Melissa's Southern Blog

Nature is calling!

2008-01-19T20:50:26Z

These photos take me a million miles away from my troubles! Nature is calling and bidding me to stop and relax. Smell the roses... take time to see the beauty around me.

In such a busy day we live in, it is a good thing to take a break every now and then. These pictures remind me of those times when I have been able to do just that! I am looking forward to my next break!

Doors?

2008-01-19T20:38:49Z

It may seem strange that I have a collection of pictures that are... well, doors. It seems I can find something interesting in the strangest places! When I think about doors though, I think of how chapters in our lives open and close. You never know what surprise might be behind the next one. Here are some neat photos I caught...

Each door in your life... may be a new opportunity!

Top 10 Rutherford County Employers

2008-01-17T22:54:18Z

Rutherford County is a great place to work! The county is growing at amazing rates and there are good options for employment if you are moving to the area like so many others. Here are the top 10 employers in the county:

Company Product/Service Employees

1. Nissan North America, Inc. Small Trucks & Cars 6,700

983 Nissan Boulevard

Smyrna, TN 37167

(615) 459-1400

2. Rutherford County Government Government 3,350

Courthouse Suite 101

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

(615) 898-7745

3. Middle Tennessee State University State University 2,006

110 Cope Administration Bldg.

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

(615) 898-2300

4. Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. Vehicle Tires 1,850

1201 Bridgestone Parkway

La Vergne, TN 37086

(615) 793-7581

5 Ingram Book Company Books, Magazines 1,658

One Ingram Blvd.

La Vergne, TN 37086

(615) 793-5000

6. State Farm Insurance Companies Insurance 1,550

2500 Memorial Boulevard

Murfreesboro, TN 37131

(615) 898-6000

7. Alvin C. York Veterans Administration VA Medical Center 1,150

Medical Center

3400 Lebanon Road

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

(615) 893-1360

8 Asurion Wireless Device 1,137

1850 Midway Lane Refurbishing

Smyrna, TN 37167

(615) 459-7460

9. Middle Tennessee Medical Center Medical Center 1,100

400 North Highland Avenue

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

(615) 849-4100

10. Verizon Wireless Wireless Phone 1,083

300 River Rock Boulevard Customer Service

Murfreesboro, TN 37128

(615) 372-2000

Rutherford County Demographics- fastest growing county in TN

2008-01-17T22:48:50Z

Rutherford County is the fastest growing county in Tennessee. The population growth combined with high incomes continue to give Rutherford County a competitive edge. Retail development is growing at an amazing speed with new developments such as the Avenue on Medical Center Pkwy and new additions to Stones River Mall. New homes continue to be built and new families continue to move into the county. There are endless things to do and great restaurants all over the county. Here are some of the Demographical statistics:

Rutherford County
2007 Population Estimate: 229,380
2007 Average HHLD Income: $62,262

Murfreesboro
2007 Population Estimate: 92,559
2007 Average HHLD Income: $56,926

Smyrna
2007 Population Estimate: 32,197
2007 Average HHLD Income: $59,904

La Vergne
2007 Population Estimate: 27,373
2007 Average HHLD Income: $66,730

Eagleville
2007 Population Estimate: 472
2007 Average HHLD Income: $64,676

Source: Claritas, US Census Bureau 2007

Adopt a Pet in Rutherford County!

2008-01-17T22:36:31Z

It is staggering to me how many pets end up homeless these days! The statistics are so sad. Many of these unwanted pets in the Murfreesboro area end up at PAWS - Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Services. Way too many of them never make it to a home and end up being put to sleep. If you are in the Middle TN area and are considering getting a new pet for your family- you should look here first. You may just find some furry critter that captures your heart and you can save a life- literaly. Check out the link above for hours and adoption guidelines.

If you don't have room for a new furry family member, maybe you could consider making a donation to the Adoption Center. Money can always help in order to keep the lights on, the pets fed, etc but you can also donate the following items and be of support to a good cause.

Cat Food (dry and wet)	Dog Food (dry and wet)	Paper Towels
Cat Litter	Towels	Plastic Trash Cans (55 gallon)
Litter Boxes ($1.97 at Wal-Mart)	Bleach	Rechargeable Batteries & Chargers "AA" (for digital cameras)
Small Double Sided Bowls	Laundry Detergent

Love an animal- give a home- support PAWS!

Isn't It Amazing!?...

