Let The Joyous News Be Spread: November

This is the month in where I am very thankful that I have friends that are willing to do crazy fun things with me. November 18th was National Princess Day!

The Princess movie the I was able to watch with my friends on this wonderful day was Disenchanted.

When happily ever after becomes a little to real a magic spell tries to make everything magical again. However, things don't end up as magical and they think.

This movie was ok. It was cute and fine but it didn't live up to the original. The sequels rarely do, but it's still a nice movie. I just had fun watching it with my friends.

So, for National Princess Day we kept it simple. Just dressed up like Princes and Princesses..... I did buy everyone crowns....

Again very thankful for friends who are willing to be silly with me!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road: November

 We are getting to the end of the line here folks! There have been so many wonderful places that I have visited that I don't think that I would have ever seen before. However, Let's talk about a classic film that I would like to think that almost everyone has seen before It's A Wonderful Life. Specifically, we are going to talk about Lillian Randolph who plays Annie. 

Lillian Randolph was born December 14, 1898 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Now there is not very much on how long she was here in Knoxville before her family moved up north to Ohio and Michigan. Ms. Randolph didn't do too many movies, but she also started her acting career later in life. The first movie she was in she was almost 40. She did do lots of radio and tv in her career and she helped many up and coming African-American actors while she was living in Hollywood. One of which to note is Lena Horne. Her most well known roles where that of Birdie in the Radio Show turned TV Show The Great Gildersleeve and Daisy on The Billie Burke Radio show. Her role of Annie is one that will go down in history. It's A Wonderful Life is an all time classic film that get re-watched every year by millions. It's one of those rare movie that get passed on from one Generation to the next and it's still just as fun to watch it as it was the first time experiencing it.  

I am not going to spend too much time on this movie. I know that it's going to come up at least one more time on here in the future. Also, I know that I have talked about it before. It's A Wonderful Life is the story of a man who longs for a different life and then finds that everything that really matters is right under his nose the whole time. 

Now, watching this movie was a bit of  slap in the face this time around. I really like to think that most of the time I live in the present. I don't like to spend too much time in the past because you can't change the choices that you have made. You can only manage the consequences of your past actions. I try not to think too much of the future because it can go one of two ways. You can either get so focused on the things that you have planned coming up that you don't live in the moment that you are in, or you day dream about what your life should have been, or why you aren't where you thought you should be and just end up sad. The later is what George Bailey finds himself doing in this movie. It's also where I have started to find myself in this season in life. Walking around acting happy and going through the motions of life but really upset that it's not where I wanted to be at. You think too much of what should have been you start thinking about all the wrongs in your past. Weather they have been done to you or you did yourself, you think about how if you could change something you would be where you want to be. 

I have learned enough about life so far to know that being stuck in places like this in your mind wastes so much of you being in the present. If life was always to look like how we wanted it to be, how we dreamed it could be, we would find it way more dull that what it is. Part of the beauty of life lies in maneuvering in it's consequences. I know that there are a number of things that are going to be happening in my life over the next few years that I can't believe would ever happen to me. Things that I have never told anyone where dreams of mine, or hopes I dare never to hope are actually going to be happening. They would not have happened if life turned out how I thought it should have been. They would not only ever remained unnamed dreams, lying only the deepest depths of my heart, if I never dared to step off the path I thought I was meant to walk. I know that it sounds like that I gave up on dreams on that original path. I never really thought of what life would be like if the biggest dream in my life was never met. However, I haven't given up on it. It's still very much a possibility that I pray still happens. However, My currently reality, the life right now, is so much better than I could have dreamed of. It's a life that I would have never considered if I let myself stay on the "safe" path. The path that went from one point to another in a straight line. 

