Whimsical Wednesday

/ The WheatandTares

Where does the trail of life lead you?

Do you run down it, trees and grass, asphalt and people, just a blurt around you?

Do you saunter down it, the environment just there for your parade?

Do you drag your feet behind, dreading every step as you draw closer to your destination?

Or could you possibly walk, pausing along the way to take in the sights, breathe in the air, let it consume you in the moment?

Could you possibly stop to smell the roses and count them, one by one?

Don’t miss out on what’s right in front of you because you’re looking too far behind or searching too far ahead… ❤️

Penned – MG – 10/9/19

Tuesday’s Treats #184

/ The WheatandTares

Best Donuts

Location: Buford, GA

OK, so this place is AHHH-MAZING!! It’s quaint, simple and not open all day, but the truly homemade doughnuts and care from the owners is truly worth the drive over! The donuts are made fresh every day, and they are incredible. I have been looking for a bakery like this since I had doughnuts at my hometown bakery, and so many bakeries are simply lacking.

This place is not only not lacking in quality, but it is also very unique. They have many organic teas and beverages, and they even fill the jelly doughnuts on site, which was totally new to me. I was standing there at the counter about to pay, and I noticed these two large containers on the back counter. I asked the lady what they were, maybe lemonade or juice or something, but it looked a bit thick for that. She said, “No, those are jellies for the doughnuts. I fill for you when you want. We have two more I already put up. We have chocolate, lemon, [and two more I’ve forgotten, maybe cherry/fruit of some sort].” How neat that was!

One more neat thing about this business, the day I found it, it was actually closing time when I entered the door, but they hadn’t locked the door or shut off the sign; so, I didn’t know they were supposed to be closed. The lady waited on me graciously, never complained or even gave me a dirty look. She was so sweet, smiling the whole time, and her husband (I assume) came out as we were leaving and greeted us with a smile. She even gave me a free doughnut. She said because I had ordered so much.

Oh, and the prices are amazing, and the place was immaculately clean! We will definitely be back; although, to save a few pounds, I may not return as much as I would definitely like!!

They don’t have a website, but I will place the google link here; so, you can find the address.

Tuesday’s Treats #183

/ The WheatandTares / 7 Comments

Brookwood Grill

Location: Roswell, Ga

Ok, so where do I begin? “What’s good?,” you ask. I would have to counter ask, “What’s NOT good?” Holy smokes! This place is absolutely amazing!

The salmon critters are a must to begin. I’m not at all crazy about the alfalfa sprouts on top, but to each his own; they’re easy enough to knock off. I don’t even know what the three sauces are that are beautifully displayed on the plate, but swipe your fritter right through all three before taking a bite, and you’ll thank me for it! The Caesar salad is delicious with homemade croutons atop and a honey-buttered croissant to the side. Oh. My.

A fresh catch is available everyday; so, be sure to ask if the server doesn’t, which isn’t likely. The swordfish and snapper were the feature the two different days we ate, and each one was incredible. The menu original salmon is also delicious, and we always opt for the grit cake and grilled corn for the sides. Wow. They also have great burgers and many other choices you will love.

Now, for the “crème de la crème.” Dessert. Three words: Key Lime Pie. Remember, we visited The Florida Keys and became quite the connoisseurs, and this one passes the test, especially with the mile high, homemade whip cream on top, a dash of blueberries and a drizzle of raspberry sauce. Drop. The. Mic. …I know there are a few other desserts on the menu, but my dreamy state has made my mind forget. 😂

UPDATE:

Just revisited the other day, and it was still amazing!! Need to mention, the Key Lime Pie is, evidently, a seasonal dessert. So, they had just switched that day. Pumpkin pie and Georgia Peach Cobbler. So, our friends ordered the cobbler, and our son had the NY Style Strawberry Cheesecake. Everything was still phenomenal. Note, I’m not a crazy fan of peach cobbler, but this is NOT your ordinary peach cobbler. It has pecans and ooey-gooey-goodness on top! And that cheesecake? It was almost as high as that key lime pie, and it’s all cheesecake. No fluff. 😉 Here’s a pic…

Website

Tell Somebody

/ The WheatandTares / 11 Comments

I love this little conversation between Pooh and Piglet. It speaks volumes on so many levels. It speaks to both the depressed and the friends of those who may be struggling.

It truly breaks my heart when I hear of a person who remains in depression, or due to that depression, a person who has committed suicide, and in the current cultural push of awareness, we hear so many blogs, posts and notices that we should check on our friends, we should reach out, and we should be there for those suffering. Yes, I wholeheartedly agree, and I believe the awareness should be alive and well. However, what I see happening in this push, and what I wish would also be pushed at the same heightened state, is those who are struggling desperately need to speak up just as much as friends need to be aware!

I love what Pooh says to Piglet, he had a difficult day, but he didn’t really want to talk about it. Too often, it seems the focus of awareness is so pivoted on those left behind, but if we say anything directed toward the one who remained silent, then, we are relegated as being insensitive, cold and even cruel in our approach.

Yet, if I could intervene with this blame (and justification) game, I wish I could. Speaking truth into someone’s life, especially, someone who is in trouble and may even become dangerous to themselves or someone else, is not being cruel and heartless. Sometimes, it can be a lifesaver!

If I am standing in the street, and a Mack truck is flying down the road, and I am just too sad, too depressed or even too blind to see it, please, someone scream, yell, or run over to me and yank me out of that street!! Because sometimes, the best thing for a person is not a coddling and pampering but a spoken word of truth that helps to bring them back to reality.

