modern in the mountains
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
26 | HOME FEATURE Wanting to have a place closer to their daughter, a retired Memphis couple turned to architect John Harrison Jones to create a modern farmhouse that would fit into a mountain setting near the town of Erwin in northeast Tennessee.
44 | GETAWAY Perched high above the Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi, transforms each holiday season into a scene worthy of a Christmas card,
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
NOVEMBER 2026 home & design 26 HOME FEATURE
Modern Farmhouse, Mountain Twist
food & travel 44 GETAWAY
Christmas in Natchez
52 TRAVEL
Norway: Where the Fjords Lead the Way
64 IN THE KITCHEN Molly's Mac
for you
40 WEDDING
Mr. & Mrs. Trippeer
68 HEALTHY YOU
Gratitude
in every issue
14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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73 SOURCES
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NOVEMBER 2026 • VOL. 25 NO. 8 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@ athomemms.com
MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@ athomemms.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER GINNI JONES | gjones@ athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@ colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EX ECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@ comcast.net
ACCOUNT EX ECUTIVES GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@ athomemms.com CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@ gmail.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@ athomemms.com
MARK ETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@ athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 7776 FARMINGTON BLVD, # 1321 GERMANTOWN TN 38183 | 901.684.4155 ATHOMEMMS.COM At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn' t accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to— Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183. SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $ 19.95. Single copy price: $ 4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183. or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
@athomemagazine
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November
ha s a l ways fel t l i ke a m onth for co ming ho m e— gatheri ng a round a ta bl e, reconnec ti ng wi th fa mi l y and f r i ends, a nd rem em beri ng the pl a c es a nd tra di ti ons that have s ha ped us. I n thi s i ssue, we sha re the stor y of a Memphi s coupl e who built thei r drea m home i n the m ounta i ns; a pl a c e to esca pe, rec harge a nd enj oy the bea uty of a di fferent l a ndsca pe. Fo r m e, the hol i days have a l ways brought m e ba c k to Natc hez, M i ssi ssi ppi , where I grew up. No matter how ma ny yea rs pa s s , there i s somethi ng spec i a l a bout returni ng to a pl a c e f i l l ed with c hi l dhood m em ori es, fa mi l i a r fa c es a nd tra di ti ons that have stayed w ith m e through the yea rs. I a m proud to sha re my hometown with yo u thi s m onth wi th a "G etaway " to Natc hez duri ng the hol i days . A l t hough I have l i ved i n the Mem phi s a rea for a l most 4 0 years , N atc hez a nd Mi ssi ssi ppi wi l l a l ways feel l i ke home. T hat i s what I l ove most a bout thi s ti m e of yea r. It gi ves us permi ssi on to paus e— to travel a l i ttl e, gather a l ot, a nd a pprec i ate the peopl e a nd places that have ma de us who we a re. I a m so gratef ul for so m uc h thi s sea son. New to my l i st of bl essi ngs i s our f i f th gra ndc hi l d, fourth gra ndson, whom we will wel com e soon! He i s a l rea dy so l oved, a nd we ca n’ t wa i t to meet hi m! Prayers for our prec i ous da ughter-i n-l aw, who i s a l so At H o m e’s m a na gi ng edi tor, the one who m a kes the ma ga zi ne happen , a s she prepa res to wel com e thi s sweet ba by boy. We a re a l ways espec i a l l y gratef ul for our At Ho m e rea ders, a dverti sers a nd contri butors who a l l ow us to conti nue tel l i ng the stori es of the rema rka bl e peopl e a nd pl a c es that ma ke the Mid S o uth so spec i a l . W herever the hol i days ta ke you, I hope you f i nd your way h o me. Ha ppy T ha nksgi v i ng!
- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
Modern in the M o u n ta i n s T E X T B Y T E R R I G L A Z E R | B U I LT B Y S I N E AT H C O N S T R U C T I O N A R C H I T E C T U R E B Y J O H N H A R R I S O N J O N E S A R C H I T E C T | D E S I G N B Y O . P. J E N K I N S F U R N I T U R E A N D D E S I G N A N D B E C K Y W A LT E R O F S I N E AT H C O N S T R U C T I O N | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y R YA N T H E E D E November 2026 • athomemms.com | 27
H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
Wanting to have a place closer to their daughter, a retired Memphis couple turned to architect John Harrison Jones to create a modern farmhouse that would fit into a mountain setting near the town of Erwin in northeast Tennessee.
“We thought it would take forever to find some property, but we came across this the first weekend we were looking,” says the homeowner, referring to their 67-acre parcel near the Cherokee National Forest. The beautiful plot of land, which includes wooded areas, an old apple orchard and several meadows, had been held by members of one local family for about a century. The new owners sought to build a house that would be in keeping with the property’s history and location. The finished product is beautiful, traditional yet relaxed, and filled with practical features. The couple worked with Sineath Construction in nearby Weaverville, NC, to build their mountain place. Although they originally envisioned a single-story floor plan, Jones modified the concept a bit once the homeowners decided to site the house in a meadow nestled back from the road. Homebuilder Brian Sineath brought a landscape architect on board to ensure the structure would be placed perfectly to maximize the property’s picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain views. “We have two guest bedrooms and one guest bathroom upstairs. The rooms we use every day are all down, so it mostly lives like a one-story house,” says the owner. November 2026 • athomemms.com | 29
H O M E F E AT U R E
Upping
the ante on creating a home
that would be true to its surroundings, the couple opted to use native materials wherever possible. “All the paneling is local poplar that was primed and installed on the interior, the stone is Tennessee flagstone, and the porches are built of locust wood also from the area,” Sineath explains. Those porches are among the owner’s favorite features. Jones drew the home with a gracious covered front porch as well as a large screened-in one off the back side. Furnished with four wooden rocking chairs and accented with plenty of greenery, the front porch beckons the owners and their guests to sit a while and enjoy the beauty of the wildflower field that stretches out in front of the house. Covered in yellow blossoms, the expanse shows Mother Nature’s handiwork every spring and summer. A contemporary-style mahogany front door paired with multi-paned sidelites creates a warm welcome into the foyer. Overhead, a domed metal leaf light fixture is a nod to the natural surroundings. The owner furnished the space, as she did throughout the house, with a combination of pieces from her Memphis home and new acquisitions. The entryway opens into the heart of the home, a living room, dining area and kitchen that flow easily into a single space. The living room’s stunning vaulted ceiling sets the tone for the whole house, handsome, but without a hint of fussiness. Skylights punctuate the warm stained wood, allowing light to fill the room. A natural fieldstone fireplace anchors the design; crisp white shiplap walls add another layer of interest without calling too much attention to themselves. The owners sourced the room’s comfortable seating from Knoxville’s O.P. Jenkins Furniture and Design, making sure to reserve a place for the family’s grand piano. An eye-catching teak horse head sculpture once graced the couple’s lake house at Greer’s Ferry, AR.
