(To see a pretty version of this post go to Chloe's Blog)

Photo by Guy Livesay

Wildlife in North Carolina magazine's 2009 photo competition had over 7,000 entries. This photograph taken by Guy Livesay, who lives right here in eastern North Carolina, was a winner! Other winning photos can be seen in the January, 2010 issue.

Many a late afternoon here at Big Mill you might see Guy and other photographers wandering around looking for that perfect photograph. Some of the folks are snapping shots of brides, graduates, babies — often with Old Red Truck taking center stage.

Photo by Guy Livesay

But Guy can be seen patiently waiting by a zinnia, sunflower, cleome or azalea for just the right shot of a hummingbird or butterfly or bee – any of Mother Nature's creatures are beautiful in the photos of a gifted artist like Guy. 

Photo by Guy Livesay

With these wonderful photos each perfect creature momentarily stands still for us to see. When you come to visit Big Mill B&B, be sure to bring your camera. These birds and butterflies will pose for you.

Note: You can see more of Guy's work at Livesay Photography. Other really fine photographers can be seen here at Big Mill are Peggy Rogerson and Andrea Wood. If you see a bridge, a pack house or an old red truck in their photos, chances are that the photo was taken here at Big Mill.

This post is much prettier on Chloe's Blog

              I still have this outfit.

Life on the farm is always magic at Christmas time. Today I walked to the woods (too wet for Old Red Truck) and found holly with berries. When I was growing up my dad and I would go into the woods to gather holly, pine and cedar. We had such fun. We hope all our friends, family and wonderful guests have a very merry holiday. You have made 2009 a special year, one we will remember for a long time. Thank you.

Love from all of us at Big Mill: Chloe Ann, Delores, John and, of course, Miss Moses.