Reflections on 2018

01 Jan Reflections on 2018

As I sit to write this last post of 2018, I’m looking at a torrential downpour.  I mean, it’s so nasty out. I know they always talk about how March can blow in like a lion and out like a lamb, or visa versa, but what about sixty plus degrees on the last day of December in Nashville and the rain blowing sideways????  Anyway, it makes me very happy to say good by to 2018! But before I do, I wanted to feature some of the highlights of the last 12 months if you’ll indulge me.

January brought us a perfect blanket of snow.  My Ohio and Minnesota friends are probably laughing. Snow is not a big deal, right?  Here it is!  I snapped this shot from behind a magnolia tree in our front yard.

The snowfall made it a playground for Jake and the dogs next door to romp and stomp and give us a few laughs.  And yes, you do see a second westie behind Jake. That’s Rooney and the big one is Fritz. He’s a teddy bear.

By stark contrast, we found bright blue water out our windows while coming in for a landing in Aruba, thanks to friends who vacation there every year and invited us in February.

Octopus Aruba charters did not disappoint.  A sunset cruise was the perfect end to what was an ideal day with Bell and Bill.

Now this dinner spot looks perfect in this shot. But it didn’t last long. We ended up getting caught in a downpour which was actually hilarious.

 

I was asked to help promote the Vanderbilt Children’s Fashion Show which took us back to my old stomping grounds at Newschannel 5! The co-chairs modeled outfits from the Friends of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital shop on Talk of the Town. So much fun. Then the fashion show itself was a real treat with the former patients modeling. The emcee was the lovely Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

 

We attended three gorgeous weddings. One at the Cordelle on Rutledge Hill in Nashville. Had never been to this venue. Look at that arbor!!!

 

Simply elegant.

I drove to my college friend Dawn’s farm outside St. Louis in the spring.  A rustic farm retreat with old friends was one of the best trips I’ve taken. We loved on the horses, laughed, talked and reminisced.

 

Steeplechase always gives us a chance to pull out the hats and fascinators.  Did anyone say there was a horse race?!?

I always take several trips back to Ohio to see family each year. And seeing my nephew Timmy is always a highlight.

Then there was a photo shoot at our house. What a production! And a rock ‘n roll star was the talent for the commercial.  Such a fun  and unique experience.

Love was in the air in Highlands, North Carolina when Sarah and Richard said “I do.”

Talk about a stylish retreat!  The flowers were exquisite.

Our boy Jake was still pretty healthy in the summer.  Like the flowers, he was basking in the sun of a Nashville summer. Life was good.

I laugh at this photo ’cause I tell people, these are my kids. Well, they’re like family. My stepson Keith’s friends have spent many hours here with us and the 4th of July was no exception.  Good times.

When August rolled around, our group hit the road for a toast to Keith on a big birthday.  This may not be a stylish retreat, but it’s definitely a unique retreat. Papa Boudreaux’s is worth the ride, not only for the food but the countryside is stunning.

Talk about stunning.  This retreat in the Hamptons is something else. Oh my gosh. I’ve featured it several times on the blog since we are so lucky to know the homeowners! Keith’s cousin Missy and her husband Andrew have entertained us here many times. So many memories.

Another couple making memories for a lifetime  exchanged their “I dos” at this retreat on the shores of gorgeous Lake Wilson near Florence, Alabama where we once had our lake house. We love the Gobble family and are so happy for their son and his bride.  Their wedding was at the beautiful Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club.

This stunning sunset was captured at the Embry’s beautiful home on the shores of Wheeler Lake that adjoins Lake Wilson.  Great memories have been made here too.

Sea Island, Georgia never disappoints.  We celebrated my sister-in-law’s birthday here in the fall.  It is truly a remarkable retreat.

Closer to home, near Jackson, Tennessee is the lovely White Oak Farms where a City Farmhouse pop up fair was held. I had never spent time in this part of West Tennessee. It was well worth the trip.

Just a few minutes from our house is this historic home now for sale in Belle Meade.  The blog has given me so many opportunities to see homes I wouldn’t have otherwise.

From dressing rooms to sport courts, I’ve seen some outstanding homes but most of all, I’ve met some wonderful people this past year.  Thank you to everyone who’s let me into their home to share their story. And thank you for following along.

Wishing you all many gorgeous sunsets with those you love in 2019.  And for those of you who have lost someone near and dear, wishing you peace and healing.

Stylish Retreats is looking forward to an exciting 2019 with lots of new content, including a local home done by the Property Brothers, more videos and some surprises!!!