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One
accessory was omitted from the living room by an intentional decision. “I don’t like a TV in the living room, so John made a whole separate room for TV watching and he called it the ‘away room,’” says the homeowner. Situated off the living area, but definitely away from it thanks to a pair of pocket doors, the spot is where the owners spend most of their evenings. The room’s overstuffed chaise sofa is the one piece of furniture on which the couple’s two dogs are allowed. “They love to climb up [on the sofa] with us and we have family time with them there,” she adds. On the far end of the home’s common area is a large open kitchen. Says the homeowner, “Green is my favorite color, so I knew I wanted green cabinets.” She had already chosen a deep, organic shade called Rosemary by Sherwin Williams, and was delighted to learn that Mouser, the manufacturer of her new home’s cabinetry, offered a stock color that was identical. Glossy white subway tile backsplashes and quartzite countertops allow the pretty gray green to take center stage. Stained wood floating shelves and a matching accent piece on the custom vent hood play up the home’s natural setting, while a brushed gold faucet and cabinet hardware introduce a bit of sophistication. Above the adjoining dining area hangs a chandelier that has moved with the family throughout the years. Made in France and originally sourced through a friend’s shop when the couple lived in Little Rock, it came along with them to Memphis over 25 years and also made the trip to East Tennessee. The whimsical fixture’s swirls and stars look right at home in their new place. November 2026 • athomemms.com | 33
H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
The
downstairs primary suite features another vaulted ceiling, this one lined with white shiplap that makes the dark wood beams pop. The furnishings, including a metal canopy bed that’s both graceful and modern, are new, while the overhead light fixture is another of the Ironware International pieces the owners have loved in previous houses. “I love the intentionality that this couple came into the building process with, and how they wanted to design this home,” says Patrick Rhyne, Sineath Construction’s client coordinator. He explains that as retirees, the owners wanted to ensure their comfort in their mountain home as the years go by. The primary bathroom illustrates that point with a zeroentry shower and motion-activated lighting under the floating vanity. A cozy study and a powder bath complete the family’s downstairs living spaces. Green grasscloth lines the study’s walls, mirroring the lush view just outside the room’s corner window. A large desk, leather chair and ottoman, and a traditional red oushak rug combine to create a masculine feel here, punched up by a stone fireplace. Above the mantel hangs a dramatic landscape, one of the many original works by local Mid South artists that fill the home. Mulberry Thistle wallpaper in the powder room proves that an initial choice is often the best choice. Says the homeowner, “That was the very first wallpaper that I saw that I liked, but I kept ordering sample after sample. Finally I thought, ‘Just go with what you wanted at the beginning.’” The botanical pattern adds a lovely natural element, along with the soapstone countertop and blue/green vanity.
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Along with two comfortable bedrooms and a shared bath, the upstairs boasts a unique
architectural feature. The homeowner tells its story. “We had this huge area above the kitchen, but no access to it. There were ideas about putting a drop-down staircase in the ceiling of the kitchen or the pantry, but I didn’t like either of those. I mentioned that to our builder one day and he said, ‘I bet we can figure out something.’ Jeff Kirby was our field manager, and he had welded the railings on the front porch. He made a drop-down walkway we call the drawbridge.” Accessed from one of the upstairs bedrooms, the feature spans the space over the staircase, allowing safe and easy access to the attic area. The ingenious invention consists of a sort of Dutch door; the top section unlatches and swings open while the lower part drops on hinges at the bottom across to the attic opening. The unit is framed in metal for strength and stability. It’s also cleverly disguised. Covered in the same shiplap as the rest of the walls, the staircase side disappears when closed; the bedroom side sits behind a door that matches the others in the room. With its personalized layout and one-of-a-kind details, this mountain modern farmhouse differs quite a bit from the owners’ more traditional Memphis home, but suits them just as well. Its thoughtful design and easy-going ambiance make it the perfect retreat in its rural paradise setting. November 2026 • athomemms.com | 37
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WEDDING
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WEDDING
Bailey & Richard TRIPPEER M A RC H 18, 2026 | OX FO R D, M S
PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: LYNN AND JOHN APPLE PARENTS OF THE GROOM: PAT TI AND TRIP TRIPPEER EVENT PLANNER: EMILY TAYLOR WEDDINGS REHEARSAL DINNER: CITY GROCERY WEDDING & RECEPTION: WHISKEY FARM PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH G. BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY INVITATIONS: MOLLY CHAIN COLLEC TIVE FLORIST: WREN AND ROSE FLORAL BAKER: THE FLOUR GARDEN BAND: BLANTON REED BAND WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL MAKEUP: KENDRICK SIMPSON RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS MAGNOLIA RENTALS
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G E TAWAY
TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT NATCHEZ
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G E TAWAY
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G E TAWAY
There
are places that decorate for Christmas, and then there is Natchez, Mississippi. Perched high above the Mississippi River, this storied Southern city transforms each holiday season into a scene worthy of a Christmas card, one in which twinkling lights illuminate centuries-old streets, historic homes glow with candlelight, and the spirit of the season seems to linger around every corner. From late November through January, Natchez embraces Christmas in a way few destinations can. The season begins with the beloved Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in the heart of downtown. Families gather beneath the towering tree on Main Street as holiday music fills the air, children enjoy rides and activities, and visitors line up to meet Santa. As the countdown begins and thousands of lights burst to life, the city officially welcomes its most magical season. One of the most cherished traditions is the Christmas Pilgrimage. Throughout the holiday season, many of Natchez’s magnificent historic homes open their doors to visitors, offering a rare glimpse into both the 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2026
G E TAWAY Y
city’s rich history and its festive celebrations. Mansions adorned with wreaths, garlands, sparkling trees and period holiday decor invite guests to step back in time and experience Christmas as generations before them may have celebrated it. Walking through these beautifully preserved homes feels less like taking a tour and more like stepping into a living Christmas story. Beyond the historic tours, Natchez offers a full calendar of holiday events that appeal to visitors of every age. The annual Christmas Parade brings the community together with festive floats, marching bands, lights and plenty of holiday cheer. Local choirs and musicians perform throughout the season, filling churches, parks and venues with the sounds of Christmas classics and seasonal concerts. Shoppers will find plenty to love as well. The Natchez Merry Market and various holiday shopping events showcase local artisans, craftspeople, boutiques and specialty vendors. It’s the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting small businesses. Downtown shops extend their holiday spirit with festive displays, seasonal treats and warm Southern hospitality that makes every visitor feel like part of the community. For those seeking unique holiday experiences, Natchez continues to evolve its seasonal offerings. New this year, Living History Natchez’s Dickens Christmas will transport visitors to the enchanting world of a Victorian holiday, bringing classic Christmas traditions to life in downtown Natchez. Guests can encounter period-costumed characters inspired by Charles Dickens’ beloved tales, enjoy festive entertainment and seasonal activities, and experience the warmth, charm and nostalgia of a bygone era. Alongside this exciting new event, candlelit musical performances, immersive storytelling, Christmas markets and enchanting evening celebrations add a distinctive blend of history, culture and holiday magic. Together, these experiences capture the timeless spirit of the season while creating unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.
