Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Murray's Mill

Life goes on despite our pain and sorrow. What better way to remember our lovely daughter than a day out in nature. Amy loved being strolled along the Greenway, around the park and just down the road to get fresh air and sunshine. We'd been to Murray's Mill with her years ago, so on Mother's Day my husband and I took a quiet and reflective drive out that way. Here's a few photos I took, although they didn't come out as well as I'd hoped.


We missed the Storytelling Festival but they will be celebrating their 100th birthday in July so we will venture back to visit then.


This is a beautiful wall that's been built, leading down to the mill.


Panoramic shot of the dam & water wheel.


I've seen the mill looking better. Apparently they had a big party the night before and the clean up crew was still in the process of cleaning up.


A tranquil tree shaded pathway and footbridge make a nice entrance into the forested area.


Lovely Mountain Laurel grows thick in this area.


Fantastic textures on this fern shrouded log.


I thought this tree was interesting. It looks like an old and dead poison ivy vine is permanently entwined in it's bark.


A footpath led down under the bridge and I just adored the rugged beauty and aging of this retaining wall. Plus the glimpse of the waterwheel in the background made for one of my favorite photos of the day.


An old Pepsi box (?) has been sitting for too long in the weather outside the old country store.


A pretty display of bright and bold colors at the corner of the front porch invites visitors to sit a spell and relax.


This tree sits in the front yard of a house across the street. As you can see, it's rotted clear through. 


This big guy was sitting on top of a fence post down the road.

There's a glimpse of our Sunday afternoon. 

Do you have a peaceful place to go and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine?


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Rurality Blog Hop #6

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32 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures, Anne. I loved the footbridge and the laurel. Being from Asheville, the scenery looked so familiar. I went to Mabry Mill a few times as a child on one of our family treks up the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mills are fascinating.

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  2. Anne, this sounds like a perfect sunday afternoon. I wish I could of joined you☺

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    1. It was a beautiful day! Perfect for sightseeing :)

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  3. How beautiful. I especially like the one with the old wall and the mill and waterfalling in the background too. But they are all such treasures! I had been wondering about your day and hoped it was sweet somehow. So glad you were able to take in such breathtaking sights as you walked along memory lane.
    Hugs,
    Kelly

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! I appreciate you coming by. The Lord has been good to us and I thank Him for his grace :)

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  4. Sweet pictures, Anne. Your afternoon sounded perfect and relaxing. Thank you for sharing with us.

    Love and hugs!

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    1. It was good to be together and have a slow day :)

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  5. Awesome images for reflection. Thank you.

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    1. Thanks, Nancy! I appreciate your encouragement :)

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  6. Thank you, Anne, for sharing Amy's joy on remembrance. Our pink dogwood tree is blooming, our church gave us in memory, June 3, 2011 ~ it is calming for me.
    I like the little "house" with two doorways in the tree bottom.
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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    1. Kathleen, I want to get a pink dogwood in memory of Amy! by the time I'm finished planting all that I want, I shall have a wonderful garden :)

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  7. Oh such a lovely photo walk with you and sharing your memories of your daughter ~ sending lots of healing hugs to you both ~ Beautiful place ~ nature is so soothing and walks so good for the spirit.

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    1. The Lord's creation has been a balm this past year. We've enjoyed many such days!

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  8. What a beautiful place to remember your daughter.

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  9. That photo shot of the Mountain Laurel is so stunning- and I have never seen Mountain Laurel in person... that would be an awesome capture -- your is wow wee and that tree shot that you can see through --that's cooL!!
    Hugs

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    1. Thanks! The tree is quite something in person :)

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  10. Amy,
    Looks like you and your Husband had a perfect way to spend the day. Beautiful memories in a gorgeous place. Sometimes quiet and reflective adventures or places bring us peace.

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    1. Robyn, They sure do! Our spirits are lifted a bit when we can get out and enjoy nature.

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  11. Anne,
    My youngest daughter's middle name. Your photos are lovely-I especially like the tree, graceful limbs reaching for the sky. Reflecting and remembering with nature holding you tight.
    Jemma

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    1. Jemma, Thanks for your kind words! We had a pleasant day remembering.

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  12. Hello Anne. Thank you for you kind comments to me, now I'd like to return the favor. Your photos are wonderful. I like that you practice to take close ups with blurred backgrounds. I have just found the 'macro' setting on my camera, after having it for a couple of years. It's just a small Canon point and shoot, but I'm trying to master it. What a beautiful tribute to your daughter. We have also lost a son and whenever we go to San Francisco we think especially of him. It was his place of peace although he loved the hustle and bustle of the big city. It's always horrible to lose someone but I think more so when a special day commerates it. My son died on April 1 and always I get the April Fools jokes. Of course, no one knows that, but it is extra hard, I think. Take care and keep taking the beautiful pictures and treasuring your good memories..Judy

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    1. Oh Judy, I am so sorry for your loss! Sorrow touches so many of us but the Lord brings about His healing & peace in time.

      I have a Nikon Coolpix P510 (bridge camera) and just recently joined a Photography on Facebook. Some great challenges to stretch my learning :)

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  13. What a great way to remember your daughter. I think your photos turned out great. I am so thankful that I can enjoy the weather and sunshine on our property every day. We live in the country and I am so grateful for my beautiful surroundings.

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    1. Yes, I love living in the country. Often times we don't have tog o anywhere to see the beauty but there are some great places not too far away to visit :)

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  14. What a pretty place this "Murray's" Mill. A beautiful reflection in photos. I especially love the tall tree photo, it looks like a person with knobby knees upside down! A lovely way to reflect and remember Amy girl. Love you.

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    1. Love you sister! Wish you were here to go on the nature hikes with :)

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  15. What a lovely place to remember your daughter... Thank you for joining in 'Rurality Blog Hop #14' Hope to see you next Wednesday for #15...

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    1. Madge, Thanks for hosting! I'm so glad you decided to do that for all us 'rural' folks :)

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I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.