grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

O Come, O Come to Thorncrown Chapel

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Thorncrown Chapel

We visited Thorncrown Chapel while the leaves were turning. Nestled in the Ozarks just outside Eureka Springs, Thorncrown Chapel is one of the most stunning and iconic structures in Arkansas. Today, I’m bringing it to you.

Woo-hoo!

Arkansas’s own brilliant architect, E. Fay Jones, designed Thorncrown Chapel using native woodland elements. The 48-foot tall structure consists of 425 windows totaling over 6,000 square feet of glass. So much glass brings the surrounding Ozark forest inside.

Inside your mind and heart.

Thorncrown Chapel

Because of the marvel of the design, Thorncrown Chapel never looks the same inside or out. Hour to hour, day to day, season to season, surrounding nature is an important part of the overall experience. Continue Reading

Triple Falls (aka Twin Falls) at Camp Orr

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Last week, John and I did a little exploring in Jasper, Arkansas with the goal to visit Triple Falls. What a scenic, must see spot! No worries if you can’t visit for real. I’m bringing it to you.

Of course my pictures in no way capture the true majesty. Oh well. Until apparition (a la Harry Potter) becomes a thing, this will have to do.Continue Reading

Fixer to Fabulous on HGTV

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Fixer to Fabulous

I’m excited for my friend, Jenny Marrs, and her family! Their brand-new television show Fixer to Fabulous airs on HGTV this week! Be sure to tune in (or set your DVR) this Tuesday night, October 22, at 9:00/8:00 Central Time. They are the sweetest family and their home renovations in Bentonville, Arkansas are, well, fabulous.

Fixer to Fabulous

Let’s face it, we need someone to fill the sad vacancy left wide open when Chip and Joanna Gaines decided Fixer Upper would end. Fixer to Fabulous on HGTV will expertly fit the bill. I just know it. And being able to support a show and family located in our backyard while highlighting the uniqueness of Northwest Arkansas will be a definite bonus.

A fun tidbit—back when The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee debuted, Jenny Marrs won the grand prize of my Virtual Book Launch party. Her prize? Jenny Marrs will be a character in my Gracie Lee sequel. (I’ve written a tiny bit of it and already know they will be the best of friends…)

I wonder if HGTV will have to sign off now? Hmmm.Continue Reading

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