Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, January 4, 2010

2009 Favorites: PHOTOS


This is my fourth (and last) post showing my 'favorites' from 2009. Another category I started working on --and then promptly quit, was one on 'flowers' (other than Roses). The reason I quit was because I couldn't narrow that huge list down to 12 fav's, and would have had to do several more posts... SO--I'll save that topic until another time!!!


Today, I am sharing twelve of my favorite PHOTOS of 2009. I'm sure there are many more --but these are the twelve I picked out. Above is a picture taken from the North Carolina mountains (near Burnsville, northeast of Asheville) when we visited George's son and family at the Mountain Air Resort. Below are eleven more.









This is one of my favorite waterfall picture from 2009. This is Becky Branch Falls near Clayton, GA.









One of my favorite male Cardinal photos--taken in our backyard









In October, we drove from Maggie Valley across the Cherohola Parkway on our way home. The Fall colors that day were some of the prettiest I have ever seen.









In March, we went to Mt. Nebo, Arkansas. While there, we experienced an Ice Storm. This picture was taken near the top of the Mt. Nebo waterfall. I loved seeing the ice sparkling on all of the trees and shrubs.









We love our wildlife here in Fairfield Glade, including the deer. This young one had to take a rest on the golf course fairway behind our home.









This is Cane Creek Falls at our favorite park here in TN, Fall Creek Falls State Park. I love seeing the rainbow at this waterfall.









The end of March, we stayed in a cabin in Cosby, TN which was situated beside this gorgeous waterfall. The picture was taken from the sofa inside the cabin looking out of the big picture window. Isn't Serenity Falls beautiful???? (Can you imagine how much I loved staying at this cabin??!!! I hope we go back this year!)









This picture of the moon over the ocean was taken in May on our annual trip to Ocean Isle Beach, NC.









I love this close-up picture of the baby Mourning Dove who came to eat at our feeders. I love seeing the feathers and all of the colors.









Gorgeous Tullulah Gorge, GA (one of our favorite 2009 places)









This is a great picture which George took in December, of the ice BEHIND Dry Falls (near Highlands, NC). In Spring/Summer, we can walk BEHIND the falls. Obviously, we couldn't do that this time!!!!


I hope all of our had a fabulous weekend. George and I certainly did --and we are looking forward to many more new adventures in 2010.


Hugs,

59 comments:

T said...

Just beautiful Betsy! I must say - that one of the waterfall right outside your window is just stunning!

Connie said...

They are all wonderful, Betsy! I really like the fall colors and the deer. Very nice! :)

Darla said...

I remember most of these. I can only imagine how hard it is to choose only 12!!

pam said...

All gorgeous! I want to look into that cabin you stayed at, that looks like a wonderful place to spend a weekend. Can you tell me any more about it?

A Brit in Tennessee said...

I recall seeing all of these pictures, and completely agree why they would be chosen as favorites.
All of your pictures are my favorites, I'd have a hard time choosing.
Eye-candy indeed !

Tabor said...

You have a wonderful collection of memories in photos!

Harriet said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures.

Arkansas Patti said...

Remembering your pictures,I don't know how you managed to pick only 12. The baby deer had my heart but the view from Cherohola Parkway I thought was stunning and beautifully framed. Tullulah Gorge made me a bit woozy thank you.
Now it is time to start on 2010 faves.

MadSnapper said...

I love the deer because I love animals, the blue bird is precious, really like the Maggie vallery photo, but my very, very favorite is the view of the waterfall from inside the cabin. that is a super shot for me.

Diane AZ said...

What a wonderful year you've had and these are all truly great photos! My favorites are Serenity Falls from inside the cabin and the sweet mourning dove. :)

Thistlebrooms said...

Fantastic photo of your male bluebird...
I used to maintain Bluebird Trails up here every year. Put up houses where they wouldn't be killed by 'SPARROWS' (evil little creatures, sorry)...Checked on how many eggs, number that hatched and went back to care and clean out for the second clutch...Loved it.
It's wonderful to reflect back on your favorites to see where and what you've done over the past year...
Beautiful Betsy...
~Marilyn

Reanaclaire said...

hello Betsy.. another batch of breathtaking photos! cool!

