Georgia Mountain Laurel - February 16

2 February2016 gmlaurel.com

From the Publisher

Here comes the bride... Whether you are planning a traditional ceremony in a large chapel; a small intimate wedding in a small country church, a waterfall wedding,

or blue jeans on top of a mountain, when those vows are exchanged it is a magical moment and you are forever connected to another person.

Honestly I don’t know of another spot more beautiful than the mountains to have your wedding. The choices for a mountain wedding are plentiful from inns to resorts to a barn; a venue is an important choice to make. The flowers, the cake, the photos, the officiant, the dress... lots of decisions to make! We can help you both in print and online (gmlaurel.com) with to-do lists and lists of vendors.

In this issue we have shared some beautiful love stories, the how’d he propose stories, from Dwayne and Megan on our cover to a lovely couple from Chicago, yes by way of Lake Burton, we are sharing weddings!

Year after year we hear from brides, grooms and their families about how they used our magazine to plan their event and choose the people who could help them pull it off. The mountains are a destination for beautiful, memorable weddings. We want to hear about yours... e-mail us at [email protected].

Enjoy and don’t forget your Valentine this month!

Tracy

TracyMcCoyPublisher/Editor

CindiFreemanOfficeManager

MarketingExecutive

DianneVanderHorstArtDirector/Designer

MelissaWilliams-ThomasMarketingExecutive

Writer

February 2016 • Volume Thirteen • Issue Two • Copyright 2016

Also on board...Copy Editor/Writer - Jan Timms

Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh

Marketing Executives (Advertising)

Melissa Williams - 706.982.4777 - [email protected] Freeman - 706.782.1608 - [email protected]

Contributing Writers: Jean Hyatt, Melissa Williams, Carla Fackler

Mark Holloway, Bob Justus, Jo Mitchell, Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, Kitty Stratton, John Shivers

Phone: 706.782.1600 Website: GMLaurel.com • E-mail: [email protected]

The Georgia Mountain Laurel is a publication of Rabun’s Laurel, Inc.

Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 633 Highway 441 South, Clayton, Georgia

Copyright 2016 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine is published twelve times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to GML magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Georgia Mountain Laurel maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.

Checkoutourallnewwebsite!Agreatsourceforinformation,eventinfo,additionalcontentandourdigitalissue

andourbusinessdirectory!Greatadvertisingpossibilities!

Phone: 706.782.1600 Website: GMLaurel.com • E-mail: [email protected]

The above information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted.

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IN THIS ISSUE2 From the Publisher

Mountain Weddings8 Plan Your Mountain Wedding 10 Dwayne & Megan Hunnicutt12 Ancient Floral Customs & Traditions14 John & Neena Chestnut16 Bed & Breakfast Weddings18 David & Paula Near20 Choosing the Venue22 Andrew & Jessica Contino24 Celebrating the Bride & Groom26 Bon Appetit

Arts & Entertainment30 Cover Artist - Valerie Smith32 North Georgia Arts Guild34 Book Review

Affairs to Remember38 Event Calendar40 Sportsman’s Banquet

Faith in Christ42 Bless Your Heart44 River Garden46 Second Chances

The Great Outdoors48 Adventure Out50 Mountain Nature

Life & Leisure52 Let Me Introduce You54 Lovin’ the Journey56 Good Work58 Frank the Pig

Health & Wellness62 Live Healthy & Be Well 66 Nutitional Deficiencies

Home & Garden68 Hardwood Flooring

Yesterdays74 Foxfire76 Wheels 78 Exploring Northeast Georgia

gmlaurel.com February2016 7

IN THIS ISSUE2 From the Publisher

Mountain Weddings8 Plan Your Mountain Wedding 10 Dwayne & Megan Hunnicutt12 Ancient Floral Customs & Traditions14 John & Neena Chestnut16 Bed & Breakfast Weddings18 David & Paula Near20 Choosing the Venue22 Andrew & Jessica Contino24 Celebrating the Bride & Groom26 Bon Appetit

Arts & Entertainment30 Cover Artist - Valerie Smith32 North Georgia Arts Guild34 Book Review

Affairs to Remember38 Event Calendar40 Sportsman’s Banquet

Faith in Christ42 Bless Your Heart44 River Garden46 Second Chances

The Great Outdoors48 Adventure Out50 Mountain Nature

Life & Leisure52 Let Me Introduce You54 Lovin’ the Journey56 Good Work58 Frank the Pig

Health & Wellness62 Live Healthy & Be Well 66 Nutitional Deficiencies

Home & Garden68 Hardwood Flooring

Yesterdays74 Foxfire76 Wheels 78 Exploring Northeast Georgia


Plan Your Mountain Wedding

You turned around and there he was on bended knee, your heart leaped out of your chest and started beating faster than it’s ever beaten in your life. Tears started flowing and you said YES! The rest of the day was a blur; you called your parents, your best friend, posted a photo of your ring on Facebook and on twitter, instagram and all of those other places you share the important

moments of your life. Your mind is ablaze with one burning question, how do I plan a wedding? Then one question leads to another and another - Where do we start? Who pays for what? Indoors or outdoors? What kind of dress? What flavor of cake? How do I choose a maid of honor? Your head begins to swim just as you doze off and then you have a dream that you walked down the aisle carrying weeds, naked.

Welcome to the ranks of the engaged! The months that follow will be some of the most exciting you will ever experience. What you are going to realize is this is really your day and it’s all about you and your betrothed and everyone wants to make it special for you! Don’t be reluctant to let them, remember there is a lot to do. Lists, lists, lists, that’s the key. Begin with a list of what you and your fiancé want, what ideas do each of you have? What about your mother and his, what do they want and what are their ideas? Once your list is made then get a notebook or calendar and that’s where we can help...

We have compiled a list of some of the things you’ll need to do, when to do them so that when the day comes it is all done and you can enjoy the day. Some of these things might not apply to you and that’s ok, mark them off, the ones that do get them done or delegate and mark them off... this can make your life much easier, after all we want you to enjoy the engagement too!

First Things First...

12+ months before your weddingCongratulations! Announce engagement. Choose a date. Talk budget and determine who is contributing what. Decide on a wedding style - Western, traditional,

contemporary, etc...Choose Wedding Party Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids, Best Man and

Groomsmen, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. Get engagement ring insured and consider purchasing

wedding insurance. Take engagement photos. Begin compiling your guest list. Research ceremony and reception venues. Research wedding planner and vendors, photographer,

videographer, caterer and musicians. Research wedding dress and veil styles. Sign up on Pinterest and create wedding style/idea

boards. Start pinning! Order Save the Dates.

10 – 12 months before your weddingMail Save the Dates. Research florists. Choose bridal party attire and accessories. Book ceremony and reception venues. Book officiant. Book photographer, videographer, caterer, musicians

and planner. Purchase wedding dress and veil. Establish a fitness routine. Establish a skin care/beauty routine.

8 – 10 months before your weddingResearch three hotels, B&Bs or inns for out-of-town

guests. Finalize guest list. Set up three wedding registries.Book a florist.

Ready, Set, Check...

6 – 8 months before your weddingResearch wedding Invitation designs. Research favors and thank you cards. Research wedding day hair and makeup styles. Meet with officiant to discuss plans for ceremony. Reserve rentals: chairs, linens, lighting, décor, etc. Begin planning honeymoon. Choose cake style and schedule tastings. Choose groomsmen attire. Book ceremony musicians. Book transportation to and from venues. Purchase wedding bands.

4 – 6 months before your weddingChoose flowers, wedding party, venues, cake, and

servers. Plan welcome baskets for out-of-town guests. We are

glad to provide magazines for this.Schedule dress fittings. Prepare {play/do not play} playlists for DJ/band. Book honeymoon flights and hotels. Book room for wedding night. Order wedding cake. Order wedding Invitations.

3 months before your weddingPlan ceremony and reception seating arrangements. Experiment with hair and veil with stylist. Finalize readers and readings. Book rehearsal dinner venue. Purchase: toasting flutes, serving pieces, guestbook,

flower basket and ring-bearer pillow. Finalize reception menu. Order menu cards and other reception Items. Order favors and thank you cards

Crunch Time...

2 months before your weddingMail Invitations.


Develop system for organizing RSVPs. Begin writing vows. Review ceremony details with officiant. Lay out the content for wedding programs. Apply for marriage license; order 2-3 extra. Finalize wedding day timeline. Finalize seating arrangements. Finalize playlists with musicians. Finalize fittings and attire for wedding party and parents. Create “wedding day” schedule and send to vendors and

officiant. Create honeymoon itinerary for family at home. Decide on “Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.” Book spa and beauty treatments for you and bridal party. Book wedding day transportation. Purchase gifts for attendants. Order wedding programs.

1 month before your weddingCall vendors to confirm date, times and location. Final dress fitting. Confirm honeymoon reservations. Pick up wedding rings. Pick up marriage license. Pack for honeymoon. Write thank you notes as gifts are received.

Down to the Wire...

2 weeks before your weddingFollow up with guests who haven’t yet RSVP’d. Give final count to caterer. Update registries. Begin breaking in wedding shoes. Make arrangements for the caring of pets and plants

while on honeymoon. Get final haircut and color. Get playlists to DJ/Musicians. Delegate wedding day duties: gift table, guestbook, etc. Delegate someone to return tuxes, rentals and tend to

wedding dress. Send directions to wedding day limo/transportation

driver.

1 week before your weddingPrepare final payments to vendors + cash tips for service

personnel. Lay out wedding clothes. Give readers their scripts, if necessary. Give photographer and videographer your image and

video requests. Get spa treatments for you and the bridal party.

The day before your weddingDeliver welcome baskets. Get mani/pedi/massage. Attend wedding rehearsal. Have fun at the rehearsal dinner. Get to bed at a decent hour!

The Big Day...

Eat a good breakfast! Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready. Give wedding rings and officiant fee to the Best Man. Congratulations! Relax, smile and soak in every

incredible moment. Say “I do!”

