Wouldn’t it be nice to see some natural beauty right now? I am so thankful to live in the Florida Panhandle where nature and beauty put on a living art exhibit every day of the year. Nature is the nicest neighbor.
My human neighbors are just fine, but I don’t find myself eager to photograph them. Yes, they look okay, but nature outshines them.
All of the photos in this article were taken in Florida, most locations identified in captions.
It was lots of fun to browse through my photos and find just the thing that you can enjoy with me right now. Think of this as a refreshing pictorial break from whatever you are doing… a “walk in the woods” or “walk on the wildflower side”. Hope you find at least a couple of these that make you want to come visit or at least to share some thoughts!
Meander through the woods with me on this pleasant path.
A path at Lichgate on High Road in Tallahassee.
………………………………………………….
Find Live Oaks showing off their friendship with Spanish Moss.
At Old City Cemetery in Tallahassee.
…………………………………………………
Perhaps you prefer a vantage with a view of the local wildflowers.
Open field on Christy Cary Lane in Tallahassee.
……………………………………………….
Happy flowers here attract the Zebra Longwing butterfly.
On my street (no I won’t post the name)!
………………………………………………
These Camellias bloom from November through January.
In my yard and so gorgeous.
……………………………………………….
Then the Azaleas bloom from February through April.
Also in my own yard adding so much beauty.
………………………………………………
The gorgeous clusters on the Beautyberry can last for months.
Yep, still in my neighborhood. LOVE the color!
……………………………………………….
Large creeks in Florida have alligators, turtles, and great fishing.
Black Creek is located in Middleburg, Florida.
………………………………………………
Lily pads seem so relaxed as they enjoy the sunshine.
Lovely lily pads located on Black Creek.
………………………………………………
Adventure awaits around the next bend!
This track is in Gadsden County near Havana, Florida.
-_-_-_-_-_-_ < Dang, sure hope y’all like the photos! > -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
By the way, if you are actually reading this…THANK YOU! Now could you do me a really super HUGE favor? Using the hashtag #embracesouthernstates please connect with me on these sites:
A young black girl struggles to find hope as she makes her way in the world. Happens every day, right? No one is surprised to hear about young black girls and women who struggle with low self-esteem, feelings of being frustrated, confused, and unloved. Or to hear that they struggle with addiction and unexpected pregnancy.
But wait! That is only the beginning of one woman’s truly inspiring story. Her personal journey included becoming a mother, finding faith, and learning lessons which would help not only herself but also thousands of others. HOPE with Dr. Rosalind Y. Tompkins can change the world.
Hope can change the world.
Some of the many accomplishments of Dr. Rosalind Y. Tompkins include author, columnist, humanitarian, life coach, mother, pastor, poet, speaker, traveler, and wife. Here is a timeline of a portion of her remarkable milestones.
1987 – Bachelor of Science (Social Work) from Florida State University
1991 – Founded non-profit Mothers in Crisis
1996 – Ordained as a Minister
1998 – Founded Turning Point International Church
2010 – Book “You Are Beautiful (Unlocking Beauty from Within)”
2012 – Honorary Humanities Doctorate from Five-Fold Ministries Theological University
2014 – Married Pastor R.L. Kwame Lewis
2018 – Helped get April designated as National Month of Hope
2019 – Book “As Long as There Is Breath In Your Body, There Is Still Hope”
2021 – “Masters and Doctorate of Divinity appointment as Ambassador of Foreign Affairs from B.C. Graham Theological Seminary.”
She shares her story in books, poetry, and so much more.
Dr. Tompkins is a HOPE-ologist who credits her exuberance to being “spirit-filled and full of hope”. As a hope life coach, pastor, and speaker she enthusiastically shares her personal story in efforts to bring hope to the world. She loves to help others become their best self. She beams with satisfaction when sharing that HOPE stands for Helping Others Practice Empowerment and that her non-profit Mothers in Crisis has helped over 10,000 overcome addiction, hatred, and divisions.