2008-01-17T22:17:44Z

...That strangers hundreds of miles away can become friends and have never met face to face? A few strokes on the keyboard, a click of the mouse... a connection, a bond is made... What a blessing to live in such a time where this is possible! A dear AR friend, Tom Braatz wrote an inspiring blog "Thank you for being there..." that sparked the thought for this post. He speaks of some amazing people on AR that are inspiring, encouraging, uplifting, giving.... I have found it to be so true as well. I have met some of the nicest individuals here. I have made friends that I truly believe if tragedy struck and I needed them- they would be there for me if even just to have a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen. I have seen it with my own eyes and been a part of it. Strangers, but yet friends- banding together to help a fellow Realtor who has lost their home and belongings... Encouragement to someone who is struggling with a setback or illness... Teaching and sharing tips and ideas to help another improve themselves and their business. Expecting nothing in return but gaining a multitude of ideas, inspiration, and support.

Active Rain is about more than just Real Estate. Yes- many topics here is about Real Estate, selling, investing, marketing, etc. but more than that... WE are about the people behind the Real Estate. We are about support and sharing. We are a community. We are a family- bonded by a common interest and goals but we are brought close together by our humanity. We inspire each other with our zeal for life and our care for those we serve. My eyes have been opened to ideas I might have never thought of without finding it here and I have had the opportunity to share some of my own. My heart has been enlarged by the selflessness I have seen here.

Happy blogging and I hope you are as thankful for our Active Rain community as I am. We truly have something to be proud of.

Recipes for tailgating... Dip anyone?

2008-01-15T20:52:20Z

Need some great dip recipes for the tailgaiting season? Here are three great ones to try out! Hope you enjoy!

PIZZA DIP

INGREDIENTS

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup pizza sauce
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
2 ounces pepperoni sausage, chopped
2 tablespoons sliced black olives

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, oregano, parsley, and basil.
Spread mixture in the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate, or a shallow microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese on top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread the pizza sauce over all. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, then top with green pepper, pepperoni and olive slices. Cover, and microwave for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

HOT CHILI CHEESE DIP

INGREDIENTS

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (15 ounce) can chili without beans
16 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (13.5 ounce) package nacho-flavor tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS

Spread cream cheese on the bottom of a microwave-safe dish. Spread a layer of chili over the cream cheese. Finish with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Microwave for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve with spicy nacho tortilla chips.

ZESTY DILL DIP

INGREDIENTS

2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups sour cream
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 tablespoons grated onion
3 tablespoons dried dill weed
1 1/2 tablespoons seasoning salt

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, onion, dill weed, and salt. Mix all together, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Have plenty of these staples on hand for your dips.

Tortilla chips
Pita triangles
Vegetables
Chips
Crackers
Bread rounds or sliced baguettes
Shrimp

Have fun setting the scene for game day! Get creative and serve your dips in vegetables acorn or spaghetti squash, peppers or put it in hollowed bread.

I think I can...I think I can... I know I can!

2008-01-15T20:29:28Z

Remember the Little Engine that Could? Most of us probably recall the little phrase " I think I can... I think I can... It is a good little reminder to have a positive attitude. By nature, I am a fairly optimistic, positive person. I guess it was passed to me by my dad and grandfather. I can't remember them ever being very negative people at all. Believe me too- I know what tough is. I have had much and lost it all, went through most of my early childhood without my mom, lost my sweet dad who was one of my best friends, been afflicted with a tumor that has not been able to successfully been removed... I have had a hard time. Overall, even when things are really tough- I usually can keep a good attitude about it. I remember there is someone who is always worse off than I and I count my blessings. I however, am human and have those moments of weaknesses when I just feel all is lost...whoa is me...it's not fair... You know what I am talking about. We've all been there.

The question is- How do I stay positive even when everything around me is crazy and I feel like screaming I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!! How can I cope with the pressures?

Good question! Here are some of my strategies-

1. Get some air! Fresh air that is... slow down and take a deep breathe. Oxygen is essential to a clear mind. When you are anxious, you generally breath more rapidly and take shallow breaths thus not getting enough oxygen. Stop and deep breathe. Go outside and take a breathing break. :) This is one of the ways I cope with chronic pain too. For the ladies who have ever taken Lamaze classes- remember how proper breathing techniques is one of the main things they teach you for childbearing?