Happily Ever After...

After the weddingReturn tuxes, rentals. Get wedding dress to preservationist or cleaners.

After the honeymoonSend thank you cards as soon as possible. Get your wedding photos professionally framed, put on

canvas or fine art paper. Enjoy your marriage!

To make selecting professionals a bit easier we have prepared a list for you of local vendors; you will find that list on our website www.gmlaurel.com, along with other valuable information for making this time enjoyable.

By Tracy McCoy


Dwayne & Megan HunnicuttMegan Brown and Dwayne Hunnicutt are both natives

of Rabun County. They went to the same babysitter and attended school together. In the 10th grade they had

some classes together and became good friends. Throughout the rest of high school they spent time together - with other friends. After graduation Megan went to Toccoa Falls College and Dwayne went to work. In her sophomore year Dwayne called her and asked her if she’d like to hang out. He drove down and picked her up and they went to Sonic for a burger and talked for hours, catching up. The first official date was a trip to Longhorn and then home to watch a movie. The couple began dating.

Being together just seemed like a perfect fit. Dwayne and Megan had talked about marriage after dating for a while. Megan said she should have seen the proposal coming but she didn’t. For Christmas Dwayne had bought his mom a ring and wrote a letter to her to accompany his gift. The letter thanked his mother for the kind of woman she is, the upbringing she gave him and told her how much he loved her; it also said he wanted her to be the first to know he planned to ask Megan to marry him. That was December 2014 and less than a month later Dwayne and Megan went to church together and after church decided to ride around. One of their first dates had been a trip to Black Rock Lake where they sat and talked. This evening Dwayne headed in that direction. It was pretty cold so when her boyfriend stopped the truck and asked her to get out she refused saying it was too cold! He convinced her to get out and beside the lake he asked Megan to be his wife. She said yes!

The wedding planning was soon underway. The date October 17, 2015 was set and the couple decided to be

married behind Dwayne’s grandparent’s house in the Persimmon community. A pasture beside the river was the perfect place for the wedding. Megan and Dwayne each have large families and they all came together to plan a precious wedding. Megan’s cousin, Lisa Welborn directed the wedding and served as the wedding planner. Lisa’s husband Greg performed the ceremony. Megan’s sister Ashley Brown Stephens was by her side all the way, as it’s always been. Her aunt Regina Bedingfield made the wedding cake and instead of a groom’s cake Dwayne opted for a


table filled with all of his favorite delectable desserts from various family members.

The wedding photographer was a friend from high school and sister Ashley’s pick at her wedding, Valerie Shelton. Valerie is the owner of Valerie Shelton Photography and our cover artist this month. Dwayne’s close friend Ethan Phillips played the guitar and sang at the wedding. Megan’s sister Ashley was her Matron of Honor and Dwayne’s dad Charles Hunnicutt was his best man. The couple had three flower girls, Nora Stephens, Madison Brown and Ava Gragg. Colton Gragg was the ring bearer.

Megan’s mom Jerri Crane Canup died when Megan was a teen, Megan told me that Dwayne’s mom Anita was so helpful and of course her grandmother Peggy as well. Megan has always been her Grandpa’s (Tommy Crane) special girl. They’ve always been extremely close. He had the privilege of walking his granddaughter down the aisle that day, a task he didn’t take lightly. Megan made it clear to everyone involved in the wedding that punctuality was very important to her. Running late is a pet peeve. Everyone was on time except some of her guests. When her grandpa drove her across the field in Charles’ 1970 Ford pickup they had to sit and wait for guests to be seated. The moments with her grandpa were an unexpected gift. Looking over at him she said “Grandpa, I am nervous.” Joking he replied “We can drive away in this old truck, right now,” of course Megan said laughing “No, I am just nervous.” Looking out the window Megan saw Lisa motion for them to come on. “Ok, it’s time” Megan said and Grandpa not normally given to emotions leaned over and kissed his granddaughter on

the forehead and said “Ok babe, here we go.”

The wedding was as precious as can be and the couple is too. They have built their home on Black Rock Mountain near Charles and Anita. Megan is finishing up college and will soon have earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and Dwayne is employed in the Archery and Outdoor Center at Reeves Hardware. We wish this couple the best in life and thank them for allowing us to share their wedding story.

By Tracy McCoy


The mother of the bride said to me recently “I’d like for my daughter to do some of that.” She’d just seen Carrie Ann’s tussie mussie in wedding

pictures and said “I think it’s fabulous. Those kinds of things brides don’t know about- from back in the day. A revival, of sorts.”

Maybe I can help with that ‘revival’?? While I am totally sold on tradition, I am also just as convinced that our ancestors would approve if we update those traditions just a little. What say you?

We all know about Something Old/Something New, Something Borrowed/Something Blue/and a Sixpence in her shoe. We’ve created really unique and wonderful ways to bring old/new/borrowed/blue to our weddings so surely we can create new ways to observe ancient flower customs.

Although some days I feel like I might’ve belonged in an earlier century, I wasn’t around when most of these customs were started – some are medieval (500AD – 1500), most are Victorian (1837 – 1901). And different cultures and countries had different customs. Did you know that brides didn’t start customarily wearing white dresses until Queen Victoria wore white for her wedding in 1840? Before that, they were mostly blue, which was the color signifying purity. (I know it has nothing to do with flowers but I thought it was interesting.)

Now… about bouquet traditions: Some thought that the early bridal bouquets were a matter of necessity. They were comprised of fragrant herbs and branches so that the fragrances would draw attention to the lovely bride. Personal hygiene back then wasn’t quite the same as it is today. It was also strongly believed that the herbs that healed all sorts of ailments would surely ward off any evil spirits and bring all good fortune to the new bride. History indicates that mostly, brides carried only herbs and leaves, twigs and branches until, again, Queen Victoria’s wedding. Then flowers became more popular. I don’t know about you but I could be quite happy with an updated version of the herbs/twigs/branches/leaves bouquet. And what if we added SUCCULENTS? Or AIR PLANTS? A beautiful bouquet without a single bloom. Hmmm…. let’s try that!

Tussie mussies were quite the rage for a while. To start with, a tussie mussie was small enough to pin to a garment. Evolving into a small bouquet, they were traditionally a big central flower with herbs and leaves arranged encircling the bloom. Sometimes they were placed in holders so that the bouquet would last longer and be easier to carry. Other times they were just wrapped in a doily. But they almost always contained fragrant herbs and flowers like tansy, thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, feverfew, Artemisia and roses.

Ancient Floral Customs & Traditions

Photos by Jenn Mac Photography


This month and many others, I have talked with brides and they have shared with me the details of their love story. For this story I talked to the groom John Chestnut. John was born in the Philippines, but has lived many places. It was while living in

Atlanta, Georgia that John met Neena; they were 11 years old and quickly made friends and remained friends throughout middle and high school. Halfway through high school, John and his family moved to Japan where he graduated high school. The two stayed in contact throughout the years.

John entered a university where he studied physical therapy and Neena attended the Medical College of Georgia where she studied dentistry. John was working in London as a physical therapist when he heard from Neena who was graduating and prior to starting her pediatric dentistry residency in Chicago, was looking for a travel buddy. They visited their friend working for Care in Mozambique then travelled, just the two of them, in South Africa. It was there on the coast of the Indian Ocean that John and Neena fell in love. After the trip they went back to their lives and successfully maintained a long distance relationship between London and Chicago for quite some time.

John’s family owns a home on Lake Burton. The home and coming to the mountains of Northeast Georgia has been part of John’s life for many years. He comes to Lake Burton as often as he can. It has always been a special place for the entire family and Neena as well.

As the couples’ romance continued the miles between them seemed to grow harder to bear, John and Neena decided that someone had to move and it made more sense for John to come to the states. Living in Chicago, the couple was together at last!

John and Neena adopted a dog whose name was Clayton – it was meant to be! Each day they took Clayton to a dog park by the river to walk. John soon knew that he wanted Neena to be his wife, so he picked out the ring and put a plan into motion. Some of John’s family were visiting the couple in Chicago and had been there for several days. The night before they were due to leave, Neena said her goodbyes as she had to work the next day. Little did she know they were part of John’s plan. They did leave and went to the home of Neena’s cousin where they hoped to celebrate later that day.

Neena came home and the couple readied Clayton for his walk. John had been down to the dog park earlier where he had written his request on the side of an old building in chalk, “Will you marry me, Neena?” With the ring in his pocket the couple and

John & Neena Chestnut


Carrie Ann had been given this tussie mussie holder years earlier by her aunt, who said “You can use this for your wedding bouquet.” Carrie Ann had saved the silver holder for just that and brought it with her to our first appointment. I felt it my bounden duty to create something that looked like 2015 but give a proper curtsy of respect to Victorian times. Carrie Ann’s November wedding was the perfect time for the orange roses and I even included feverfew and acacia for fragrance. If you have a small bouquet in your wedding day vision (as did Kate Middleton) then you’ll love a tussie mussie. And the holders are as varied as the flowers that they can contain. Look around for an antique if you like the idea of a small bouquet. Consider, too, a tussie mussie for the mothers to carry – instead of wearing flowers at the wedding.

Tussie mussies were in their glory days when flowers, and even certain plants, were given special meaning so that there could be an unspoken message in a floral bouquet. Fun, huh? Here are some popular wedding flowers and their meanings:

When a bouquet was given as a gift, the flowers were chosen based on their meaning and a card was usually attached (handwritten, of course) to tell of the reason and meaning of the chosen flowers. Ever wonder why RED roses for Valentine’s? Well… now you know! Different cultures assigned different meanings over the centuries. Imagine receiving a bouquet of ranunculus from your suitor/beau/boyfriend/groom to tell you just how radiant he thinks you look!

