Before we continue on our adventure in Micanopy, I need to tell her that she won my little giveaway!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures of places that I will probably never get to visit... I love your style and your photos... your blog inspires me to make my home "me" and create my own style... thanks for all you do... for some reason I thought you would have bought the little pillow with the crown.. It would be wonderful in your little cottage... although, I saw a lot of other things that would look wonderful in your home as well as mine...
Debb please email me your mailing address and these pretty tokens of Dakota Mercantile style will be on their way to you! I'm so happy that you all enjoyed visiting this shop and I promise that we will go there again - maybe in the fall?
Lori and I also went to several wonderful antique stores during our day in Micanopy. She found fabulous china pieces for her beautiful mosaics that she creates and I found the perfect pair of vintage white cowboy boots that I have been looking for, but alas, they were too small! So that search continues! ;-)
I love shopping with Lori, because, like me, she enjoys venturing off the beaten path to see what is around the corner. While walking down the quiet country road, this historic mansion called our name ...
Can you imagine staying here? Well you can! You can read about it here. Which room would you choose to hang your hat for the night? Hmm, I think I would pick this one or maybe this one. We had great fun simply walking the gardens!
On our way to get a bite to eat, we passed this old church ...
And this beautiful NEW bloom ...
We had the BEST sandwiches and delicious coconut cake here (thank you Lori!) ...
And while we munched under this old Florida tree ...
We made a sweet little friend ...
With our tummies blissfully satisfied, we decided to drive around a little bit.
And of course we were happy to drive by this ...
Yoo-hoo! Won't you be our neighbor? ;-)
Oh look! How fun ...
Now I want one! ;-)
As we meandered about through town, we passed the old Micanopy cemetery, founded in 1826. We were moved to stop and spend some quiet time, reflecting on these souls who passed before us so long ago ...
Only a baby - his name was Charles ...
Her name was Susie. She was 12 and loved the sea ...
While reading the names and dates preciously etched in stone, Lori wondered what would these people think of our world today? And we wondered what could they teach US about life? I imagine a great deal.
Quietly, we said goodbye ...
to be continued ...
Love,
Kim
What a lovely place to visit! I love that you took the time to visit the graveyard and if in 100 years time, someone who has no idea who my son is, takes the time to think about him and wonder what he was like, I shall be very happy and honoured. x
Posted by: Hannah | July 29, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Love the post!! Beautiful cemetary photos. I always wonder about the people layed to rest in the cemetaries. What was their life like back in the old days? What did they do, what kind of work did they do? etc. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era.
Thank you once again, Kim, for such a lovely post. Your words and pictures always brighten my day!
Hugs,
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | July 29, 2009 at 07:49 AM
Good morning Kim :)
Micanopy is a beautiful place! Thank you for bringing us with you :)
We always try to stop at cemeteries too. My grandfather always did when my mom was little, so I must have gotten it from him. The children's grave always make me sad, but the married couples put a smile on my face knowing that they are together. I realize that sounds odd, but I think they must have waited for the other one to join them and now they're finally at peace.
Can't wait to see where else you went.... :)
love,
rue
Posted by: rue | July 29, 2009 at 08:13 AM
The cemetery wanderings enlivened my heart this morning. People like us, who decorate like we do (I know your style and it's mine), love stories. Cemetery stories are captivating to me, much like the sometimes known, but often dreamed-up stories I attach to the things I buy at thrift shops, garage sales, antique shops. Thanks for stirring up those feelings today.
Your friend,
Tracey
Posted by: Tracey | July 29, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Good morning, Kim!
Thanks so much for showing us the moments of your outing with your friend. It is so nice to just wander through your pictures. I can just imagine being there.......there is much "scope for the imagination".
I love old cemeteries! When we visited Charleston we loved walking through them. It really makes you wonder.
((hugs))
Mary Lou
Posted by: Mary Lou | July 29, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Wonderful post, Kim. I love going to old cemeteries and wandering about, wondering about the people and their lives.
Micanopy looks like such a fun place to explore and I agree with Lori, it's always fun to see what may be around the next corner.
Janet
Posted by: janet | July 29, 2009 at 09:00 AM
What a beautiful place this is. Love the pictures.
Posted by: Bev | July 29, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Wonderful pictures and details of your trip. Where is Micanopy? I can't find it on the Florida map in my road atlas and I don't have a map from the state. Looks like the kind of place my husband and I would love to visit.
