tennessee – Honey it's Thursday

Letter from the Editor – January 2026

Dear Busy Bees,

It’s been a minute since I’ve published anything here – since June 2023. You may be wondering why I haven’t been writing here, what I’ve been up to and what the vision for this blog is going forward.

I haven’t been writing here, though I have been writing especially lately. That’s related to both good and bad experiences in my personal life, and I think you may be able to relate. I was studying very hard and growing in my career and went through a very busy season that stretched into a couple years. I took a few important tests related to this and they were time intensive. I also worked very hard at that career and unfortunately started to take time for myself less. Not very Thursday of me.

It is still the purpose of this blog to make space for good times, to explore and to create. It also is becoming a goal to find how to stay present and plugged in to ourselves and joy. On that note, while I am sad I didn’t publish here for a while, I know it had to become a tertiary priority for a while due to what I was doing. If there is a next time, I hope I will take the time to recognize that and communicate it here. That’s probably a good general lesson for life. I am proud that I have become less hard on myself since I last wrote here. I am also taking better care of myself.

Since the last time I published, I have traveled to Fla., Calif., Ky and the Bahamas. I attempted to go to Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn. which was cancelled due to flooding and rain. It was still a great experience for me. I look forward to recapping some of my travels. I am still mostly located in Clarksville, Tenn., with strong roots in San Diego, Calif. In the time since I last wrote I have met and made friends in Clarksville and had some character shaping experiences. My roots are in Clarksville too.

My husband and I spent time planning a wedding in Calif. I got married in May 2024 to my amazing husband. Knowing that next month is Valentine’s let me just say this: May you also find the love that is the person who lets you be safe coming out of your shell. If he doesn’t make you feel comfortable expressing yourself when you are doing things aligned with your values he isn’t for you. He should make you feel safer when you do the right thing. If he doesn’t adore and cherish you and make you feel beautiful, you’re simply not right for each other. While you do have to choose and commit to each other everyday and navigate difficult seasons, if someone offers you love less than this, don’t waste your time. Don’t want or be placated by quarter and half-measures especially before the seasons of life even truly begin.

Speaking of busy seasons, I have changed locations and career spaces for work a few times. I have had some moments of nostalgia and reflection related to how to make my next career move. While I am limited in what I can share about work, that has been a lot of adjustments and I’m glad to say it should be more settled soon. I am excited for the next chapter and feel like I am cautiously testing the waters.

Another thing that may be settled soon is house renovations! We are a vanity and toilet installation away from being done with a house remodel. It cannot come too soon! It’s amazing how delays and construction go so hand in hand.

As we go forward into the now, I reflect on goals and purpose. I (obviously) hope projects and changes get wrapped up. I hope to find clarity but understand that even without clarity I still have the values that make me who I am and will be safe due to the life I’ve already built, alongside my husband. Sometimes that is the truest mark of success one can have. I am excited to reflect on my experiences and journeys in a few ways though maybe I’m still taking my time on that.

My goals for this blog are often similar to my goals as a person. There are things I want to explore, like writing, audio and coding. I also want to reflect on journeys in a way that is appropriate. I want to continue to be someone who is plugged in to my community, the moment and myself. I want to be present and mindful. I want to find balance while also acknowledging that there are different seasons and energy levels. Often balance is a myth and what matters is routine and checking in. Some days you have to prioritize your health and some days you must make time for friends. I want to have a good time and be social. A lot of that good time connects to reading books, traveling, and being creative.

My purpose for this blog is to take time for the best things in life. To prioritize joy and health.

I hope that I can work on my professional presence in a way where I can be non-judgmental, open, and always keep the goal in mind. I struggle with taking care of myself as much as others do and in a way that supports that presence. I hope that I will continue to grow in that ability.

I feel like you may be asking what’s next? To that I hope to see myself writing more, both here and in a novel. I hope to eventually get into audio or podcast creation. I am also wondering if I should revisit coding, particularly if I decide to shift careers again. I am planning on looking into the Google Developer Program. I’ve always liked writing about my explorations and learning.

