Some happy memories...
Me as a Mud Buddy in 2011/ (My pottery life was from 2008-2020)
And more recently...
My son, Russ and his wife Michelle, hosted my trip to visit them and their daughters for Christmas!
'Pagan’ is a term that includes a diverse spiritual paths and communities who believe in a wide range of deities and ethical codes. Yet there are some things we hold in common: that the sacred is manifest in nature and in human beings, that we strive to live lives of honor and integrity, that we value human life and the lives of other living creatures, and cherish the beauty and diversity that makes up this living world. Pagans believe that we must each be our own spiritual authority and follow our conscience. The vast majority of us hold to those traditional American values of freedom of belief, freedom of speech, of liberty and justice for all. Many branches and organizations within the Pagan community have struggled for years to win the rights of Pagans in the military to freely practice their faith in life and in death to be buried with a pentacle, a Pagan symbol to mark their grave.
Barbara Baker bakes Macarons (not macaroons!) and sells them at lots of St. Petersburg and Tampa outdoor festivals. (And a few indoor ones as well!) moonlitmacaraons.com
Barb and her hubby, my son Marty, a few years ago.
Tai and his wife Kendra. I had to search to find photos of these outdoor people not wearing sunglasses!
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Byron Ballard gave an uplifting talk at UUCSV in Black Mountain a few weeks back. (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley) Poor quality of photo taken from my monitor where I watched the YouTube of the service (https://www.youtube.com/@uucsvproductions).
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First time back at the original Ole's Guacamole Restaurant in Black Mountain.
They've completely renovated following the flood with Hurricane Helene in Sept. 2024.
The lunch prices are still reasonable (my Enchiladas Suisa were $8.99 and I had enough to take home for another meal!) There are many new items on the menu also...like the one my friend had across the table from me.
All the furniture is new, with each chair and table and booth backing having different Mexican paintings.
I had to get a photo of the parrot! I know that guy sitting below it I think, and I didn't even notice him till later. I hope he didn't think I was taking his photo!
I missed taking a photo of their tree in the lobby, so will have to return sometime before Christmas!
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Another dearly loved restaurant also reopened that week, but I won't have a chance to go there till maybe this week. I'll try to remember to take photos before eating my bar-b-que!!
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Today's goddess: VinĨa, Neolithic Period
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Winter Solstice is 4 days away
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Today's quote:
Source: Starhawk
I was told this was originally a firetruck.
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Christmas Decorations
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Spiraling dance...
Lovely photos!!
ReplyDeleteGood to see the restaurant revived after the flooding. That is a lot of work.
A spiral dance....like Breton dances...and another goddess...your posts spoil us with so much !!❤️
I am so happy you enjoyed my Renaissance style post! A bit of this and that!
DeleteGlad to read that the restaurants have recovered. Food looks and sounds good.
ReplyDeleteOle's kept it's business going over the last year by opening it's business in their other site in Black Mountain (formerly another Mexican restaurant which Ole's uses for catering.) We frequently went there to enjoy the fare.
Delete...Barbara, you have so many wonderful people in your life!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I've kind of lost touch with many of the potters from MudBuddies, since they stopped selling at the markets last year. I had also dropped out, then tried it again for an off-and-on-year.
DeleteHello Barb,
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to see you and your family and friends happy smiling faces. The holidays are a happy time.
Take care, have a wonderful day!
Joy is the best part of this season. At least in my opinion.
DeleteIt's so good to see restaurants reopening now. I hope they do well.
ReplyDeleteI’ll do my small part with a lunch or two. And sharing my fun with others!
DeleteLooking good from past to present.
ReplyDeleteTrue about past to present. Now thought about future!
DeleteI have eaten at Ole's Guacamole before! I hope to go back one day.
ReplyDeleteDo you miss doing pottery?
One of my favorite black mountain venues! Yes I do miss doing pottery and the great camaraderie in a community studio!
DeleteThe restaurant looks inviting. I love those chairs with the painting on the back.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the paintings...and they are even raised in portions, which may not be easy to see in these shots.
Deletethanks for sharing your bounty with us all!
ReplyDeleteAs always, it's a welcome that I offer you, for your thanks and for just sharing everyday on your own blog.
DeleteSo good to see restaurants and businesses making a comeback after the flood.
ReplyDeleteNot all have been able to do so, but there are new venues as well.
DeleteA fun selection!
ReplyDelete