Looking forward to the next installment --
Patty
Posted by: Patty | July 29, 2009 at 09:20 AM
One of my favorite places in Northern Florida and a real hidden gem. I aquired a lovely spool chest from a small, off the beaten track antique store there in 1985. It is in my home and holds antique ivory crochet hooks and silk badges. Rally enjoyed your posting. Sea Witch
Posted by: Sea Witch | July 29, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Great pictures!! We've stayed at the Herlong - even got the ghost's room (but didn't see her). Thanks for showing these - I have a little trip planned for this weekend. :)
Susan
Posted by: SusanG | July 29, 2009 at 12:20 PM
That is so much fun to go along with you and Lori...beautiful photos and I love the way you make us feel like we are really there with you!
That old mansion looks gorgeous..will check that out! AND of course the coconut cake caught my eye...one of my most FAVS!!
Have a wondrous Wednesday!
Hugs,
Lynn♥
~Let FREEDOM Ring!~
Posted by: Lynn Cliburn | July 29, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Holy cats! I met that cat two years ago when I ate at that same restaurant. I'm so glad to see he's doing well :)
http://fluffyflowers.typepad.com/fluffy_flowers/2007/05/micanopy_florid.html
Posted by: Felicia | July 29, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Oh Felicia how cool is THAT!!
Yes our little friend looked like he was very happy!!!
Susan, I wish I could go again this weekend to see YOU!!! Have fun!
xo,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | July 29, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Oh Kim! Thank you for sharing your day with me! I love small pretty towns and even wandering through old cemetaries. Thanks again for sharing!
Posted by: Becky G. | July 29, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Kim, what a wonderful town and what a wonderful tour. I love the old cemetary and statues. It was an awesome adventure.
jean in virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | July 29, 2009 at 02:19 PM
These photos of the cemetary are really beautiful. I'm so drawn to them, especially the old family plots. I wonder about them. You've captured the feeling beautifully.
Posted by: Arlene | July 29, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Congrats to Debb for being chosen. I know you will treasure Kim's gift to you.
Kim, I would choose the Azalea Room. I think it is elegant and cozy. I could be a queen for a day in that room. I looked for Micanopy on Google Maps and saw that is a ways north of Lakeland. I bet it was a beautiful drive. I will be back tomorrow to continue the tour.
Hugs,
Nancy M.
Posted by: Nancy M. | July 29, 2009 at 03:03 PM
We've stayed at the Herlong Mansion! I'm not sure the name of the room, it was on the top left as you are looking at the house. The BEST part was the veranda had a swing - the size of a twin bed. It was a very romantic place!
Posted by: Tina in Duluth | July 29, 2009 at 04:13 PM
What a lovely place to stay. The owners did a fantastic job restoring it. I like the little pump house for privacy and tranquil setting, the Herlong suite for the beautiful french doors and viranda.
Whenever I think you've outdone yourself.. you go and find a beautiful and charming mansion with interesting history to share with us. Thank you!!
Can't wait to see more :)
Carole
Posted by: Carole | July 29, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Hi Kim,
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the post today. You take so much time in posting the beautiful photos (makes you feel like you are there). Also, not only is it beautifully done, we always learn a little history and background on your travels. Thanks for letting me share your vacation. Wish I could go with you sometime. I enjoy going "graving" which we in Indiana call search old cemeteries. It is so peaceful and interesting....I spent one whole afternoon in Grantham England in an old cemetery it was fantastic. Have a great week and keep posting.
Your Hoosier Friend,
Monica
Posted by: Monica Epperson | July 29, 2009 at 07:06 PM
Thank you Monica VERY much.
I really appreciate that..
AND I wish you could come with me too.
Love,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | July 29, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Your music takes me back in time-love it, even tough I'm only in my early 40's. That mansion is beautiful.
I am starting a NEW Mr. Linky party. It will begin on Aug 10th so everyone will have a week and a half to think about their first post. I have a poll up for votes on which button should be the new button. The "party" is called The Knock Off Knock Out-where THRIFTY meets creative sensation. Go over and learn more about the new weekly event and I would appreciate if you would cast your vote and HELP pick the new button design and its the last week for the July GIVE-A-Way, if you would like to be a part of that event..
Cheri
Posted by: Cheri Peoples | July 29, 2009 at 10:31 PM
What an amazing adventure! You have made me want to get my camera out and take pictures of life. Just life, simple things, homes.......
Posted by: Colleen | July 30, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Such pretty pics. That cemetary reminds me of the one my mother is buried in. It's in Orange Springs, below Micanopy. There are Civil War soldiers buried there, so it has the same feeling.
Posted by: Wendy | July 30, 2009 at 08:05 PM