I have been doing some things which I hope to continue doing. I have been getting back to crafting, loom-knitting, sewing and miniatures. Those will be easy to write about. I have been focused on decluttering and cleaning my space and making sure my stuff reflects the person I am trying to be. I’ve had great results and my house feels calm, other than the renovations. There are so many better resources on decluttering than mine, so I probably won’t write on that. I have also been doing a fair amount of reading, which I also intend to write about more.

I hope to continue to set down roots where I’m planted. I’ve been realizing that I need to attend more coffee meetups with other women. Often times it feels like it is just my husband and I in this state. I know that’s not the case as I do have friends and communities here, but it can be a challenge and a delight to move somewhere you don’t know anyone. My husband and I both do a lot to support each other and if you aren’t in the club that his career puts us in, then you probably can’t understand its specific challenges and the type of loneliness that it can cause us to face. I frequently struggle with loneliness and having experiences where family/coworkers/acquaintances don’t understand how to support me, even when I have supported them. It is heartbreaking and can be the cherry on the cake somedays.

While I have a wonderful dance community, I have been struggling to find a renaissance reenactment group here that meets regularly. I reflected a bit about people who have made those groups meaningful to me in the past. They were always providing hospitality and food, in addition to knowledge. I think I want to start hosting intimate feasts at our home to build a closer-knit group of historical reenactment enthusiasts.

Thank you for letting me recap my challenges and last couple years. I appreciate taking the time to refocus and look forward to writing in the future.

All my love,

Honey

W Nashville Swim Week Fashion Show

The Shop at the W Nashville Hotel presented a fashion show for Swim Week on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

The show celebrated swim suit designs featured in the hotel shop. Many of the attractive pieces used sustainable materials and some local sourcing. Here are some highlights from the program:

“Fair Harbor beachwear was born out of deep care for our waterways and a desire to preserve the magic of the shoreline for future generations. That’s why we made all of our signature beachwear from recycled plastic bottles, for versatile comfort that considers the ocean.”

“Melissa Odabash – Each collection illustrates signature Odabash style and quality. From the finest quality Italian swimwear fabrics to reworked archived and vintage prints that are ethically sourced and manufactured.”

“Peixoto – Creating high-quality clothing that makes the wearer feel beautiful while doing our part to make the world a better place. At the core of our mission is a commitment to foster economic empowerment, health, safety and equality in all we do.”

Designers included LSPACE, SOLID&STRIPED, VIX PAULAHERMANNY, BEACHRIOT, FAHERTY, MELISSA ODABASH, PEIXOTO and FAIR HARBOR.

The event tickets were sold as general admission and VIP, with the key difference being VIP was about $20 more and came with a gift bag featuring some of the designers. Solid & Striped included towels and sunscreen in the VIP bag. L Space included some spa creams.

Models included Charika White, Christen McAllister, Shelby Hunstad, Morgan Watkins, Hannah Roberson, Lauren Kentfield, Alyssa Mocci, Tallulah Kokoski, Alyssa Schoener, Malik Perry, Bea Guti, Aidan Daniel, Mercedes Northup and Ronzell Williams.

Hair and makeup was done by One10 Beauty House.

Gallery Images provided by Sarah Hughes. Photos of Swim Week fashion show models walking and posing. All rights reserved.

Gallery Images provided by Sarah Hughes. Photos of Swim Week fashion show models walking and posing. All rights reserved.

Swim Week presented by The Shop was part of Nashville’s fashion events, with Nashville’s fashion week taking place officially in April. The show was held at the pool of the Gulch neighborhood W Nashville Hotel at 300 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203.

Details about Nashville Fashion Week can be found at https://www.nashvillefashionweek.com/. Fashion Week is one of several festivals and events listed at https://www.visitmusiccity.com/things-to-do-in-nashville/events/annual-events#.

Tiny Home Legalities in Tenn.

