America the Beautiful - Dandridge Tennessee

Dandridge Tennessee is the second oldest city in Tennessee and the cutest little American town. It was named after Martha Dandridge Washington, the wife of the first President of the United States. Two cross streets make the historic downtown and it has everything you need. A courthouse, a Drug Store, a cemetery, a restaurant (the Hitching Post) and a Dam.

The dogwood is the Tennessee flower and tree

Listen to some music

 The Historic Courthouse

 Serious BBQ!

If you ever need to get off the highway and take a brake in the vicinity of this town, I highly recommend spending an afternoon walking the history filled streets, visiting the local establishments and having some serious BBQ at the newly opened Hitching Post.
Enjoy!

Maria

America the Beautiful - Mount Ida Crystals -Ouachita Mountains-Arkansas

Natural Crystal (Quartz) is one of my favorite gems. They are rough and uneven, in a purely organic state.

One can find tons(literally) of these crystals in all shapes and sizes in the Ouachita Mountains, west of Hot Springs, AK.

This white quartz has been cleaned and put through a chlorine wash

 This one still retains the oxidation from the metals of the earth.

Pink Quartz

 Slab Glass

If you ever go through these Mountains make sure you stop at one of the Crystal mines along the way. You can even dig up your own crystals if you have the time and energy!
Enjoy!

Maria

America the Beautiful - Nashville Tennessee

Nashville Tennessee is the Country Music capital. This is where the big country music venue, The Grand Ole Opry is located, where Gibson Guitars is located, where a lot of musicians got their start in the business.

If you walk down the Streets of downtown Nashville any time of the day or night you will hear live music coming out of almost every establishment. There are musicians on the streets trying to make a buck, musicians in the bars and the restaurants, down on their luck musicians, wannabe musicians.

 The signs on the streets are colorful and interesting, the vibe is lively and the food and drink are good.

Country Boots

If you're ever in Nashville it's worth walking down Broadway and experiencing the country music along the way.

Enjoy!

Maria

America the Beautiful - Virginia in the Spring

Virginia is officially the Commonwealth of Virginia located in the South Atlantic Region of the United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" due to its status as a former dominion of the English Crown and "Mother of Presidents" due to the most US Presidents having been born there.

 Cow Country

On the Road

Having a Bit of Fun

Ferns unfurling for spring

 Rams

Country Woods Trail under the Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Mountains and Valley are a landmark part of the State. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay which provide habitat for much of its flora and fauna. The capital of the Commonwealth is Richmond Virginia Beach is the most populous city, and Fairfax County is the most populous political subdivision. The Commonwealth's estimated population as of 2013 is over 8.2 million. It was named Virginia after Queen Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen.

Enjoy!

Maria

The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs!

In case you think all I do is talk about my novel(hehe!! Did you buy it yet??), here's a post about food!
Spaghetti and meatballs is one of those dishes that always satisfies me. Especially since I discovered a great and easy recipe for it!

Spaghetti And Meatballs

1 1/2 lbs ground beef or meatloaf mix
1 egg
1 /2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon shallots, minced
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup water
2 large cans of Marinara sauce

1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente
Fresh basil, chiffonade, for garnish

Form meatballs by mixing ground beef, egg, cheese, parsley, garlic, and shallots. Add in bread crumbs until fully incorporated. Add in water until mixture is moist and holds together. Form into balls. Heat prepared sauce in a large pot and gently add meatballs in layers, making sure they're covered by the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil and continue to simmer for 30-40 minutes. Serve sauce and meatballs on top of pasta.

Enjoy!
Maria