While the custom in some cultures was for the bride AND groom to wear a floral headpiece, brides are now being drawn to the flower crowns and headpieces. They can be worn as a crown – on the crown of the head or around the forehead, even on a barrette or comb. They can be simple and small or luxuriant and full. Ancient Greeks and Romans wore crowns of laurel, oak, herbs, grapevine and myrtle. Wreaths signify eternity. Men and women participated and wore them mostly for celebrations and holy days. Thinking of holy days makes me remember a ‘crown of thorns’.

So…tradition lives on! Traditions and customs in flowers, style and colors are still popular choices today. And so is individuality and uniqueness. Your personal style should always be apparent in your wedding décor. But a nod to the past can bring special meaning to everyday but to a wedding day in particular. And let’s keep dreaming up new ways to honor where and who we’ve come from. I’ll be happy to help that mother of the bride with a ‘revival’ and add more meaning to an already meaning-filled day! Let me know how you bring the past to your wedding. I’d love to hear! I’m on Facebook at Twigs, Leaves & Flowers.

By Cyndi Israel – owner of Twigs, Leaves & Flowers, wedding planner and harpist

Ancient Floral Customs & Traditions cont...

Clayton headed out to walk. Thankfully Neena said “yes” to John and a celebration with family and friends ensued.

The couple decided that they would marry at Lake Burton and chose Waterfall Country Club as their venue. John’s pastor from London came to perform the wedding. Over 150 friends and family attended the wedding. Former classmates and friends served as Neena’s attendants and the same for John. The couple used local and Atlanta area vendors to pull off their special day. Friend Claude Rickman helped the couple locally. The day was

perfect and the couple is very happy.

Today they continue to make their home in Chicago. They enjoy spending time with friends, traveling and are planning an official honeymoon trip to Belize in the near future.

We certainly wish this lovely couple the best!

by Tracy McCoy

Rose, red= passionate loveRose, white = purity

Hydrangea = perseveranceOrchid = delicate beauty

Anemone = fragilityGypsophila (aka Baby’s Breath) = festivityQueen Anne’s Lace = delicate femininity

Ranunculus = radianceIvy = fidelityCalla = regal

John & Neena continued...

Emily by Audrey Fotografie

Billie Board Photography

Bed & Breakfast Weddings


So you’re recently engaged or soon-to-be and now you’re looking at all of the daunting details that loom over your big day… Now what?

Well, aside from choosing who your spouse will be the next biggest decision you make is where you will celebrate the best and most important day of your life thus far. These days there are many options for brides and grooms from the ceremony location, to the reception, to lodging. As the world we live in gets smaller and smaller and more of us move away from our hometowns, or have family that spreads out across the country, it is becoming more and more important for brides and grooms to be able to bring everyone together to celebrate their wedding in a setting where genuine time can be spent with their loved ones. Choosing a bed and breakfast to host your wedding is the perfect choice to do exactly that!

A bed and breakfast can provide everything from lodging your wedding party and family under the same roof leading up to the wedding, to the ceremony itself to the reception afterwards. A lot of couples are opting for delayed honeymoons for reasons like their finances or vacation leave from work, but they still want to have a special wedding and honeymoon feeling after their big day. A B&B provides that as well! Come early, stay at one place throughout the wedding festivities and have your family and friends with you and then stay a little longer as a couple and be pampered and enjoy luxury and ambiance as Mr. and Mrs.

Having a staff at a B&B also provides you great peace of mind knowing that you do not have to worry about orchestrating deliveries from all of the different vendors to only having a short time frame to decorate exactly how you envision your special day to be. Everything and everyone is under the same roof with unlimited access, not to mention having B&B staff on hand to help assist you every step of the way.

It is obvious why more and more couples are choosing bed and breakfasts for their wedding venue. You simply cannot beat the intimacy and special feeling that you get having all of your loved ones under the same roof with you. And the amount of stress that is alleviated by having everything in one location with a staff available for assistance the entire weekend is invaluable. Bed and breakfasts are an obvious choice for a wedding destination and we hope that you will come and see us at the Rabun Manor. We would be honored to be able to serve you and care for you on the single most important day of your life thus far!

By Nancy Childress – Rabun Manor – www.rabun-manor.comPhotography by Kurtis Miller - KMpics.com



“I arrived at the restaurant first and waited in my truck. I felt a little anxious but was excited to meet her. Paula had told me what she would be driving and when I saw

her car pull in I got out of the truck and stood beside it. She got out and when she walked around that car, I was blown away. I knew right then and there that this woman was special. I can’t describe what I felt, but it was incredible.” David Near told me when I asked about the couple’s first date.

David and Paula met on Match.com, an online dating site. Their first date was at a local Mexican restaurant. Ironically, it turned out that David and Paula lived within a mile of each other in the Marietta/Kennesaw area. “We spent the entire meal talking and sometimes just staring at each other,” David laughed, “Paula and I talked about everything that evening; it was so natural and felt so comfortable.” The new couple spent time together every day for the entire week following that first date. “I just couldn’t get enough of her, I still can’t, but it seemed overwhelming for both of us so we decided to pull back and see if this was as real as it felt.” Two weeks later the couple picked up right where they had left off and have been together ever since.

“David and I both have been through so much during our lives that we knew in our hearts that this was real.” Paula actually shared her first love story with me. She had been married to her best friend Michael the father of her two young

sons and with the man whom she thought she would spend the rest of her life. Unexpectedly, Michael was taken to Heaven leaving Paula and their son Grant who was six years old. She was also 19 weeks pregnant with son Hollis when Michael passed away; she was devastated. What was apparent is that Paula has incredible faith and she looked to God for strength to go on. “It was a very hard time for us but I knew I had to keep going,” she said.

Paula loved being married and while she didn’t know how she could ever begin dating again, she knew that she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life alone. Paula’s sister Allyson encouraged her to find someone who could make her happy. “My sister was my first best friend and we were very close. Shortly after the one year anniversary of Michael’s death, my sister passed away. I wasn’t sure how to go on at that point, it was unbearable at times, but again I looked into the faces

David & Paula Near It’s Real!


of my two little boys and I knew I couldn’t give up.”

Paula and David had been dating awhile before she introduced him into the boys’ lives. “The boys and I had planned to go to Cracker Barrel one morning for breakfast and once we were in the car I told them I had a friend named David and I thought we’d pick him up and he could go eat with us. Hollis was too young to care but Grant agreed and when I saw how David interacted with my boys and how they responded to him it made me realize that this was meant to be.”

“I was divorced and had two daughters of my own Sydney and Emily. We took baby steps there as well and we continue to strengthen our family bonds even today. I’ve learned so much about life and what’s important from Paula. All she has been through has only made her stronger and increased her faith in God,” David said. “We knew that we wanted to get married and had been to look at rings. We both fell in love with the same ring and had it custom ordered. Paula had won a trip to Hawaii and so the plan was that we’d go to Hawaii and when I found the perfect place, I would propose. Well we were due to leave and the ring had still not arrived. I had to have it sent overnight and we literally picked it up on our way to the airport. Once I saw the ring, I was in awe of it and knew I couldn’t wait. Instead I got down on one knee as we were waiting at our gate to board the plane and proposed right there! Once we got to Hawaii every beautiful place we went I proposed again.” They both laugh at those memories.

So the planning began as soon as the couple returned from their trip. They began searching for a venue and found Sugarboo Farms in Blairsville, Georgia. They made plans to go tour the farm and when they did they discovered it was the perfect setting for their weekend wedding getaway. “We were initially planning an intimate ceremony thinking we’d have maybe 25 people, but it began to grow and we ended up with 75 close friends and family who would be part of our day,” Paula said, “and there were enough cabins for everyone to come for the weekend. I am not really a DIY kind of person but David is and we wanted this day to be so special. We wanted to make it our own so we spent hours on Pinterest looking at ideas for the wedding”.

“We painted mason jars, made hand-painted signs, designed our own invitations and I also built a custom arbor as a gift to Paula that we used at our wedding. Today the arbor stands on our patio as a daily reminder of our special day,” David told me. The couple says that doing all of this together just added to their relationship and really made their wedding even more special.

David and Paula found their photographer Eric Haggart from Franklin, North Carolina, on a bridal website. They drove up and met Eric at the farm and it was an instant click. “He seemed so interested in our story, what we wanted and spent a lot of time talking with us and asking questions. He told us he would be at our disposal. Eric was so genuine and he and his wife make a great tea; they were just fabulous!” Paula told me. Eric has been a cover artist and is how we met Paula and David.

So Friday they drove up early and worked to set everything up and that evening as family and friends arrived they had a “rehearsal cook-

out” with burgers and hotdogs. Sugarboo Farms also has an outdoor movie screen where we played a movie for the kids and everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening under the stars. “It was a very family oriented weekend,” Paula said.

Saturday was such a great day for everyone and before they knew it the hour had arrived for the wedding. The wedding was perfect. As this couple pledged their love to each other a family was blended and God restored lives and hearts. Paula told her son something very important that day, “I told Grant that his Dad had taught me that true love exists and David continues to show me that every day.”

Today the Nears live in the Marietta/Kennesaw area and they are currently looking for their future home. The family attends Piedmont Church, they work full time and spend a lot of time with the children. David just accepted a position helping coach Grant’s flag football team and he helped coach Hollis’ soccer team last year. This is a for real love story and it’s our pleasure to share it with you.

By Tracy McCoy


Once you are happily engaged and have set the wedding date the next big step is choosing your venue.

Your venue is an important aspect as it will set the tone for the rest of your wedding plans. There are many important steps to choosing a venue that will make your day exactly what you want! In order to effectively choose you first need to create a realistic budget and stick to it! Secondly, the size of your potential guest list will determine the size of the venue you will require. After you have worked out these two steps, the search begins! The internet has many helpful sites to narrow down venues, whether you are getting married in the city where you live or a destination wedding either close or many miles away. In researching venues your vision will begin to come together as to exactly what you desire for your ceremony and reception. This may actually end up to be something completely different from what you have been planning for your wedding since childhood. Start to narrow down your venue search by location and then the type of venue. A popular choice for bride’s today is a “mini” destination wedding (no more that 2-3 hours away) that can provide a place for your guests to stay onsite and host multiple events over a weekend.