Tiny homes have been an affordable alternative for housing in recent years. They provide an option for avoiding increasing rents, while providing a type of home ownership.

Yet prospective tiny home builders looking to build in Tenn. may need to familiarize themselves with legal concerns. Some local events provide some information for prospective builders.

“Tenn. has no state-wide laws regarding tiny houses,” says https://getjerry.com/home-insurance/tennessee-tiny-house-laws#are-tiny-houses-legal-in-tennessee

“Tenn. does not have any state-wide laws pertaining to tiny homes, so whether or not you can build really depends on where you’re looking to live. Like many other states, the regulations surrounding tiny homes vary across different cities.”

“It’s not uncommon for homeowners to want to convert their sheds, or other additional dwelling units (ADUs), into tiny homes. But, this goes against Tenn. state law on ready removeables. This law states that you are only allowed to have electricity in a shed to operate tools and machinery—not to a power potential home.

Plus, it is illegal to sleep in a shed in Tenn. So, while a shed may be a tiny space, you’re not exactly allowed to turn it into a tiny home.”

“Tiny homes are also allowed in Nashville, but with much heavier restrictions. They are only allowed in zones behind an existing structure. If you have a lot of yard space and want to build a tiny home on your lot, you can do so in Nashville—a popular choice for those looking to make some extra cash with an AirBNB or guest home situation in the country music capital. ”

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A vardo at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

While not a top spot for tiny home trends, Tiny home festivals have been coming to Tenn. including the Tenn. Tiny Home Music Festival and the Hippie Living Fair Nashville. Such festivals offer stylistic examples as well as information on building and legal concerns when building tiny. Smaller local festivals like the Clarksville Artsville Fest often include tiny home features.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Flower display at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A retrofitted RV shop at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Liveable van expos at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Vintage hardware at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A soap and incense shop at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Soaps and smudge sticks from the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Shows like Tiny House Nation explore the popularity of liveable structures that are typically less than 400 square feet. Tiny house communities have appeared in some places in the United States.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Live Van-Painting at the
Clarksville Artsville Fest 2022. All rights reserved.

Tenn’s bordering state N.C. is the 8th most popular U.S. state for living in a tiny home, according to Business Insider. https://www-businessinsider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.businessinsider.com/tiny-home-most-popular-us-states-2020-6?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&amp&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#aoh=16605963015860&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Ftiny-home-most-popular-us-states-2020-6

Tenn. laws for tiny construction are mostly related to what’s defined as “ready-removable” structures.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A retrofitted RV at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

“What’s a ready-removable? The term “ready-removable” refers to a structure without any foundation, footings, or other support mechanisms that allow a structure to be easily relocated, but which may include electrical wiring.” says https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2016/8/17/state-fire-marshal-learn-the-laws-about-ready-removables-before-buying.html

“According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-126-303, ready-removable structures include, but are not limited to, stadium press boxes, guard shelters, or structures that contain only electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment that are solely occupied for service or maintenance of such equipment.”

“It is against state law to modify ready-removable structures for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in Tennessee.”

““Building codes are necessary life-safety measures, and ready–removable structures do not pass the code for sleeping spaces,” said Commerce & Insurance Deputy Commissioner Gary West. “The State Fire Marshal’s Office cannot issue certificates for electrical power to ready-removables that are used as housing.”

“Ready-removables with electrical wiring can be used for work spaces or storage, but must still meet applicable state and local electrical permitting requirements, local building permitting requirements, and have hardwired smoke alarms installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Ready-removables cannot have plumbing systems.”

Tiny builders may want to consider whether they are committed to tiny living for a long period of time. They may also not want to simply DIY a space without being aware of legalities.

Traveling in movable tiny homes, Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and trailers became more popular during quarantine. As populations increase due to people moving to states with lower costs of living, housing costs in those states increase. With this backdrop, tiny living can offer less debt than traditional housing and a place of one’s own as an alternative to shifting housing costs.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A retrofitted RV shop at the
Clarksville Artsville Fest 2022. All rights reserved.

