Wednesday Hodge Podge~ Spring is Here

Hello! I am joining Hodge Podge Wednesday this week. I love visiting Joyce's blog. I can't comment on her blog for some reason so, Joyce, if you so happen to see this, thank you for all your lovely posts and for hosting this wonderful fun link up party!!! Check her lovely blog out here. Also, join in on the link up!

1. It's officially spring in the northern hemisphere. Does it feel like spring in your part of the world? If you're in the southern hemisphere it's officially autumn where you live. Does the weather say autumn? Which do you prefer-spring or autumn? Why? 

It is for sure feeling like spring in my area. I am in Mississippi and things are in full bloom. Today's temperature is 82 degrees.  Pollen is doing its wonderful covering of everything, and hay fever is in full swing for some.

I love all seasons (Hint~ the name of my blog about actual seasons and trying to embrace life seasons as well)

Spring is preferred over autumn for me if I had to choose. I love the signs of new life, growth, and blooming of things. I love the sunshine it brings after winter doldrums. I love the colors of spring from flowers, decor and clothing. It all speaks HELLO!!! SPRING IS HERE!! :) 

I do like autumn too. As it has its own loveliness. A reprieve after a long, hot and dry summer in my area. Unfortunately, due to my area Autumn is very short lived and seems to take forever to arrive and then when it does it is quick to leave. 

2. What's your favorite thing about spring? 

Exploring outdoors!!! Need I say more!!! Spring means a lot of hiking and waterfall chasing for me!!!! It is my favorite time of the year for that reason. 

A few of my adventures from last spring!!! I look forward to this spring. I already have had a few. 

BUT... besides hiking I do really enjoy celebrating Easter and Mother's Day. 

3. Spring into action, spring in your step, spring to life, spring to one's feet...which spring idiom currently applies to your life in some way? Explain.  

Hmm... I suppose spring puts a spring into my step. :) 

5. What's one task on your spring cleaning list? Do you actually have a list? 

Oh, man.... just ONE. :)  Goodness... I do have an ever-running list in my mind that I truly need to write out and get to work on. I was actually looking on Pinterest last night for a spring cleaning task sheet. LOL!

One must- organize some cabinets that really need it in the decluttering department 

One must in the cleaning (yes, to me these are separate) I need to clean some areas outside

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I came across this magazine yesterday. YES!! I still love a GOOD OLE magazine. I have been in a cooking rut and when I saw this it put a little PEP in MY STEP! I hope to try a few of the recipes in this. I want to cook more from scratch. I do cook a lot from scratch, but I need some fresh ideas. I want to learn some new techniques. 

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you all have a lovely day!

With Love, 

Chrissy T

So, What Was in the Photo with Me????

Hello!! On Saturday, I posted a picture asking if you all could spot something in the photo. Here is the photo again and the link to the post if you want to check it out!

Look really close over my shoulder. Right side of the picture toward the back sitting on a limb!!!

Can you spot it now?

I was hiking and stopped to grab some water and seen something move out of the corner of my eye. 

To my shock it was larger than I expected! I have never seen one in person. It was soooo close to the trail. It was also low to the ground. I was taken back. It looked really sleepy. But later when I came back toward my car it had moved up higher in a tree. I was truly so close I could have went up to it and hugged it. Well, I didn't and respected its home and privacy. Typically, but not always they are nocturnal creatures.

What is that you may or may not can spot??????

Oh, how I wished my phone took better pictures!!!! So, with that I will be getting a lightweight waterproof camera for my hiking and waterfall adventures. I see so many wonderful things and while most of the time my phone camera does okay.... not all the time. And this is one of those times I could not get the beauty of this wonderful creature captured the way I seen it in person.

I also was sooo close to it I get have gotten closer, but I wanted to respect it and not scare it either. After all I am in its habitat, and I would not want some crazy lady barging in my home with a phone in my face. :) 

A Barred Owl. It is lovely. A lot larger in person than I expected. It kept rotating its head looking at me when I walked. Which was neat and creepy at the same time. :) This was really a BIG owl. Larger Owls are usually the female. I assume this one was. They can get up to 2 feet. I would say this one was close or if not that. The pictures do not do it justice. 

Barred owls are primarily nocturnal but exhibit flexible activity patterns, often hunting during twilight and even during the day.

After I took a few shots, I headed on my way to finish the out and back trail, which means, I will come back out the same way I started the trail. I was so hoping I would see this beauty again. 

 

Here is my hiking stick making its debut. It will always have a memento picture and debut in my hiking memories. :) 

I took my time on this trail. I stopped and took photos, sat on a bench and watched the butterflies, and listened to the flow of the creek and prayed. I am not a fast hiker all the time. There are times (well ALL THE TIME) I like to enjoy the scenery on a hike. I like to "stop to smell the roses" as the saying goes. I like to notice the little, tiny flowers, the moss on a rock or limb, a neat leaf, butterflies dancing along the water, I like to pick up pretty rocks and find little neat images to capture. 