Whimsical Wednesday

/ The WheatandTares / 9 Comments

Be like the butterfly

Float on the air

Search out the beauty

Light gently and with ease

Fly away from drama or danger

Penned – 9/24/19 – MG

Tuesday’s Treats #182

/ The WheatandTares / 12 Comments

Pisgah Inn

Location: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 408.6 , NC

The view is absolutely breathtaking. If you can take your eyes off the scenery just long enough to peruse the menu, the food is pretty good as well. The staff is kind, although, they seem to make quite a “show” of making everyone wait to be seated until exactly 11:30am (making the line grow quite long), taking names, lining the waitresses up in a row, and the hostess reading off each name, one by one, and each server greeting the guests and showing them to their designated table. To be honest, we were a bit put off at 11:00am, when the restaurant waiting area and gift shop began to fill up with people, and the hostess made a bit of fanfare taking names and emphatically mentioning time and again that they will not be seated until they open at 11:30am. Had it not been for the beautiful view and the nice little gift shop to enjoy while we waited, as well as, the fact you’re on top of the mountain, and the nearest restaurant is probably another hour away (lol!), we might not have waited.

However, as long as you can obtain a window seat, that view is quite worth the wait! We were captivated. To be frank, the food is good, and they do have a few unique items; yet, I wouldn’t say the food is “off the chain.” The fried green tomatoes are quite tasty, and the corn fritters are amazing. The cheeseburger and chicken sandwiches are tasty, and the salad and fries are good. The chicken pot pie looked yummy as well, but we only saw it after we had ordered and didn’t actually taste it.

There is a nice little walk just outside the inn, and there are rooms to stay in as well. Again, the view is absolutely amazing, and well worth the trip up the mountain. Just get there early, ask for a window seat, and prepare to wait a bit for the “festival” of seating to begin! 😉

UPDATE: We visited again last weekend, and the food was still delicious! A few side items, would of the day and desserts had changed for the season. So, the fried okra, black eyed peas, grits and Mac and cheese weren’t available, but we did get yummy grilled veggies, mashed potatoes and fries, and they had a delicious blackberry cobbler for dessert! I also ordered the pecan salad this time, and our guys got steaks, which was all delicious as well!

Website

Press On

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

(UPDATE: For those who tried to read this early today…it sure does help when the picture is readable, huh? *insert eye roll! Sorry about that!!)

I saw this quote the other day, and I just loved it! It says so much!

In life, there are always going to be trials, challenges, and hurdles that we must overcome. If we come to the obstacle in the road, and never go over it, around it, or through it, then, we simply will never grow. If we constantly back away because of fear, intimidation or even laziness, we will never become who we were meant to be.

It doesn’t mean it will be an easy journey. Growing is hard. Changing is difficult. Sometimes, breaking an old habit or making a new one might feel as if it’s going to break us before we “break” it!

However, if you can persevere, if you can push through the hard, the victory will be unbelievable! The success will feel far better than the defeat! So, whatever you are facing today, press through.

Don’t give up! Don’t back down! Don’t turn around! Keep going, and I promise you, when that goal is achieved, you will breathe a sigh of relief, and the victory dance will be so sweet!

The flower is ever changing, growing, pushing through to be more, and when it has broken through the ground, and the bloom has burst forth, it’s beauty is there for all to see. What is more, the fragrance will fill the space and even change the atmosphere.

Press on.

Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Whimsical Wednesday

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

UPDATE: this was set to post before I realized what date it was scheduled (9/11). Rescheduling to a Wednesday that might feel a little more whimsical…

Maybe just a note (or two) of love today…💗

Tuesday’s Treats #181

/ The WheatandTares / 8 Comments

Mezzaluna Brick Oven Tap House

Location: Hendersonville, NC

This place is a great place to enjoy a nice lunch. It has a great atmosphere, and the staff is friendly. There are nice wooden booths, tables and chairs and a large high top bar. If you have a really large party, they’ve even got a really cool HUGE booth that will seat a gazillion. lol.

What is surprising is the menu. The host gave us about four of them, a regular lunch menu, a daily specials, a daily lunch cordials and then, the wine list. For the most part, it seems to be an italian fare, with build your own pizza (wood fire, brick oven), calzones, etc. However, the surprise was on the daily specials, they offered grilled swordfish, Chilean Sea Bass and grilled salmon and chicken marsala. It doesn’t really strike you as a “fancy” italian restaurant, but the menu defining offers it.

The cheese moons, pepperoni pizza, lasagna and calzone we ordered were all amazing. The cheese moons are just like mozzarella sticks, except in the shape of half moons, and they are yummy. Our son asked for Parmesan for his pizza, and the waiter brought fresh grated Parmesan on a side plate. Wow. The lasagna was like homemade, and I was so thankful I ordered the lunch special of 1/2 an order and a side salad. I could barely finish it, and my husband ate some of the salad. It was definitely a generous portion. The calzone was chocked full of the ingredients (you decide), and the crust was very tasty and just the right consistency: soft on the inside, cooked with a bit of a crunch on the outside and bottom.

Website

Call It What It Is

/ The WheatandTares

*song doesn’t seem to be posting. Not sure if cut/past glitch or what. If problem continues, try clicking here.

Listening to this song just reminds me that, sometimes, you’ve go to “call a spade a spade.” Don’t walk through life looking for others to blame for your own wrong doings, and don’t look for justification for your personal sin; however, when it is clearly someone else who needs to own up to their fault, there is no need for you to walk in guilt and shame for their failure.

Don’t carry that baggage. Let them own it, and let it go.

That’s called truth speaking, and grasping this is called truth living. It seems to be a bit rare in today’s culture, but it really is a great place to be.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Now, be free, and have a Happy Monday!😉