Twenty-four years ago this coming weekend, I stood in the middle of the brick street in front of this house waiting to hear a starting-gun. I had come to run in the Azalea Trail 10K. Little did I know that I would be changing the course of my life. That was my first visit to the Azalea District in Tyler, Texas.
I was seduced by a kaliedoscope of pinks and reds and whites and purples; intoxicated by the heady perfume of wisteria and jasmine; and lost in the beauty and grace of the historic homes lining the race.
For many years, I came back to run the Azalea Trail. Each time, I appreciated its beauty more.
A young couple moved in this little gem last November and have honed the beauty of their new old-home.
The cottages live peacefully in proximity to the castle-like mansions.
Homeowners work hard to create such beauty... they share it every spring during the Azalea Trails and Historic Tyler on Tour.
There is grace and generosity.
A commitment to our heritage.
And hope for our futures...
It is a whole-grain neighborhood... full of variety and texture and heft...
It is my neighborhood now... has been for almost ten years. It still has my heart. I will continue to post more photos of our neighborhood over this week as the azaleas come into their full, bright beauty. I am humbled and amazed at the magic of God's art... his flora and fauna delight my soul.
I am linking this to Kim's Wow Us Wednesday. Hope you all enjoy a beautiful day!
31 comments:
I look forward to this post and photos & more every year. So beautiful where you live. You're justified to be proud.
What is the general age of the neighborhood?
beautiful homes there is a area in my home town that is very similar to this alot Tudor type homes with lotz of azaleas, roses, dogwood trees and etc.
Instead of packing, I'm enjoying your tour of beautiful homes and azaleas. What a splendid neighborhood. I grew up, you know where, surrounded by azaleas, redbuds and dogwoods. I hope Little Man is storing up those same beautiful memories!!
Best,
Bonnie
I LOVE your neighborhood! SO pretty....much better than a suburban cookie-cutter neighborhood...in my opinion. :) Thanks for sharing the photos! Happy Spring to you from Houston!
Yes, more photos of your neighborhood and the azaleas. You captured perfectly the joy of living in a historic neighborhood. Each house so lovingly restored. When I moved into mine there were a couple of houses on my street not being loved like they should but that has all changed within the time I've lived here. Both have new owners who have restored them. This is what I love about living in a historic neighborhood. Everyone takes pride in their home and wants their home and yard to look its best. Keep the photos coming. I was out and about yesterday and took a few....we aren't as green here yet but getting there fast. I'm going to take more of the neighborhood today.
ThoSe that liVe & waLk in such a beautiful area are bLeSSed. Thanks for sharing theSe speCial photos with us ♥
I'm so glad you are able to live in a neighborhood that you love so much! What a blessing. The pictures, houses,and flowers are BEAUTIFUL!
Tanna, WOW is the right word. You know, this time of year in Tyler never gets old to me. I absolutely LOVE to visit your neighborhood every year. I love how you said it was a "whole grain" neighborhood and I know just what you mean by that. It's gorgeous and I'm looking forward to your pictures. I hope to be able to tour during the trails also!
Tanna, WOW is the right word. You know, this time of year in Tyler never gets old to me. I absolutely LOVE to visit your neighborhood every year. I love how you said it was a "whole grain" neighborhood and I know just what you mean by that. It's gorgeous and I'm looking forward to your pictures. I hope to be able to tour during the trails also!
How Beautiful! I could only imagine living in a neighborhood with such beautiful homes and landscape. If I ever did move from the country, this is the type of place I would want to move to. How lucky you are.
Beautiful homes! I just love that last house.
xo,
Sena
Tanna, lucky you to live in such a wonderful neighborhood. What lovely homes. Thanks for sharing their beauty at WUW .
I also agree that "WOW!" is a perfect word to describe your beautiful neighborhood, Tanna! Somehow I never think of Texas as having such lush greenery and mature shrubs and trees. I loved seeing this view of Tyler! I can see why you love it so!
I am agog at the color and beauty! Wow! Keep those pictures coming; they are food for my soul here in the dreary Midwest:D
Debbie
Dear Tanna, Such a beautiful community..Dreams do come true..Blessings, Catherine xo
What a treasure your neighborhood is! It's beauty, charm and history make it so unique! Love this time of the year and all the new birth it brings!
Oh the beauty out there right now -and all we have to do is open our eyes. I'm glad that is your 'home' area - it suits you.
Love, sandie
Beautiful post.
What a beautiful home and wonderful neighborhood. I'm your newest follower and have enjoyed viewing some of your older posts. I hope you come by for a visit and would love if you would like to follow me also. Looking forward to getting to know you.
Your neighborhood looks SO similiar to mine!!! We don't have any azaleas blooming (yet), but I swear some of your pictures look like houses I walk by everyday! I do have to say, we also have some houses in desperate need of some TLC here too. I think Texas and Tennessee are sister states and you and I are kindred souls!
Best,
Susan
I have a childhood friend whose daughter lives in Tyler, and they always speak of the beautiful roses. These early spring flowers are fantastic.
What a beautiful slice of Texas you have there! The homes are truly beautiful! Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures.
Oh Tanna..What A Lovely Post! The Beauty Of Your Neighborhood Is Absolutely Spellbinding! What An Enchanting Area To Wake Up To Every Morning! It Sincerely Stirs My Heart Seeing God's Glorious Handywork In Such Abundance. Thank You Sweet Friend For Each Perfectly Captured Moment On Film! And Thank You Also For Dropping Over Earlier To Check On Me. I'm Feeling So Much Better. Sending Love & Gratitude, Terri
I love your neighborhood...I love when folks restore...and don't demo and rebuild..
WOW IS RIGHT! Lovely photographs...and I adore azaleas. At our last home I had an amazing azalea bush (not really a bush that does so well here in the midwest) I so wanted to bring it with me when we moved to The Glen but knew it would be a death sentence!
I need to post this comment so I can look at the next post UP. ;)
I can see why you feel in love with this neighborhood.....I know someone in Dallas that will fall in love with these pictures. I saw a couple of houses that look "exactly" like she is looking for!!!!
LOVE THIS POST.
This reminds me of the neighborhood one of my husband's aunts lives in. We go there for Christmas Eve almost every year and I always look forward to seeing the lovely homes.
So Pretty! ;)
I found this through Christine's "Vista Woman" blog. I love your neighborhood. Azaleas are among my favorite bloomers.
I would have fallen in love with the azalea trail too.
My heart is fluttering at just the mere pictures of such elegance and flowery goodness...
Blessings, Debbie
Thank you for the comment on my blog.
Your post and photos are lovely.
I'm delighted and enthralled.
Best regards
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