I used to be unable to live in the now.  I lived with regret of the past and full of fear for the future.  I now know that the past is my greatest asset.  The good and bad in my past are all lessons learned.  Experience and knowledge are things no one can ever take from me.  But it is a great gift for me to be able to give of them freely.  I no longer have any real fear of the future.  Those terrible things that I used to worry about happening in the future are mostly just in my head.  Now is where reality lives.  Now is where the enjoyment in this beautiful mountain scene is.  Now is where I live.

    No Militias, No Health Care Debates, just some natural beauty, that's all.  I'm in touch with what people like to call the "Real World."   It often seems very "Surreal" to me.  I am very grateful that we have the Smokies as a retreat from the crazy stuff going on out there.  I hope that when you stop by this website it is a short retreat for you.  We can't turn our back on what's going on in the world.  But we should occasionally take a moment and step back for a breath of fresh air. 

    As I looked through the trees at the beautiful sunset out on the horizon I couldn't focus on the intense beauty right in front of me.  Just like so many times in life when I am looking for the answer.  When I feel like I need to understand "it all."  The truth is usually right in front of me.  It is is simple and beautiful and close to me that I look right past it.  I'm looking out on the horizon for some large Earth moving deep understanding.  All the time it is w

    What an inspiring sight to behold!  I think that the clouds settled down in the valley so that the setting sun could put on a show just for those of us crazy enough to be in the highest elevations in the ice and snow on this evening.  The colors dancing across the clouds was indescribable!  It was a difficult climb to get up to this spot in the ice for sunset but it certainly was freeing and refreshing to be able to do it.  Storms are blew into the Smokies last night and will be with us today.  Tomorrow they will clear out and leave us with clean, fresh air and plenty beautiful views.
    A grand view like this makes it clear to me how equal we all are.  to see something awesome like this reminds me that no matter where we come from or where we have been.  No matter what we have or don't have, in the grand scheme of things we are all the same.

    I feel the need to share as much of the spring snow with you as I can before it's gone!  I will be spending the first few days of April down in the lower elevations and I have the feeling that before I get back up high in the Smokies the snow and ice will be gone.  Maybe not though!  It's so hard to tell this year.  The light and shadows that play across the snow will surely be missed.

    Unbroken snow seems sacred.  Scenes like this make me think,"Don't walk there!  Don't disturb that special place!"  I remember a photographer telling me that we don't photograph objects, we photograph light.  That's what I found so special in this scene, the light framed by the shadow.

    Here comes the full moon!  Just a couple more days and the moon will be full.  I hope the skies will stay clear so we can enjoy it.

100 Days Of Snow! Sunday March 28, 2010 Ober Gatlinburg's Celebration Helps Friends   Dear Mr. McFalls, Ober Gatlinburg & HEAD brand skis have just announced an opportunity to have fun this Sunday, March 28, 2010 and help Friends of the Smokeis raise money at the same time.   This is a win-win.   Sincerely,   Holly Scott Ober Gatlinburg's 100 Days of Snow!
Where & When Date: Sunday, March 28, 2010 Time: 9:00 a.m. start/ 5:00 p.m. drawing Location: Ober Gatlinburg One Day Only- THIS SUNDAY!   For the first time in Ober Gatlinburg's history, they have had 100 days of good skiing snow this winter,   To celebrate, beginning this Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. you can donate $5 to receive a free lift ticket, and you'll be automatically registered to win a HEAD snowboard or a pair of HEAD skis!   All proceeds benefit Friends of the Smokies and Cool Earth.   Free t-shirts will be given to the first 100 donors!  Special prizes will be awarded to non-skiing/non-snowboarding guests who donate!   For more information, call (865) 436-5423 or visit obergatlinburg.com

    It was exciting to be able to catch the snow melting and falling off the mountain ash.  There seems to be a battle between spring and winter in the higher elevations of the Smokies.  Yet there's no stopping it.  Spring will come eventually to even the highest elevations in the Smokies.  Today is a new day, filled with change and freedom and new opportunities.

    I had the opportunity to watch a helicopter land in the back country of the Smokies.  What an amazing sight!  The woods with their trees full of snow and ice are beautiful.  But to put the stark contrast of a bright, shiny, colorful helicopter in the natural beauty of the frozen mountains was impressive.  When the helicopter started landing I could see the snow and ice in the trees like I never had before.  And what a frame for that big chunk of technology.  If I took that helicopter and placed it in front of a city scape it wouldn't be nearly as beautiful.  It's the contrast in life that reminds me of the vibrant beauty all around me.

    We won't get to enjoy the fresh snow much longer this year.  There's still plenty snow on the ground in the higher elevations but it's melting fast.  I really think that we'll get some more snow before spring really takes hold but it may not be this light, fresh, pretty snow.  I look forward to the warm, sunny days but I will miss all the gorgeous scenes the snow has painted us this winter and spring.

    First of all, this was not staged.  I went over to Millie's place and said, "Wow!  Your boots match your bedspread!"  And look at the color!  As you know, I'm crazy for color and pattern.  I guess I don't have anything deep or spiritual to say about this one.  It's probably important to know that Millie didn't go out and buy the boots or the bedspread.  Her sister gave her the bedspread.  It's older and had been in the closet for a while.  Her sister bought the boots for her too.  It does paint a beautiful picture about how Millie's sister feels about her.  I think that maybe her sister is saying, "You're colorful and exciting so put on your boots and go live life!"

    "And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone..."  I read that first thing this morning.  I've read it many times over the last 10 years.  It's definitely a goal that I may never fully attain.  I just want to stay pointed towards it more often.  I just have to ask myself what is required of me, acceptance or change?  It seems simple in print.  In practice it's a lot of work.  I have to set my boundaries and stand up for what I believe in at the same time.  Good thing I'm not in charge all the time!  I'll just do the best I can today and t

    Our first spring rain is rolling in.  It was an awesome sight to watch the clouds moving across the Smokies  this morning.  Tonight and tomorrow may bring a replay of winter as the rain may change to snow.  That's alright with me though.  I'm used to the snow!

    Here's a thought to leave you with on this beautiful Sunday morning, "My life's purpose is much clearer when I work to help and not just to possess."