Tenn. Populations between 2018 and 2021

According to the United States Census Bureau, Tenn. had a population of 6.651 million in 2018. This increased to 6.709 million in 2019 and 6.772 million in 2020. The estimated population in 2021 was 6.975 million.

Image provided by Google. Tenn. Population by Year. All rights reserved.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Nashville, Tenn. had a population of 692,587 in 2018. According to the Census of 2020, the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government area had a population of 689,447. The estimated population for the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government area was 678,851 in 2021.

Image provided by Google. Nashville Population by Year. All rights reserved.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Montgomery County, Tenn. had a population of 196,387 in 2018. This increased to 200,180 in 2019 and 204,992 in 2020.

Image provided by Google. Clarksville Population by Year. All rights reserved.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Clarksville, Tenn. had a population of 150,602 in 2018. This increased to 152,934 in 2019 and 156,092 in 2020.

2022 Tennessee Tiny Home Music Festival

The 3rd Annual 2022 Tennessee Tiny Home Music Festival took place Saturday and Sunday Aug. 20 and 21st 10 AM to 5 PM at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, 625 Smith Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.

Image provided by https://unitedtinyhouse.com/2021-tennessee-tiny-house-festival/. A professional built tiny house. All rights reserved.

The festival provides a place for getting familiar with tiny house examples while enjoying some tunes. In addition to raising money for charity, the festival offers information on legal considerations and tips for building a tiny house.

Image provided by https://unitedtinyhouse.com/2021-tennessee-tiny-house-festival/. Weekends complete schedule. All rights reserved.

This is the United Tiny House Association’s 26th For-Charity Tiny House Festival.

“It will be a weekend full of all things “tiny“ & fun!” says https://unitedtinyhouse.ticketspice.com/tennessee-tiny-home-music-festival-3rd-annual “You will be able to tour and view all sorts of tiny structures from professional builders and private homeowners, learn and connect with people who live the tiny lifestyle, and interact with vendors from both the tiny living and local communities.”

Image provided by https://unitedtinyhouse.com/2021-tennessee-tiny-house-festival/. Tinies from HGTV and A&E. All rights reserved.

“Enjoy Talks and plenty of Workshops on subjects ranging from Building, Zoning, Downsizing, Off-Grid Applications, and other great topics presented by the celebrities and experts from the World tiny lifestyle community!”

Image provided by https://unitedtinyhouse.com/2021-tennessee-tiny-house-festival/. Vardo or Wagon by Scott Luce. All rights reserved.

Tickets are purchased at: https://unitedtinyhouse.ticketspice.com/tennessee-tiny-home-music-festival-3rd-annual

Clarksville Community envisions the future at Regional Planning Events

Monday, July 11th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. the Clarksville Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission (CMCRPC) hosted the first of three Comprehensive Plan Workshops.

Held at William O Beach Civic Hall, the event was intended to intentionally plan development in the Clarksville region. City and county members were invited on Facebook and by website to help decide what matters to the community in planning for future development.

This topic is an important one as Clarksville grows rapidly.

“Data shows Montgomery County is the 4th fastest growing county in Tennessee” says Erica Francis of WKRN News at https://tinyurl.com/mr9x4rpk

Other news articles frequently discuss population growth in Clarksville, TN.

A series of events were held at different times at Kenwood High School and Old Glory Distillery, that same week. Community members were encouraged to sit together at tables and the events were fairly well attended. At the end of the meeting, each table presented a map and ideas for how the community should be planned. They were later hung on the wall and added to the CMCRPC website.

Image by Sarah Hughes. Maps made by small groups for ideas of how to plan Montgomery County, Clarksville, TN. All rights reserved.

The Facebook invitations and CMCRPC website seem to be aimed at giving the community a voice in planning growth.

“Help shape a Vision for HOW and WHERE we grow in the City and County,” the Facebook event said.