Here are a few excerpts from our recent interview.
Could you please explain what you do?
I fulfill my purpose to focus on HOPE by sharing my testimony and helping people get over or move beyond negative obstacles. Through the non-profit Mothers in Crisis and the Turning Point International Church I lead drug education, support groups, and children’s programs.
This has also included mission trips to several other countries. One poignant example was visiting a rape center where we gave gifts to the mothers and dolls to the children.
How are you able to do all this?
It is all by the grace of God allowing me to tap into my purpose and find my sweet spot. I don’t do religion, instead I come from a place of spirituality based on a personal relationship with God.
Often, I encourage others to ask God what they should do. When God guides, he provides. The provision is there when there is vision.
Could you speak a little more about travel?
Hope and help from above have led her travels.
Traveling to other countries is the most fun thing I’ve ever done. I look forward to returning some day to East Africa. I would love to visit Switzerland in the future. Of course, my hometown of Tallahassee is the beautiful capital city of Florida and a great destination in its own right.
What about your passions, hobbies, and creativity?
Praise and worship music that is positive and anointed is my passion. I love singers such as Travis Greene or William McDowell. I enjoy reading and one of my current favorite Christian authors is Kim Cash Tate. I like to express my own creativity through writing and poetry.
A few other things I enjoy are praying, watching streaming television, and rollerblading. Of course, I cherish time spent with family and friends as well as time spent in nature.
What is the connection between HOPE balls and the Month of Hope?
Mothers in Crisis started a local initiative that led to April being designated as the National Month of Hope. The goal is to “think hope” and “make hope connections”. We encourage others to start with a simple smile, then share their own hope stories, then find ways to help others. It could be by reading a book to a child, cleaning up a messy park, or giving to those in need.
We will send a free Hope Stress Ball to those in the USA who request it. The Balls for Hope Essay Contest will be awarding cash prizes in April. (See links below for details.)
Contact Dr. Tompkins about HOPE, stress balls, and faith!
What is your message to the world?
That no matter what is going on, THERE IS STILL HOPE!
— — — —
Dr. Tompkins meets with writer Angela L. Dowdy.
Dang, y’all! It was such a thrill to spend time with this incredible and motivational lady as she shared the things that are on her heart. Doctor Rosalind Y. Tompkins has a winning smile and a quality of empathy that is so deep and emotional. HOPE with Dr. Rosalind Y. Tompkins can change the world. If you need hope and encouragement, you may enjoy reading her books or speaking with her directly.
You want to do a ghost tour or see some Spooktober fright sights, yet don’t want to travel. Fine, stay right here and check out these photos. Use your imagination and feel those chills crawl up your spine. Have you ever been to any of these places in the southern states? Some claim they are scary or even haunted. What do you think?
FLORIDA
What face do you see… in this Demon Tree?
Look closely at this tree and you are sure to see a face. Is it animal, human, or demon? Why is it there? I cannot answer those questions. All I can tell you is that the first time I saw it in person I did get a chill. If you wish to find it, you will have to go to the Middleburg United Methodist Church cemetery in Middleburg, Florida. For Middleburg trip ideas, see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34448-Middleburg_Florida-Vacations.html .
The Phillips mausoleum is so unique… it deserves a peek.
Legend says Calvin Phillips was an eccentric architect who left behind a family in New York, moved to Florida, then spent years building for himself an equally eccentric mausoleum. Then he climbed into a custom-made casket… and died in the year 1919. Reports of his ghost have continued for over one hundred years at Oakland cemetery in Tallahassee, Florida. For trip ideas in Tallahassee, see https://visittallahassee.com/ .
GEORGIA
Smells, apparitions, & flying objects!
Several entities and apparitions with negative energy are said to roam the Cotton Exchange Tavern on River Street in Savannah. Reports of smells, apparitions, and flying objects have persisted for decades. Would you be brave enough to go inside? For Savannah trip ideas, see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60814-Savannah_Georgia-Vacations.html .