The thing about straight lines is that it's the shortest distance between two points. That's why you are supposed to zig zag when you are being chased, because it makes you harder to get caught. If I had walked the straight line, if I had followed the pretty path, would my unspoken dreams have died? Would they have ever been known by anyone other than me and God? I have learned that just because I zig and zag off the path that I was originally on doesn't mean that I won't cross that path again. It doesn't mean that the pretty path is no longer there. The original dreams are still on that path but I had to cross some other paths to get the most out of life before walking down that path again. I have walked next to that path a few times since stepping off of it. Considering to walk it again. Thinking that I could have what I wanted all of these years but knowing it would not be as fulfilling  as I know I wanted it to be. The two to three times that I have placed a foot on that path it has always been met a stumbling block. Recently have just been me wanting to get back on that path and run as fast as I can to the shortest way to the finish line of that dream. The stumbling blocks have made me zig and zag on the path until I find myself jumping off the path again. I have also learned that the original path is never out of sight. I have explored more being off that path, and looking around of the other parts of life instead of just the end goal. You gather more experience and wisdom exploring what's around the path and staying on it. 

Exploring around the path also allows you to travel along other's paths easier as well. You get to help other on good paths, or help them off of bad ones. The ones that are lost and only with you exploring for a little bit walk away with stores of your time together. Some people you find that your paths are parallel to yours and you spend much of your time together. You get to learn what you missed on their path to you so far and see what is coming and get the chance to go with them. The life is wonderful in all parts in and around your path. We like to think that the destination in life is the dreams you accomplished, the people you meet, or the money you made. In reality the destination of life is not a dream... it's death. The only thing we will leave behind in the life is a legacy. It's going to be the stories that other people on their own paths will tell of you. The legacy of life is made wondering off the path that is placed before you. The path that you only deemed to end when you are finally "happy" "fulfilled" "accomplished" or "enough". Is that way people who are on the "pretty" path and only ever on that path seem to be unhappy? 

George Bailey was forced to zig and zag off the path. He wanted to travel and see the world. He was so focused on meeting the dream on the pretty path that longing to get back on the path so much that he missed what was around him. He missed out of all of the joy and wonder being off the path he set before himself that he almost missed out on the rest of his life. he learned to finally feel free from the path and just look around at where he is at. To see where daring to walk off the path brought him to. 

I apologize that was a tangent that I didn't think that I was going to go on. Let's get back around to the crazy paths I had to take in Knoxville this month. 

Avery Russell House

This really terrible picture is that of the Avery Russell House. it was used during the Civil War as a hospital. It was also around this area where most of the Battle of Campbell Station was fought. 

Farragut Museum and Admiral Farragut Statue

This is the museum for the country of Farragut. The statue is that of the man for whom the county is named. 

Not a very long list I will say for Discovering Knoxville. However, Knoxville is a very big and history little city. We only have one more section of Knoxville to see next time! That not true there is always more to learn but for the purpose of this book there is only one more section left. 

What Ought to Be: November

 1. Closer in Faith: We are back to things not being where I think that they should be and not being caught up. 

2. Lose 50 Pounds: Mom and I stopped going to the gym. We haven't cancelled or anything crazy like that but we stopped because of the holidays and it's just been insane. We are going to start going again next year after the fast is over. 

3. Cook Better: It's only been the TCM meals. I haven't stopped cooking totally but I haven't been home basically at all this month unless it has been to sleep. If I have had time to get anything it's been a snack. I don't even know when the last time I went to the grocery store was. I doubt I will be getting anything to restock before the end of the year because of the fast in January. No sense in having all that food go to waste. 

4. Dress for Success: Still haven't cared. I made attempts when I have had things to do after work that I have wanted to put a good face forward on. Other than that I haven't really cared and I'm great with that. 

5. Speak up: Oh I was a chaperone on the youth trip this past month and let me tell you I had a lot of speaking up that I needed to do. I love those teens but they are still teens you know?

7. Look People in the eye more: Working on it and still not caring

9. Style: 

I think this is not my favorite. It's not my least favorite. I just haven't found a way to make it work for me. It's fine. The mushroom shirt is still the worst one though! 