2. Try to keep things in perspective. Many times down the road we look back and realize that circumstances we went through was really not the end of the world as we once thought it was. I try to keep this in mind when I am in going through the fire and tell myself- what doesn't kill me will make me stronger. A little saying I like is " This too shall pass". All things do.

3. Find pleasure in the little things. It will make you a happier person. The happier a person you are, the more endurance you will have to face the difficult days.

4. Surround yourself with good people who are supportive. Wow, this can make all of the difference. Be a good friend and you will have good friends. What better way to face a storm than to have an umbrella and a true friend can help shield you in the rain.

5. Sing! Yes, you heard me right- sing. Sing in the shower, in the car.... I am always humming or singing some kind of happy tune and half the time I don't even realize it! Music is good for the soul. Well, some kinds of music is- there are some exceptions... that is for another blog...

6. Have a little faith in yourself! Don't beat yourself up! Start by telling yourself- I think I can...I think I can... I think I can.. Then move up to I KNOW I CAN! If you believe you can do something- you can. I once heard that whether you think you can't or you think you can- either way you are right. If you don't believe you can do something- you never will.

7. I can honestly say that my main source of peace and strength when things are tough would be my faith. I turn to prayer, scripture and meditation when I need strength that I do not have. No one- not even the hard core optimist is immune to discouragement and self-pity. I'm not. I rely on something outside of myself to get me through the hardest of times. Even those who are not believers can benefit from at a minimum some quite time to meditate. Life can get so hectic and busy. When we are struggling, it seems that our minds have a difficult time sorting through all of the noise, confusion, heartaches... Sometimes it is good to just be still so we can hear that little voice in us...

I wish all of my friends on AR a happy and productive year! Remember to keep pushing forward!

Murfreesboro Home Reduced!

2008-01-14T20:10:53Z

117 Dominic Circle
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Starter Home with Extras- REDUCED! Possible Lease Purchase-Motivated Seller

Listed By: Melissa Wagner 324 S McCrary St Woodbury, TN 37190 615-542-1760 Click To Email Me http://www.sellmytnproperty.com About Me	3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms Eat-In Kitchen 900 Sq Ft Detached Workshop/Garage Covered Patio Area Complete w/Ceiling Fan Last Appraisal on house was 145,000! Instant Equity! POSSIBLE LEASE-PURCHASE OPTION MOTIVATED SELLER-BRING ALL OFFERS
	Offered At: $132000

If you currently have your home listed, this is not a solicitation of that listing.

This is the ONE! This blog brings me to 25K- finally!

2007-12-16T19:03:30Z

I have reached a milestone! With this post- I finally am reaching 25,000 points! YEAH! It has been a fun journey and I have learned so many wonderful things and met the greatest people here on Active Rain. I have to admit, I do like playing in the Rain!

I look forward to reaching my next 25K for my 50,000 mark! Thanks to all of my friends for reading my posts and commenting and for submitting posts that contribute to a wealth of information to help others! I am proud to be a part of this community!

A Tennessee Christmas...

2007-12-16T18:53:44Z

It is almost Christmas time again! Here in Tennessee, you never know what the temp will be from one week to the next. Last week we had some gorgeous days that felt like spring with 70 degree weather and sunshine. This morning I woke up to 30 degrees and snow flurries, I was hopeful. I secretly would like lots of snow and to see the ground covered in it while my family would rather it not. I guess it is the Michigan blood in me. The song "Tender Tennessee Christmas" covers it well. I have seen a few snowy Christmas's but not in several years. Maybe this year will be the year for snow on Christmas... it can be spring-like after that...

Got to love free things! Okay, well at least I do!

2007-12-11T01:17:24Z

If the budgets low and you need some business cards... get some for free! Yes-FREE, all you pay is a little for shipping. Right now at VistaPrint.com/gofree you can order 250 free business cards and between now and Dec. 31st, you can even upload your picture for free. They usually charge about $5.00 for this. You can choose from about a dozen Real Estate business cards, a couple that you can even put your picture on.

Also, you can get 1 free: calendar, sticky note pad... 25 small business magnets, 10 large magnets including calendar magnets... 10 Holiday greeting cards and much, much, more!

Go now and get it FREE!

Mystery Burgers???

2007-12-10T20:52:54Z

I tried this new recipe this evening and wow, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was! This is CHEAP, EASY and GOOD FOR YOU! What more can you ask for?