Sunny said...

What a wonderful selection of pictures. The shot through the picture window is breathtaking, what a special place to stay.
I love your Bluebird header, he's so cute!
Thank you for your kind comments, I'd be more than happy to send you some snow! LOL
Sunny :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: I love them all.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Your new header is spectacular, I love the Bluebird.

Bill S. said...

When I read you title I knew waterfalls would be the dominate pictures. I loved the group. Thanks.

Becky said...

Lots of wonderful memories there.
I wish you and George the best in 2010 also. Can't wait to see what you two get into this year. lol

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, They are all great but the ones from North Carolina are my favorites. I have enjoyed all your favorite things of 2009. Have a good week.

Cedar ... said...

Love your new header, Betsy,.. that's a chubby bluebird. I know he's got his feathers fluffed up to stay warm. Also remember your trip to that wonderful cabin by the waterfall. Nice shot through the window! Here are good wishes to you and George for a fantastic 2010!

Susie said...

Hey Betsy, I can see why these are your fav's. I like that one of Dry Falls. So pretty!

I Am Woody said...

What a beautiful year 2009 has been! Looking forward to your many adventures for 2010:)

Karin said...

For sure can't have been easy just to pick 12! Each unique and has its own beauty! I just got dizzy looking down the gorge - jelly legs you know!
The ice behind the falls really made me gasp! Love all your excellent photos and your new header! Enjoy again in 2010!

imac said...

Wonderful shots, love them falls from the cabin, I wanna go to.

Love your Header as well.

Small City Scenes said...

Oh it must have been so hard to choose just 12. I couldn't even choose which one I like best out of your 12. I do like your Bluebird header though.
Anxiously awaiting your next topic. LOL MB

Busy Bee Suz said...

All beautiful Betsy..it was like taking another trip with you from last year (or 12 trips?)
I love the blue bird in your header..so adorable!!!

Anonymous said...

i'm happy to see we share our love of birds, flowers and waterfalls. have a great day, betsy!

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Betsy, you chose some great photos. My favorites are the birds and deer but the icy waterfall is spectacular too. Looking forward to more wonderful scenes in 2010.
Marnie

Loran said...

Thanks for sharing your favorite parts of 2009. You and George have a very full life! I like your bluebird header too.

Connie said...

You do have some georgous photos there.

Cookie said...

It is hard to piack a favorite. I like the fall one, the rainbos and the one with the huge window in the cabin :)

SmilingSally said...

I love that header, Betsy. Happy New Year.

Diane said...

I don't blame you, these are worthy of being favorites. I love the mourning dove and the deer and the crdinal and the rainbow and........

Diane said...

.............and your new header, the bluebird is spectacular!

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR BETSY
AND OF COURSE I ALWAYS INCLUDE GEORGE WHEN I SAY HELLO.
OH MY, SUCH BEAUTY YOU SURROUND YOURSELVES IN.
I HAVE TO SAY MY VERY FAVORITE PICTURE IS.....DRUM ROLL...........
THE PICTURE OF THE WATERFALL FROM YOUR CABIN IN COSBY, TENNESSE....OH MY...THAT CABIN SHOULD BE USED AS A SPIRITUAL/HEALING THE SOUL RETREAT...GORGEOUS. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT.
MY SECOND PLACE WINNER IS....DRUM ROLL PLEASE...........
THE BEAUTIFUL RED CARDINAL...ALL HE NEEDED WAS A LITTLE BLACK BOWTIE AND A TOPHAT TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR...LOL
AND THIRD PLACE GOES TO.......DRUM ROLL.................
MT. NEBO WATERFALL ICE STORM....BEAUTIFUL.
I HOPE THE BOTH OF YOU CARRY A CELL PHONE ON YOU, THE WAY YOU CLIMB AROUND THESE FALLS.
THEY SAY THAT EVEN IF YOU GO OUTSIDE FOR SOME REASON IN THIS WEATHER, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR CELL PHONE WITH YOU SO YOU CAN CALL FOR HELP.
THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR MEMORIES, BETSY
SIMPLY DEBBIE

amelia said...