10. Creativity: I have to say with Christmas coming up and decorating that is the only place that I have had time to be creative in. I wrapped the presents and then made my apartment super Christmasy. It was exhausting but worth it!

11. Spoiling: The one thing I did get myself was I pre-ordered The Princess Bride Cookbook. I saw it online and I had to get it. 

12. Peace: I doing ok over all. There have been a few things that have done stuff to effect my peace here recently but I know that I will be ok. That's the thing about life is that you are not always feeling how you want to feel. 

A cynic get thrown into a world that is nothing but a romantic comedy that is only rated PG-13. Not into love and thinking that nothing is really happening in her real life she finds the false one what is missing in the real world.... self love.

Look, this movie is great. I saw it when it first came out and I have loved watching it every single time since. It's hilarious and it really kind of shows what I have been doing this whole year. That feeling good about yourself can really change the life you live around you. Sometimes, we are the ones that keep us from being happy or going further in our lives. 

A group of friends that come together to celebrate the life of a friend that they lost to suicide. 

Look I thought that this movie was very boring. It took me like 3 days to watch it. I know that it was supposed to be really good, and it had a wonderful cast, but it was just blah. 

I had to make and apple pie for this movie. Fun fact... I hate apples. So, I went to my parents house and made it there cause I know that my dad would want to eat it, he loves apple pie. My brother and one of his friends were over at the house and they tired it as well and they really liked it. I doesn't look the prettiest but I did the best I could. I would make it again for an event or if someone wanted to try it. I did try a bit.. still don't like apples but the crust was good and the sugar coating for the apple was great as well. 

I only have one more movie and one more recipe to make! As much fun as I have had I am very much ready for this challenge to be over. It's been a lot! However, it looks like the last meal is easy and going to taste so good!

 

What Ought To Be: October

 1. Closer in Faith: I tried to keep up with the Bible. This time of year is a rough season for many reasons. I know that's not and excuse and that everything would be easier if I kept up with what I want to do. However, I am still proud because I have lasted a lot longer that I have in the past. 

2. Lose 50 Pounds: Ok, so we are not adding to the weight problem at least. Mom and I are still going to the gym but it's been hard. We have a problem of that it's starting to get cold in the mornings and we don't want to go. I haven't been eating out of ordering in like crazy so at least that is something. 

3. Cook Better: Other than the TCM cookbook stuff I haven't really been cooking. I have been so busy that it's been on the backburner. I really need to like find some stuff that I am willing to cook. The problem is that it just takes so much time to get everything prepped and cooked and then eaten and clean up. It's easier just snack than to cook. 

4. Dress for Success: Truth be told I haven't cared much this month. There have been a few times that I have actually put forth the effort to get stuff done but honestly, I haven't really cared. 

5. Speak up: I feel like this one has been the most consistent growth this year. I have felt better about giving my opinions on things and just speaking my mind about things that are happening. I know that when I found out that Alaina and her family were going as the Wizard of Oz for Halloween I did asked her if I could join. I went as the Wicked Witch of the West and had a great time walking around with the kids getting candy. 

7. Look People in the eye more: This one is back and forth. Most of the time I avoid the eye contact because I am too busy to remember or too tired. However, It's getting there. It's a skill I still need to learn to perfect. 

9. Style: 

So, I think this is the only thing that I bought outside of my comfort zone that I have not been able to come around on. The color is not good, the sleeves are giant mushrooms on my arms that I can't figure out if I like or not. I am not sure if I'm gonna wear it again. We will have to wait and see.

10. Creativity: I did have to get really creative when it came of my Halloween costume. Everything was very last minute but I was able to make myself look like the Wicked Witch of the West just in the nick of time. 

11. Spoiling: So, I bought myself some fancy pens this month. I really like fountain pens and I found that you get disposable ones. I have really liked using them at work. I got a bunch of fun colors and it's just a fun thing to have. 

12. Peace: Nope, none of the really this month. Like I'm starting to feel anxious about life, and all of these crazy things that are happening. The end of the year is going to be here before we know it and it's just the begging of the crazy I know it. 