A shadowy walkway… not for me.
Other well-known local haunts include the Olde Harbour Inn, Mercer Williams house, and Colonial Park cemetery. Here is a shadowy Savannah walkway that I found too creepy, but others seem to think nothing of it. Would you walk in this area?
Walk cautiously through this place of restless spirits.
In Rome, Georgia, you can find the Myrtle Hill cemetery where Broad and Myrtle meet. Dearly departed have been laid to rest there since 1857. Reports say that not all of them are resting well and those restless spirits will occasionally be seen. Photos such as this one after an early morning rain would certainly make one, living or dead, walk the hill quite cautiously. For Rome trip ideas, see https://romegeorgia.org/ .
ALABAMA
Screaming soldiers at night?
Florence, Alabama, is where you can find the fascinating Pope’s Tavern Museum. It served as a hospital during the Civil War and over thirty soldiers died there. Rumors of screams, apparitions, and the smell of blood are rampant. During the day it is a lovely and educational place, but I would not care to enter at night. Would you? For trip info on Florence and “The Shoals” area, see https://www.visitflorenceal.com/ .
Have you visited any of these sights? Did you find them fascinating or frightening? What other places in the southeastern states would you like to know about? Your comments are always encouraged… that’s how you show you care!
Where can you go in southern Georgia to taste art on a balcony? Here is the intriguing story which leads to an exciting answer!
This balcony is where I want to be.
The old second floor of this historical building (circa 1899) had sat unused for over sixty years. An ambitious young couple poured hours of love and labor into the restoration. They created a boutique hotel and an amazing café that now add a dazzling shine to a delightful corner.
Six elegant rooms with names such as “The Music Room” and “The Library Suite” are waiting for fine folks like you to come curl up in comfy beds. While there, you can enjoy such amenities as a private gym and access to a person concierge.
Brick interior walls add so much character.
Can you believe this place also includes exposed brick interior walls, original oil paintings, and gorgeous antiques? Are you sitting on the edge of your seat yet? Do you want to know whether such a place exists? Who are these people? Where is this building? What’s the deal about a balcony? What’s the part about tasting art?
Who are these people?
Tyler & Heather started new family & new business.
The young couple is Tyler and Heather Thomas. A few years ago, they moved to a small town in the state of Georgia. The population was only around 12,700. This did not deter them from starting both a family and a business there. That business, located on a beautiful town square, is a restaurant named The American. It has thrived and set a new standard for extraordinary fare made from scratch daily. This encouraged them to take on an even more daunting opportunity.
Where is this building?
So much to discover in historic Bainbridge, Georgia.
In the southwestern corner of the state of Georgia, you will find the town of Bainbridge. This is where U.S. Highways 27 and 84 meet the Flint River. At the corner of W. Water Street and N. Broad Street you will discover a captivating historic town square named Willis Park which opened to the public in 1904.
Hotel crowned with gold is SO VERY worth your visit!
Across the way is the newly restored and opened Willis Park Hotel. This wonderful white building is accented with silver and crowned with gold. While the address is 129 E. Water Street, the best entrance is found around the corner on Broad and is well marked.
What about the balcony?
Balcony view only hints to the town’s charm.
This talented Thomas couple seems to have quite the knack for restoration and adding just the right aesthetic touch. They were convinced that this corner would benefit from a balcony. And right they were, this is the best place from which to view the pleasant and picturesque historic downtown with its quaint town square. As you take in the charm, you see fabulous architecture, church steeples, statues, and even a gazebo.
What about tasting art?
You need to experience Cafe Sinclair… soon!
Café Sinclair is the perfect spot for breakfast waffles and eggs or a sandwich or fruit tart for lunch. I really LOVE those cute fruit tarts.
Could a fruit tart be art? Yes, I guess!
