For the next 34 years, I collected brochures, took pictures, laid out strategy, revised plans, visited bed and breakfasts, country inns and resorts in the U. S. and in Europe.  When Whitestone Country Inn was about to become reality in the early 90′s, I had accumulated hundreds of pages of ideas and plans.  The finished product is much better than the  plans, so I guess we know who was really in charge.

For me there has always been power in a written plan.  Expecting certain outcomes certainly changes behavior.  I have thought often of Alice’s questions (Alice in Wonderland) to the Cheshire cat:  “What road should I take?”    “Where are you going? asked the cat.    “I don’t know!” replied Alice.  “Then is makes no difference”, answered the cat.

How fortunate to know what I wanted to do!  And how frustrating to wait 34 years to do it!  But through those years, I felt empowered by the goal.  By the time Whitestone could become a reality, I was clear about what a Whitestone experience should be.  What joy to get up every day in the midst of a reality that was only anticipated for so many years.

Dr. Albert Einstein was very absent minded.  During his later life he boarded a train to speak to a large gathering. When the conductor came by to collect his ticket, Dr. Einstein could not find it. He frantically searched through pockets and papers looking for his ticket. The conductor rather quickly sought to resolve the probem. ”Dr. Einstein, I’m sure you bought a ticket. It’s okay, we know who you are.”

The conductor passed on down the aisle.  When he returned some minutes later, Dr. Einstein was down on his hands and knees still searching under the seats for his ticket. Once again the conductor reassured him, “Sir, it’s okay that you cannot find your ticket. We know who you are.”  Einstein looked up and replied, “I know who I am, but I don’t know where I’m going.”

Look for those things you feel passionate about. Set written life goals about what you want to accumplish. There is real power in knowing where you are going in this life and in the life to come.

This study is referenced in the book CREATE YOUR BEST LIFE by Miller and Frisch

Some of the stress of daily life can be described as fear. Some of that fear is generated by the 24 hour cable news channels “train wreck of the day”. We know more about what is dangerously wrong with the world than we have ever known.We also know more about potential problems and possible disasters than ever before. Examples of news cycle threats to our well-being: bird flu; H1N1 swine flu. I didn’t even know the word “pandemic”until recently. How about Y2K when all computers would quit and the world would would come to a screeching halt.

Then there is the news that is rooted in some reality. Iran is probably working on nuclear bombs in order to wipe out Israel.  Israel won’t tolerate that . Radical groups around the world are plotting the destruction of everybody but themselves. Economies from the US to Greece are in a mess. There are lots of earthquakes, lots of famines, lots of anger. (and on and on)

My point is that what trouble looms on the horizon,real or imagined,has penetrated our lives more than ever before. One of Prarrie Home Companion’s mythical sponsors is WORST CASE SCENARIOS INC. Garrison Keelor promises that for $50 they can advise you about potential disasters that you could not possibily think up on your own without profesional help.It almost feels like WORST CASE SCENARIOS INC. has become our reality and permeates our thought (with the help of cable news)

Obviously worry is extremely effective because 97%  of all the things I worry about never happen. But we all need a sanctuary for the soul.We need a place to think clearly, feel deeply, love intensly and listen to the calmer inner voice  that reassures us “He’s got the whole world in His hands”. Whitestone is a place of peace:; not to hide from reality but to discover a deeper reality that whispers “this to will pass”.We’re just down the road but a world apart. Y’all come!

It’s Good Friday. My thoughts turn to the ultimate reunion that will last forever. I have that hope only because of what this week-end represents. Those sisters and their husbands had to say good-by after only a few days here. But a reunion is coming whenthere are no more sad good-bys. Lets celebrate resurrection!

All of our rooms are outfitted to make your stay next to Watts Bar as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Whirlpool tubs and cozy fireplaces make these rooms appealing all-year long.

There are a lot of lodging choices at Whitestone Inn. Make your Watts Bar Lake Rental as all-inclusive or self-catered as you want.  If you stay in one of the suites at the Entrance Barn, you will have a full kitchen in your suite as well as a spacious guestroom. These suites are well-furnished and inviting; no drab grey and brown condominium decor here! We want our rooms to match the beauty of Watts Bar Lake and the natural beauty of the Kingston region.

Beautiful Watts Bar Lake at Whitestone Inn

Or stay in the School House in one of the full suites there with private porches overlooking the Whitestone Property. Look forward to whirlpool tubs and waterfall showers in these suites along with kitchenettes.

In the Osprey Suite in the Lion and Lamb Victorian home, enjoy water views from the inviting room that has a whirlpool tub as well as a jetted shower. These rooms are some of the more intimate and romantic Watts Bar Lake rentals we have.

One of our favorite and most secluded rentals is in the Rose Cottage. The Oriole Suite is on the second level of the Rose Cottage and has a beautiful view of Watts Bar Lake from it’s tree-top porch.

So no matter the lodging experience you are looking for while visiting the lake, we have something for you at Whitestone Inn, an East Tennessee Bed and Breakfast.