This has been a quick week with a trip to North Carolina for a conference/vacation. I’ve had the opportunity to learn and present at a scholarship of teaching and learning conference tied to my day job while also exploring the North Carolina mountains with my family. It’s a last hurrah before life gets insane with the start of school and then ACFW — all at the same time.
One of the joys of this trip was the opportunity to connect with my dear friend Pepper Basham. She’s one of my soul sisters, the few individuals that I can trust with every part of me and who I know gets me, loves me, and will challenge stinking thinking. There’s a few people God has put in my life like that and she is one of them. So it was a delight to get a couple hours with her at the Biltmore. While others were listening to the audioguide, Pepper and I were talking writing, family, and faith with a good sprinkling of Biltmore trivia. I’m sure it was entertaining.
One of the great things about being out of town was the creative side of me was fed by wandering the gardens. The flowers. Y’all, it’s insane. So beautiful. We joke as a family about creating the Putman estates, but places like this make me wonder it would like to create a corner of that in our yard. Anyone want to come help?
There’s such beauty and diversity in God’s creation and so much of it is on display on the grounds at the Biltmore. There’s something about being in places like this that feeds a part of my soul and creativity that I need. But it’s hard to find the time to slip away for times like this. I tend to come when it’s a combination of work and family time. And this week has been a great combination of both.
We’re missing our 19 year old, who’s still on his internship, but he’ll be home this weekend. I can’t wait to see him. How do you find time to feed your soul? Are you a ble to find ways to escape even for a day or two?
To help you relax, here’s a giveaway for a book. Either a copy of Sarah Ladd’s latest book or Pepper’s latest. Both are excellent and I’d love to share them with you!
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Pepper gives a better tour of the Biltmore than the paid guides. LOL I’ve loved your photos on Instagram – that area is so beautiful. I’m in awe every time I go!
She does a fantastic job. It was such fun.
What a wonderful trip, Cara! I’d love to tour the Biltmore someday. So much history there. Pepper is such a doll. I adore her. And her books! 🙂
She is such a fun person and great author.
I love the Biltmore, but have never gotten the Pepper tour! So glad your family had this time together, Cara. See you soon!
I can’t wait to see you, Deb!
Pepper was kind enough to meet my daughter and me at the Biltmore when we were there a few years back. It’s such a fond memory!
She’s great — It was so special to get that couple hours with her.
My parents and I visited Biltmore Estate in the 1990s; we were living in South Carolina. We saw a little bit of Asheville. It’s a beautiful place to visit and plenty of tours to take there! Biltmore Estate and surrounding grounds have been featured in movies.
Of interest, “The Last Castle” by Denise Kiernan (2017) tells the story of the house and George and Edith Vanderbilt.
I have the Last Castle on my TBR pile. Someday I’ll get to it!
I have been to the Biltmore many times and love it a lot! My goal is to make it there at Christmas one of these years! 😀 I’ve been in the other seasons but not then. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I have read some of both Pepper’s & Sarah’s books and enjoyed all I read. I need to catch up with those I haven’t yet!
I want to get there at Christmas too!
Beautiful photos. Fortunate to visit the Biltmore 3 times. Always a treat.
This was my third time, too, Betty. 🙂
I wanna go to the Biltmore! Sounds so close to Baltimore hehe but obviously different! I love Pepper too!!
How fun!! I’d love to visit the Biltmore Estate someday (and get the Pepper version of the tour)! I love to visit lighthouses and places with natural beauty. I’m not sure it makes me more creative, but it does nurture my soul and gives me peace.
Cara! I am SO GLAD we got to visit together and I LOVED getting to meet your family!! You are such an encourager and inspiration!
I have a wanted to visit the Biltmore for years. Glad you got to go.
As a matter of fact we will be getting away this week to our cottage in Indiana. Little cell coverage and no WiFi so lots of down time.
Wow this looks so fun!
John Land? I think I may know you!
Your youngest son must’ve had a great time! I was around his age when I went there as a kid. I was very glad I was able to go. He must be glad he was able to go as well! 🥶🐐🥶