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G E TAWAY
Of course, Christmas in Natchez extends far beyond scheduled events. The city itself becomes an attraction. Visitors can stroll along the bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, admire the festive decorations throughout downtown, and spend evenings dining in locally owned restaurants serving Southern favorites. Cozy bed-and-breakfasts, many housed in historic properties, offer an unforgettable holiday retreat, complete with decorated parlors and warm hospitality. What truly sets Natchez apart is the feeling the city creates. Here, Christmas isn’t rushed. Neighbors gather, traditions are honored and visitors are welcomed as friends. The combination of Southern charm, historic beauty and heartfelt community spirit creates an atmosphere that captures the very essence of the holidays.
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G E TAWAY Y
In a world where Christmas often seems to pass in a blur, Natchez invites travelers to slow down, savor the season and rediscover the wonder that makes this time of year so special. Whether you’re touring a grand home, singing carols beneath a sparkling tree, shopping for handmade treasures, or simply watching the sunset over the Mississippi River, Christmas in Natchez is a holiday experience that stays with you long after the decorations are packed away. It’s no surprise that so many visitors return year after year. Once you’ve experienced Christmas in Natchez, it feels a little like coming home. November 2026 • athomemms.com | 49
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T R AV E L
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T R AV E L
NORWAY:
WHERE THE FJORDS LEAD THE WAY TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS
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T R AV E L
N O R W AY i s a l a n d w h e re n a t u re re f u s e s t o re m a i n i n t h e b a c k g ro u n d . M o u n ta i n s r i s e a l m o st ve r t i c a l l y f ro m d e e p b l u e wa te r, g l a c i e rs s h i m m e r b e t w e e n snowcapped peaks, and colorful villages appear in places that seem untouched b y t i m e . I t i s d ra m a t i c , p e a c e f u l a n d w o n d e r f u l l y u n p re d i c ta b l e , a d e st i n a t i o n w h e re e a c h t u r n re ve a l s a n o t h e r v i e w m o re b re a t h ta k i n g t h a n t h e l a st . Ye t N o r way i s m o re t h a n m a g n i f i c e n t s c e n e r y. I t s V i k i n g h e r i ta g e , st o r y b o o k c i t i e s , m a r i t i m e t ra d i t i o n s a n d l o ve o f o u td o o r l i fe g i ve t h e c o u n t r y a c h a ra c te r a l l i t s o w n . H e re , a d ve n t u re m i g h t m e a n c l i m b i n g t o a m o u n ta i n t o p , ra c i n g a c ro s s a f j o rd o r fo l l o w i n g a c e n t u r i e s - o l d p a s s a g e way j u st t o s e e w h e re i t l e a d s . I w i l l h ave t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o d i s c o ve r t h i s re m a r ka b l e c o u n t r y t h i s m o n t h o n a j o u r n e y b e g i n n i n g i n A m ste rd a m a n d t rave l i n g t h ro u g h t h e N o r w e g i a n f j o rd s . O u r i t i n e ra r y i n c l u d e s E i d f j o rd , O l d e n , Å l e s u n d a n d B e rg e n ; fo u r d e st i n a t i o n s o f fe r i n g ve r y d i f fe re n t w i n d o w s i n t o N o r way ’s b e a u t y, c u l t u re a n d h i st o r y. A f te r n e a r l y 4 0 ye a rs i n t h e t rave l i n d u st r y a n d v i s i t s t o m o re t h a n 5 0 c o u n t r i e s , I st i l l fe e l t h a t fa m i l i a r exc i te m e n t w h e n e ve r a n e w d e st i n a t i o n d ra w s n e a r. N o r way h a s b e e n o n my l i st fo r ye a rs , a n d I l o o k fo r wa rd t o s e e i n g i t b e c o m e re a l . AMSTERDAM: WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGINS B e fo re t u r n i n g n o r t h , t h e a d ve n t u re b e g i n s a m i d A m ste rd a m ’s c a n a l s , ga b l e d h o u s e s a n d b i c yc l e - f i l l e d st re e t s . A r r i v i n g a d ay o r t w o e a r l y a l l o w s t i m e fo r a c a n a l c r u i s e o r v i s i t s t o t h e c i t y ' s c e l e b ra te d m u s e u m s a n d n e i g h b o r h o o d c a fe s b e fo re d e p a r t i n g fo r N o r way. 54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2026