Ingredients & Directions:

2 egg whites OR egg substitute
1 cup low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese
1 cup rolled oats
1 pkg. onion soup mix

Mix ingredients together and make into small "burgers" or "meatballs." Fry in a small amount of oil, about 3 minutes on each side. I think these taste even better a day after you first make them.

I actually don't follow the exact directions since I am trying to loose weight and want to skip on the oil... I spray a pan with cooking spray and place the burgers on it, then spray the tops of the burgers. Using a toaster oven at 400 degrees, I bake them about 20 minutes or until golden brown on each side, turning half way through.

Serve on buns or healthy bread of choice with trimmings of your liking. We use Rice Cheese, pickles, mustard, lettuce, ketchup....

Veggie Salisbury Patties

2007-12-10T12:08:43Z

Salisbury Patties

2 lbs. TVP Crumbles (textured vegetable protein)
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 1/2 c. soft bread crumbs
1/3 c. water
1 TBS. Worcestershire sauce
ground black pepper a bit

Mix all ingredients well. Then shape into 10 oval shaped, slightly flattened patties. Brown well- Makes two meals of 5 patties each. Adjust your portion sizes to your family. Serve with mashed potatoes, a green veggie, and mushroom gravy.

You can make these ahead, cool and freeze them in freezer bags...

ENJOY!

A Daily Devotion

2007-12-05T22:10:00Z

What Does the Beautitudes Mean To a Believer?

I believe first of all to be happy with who I am in Christ begins with seeking God first in all things. It is putting Him first in my life. I have to do this before I am able to make others a priority in my life rather than me first. If I cannot see God in His correct place, I will never be able to love others in the way that God would have me to. Verses 1-12 of Matthew 5 speak of sacrifice, giving to others and facing trials in our lives. It speaks of those that mourn and those that are persecuted. The Bible says, they that mourn shall be comforted and they that are persecuted for His names sake have a reward in heaven. It shows that God meets our every need. It also talks about they which hunger and thirst after righteousness. If I seek after righteousness, I shall be filled. This passage of scripture gives guidelines to live by such as give mercy and you will obtain mercy, being a peacemaker, being pure in heart, and meekness. These are some of the traits that make up the formula for happiness as a Christian. It all comes down to seeking God and His Word for every aspect of my life. As a result, I will love Him more and will love others more.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Who is it that suceeds in life?...

2007-12-05T20:11:44Z

Are you the kind of person that goes the extra mile? There is a quote I like that says... "The man that succeeds in life is the man who does more than necessary and keeps on doing it!" How true this can be! I am a firm believer that we all have something that we can contribute to the world. Each one of us has the ability to make some kind of difference. Okay, I am not totally unrealistic although I am an optimist of sorts. I realize all of us may not impact the world as a whole, but we each can have a fingerprint on it. We certainly have the ability to impact at least some tiny corner of it, one life at a time... surely we are not in this world to just take up space and not be of any good to anyone. I simply do not believe that.

Each of us has our own gifts, talents, abilities. Some are wonderful teachers, some are hospitable beyond measure, some people have the ability to comfort... some to uplift and motivate, there are some who you know you can turn to for counsel and seem to be so wise. We all are in different places in life... some rich, some poor, some are in between. It really doesn't matter where you are in life though- you have the ability to make a difference somewhere. I strive to do this in my personal life.

This is a time of the year people commonly think about giving, not just of gifts but also to charities, organizations, those less fortunate. I would like to challenge you to not let this be something you do just at Christmastime, but rather let it be the way you live your life. Be kind to a waitress having a bad day and tip her REALLY good even if she didn't do the greatest job... visit the elderly at your local nursing home and let them just talk, they get lonely and need someone to listen to... adopt a newbie on Active Rain and make it a point to comment on their blogs, give them tips, encourage them... Mentor a "young" agent and help them not fall through the cracks. Take time to invite someone to eat with you and get to know them better- you can pick someone new at your office or church. Try to love more, give more, care more and I guarantee- it will come back to you a hundred-fold.

Say Hello to Kelly! New to AR & only one other hello besides mine...

2007-12-04T21:31:32Z

I have had many wonderful people to kindly come along and befriend me so when I saw a new AR member with a post from several days ago only have 1 comment besides mine...I decided to sponser a newbie. Would everyone take a moment to stop by and say hello to Kelly Kaufman Michigan Home Stager from Attica, MI and help her feel welcome.

I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful group such as this! Have a great night everyone!

