Cafe' Fontanella & Friends

Lunching with Singer Michelle Prentice at the fabulous Cafe' Fontanella

Dining with Mr. & Mrs. Charles Garrett

Lunching with Councilman Walt Hunt & Mrs. David Bowman of Renton Washington

Stand Your Ground, HOA & Neighborhood Watch

Rally for Trayvon Martin in Nashville...

"True life is lived when tiny changes occur."

-- Leo Tolstoy

Our home & garden, Wellington Court & Gardens we designed in 2008

The Evergreen garden to the West that divides our neighbors property


With the recent tragedy of Trayvon Martin in a Florida neighborhood I thought it was fitting to post about HOA's and people that "watch" the neighborhood. My concern is for our family and the safety of our property due to over 19 threats/harassment from someone in our neighborhood.

As a journalist I naturally journal and write about what is going on in my world. We moved to what we thought was going to be our Heaven on Earth in 2008. I started a newsletter and celebrated each neighbor and business owner that was in the area. Within 6 months I was threatened, bullied and sent letters from our HOA. I recently received a letter dated March 13th so that leads me to believe that I will never have a "safe place to land" or a sacred space to retreat. This evening a "neighbor" was on our property and actually "mowed our grass" in the front and side garden. I had to actually stand almost in front of his tractor mower to get him to stop! I told him to stop and let him know we have cut our grass every 2 weeks since we moved in. He said " I knew you were going to stop me...we just want it to look like a neighborhood and I mow everyone's grass here but yours. You are the only one who doesn't cut their grass 3 1/2 inches." Huh? After much dialogue he left our property and my husband was on the phone totally miffed! We are civil people and act within the law. Sadly it appears that we are the ones being "watched" and the neighborhood serial reporter is constantly complaining and throwing around accusations of which we have no opportunity to defend. Many HOA's across the country have allowed "bullies" to abuse law abiding homeowners and it needs to stop. We have a right to be comfortable and safe in our home & gardens without threats or controlling neighbors. I always give the benefit of the doubt and was hoping it would stop but it appears I must involve the Metro Police Department.


It is my hope that all will be resolved peacefully and the serial reporter gets the help they need.

The "Stand Your Ground Law" states:
More than half of the states in the United States have adopted the Castle doctrine, stating that a person has no duty to retreat when their home is attacked. Some states go a step further, removing the duty of retreat from any location. "Stand Your Ground", "Line In The Sand" or "No Duty To Retreat" laws thus state that a person has no duty or other requirement to abandon a place in which he has a right to be, or to give up ground to an assailant. Under such laws, there is no duty to retreat from anywhere the defender may legally be.

Be with me in highest good thoughts for Trayvon Martin's family, our family and people across the country who are subjected to such treatment.

Transition Movement & more

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

Spring is one of the best times to visit Cheekwood and take a front-row seat for the new season’s arrival. As the days warm in mid-March, waves of color begin to emerge across our grounds and gardens, starting with hyacinths, daffodils, and magnolias that soon give way to iris, dogwoods, and viburnums. This year’s spring blooms will deliver a massive dose of one of spring’s classics: the bright, crisp lines of over 22,000 tulips in our gardens. Celebrate spring at Cheekwood for a bright view sure to lift any winter fog!

Monthly Community Potluck and Discussion

Monday, April 2nd, 2012, 6-8pm

Nashville Friends Meeting House

530 26th Ave. North

Nashville, TN 37209

This is a potluck open to anyone within the greater Nashville area interested in learning more about the Transition Movement, in living sustainably, and in helping to shape the vision for "greener", more resilient, more interdependent communities throughout our city.

People are asked to bring a dish using local / seasonal ingredients to whatever extent possible.

Cherry Blossom Walk this Saturday

Join Mayor Karl Dean and Consul General of Japan Hiroshi Sato as they lead the third annual Cherry Blossom Walk on Saturday, March 24 at 9 a.m. The walk will begin at the east end of the downtown public square in front of the Metro Courthouse. Participants will walk on the Cumberland River Greenway to Morgan Park and back for a 2.5 mile walk. The event, which is co-hosted by Sister Cities of Nashville and The Japan-America Society of Tennessee, is FREE and open to the general public. Commemorative t-shirts, food and beverages will be available for sale before the walk as well as at the Sister Cities of Nashville booth during the Cherry Blossom Festival, which follows from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by the Sister Cities Info Booth and say hello. My daughter and I will be volunteering and look forward to meeting you!

Cafe' Fontanella italian kitchen & wine bar now Open!

If your palate desires Authentic Italian Cuisine...look no further than Cafe' Fontanella at 4225 Whites Creek Pike. Chef Antonio' promises a dining experience with an extensive wine list, entertainment and an elegant atmosphere. All of which I am addicted to! 615 724-1600 Reservations Recommended. See you there!

Spring is in the Air!

The rain and winds are doing a wonderful job here in Whites Creek in order that we have a magical spring! My gardener pruned and prepared the beds two weeks ago and tomorrow he is back on schedule for mowing and garden maintenance. For me...that means getting in shape to enjoy my exterior rooms and beauty that spring offers. Are you ready to spring clean? Have fun and be creative while doing so and remember to stop by Bates Nursery for new goodies. Happy Spring!

National Night Out...August 2nd...Are you ready?

Whites Creek Revitalization Club is the proud sponsor again this year!

Combat crime while meeting some new neighbors at the 17th Annual National Night Out, a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, on Tuesday, August 2 in various cities around Nashville.

The events usually consists of big block parties, which feature cookouts, visits from local police and sheriff departments, flashlight walks, contests and more, all with the intention of strengthening neighborhood spirit and sending the message that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. My sister is Blockwatch Lead in her Tacoma Washington neighborhood and they will be cooking up hotdogs, burgers and fun & games for the kiddies.

Where are the block parties for 2011?
National Night Out is an organization which encourages people to take to the streets and reclaim their neighborhoods, so block parties are not publicized to people who do not live in the neighborhood. Ask your neighbors if they have set up a block party, or start building community yourself. Whatever you do...do something and have fun!