It is also a classy place that hosts “Meet the Artist” from time to time. The first one featured Melissa Mills and was a huge success. This evening event combines a casual mingle with a swanky soiree and the result is a super combo of art and culture. There are even copycat cookies by Crumby Couture that replicate works of art…that you can EAT. So, food as art meets art as food! I love that so much! Tasting art on a balcony is a real thing!
Artist Melissa Mills with owner Heather Thomas.
— — — — —
You are probably ready to plan your own trip to Bainbridge, aren’t you? Great! Be sure to introduce yourself to Heather at Cafe Sinclair, and tell her you enjoyed reading this article. Here are some links that will prove helpful for you.
Remember to leave a nice Comment if you enjoyed this article. You can find Embrace Southern States on our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ . You are important and precious to me, please let me know what other people or places you’d like to learn more about…as long as they are in the southeastern United States, I could go there and let you know!
What makes one simple man named George genuinely interesting? Why should you care about his past, present, and future? Can you relate to his background or his beliefs? Can his story help clear up any mysteries for you? Does “deeper meaning” matter?
EARLY BACKGROUND
George has lived most of his life in Tallahassee, Florida. As a kid he struggled with asthma and hay fever. He was an only child raised by his grandfather. Later each of his parents had other children, his half-siblings. He sang in a church choir and his high school chorus and recognized at an early age (in the 1960’s) that he was a hippie.
Think back to those Hippie days! (art@ Vecteezy.com)
Despite his increasing use of alcohol, cannabis, and psychedelics, George enjoyed learning and earned a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Education degree. He and his college friends were considered “liberal, radical, and rebellious.”
HELPFUL HIPPIE
George says he is multifaceted and has thrived in many jobs. The partial list includes instructional design, pastor, counselor, EMS, paramedic, and merchant seaman. He has always embraced the idea of helping others. In his young adulthood he often was like a warrior who would see a problem, jump in, and get involved without a clear or calm plan.
His quest for finding himself while finding enlightenment has led to travel adventures in the states of Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico. He would love to revisit Oregon one day. The one country that currently tops his bucket list is Thailand.
TRANSFORMED TRUTHTELLER
In 1994 George was fired from a hospital job and facing a bleak future. He was contemplating suicide when his half-sister phoned to invite him to a conference on spiritual healing. He was ambivalent yet agreed to go. They attended two nights.
The first night Gloria Copeland https://www.facebook.com/GloriaCopelandKCM spoke about addiction and George began to realize that his years as a “trauma junkie” had not served him well. He saw a vision of “addiction demons like multicolored dragons leaving people…swirling up to the ceiling of that huge auditorium…and vanishing.”
Dragon vision led to big changes for George. (art@ Vecteezy.com)
The following night during the altar call George went forward, knelt, and turned his life completely over to God. He then stood up “as a rededicated, healed, transformed, and brand-new man.” Since then, he has endeavored to share with others many of the deeper spiritual truths which give a greater meaning to life in this world.
VIRTUOUS VISIONARY
George Potter is now approaching age 72 and his deepest passions include music, meditation, gardening, and helping people. He plays the djembe, a West African drum. His favorite type of music is “any that is calm, meditative, and brings peace to me.” He loves to meditate by watching clouds and achieving a relaxed altered state. George does volunteer work with recovery ministries, and the local http://bigbendhc.org/ Homeless Coalition. He can sometimes be seen playing his drum at Hippie Church https://www.facebook.com/Hippie-Church-Tallahassee-104217601122716 which is enjoyable and has nice music.
Be open to adventure.
This is a man who has found peace and purpose and has overcome many of his demons. By no means perfect, as is evident from being a bit overweight and in the process of a divorce, he states he is “an enlightened mystic Christian comfortable with Hindu concepts and open to new ideas and adventures.” He feels that not all people understand him, but those who need help are often drawn to him.