When you find a venue that interests you, send an inquiry form from their website for more information. You should then receive more detailed information concerning pricing and packages. Find out as much about the venue as you can before making an appointment for a site visit. The obvious determining factors will be the price and size. Remember to stay within your budget so you don’t end up without enough money for the DJ, flowers and other things you will need for your reception! Other factors to consider: What does the venue include with their fee? Is there a setup fee? Is there and onsite coordinator? Do they provide catering and Bar services? What perks do they have for the Bride and Groom? Is the date you have in mind available? Do you connect with the salesperson/onsite wedding coordinator?

You may or may not be able to find a venue with everything you are hopingfor, however look at the big picture and can you see yourself getting married there and proving an incredible experience for your family and friends? If so, I say go for it!

Rabun County (Georgia) is home to Kingwood Country Club and Resort. Kingwood is a private country club located just 2 miles from the town center of Clayton Georgia. Kingwood offers a beautiful mountain setting for wedding day nuptials and an elegant Lodge as reception venue. Kingwood is an all-inclusive venue handling all aspects of your wedding day from start to finish! Contact Kingwood at 706-212-4100 or visit them on the web www. Kingwoodresort.com for more information about weddings, golf outings and so much more!

By Elizabeth Raymond Director of Sales – Kingwood Country Club and Resort

Choosing the Venue for your Mountain Wedding


Jessica Anne Smith and Andrew Nathan Contino were high school sweethearts. Andrew was a friend of Jessica’s brother and they courted under the watchful eyes of her parents before they

had a real date. She remembers their first real date being a trip to Texas Roadhouse and a movie. They dated for about a year and then sadly they broke up. A year went by and Andrew joined the Navy. Jessica also joined the United States military as a Marine. On the day he graduated from boot camp Andrew called her and asked her out. A month later Jessica left for Marine Corps boot camp. The romance was on again with both dedicated to serving this great country.

When Andrew decided to ask Jessica to be his wife he chose a beautiful location tucked under Sunset Cliff in San Diego, California. Jessica was stationed at Camp Pendleton and Andrew at the Naval Base in San Diego. Andrew had chosen a beautiful ring and on bended knee with secret photographers nearby to capture

Andrew & Jessica Continothe moment, he asked Jessica to spend the rest of her life with him. She accepted Andrew’s proposal as the waves crashed against the cliff.

Both Andrew (son of Darren and Lori Contino) and Jessica (daughter of William “Dub” and Catherine Smith) are natives of Georgia so they knew they wanted to get married in their home state. They chose Sautee-Nacoochee where Jessica’s grandmother lived as their location but it proved to be very difficult for them to make plans from California.

With a date of December 27, 2014 on the calendar, Jessica’s mother Kathryn Smith and her “Nana” Nancy Smith took over much of the planning. Nancy lives in the Sky Lake community in the Nacoochee Valley of White County. She found the perfect church for the wedding located on a hill in the center of the valley.


The Old Nacoochee Missionary Baptist Church welcomed the couple and the church community was helpful and accommodating.

Jessica’s grandfather Pastor Scott McClintock performed the ceremony. Jessica wore her grandmother Paulette Heidel’s wedding dress. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Sautee Mountain Resort and Conference Center. The caterers were Tim and Harriett Williams of Green Gables. Classical guitarist Cliff Eckenloy played for their guests.

The décor for the rehearsal dinner, the wedding and reception were compliments of Nancy and her close friend Alene Kelly. The ladies decorated with cedar, red berries and burlap. Jessica handmade her invitations herself. The bride’s bouquet and other wedding floral designs were also the creation of Tim and Harriett of Green Gables. Jessica spoke of how fortunate she was to have the assistance of her Nana and her mother when planning this special day. The work they put into the event was appreciated by the bride and her groom.

The wedding was lovely and very meaningful. Jessica’s wedding pictures were made by Melissa A. Henderson Photography. Melissa captured the essence of the day beautifully. The reception that followed was an incredible gift from a dear family friend. It was held at the Sautee Mountain Resort as well with Green Gables as caterer. The cake was elegantly simple with three tiers and an anchor cake, in honor of Andrew’s service in the Navy, served as the groom’s cake. Pastor Tony Hamilton of Clermont provided beautiful music at the reception and it was a wonderful end to a perfect day.

Andrew has been serving in the Asian Pacific for the past year with Jessica still stationed at Camp Pendleton in southern California. The couple values the weeks they get together as Andrew serves his second year abroad. They plan to have a “real honeymoon” when he returns although they have made some short trips while he was on leave. A military couple whose love is spanning many miles – thank you Andrew and Jessica Contino from the Laurel and our readers!

by Tracy McCoy


No wedding is complete without a reception to celebrate the new couple. The wedding reception is the place where the bride and groom dance

together for the first time, eat cake, converse with guests, break a glass for luck, get hoisted on chairs, or complete any number of other cultural rituals depending on the type of wedding they are having. A successful wedding reception is key to having a successful wedding. Thus, choosing the right wedding reception location is vital.

You typically want the wedding reception location to be close enough that guests can get there quickly from the ceremony. You also want to make sure it is roomy enough to accommodate all your guests and that it looks pretty. Doing all this on a budget can be difficult, so it is also essential to know how much you can afford to spend before you go looking for a reception location.

You also need to consider related factors, such as the rules of the possible location. For example, some wedding reception venues will allow you to bring in your own food or caterers. Others will require that you use theirs. Some will permit you more leeway and freedom as far as decorations, while others have more stringent rules. Make sure you ask all of these questions when you pick out your wedding reception location so you aren’t disappointed after you put the deposit down.

Time is also a factor as well. Many of the best or most popular wedding reception locations book up early, sometimes as early as years in advance if you want to get married on a popular day (such as Valentines Day). If you are planning a last minute wedding, this means that you may have to be less choosy when it comes to a wedding location.

Wedding Reception Location OptionsThe wedding reception location options available to

you depend a lot on the size of your wedding and your budget.

Possible options include:• Banquet Halls • Country clubs • Hotels • Event Centers• Vineyards/Wineries• Your Home or a Family Member’s Home

Of these, obviously your own home is the least expensive, while country clubs and hotels may tend to be more costly. Your wedding planner can help you determine costs, evaluate wedding locations and make the right decision about which wedding reception locations are right for your big day.

We have included a list of local event venues that may work for you. We have separated them by county and we have included websites (so you can gain more info), addresses and phone numbers. Don’t thank us, we are happy to help!

Celebrating the Bride & GroomRabun County, Georgia

12 Spies Vineyard 550 Black Branch Rd, Rabun Gap, GA 30568813.335.2886 - www.12spiesvineyards.com

Andy’s Trout Farm 115 Andys Trout Farm Rd, Otto, NC 28763706.746.2550 - www.andystroutfarm.com

Beechwood Inn 220 Beechwood Dr, Clayton, GA 30525706.782.5485 - www.beechwoodinn.ws

Betty’s Creek Barn 271 Big Creek Road, Rabun Gap, GA 30568706.982.9192 - www.bettyscreekbarn.com

Chapel of Sky Valley 817 Sky Valley Way, Sky Valley, GA 30537706.746.2999 - www.skyvalleychapel.com

Chota Falls 1810 Rickman Airfield Rd, Tiger, GA 30576Phone: 706.490.5557 - www.chotafalls.com

Rabun County Civic Center 201 W Savannah St, Clayton, GA 30525706.212.2149 – www.rabunciviccenter.com

Rabun Manor 205 Carolina St, Dillard, GA 30537703.851.9338 - www.rabun-manor.com

Kindwood Resort 401 Country Club Dr, Clayton, GA 30525706.212.4100 - www.kingwoodresort.com

Splendor Mountain 359 Eastman Mountain Rd, Tiger, GA 30576404.218.7638 - www.splendormountain.com

Stonewall Creek Vineyard 323 Standing Deer Ln, Tiger, GA 30576706.212-0584 - www.stonewallcreek.com

Tallulah Falls Wedding Chapel 101 School Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573800.711.0372 – 706.490.1484

The Dillard House 1153 Franklin St, Dillard, GA 30537706.746-2038 - www.dillardhouse.com

The Farmhouse at Persimmon Creek Blue Ridge Gap Rd, Clayton, GA 30525706.782-9834 www.thefarmhouseatpersimmoncreek.com

The Pavilion at Lake Rabun 1757 Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont, GA 30552706.782.6110 - www.lakerabun.org

Tiger Mountain Vineyards & Red Barn Cafe 2592 Old 441 S, Tiger, GA 30576706.782.4777 - www.tigerwine.com

Waterfall Country Club 1105 Waterfall Dr, Clayton, GA 30525706.212.4000 - www.thewaterfallclub.com

Oconee County, South Carolina

Chattooga Belle Farm454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658864.647.9768 - www.chattoogabellefarm.com

Habersham County, Georgia

Glen Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant 1789 Bear Gap Rd, Clarkesville, GA 30523706.754.7295 - www.glenella.com

The Community House 601 Wyly St, Cornelia, Ga. 30531 706.778.8585 - www.corneliageorgia.org

Towns County, Georgia

Brasstown Valley Resort 6321 U.S. 76, Young Harris, GA 30582706.379.9900 - www.brasstownvalley.com

Crane Creek Vineyards 916 Crane Creek Rd, Young Harris, GA 30582706.379-1236 - www.cranecreekvineyards.com

Hightower Creek Vineyards 7150 Canaan Dr, Hiawassee, GA 30546706.896-8963 - www.hightowercreekvineyards.com

Ridges Resort6321 U.S. 76, Young Harris, GA 30582706.379.9900 - www.ridgesresort.com

Macon County, North Carolina (Franklin)

Cat Creek Lodge 109 Holly Springs Village Rd, Franklin, NC 28734828.524.0991 - www.catcreeklodge.com

Snow Hill Inn 531 Snow Hill Rd, Franklin, NC 28734828.349.9009 - www.snowhillfranklinnc.com

Stephens County, Georgia

Georgia Baptist Conference & Retreat Center 462 Sonrise Way, Toccoa, GA 30577706.886.3133 - www.mytoccoa.com

Toccoa Falls College – Toccoa Falls 107 Kincaid Dr, Toccoa Falls, GA 30598706.886.6831 – 1.888.785.5624 - www.tfc.edu/weddings

Bon AppétitYou Can Never Have too Much Chocolate!

