am! 

October is coming and along with it comes Breast Cancer Awareness month. I know so many who have been affected by the awful C word - so friends get your screenings - it matters. 

More on summers end over the weekend.

~leighann 

The last week of Summer 2025 - Thursday

 As I was driving to work at the salon this morning - I was having a whole conversation with myself - if you know me at all you know this is not unusual whatsoever and there is no need to worry about me lol.  Anyway I was just pondering/maybe lamenting the state of the world and these days that can be kind of heavy and I was just wishing there was a little more kindness happening over here on the humanity side of things.  Y’ALL if I did not walk into work and find this unexpected SURPRISE!

One of the stylists left me two little jars of pumpkin honey butter which I thoroughly raved over once.  I told her she made my day but she had no idea of the conversation that I had had with myself in the car this morning - but you know who did - yep - God did.  What a sweet kindness to me this morning. I just cannot get over how wildly HE cares for me. 

Then to top off the day as I was leaving work I ran into this sweet friend. She used to work in the classroom at the cutie cakes school. She retired last year and we sure do miss her! 

What a great day! Summer really is coming to a close here soon .. man has it been a great one! More tomorrow! 

~leighann 

The last week of summer 2025 - Wednesday

 I know technically this was supposed to be a picture a day - but its my blog and I took more than one picture today so I’m posting all of them - this was my day - my last Wednesday in the season of summer 2025

I walked this morning .. then went to go and get my car serviced .. clearly I need some new walking shoes - I took care of that today. 

This little gem of a place is quickly becoming a FAVORITE!! Walking, eating, shopping, getting books spiral bound, AND playing mahjong…ALL THE THINGS! I was able to knock out a few errands in this spot after the car stuff. 

This little fellow wanted to swim today I guess… never fear I am pretty sure he is harmless but I sure did leave him there and he can either find his way out or well you know the alternative isn’t good for him 

My sweet man gave these beautiful roses to me on Sunday and they are still going strong.  They remind me of my Pop Pop and the rose bushes he used to tend to.

I had some ripe bananas and well that can mean only one thing - whip up some banana bread.  One of my boys in particular loves it when it’s nice and gooey so that’s what he got. 

This was a very productive Wednesday! 

~leighann 

The last week of summer 2025 - Tuesday

I took this picture early this morning the time stamp is 8:09 am - while that’s really not early - it’s early for some. And in reality I almost forgot I wanted to post a pic everyday this week. I only remembered very late and I was so grateful I had snapped this photo today. In light of so much going on in the world I took this pic with the highlighted quote to share with some friends. It was timely and one I hope I myself will remember and chew on for years to come.

The last week of summer 2025 - Monday

 I thought I’d do a picture a day for this last week of summer. Just a way to keep savoring this favorite season of mine. A little Monday Mahjong with my friend Rebecca!

Hello from the Cape!! What a treat to be writing from this view!! This particular lodging not really being my home but this place being my home away from home.  I’m not quite sure I can pinpoint in words what this place means to me or how it even makes me feel - but it’s special, life giving, peaceful.  Believe it or not I have actually never been down here before in the off season and while it is for sure quieter - the feelings are the same busy season or not. I actually have a friend who when she comes down as soon as she passes this one particular place on the Cape that we Cape lovers affectionately call “stump hole” or the “rocks” - she cries. I confess I used to get teary myself full of nostalgia and memories and don’t get me wrong all that stuff is still treasured up right in my heart, and I’m sure a BIG smile is plastered all over my face as we pass those rocks and I am filled with immense gratitude for what I like to call this little piece of heaven on earth that God so kindly lets me be a part of.  My family actually calls it home even though we own nothing down here. EVERY TIME we come it just feels like coming home. So it’s our home away from home. 

I have sat here for a few minutes (and actually I am sitting here again the following morning) wondering what to write about - and one day later I still don’t know - I just know I made that goal to write one day a week on this blog for 30 minutes and here I am. This moment of writers block tells me I am definitely not sure I should ever write a book no matter how often my husband tells me I should.  

So very much has happened in the world just this week and the reality is things happen all the time that I don’t even know about. My dear friend will often say “make it make sense” and we both know we can’t BUT what we do know -what I know to be absolutely true is that God is good AND HE is kind. And just to remind us all that HE is sovereign and still on HIS throne I will close this post out with this picture form the Cape last night 

That my friends is a picture of the Milky Way galaxy taken courtesy of my iPhone. That night sky is on full display for me to SEE while I HEAR the ocean waves roaring in the background. 

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display HIS craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make HIM known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”                    ~Psalm 19: 1-4 NLT 

Now that I have knocked out these 30 minutes I am pretty sure that the Lord used these moments of uncertainty on what to write to remind me to SEE - in fact I think that might be what HE’s reminding me of this whole trip.  And just so I remember when I come back and read this one day - my beach read so far has been Sophie Hudsons A Fine Sight to See 

Thanks for listening to me ramble….

~leighann