The last of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been enjoyed. The fall decorations are being packed away and now I'm having fun pulling crates of Winter décor out of storage. What a mess I make of the Cottages as I sort through snowmen, lights, red berries, greenery and blankets of "snow". Glitter on the carpets is simply part of the holiday delights, I tell myself. Bing's on the radio singing It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, and yes, at Green Valley's Cottages it really is true. Decorating the Cottages for the changing of seasons in one of my favorite Green Valley chores, and my guests seem to enjoy this attention to detail, too. So, come share a Green Valley Holiday Season with someone you love. I'll have the Christmas lights shining for you.
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"To be refreshed by a morning walk, or an evening saunter...to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring---these are some of the rewards of the simple life."
John Burroughs " I want to go soon and live away by the pond, where I shall hear only the wind whispering among the reeds." Henry David Thoreau Summer days are fading into autumn.
The leaves are about to turn on their brilliance and fall about us in a shower of colors. Soon we will find ourselves wrapped in a cloak of wintery white as winter dances in. It happens every year. If you're one of the lucky few, you get to experience the beauty of the passing seasons at Green Valley. Come, be amazed at what nature has to offer. "What magic you have created here. This cottage feels like a warm hug. Our first full day it rained-torrentially. At first we were disappointed that we couldn't explore the beautiful property, but then we discovered the pleasure of sitting in the protected porch chairs while the rain fell on the tin roof. It was one of the most relaxing mornings and afternoons we've ever spent! When the skies did finally clean mid-morning the following day, the sunshine felt that much sweeter. The birds sang and the butterflies danced. The memories are deeply rooted in our hearts and we hope to be back to make more." Francena Cottage's guests Green Valley's a wonderful escape during life's storms. A place to rest, reflect and be restored. Now sit back, turn up your volume, and listen to the song of the wood thrush in the video below. Perhaps he was one of those birds that Francena's guests heard on their sunshiney day. "The Wood Thrush's loud, flute-clear ee-oh-lay song rings through the deciduous forests of the eastern U.S. in summer. This reclusive bird's cinnamon brown upper-parts are good camouflage as it scrabbles for leaf-litter invertebrates deep in the forest, though it pops upright frequently to peer about, revealing a boldly spotted white breast." Photo and description of the wood thrush from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Thrush/lifehistory We walked into Sophronia Cottage yesterday to find this beautiful bridal bouquet left for us. Sophronia is our honeymoon cottage and check out what the honeymooners had to say in their guest log.
"June 12th, 2017 Just Married. We are so happy to be having our honeymoon in such a beautiful place. As I sit on the porch this morning and drink my coffee, I'm blown away at how amazing this place is. Yesterday when we arrived in the late afternoon, we jumped on our bikes and headed down to the lake to explore a little. Later we sat on the porch for hours talking about how amazing our wedding and reception was. Days 2-4 We just got back from taking the pedal boat out and feeding the fish. We have hiked the trails, rode the bikes, played on the tubes, used the canoe, grilled, and had many bonfires. I love this place! We wish we didn't have to leave here tomorrow, but this is definitely not goodbye, just a See You Next Time!" We're so glad Green Valley was your 1st honeymoon. Sophronia will be waiting for your 2nd, 3rd, and many more honeymoons in the future! "From the sweet little lane, which leads to a storybook gate along a rambling brook. To a cottage which sits so neatly nestled beneath the trees.
All of Green Valley is a forest gem of storybook quality, which is obviously well loved and cared for by its Creator and caretaker. It's the finest little place to relax and enjoy nature, and remember what is really important." That's what our guests tell me, and I know it to be so. There's really no place like Green Valley. Nature does not hurry, yet everything gets accomplished Lao Tzu When I read that quote, I just wanted to Slow down.
To live this moment in a Fully Present state of mind. Shut out the noise of news, traffic and life's list of this has to be done Now. No it doesn't, everything can wait. At least for a moment. And in that moment I may discover the song of a bird, the blue of the sky, the babble of water, the call of geese heading to the lake, the sounds of life all around me. And in the moment, the world didn't stop turning and I am happy that I paused. Now that didn't take long, did it? Today is a blue sky, green grass, breezes blowing sort of day. The rains of the past three days has washed our world looks fresh and clean. Today I just have to get outside and look up at the dancing leaves, green against the blue sky. Life is everywhere. There's always something new bursting forth in the valley, if only I will take time to stop all the noise inside my head, look, and listen. I need to hit that Pause button before the beauty of this day passes me by. I take another deep breath. It's a day of contemplation, unwinding, renewing.
Listen, the birds are singing their song. And it's a happy one! Won't You Come, too? The sunshine, the breeze, the blossoms and all the green tell me to get outside and make the most of this April day. And so, I close the computer, silence the phone and head to my happy place. I breathe easier as I close Green Valley's gate behind me. I know this is going to be good. It's the fun thing to do ! I will throw open the cottage windows and let the curtains dance in the breeze. I will spend some time "playing house" with new treasures I've found on my most recent shopping trips. I will toss my journal into the bike's basket and head to the lake. Maybe even be bold enough to put my toes into the cold water. I feel better already ! Green Valley clears my mind, chases away the world's noise. This is the way a day was meant to be spent. It's a grand day for enjoying life. Why don't you come to Green Valley, too. |
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