A s A m ste rd a m s l i p s f ro m v i e w a n d t h e s h i p c ro s s e s t h e N o r t h S e a , a n t i c i p a t i o n b u i l d s . S o m e w h e re a h e a d , t h e c o a st l i n e b e c o m e s w i l d e r, t h e m o u n ta i n s g ro w ta l l e r a n d t h e e n t ra n c e t o N o r way ’s l e g e n d a r y f j o rd s d ra w s c l o s e r. I N TO A L A N D S C A P E S H A P E D BY I C E N o r way ’s f j o rd s w e re c a r ve d b y e n o r m o u s g l a c i e rs o ve r t h o u s a n d s o f ye a rs . W h e n t h e i c e re t re a te d , s e a wa te r f i l l e d t h e d e e p va l l e y s , l e av i n g l o n g wa te r way s e n c l o s e d b y c l i f fs a n d m o u n ta i n s . Fa c t s a n d p h o t o g ra p h s c a n n o t c a p t u re t h e fe e l i n g o f e n te r i n g a f j o rd . T h e s e a n a r ro w s , m o u n ta i n s r i s e o n b o t h s i d e s a n d a t i ny fa r m h o u s e a p p e a rs o n a n i m p o s s i b l y ste e p s l o p e . H e re , t h e s c e n e r y d o e s n o t wa i t fo r t rave l e rs t o a r r i ve i n port; the journey becomes part of the ex p e r i e n c e . N o v e m b e r s h o u l d m a ke t h i s l a n d s c a p e e ve n m o re a t m o s p h e r i c . S u m m e r ’s l o n g d ay s g i ve way t o c r i s p a i r, m o o d y s k i e s a n d t h e f i rst t o u c h o f w i n te r. S n o w m ay d u st t h e p e a k s a s v i l l a g e s b e g i n t o g l o w i n the early twilight. I t i s a l s o t h e p e r fe c t s e a s o n t o u n d e rsta n d ko s , t h e N o r w e g i a n fe e l i n g o f wa r m t h , c o m fo r t a n d c o n te n t m e n t . I m a g i n e s e tt l i n g b e s i d e a p a n o ra m i c w i n d o w w i t h a wa r m d r i n k a s t h e m o u n ta i n s d i s a p p e a r i n t o t h e e ve n i n g . E I D FJ O R D : S M A L L V I L L A G E , G R A N D ADVENTURE T h e f i rst N o r w e g i a n p o r t i s E i d f j o rd , re a c h e d v i a t h e m a g n i f i c e n t H a rd a n g e r f j o rd . A s t h e s h i p t rave l s i n l a n d , m o u n ta i n s c l o s e i n a n d t h e o u t s i d e w o r l d s e e m s t o fa l l a way.
AMSTERDAM CANAL CRUISE
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EIDFORD, NORWAY CRUISE PORT
E i d f j o rd m ay b e s m a l l , w i t h o n l y 9 5 0 re s i d e n t s , b u t e ve r y t h i n g s u r ro u n d i n g i t fe e l s i m m e n s e . O n e o f i t s b i g g e st d ra w s i s t h e Vo r i n g s fo s s e n wa te r fa l l s — a m o n g N o r way ’s l a rg e st — w h e re t h e wa te r p l u n g e s a p p rox i m a te l y 5 9 7 fe e t i n t o t h e va l l e y b e l o w. T h e 2 0 - t o 2 5 - m i n u te s c e n i c d r i ve t h ro u g h M a b o d a l e n Va l l e y i s a b o n u s , w i t h c h a r m i n g b r i d g e s t o c ro s s o ve r a n d a ro u n d t h e fa l l s . T h e re g i o n b o a st s c h a l l e n g i n g h i k i n g t ra i l s w i t h s o m e ste e p i n c l i n e s a n d u n e ve n te r ra i n . Fo r l e s s a d ve n t u ro u s t y p e s , t h e v i l l a g e h a s a l i tt l e t ra i n t h a t t rave l s t h ro u g h o u t t h e a re a , u p a n d d o w n t h e ste e p h i l l s . I n N o ve m b e r, t h e fa l l s m ay b e p a r t l y f roze n , re s e m b l i n g a g re a t i c e s c u l p t u re c a r ve d i n t o t h e m o u n ta i n s . W i n te r w e a t h e r c a n re st r i c t a c c e s s t o v i e w i n g a re a s , m a k i n g l o c a l c o n d i t i o n s a n i m p o r ta n t p a r t o f t h e d ay ’s p l a n s . T h e n e a r b y H a rd a n g e r v i d d a m o u n ta i n p l a te a u r i s e s b e yo n d t h e n a r ro w M a b o d a l e n va l l e y, w h e re e a c h b e n d re ve a l s a l a n d s c a p e ste e p e r a n d w i l d e r t h a n t h e l a st . A s c e n i c c o a c h exc u rs i o n t h ro u g h t h e va l l e y c a n d e l i ve r m u c h o f t h a t d ra m a w i t h o u t re q u i r i n g a d e m a n d i n g h i ke . T h e N o r w e g i a n N a t u re C e n te r i n O v re E i d f j o rd i n t ro d u c e s v i s i t o rs t o t h e w i l d l i fe , g e o l o g y a n d c l i m a te o f H a rd a n g e r v i d d a N a t i o n a l Pa r k t h ro u g h m o d e r n ex h i b i t s a n d p a n o ra m i c f i l m , a n a p p e a l i n g c h o i c e fo r t h o s e w h o wa n t t o u n d e rsta n d t h e l a n d s c a p e w i t h o u t c l i m b i n g i n t o i t . W h e n s e a s o n a l o p e ra t i o n s a l l o w, m o re a d ve n t u ro u s v i s i t o rs m ay c h o o s e a r i g i d i n f l a ta b l e b o a t r i d e . W h e t h e r ex p l o r i n g b y c o a c h , m u s e u m o r wa te r, E i d f j o rd p ro ve s t h a t a q u i e t p l a c e c a n st i l l m a ke t h e h e a r t ra c e . 56 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2026
