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 prettyThey 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.
Linda says
Your blog was the first one I came across that linked me to all of my other favorites. I just want to tell you I’m so sorry to hear about what you are going through. You seem like a strong person and you will prevail through all this! You will be fine and you will thrive. Best of everything is sent your way.
Melesa Garrison says
Isn’t it so refreshing to get away with the girls sometimes? I’m so glad you had the opportunity to go. I’m also thankful that you have so many friends that are praying for you and here to listen to whatever you have to dish out b/c that’s what friends are for, right? I’ve certainly been where you are right now and I know it ain’t for sissys! God’s speed, sister!
Beverly says
I do love the Opryland Hotel. It is one gorgeous place to stay and/or visit.
I will keep you in my prayers.♥
Debbie L. says
Good Morning Rhoda:)
I hope that in some way today you will be blessed. I thought of you all day long yesterday and wondered how you were doing. You are a bright shining star Rhoda. You bring so much sunshine into so many lives. Oh girl to go thrifting with you would be such a treat!
Thanks for the pictures of Opryland and your blogging buddies. Looks like you all had a good time together there. Such a beautiful place to relax and be with friends. I have not been to Opryland in years but it looks just as beautiful as I remembered it.
xoxo Debbie
The Enchanted Home says
Sending my prayers and best wishes your way..got you got the chance to hang, relax and laugh a little..nothing like being with a good friend. Wishing you the best…
Megan says
Rhoda, I just recently found your blog about a week or two ago and it is lovely. I love your style of decorating and all the colors. Thrift and garage sales are the best because many times the items are so unique! I have been keeping you in mind as I rearrange my home.
I’m sorry you are having a tough time and some life changes as of late. They always say the only constant in life is change. I’ve said a prayer for you and hope you are doing okay. Take care.
Down Comforter says
Hey Rhoda,
First of all it looks like you really had a fabulous time, good atmosphere, good food, good conversations-exactly what you needed right now.
Remember you are quite the diva. You have helped so many women through your blogging and now it is our time to help you. I’ll say a prayer for you.
Thanks for all you share!
Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D says
Looks amazing.
We might have to save our pennies and stay there one night – just to take in the amazing atmosphere.
Tonya says
The Opryland Hotel is truly gorgeous! We are just 3 short hours from Nashville & have talked about doing a weekend trip there in recent years, but just haven’t made it down! These pics definitely making me wanna go…beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Lauren says
What a beautiful hotel! And lovely ladies too!! Thanks for sharing.
Talia says
Rhoda,
Please know I am thinking and praying for you as you weather this difficult time. While I don’t know the details, I want you to know that God is walking this path with you. He loves you (as do we your readers!) and wants only love, happiness and peace for you.
Please be gentle with yourself and know that even though I am a virtual stranger, I think of you fondly. You’ve spread sunshine, love and happiness and it is much appreciated.
Hugs to you!
Daisy Cottage says
My heart soars that you had such a wonderful and deserving time Rhodie…… I’m so very proud of you. Thank you for sharing this with us too….. xoxoxo
Always,
Kim
La says
It looks like you girls had a lot of fun. I’m glad you were able to have some fun girl-time.
The Gaylord Texan is amazing too. It is in Grapevine, Texas and it is quite similar in design.
Have a peaceful evening. La
Rose says
Hi Rhoda,
The pictures are truly gorgeous! Your new camera did a great job on all your pics.
I wanted to say, I’ve learned a lot from your blog and some of the things I saw I instituted in my home.
Truly sorry for the pain you’re going through at this time.
My husband and I just had a word of prayer for you and the trials you are facing.
I know God’s grace is sufficient each day! He will see you through the rough waters.
Hugs!
FairfieldHouse says
Rhoda,
I am so happy you got the opportunity to get away with gal pals with all that is going on in your world. The hotel is stunning. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your Friend,
Deborah
xoxo
Mimi says
I have always enjoyed your Blog and followed you on Twitter. Will be thinking of you. Thanks goodness for girlfriends!!!!
Vickie H. says
Rhoda, I am so glad your time with all the gals in Nashville went so well. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers in the days and weeks to come. You are such a sweet soul and I know God has wonderful things in store for you in spite of any trying times ahead. You are loved far and wide in the blogosphere and we are all sending good thoughts your way!
Hugs to you, my dear!
Gail D. says
I just had a feeling, when you talked about going to Israel for a month, that something wasn’t right in your world. I am so very sorry, Rhoda, that you have to go thru this. I’ve been thru it as well, and it does get easier. Just know that you are a child of God and have everything within you to create a successful life on your own. I’ll hold you close in my prayers.
Carol S. says
Wow, it’s going to be hard to get this hotel out of my mind for some future girls weekend?! It looks sensational and I really enjoyed your pictures. Rhoda, if you get a chance, I’d love to send you a special book if you email me, no pressure, and thanks for the fun post.
Sheila says
I’m so glad that they got the hotel back to it’s spenderous old self! I have never had the privilege to stay there but love to go there, walk through the gardens, have lunch (we had pizza in the very same spot as you!),and have even gone on the boat ride. So glad you had a little get away.
I have followed your blog for quite some time & just this week was thinking about you. For some reason, I thought that things were changing in your life. I’m so sorry and will pray that Jesus wraps his arms around you during this difficult time. It is good that you have your parents to turn too.
One of these days I’m going to tackle your mirror frame project!