The Hamner Homeplace/The Walton's Homeplace
God simply out did Himself on Sunday. Doug and I wandered through the mountains of Virginia. We were most certainly on a scenic drive, off the beaten path (State Route 810). We pulled to the side of the road many times a long our journey to take pictures. There was really no need to pull of the road, because through most of the drive there was little to no traffic. It was as if we were alone with GOD on our journey.
As we wandered through the valley around hills and across creeks we crested a new hill and there it was, "The Walton Home-place" Home of Earl Hamner's family and the basis for his television show, "The Walton's."
I squealed with excitement. My husband knows my deep love for "The Waltons." He graciously stopped the SUV and let me out. I took pictures and gazed at the small home on the side of Schuyler Mountain. The leaves on our journey were breathtaking. The quaint home stood tall and strong, as if waiting to be seen from afar.
I thanked my husband for taking this route. It was his idea to venture off the beaten path. I told him as we traveled on, "any other blessing on our journey is simply icing on the cake, for me."
Many of you may be too young to remember "The Walton's" or maybe you like other styles of programs, but for me, Earl Hamner made a profound impact on my life, through his television series. As I grew up watching John-boy struggle with his passion to write and embrace the gift GOD gave him, I accepted the call for my own life. A call to write. Each of us are designed to grow and embrace our gifts.
I began writing very young. Like John-boy, I did not share it with anyone, but I continued to write. My passion deep and the longing in my soul far and wide, I embraced the gift of writing and never looked back.
For me, writing is something I need. It makes me whole. It makes me a better wife, mom, and friend.
Thank you, GOD for the passion you have placed in my heart and thank you, Earl Hamner for passionately pursing your gift.
"What is impossible with man, is possible with GOD." Matthew 19:26b
Filled with HIS love,
Andrea
35 comments:
I remember the Waltons...So cool to find this house. What a wonderful writer.
Isn't it wonderful that sometimes God chooses to delight us just because it will delight Him! Andrea I am so happy for you. And keep writing my sister...I totally understand that feeling of wholeness that comes from self expression.
This is one of the shows that I am trying to get my kids interested in.
smooches,
Larie
I loved the waltons, this is so awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Andrea, What a beautiful post. I love the Waltons. I have some of their DVDs. What is the small house? Is this the original house. Can you see or take a tour of the big house? I had heard you could and have always wanted to. You are a blessing. I love to read your blog and all your verses. Many Blessings, Audrey
Gorgeous pictures!
I remember The Waltons from back when it was first run. It was a "don't miss" show for me. My legal name is Elizabeth, and I was pretty close in age to the character named Elizabeth. My grandmother's name was Mary Ellen, so when I spent the night at her house, we'd have to do the Walton's "Good night, Elizabeth," "Good night, Mary Ellen."
Thanks for bringing back those fun memories.
I LOVED the Waltons...and the leaves were beautiful this weekend...God is such a great painter....
Loved the Waltons my husband has a marking on face like John boy and I always call him that and my teenager looks at me like I'm crazy. Need to rent series some time if it is even out anymore. Gorgeous pictures!
It's one of my all time favorite TV series together with Little House on the Prairie. Quite similar in a way. Lovely house, unbelievable
What a peaceful day. I didn't realize there was a real place that birthed the Waltons story. It's amazing how many of life's dramas played out on that great show.
Looks like a wonderful trip! Beautiful countryside! We like taking the 'backroads'. So much life there!
I also grew up watching the Walton family. I did not know the author or that the homeplace actually existed. God gave you a wonderfully unexpected treat in leading you to find it. Sometimes in life we must get off the beaten path, follow God's leading to find a special blessing God has planned for us. Beautiful, peaceful pictures.
Thanks!
Chester's Mom
What a wonderful surprise! How fun to see the house and recall all the memories. :O)
What a cool surprise! I love that show, too.
Thanks for commenting on my blog post, too, Andrea. How is your brother-in-law doing? Praying for him and your family!
This is the author, Earl Hamner's homeplace. His family was the basis for the story, The Walton's. It is located on Schuyler Mountain in Nelson County, Virginia. Nearby towns are Afton, Virginia and Crozet, Virginia. When I say rural...this area is definately rural.