O L D E N : N O R W AY F R O M T H E M O U N TA I N T O P T h e j o u r n e y c o n t i n u e s i n t o N o rd f j o rd a n d t h e v i l l a g e o f O l d e n , w h e re g re e n va l l e y s , g l a c i a l l a ke s a n d t o w e r i n g p e a k s c re a te s c e n e r y w o r t hy o f t h e b i g s c re e n . O l d e d a l e n Va l l e y st re tc h e s t o wa rd t h e B r i k s d a l G l a c i e r, t h e l a rg e st i n E u ro p e , t h ro u g h a c o r r i d o r o f fa r m s , l a ke s a n d t o w e r i n g p e a k s . Eve n t h e d r i ve b e c o m e s a n ex p e r i e n c e a s m o u n ta i n s f i l l t h e w i n d o w s a n d t h e s c e n e r y g ro w s m o re i m p re s s i ve w i t h e ve r y m i l e . W i n te r c o n d i t i o n s c a n a f fe c t a c c e s s , b u t a g u i d e d d r i ve t h ro u g h t h e va l l e y c a n st i l l re ve a l t h e p o w e r o f t h e i c e t h a t s h a p e d N o r way. T h e L o e n S k y l i f t o f fe rs a n e ve n b i g g e r p e rs p e c t i ve , c a r r y i n g t rave l e rs f ro m t h e f j o rd t o M o u n t H o ve n i n o n l y a fe w m i n u te s . T h e a s c e n t i s t h r i l l i n g : t h e v i l l a g e s h r i n k s , t h e wa te r w i d e n s a n d N o rd f j o rd u n fo l d s m o re t h a n 3 , 3 0 0 fe e t b e l o w. B e c a u s e t h e v i e w i s re a c h e d b y c a b l e c a r, t rave l e rs c a n e n j o y a m o u n ta i n t o p m o m e n t w i t h o u t m a k i n g t h e c l i m b o n fo o t , a l t h o u g h w e a t h e r a n d s e a s o n a l s c h e d u l e s m u st b e c o n s i d e re d . O l d e n a l s o re wa rd s h i st o r y l o ve rs . O l d e n O l d C h u rc h , c o m p l e te d i n 1 7 5 9 , sta n d s a m i d a t ra d i t i o n a l c h u rc hya rd . A re l a xe d l o c a l t o u r, a n a p p e a l i n g o p t i o n fo r s i g h t s e e i n g c l o s e t o p o r t , m ay p a i r i t w i t h st o r i e s o f a n c i e n t fa r m s a n d I ro n A g e burial mounds. O l d e n i n s p i re s t h o s e ra re m o m e n t s w h e n c o nve rs a t i o n st o p s a n d e ve r yo n e s i m p l y ta ke s i t a l l i n . A p h o t o g ra p h m ay c a p t u re t h e v i e w, b u t n e ve r t h e fe e l i n g o f sta n d i n g within such an enormous landscape.
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ALESUND: A CITY WITH STYLE L e av i n g t h e s e re n i t y o f t h e f j o rd s , A l e s u n d c h a n g e s t h e te m p o . B u i l t a c ro s s a c o l l e c t i o n o f i s l a n d s , i t c o m b i n e s a n a c t i ve h a r b o r, m o u n ta i n v i e w s a n d s o m e o f N o r way ’s m o st d i st i n c t i ve a rc h i te c t u re . A f te r a d e va sta t i n g f i re s w e p t t h ro u g h A l e s u n d i n 1 9 0 4 , t h e c i t y wa s re b u i l t i n t h e A r t N o u ve a u st y l e . To w e rs , t u r re t s a n d d e c o ra t i ve fa c a d e s m a ke i t s c e n te r fe e l l i ke a n i l l u st ra te d st o r y b o o k f i l l e d w i t h w o r k i n g b o a t s , l i ve l y c a fe s a n d s a l t y s e a a i r. Fo r t h e c i t y ’s s i g n a t u re v i e w, t rave l e rs c a n ta c k l e t h e 4 1 8 ste p s t o M o u n t A k s l a . T h e re wa rd i s a s w e e p i n g p a n o ra m a o f c o l o r f u l b u i l d i n g s , a b u st l i n g h a r b o r, s u r ro u n d i n g i s l a n d s a n d d i sta n t m o u n ta i n s . T h e v i e w p o i n t c a n a l s o b e re a c h e d b y ro a d . T h e F i s h e r i e s M u s e u m , h o u s e d i n a re st o re d wa te r f ro n t wa re h o u s e , ex p l o re s t h e i n d u st r y t h a t s h a p e d A l e s u n d . E x h i b i t s c o ve r d r i e d a n d s a l te d f i s h a s w e l l a s e q u i p m e n t o n c e u s e d t o m a n u fa c t u re m e d i c i n a l c o d - l i ve r o i l , a n u n u s u a l l o o k a t h o w t h e s e a s u p p o r te d l o c a l fa m i l i e s a n d c o n n e c te d t h e c i t y t o t h e w o r l d . A n o t h e r exc u rs i o n i s At l a n te r h av s p a r ke n , a n a q u a r i u m s i t u a te d a s h o r t d r i ve f ro m t h e c e n te r. S e a wa te r i s p u m p e d d i re c t l y i n t o i t s ta n k s , b r i n g i n g v i s i t o rs c l o s e t o t h e f i s h , s e a l s , p e n g u i n s a n d o t h e r m a r i n e l i fe o f t h e N o r w e g i a n c o a st . I n d o o r ex h i b i t s a n d e a sy ro a d a c c e s s m a ke i t e n j o ya b l e w i t h o u t a st re n u o u s c l i m b . W h e t h e r v i s i t o rs c h o o s e t h e M o u n t A k s l a v i e w p o i n t b y ro a d , t h e a q u a r i u m , t h e F i s h e r i e s M u s e u m o r a g u i d e d d r i ve i n t o t h e S u n n m o re re g i o n , A l e s u n d i s e l e ga n t w i t h o u t fe e l i n g fo r m a l , t r u l y a st y l i s h s u r p r i s e a m i d N o r way ’s w i l d l a n d s c a p e . BERGEN: HISTORY IN LIVING COLOR T h e f i n a l N o r w e g i a n p o r t i s B e rg e n , t h e s e c o n d - l a rg e st c i t y i n N o r way. T h e c i t y i s 58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2026