February brings us Valentine’s Day and to most folks that is synonymous with chocolate. While it is wonderful to get a beautiful red box full of luscious chocolates, a homemade chocolate gift is even better. These

recipes are easy enough for anyone to make and will win you lots of “brownie” points. Wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a big red bow can earn you even more points.

by Scarlett Cook

Semi-sweet Chocolate Pound Cake

Cake2 Cups plain flour1 Teaspoon baking soda1 Teaspoon baking powder1 1/2 Cups water2 Tablespoons instant coffee granules6 Ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped2 Cups sugar1 Cup butter, softened1 Teaspoon vanilla3 Eggs

Preheat oven to 325˚. Grease 10” fluted tube pan.

Combine flour, baking soda and baking powder.

In a small saucepan, combine water and instant coffee and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add 6 ounces of chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and set aside.

In mixing bowl cream sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs and beat on high speed for 5 minutes. Beat in dry ingredients alternately with the melted chocolate mixture.

Pour batter into pan and bake for 50 – 60 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely before glazing.

Glaze2 Ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped3 Tablespoons butter1 1/2 Cups sifted, powdered sugar2 – 3 Tablespoons milk1 Teaspoon vanilla

In medium saucepan over low heat melt chocolate and butter stirring until smooth.

Stir in powdered sugar and enough milk to make glaze spreadable. Stir in vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Million Dollar Cake

Cake1 Cup butter2 1/2 Cups sugar5 Egg yolks, beaten3 Cups plain flour4 Heaping tablespoons cocoa powder1 Teaspoon baking sodaDash of salt1 Cup buttermilk5 Tablespoons strong coffee2 Teaspoons vanilla6 Egg whites, beaten

Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease and flour 3 9” cake pans.

Cream butter and sugar together. Add beaten egg yolks and mix well.

In different bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.

Combine buttermilk, coffee and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed batter alternately with buttermilk mixture mixing well after each addition.

Fold in beaten egg whites.

Divide batter into the 3 pans and bake for 20 – 25 minutes.

Cool layers in pan for 5 minutes and then cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Icing1/2 Cup butter1 Egg yolk3 Tablespoons coffee1 Tablespoon vanilla1 Box confectioner’s sugar2 Tablespoons cocoa powder

Cream butter; add egg yolk, coffee and vanilla.

Add confectioner’s sugar and cocoa. Blend well and spread on cooled cake.



Chocolate Caramel Brownies

1 14-Ounce bag caramels, unwrapped1/3 Cup evaporated milk1 Package German chocolate cake mix1/3 Cup evaporated milk1 1/2 Sticks margarine at room temperature1 Cup chopped pecans1 16-Ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease 9”x13” pan.

In double boiler, combine caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Heat until caramels are melted.

Combine cake mix and 1/3 cup evaporated milk and margarine. Stir in nuts. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. Pour melted caramel over chips and crumble remaining cake mix mixture over caramel.

Bake for 15 minutes more.

Easy Chocolate Pie

1 Large Hershey chocolate bar2 Tablespoons instant coffee1 Tablespoon water1 Large tub Cool Whip, thawed1 Chocolate pie crust

Melt chocolate bar in microwave and stir in the coffee and water. Fold into the Cool Whip and mix well.

Pour into curst and freeze.

To serve, remove from freezer 15 minutes before using.

No Fail Fudge

4 1/2 Cups sugar1 Large can evaporated milk1/2 Pound margarine18-Ounces chocolate chips1 Tablespoon vanilla10 Ounces miniature marshmallows2 Cups chopped pecans

Line a 9” x 13” pan with foil.

In a large saucepan, blend sugar, milk and butter. Bring to a boil and boil for 6 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add vanilla, chocolate chips and marshmallows. Stir until smooth. Add nuts.

Pour fudge into pan and cool to room temperature to prevent graininess. Wrap well and store in refrigerator.


A Taste of the Mountains



Ourcover artist thismonth isValerie Shelton, a very talentedphotographer.Valeriewasbornandraised inRabunCounty.SheattendedhighschoolinHighlands,NorthCarolinawhere

shegraduatedin2011.ShecontinuedhereducationatNorthGeorgiaTechnicalCollegeattainingadegreeinCommercialPhotography.HerfirstcamerawasapinkBarbiecamerathatshewasgivenasagiftwhenshewasonlysevenyearsold.Shesaysthatisprobablythebeginningofherfascinationwithtakingphotos.Valerierememberslovingvintagephotosgrowingup;shewouldsitandlookthrougholdfamilyphotoseven at a young age.Valerie’s father is very artistic in his furniturerestorationbusinessandshebelievesthatiswherehercreativitycomesfrom.

Your first impression of this successful young lady would thatshe is somewhat shy,verymodestandsogenuine.Herphotographytellsstories;shestrivestoachievethisineverysession.Valerieenjoyswatchingcouplesinloveandworkstocapturethoseglances,touchesandmoments that show that love.Valerie looks for the shots othersmight overlook. She enjoys the casual nature of photography today,preferringitoverstagedphotos,Ithinkwealldo!

Valerieworkswith couples and families for all of those specialmoments.Sheespeciallyenjoysengagementandweddingphotography.ThechildrenandfamiliesarealsofuntodoandValeriewantstomeetwith families, getting to know them and following them through allof life’sevents.Organic isbestdescribedas realand that is thebestdescriptionofherworkandwhatValerielikesbest.Shebelievesthatphotographyisanartandwhenanartistlovestheirworkitshows.

301–CoverArtist–02-16–477Words

Valerie Shelton – Lovely & Organic

CoverArtist


Iaskmostphotographerswhat theyshootwithandwhat theirdreamcamera is.ValeriepurchasedherdreamcamerawhichwasaCanon5DMark3whileinschool.She,likemostothers,hasaniceselectionofspeciallensestoachievethelooksheisafter.Valeriecanworkwithmostbudgetsandsaysshewantseveryonetohavebeautifulimagesthattheywilltreasureforalifetime.Sheoffersdifferentpackageswitheitherdigitalorprintimages.Sheprovidesimagesonacustomwoodenflashdriveforsafekeeping.Sheencouragesherbridesandgroomstogetprintsandeventheirfavoriteimageonawrappedcanvas.PrintingisveryimportantandValeriehasacompanywhomeetsherexpectationstimeaftertime.

ValerieexpressedhowthankfulsheistoGodforthetalentHehasgivenher;sheisgratefulforherfamilyandherboyfriendfortheircontinuedencouragementandsupport.Shehopesyouwillvisitherwebsite:valeriesheltonphotography.com.YoucanreachValeriebye-mailatvaleriesheltondesigns@gmail.comorbycalling706.982.5739orlookforheronFacebook.


WhenyoustandinfrontofawatercolorbyGailWatson,it’sasifyou’vegonetovisitanewfriend—thensomethingspecialclicksandyoudon’twanttoleave.Thecolors—

jewel-likeorsubtleasasunrisethroughmorningmist,arejustpartofthemagnetism.Whetherthesubjectisfloraorfauna,thecompositionisflawless,harmoniousandtheoveralleffectisavisualandmentaltreat.

Gail’sinterview:

Q:Wheredoyougetyourideas?A:Luckily,mostcomefromlookingoutmystudiowindows,onmydailywalksorhikesandintravels.

Q:Whatemotionsoccurduringtheprocess?A: There is always asense of excitement,especiallyasthepaintingemerges. Also a senseof contentment withdoing something I love.When it’s done, I can’twait to share it withmyfamily and friends, greatsupporters!

Q: Do you plan yourpaintings?Dotheyevolvedifferently from youroriginalvision?A:Iplanentirelystartingwithavaluesketch,thenadetaileddrawing,colorselection and lastly, thebest technique for the

subject.Evenwithalltheplanning,mypaintingsrarelyturnoutasIenvisioned,but that’s thebestpart. I reallyenjoyhowthecolorsmingleonthepaperandthelackofcontrol.

Q:Howwouldyoulikeviewerstoreact?A:“Wow!”wouldbegreat,butI’dbecontentforthemtostoplongenoughtostudythetechnique,thenuancesofcolororconnectwiththesubject.Ireallyenjoywhenasked,“Howdidyoudothat?”

Q:Pleasedescribetheprocess.A: I lean toward realism. The paintings derive from my ownphotographs,editedforcompositionandvaluepattern.Iusevariedtechniques:glazinglayersforrichcolors,watercolorpours,ongessosurfacesandevenbatiks.

Q:Goals?A:In2013,IbecameasignaturememberoftheGeorgiaWatercolorSociety—mybiggestgoal.Sincethen,I’vebeenacceptedinjuriedshowsinGeorgiaandsurroundingareas.NextI’lltrylargershowsandhopetobecomerecognizedinmyfield.

Q:Whatismostgratifying?A:CreatingfromthingsIenjoy--whyIrarelyworkoncommission.It’sgreattobeabletodecidewhichtechniqueworksbestforeachsubject;sometimesusingdifferenttechniquesandcolorsforthesamesubject.

Gail’shusbandlaunchedhercareerwithasetofpaintsandenrollmentinaclasswithDianneMize.ShelatertookworkshopswithAtlantainstructors in Gainesville. More recently, she began weeklongworkshopswithrenownedartists.

Gail’s paintings may be seen at: The Studio, Toccoa; the SauteeNacoochee Art Center and (varying times) the Oconee CulturalArt Center, Watkinsville,Georgia.

