Tupelo, Mississippi - Elvis’ Birthplace

 After visiting the charming town of Laurel, Mississippi, we headed north forgoing the Natchez Trace.  We had considered that historical route, but a friend suggested a quicker route.  Apparently the Trace’s speed limit is 40 miles per hour.  We arrived in Tupelo as the sun was setting.  Much nightlife was happening on Main Street, but supper and relaxing in our room sounded more desirable.  

Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we headed to Elvis’ Birthplace, Museum and Church Complex. In 1934 Vernon, Elvis’ father, borrowed $180 for materials to build a small frame house in East Tupelo. The family resided there for three years until it was repossessed when Vernon was unable to repay the $180 loan.  After living is various other Tupelo houses, the Presley family moved to Memphis.

What a very simple and religious upbringing the King of Rock and Roll had.  Many of you have had the pleasure of seeing the movie “Elvis.”  We stopped at the Tupelo Hardware Company and saw the exact spot (X marked the spot in the photo below) where Elvis held his first newly-purchased guitar.  He had wanted a gun, but his mother Gladys decided a guitar was much safer.  And the rest is history.

The Complex is a touching tribute to Elvis.  I hope you can plan a trip to northern Mississippi sometime.

Blessings,

Frannie

Laurel, Mississippi Road Trip

 Traveling into the Deep South was so new to me and when my adventurous friend Dee agreed to do most of the driving, I was ecstatic!  

I have wanted to see the setting for HGTV’s “Hometown” program for some time now.  The town Laurel seemed like such an idyllic community in which to raise one’s family.  Such American pride and traditions.  We were not disappointed!

As soon as we arrived in Laurel we headed straight to the Laurel Mercantile Co. Store.  The manager was very Southern which also means very friendly and hospitable.  She told us a little bit about the town and how Ben and Erin were as down-to-earth in real life as they conveyed on their television show.  She recommended an Italian restaurant not too far from the Store.  As we headed over to eat, music was playing outdoors, but because we were both hungry and tired decided to not check into it.  Unfortunately the next day we learned both Ben and Erin were there!

The following day we took a tour of Laurel which featured many of the “Hometown” fixer-uppers.  Included on the tour was Ben’s Scotsman General Store & Woodshop.  The picture backdrop for a photo shoot was on the top of Ben’s woodshop.  We also explored the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.  What an extraordinary museum for such a small town!  The architecture was divine throughout Laurel with many churches and historical homes.  

Erin’s Scent Store was sensuous and I could have stayed all day smelling the candles, wax melts, air fresheners, etc.

Apparently the coming season will feature the transformation of an old building into a hotel.  Stay tuned!

Happy trails to you.  Dee and I are headed to Tupelo, Elvis’s birthplace.

Frannie

Ave Maria Grotto

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Ave Maria Grotto at the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama.  It is the only Benedictine monastery of men in the State of Alabama and was founded in 1891.  The Grotto, consisting of 125 small stone/cement structures nestled in the hillside, was constructed by Brother Joseph Zoetl, O.S.B., a 70 year-resident of the Abbey.  You may obtain more information by viewing the website avemariagrotto.com

Many of the items used in constructing the structures were broken plates, seashells, costume jewelry, marbles, beads and even cosmetic cream jars!

The Grotto is north of Birmingham, Alabama just east off I-65.

Happy Discovering,

Frannie

Friday at Frannie’s

 About once a month I host a get together in my home.  The invited guests are ladies in the neighborhood who are about my age.  We share ideas, recipes, opinions and all-in-all have a fun-filled, laughter-filled good time.

It is so important, especially as we age, to socialize and not be alone.  I tend to be a homebody but have found this monthly gathering both lighthearted and memorable.

This past Friday there were seven of us all gathered around the kitchen island.  My neighbor Jan brought a fabulous and colorful autumnal food tray.  She is an excellent cook and has her own food blog Jan CAN Cook ~  www.jancooks.com.  I encourage you to take a look at it.  She has a great sense of humor and is straightforward regarding what works in her recipes and what to avoid.

Have a wonderful fall season and continue to send blessings to all those individuals affected by Hurricane Helene.

Blessings,

Frannie🍁

 

Your Entryway

 Your entryway is the welcoming area of your home.  Try to make a statement!  I used a deep shade of blue Sherwin-Williams Sea Serpent #7615 and in all honestly, every visitor who walks through the front door comments in a good way.  It is such a dramatic color.  And, aren’t most people drawn to the color blue?

My dear Aunt Syl was an interior designer beginning in the 40’s and lasting into the 70’s. She was from the old school of design, and I find I follow to this day many of her designing tips.  For example she felt every room should have a painted piece of furniture as well as an Asian-influenced piece.  Always have something with height to balance the shorter furniture.  Place your paintings and pictures just above eye level if possible. Unique lamps and shades bring the entire space together.

  I have tried to implement those suggestions in my welcoming area.  Oh, I have added a multi-colored rug to bring all pieces together and I think Aunt Syl would have approved.  I miss her…

Blessings,

Frannie