Earl Hamner also authored several other books, tv shows, and movies. He is 86 years old and now lives in Studio City, California. His surviving siblings live in Maryland and Virginia. The homeplace remained in the family until recently. A family friend owns it and has registered it as a historical site. She is restoring it.
Hope you guys enjoyed my journey. There may be more excitement to unfold in the coming weeks for me regarding this Mountain Surprise. I will share as GOD blesses!
andrea
Glad to hear David is doing well!
You write so well too. I used to love the Walton's too. Night John Boy! Beautiful picture. The fall colors are gorgeous!
Oh, I loved the Waltons!!! Loved that show! I was huge fan and can hear the theme song echoing in my head right now!!!
Goodnight John Boy, Goodnight Grandma... MaryEllen, Jim Bob, Elizabeth, Erin, Jason, Ben...
Ahhh yes, great memories!!! Thanks for the picture!
Hi Andrea,
I saw a comment that you left on another blog site which we both happen to follow. I noticed that you are obviously a Christian and a mother. We have this in common too! But it gets even better. I have been blogging for about 5 months now and I too include a daily scripture with each post.The Lord must have given us both this wonderful, inspirational idea to share His good news! Check me out http://llmoore2.blogspot.com
I'd be so excited, too! I loved the Walton's and occasionally have been able to enjoy a rerun or two.
I love you topic of passion. I'd like to link to this on Friday since I've been talking about passion this week. Is that okay with you?
Hey Andrea!
I love the Waltons too! How precious of our "Daddy" to surprise you with something so special! Isn't He wonderful!
Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
I remember the Walton's and watching it with my family growing up. Great show - and what a wonderful gift to discover the homestead!!
Andrea,
What a beautiful surprise that God has waiting for you just over the top of the hill you were driving along. Isn't He amazing like that!
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Oh Andrea what a WONDERFUL God filled day! Yes God designed each of us for a purpose and with specific skills and talents and He places in us a deep desire to use those talents. How cool that He used the Waltons to prompt you.
I love your pictures!
I love Virginia in the Fall. So beautiful!
Blessings
This is beautiful, Andrea! Thank you for sharing about your special day and the pictures. The beauty of nature and special experiences are great inspirations for writing!
Hi Andrea
Great post. Could you please tell me how you get the 'You might also like' section on your blog please.
Thanks
Dear Andrea and family. I am very touched from reading this article and about your trip to Schuyler. I am Earl Hamners brother Paul and I am sending this to him because I know he will love to read about your life and intrest. God bless you and your family and happy holidays. Regards Paul Hamner Toms River NJ
HI Andrea, that is so neat that you ended up in front of that home and I share you love of writing. It's a passion inside that helps me be a better me too. I feel as if you are a good friend, someone I know - even though we've never met -everytime I come to your page I feel at home as if I've come to visit a good friend. Take gentle care. Hugs to you. Sarah
Ahh...The Waltons!
Our little family used to say good night to each other, the way their family did.
What wonderful pictures and what a great surprise to stumble onto.
Um... just read your comment Andrea on our blog. Tonight when I was putting Nathanael to bed, he wanted to pray for "Sylvianna." It took me a while to figure it out, but he meant Savannah... and this was completely unprompted and I had no idea she had been sick. Guess God put it on Nathanael's little heart to pray for her! :) Hope you got the CD with the pictures and that they worked!
I love the Waltons.
Beautiful pictures, what a blessing.
Andrea,
What a special blessing you had! I loved the Walton's and had never really thought of the similarities between me and John Boy! But I, like you, have been writing all my life. And if I can't write, I feel like part of me is missing!
Thanks for sharing!
Cheri
Our family,every Saturday night, would sit around the television to watch "The Waltons." They don't have shows like that anymore.Thank God for reruns!
Don't you just love when you receive a... God wink ;) Saying "This one is for you."
love and hugs~Tammy
I too, loved the Walton's. I grew up watching re-run's after school. Totally unlike tv of 2009. Wish they would bring something like that back!
Kate
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