s u r ro u n d e d b y s e ve n m o u n ta i n s a n d f i l l e d w i t h e n o u g h p e rs o n a l i t y t o m a ke v i s i t o rs w i s h fo r a n o t h e r d ay t h e re . I t s m o st re c o g n i za b l e l a n d m a r k i s B r yg g e n , w h e re c o l o r f u l w o o d e n b u i l d i n g s l i n e t h e h a r b o r. T h e re a l m a g i c b e g i n s b e yo n d t h e p o stc a rd v i e w, h o w e ve r. N a r ro w p a s s a g e s t w i st b e t w e e n l e a n i n g b u i l d i n g s a n d o p e n i n t o c o u r t ya rd s , a r t i st s ’ st u d i o s a n d s h o p s . O n c e a m a j o r c e n te r o f H a n s e a t i c t ra d e , t h i s U N E S C O l i ste d d i st r i c t st i l l fe e l s l aye re d w i t h c e n t u r i e s o f st o r i e s . T h e F l o i b a n e n f u n i c u l a r i s o n e o f N o r way ’s m o st v i s i te d t o u r i st a tt ra c t i o n s . I t c l i m b s f ro m t h e c i t y t o M o u n t F l o ye n . W i t h i n m i n u te s , t h e ro o f t o p s fa l l a way a n d B e rg e n ’s h a r b o r, i s l a n d s a n d m o u n ta i n s s p re a d b e l o w. S u n s h i n e m ay t u r n t o m i st b e fo re t h e c a m e ra i s b a c k i n i t s c a s e , b u t t h a t u n p re d i c ta b i l i t y i s p a r t o f t h e re g i o n ’s c h a ra c te r. B e rg e n ’s h i st o r y c a n b e ex p l o re d w i t h o u t ta c k l i n g ste e p st re e t s o r m o u n ta i n t ra i l s . B r yg g e n s M u s e u m re ve a l s t h e m e d i e va l c i t y b e n e a t h m o d e r n B e rg e n a n d o f fe rs a c c e s s i b l e e n t ra n c e s . T h e B e rg e n M a r i t i m e M u s e u m h a s ra m p s a n d e l e va t o rs , ex h i b i t s t ra c i n g N o r way ’s s e a fa r i n g h i st o r y f ro m t h e V i k i n g A g e fo r wa rd a n d a f i l m a b o u t a V i k i n g s h i p b u r i a l d i s c o ve re d i n We ste r n N o r way. Trave l e rs i n te re ste d i n t h e c o u n t r y ’s w o o d e n c h u rc h e s m ay c o n s i d e r Fa n t o f t S tave C h u rc h , re a c h e d f ro m c e n t ra l B e rg e n b y l i g h t ra i l a n d a s h o r t o n wa rd j o u r n e y. I t re c o n st r u c t s a m e d i e va l c h u rc h o r i g i n a l l y b u i l t i n Fo r t u n a ro u n d 1 1 7 0 a n d l a te r m o ve d t o B e rg e n . I n te r i o r a c c e s s c a n b e s e a s o n a l , b u t i t s c a r ve d ex te r i o r re m a i n s a m e m o ra b l e s i g h t . N e a r t h e h a r b o r, B e rg e n h u s Fo r t re s s i nv i te s v i s i t o rs t o ste p i n t o c e n t u r i e s o f N o r w e g i a n h i st o r y. H a ko n ’s H a l l , a g ra n d m e d i e va l ro ya l st r u c t u re , a n d t h e Ro s e n k ra n t z To w e r a d d a n u n m i sta ka b l e s e n s e o f d ra m a t o t h e wa te r f ro n t . B u i l t u p o n m e d i e va l fo u n d a t i o n s
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a n d ex p a n d e d i n t o a n i m p o s i n g fo r t i f i e d re s i d e n c e d u r i n g t h e 1 5 0 0 s , t h e t o w e r h a s wa tc h e d o ve r B e rg e n t h ro u g h ro ya l c e l e b ra t i o n s , b a tt l e s a n d c o u n t l e s s st o r m s s w e e p i n g i n f ro m t h e N o r t h S e a . T h o s e a b l e t o n av i ga te i t s n a r ro w p a s s a g e way s a n d ste e p sta i rs a re re wa rd e d w i t h s w e e p i n g v i e w s a c ro s s t h e h a r b o r, t h e c o l o r f u l U N E S C O - l i ste d B r yg g e n wa te r f ro n t a n d B e rg e n ’s s u r ro u n d i n g m o u n ta i n s . W h e t h e r ex p l o r i n g a m u s e u m , e n j o y i n g a p a n o ra m i c d r i ve o r s i m p l y wa n d e r i n g t h e h a r b o r b e n e a t h a wa te r p ro o f h o o d , B e rg e n o f fe rs m e m o ra b l e ex p e r i e n c e s fo r t rave l e rs a t a l m o st e ve r y p a c e . W AT C H I N G T H E N O V E M B E R S K Y N o v e m b e r ’s l o n g , d a r k n i g h t s b r i n g t h e ta n ta l i z i n g p o s s i b i l i t y o f s e e i n g t h e N o r t h e r n L i g h t s . A l t h o u g h o u r i t i n e ra r y t rave l s s o u t h o f N o r way ’s m o st re l i a b l e a u ro ra - v i e w i n g re g i o n , c l e a r s k i e s a n d st ro n g s o l a r a c t i v i t y c o u l d p ro d u c e a n u n fo rg e tta b l e g l i m p s e . O n t h i s j o u r n e y, t h e f j o rd s re m a i n t h e sta r w i t h t h e a u ro ra a s a p o s s i b l e e n c o re . N O R W AY B E Y O N D T H E S U M M E R S E A S O N M o st t rave l e rs p i c t u re N o r way b e n e a t h s u m m e r ’s n e a r l y e n d l e s s d ay l i g h t , b u t N o ve m b e r re ve a l s a m o re my ste r i o u s s i d e . Q u i e te r p o r t s a n d a p p ro a c h i n g w i n te r l e n d t h e m o u n ta i n s a n d f j o rd s a d d e d d ra m a . T h e s e a s o n re q u i re s t h o u g h t f u l p l a n n i n g . D ay l i g h t i s l i m i te d , a n d w i n d , ra i n o r s n o w m ay a l te r p l a n s . Wa r m l aye rs , wa te r p ro o f o u te r w e a r, g l o ve s a n d st u rd y s h o e s a re e s s e n t i a l . C h o o s i n g t h e r i g h t exc u rs i o n s b e c o m e s e s p e c i a l l y i m p o r ta n t w h e n e ve r y h o u r a s h o re c o u n t s . A n ex p e r i e n c e d t rave l a d v i s o r c a n m a tc h t rave l e rs w i t h t h e r i g h t i t i n e ra r y, sta te ro o m a n d a c t i v i t i e s w h i l e p re p a r i n g t h e m fo r s e a s o n a l c o n d i t i o n s . 60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2026
