The Place Where Two States Meet!   Bristol is a place unlike any other.  A city split by a state line, yet united by history, culture, and a creative community. Walk down State Street and you’re in two places at once: Tennessee on one side, Virginia on the other. But the heart of this unique town is best introduced by the towering electric sign that proudly declares: “Bristol: A Good Place to Live.” This iconic sign, perched above State Street since 1910, has become the unofficial greeter of locals and travelers alike. Originally advertising a land development, it was

      Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is a place where nature, science, and quiet wonder come together. On my recent vacation, I found myself unexpectedly enchanted not only by the sweeping landscape and serene lake but also by the park’s quieter gems, like its small zoo and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. The park spans over 3,700 acres. Dense forest trails wind through the hills, opening occasionally to breathtaking views of the lake formed by the Bays Mountain Dam. Built in the early 1900s, the dam adds a quiet grandeur to the landscape, its curved stone face and still waters

            In a still pocket of Bay’s Mountain, the forest holds its breath. There, half-hidden among reeds and reflected sky, lies a beaver dam—patiently built, artfully placed, and quietly holding back the water. It’s not grand or dramatic. At first glance, it might be mistaken for storm debris. But look closer, and you’ll see the purpose in every stick, every layer of mud and bark. This is architecture born from instinct, not ego—designed to last, not impress. Just beyond the dam, nestled like an island, rises a low, dome-shaped lodge. Built from the same rough

    There’s a spark in the monkey, an energy in that enclosure that feels familiar. It’s in the way monkeys chase each other across branches, tumble through leaves, and swing just for the thrill of it. Their play is wild and free, yet purposeful, a kind of joyful discovery that mirrors the children watching them from below. Both groups are driven by the same force: curiosity, creativity and a sense of exploration. A need to discover, test limits, push boundaries, express themselves. The monkeys leap and dangle, inventing games on the fly, while the children gasp and laugh, mirroring

        Tucked in a shadowy corner of the Knoxville Zoo, the Reptile House hums with quiet tension. The darkened room with it’s warm and humid air, mimics the rainforests and deserts these creatures call home. Behind thick glass, eyes blink slowly, tongues flicker, and scales shimmer under soft lights. Each enclosure holds a different marvel. A massive snake lies coiled in the corner, its patterned body blending into the underbrush. Nearby, a large lizard rests on a branch, unmoving but alert.  But it’s not all calm—sudden movement catches the eye. A crocodile, still as a statue, explodes

  A Day at the zoo – Chimps, Baboons, and Silverbacks Oh My!     There’s something profoundly moving about spending time with primates.  Whether you believe in creation or evolution, or a combination of these beliefs, these are creatures who seem to echo parts of ourselves. Recently, I spent a day at the Knoxville Zoo with a couple of friends, and what was a casual visit turned into an experience. At the chimpanzee exhibit, I found myself not just watching them but studying them.  Enthralled with their hands.  Like Rodin was in his sculptures. Every detail in their hands

  Through My Lens: Big Cats in Focus       From the snow-covered Himalayas to the scorching savannas of Africa, big cats have roamed the earth as silent rulers of the animal kingdom. Living at the top of the food chain these predators inspire awe, imagination and dreams of the wild jungles.  This means that they have no natural predators of their own.  But behind their piercing eyes lies a story of survival, adaptation, and sometimes struggle. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of big cats; nature’s most stealthy hunters.   What Exactly is a “Big Cat”? “Big cat”

  Red Pandas at the KNoxville Zoo     When I was married, we had a homestead where we raised all our own meat, milk, and produce. Honestly, the only things we ever really shopped for were toilet paper and a few odds and ends we couldn’t make ourselves. I loved it—the feeding, the watering, even the medical care when it was needed. The goats, especially, were total characters and so mischievous. I just really enjoyed spending time with them, caring for them. In the end, I think they gave me far more than I ever gave them. Later, when

T Knoxville Zoo   The trip ended a few weeks ago, and since then, life’s been busy. Between work, settling back in, starting a new online class, sorting through photos, and the holiday weekend, I’ve been trying to find my rhythm again—but it’s been tough. As some of you know, I lost my mom over the summer. They say the first year is the hardest: the first birthday, the first Mother’s Day, Christmas… all the “firsts.” I go through phases—honestly, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. I say all this just to explain why I’m struggling a bit to get back into