Life of the Party is about a mother who is sending her daughter off to her last year of college. At the same time her life is falling apart because he husband is leaving her and she is trying to figure out what she is going to do. She realizes that she was only one semester away from her college degree. So, she enrolls at her daughter's school and they both are in their last semester together. However, everyone one is in for some surprises as everyone is getting to discover who they are. 

I really enjoyed this movie. I wanted to see it when it first came out and just never really got the chance. Melissa McCarthy is always awesome so watching her being in any movie is always fun. 

 The night before everyone leave to go off to college and start their lives in 1950s America. 

I'm not gonna lie this is the start of the not so great movie that are coming up. There is a reason that movie that are in the 70s-80s that I am not really into. Most of them are very dry and boring and I really have no interest in watching them. The fact that this whole month is just movie I have already seen and hated I'm not looking forward to them. 

However, I made a hamburger and it was really good. Is it good enough for me to go ahead and say that I am always going to get a hamburger from now on? No. I am still under the impression that the only flavor that really comes from a hamburger is all of the stuff that you put on top of it. I will say that the one thing I will not be doing again is using yellow mustard. I have never liked yellow mustard and I don't think there is going to be much that changes that. I might try some other kind of mustard but I regret putting it on the burger. The boozy shake was good too but honestly I would rather just have one without the alcohol. 

Look, I'm gonna make this short and sweet. Both of these meals were basically the same thing. Once was a sandwich tray and the other is a sandwich. So, I saved some money and did two for the price of one. Also, if you want my thoughts on these movies go and find where I had to watch them before. I still stand by those statements. 

Cheer to better things in the next month right?

Let The Joyous News Be Spread: October

 When I say that this month was insane, it's been insane. So, thankfully this month's celebration was very chill. October 15th was National I Love Lucy Day! 

Now, there is one movie that is "I love Lucy" is the Long Long Trailer. That is not the movie that I watched this month. The movie that I was was one that came out in the last few years called Being the Ricardos.

This surprisingly wonderful film take place during a week of the filming of the show "I Love Lucy". The week starts off at a jarring realization that Lucy is being called a communist. She is registered as a communist on her voter card because she wanted to honor her grandfather (who was a practicing communist) Lucy was never one. This news coming out to the public puts everything that she loves on the line as she might be canceled. They still plan of working on and rehearsing the show that they have at the end of the week. Tensions are high as the world waits for what the newspapers will look like at the end of the week. 

This is a very loose adaptation of that week in Lucy and Ricky's life. There are several plot points in the movie that did happen to them but not at this same time. This was a movie that I wanted nothing to do with when it came out. However, my mom watched it and she loved this movie and told me that I really should see it. I am glad that I listened to her because the movie is really great. It tells of lot of Lucy and Rickey's life and it shows how loving and hateful their relationship could be. 

So, after watching the movie I watched a few episodes and just chilled out. 

I even got to watch the episode that was being made in the movie so that was a fun surprise. I really do love the Lucy. I think her show is still relevant and funny and after learning so much about Lucy in the TCM Podcast they did on her last year, I respect the love the show even more. It's no wonder 60 million people watched the show every week. It was a huge hit and it's still very well loved today. 

Sometimes the celebrations are just to enjoy the little things in life. 

Follow The Yellow Brick Road: October

 I have to say that this month was hard. The other projects were really easy and manageable. This one was hard because I was really insanely busy all month long. To be honest, while writing this I realized that I was not able to get all of the stuff done for this discovery and I need to finish it. However, I think I am going to do it and tack it to this month. it will be way more manageable. 

Fist lest talk about a truly bad movie...  Material Girls

Two young women, of wealthy means, find that they are on the brink of going broke the world drastically hits them in the face. They have to work hard and investigate not only what is happening in the company that their father left them, but also learn that there are other people in the world other than them. 

