It’s Been A Year!

A year ago today, I sent my first blog post of Life at Bella Terra. It was an intimidating moment, because I thought “who would ever want to read this?” I don’t consider myself a very good writer and I’m really trying to improve upon that. But your words of encouragement have brought me back to the computer to post again and again. If it wasn’t for your kindness and support, it would have been easy to just quit. Thank you for your loyalty and feedback and comments. Truly. From the bottom of my heart.

Each time I send out an email letting you know I’ve created a new post, I am praying you find it interesting, enlightening or even motivating. I try to share a small piece of loveliness in hopes that I can brighten your day. As I look out into the world, I believe we each need to find sources of joy and create our own beauty. Whether it be feeling the warmth from a freshly picked tomato, or the scent of a homegrown flower, these moments of perfection can only help feed the soul.

Blogging for me, is a chance to stop and capture a sliver of time, an exquisite photo or a recipe that bursts with flavor. Plus it is forcing me to attack those cluttered corners of the house or undone projects while showing you my progress. But I can honestly say, I am still a long way from feeling confident about creatively illustrating that to you. But I will keep trying.

So here is a look back at the year and some of my favorite photos and posts.

My very first blog post was about the New York Times Bestselling author, Rhys Bowen and the fundraising English tea we had here at Bella Terra.

And other events we happily hosted here…..

Recipes shared…..

My Renovations and Restorations….

Travel and leisure…..

Decorating and Design…

The holidays….

Cleaning, Organizing, and Updating…

Sharing our home and yard….

My attempt at art….

Flower arranging..

Our pets…

And a few DIYs….

My online store….

There is still so much to learn, especially better photography, writing and getting my watermarks the same size on every photo. So thank you again for following me and sharing my blog with others.

PLEASE send in your comments~~What area of interest would you like for me to expand? What are your favorite topics? How often should I post (trying to do a maximum of twice per week)? What can I do to be better for you? My goals for the next year are to do a contest or giveaway and conduct a real survey into your likes and interests.

Here’s to one year and onto the next!! I couldn’t have done it without you.

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My Trip Back East

I just returned from a 7-day trip to the east coast. 5 flights, 3 hotels, 2 different rental cars and lots of driving and a wide variety of activities. There is quite a bit to share with you so please forgive the longer post.

Monday, I flew into Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. and stayed at The Hive Hotel, which is walking distance to the George Washington University campus, where my son has been staying for the summer during his internship.

This is a very cool boutique hotel, based on a beehive concept. Mixing smart design with the unexpected, The Hive unites modern innovation with historic character.

With its prime location, Hotel Hive guests can buzz about the city and return to a unique and innovative hotel experience. Their efficient rooms provide guests with everything they need and nothing they don’t. The rooms range from 125–250 square foot hives are anything but ordinary and are perfect for one or two guests.

They serve a limited menu at their bar and rooftop deck~~excellent pizzas and a fun cocktail menu. This place is “buzzing” after work hours and on weekends.

The staff is young and upbeat and their customer service is superb. I would definitely stay here again.

The next day, I attending a military interment service at Arlington National Cemetery for my dear friend, Bob Garrett. The service was done with all the precision, respect and honor that the military represents. I didn’t realize Arlington has 30 burial services each day.

The reception following the ceremony was at the Officers Club where old friends shared their favorite stories about Bob. It was a fitting send off to a dear friend. I was especially glad that my son and my brother, Mike were able to attend. Arlington is a somber reminder of all the brave men and women who have served and fought for our freedom.

Tuesday night, I connected with a long-time friend and business associate, Bob Pikora. We met for hors d’oeurves and drinks at the stunning restored post office on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Old Post Office, the city’s original postal center, has endured a series of uses throughout the years. Opened in 1899, it included a Clock Tower, which at 315 feet, remains the second tallest building in the city and provides panoramic views of Washington, D.C.

In 2013, the building had a $200 million dollar restoration and is now Trump International Hotel. As one who loves historical buildings, this one is an architectural Romanesque Revival gem. Hard to believe this was once slated for demolition. We sat at the outdoor cafe on this beautiful evening, had wonderful conversation and delicious bites.

On Wednesday afternoon, I flew up to Connecticut for a very quick trip to take my Aunt Gail out for her 97th birthday. Yes, 97!!! The last remaining member of my father’s siblings, Gail is sharp as a tack, lives alone, still drives and has a very busy life. We had an enjoyable lunch at the Norwich Inn and I am always in awe of her good health, quick wit and sharp memory.

