Last week on Nov 23rd, a fire started  in the Smoky Mountains at the north peak of Chimney Top and spread to 17,000 acres and Gatlinburg area.  The fire is believed to be a result of human activity – spurred on by an exceptional drought and high winds.  14 people have lost lives so far, and 1,700 structured damaged.

As a kid, we spent a lot of family trips in the Smoky Mountains in cabins.  My dad kept us actively pursuing the outdoors, which I can appreciate as an adult.

Hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail is on my bucket list.  I feel so lucky to live close enough to the mountains to spend a weekend connecting with my source through nature and clearing my head.

I’ll be sending help through Friends of the Smokies who is taking donations for fire relief efforts – click here if you’d like to also   http://friendsofthesmokies.org/donate/

Last year, I found a gorgeous Smokies photo on Pinterest, and painted it’s likeness (Original photographer unknown).  I hope the painting sparks a fire in your heart to donate.

Cheers to you Great Smokies – 36″ x 48″

Original has sold, but I have prints available in any custom size Here

I caught my mutt Brodie having a pouty moment of you-don’t-pay-attention-to-me….

Print of the original painting…