These pictures and so awesome!

My favourite is the one of the autumn colours Just breathtaking!!

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Thank -you I needed all this beauty today...m...

Valerie said...

The rainbow is so stunning, what colors!
My other favorite is the ice. How amazing!
Hopefully you had a great weekend celebrating the New Year. Hard to believe it's back to the daily grind already!

Dorothy said...

Hi Betsy,
All of your favorites are great, but my very favorite is the Cabin with the waterfall right outside the window!!! I want to stay in a place like that!! Happy Monday!

DeniseinVA said...

I can understand why these are your favorites Betsy. Hard for me to choose a favorite as they are ALL gorgeous!!!!

RA said...

What a beautiful post, Betsy! Wishing you all the best for 2010. Hugs and love :)

storyteller said...

I love the way you've shared your favorite photos here. They're all beautiful but the one with the rainbow is really special.
Hugs and blessings,

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Beautiful pictures and now it's time to make new memories for 2010.I am sure you will find many more lovely places to explore.:)
Blessings,ruth

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy. How do you do? I came here through Claire's blog, and decided to drop by and I'm glad that I did. You have nice pictures. I like the birds... made me feel so peaceful. :-D

Cheryl said...

Betsy I love the header photo! What a breath of fresh air! And your post was delightful. Such pretty birds, waterfalls and places. I too would love to stay in the cabin overlooking the falls. How lucky you were to have such a lovely view!

Anonymous said...

I've seen several blogs picking 12 favs & I just couldn't do it.
I enjoy visiting everyone's blogs so much everyday & I'm glad I don't have to vote on my favs on their sites, cuz I just wanna see the world thru everyone's beautiful photos from their neck of the woods! heheheee
So glad to have ran into you & George in the blogging world! Keep em coming, Betsy!

Loves & hugs
Tricia

Wendy said...

What beautiful pics, Betsy! That last one was very impressive!!
I like your new look too! Haven't been around for a while - computer problems, and now my blog roll is missing. I remember yours went missing too. Did you find a way to fix it? Or just start all over again?

Kirigalpoththa said...

Wonderful reflections of 2009!

Tullulah Gorge and fall colors are my favourites!

Janie said...

I just read through all of the "favorites" posts. Great photos, and really fun to see.
Hope you and George have an absolutely wonderful 2010!

Rosa said...

These are absolutely beautiful. I have a lot to catch up but we're home for a while! Phew! Happy New Year!

Rajesh said...

Beautiful reflections and each of the snaps are very unique. I loved Tullulah Gorge most.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I think your beautiful header photo should make next year's list!!!! All of these are memorable!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for returning the visit, Betsy.I'm looking forward to more of your beautiful entries. :-D Take care, and God bless.

Cassie said...

Wow, these are some of my favorites too! Your photos are always so exquisit. Happy New Year btw!! Blessings, C

Rose said...

I can certainly see why these are favorites...I love the cardinal one and the fall one, but my favorite is the one right above the ocean scene! Just something about it.

SquirrelQueen said...

All of your choices are great, a wonderful look back at the year. I can just imagine how much you & George enjoyed the cabin with the waterfall view.

The photo of the Cardinal is beautiful, it almost looks like a painting.

New Year Hugs,
Judy

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love the Serenity Falls photo Betsy! What a view! All the birds are wonderful. Such good close ups. I'm enjoying all your favortite photos!

X0 Pat

Unseen India Tours said...

Beautiful and lovely shot !! Have a Happy New Year !!

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy,
Just like cleffairy, I came through her blog and mine oh mine, I LOVE YOUR TALENT!
My husband and I have a home in Trabuco Canyon, California. However at this time, I am still in Malaysia and hubby is working in Seoul, Korea and your pictures remind me so much of the beauty found in USA. I was in Connecticut via American Field Service back in 1983 and I really love taking pictures too.

My favourite is the WATERFALL. I love WATERFALLS.

Great pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

hugs,
shakira

ps HAPPY NEW YEAR!

diane b said...

What a wonderful collection of photos. It must have been hard for you to chose 12 as all your posts have great photos. I love the fall colours and the picture window in the cabin. It must have been a dream for you.