Humble. Having a modest estimate of one’s own importance. Resonant. Deep clear remembrance of an experience. Deep. Extending far down from the surface. Bright. Giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining; intelligent and quick-witted. These are the words Interior Designer Mary Kate Gaines used to present her impressions of one of her recent clients, Paula Taylor. In the moment, Mary Kate had no idea that Paula has been a close friend of mine for more than 20 years. I am a writer, …
Maybe they’re a bit like gravy. Or cheese. Or ranch dressing. When life hands you the flooring equivalent of meatloaf, replete with questionable bits and bumps, cover it with a rug! However, …
A homeowner’s personal touches transform a house into a home, reflecting the personality of those who live there. When you step inside, a first impression might come from glimpses of favorite hobbies …
The enduring beauty and timeless quality of natural stone is unparalleled. From wrapping a few columns, adding a stone wall behind a woodstove or around a fireplace to a full interior wall, …
In 1923, the 3-position traffic light was patented, and Calvin “Silent Cal” Coolidge became the 30th U.S. President. “The Great Gatzby” was published. The Reverend Charles William Stone and his sons of …
This is a love story. One very talented beach babe connected her heart and soul to one extremely skilled, guitar pickin’, country cowboy. Linda grew up in Virginia Beach. Larry hails from …
The Knowltons moved to the New River Valley the same year that General Motors launched the first electric car and Mariah Carey topped the charts with “Always Be My Baby” and “One …
It too often carries a negative connotation: To “slap a coat of paint” on something means going for the quickest, easiest spit-spine. Maybe you’re covering up prodigious crayon masterpieces. Maybe those picture-hanging …
Sharon Scott grew up with gardens. Her grandmothers, aunts and mother grew flowers and vegetables, and the delicate fragrances of lilacs, butterfly bushes, clematis, morning glories, peonies and roses wafted in the …
Sisters Florence and Mary Heavener lived all their days in the Blacksburg, 2-story, brick house their parents bought and finished in the 1920s. The other nine children of Laurisa and Floyde Heavener …