According to George Potter, this world is not all there is. People should be open to adventure, in this world and in the next. He is always ready to listen and refer folks to any needed resources. It is his belief that each person’s life is their art canvas, so they should question how to best use it for what they wish to create.
He has a heart for helping others open their eyes and their minds. His goal is to save others from their negativity, prejudices, and sufferings. In his own words, “I do my little part to wake people up and to help them live with deeper meaning.”
—————————————–YOU, my reader, are AWESOME————————————
Interviewing fascinating folks all over the southeastern USA is such a joyful and uplifting passion which I combine with travel and photography. Sharing interviews and articles with YOU adds a “deeper meaning” to my life and I sincerely hope YOU enjoy them. I welcome your kind comments PLUS you can find the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ and be sure to let me know of anyone YOU think I should interview, THANK YOU.
Best friends, good friends, casual acquaintances, online friends, folks I’ve met and wish to some day call a real friend, the list goes on ! Are YOU a “Friend”?
BEST FRIENDS: I met my childhood best friend when we were about age 12, I think we were in 5th or 6th grade. We were total opposites in most ways. She was tall, thin, had beautiful long strawberry-blonde hair and perfect posture. I was short and chunky with hard to manage wavy black hair and nothing at all about me was anywhere near perfect.
Her mom was overly protective and always seemed to think I was trouble! Well, I did most of the things a “good girl” should not do! But my best friend was above reproach in every way. We spent several years sharing secrets, going bowling or to movies, and wondering out loud what our futures might become.
We are still best friends…over 50 years later! She married, had three sons, and now has several grandchildren. Could be six, could be eight…I gave up on trying to keep track of them. The thing is, I care about HER just as much today as I did all those years ago. She and her husband Terry still live just two towns over from where we grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her name is Nina, and she will always be my best, best friend.
Nina & Terry & 3 sons (many years ago)
We don’t live in the same state, we don’t like the same foods, we don’t see eye to eye on lots of things… yet we are still best friends. We don’t talk on the phone as often as we would like, but could still call one another at any hour, day or night, for encouraging words of support and love. Nina is the very best kind of best friend, and a great reason that I travel back to the area as often as possible.
GOOD FRIENDS: My good friends are those who have earned my respect and my trust. Lots of folks like to think they fall into that category, when they do not. There are only four lovely ladies whom I call my good friends. Those friendships have been tested and proven through disagreements, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and apologizes. We’ve seen each other through bad relationships, divorce, anger, sadness, and…always… back to love and kindness.
Jan and I were great gal pals in Kingsland, Georgia. We sang in the same church choir, loved to watch “Murphy Brown” on TV, and had some great outings. We made memories together in at least four states! I’m willing to bet that we will travel together again some day.
Good friends are better than gold. (Jan & Angela about 5 years ago)
Debra is cheeky, creative, over-the-top, and colorful. I will always love her dearly because we can be so open, honest, and seem to bring out the best in one another. She even allowed me to write an article about her ( https://embracesouthernstates.com/the-lady-who-made-my-mask/ )… please do read it ! We have not yet traveled together, but I’m pretty sure we will.
We bring out the best in each other… as good friends.
Belle and Michelle have been my hey-let’s-go-do-something travel and adventure buddies for several years. We have gone to Mardi Gras, parties, local events, and restaurants galore. They often overlook dumb things I say when I’m frustrated. Often they continue to love me , in spite of myself.
Angela, Michelle, Belle… what will WE do next?
ACQUAINTANCES and potential future friends: Folks whom I’ve only met once or only met online are basically casual acquaintances. They have the potential to become friends, but that will develop over time. I meet lots of wonderful and fascinating people during my travels and even locals (in the Florida panhandle) that I interview. Most are excellent human beings and are certainly worth getting to know on a deeper level.
Here’s one quick word of warning; I once found out that two people on social media told each other that they knew me and that we were friends. In actuality, I had never met either one in person and did not consider them to be my friends. Well, I guess if you have any doubts about my level of “friendship” with you, it would be best to ask me… in person!