Two of Gail’s paintingswere exhibited last yearin theNational League ofAmerican Pen Women;threeinthenationaljuriedshow for SAAG in BlueRidge; two into the GWSmember show, one withhonorable mention andfirstplace in theCurraheeArtistsGuildfallshow.

YoumaycontactGailvia:www.gails-art.blogspot.com or [email protected]

Created&EditedbyJoMitchell

NorthGeorgiaArtsGuildGailWatson–HarmoniousMagnetism


Finding Art


In theory, good writing issupposedly10%inspirationand 90% perspiration. If

so, then Cleveland, Georgiaauthor Emory Jones hasnailed it with his firsthistorical novel The Valley Where They Danced. A1980s newspaper storyabout a local mysterywasthegermthatstartedit all. For years theideas tumbled in hissubconscious, untilfinally, about fouryears ago, he gotserious. His wife’s“encouragement”as only a wife can

urge,spurredhimon.

Theresultisastoryasgracefulasawaltz,butwiththefranticurgency of a polka, and as beautiful as a ballet solo.Dr.TomGarrisonandLenoreConley’sbeautifultangoisbasedaroundthe

legendoftwostar-crossedNativeAmericanlovers,forwhomtheSauteeandNacoocheeValleyswerenamed.

Any story that grabs you andwon’t let go, is the kind ofstoryyouhatetoseeend.Oneofthereasonsthisbookhasbeen

praisedsohighly,istheauthenticityofeventhemostminute facts. Emory had knowledgeablepeople in many different fields to vetandadvise.Itwashisaunt,themodelforLenore,who set him straight on the sizesoflardbuckets.Hewasdeterminedthatallhistoricalfactwouldbeaccurate.

Emoryspenthislifetimedayjobwritingwhatotherpeopletoldhimtowrite,butthat’schanged. He’s already working on a secondvolumeofthestory,andforeseesathirdvolume.

Oneof themost interestingaspectsof thisstory set inNortheastGeorgia, on the heels ofWorldWar I, is that Dr.Tom and his lady arefictionalcharacters,asaremanyothers.Butotherpersonalities actually existed. It’s impossible to

discern who was birthed in Emory’s creative imagination andwhichwerepluckedfromhistorytocompletethestory.Thatisthe

Make Sure This Book is On Your Dance CardA Review: The Valley Where They Danced


Clarkesville, Georgia

magicalqualityofthestory,andtestimonytothewordweavingskillsoftheauthor.

ThisnovelmaybeEmory’sfirststabathistoricalfiction,butit’sfarfromhisfirstwritingrodeo.FollowingaUGAcumlaudegraduationthatgavehimaunioncardintoajournalismcareer,he joined Gold Kist, Inc., an agricultural co-operative, whereheheldvariouspositionswiththecompany’sfourpublications.Whatfollowedisalifetimecareerwithvariousagriculturalandbusiness-to-businessendeavors.

In addition, since his return to hisWhiteCounty,Georgiaroots,thenameEmoryJoneshasappearedonanumberofhistory-relatedbooks,numerousarticlesandnewspapercolumns.Butit’shis latest project, the story of two sweet lovers, forwhom lifehadsomuchtooffer,thathasgrabbedhisreadersandwon’tletgo.“Joneshascreatedaclassicwithoutintendingtodoso,”onereaderreported.“It’sbeenalong,longtimesinceIreadabookascaptivatingasThe Valley Where They Danced,”anothersaid.“Thisisseriouslygoodliterature….Thistouchingstorywillpullatyourheartstrings,”yetanotherreaderenthused.

Andhowcanheartstringsnotbe affected,whena smittenyoungphysicianconfesses to theyoungwomanwith the limp,thatheknewfromtheirfirstmeeting theywouldmarry?Whenprofessionofhis lovebringsonadancewith thewomanwhoshould never have known such magic, readers are literallydancingwiththem.

Buteventually,alldancesmustend.ThenewlywedsfollowapopularcustomandhoneymoonatnearbyTallulahFalls.Fromthat charmed setting, worlds collide and produce yet anotherdancethatwillforeveralterlivesandfutures.AfterTallulahFalls,neitherthedancenorthedancerswouldeverbethesameagain.

ByJohnShivers

Readers may purchase the book by logging onto www.yonahtreasures.com, at local bookstores, and on

Amazon and Kindle.



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TwoforOnebungalowcottages.$889,000

LUXURY!Brick&stonehomeon5.3acres.,creekfrontage,3rdgaragew/bonusroomandworkshop,upgradedthroughout.$396,000

STUNNING!Customhome,gourmetkitchen,masteronmain,endofroadprivacy.

$647,900

FOURSIDEDBRICKRANCH!Wholehousegenerator,longcreekfrontage,parkingforRV,fencing,greenhouseandmuchmoreon6.28acres.$399,000

ONLYTHEBEST!LocatedinSkylake,walkingtrails,

waterfalls,swimming,tennis,fishing&boating.$715,000

EASYCOMMUTE,toGainesville,CorneliaorToccoa.FormalDR,eat-inkitchen,2FPs,oakfloors,9+ftceilings,FiberOptictoworkremotely.$379,900

SPLENDOR!Overwhelmingcharm,invit-

ingcasualelegance.Mountainviews,custombuild-insandmuchmore.$445,000

BRICKHOME!InTheOrchardGolfCommunity,overlooksmountainlake,seasonal

mountainviews.$424,900

LAKEFRONTSETTING!Overlookslake,17thteeandmoun-

tains.Largebackdeckw/viewsclosetoclubhouse.$359,000

UNSURPASSEDMOUNTAINVIEWS!4BR/4BACraftsmanStyleHomesitson5acres,backsuptoNationalForest.

$699,500

CUSTOMMADELOGHOME!Locatedon5.4acres,constructedwith15"to24"logs,over2000ftofporches,3outbuildingsw/powerandwater.$899,500


Mountain Happenings February and March, 2016March 19th - 20th, 26th - 27thSpring Wine Highway WeekendVarious Northeast Georgia CountiesInfo: 706.878.9463www.georgiawine.com

STEPHENS COUNTY

February13thExperienceToccoa-LocalArtistsMitchellAllenMemorialHallToccoaInfo:706.282.5055

February15thandthethirdMondayofthemonthCareerCoachStephensCountyLibrary,ToccoaInfo:www.gmrc.ga.gov/WorkforceDevelopment.htm

The Schafer Center ToccoaInfo: www.negaconcerts.com

February11thMilkshakeMayfield

February13thMelindaDoolittle

February25thACloserWalkwithPatsyCline

March18thTheYoungIrelanders

HABERSHAM COUNTY

February6thClarkesvilleMardiGrasGalaClarkesvilleEventCenterClarkesvilleInfo:706.754.2220

February20thNorthGeorgiaWinterJamGrantStreetMusicRoomClarkesvilleInfo:706.839.7467

Habersham Community TheatreClarkesvilleInfo: www.habershamtheater.org

February5th–7th;11th-14th“Harvey”

March10th-13th;17th-20th“Always....PatsyCline”

WHITE COUNTY

February6thFaschingHelenFesthalle,HelenInfo:706.878.1908

February17th-20thHelenblitzMiniCooperCarShowHelendorfRiverInn,HelenInfo:706.878.2271

February19th-20thSauteeNacoocheeCenterArtFestivalSauteeNacoocheeCenter,SauteeInfo:706.878.3300;www.snca.org

February20th-21st41stAnnualFiresideArts&CraftsShowUnicoiLodge,HelenInfo:706.878.2201

March1standeachTues-dayandFridaythroughAugustBingoHelenFesthalle,HelenInfo:706.878.1908

March12thCulturalLandscapeStudyHardmanFarm,SauteeInfo:706.878.1077

March26th27thAnnualTroutTournamentChattahoocheeRiver,HelenInfo:706.878.1908

Yonah Mountain VineyardsClevelandInfo: 706.878.5522

February13thMovieNight

February14thandthesecondSundayofthemonthReserveWineTasting

Smithgall WoodsClevelandInfo: 706.878.3087www.smithgallwoods.com

February6thFunwithFalconry

March5thVolunteerTraining

March19thFliesandFlyWater

Helen Arts & Heritage CenterHelenInfo: 706.878.3933www.helenarts.org

February21stWhiteCountyStudentArtCompetition&Reception

March10th“ShadesoftheMountains”ArtExhibitOpening&Reception

North Georgia Zoo & FarmClevelandInfo: 706.348.7279

February6th,13th,20th,27thWinterWonderlandTours

February21standthethirdSundayoftheMonthBehindtheScenesTour

February20th;27thSneakPreviewDaysPorcupineQuillJewelry&ArtClass

March5th-6thBouncingBabies

March12thMommyandMeattheZoo

March24th-27thEasterFestival

March29th-April3rdApril5th-10thSpringtimeFestival

BabyLand General HospitalClevelandInfo: 706.865.2171www.cabbagepatchkids.com

March12thSt.Patrick’sCelebration

March19thMagicalEasterExtravaganza

RABUN COUNTY

February13th-14thMarch12th-13thJuniorRodeoRabunArena,TigerInfo:706.212.0452

February8th–13thFriendsoftheLibraryMembershipDrive&BakeSaleRabunCountyLibrary,ClaytonInfo:706.782.3731

February18thNorthGeorgiaArtsGuildProgramIngridBolton-“Pysanky-UkrainianEasterEggs”UGAExtensionRabunCountyConferenceRoom,ClaytonInfo:www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com

March11th-13th;18th-20th“TheImportanceofBeingEarnest”NorthGeorgiaCommunityPlayersDillardPlayhouse,DillardInfo:www.ngcommunityplayers.com

March24th12thAnnualEasterEggHuntRabunCountyRecreationDepartmentTigerInfo:706.782.4600

February14th

Valentine’sDay

Don’tforgetthatspecialsomeone.


