Kentucky's Country Music Highway

Monday, July 26, 2010

In 1994 highway 23 became known as, The Country Music Highway, which winds and twists along 144 miles of country road stretching across seven counties. It was recognized as a National Scenic Byway in 2002 and is home to many popular country music stars. Follow the road to find Loretta Lynn's infamous home, "The Home Place", in Van Lear, Ky. Traveling North you will find "The Paramount Arts Center" where Billy Ray Cyrus launched his career filming his video for "Achy Breaky Heart". Country stars like Tom T. Hall, Wynonna & Naomi Judd, Ricky Skaggs, and Crystal Gail have roots planted along the way as well.

Many State Parks cascade along the byway too! Greenbo State Park, Kingdom Come State Park, and Jenny Wiley State Park to name a few. If camping is not your idea of fun, how about a Chili Fest, Summer Motion, or Poage Landing Days? There is also the Historic Courthouses and Flood Wall Murals. Golf, fishing, singing, dancing, shopping, arts & crafts, horse back riding, museums, canoeing, etc. are some of the amazing things to see and to do. Your sure to find something the whole family will remember to tell the great-grand children.

The famous Hatfield-McCoy Feud also took place along the byway. Although the families ended the feud long ago they still meet for the Hatfield-McCoy reunion.

Whatever your pleasure, the Country Music Highway is a great adventure for the whole family. Don't forget to pack a camera for the memories to last a lifetime.

If you would like more information visit http://www.countrymusichighway.com/.

comments | | Read More...

My 'sister'

Friday, July 23, 2010

Well, my ’sister’ isn’t really my sister. She is my cousin. Actually, she isn’t even my cousin because she is adopted. Her parents didn’t want her so, my aunt and uncle took her along with her younger brother. She is so stressed out because she is still not sure what adopted means. She has nightmares about what happened to her before she came to live with my aunt. It makes me want to cry just thinking about what she must have went through.
The one memory that I remember with her was when she first came to my aunt and uncle’s house. My family and I went over to their house to see her and her brother. I made sure that I had something to give her that would make her feel welcome. I spent a while thinking of the perfect present for a 5 year old girl. In the end, I decided to give her a Princess I Spy book. It had been used and some pages were ripped but, it meant a lot to me.
I walked into my aunt and uncles house carrying he book in two sweaty hands. I seen Amber sitting down on the couch by her new ‘mom’. I felt so bad for her. I handed her the book and she ran away. My heart dropped. She didn’t like me. I sat down on the couch, shoulders slumped and a frown upon my face. The person I thought was my new ‘best friend’ didn’t even want to sit by me.
My aunt went to talk to Amber for a while and then she and Amber re-entered the living room. Amber gave me a hug and said a simple: Thank you.
I knew from that moment we would be best friends! She showed me her room in the house. It looked like a garbage dump but, she was so excited about it. There wasn’t even girly bed sheets but, to her, it was amazing.We played the rest of the day.
Now, three years later, we are still best friends! She looks up to me as a role-model and I know I can tell her any secret and she wouldn’t tell a soul! We are just like sisters, even though we aren’t I love her!
Thank you and I love you Amber!!!

~ Summer

comments | | Read More...

Grayson Lake State Park

Thursday, July 22, 2010

A short 15 minutes drive from downtown Grayson, Ky., lies Grayson Lake State Park packed with activities for the entire family. Arrive at the lake by crossing the dam that overlooks the boat docks.

Rent a boat or bring your own for a relaxing day on the water of swimming, water skiing, and fishing.

With 72.4 miles of shoreline you are sure to catch glimpses of wildlife along with the breath-taking sandstone canyons. Just a few miles pass the dam the campsite sits next to Hidden Cove Golf Course ranked #4 Nationally as "Best New Affordable Public Golf Courses" in "Golf Digest" Magazine in 2004.

Summer months bring clogging with instructor, Bill Robinson, and outdoor dramas performed by the locals. Enjoy walking, hiking, running, and nature trails that thread their way through more than 1,500 acres. Be sure to reserve your spot at the 71 site camp ground as it tends to fill quickly.

~Annette Phillips

comments | | Read More...

Furniture for the Extreme...

The work of artist David Delthony is nothing short of amazing. He is working as a freelance artist/furniture designer in Utah after moving from West Berlin, Germany. He was born in New York but, later his Peace Corps volunteer work led him to Turkey.

What kind of furniture do you think this is? Leave comment.

David has achieved what many people only dream about. Not wanting to sacrifice the artistic value of his work he makes each piece functional as well. He is a Master Cabinetmaker spending hours of work on each piece.

What kind of tools does he use to make these magnificent pieces?

When a vision of a new piece comes to mind he begins by making a rough shape before moving onto chainsaw sculpting. Yes, that is right, I said chainsaw sculpting! After sanding and finishing each piece it becomes not just furniture but, a peice of art. If you would like to see more of David's work visit http://www.sculpturedfurnitureartandceramics.com/david1.htm

Before leaving the site be sure to check out his wife Brigitte's work!

comments | | Read More...

Off to the Editor!!!!!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Finally, my book is off to the editor's desk. A little nervous and anxious, as always. Taking a quick break for Independence Day and family time. Then, moving on to my next project which, by the way, is already in the works!!! Can't wait for you to read them.

Will post back soon with an update.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! Stay safe and may God bless you all!

comments | | Read More...