While there, I stayed at my sister, Susie and her husband, Ned’s home in Old Saybrook, CT, which is right on the water. Lucky me!

The weather was absolutely perfect-in the 70s, low humidity and slight ocean breezes. Having my cup of coffee in the morning and overlooking this view at low tide, was balm for the soul.

Even though I was there for less than 2 days, I was able to get in a few invigorating walks, where again, I coveted those flowers that cannot grow in Phoenix. This seashore community has very attractive homes and beautiful landscapes.

The weather was perfect for boating. Here are some pictures from our dinner boat ride from Old Saybrook, CT to Stonington Borough, CT.

Just before I left on Friday to fly back to Washington, D.C., I met my siblings and their spouses at Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Noank, CT for their famous lobster rolls and seafood.

I landed late in the afternoon in D.C. in time to go out to dinner with my son and celebrate the last day of his summer internship. He is a big foodie so he chose The Dabney for dinner. The evening was overcast and drizzling and the atmosphere at The Dabney was perfect~~with its open hearth cooking.

As quoted from their website, “At The Dabney, we source our food from the Mid-Atlantic’s finest farms and purveyors. The centerpiece of our open kitchen is a wood-burning hearth that allows us to showcase the region’s versatility while staying true to its classic cooking methods.” It was truly a culinary experience and such fun to share it with my son.

The next morning we drove from DC to Charlottesville, VA to begin the move-in to his new college room, which is in a 1919 brick 2-story house. Naturally, the t.v. went up first!

For the next 3 days, we cleaned and scrubbed, assembled furniture, hung window coverings, and got his room in tip-top shape for the start of school next week. Here’s the finished product!

It was a VERY busy and productive week and it’s good to be back home. All 3 children are now settled into school and we are back to some semblance of a schedule again.

Hope this finds you happy and healthy and enjoying the balance of the summer.

My birthday surprise at Blackberry Farm

Today is my birthday! My husband asked me what I’d like to do today and I said I wanted to go BACK to Blackberry Farm. A year ago was a BIG birthday for me and it’s hard not to reminisce about the fabulous surprise birthday trip to Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.

Traveling to Blackberry Farm has been on my bucket list for years. Situated on a pastoral 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is one of the most intimate luxury hotels and as a result, can be challenging to get reservations.

rockingchairs — View of the Great Smoky Mountains

My sweet husband secretly worked behind the scenes for nearly 8 months to coordinate and organize the birthday of the century. Initially I thought we were meeting our college son for a family weekend. I should have suspected something when my husband happily agreed to make the travel reservations (not something he has EVER done).

The biggest surprise was that my husband planned all of this. He has never been a birthday person. Truly, for the last 22 years we’ve been married, birthdays have sort of come and gone without a lot of fanfare. It was a little hard for me to understand at first because I am the type of person who wants to celebrate everything, and in a big way. But, out of respect for him, I’ve kept his birthdays low key and haven’t expected much for mine. So I truly had no idea he was capable of or had the desire to plan something this extravagant and then to keep it a secret for so long.

We flew into Knoxville and spent the first 2 days with our son who is a student at the University of Virginia. Family and friends, who came in from all parts of the country, surprised me at dinner on our second night and then we all celebrated for two more days in this beautiful place.

Blackberry Farm has an amazing spa (best pedicure ever!), horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, hiking, wine and food tastings, classes, and entertainment. All the food grown on the farm is used by the incredible chefs and nothing is served out of season.

I can’t even begin to describe the level of service. We’ve been to fine hotels, but our experience at Blackberry Farm was more than that. We felt like we were in someone’s beautiful home, treated like favorite family. To share this experience with people I love was more than anyone could hope for on a special birthday.

Scott arranged for our group to meet Blackberry Farm’s master gardening legend, John Coykendall. We had a Farmstead tasting tour where we learned all about the garden and heirloom seeds while tasting delicious food and beverages made with the ingredients from the farm.

Another blessing was having my siblings and their spouses there. The last time we been together as a family was for our parents’ funeral in 2015. It was so nice to be in such a lovely setting for a happy occasion. Gathering together at the end of the day was fun and hearing about everyone’s adventures at Blackberry Farm.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Scott presented me with 3 beautiful leather binders, filled with birthday letters and wishes from all the wonderful people I had met over the course of my life.

So even though this year will be a quieter celebration, I am deeply grateful for my wonderful family and dear friends. I am one lucky gal!

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