March25th-27thEasterWeekendCelebrationRiverVistaRVPark,DillardInfo:706.746.2722

Tallulah Gorge State ParkTallulah FallsInfo: 706.754.7981

February7th;March6thSunriseHike

February13th;March12thHiddenGemHikingSeries

February22nd;March23rdFullMoonSuspensionBridgeHike

March24thSunsetEasterEggHunt

Rabun Trout Unlimited MeetingsInfo: www.rabuntu.org

February6thAnnualPlanningMeetingDillardHouse,Dillard

February18thChapterMeetingRabunGapPresbyterianChurchRabunGap

February25thBoardofDirectorsMeetingRabunGapPresbyterianChurchRabunGap

TOWNS COUNTY

February5th-6thBBQChampionship&WinterThrowDownBrasstownValleyResort&SpaYoungHarrisInfo:706.379.4612

February13th-14thSweetheartShowBrasstownValleyResortYoungHarrisInfo:706.897.6179

Young Harris CollegeYoung HarrisInfo: 706.379.5114,www.yhc.edu

February11thFacultyArtistRecital

February13thUnluckyinLoveACabaretFundraiser

February19th;26th;March18th“Stars:ThePowerhousesoftheUniverse”RollinsPlanetariumInfo:706.379.5195

February24th-27th9to5:TheMusical“PayWhatYouCanPreview”

March3rdFiveGrandsFantasia

March18thTheLosAngelesGuitarQuartet

March29thConcertBand

March31st9StringTheory

John C. Campbell Folk SchoolBrasstownInfo: 828.837.2775; 800.FOLKSCHwww.folkschool.org

February4thHamiltonCountyRamblersConcert

February13th;27th;March12thContra&SquareDance

March12thEmptyBowls2016

MACON COUNTY, NC

Smoky Mountain Center for Performing ArtsFranklinInfo: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598www.GreatMountainMusic.com

February5th-6th“OnceUponaWish”

February13thLittleAnthony&theImperials

February20thTimTebow

February26thRedHeadExpressandMountainFaithBand

March5thHotelCalifornia:ASalutetotheEagles

March12thNaturalBodybuildingPhysiqueSecondAnnualChampionship

March18th-19thTreasureIsland,TheClassicAdventure

Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts CenterHighlandsInfo: 828.526.9047

February6thNationalTheatre:Coriolanus

February13thNationalTheatre:LesLiaisons

February27thNationalTheatreLive:AsYouLikeIt

March5thMETOpera:Puccini’sManonLescaut-NewProduction

March11th-13th;18th-20thHighlandsCashiersPlayersMysteryDinnerTheater

March27thBolshoiBallet:Spartacus


Tabernacle Baptist Church started the RabunCountySportsman’sBanquet(RCSB)14yearsagoasanoutreachtogivebacktothecommunity.

Tabernacle supports missionaries all around theworld,butwantedtodosomethingforourlocalareaalso.ThusthebirthoftheRCSB.Attheeventyouwillmeetoldfriendsandmakenewones.Youwillenjoyeatingwildgamesuchasbear,wildhog,deer,rabbitdumplings,deerlinksausage,grilledchicken,bakedbeans, coleslaw, potatoes and delicious deserts.We have had the Foxfire Boys Band and the CurtisBlackwellBandasourmusicalentertainmentovertheyears.We have speakers each yearwho share theirstories and professional careers with the crowd. Inthepastwehavehadspeakers suchasR.G. (Dick)Bernier, an outdoor writer, whitetail consultant andnature photographer. Billy Shaw, an all pro footballplayerwhoistheonlyprofessionalfootballplayerinboththeAFCandNFLFootballHallofFame.RodneyDillardwhoplayedoneoftheDarlingfamilyontheAndy Griffith show and his Band the Dillards.Wehave also had a professional juggler, a professionalbaseballplayerandJoeyHancock,aprofessionalturkeyhunterand stand-up comedian. Last yearwewere privileged to haveClayDyer,aprobassfishermanwhowasbornwithoutlegsandonlyapartialrightarm.Insteadoflettingthisgethimdownhegetsupandgoes.HedriveshisownToyotaTruck,bassboatandtieshisownhookswhilepraisingGodandsharing theGospelwitheveryonehemeets.

Thisyear’sspeakerisTeamFitzgerald,afatherandsonbowhuntingteamthattraveltheglobebowhunting.DanFitzgeraldhad one of the first deer hunting shows on television.Whenthey’renothunting,theytravelsharingtheirloveofbowhuntingandtheGospelwithoutdoorenthusiastsaroundthecountry.

Over 90 businesses from all over the county give doorprizes and money to help make this happen.Yes, TabernacleBaptistChurchsponsorstheevent,butwithoutthehelpoflocalbusinesseswecouldnotmakethisareality.ThisisnotafundraiserforTBCasnomoneygoestothechurchfromthis.Ifwehaveanymoneyleftafterallthebillsarepaid,itgoestowardsnextyear’sevent.ReevesAceHardwareandSportingGoodshasbeenabigpartoftheeventsincethestartbyprovidingtheGrandPrizeeachyear,andit’salwaysGRAND!TheyhavegivenawayaBigGreenEggGrill,aYetiCoolerfilledwithhuntingandfishingsupplies,a$500giftcertificate,apelletgrillworth$900,muzzle loaderguns, and compound bows, just to name a few. I am alwaysamazedatwhatJeffHoustoncomesupwithforourGrandPrize.

Rabun County Sportsman’s Banquet


What I enjoymost is watching friends reunite and peoplemaking new friends and all the chatter of people just enjoyingfellowshipwithoneanother.ThebanquetthisyearwillbeonSaturday,February20th.Thedoorswillopenat4:30PMwiththedinnerbeginningat6:00PMandendingaround9:00PM.ItisheldattheRabunCountyCivicCenter.Ticketsare$10andcanbepurchasedatReevesAceHardware,theChamberofCommerceorTabernacleBaptistChurch.Seatingislimitedto504sobesureandgetyourticketearly.Ifyoubuy6ormoretickets,wewillreserveyourseatsoyourfamilyorgroupcansittogether.Thelastseveralyearshavesoldout,socomeoninandenjoymeetingoldfriendsmakingnewones.Youwillhaveachancetoseesomegreatdeer,bear,hogandfishmountsfromlocalhuntersandfisherman,enjoysomegreatfoodandmeetGuyandDanFitzgerald.Hopetoseeyouthere.Formoreinformationortoreserveseating,callTabernacleBaptistChurchat706.782.2734.

byPaulEden–TabernacleBaptistChurch


Lizzie stepped out doorsfeeling the grass betweenher toes, her skirt dragging

just a bit but not really caring.She walked toward a stump thatoverlookedherlushandwell-caredforgarden.Hottearsrolleddownher face, first slowly then sobs

came.Gutwrenchingsobs.Shedoubledoverasifinphysicalpain,only itwasworse, itwas thatpenetratingemotionalpainthatcomeswithloss.Thelossofherhusband,thelossofherlittlegirl,thelossoftheirlifetogether.WherewasGod?DidHenotcareabouther?Lizzie’ssobsturnedintoheaving,asshefeltherfingernailspiercingintothebarkofthestumpasiftoholdonforlife.Butwhatwastheretoholdonfor?Nothing.

Afterawhile,Lizziecouldnolongerfeeltheheatofthesunonherface.Howlonghadshelainagainstthestump?Slightlydisoriented,Lizziepulledherselfupandwalkedunsteadilytothekitchendoor,tryingtopushitopenbutitseemedsoheavy.Lizziewalkedafewstepsbeforecollapsingontothekitchenchair.Moretears,moresobs,morequestionstoGod.Herbodywasspent,herspiritbrokenandherheartshattered.Lizziemadeherwaytobed,clothesandallandreachedforTimothy,buthewasnotthere.Shecurledupandwishedshehadbeenburiedto.

Lizziebarelyheardtheloudknocksonherdoorbutdidn’thavethestrengthtorespond.

“Lizzie,it’sme,Sarah”

“Lizzieopenthedoor.”

Sarahcontinued to shoutuntil she remembered touse thekeyhiddenunderthepot.UnlockingthedoorshewalkedintoLizzie’sroomandherheartbrokeforherbestfriend.Curledupinthefetalposition,clutchingapillowsaturatedwithtears,layLizzie. Sarahquietlywalkedout andwent into thekitchen tocleanitupsothatLizziewouldbefreeofthatchore.Thenshesatandwaitedforhertocomeout.

Glancing at the clockwhen it chimed two o’clock, Sarahdecided to wake Lizzie and get her to eat a little something.Walkingintoherroom,LizziewokeoutofherstuporandthenclosedhereyesbackagainwhensherememberedTimothyandGraceweregoneforever.HottearsflowedandSarahknowingnothingshesaidordidwouldease thepain;soshepulledthecoversbackandcrawledintobedholdingherbestfrienduntilthetearssubsidedandfellbacktosleep.

The months rolled by and the questions finally ceased inLizzie’shead.SheknewGoddidn’ttakeherhusbandandlittlegirltopunishher.SheknewHeunderstoodherpainandsorrow.She grasped to keep her faith from faltering. Lizziewaswellinhersecondyearofmourningandhernumbnesswaseversoslowlythawing.Shewaslookingforwardtothedaywherespringwouldsproutinhersoul.

Lizziekeptherselfbusyrunningherbakingbusiness‘Baking with Grace’intown.Shewasprobablythesmallestbakeraround

at justbarely5 feet tall andunder100 lbs. she looked fragilebutshewasanythingbutweak.Shehadthickmassesofgoldenmaplecurlsthatcaughttheeyeofbothmenandwomen,anditwastheperfectframeforherlovelyalmondshapedbrowneyesthatheldsadnessbutdancedwithkindness.

Lizziestayedbusybutterriblylonely.Nonoiseinthehome,nomoundsoflaundryandnolittleGracetohelpbakecookiesorkissatnight,itwasjust…totalsilence.Lizziehatedgoinghomeand longed for companionshipbut felt so guilty to even thinksuchathing.