This was a neat little thing I came across deep in the foothills on path not traveled much. It was a hollow log with moss but looked like it was a little set up out of a fairy village. 

Moving along! Once I was heading back, I was walking with great anticipation that I would hopefully see the owl again. I did!!! It was in a tree this time. 

Sleeping away!!! It is remarkable how well it is camouflaged! How the Lord is so creative!

It kept looking at me any time I moved. :) 

Here is a quick video!

I hope you enjoyed today's reveal! LOL! I loved reading some of your comments from the previous post! 

With Love,

Chrissy T

Spring is Springing~ A Little from My Heart

Hi all. Or dare I say, Hi y'all in my southern voice. No matter... Hello! :) I cannot believe we are almost at the end of March. Life is flying. Months, weeks, days, and now it can even seem hours in the day can go before we even start our day. 

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." ~ Psalm 90:12

I took the above photo yesterday. It was a lovely sight as I drove into Roosevelt State Park to kayak. The weather was beautiful. After church and lunch with some of our adult kiddos, I headed to kayak at a state park that isn't too far away. 

It was a perfect day. As I put sunblock on it hit me that we are truly in Spring and Winter 2026 is behind us and never to be experienced again. It was fast and slow at the same time. 

 

My first Kayaking Day of 2026. It was windy and 80 degrees but was a beautiful perfect day. 

Spring is here!! While I am excited!! I am a tad overwhelmed. I need to do some spring cleaning, yet I want to be outdoors. :) 

Off I go..... Woohooo. It felt so nice to be on the water and feel the wind and sun on my face. I enjoyed seeing all the turtles sunbathing and a few ducks doing their thing. :) 

Spring is a time when most are super excited! They have fought through the doldrums of winter. The bareness and cold. I understand I do as well. I will be honest SPRING always brings me a lot of anxiety. All the choices and busy it brings.  Every single year for years Spring makes me overwhelmed. It is usually when our church is a little more active due to Easter, Mother's Day and graduations and etc. There are more home and yard projects that need to be worked on. It seems people come alive after winter, and it is busy every single where I go. :) Rightly so!!! :)  I feel them!! I am the same.

There are so many choices. From chores to be done in the yard, spring cleaning house chores, to organize this and that, or like me the choice of tossing it and running to the hills or lake. LOL!

BUT..... I know that is not always the thing to do. :) I know that I am blessed with a family, home and church. Those things are my top things. Now... let me add my relationship with Christ is NUMBER ONE and foundational. 

I have to be very intentional to get outdoors, be proactive about walking, and trying to make sure I have some balance this time of year to keep myself stable with my mental health and anxiety that I deal with. 

Spring is a time that I want to be outside because in my state when it hits MAY it is HOT! HOT! and like 100 degrees HOT all the way until September. So, I have a few short months between cold and HOT to really enjoy things I like to do when it comes to outdoors. 

BUT my friends.... I am needing to conquer a PROCRASTINATION LIST that is becoming ever so long. I am a pretty orderly person but I have found since our last son finished school last year that I have entered a SLUMP. I struggle with a daily schedule now that I do not have our family and school schedule. It is all different.

Did anyone of you struggle adjusting when you entered this season? I have been a homemaker for 23 years (became that when our oldest was 3). I find not having that schedule for school, getting chores done so we can do school and kid activities has become a challenge to organize my days now. 

OH YES..... I can find things to do. There is always a baseboard needing to be cleaned or a closet. I will be open here.... I just simply need prayer because I don't want to do it. :) HAH!!!

In reality I cannot always be at a Tiny Home on a goat farm, hiking up in foothills of mountains, exploring a cavern or kayaking a lake. 

Today, I hope to make a plan to help me tackle some areas that need to be done in a simple way that doesn't overwhelm me and also allows some outdoor time. 

The name of my blog is exactly what I am talking about today.... ONE SEASON TO THE NEXT.

I named my blog that because I am navigating life from ONE SEASON TO THE NEXT learning as I go....

I know this post is a little or a lot random and mixed feeling, but it is where my thoughts and heart is at the moment. 

Until Next Time,

Chrissy T

Scripture and a Snapshot #7~ SOAR!

 

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar

on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and 

not be faint." 

~Isaiah 40:31

*This snapshot was taken at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge in September 2025 in Saint Marks, FL* 

I am linking up with Kym from A Fresh Cup of Coffee for Scripture and a Snapshot. Go check out hers and others Scripture and a Snapshot here. 

With Love, 

Chrissy T

Can You Spot It????

 

Hello my friends. I thought I would have some fun with you all again. Can you spot it????

Let me know! :) 

Books, Nooks, Coffee and More~ Unique Coffee Shop~ Little Town Exploring

 Well.... Hello! Happy Spring. ⚘ It is officially SPRING!!! WOOHOO!!! 