“Join us for one of three Comprehensive Plan Community-wide Visioning Workshops. If you care about Housing, Transportation, Open Spaces and Recreation; bring your opinions and ideas to share in small groups and draw on maps!!”

See the event on Facebook here: https://tinyurl.com/3fnz6n9f

Image by Sarah Hughes. Notes of ideas made by small groups for ideas of how to plan Montgomery County, Clarksville, TN. All rights reserved.

The plan is partially organized by the Houseal-Lavigne Consultant Team. Presenters listed the next steps as more workshops, and allowing the community to use the CMCRPC website online questionnaire to aid scenario planning.

The consultant team is working on a comprehensive plan with the CMCRPC. They consider that comprehensive plan “a roadmap or blueprint for the next two decades”.

It is a recommendation for physical development of the area,roads and infrastructure. Planning those areas will affect applications for grants and funding. It is most likely an 18th month process. The CMCRPC plans to present a draft soon.

Additional information can be found at https://www.cmcrpc.com/workshopsandpresentations/

The meeting opened by asking people to sum up one word that was their vision for Clarksville and add it to a word collage here https://pollev.com/hlplanning976

An introductory overview of the comprehensive plan was debuted Dec. 15th, 2021. Presentation materials are available at the website and feature different visions of how a city can look.

The next CMCRPC meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 2:00 p.m. Consider attending to share your opinion. Or visit the CMCRPC website to voice your opinion and get familiar with the plan.

Tenn. Honey Festival Celebrates Pollinators and ‘Cultural beverages’

You love honey and so do we. The Tennessee Honey Festival brings awareness to pollinators’ roles and the variety of ways their honey can be used.

Taking place last Oct. 3, 2021 10 AM to 5 PM (CDT) at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, Tenn. 37243, the festival has been celebrated annually since 2018.

“The Tennessee Honey Festival is a family-friendly event that is put on for the sole purpose of raising awareness and bringing attention to the current honey-bee, pollinator crisis.” says https://tennesseehoneyfestival.com/

If that sounds like the bee’s knees, check out the festival next year. Tickets can be purchased at https://tennesseehoneyfestival.com/

A Cheekwood Spring and Arbor Day Walk

By Sarah Hughes

As temperatures rise and blossoms cycle through their hues, it would appear Tenn. has entered the Spring season. One way to enjoy it is to visit the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.

Located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive in Nashville, Tenn. Cheekwood draws residents, members and travelers alike. With 55-acres of botanical gardens there is plenty of space for social distancing in accordance with safety protocols listed in their entirety on Cheekwood’s website.

“Cheekwood, in accordance with CDC guidance, recommends individuals stay 6′ apart and travel in groups no larger than 10. All visitors are required to wear cloth face coverings when entering buildings including the Historic Mansion & Museum, Botanic Hall, and the Frist Learning Center. Cloth face coverings are strongly recommended in outdoor areas except when maintaining a physical distance of at least 6’ from other visitors,” says https://cheekwood.org/knowbeforeyougo_covid19/

Cheekwood features year round activities. Arbor Day, on Apr. 30, 2021 can be celebrated with a walk and an arboretum map available online and from Visitor services.

“The Arboretum at Cheekwood includes well over 2,100 trees, curated to serve Cheekwood’s mission as a collecting institution and offer the community enjoyment and education. Cheekwood has documented 1,267 deciduous trees; 576 evergreens; 16 deciduous conifers; and 238 dogwoods,” says https://cheekwood.org/calendar/arbor-day/

“Our arboretum map, available online and from Visitor Services, presents at least 120 distinct species and cultivated varieties of trees to guide an exploration of the campus canopy.”

Their website blog even has tips for caring for Dogwood Trees, available at https://cheekwood.org/dogwood-tips/

Although Bloom Season for Cheekwood is officially Mar. 6 – Apr. 11, 2021 and National Gardening Day Apr. 14, 2021 there is still a great deal to see at Cheekwood in the lushness of warm months. The grounds are an excellent inspiration for the hobby gardener featuring different gardens every month. Summertime also promises seasonal festivities and beautiful scenes.