Why in the world am I reviewing this movie? Well because on small part of the movie there is a reporter who is out to find people that are ripping people off and exposing them. This character is named Ned Nakamori who is played by Knoxville's own comedian Henry Cho!

Henry Cho was born in Knoxville, Tennessee in December of 1962. He attended West High School, and went to UT for a short time. He dropped out of College after he went to a Comedy club new West Knoxville and did stand up for the very first time. He was offered a job that night and dropped out of school by the end of the same week. He has lived in California and has had a very successful career. He has been on several Siris Radio Comedian stations and has worked with many other great comedians. I was actually very fortunate to see him Live and the Bijou Theatre on the 1st of October. 

I loved his whole set! I thought he was so funny and I will be going to be to see him when he is in town again! I will be taking Nikki Day with me too cause  I have found out this year that she like comedy shows too!

So, let's talk about the part of Knoxville I grew up in, West Knoxville. 

West View Cemetery

There are several Cemeteries that follow Keith Avenue. This one, doesn't really have a name (that I saw) but it's a very small and quiet place. It's a little run down but does seem like someone is caring for it. In of the these smaller cemeteries is an author and civil-rights advocate Charles W. Cansler. 

New Gray Cemetery 

New Gray is a beautiful place. It spacious, and has lot of beautiful trees around. As modern as it look it's been around for a number or years. There are both side of the civil war buried here. There are also a number of Victorian stones. Two notable people here are Ida Cox, and blue and jazz singer who wrote "Wild women Don't have the Blue". The other is a young man by the name of Zaevion Dobson, who saved his friend by protecting them during a drive by shooting. 

New Jewish Cemetery

The New Jewish Cemetery has been around since at least World War II. There are several notable Knoxvillians here. Some were successful sellers in Market Square, some are councilmen, and all are people that are still cared about today. The Cemetery is still active and there are pebbles placed on the headstones were people have visited. 

Racheff Gardens

I was not able to go into the park, I think I will try to because it looks nice. It's a small garden that is only opened Monday thru Friday from 9am-3pm. It's also closed when it's raining.... that 0 for 2 for me. I went on a Sunday when it was raining. It's not a very super well known park. Steel foundry executive Ivan Racheff had a dream of having a beautiful place next to something that isn't known for it's beauty the steel industry. The Garden is right next to Tennessee's only steel mill. The entrance the the GPS will give you makes it look like you are about to go into the steel mill. I have to turn around a time or two to find the entrance. It, again, didn't help that I went on a day that the gates were closed so it's blends in very well. Mr. Rancheff was said to enjoy the view of his garden from his second story window from the house on the property. 

Crescent Bend 

This historic home overlooks the Tennessee Rivers. Built in 1834 by Drury Paine Armstrong, this house has been a staple in Knoxville for some time. The house was used a headquarters for Confederate Gen. Joseph Kershaw during the siege of Fort Sanders. The house has been bought and sold several times, however, in 1976 the house was opened to the public as a museum. 

Tyson Park

Tyson Park was named for the family who donated the property, The Tyson Family. The park was originally used as gold course for a group of their friends. It's more than likely the first known area golf course in Knoxville. If the Tyson name rings a bell it will be because the airport near Knoxville is called Tyson McGhee. McGhee is the name of the son the Tyson's lost in World War I. One of the contingencies for the Tyson's to donate the property was they wanted to airport named after their son. It no longer has a gold course but there are some walking trails, a playground, tennis courts, and it currently the only skateboard park that we have. 

Bleak House

The Bleak House was built by the son of Mr. Armstrong, Robert Houston Armstrong. He named the house after a Charles Dickens Novel. This house had a similar history in the Civil Was as Crescent Bend did. It was also used as headquarters for Gen. Longstreet, and Gen Lafayette McLawas. The home was bought by the Daughters of the Confederacy in 1959. It has been turned into a venue for weddings, tours, and meetings. 

