It’s time for another Brenda Photo Challenge! The current subject is “my America.” After checking out my photos, please click on the above link to see contributions from other participants.
My America is the often derided by city slickers. Professional politicians refer to it as “fly-over country.” My America is small-town America, populated by down-to-earth folks with conservative values and on a first-name basis with hard work and responsibility. When we wander down the back roads of Tennessee, we find these hidden gems, tucked away from the bright metropolitan lights, crowded shopping malls, and traffic congestion.
To illustrate the theme, I pulled out three photos from my archives and prepared them with fresh editing. I took them during our trip to middle Tennessee three years ago.
What speaks the country spirit more than a shaded porch and a couple of rocking chairs? This charming scene graces the back porch of Carnton Plantation, located outside of Franklin, Tennessee. The home has a rich historical past with the Civil War, serving as a field hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers. It also serves as the setting for the novel, The Widow of the South.
What speaks the country spirit more than a shaded porch and a couple of rocking chairs? This charming scene graces the back porch of Carnton Plantation, located outside of Franklin, Tennessee. The home has a rich historical past with the Civil War, serving as a field hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers. It also serves as the setting for the novel, The Widow of the South.
(camera settings: f/6.3, 1/160 second, ISO 200)
Because of the burden of their upkeep, older homes in good condition are becoming scarce. So it is a sight to behold when we spot one that is so well kept and practically oozes old-fashioned southern charm. The owners of this Victorian-styled country home are obviously proud of the structure’s heritage. It is located in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, a small town about 30 miles from Nashville.
(camera settings: f/13.0, 1/160 second, ISO 200)
And small-town America relies heavily upon their local grocery stores. They provide a social center for their communities. In addition to offering groceries, Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork also has a diner-styled restaurant, where one can order up a traditional Southern breakfast or a meat/vegetable plate for lunch and dinner. They serve good hamburgers too. Just thinking about it makes me hungry!
(camera settings: f/14, 1/200 second, ISO 200)
Are you ready to hop in the car now and visit Tennessee?
Wonderful shots Donna!
ReplyDeleteWe've driven through TN and even stopped to sample some of the goodies along the way...It's a Beautiful state!
hughugs
Oh I'd love to see these places. What a wonderful post with three beautiful selections. (It can't be easy narrowing down all the choices you have available.) Oh for a good, strong dose of the America you describe so that everyone would see it so clearly again.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful country over there. I love the charm of the old houses, especially the rockers on the porch. I haven't been to middle TN since I was a child of 12 but I remember how good the food was. Awesome shots Miz Donna!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm ready to visit Tennessee. Great little post.
ReplyDeleteThese photos remind me of some of my favorite parts of my life. We spent a lot of time in the south east, and the charm of the towns and beauty of the countryside are vivid memories! Great photos today!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, it's certainly enticing. I especially love the rockers on the porch. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave only been to TN once but loved that trip. You live in a wonderful part of the country. That bear would certainly be a startling way to begin the day!
ReplyDeletethese are great. a nice depiction of simple values, care and pride.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, Donna! The most I've seen of Tennessee was driving through the mountains on our way to Florida! It was stunningly beautiful and I can't wait to explore more of it someday! And yes, we will definitely meet up when I do!
ReplyDeleteI'm ready :) There's nothing quite so nice as a small rural town. They have charm that the big city could never match
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Oh, how I'd love to jump in my car and drive the backroads with no schedule and no destination - stopping wherever my heart desires. Maybe one of these days that will happen. My sweetheart will retire next Friday. It may be we will hit the road and not look back for awhile. Oh, how I wish!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Interesting! The rocking chair shot is amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteI love those old country homes with the wrap-around porches and a couple of rocking chairs sitting outside the front doors. Yep, that's definitely a view of America, for sure. Really nice photos, girl!
ReplyDelete