I have always loved the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee during the fall season. The brilliant, colorful leaves of red, yellow, orange and brown glisten in the sunlight. Leaves dancing from the limbs of massive tall trees as the wind blows swiftly across the ridges. The smell of pine is coming from the beautiful lush pine trees. Early morning brings a white cloud of fog from deep in the valley, making it appear as if one were sitting on top a giant cloud. Being welcome by large antler deer, fluffy rabbits, singing birds are a few emerging from the dark forest. Long narrow creeks flowing through the mountainside. The narrow, bumpy road winding around the mountainside, climbing higher and higher. On one side, there is a hill of nothing but brown dirt and luscious pines that seem to travel to the heavens. However; on the other hand, the elevation drops drastically into never land. As I look down, all I can see is colorful, vibrant tree tops swaying in the wind. I dislike thinking what could happen if my tire were to slip off the narrow road edge. Bringing my eyes back looking straight ahead I notice the image of something entirely large just ahead of me. Approaching closer, I see a baby cub who must have wandered off from its mother. It appears to have fluffy brown fur and big brown eyes. Playing in the roadway, rolling around like a small child until it spots me. It gets up and walks towards my car. Not showing an ounce of fear, it sniffs my car and looks at me. My window is cracked, and I get a whiff of a not so pleasant smell. After a few minutes of checking me out, the cub turns and runs into the dark woods. I press on towards my cabin in which I will finally be able to unwind and enjoy the blessings that surround me.

With this in mind, topping the mountain, I see the place I will be staying on Heavenly Lane. Heavenly indeed, I cannot begin to describe the beauty that surrounds me, it is just breathtaking. The cabin is not large but just the right for me. It’s outside log walls shows the wear from the many seasons. A large covered porch drapes the front of the cabin. There on that beautiful porch is a swing. I can’t wait to enjoy it while sipping my tea. I park and exit my car, walking towards the cabin porch and up the steps. Fresh mountain air, oh yes, fresh mountain air. Searching for the key, I walk towards the cabin opening the beautiful red glass windowed door to a week of tranquility. As I enter the cabin, I am overcome by the beauty of the rustic walls and décor. A bedroom with a humble bath plus a combined kitchen and living area. In the middle of the living room is a beautiful old majestic rock fireplace. Beautifully decorated with wildlife pictures and flowers. I turn towards the kitchen and outside the kitchen window I can see a deer feeding. I tiptoed towards the window trying not to scared it off, but when he sees me, he flies like a bullet up the hill into the woods. Feeling rather worn down by now, I decide to change into something comfortable. I open the double doors to where I will sleep, greeted by a massive log bed. I hurry to the side of the bed and flip myself into the middle of it. All I can think is this is heaven. The bed is so soft with a beautiful log cabin quilt draped across it. I try out the pillow that is teasing me to lay my head on it. Again, so soft, plush and a warm place to lay my weary head. I feel so comfortable with the bed hugging my body that I do not want to get up. However, the beautiful long front porch is beckoning me with a cup of hot sweet tea, a swing to sit and enjoy the view before darkness takes over. I hurry and change into my soft pink cotton nightgown, I fix a cup of steaming hot tea and proceed to the swing on the porch. As I turn, feeling the brisk wind on my face, I am overcome by the beauty of the mountains. As I gaze across the terrain, it appears I can see for miles and miles. There are mountains and beautifully painted trees everywhere. Then as I watch the sun slowly hide behind a mountain, I can hear the sound of birds, crickets and frogs singing in perfect harmony. As darkness takes over, I decide it is time to go inside and enjoy that beautiful log bed waiting to cradle me to sleep. I have no doubt this is going to be a vacation to remember.