Westwood 

When I tell you that I have passed this house and have just never seen it you would be shocked. This is the house that I want to get into. However, it's been a little iffy is COVID. Also, most of these homes are closed to the public during the winter months. Anyways. this is another Armstrong house.. kindof. The Daughter of Robert Armstrong, Adelia, married John Lutz and Lutz and her father got together to build her this beautiful house. Adelia was an artists who learned art in New York, Philadelphia, and Paris. Not wanting to take her away from her art, her father and husband created the house to have lots of natural light so she could paint while she ran the house and took take of her two children. It's Knoxville's best preserved Victoria style home. 

Sequoyah Hills Park

This park has been here since the 1920s. The TVA came in a cleaned it up a bit and made it less prone to flooding in the 40s. There are some intriguing things about this park. There is an Indian Mound here however, there are two different signs that talk about it but they conflict each other. There is a rumor that there used to be a Polo Field here but the stories are very vague. 

Third Creek Greenway

Now, I know it's not the best picture but this Greenway is important. It's the first time that the Knoxville was connected to the smokies with a bikeway, and it's Knoxville first greenway. It was completed in 1974 and was the only bike trail Knoxville had until the 90s. 

Highland Memorial 

Now, this picture does not do justice but I think this is the prettiest cemetery, that's not meant for our armed forces, in Knoxville. Now, I still have some to visit in the next two months, but it's gonna be hard to top this one. The hills, the headstone, and grand burial spots are beautiful. I didn't have as much time I would have liked to explore here, I might do that when I get a free moment again. However, the place is huge! I didn't get to go that far in but there are several people that are buried here that are note worthy. UT Basket ball coach Ray Mers, Sen John Knight Sheilds, Harry Ijams (you'll remember him from from visiting Ijams Nature Center), and Medal of Honor Recipient Alexander Bonnyman Jr.. 

West Hills/ John Bynon Park

This park is what most people refer to as the YMCA Park. I know that the book doesn't say that. However, whenever I have told people to meet at the park I have always said the YMCA. The one really amazing structure that is here is the Memorial for the victims of the Holocaust. The stone was placed at the park in 2005 on Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

Girl Scout Museum at Daisy's Place

This museum holds a history of the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians. It has news articles and vintage girl scout clothing since the early 1900s. 

Kennedy-Baker House

Owed by a doctor in the Civil War this is not a fitness office facility. 

Baker-Peter House 

Now, I know the Baker-Peter House very well. I have lived in the neighborhood behind this lovely building for over 20 years. My family still live behind it. The houses were owned by Doctors with the last name Baker. Doctor Harvey Baker lived at this house and was killed there when a union solider. It's said that the bullet holes from the attack are still there. However, I have not seen them yet. This house is a dentist office in the lower lever. Over the years the place has changed from a Jazz Club to what is now Finn's Restaurant. An Irish inspired eatery that is SO GOOD! My family is there all of the time, and they have some really amazing food!

Now, due to life.... There were several places that I could not visit (not because I didn't get to them). Some are private residence, or they are private offices that are not open to the public. Those would be the Knollwood and Statesview. I have passed Stateview almost every day growing up wanting to go behind the beautiful brick wall. However, that has not happened. I would like to think one day may, but I a not going to hold my breathe on that. 

The Arnstein Jewish Community Center does seem, according to the book, to have some great stuff happening with it. However, it's a pre-school.... I am not taking pictures of a pre-school, especially not during school hours. So, I drove by but did nothing. 

Now I was in Fort Sanders area when I was driving around but there is no "one place" that the battle to take place, that I could safely get to. So, I skipped that one. 

The two parks that I skipped were the James Agee Park and Lakeshore Park. James Agee was so small and parking was so crowded that there was no way that I could stop by. Lakeshore is currently going under some construction. It's not totally closed but it's a bit hard to get in. So, we are going to make life simple and skip them for the time being. 

Thankfully, this is the last insanely long list of exploring Knoxville that I have. The other two are really very short. Which is great because with the holidays it's crazy. However, I am looking forward to visiting!