***Be sure to click on the link and say hi on Kelly's blog! :)

What? Only 20 members online out of 60K? Is everyone at dinner....

2007-12-04T20:22:14Z

I was amazed this evening as I was blogging I noticed an shocking thing in the top corner of my page...

Members: 60,317 - 20 Online Now

What 20 members, 19 other people.. it didn't last too long- now it is back up to 334 and counting. Thought it was strange, wonder if it was really correct....

Maybe everyone is just eating dinner, watching TV, sleeping... hmmm..

Come on everyone! Come play in the RAIN!

Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever! 3 Ingredients!!

2007-12-04T18:41:47Z

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1 Cup Peanut Butter (Smooth or Crunchy)

1 Cup Sugar

1 Egg

Gently warm peanut butter in microwave safe bowl, stirring often until melted (1-2 minutes on low). Stir in the beaten egg and the sugar. Form into 1" balls and place on cookie sheet, then slightly flatten with a fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Yields about 16 sweet cookies that absolutely melt in your mouth! You will swear this has flour in it! I like to bake mine in a toaster-oven.

These cookies only cost pennies each and are so easy if you are in a hurry and don't have many ingredients in your house. Good for parties! So delicious and so easy! You can experiment with toppings like sunflower seeds or even chocolate chips.

HAVE FUN!

Oatmeal Banana Bars

2007-12-03T21:47:30Z

Ingredients:

3/4 cup margarine
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups rolled oats

* Choose ripe bananas that have some dark brown flecks on the peel. Use enough to make about 1 cup mashed.

Cream the margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the
egg substitute, salt, bananas, vanilla and peanut butter. Beat until very well mixed. Stir in the oats and blend thoroughly. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Spread the mixture evenly in pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly, then cut into bars of about 1 x 2 inches.

Yield: about 4 dozen bars

Recipe for our Canine Friends! Doggie Cookies!

2007-12-01T22:35:51Z

Don't forget your canine friends this Christmas! Dogs like cookies too! Here is a great recipe for doggie cookies you can use for gifts! Get yourself a bone shaped cookie cutter and get ready for this one...

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cubes beef bouillon cube
3/4 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly grease one cookie sheet.

Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water and allow to cool.
Combine the flour, dry milk, egg, oil, beef broth and brown sugar. Mix well and knead dough for 1 minute.
On a floured surface roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out bones and place on cookie sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes and allow to cool.

Place these in a cute container and voila.... your doggie gift is complete. :)

This Christmas is a new chapter...

2007-12-01T22:10:40Z

Is it just me, or does the holidays conjure up sweet memories of the past that just cause you to miss your loved ones who have passed on more than ever during this time of the year? As the weeks go by and the trees are decorated, sweet smelling candles are lit and the Christmas music is playing, I think about my Dad. He passed away just barely 6 months ago after years of fighting MS and diabetes. Sometimes it doesn't seem like he it could already be that long and other days, it seems that I having been missing him forever! This will be my first Christmas without him. It is bittersweet. It will be his first Christmas in 14 years that he will not be in pain or be crippled by an awful disease but even so, it is hard to think of celebrating without him. I look through my Christmas list and his name is not there...

I think about his smile and how he would always ask about how things were going...interested in the little things and excited for me over the big things. He knew I loved Real Estate and was so encouraging about me pursuing it. It has been a slow couple of months but I have several contracts pending now that should close this month and I know if he were here, he would celebrate with me... maybe he is anyway, looking down, watching and waiting for the day I am home with him.

Funny how our lives are like chapters of a book, one closing, one opening.... my life with my dad here on earth, helping me, encouraging me, inspiring me... that chapter has ended, new ones are beginning. I grew up with my dad- he was mom and dad to me as a child. I didn't have much of an opportunity to know my mom until I was older. The last few years, we have become closer but she has lived in Michigan and I in Tennessee. We haven't seen much of each other. We are embarking a new chapter... in a couple of months, my mom will be moving here with my brother to retire! :)

I am getting ready to see her for the first time during the holidays since I was around 3. Some people out there will know where I am coming from here.... I have no memories of Christmas with my mom. I can hardly believe it is actually going to happen. My dad passing away has had a remarkable impact on my family and how we all view the importance of being close and valuing our time together. Life is so short... the Bible speaks of it being as a vapor. It is so true. A vapor you see for a moment and then it vanishes away. Our lives are just like that. When we're young, we think we have so much time to do with as we wish. Even as young adults and middle aged adults, we take it for granted not setting our goals and seriously considering we may not have next week to wait to do so and so...

