First, let me just say a big heartfelt thank you for all the wonderful comments and emails you all sent to me. I’ve had tears in my eyes all day from reading them and believe me, I’ve read every single one. It was so much appreciated and my heart is full from all the love I feel from ya’ll. You are the BEST group of women out there. Thank you SO much. I will definitely be keeping you up to date on what the next steps for me will be. I know I will be having a moving sale in the next few weeks, so if you are nearby and want to come, stay tuned for details on that.
Last week in Nashville was just what I needed right now.
Time with the girls.
A little get away and girlfriend time with lots of laughter to get my mind off my stuff.
Had the best time hanging out with other bloggy friends, catching up at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. The Blissdom conference was going strong and very well attended, so we got to hang out with many of those girls as well. My roomies and I chose not to attend the conference, so we had extra time for relaxing and time for a day of thrifting.
The Opryland hotel is back, better than ever after the flood of last spring. It’s a beautiful and truly inspiring place to spend a few days. Sort of like a mini-Disney world. 
We ate here at the American Cafe for lunch one day.
Just walking around looking at the gorgeous scenery is fun to do. If you have to spend a few days anywhere, the Gaylord Opryland is prime real estate.
Fountains and flora everywhere. They take especially good care of the grounds.
Those glassed in ceilings are just awe-inspiring. 
Beautiful outdoor seating.
We all hung out on these beautiful lounge chairs one evening, feeling like we were sitting outside under the stars.
These balconies remind me of the French Quarter.
(Decor Chick, Honey We’re Home, Sand and Sisal, me, Centsational Girl, 320 Sycamore & her sister, and 2 bloggers I don’t know).
Here’s a photo borrowed from Honey We’re Home, with a few bloggers I got to spend some time with. The home bloggers were in full force this year, much bigger than the previous year and it’s a terrific bunch of girls.
Me and my roomies (Chris with Just A Girl, Me, Sarah Thrifty Decor Chick, & Beth with Stories of A2Z). I told them I feel like the den mother, since I’m almost 20 years older than these girls. We had so much fun, not a better group of friends around. Thanks girls for letting this old gal hang with you stylin’ young things. 🙂
If you’ve never been to the Opryland, you must go sometime. Truly a treat for the eyes.
These gazebos are just amazing. And see the flowers? so pretty
They must have a large number on the landscape crew.
Gorge!
So much to see and take in.
Like these orchids. 
Lots of neat buildings and restaurants to choose from.
A glassed in little city.
Fountain on the wall.
One day, Beth, Chris and I walked around and had lunch over looking this beautiful spot.
Pizza and a salad and we sat here and talked and talked and talked.
Beth and Chris. I loved getting to know them better and when you room with someone, you do get to know them.
Waterfall nearby.
Isn’t this amazing?
It’s truly such a beautiful spot.
So glad that I got to go this year.
A beautiful group of bloggers! I’m not going to try to name all of them, but I loved getting to know these girls and spending time with them.
The hotel looks amazing. I am surrounded by snow and to see all these beautiful flowers makes me think spring!
Wonderful photographs, Rhoda. It’s fabulous to see the hotel back to it’s full glory! One of my favorite places.
Prayers you on your upcoming journey. I travelled that road not so long ago myself. I’m in Marietta, so if you ever feel like meeting a new friend, let me know. Blessings!!
You got some great pictures of the hotel!!! It was so great to get to spend some time with you this weekend – and I am glad you got to get away and spend a lil time with the girls! 🙂
Many prayers for this journey you will be on….while I don’t know details, I know that God is walking right beside you during all this as he did with us the last 12 yrs dealing with a special needs child. Rest in the care of your friends and folks, and know that God will hold you up when you feel like your falling. Blessings…..
Rhoda, meeting you was one of the reasons I wanted to go to Blissdom! I was so glad you were there at the Opryland Hotel.
I wish you could have heard the “Rhoda buzz” that I overheard all weekend. There was kind of a constant undercurrent of people talking about how gracious and kind you are. You are your blog name personified!
I would like to go next year, Rhoda! I am so happy you had a nice time.
Oh wow, that hotel is amazing!!! What a wonderful time it looks like! You may have 20 years on those girls but you are such a knockout!!!
Rhoda, I’m so glad you had fun! And I loved seeing all of those cute buildings. They do have a NOLA feel about them. I am sending you big warm hugs across the miles this morning, and a prayer for you to be blessed.
XO,
Sheila 🙂
The Opryland is amazing! We’ve been there twice now for a convention for Hubby’s business. Did you know that there are over 60 acres of landscaping? All those atriums together equal 60 acres, that is just amazing to me! Glad you enjoyed the time!
Oh sweetheart, though we know not each other, my heart cries for you. I’m am sooo sorry to hear of the sadness that has recently entered your life, and please know first off….the good Lord loves you more than you can understand, He hears your cries and knows the pain you are swimming in, and secondly, I’m praying for you, that you will seek His face more now than ever, that you will find His goodness and purposes through the black smoke that encircles you. You are loved. And you are loved dearly!
Hi Rhoda!
Thanks so very much for adding these photos. We had one of those rooms high up with a balcony when we stayed at the Gaylord last spring, just about a week before the flood. It is good to see it lookng beautiful again!
Rhonda,
I am so sorry to read of your troubles. You have ministered to hundreds of women through your blog and invited us into your life. I do pray for peace and comfort for you in your difficult time. You have such a beautiful spirit!
Hands down…nothing like a “chick” trip!!! Glad you had some good sharing time.
I love that hotel, your pictures do a great job of showing it’s true beauty!
I wish you all the best in the upcoming year. Stay strong!
I would love to ask you… do you regret NOT attending the conference? I AM going next year, but not sure I have the funds for the conference, but I don’t want to leave next year disappointed. Would love to hear your thoughts on it.
gail
I am so glad that you were able to attend this and just have a good time. My prayers are with you as you take your next path.
Rhoda,
I will not pretend to know waht you are going through.
You were one of the first bloggers I began following and I just want you to know that I am in Newnan, GA. I run a ministry with a thrift store so you are welcome to visit us any time and will be given the Royal treatment. My volunteers are a great bunch and we have good stuff( all of our clothes are $1.00). Collectibles are very far below regular prices. You are welcomed back to GA with open arms and lots of love!
I’m glad you were able to get away and had a wonderful time! Looks like lots of fun!
The Gaylord Opryland Hotel is fabulous, isn’t it? We visited there a few years ago, when our son graduated from college in Nashville. Glad to see it has come back strong after the flood.
Jane
frugalfineliving.com
Rhoda,
It’s nice to see this post. Beautiful girls, beautiful place. 🙂
Listen, yesterday I prayed and prayed with all my faith for you. I really care about you and I wish you the best. Be strong and no matter what, don’t forget that you’re loved and cared.
God bless you!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Rhoda,
You are lovely, as is your blog. I’m glad you had a wonderful visit.
I know heartbreaking and shattering, so know that I will keep you in prayer, too.
I pray peace, rest, encouragement, comfort, strength for you.
Sounds like a wonderful and much needed getaway for you! Isn’t it just lovely there? I had my senior picture made right under that first waterfall pictured!! Thanks for sharing!