Welcome to a little look around Nichols Nook. A cute coffee shop in the community of Springville, Alabama. This is a coffee shop like no other I have visited. From areas where people were coloring, doing bible studies, book readings, sitting, doing a puzzle, or playing a game of chess all while enjoying good coffee and fresh baked goods, there were so much going on in a cozy neat way. It had little "nooks" all decorated so unique. Little treasures everywhere. It had courtyard seating out back, but I did not go look at that. 

A little nook to enjoy your coffee!! They have several of these little areas set up all over. 

I mean.... EVEN THE BATHROOM WAS NEAT!!!!! I LOVE the JOY SIGN!

I just love this in so many ways!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A yummy blueberry treat and some cold coffee. I am not really a cold coffee fan, but it was good. It was strong. :) 

They had fresh flowers everywhere. Someone had completed the puzzle at the end already. It was such a neat little place!!!

I really do like to explore a little when I visit places or at least visit one local shop or restaurant. I like to support locally owned businesses and get a feel of the culture of different areas. This area was so friendly, kind, and truly full of southern hospitality. I visited an antique store, an organic body shop, a gift boutique where I got some jams and salsa, Nichols Nook and ate food from a local Italian Bistro. Every single place was friendly and welcoming. Best service at all locations. 

I want to share a link for more information about Nichols Nook. The reason the owner created and named the place what she did is so meaningful. :) 

Are you a coffee shop person? Do you like exploring little towns and their local places??

Have a blessed Saturday!

With Love,

Chrissy T

Special Moments~ Hot Chocolate, Diamond Art, Forest Wandering, and MY FIRST FIRE

Hello everyone. I am trying to catch up and make my rounds and visit everyone. I see some blogger friends getting together which made me smile so much. I have read some fun hodge podge posts from this week. I have seen some lovely ladies share outfits with spring trends. I have seen how some celebrated St. Patrick's Day. It has been fun to catch up on all. I also see some are still walking in the cold and snow, being creative, making blog books, and creating special moments around the globe. I love BLOGLAND. 

I wanted to share some special moments I enjoyed on my getaway. I am back home now. I am really just now having time to go through all my MANY pictures. Here are some special ones I want to remember...

Drinking Hot Chocolate on a cold morning and listening to the creek. 

Lots of journaling, praying and listening was a MAJOR thing I did! I loved every minute. 

Nighttime views were breathtaking here. Totally beautiful.

All cozy and getting ready for an evening fire and listening to the rush of the creek!!!

I worked on a little diamond art and enjoyed listening to some soft relaxing music. Just being proactive in resting. :) 

Exploring out in the woods! Lots of walking, praying, listening, and TRYING to BREATHE up steep hills. 

Lots of Bible reading and study during the day in between hiking and roaming the grounds. 

I also cannot recommend enough Daily Grace Co. Bible Studies! 

As I was heading to get my dinner (Italian) to bring back to eat by the creek I seen all these precious lambs on a hillside. How fitting. He is my shepherd. 

More roaming the forest. I loved Big Canoe Creek which runs over 50 miles in the area. Here is more information about the preserve I was at. I love sharing information and promoting places that protect nature and allow areas for us to explore but also protect rare species and wildlife. 

This creek is home to a rare and endangered mussel called Canoe Creek Clubshell and recently discovered Trispot Darter Fish. 

Oh, LOOK at MY HIKING PARTENER! IT ALWAYS makes its DEBUT and models for a picture. :) I have so many medallions to add to her. But.... one day....

I enjoyed take out at a local Italian Bistro and IT WAS THE BEST ITALIAN FOOD I HAVE EVER EATEN!!!!!!!!!! I am a huge Italian food fan, and I have eaten a lot in a lot of places. Who would have known in a little small community in Alabama I would fine an authentic from scratch Italian place. Oh.... it hit the spot after all that hiking and climbing. 

You all do not laugh at my log setup. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I had to do a FIRE from complete scratch by myself. I have always had help. I was proud of this. Well.... my mom was on the phone guiding me. :)  THANKS MOM! :) 

You see I am weird. I see BEAUTY in all things. While this tree is barren, I still think it was so beautiful and the sky contrast was even more beautiful. It has a creepy vibe to it, but I like it. 

THEN THIS HAPPEN!!! YOU NEED TO TURN IT UP TO HEAR!!!! BUT I PROMISE THEY WERE VERY VERY CLOSE. I could hear them running in the woods..... COYOTES.  Yes, it made me nervous as I heard sticks and stuff cracking. 

I completed ONE MORE of my National Park Diamond Art Coasters. 

I have many neat moments which I may share later. I know you may all be sick of the word TINY HOME because it seems all I have blogged about the last few weeks. :) 

Until Next Time!!!!