N o r way p ro m i s e s m u c h m o re than a collection of beautiful v i e w s . I t o f fe rs t h e r u s h o f s o a r i n g a b o ve a f j o rd , t h e my ste r y o f a c i t y re b u i l t f ro m f i re , t h e q u i e t w o n d e r o f a g l a c i e r- c a r ve d va l l e y a n d t h e possibility of looking up to find the night sky glowing g re e n . I l o o k fo r wa rd t o ex p e r i e n c i n g i t a l l a n d re t u r n i n g w i t h n e w st o r i e s , p h o t o g ra p h s a n d f i rst h a n d re c o m m e n d a t i o n s t o s h a re . Pe r h a p s t h a t i s t h e t r u e g i f t o f t rave l : n o t s i m p l y s e e i n g a b e a u t i f u l p l a c e , b u t re t u r n i n g h o m e w i t h st o r i e s , m e m o r i e s a n d a re n e w e d s e n s e o f w o n d e r. S o m e t i m e s t h e g re a te st g i f t i s n o t s o m e t h i n g t h a t c a n b e w ra p p e d . I t i s sta n d i n g i n a p l a c e yo u h ave a l way s d re a m e d o f s e e i n g a n d t h i n k i n g , " I a m f i n a l l y h e re . " I f s o m e o n e yo u l o ve i s d re a m i n g o f N o r way o r a n o t h e r d e st i n a t i o n c l o s e t o their heart, consider giving t h e g i f t o f t rave l . A Trave l L e a d e rs g i f t c e r t i f i c a te c a n h e l p t u r n t h a t d re a m i n t o a j o u r n e y t h e y w i l l re m e m b e r l o n g a f te r a n o rd i n a r y p re s e n t h a s b e e n fo rg o tte n . Fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n o n gift options or a journey to N o r way, c a l l 9 0 1 . 8 5 3 . 6 2 0 0 t o s c h e d u l e a p e rs o n a l t rave l c o n s u l ta t i o n a t Trave l L e a d e rs , 1 1 2 5 Po p l a r V i e w L a n e S . # 3 i n Collierville, TN. November 2026 • athomemms.com | 61
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INGREDIENTS 1 l b. c av at appi p a s t a 3 T b s p. butt e r 3 T b s p. a l l - pu r p o s e f l ou r 2 ½ c up s w h o l e m i l k 1 c up h e av y c re a m 1 T b s p. D ij on mu s t a rd 4 o z . c re a m c h e e s e 1 l b. s h a r p c h e d d a r c h e e s e , f re s h l y s h re d d e d 1 l b. m o z z a re l l a c h e e s e , f re s h l y s h re d d e d 8 o z . G ou d a c h e e s e , f re s h l y s h re d d e d 1 t s p. g a r l i c p ow d e r 1 t s p. p apr i k a 1 t s p. s a lt ½ t s p. b l a c k p e pp e r D r i e d c h i v e s , f or g a r n i s h
I N S T RU C T I O N S
P re h e at t h e ov e n t o 3 5 0 ° F. B r i n g a l a r g e p ot of s a lt e d w at e r t o a b oi l a n d c o o k c av at appi f or a b out 2 m i nut e s l e s s t h a n p a c k a g e d i re c t i on s , or u nt i l a l d e nt e . D r a i n a n d s e t a s i d e . In a l a r g e b ow l , c om bi n e t h e f re s h l y s h re d d e d c h e d d a r, m o z z a re l l a a n d G ou d a , re s e r v i n g a b out ¼ of t h e m i x t u re f or l ay e r i n g a n d t oppi n g . In a l a r g e p ot ov e r m e d iu m h e at , m e lt butt e r a n d s t i r i n g a r l i c p ow d e r, p apr i k a , s a lt a n d p e pp e r. Ad d f l ou r a n d w h i s k c ont i nu ou s l y f or 1 - 2 m i nut e s t o f or m a rou x . S l ow l y w h i s k i n w h o l e m i l k a n d h e av y c re a m , s t i r r i n g u nt i l s l i g ht l y t h i c k e n e d . Wh i s k i n D ij on mu s t a rd a n d c re a m c h e e s e u nt i l s m o ot h . Tu r n t h e h e at d ow n t o l ow a n d s t a r t a d d i n g i n t h e s h re d d e d c h e e s e m i x tu re , a l itt l e at a t i m e . O n c e t h e c h e e s e i s f u l l y m e lt e d , f o l d i n c o o k e d c av at appi u nt i l e v e n l y c o at e d . At t h i s s t e p, t a s t e f or s e a s on i n g s a n d a dju s t a s n e e d e d . Tr a n s f e r h a l f of t h e m a c a ron i a n d c h e e s e t o a g re a s e d 9 ” x 1 3 ” b a k i n g d i s h a n d s pr i n k l e w it h a p or t i on of t h e re s e r v e d c h e e s e . Ad d t h e re m a i n i n g m a c a ron i a n d c h e e s e a n d t op w it h t h e re s t of t h e c h e e s e m i x t u re .
In s t a g r a m : @ _ _ _ m a d e by m o l l y Ti k To k : @ _ m a d e by m o l l y November 2026 • athomemms.com | 65
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H E A LT H Y
YO U
gratitude.