One of my goals for the next year is to take each day seriously, not being wasteful of my time... not putting off reaching prospects, canvassing my farms... taking time to visit my own family as well. Making sure I actually take a vacation with my child, no excuses.

I hope to have a productive year and wish the same for all of you.

Things To Do While Visiting Cannon County

2007-11-30T22:20:01Z

Cannon County is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. It is beautiful in the fall with hills full of trees turned all shades of red, yellow and orange all around you. When we eventually get a little snow, I love to see the hill tops dusted with it, shining in the sun. We are located almost exactly in the center of the state half way between Chattanooga and Nashville.

Our county seat is Woodbury where you will find quaint antique, craft and gift stores. Woodbury boasts a multi-functional arts center bolstering the local crafts industry and has a growing community theatre. There is some amazing talent at our theatre!

Cannon County is not only a great place to live and work, it is also a fun place to hang out for the day. Woodbury has a local drive in theatre open on the weekends with the exception of winter time and a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything. You will find the farmers market open on Saturdays from 6-10 am. Of course, there are also plays at the Arts Center theatre on a regular basis featuring many talented native residents. If you like to shop, you must check out the antique stores scattered around the county and the shops on the square.

We are home to some great mom and pop restaurants that draw people frequently from out of town. We have our famous Joes Place for country cooking and great deserts and also DJ's Pizza and Steakhouse with excellent steaks, pizza and pasta.

Come visit us some weekend and you'll find some friendly people and enjoy your day!

Maybe a Small Town, but FULL of Talent! Cannon County Arts Center!

2007-11-30T22:08:24Z

Okay, I have to admit... I have lived in my small town for quite sometime now and just went to my first play at our community arts center this past week. They were playing Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Now I was looking forward to my afternoon and wanted to treat my step-mom for her birthday but I had NO idea just how fabulous the play would be! Our theatre is full of some very talented people. I have been to many plays in the past in the larger repertory theatres and I have to say that most of the folks acting in this production could go to any of the larger venues and compete with the best! I was absolutely captivated during the entire production. Hats off to the gang that spent many hard hours to make this so successful.

Way to go Arts Center of Cannon County! Keep up the great work and I will be back for more!

5 Simple Ways to Get Good Service Everytime....

2007-11-30T21:40:35Z

We often complain about not receiving good service but there are some things we can do to improve our chances of getting the kind of service we deserve. Granted it is not fool proof, these tips will help.

Smile... and mean it: Show some interest in the person serving you -set yourself apart from other customers.

Become a regular: Businesses like regular customers, so stick to one store and get to know the people helping you.

Say please and thank you: So many people forget to be polite that you'll give your server a nice surprise even if your order comes back wrong- be nice, people make mistakes and it isn't the servers fault anyway.

Go when it's not busy: If you can, avoid peak times so the sales associates and waiters won't be so rushed.

Know what you want: Be clear in your mind about what you'd like and you'll make it easier for the store or restaurant to give you good service.

Melissa's Southern Blog

Nature is calling!

Doors?

Top 10 Rutherford County Employers

Rutherford County Demographics- fastest growing county in TN

Adopt a Pet in Rutherford County!

Isn't It Amazing!?...

Recipes for tailgating... Dip anyone?

I think I can...I think I can... I know I can!

Murfreesboro Home Reduced!

117 Dominic CircleMurfreesboro, TN 37130

Starter Home with Extras- REDUCED! Possible Lease Purchase-Motivated Seller

Melissa Wagner

Offered At: $132000

This is the ONE! This blog brings me to 25K- finally!

A Tennessee Christmas...

Got to love free things! Okay, well at least I do!

Mystery Burgers???

Veggie Salisbury Patties

A Daily Devotion

Who is it that suceeds in life?...

Say Hello to Kelly! New to AR & only one other hello besides mine...

What? Only 20 members online out of 60K? Is everyone at dinner....

Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever! 3 Ingredients!!

Oatmeal Banana Bars

Recipe for our Canine Friends! Doggie Cookies!

This Christmas is a new chapter...

Things To Do While Visiting Cannon County

Maybe a Small Town, but FULL of Talent! Cannon County Arts Center!

5 Simple Ways to Get Good Service Everytime....

117 Dominic Circle
Murfreesboro, TN 37130