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| We make our way from Gatlinburg, on a very misty morning, to Hopalong Hollow, the home of our dear friend, author/illustrator Jeri Landers, and her husband James |
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| We love the hills of East Tennessee |
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| Such a peaceful scene |
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| Isn't this pretty as a picture |
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| Such a quaint little country church... we must be getting close... |
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| This had to be the work of our Jeri...and yes, indeed it was... |
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| ...and we have finally arrived at Hopalong Hollow...be still my fluttering heart |
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| The Bee Bole against Jeri's one of a kind picket fence |
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| This was one of many charming garden statues |
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| The most inviting front porch you will find |
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| The lovely writing desk filled with ephemera, books, and such |
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| Her collection of samplers |
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| Her stencils covered the walls of the front room...simply breathtaking |
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| A collection of Beatrix Potter's tales, wooden block puzzles, and a collection of beautiful calligraphy inks |
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| Oh, Linnie...here are those beautiful curtains you and Jeri share |
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| A gorgeous old loom |
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| I fell in love with this display of the miniature sheep above this darling child-sized hoosier |
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| Another lovely spinning wheel at the top of the stairs |
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| We witnessed the transformation of this sink |
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| Pretty bath side table | | | | | | | | | | |
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| I spy with my little eye...some goodies from Rose Water Cottage...I am honored. | | | | |
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| These are the colors of Hopalong Hollow |
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| Beautiful Jeri, at her beautiful desk |
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| Penny's Jemima and Linnie's sweet little Ezra angel |
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| An old Printer's Table full of inspiration |
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| Quacking and honking from Hamish the goose as he herds the newly adopted ducklings |
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| "What? Hamish is doing a splendid job...no need for our parenting skills!" honk the resident ducks. | | | | |
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| A view of the pretty little potting shed from the upstairs bath...can you imagine gazing upon this scenery every morning and every evening | |
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| This room was her former studio..it is now a cozy guest bedroom...I fell in love with the stenciled roses...must borrow this design for our cottage |
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| and would you look at this darling display...miniature stoves used as inspiration for a kitchen belonging to one Mamsie Bear |
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| But this little treasure took my breath...holding it my hands was more than I could take in..It was, in fact, the most perfectly perfect bonnet for dear Fiona Goosefeathers. |
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| Do you remember Jeri's beautiful post at Christmastide, of this lovely handmade Santa? You must look it up for a closer look at the incredible detail. His face is so very genteel. |
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| Sweet Jeri, the hostess with the mostest, served the most delectable meal....homemade lasagna, the most delicious garlic bread I have EVER tasted, fresh sliced watermelon, asparagus, corn of the cob, salad, and fresh lemonade. Her beautiful dishes matched one of my favorite teapots and cups. No surprise, here. | | | | | | | dishes are the same as one of my most favored tea pots and cups |
After the loveliest visit two kindreds could possibly enjoy, it was time to say our goodbyes...promising return visits and an open invitation to Rose Water Cottage...countless hugs...and we were off. Winding our way back through the hills, onto the open roads, and back to our little town...we found our home and our little Scout, awaiting with open arms. Sleep eluded me...as I dreamed of all the things I had been inspired to create, to plant, to paint... such joy in these precious friendships that stir our spirits to reach higher.
Thank you Jeri, for opening your lovely home in the hollow....where the blueberries are sweet and the moss grows soft beneath your feet.
Blessings,
Christie