Tickets have the option to be purchased for just the grounds or to include the art museum located in the mansion of the historic Cheek estate. The building houses historically furnished rooms, paintings and permanent collection pieces.

“Originally built as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek in 1929, Cheekwood is one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era estate,” says the Cheekwood website.

If planning a visit, it is best to reserve a time. Ticket and membership options are available through the museums website at https://cheekwood.org/buy-tickets/

DMV Experience Comparison: CA vs. TN

I recently moved to Clarksville, Tenn. from San Diego, Calif. which means I had to register my car and exchange my drivers license to my new state. While I expected this process to be cheaper in Tenn. it was also much faster than any experience I’ve ever had in a Calif. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The Clarksville County Clerk had me out in 18 minutes and cost $94 to exchange a CA car title to a TN title, and to pay registration for the 2021 year. Just my registration for Calif. would have been $244 in 2021. I brought a few necessary documents outlined on a government website, and showed up on a Wednesday without an appointment. Additionally, my boyfriend was able to drop by a couple days before we went in to ask the Clerk for guidance on how to proceed.

The Clarksville County Clerk had me out in 18 minutes and cost $94 to exchange a CA car title to a TN title, and to pay registration for the 2021 year. Just my registration for Calif. would have been $244 in 2021.

Likewise a trip to the Driver Services Center went well without an appointment. We arrived about 8:00 AM, knowing the Center opened at 8:30 AM and bracing ourselves for typical DMV lines. The line at this particular center was about half the size of what I’ve seen at Calif. ones 45 minutes to an hour before opening.

We were being staged before the Center opened officially. To me this aspect of the Center’s procedure seemed revolutionary and also a simple bit of genius. Two people staging where people need to go will of course make the rest of the day go quicker and verify people have required documents before they go inside.

Map of CA — Photo provided by Google. All rights reserved.

The 20 spots for people who needed road tests were full by about 8:15 AM, which seemed the only downside. However, my personal Calif. Road Test experience many years ago involved two trips due to an appointment the DMV lost info on and overscheduled. So I can’t say that this is really even a point lost for the Clarksville Center.

My required documents were checked and I only needed what was listed online. I believed I needed a written test, but was delighted to be informed I did not even need to take that as my Calif. license was still valid. (Dear Reader, I have never been told something by a DMV worker in Calif. which has reduced my workload in any way. I was overjoyed at the efficiency and service I received in Clarksville).

I believed I needed a written test, but was delighted to be informed I did not even need to take that as my Calif. license was still valid.

I was in the building by 8:30 AM as the seventh person in the particular line I needed. Due to Covid-19 health protocols, my boyfriend, who did not have DMV related business, was not able to enter with me as the Center was limiting capacity as a precaution. This was understandable and expected. It was very cool that he was able to wait with me outside however.

I waited patiently inside before I was called to reaffirm answers to questions related to what typically goes on a driver’s license. I had my picture taken and presented my documents. I paid $28 and was given a temporary paper license complete with a picture. I was told that my permanent license would be mailed to me in two to three weeks. I was out and we were on the road at 9:25 AM.

I paid $28 and was given a temporary paper license complete with a picture. I was told that my permanent license would be mailed to me in two to three weeks.

I recount my experience with the Clarksville Driver Service Center with utter amazement. I knew it would cost less to register, but I am pleasantly shocked by the other differences in Tenn. I was done so much faster and helped so much more.

Map of TN — Photo provided by Google. All rights reserved.

I’ve heard friends in Calif. recently mention experiences with the DMV during Covid-19 that lasted between 45 minutes and 2 hours. It is unclear if this has to do with necessary health protocols which have changed the experience.

In the past, I have counted myself lucky if I got out of the Calif. DMV in less than 2 hours without an appointment and in an hour with one.