Do you agree? Are you a “friend”? Please Comment and let me know, thanks.
This is the time of year that many of us stop to momentarily applaud workers and laborers in our United States of America. Labor Day became an official holiday back in 1882 to recognize and appreciate the American worker.
I want to go on record as a proud American. Despite what some negative people may say, the USA is still an awesome and wonderful place to live and to find meaningful work and to pursue happiness.
Who is the AMERICAN WORKER? Is it only the “laborer” who does demanding physical labor? Is it the first responder, the educator, the farmer, the truck driver, the business owner, the self-employed? In my unique way of seeing the world, I proclaim that EVERY individual who legally resides in and legally receives wages in this great nation IS “The American Worker”. As such, each one deserves full recognition, gratitude, and applause.
If I could, I would set out to give every American worker a huge embrace. Workers really do deserve our deepest thanks. So many of them sincerely enjoy their jobs without ever seeking any spotlight or accolades. Collectively, they are the backbone of this land.
Here are a few fine examples of what I am attempting to explain. These are folks I’ve encountered during my travels across the southeastern USA while pursuing my passion for freelance writing. I spoke with or interviewed some, while others I merely waved to or passed on the street.
Friendly baristas help many folks start off the day on a positive note!
What on earth would we do without the beautiful smiles of the baristas in our own home town and wherever we go? These two work at Lula’s Coffee on Dargan Street in downtown Florence, South Carolina. I watched them bring a smile to the sleepy customer seated on the bar stool. THANK YOU, COFFEE SHOP WORKERS ! https://www.facebook.com/lulascoffeecodowntown/ More info @ https://visitflo.com/
City worker checks water quality and safety.
This city worker in Florence, SC happily tests the water quality at the town’s many wonderful public fountains. He said that he gets satisfaction knowing that folks of all ages can play in the fountains, and even bring their dogs, with no fear of health issues. It is great to have people behind the scenes keeping us safe. THANK YOU, CITY WORKERS!
Construction workers improve parks and roads in Savannah.
Riverfront Street in Savannah, Georgia https://www.visitsavannah.com/ is always thriving and growing. These three construction workers have to diligently labor in rain, in heat, being careful of the cobblestones…and the tourists. THANK YOU, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS!
Cute delivery worker.
This guy is easy on the eyes and is a Southern Eagle beverage distributor . That’s the kind of unsung hero I like to see. Without him, how would folks get their drink on? THANKS, DELIVERY WORKERS. https://soeagle.net/
Kathleen is a great driver & tour guide!
Trolley tours are BIG business in Savannah and Kathleen does an excellent job for Gray Line. She helps tourists learn and have fun at the same time. THANKS, TOUR GUIDES! https://savannahgrayline.us/
Adorable driver, even in the rain.
Matthew is a high school student who works part-time at the Robert Trent Jones golf course in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama https://www.rtjgolf.com/hamptoncove/ . He toured me around the beautiful course in fine style and with such a winning smile. https://www.huntsville.org/ The rain did not stop us from having a wonderful time. THANKS, GOLF CART DRIVERS!
Laura knows all the details of “Ivy Green”.
Hostesses like Laura provide tons of great info when folks visit the birthplace of Helen Keller. The impressive estate “Ivy Green” is located in Tuscumbia, Alabama and includes multiple buildings, gardens, and statues. http://helenkellerbirthplace.org/ Laura shares all the facts in the sweetest way that would make anyone’s day. THANKS, HISTORIC LANDMARK HOSTESSES! Info on “the Shoals” area https://www.visitflorenceal.com/
Chase Tyra is a pleasant manager.
Great restaurants and bars need great managers like Chase. He knows how to treat his customers right at Amsterdam Deli & Grill. https://www.facebook.com/AmsterdamDeli/ He shares his love of Tupelo, Mississippi and of food and drink. THANK YOU, MANAGERS! https://www.tupelo.net/