STORY BY MICHELLE JOHNS
MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RY T
Gratitude is def ined
a s a n expression of thankf ulne s s . Whe n we express gratitude, we s how a ppre c i ation. T he practice of grati tude i s a ssociated with better menta l he a l th, kindness, thoug htf ulne s s , o pti mism, life satisfaction and pro gre ssion toward achieving l i fe goals. Tho ugh the effects of g ratitude o n we l l-being are overall posit i ve, ne gative life exper iences can ove rshadow our ability to expres s i t. Y o u might believe that appeari ng gratefu l when life seems bad mini mi zes the d e s ire to improve problemati c si tuati o ns. Studies, however, sug gest that expressing g ratitude motivates tra nsfo rmation, encourages grow th a nd i m proves our sense of competence. Grati tude becomes a bar r ier when i t i s use d to minimize or avoid faci ng c i rc u m stances that create diff icul ty. Sc ri pture teaches that g ratitude a nd c ha l l e nge can share space, however,
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the B i bl e i s o f ten mi s i nterpreted o r mi s us ed to s i l ence o r di s mi s s di stres s . T he mi s us e ca n be i nterna l l y o r ex terna l l y di rected: we s ay thi ng s to o urs el ves , o r we hea r them f ro m o thers tr y i ng to ma ke a ba d s i tuati o n s eem l es s ba d. Mi ni mi zati o n, di s mi s s i venes s a nd avo i da nce a re ev i dent when s o meo ne expres s es co ncern, f rustrati o n, wo rr y, s a dnes s o r fea r a nd they a re met wi th co mments l i ke “ at l ea st. . . ,” “ but… ,” “ fo cus o n the po s i ti ves ,” o r “ thi nk o f a l l the go o d thi ng s i n yo ur l i fe.” T hes e may be fo l l owed by quo ti ng s cri pture s uch a s Ro ma ns 8 : 2 8 , whi ch s ays “ … fo r tho s e who l ove G o d a l l thi ng s wo rk to gether fo r go o d… a cco rdi ng to hi s purpo s e. . . ,” 1 T hes s a l o ni a ns 5 : 1 8 , “ g i ve tha nks i n a l l ci rcumsta nces … ,” o r Phi l i ppi a ns 4 : 4, “ rej o i ce i n the L o rd a l ways . . .” . A better, mo re hel pf ul res po ns e l ea ds wi th a ck nowl edgement a nd co mpa s s i o n, then fo l l ows wi th ho pe. We ca n a ck nowl edge a ci rcumsta nce a s tro ubl i ng . We ca n na me the co ncerns o f a cha l l eng i ng s i tuati o n a s ha rd, fea rf ul , s a d a nd f rustrati ng . We ca n
H E A LT H Y
fi nd h o p e and motivation in expres s i ng grati tude for the things that are go o d i n o ther aspects of our lives. A few years ago, I had a blow-up mi sun derstanding with one of my thre e a dult children. While it wa s a mi sun derstanding , the under lyi ng te nsi o ns it revealed led to limited co nta c t for several months. Dur i ng that ti me boundar ies were establi s hed a nd te rms for reconnecting were s et. Tho se m o nths were f illed with anxi ety, co nc e rn, fr ustration, sadness and fea r. Q ue sti o ns f illed my mind. I wondered, “ What i f we are not able to reconci l e the h urt and pain? What if we ca n’ t re a c h a n understanding? and “ What wi l l the i nte rr uption mean for our fa mi l y gather ing s? ” I co ul d have kept ig nor ing the situati o n a nd c ho se n to focus on the relatio ns hi ps I have with my other two children. I co ul d have def lected and told mysel f that havi ng a dysf unctional relationship wi th o ne c hi l d must mean there is som ethi ng wro ng wi th that child and I obvious l y wa s no t pa rt of the problem. T hough tho s e mo nths we re tumultuous and unsettl i ng , I wa s grateful my husband was suppo rti ve. I wa s gratef ul the Lord was steadfa st a nd strong in g uiding my prayers . I wa s gratef ul I was open to hear ing a nd re c e i vi ng what I needed to do to h ea l the hu rt and pain between us. We b o th ag reed to see a therapist to he l p u s wor k throug h challenges in o ur
YO U
rel ati o ns hi p we ha d been i g no ri ng fo r yea rs . Our ti me i n thera py wa s hea l ing fo r us a nd fo r o ur fa mi l y. It wa s a ti m e o f g reat v ul nera bi l i ty fo r bo th o f us , and i t wa s ha rd, but i n the end i t ma de us better a nd o ur fa mi l y stro nger. My s i tuati o n wa s di ff i cul t a nd s a d. I a l s o ha d much to be g ratef ul fo r i n th e mi dst o f o ne o f my to ug hest s ea s o ns o f l i fe. S cri pture s uch a s Ps a l m 1 3 , i n wh ic h Dav i d ca l l s o ut to the L o rd i n di stre s s , na mi ng hi s co ncerns , a nd then ends w it h g rati tude; Phi l i ppi a ns 4 : 6 , i n whi ch Paul enco ura ges us to l et o ur requests be k nown to the L o rd a nd g i ve tha nks ; a n d Ro ma ns 1 2 : 1 2 , i n whi ch Pa ul tea che s us to rej o i ce i n ho pe a nd be pati ent in tri bul ati o n, s how us what 1 T hes s a l o n ian s 5 : 1 8 s ays , to g i ve tha nks i n a l l ci rcumsta nces , no t fo r them but i n the m . S eei ng s cri pture cl ea rl y a nd cl a i mi ng i ts ho nesty a re hel pf ul fo r mi ti gati ng s pi ri tua l wea po ni zati o n a nd s eei ng t h e go o dnes s o f G o d i n the to ug hest o f ti m e s . B eca us e g rati tude i s a n expres s i o n o f a ppreci ati o n i n va ri ed s i tuati o ns , i t is no t s o l el y a s s o ci ated wi th go o d ti me s . How we v i ew g rati tude a l o ng s i de tro ub le may determi ne whether expres s i ng it hel ps i mprove ci rcumsta nces o r s i deste ps dea l i ng wi th pro bl ems . A s we a ppro ac h thi s s ea s o n o f T ha nks g i v i ng , I pray this a rti cl e hel ps prov i de yo u wi th pers pec t ive a nd ma kes s pa ce fo r expres s i ng g rati t ude .
Michelle R. Johns, Owner MA, LPC-MHSP, NCC, 500 CYT Transforming Wellness, LLC Germantown, TN & Oxford, MS www.transforming-wellness.com 901.258.3619 November 2026 • athomemms.com | 69
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NOVEMBER 2026 SOURCES HO M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Sineath Construction sineathconstruction.com Ryan Theede Photography ryantheedephotography.com
GETAWAY Special Thanks Visit Natchez visitnatchez.org
TRAVEL Special Thanks Travel Leaders 901.853.6200
HEALTHY YOU Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Made by Molly @__madebymolly
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