---

Hotcoffeeandablueberrymuffin,howcouldthedaygetanybetterthoughtGatlin?Herakedhishandoverhisdarkhairthatatthirty-eighthadatouchofgrayonthesides.Distinguishedwasthewordfriendssometimesusetodescribehim.Hewouldjustlaughandsayitwasanotherwordforold.Gatlinneverlackedforthefemaleattention,hejustneverseemedinterested.Whathewas interested in at themomentwas this bakery that gavehimasenseofbelonging.Gatlinshiftedandwithoutthinkinghestretchedhislegsouttoeaseakneeacheandinstantlyrealizedhismistakeasthepint-sizebakertrippedoverhisleglosinghergraspofthecupcakesshewasgettingreadytodeliver.Dazed,LizziegroanedasGatlinpickedherupandsatherdowninoneswoop.

“I’msosorry,”Gatlinsaidsincerelyapologizing.

Lizzietriedgatheringherwitsaboutherbeforesaying,“It’salright,andnoharmdone…Ithink.”

Gatlintoldhertositstillashegotawettoweltowipeherface.Lizzieprotestedthatshewasquitecapableofgettingup,butGatlinputhishandonhershoulderandsaid,“Pleasesitstill.”

Lizzie did, surprising herself. But then, he had sucha commanding presence about him that stopped her fromprotestingtoomuch.

Comingbackhehandedthetoweltoherandwatchedasshewipedherface.Itwasthenhetrulynoticedherbeauty.Lizziegaveagraciousthankyouandstoodup.

GatlinstoodandintroducedhimselftoLizzieandgaveonelastapology.

“Apology accepted,” Lizzie smiled as she shook his handgoodbye.

Asheturnedtoleavethebakery,Lizzieturnedandquipped,“Keepthoselegstuckednexttime.”

Gatlin smiled back saying, “Oh, and therewill be a nexttime,Ipromise.”

Lizizegrinnedandtossedherhairassheturned.

“Hmmm….nothing like a sassy, feisty woman to warm aman’sheart,”Gatlinthought.

Lizzie headed back to the kitchen to bake a few morecupcakesandGatlinheadedbacktothehighschool,ashewasthenewfootballcoach.

Bless Your HeartLifeisMessy,Broken,&Wonderful


Hewasexcitedabouthisnewpositionbuthecouldhonestlysayhewasfarmoreexcitedaboutmeetingthesassybaker.

Thekitchenwassmellingheavenly,butLizzie’sheartwasn’tinthebaking,itwasonGatlin. Hewasthefirstmansheevenwanted tosmileatand thatcaused feelingsofguiltandagriefto shroudherheart. Lizziecleanedupandheadedhome,butnotbeforeshecalledSarahtomeetherthere.Sheneededsomemuchdesiredfriendcounselingtohelpputherlifeinperspective.

Sarah was willing to be her sounding board and as theysettledinfortea,Lizziepouredherheartout.

Acoupleofhours later,Lizzie feltapeaceaboutgoingonwithherlife.Shecouldn’tbringbackTimothyandGracebutwithGod’shelpshewouldgoforward.

Gatlinwasbackatthebakerythenextmorningandthenext.Hehadnointentionsofmakingamovetoaskhertodinner…yet.Hehad inquiredaroundand learnedshehad lostherhusbandanddaughterinanaccident,sohewasn’tabouttoplaywithherfeelings.Friendshipfornow,maybemoreastimeprogressed.

Friendship definitely blossomed alongwith a penchant forbantering.

“Youagain?”LizziecalledoutatGatlin.

“Yes,it’smeanddoyouhavemyusual?”

“Yourusual?”Lizzieplayedalong.

“Ofcourse,theGatlinspecial.”

“Ohsonowyou’respecial,”shesaidgrinning.

“Always.”Gatlingrinnedback.

Lizziehandedhimhisblackcoffeeandblueberrymuffin,andwhileheateandcheckedhisemails fromschool,Lizzieboxedupdessertsforcustomers.Inbetween,theydiscussedeverythingfromfoodtofutures.

Lizziewasbeginningtowonderifhewasevergoingtoaskherout.Maybehejustwantedtostayfriends,afterallshereallyknewnothingabouthispastlife,andatthirty-eight,shewassurehehadone.

Thatwas exactlywhatGatlinwas thinking of doing. But,heknewheremotionshadtobe fragile fromherheartbreakingloss.So,whatwasthebestwaytoaskherout?Shouldhekeepitasafriendshiponly?No,thatwasn’twhathewantedatall,hewantedarelationshipwithLizzie,andwiththatthoughthemadeuphismindastowhathewoulddo.

Lizziehadbeenworkinghardatthebakeryandwasexhaustedtosaytheleast.ShehadbeguntodreadthemonthofFebruary.ShedesperatelymissedTimothyandGracetoloveon.ItwasjustahardplacetobeduringValentine’s.

Whenshedroveup,Lizzienoticedrosesonherfrontporch.Perkingupabit,shequicklyparkedandranupthesteps. Thebeautifulredroseshadanoteattached….

Roses are Red, Violets are blue,

Will you be my Valentine date?

For my heart chooses you.

ThenotewassignedGatlin.Lizziegiggledlikeaschoolgirlandtooktherosesinside.Heranswerwasyesassherantohercloset toseewhatshehad towear forherValentinedate. Shesawquicklythatnothingwoulddo.Tomorrow,shedecided,shewould head to the boutique and prayed the perfect dress washanginginhersize,alongwithshoesandapurse.

Continuednextmonth

GOD IS LOVE1 John 4:8


A place where new life springs forth out of despair, failure and death.

A place where God brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to you.

God So Loved The World*“HesentHisWordandhealedthem”.Psalm107:20

*“InthebeginningwastheWordandtheWordwaswithGodandtheWordwasGod.ThesamewasinthebeginningwithGod.AllthingsweremadebyHimandwithoutHimwasnotanythingmadethatwasmade”.John1:1-3

*“Hewasintheworld,andtheworldwasmadebyHimandtheworldknewHimnot.”John1:10

*“AndtheWordwasmadefleshanddweltamongus(andwebeheldHisglory,thegloryasoftheonlybegottenoftheFather),fullofgraceandtruth.”John1:14

ThelivingWordofGodisthepersonoftheLordJesusChrist!WehavebeentaughtthattheWordofGodisfullofwonderfulpromises.Thereare about 750 promises in the NewTestament alone and hundredsmoreintheOldTestament,theyareall“YesandAmen”.WeusetheWordofGodtodominatetheevilcircumstancesthatcome.OurfaithinGodandHisWordthatwespeakcanbeusedtotriumph.GodtoldAdaminGen.1and2thatHegaveAdam(andallmankindtofollow)dominion,totalauthority,overallanimalsandalltheearthandallthatistherein.Wehaveauthority!Thedevilhastriedtotakeover,buttheLordJesushaswonandGod’sWordismorepowerful.AsweuseHisWordwithauthorityoveroursituation,andthelivesofthoseforwhomwepray,wewillseeawesomeresults.WeusetheWordofGodtospeakhope, life and healing, and to take authority over storms and otherdangeroussituationswhichwemaybefacedwith.Theenemysendsstormsanddanger.JesusChristrebukedthestormwithHisWordsinLuke8:22-25.Wecandothesame!

YourspokenconfessionoffaithistheroadthatGodusestobringHisblessingstoyou.WeseeinMark11:22-26throughfaithinGodandforgivenessofothersandyourself,youshallhavewhateveryousay.ItiswiththisstatementthatmanyChristiansmissit.Thisisnota“nameitandclaimit”teachinginterpretationoftheBible.WemustaskourFatherforthethingsthatareinHiswillforusaccordingtotheScriptures.Wewillnoteverriseabovetheconfessionofourlips.Thisisaspirituallaw.Theverymomentyousay“Icannot”oranyothernegativecommentaboutyourdefeatinlife,yourhealth,family,finances,orjob,thenyouaresettingyourselfuptofailandquit.“IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhichstrengthensme”Phil.4:13.

Theword“heal”occursmanytimesintheNewTestament.TheGreekwordusedmostintheBiblefor“heal”isTHERAPEUO,anditmeans“torelieveofdisease,tocure”.FromthiswegetTHERAPEUTICwhichmeans“pertainingtothetreatingorcuringofdisease”.Noonedoubts

“GodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisonlybegottenSonthatwhosoeverbelievedonHimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife”John3:16

thattheLordJesushealedpeoplewhileHewasonearth,butsomeareactuallytryingtoteachtheBodyofChristnowthathealingisnotfortodayeventhoughJesusChristcommissionedallofHisfollowersandallofthosewhowouldbebelieversinthefuturesotheywouldbeabletolayhandsonthesickandthesickwouldbehealed.WeseethisinMark16:15-18.andICor.12:9,28,30,31.Wehavebeengiventhegiftofhealingtoministertotheneedsofothers,weministerthesegiftsinlove.Wealsominister toourselvesandothers,speakingGod’sWordintothesituation.

SpeakthefollowingScripturesoutloudintheNameoftheLordJesusChristoveryourselvesandothers,callingthepeoplebyname:

Ephesians 1:17-23AllwhoneedwisdomaboutspiritualthingsJeremiah 31:15-17ForwaywardchildrenandgrandchildrenMatthew 7:24-25AnyChristianmarriagethatisintroubleMark 16:15-18AllChristianswhoneedpowertowitnessorministerLuke 1:45AllwhobelieveinapromisefromtheLordLuke 1:71-75AllwhoareoppressedbytheenemyJohn 8:31-32 Allwhoneedtobechangedfrombeingaslavetosomethingtobecomingafree-bornpersonJohn 14:13-14AllwhoneedansweredprayerII Timothy 2:24-26AllwhoneedrepentanceasagiftfromGodI Corinthians 10:13AllwhoneedanescapefromtemptationsII Timothy 1:7 Allwholiveinfear,anxietyandstressII Corinthians 10:3-5AllwhoaretroubledbythoughtsandfearsGalatians 3:13-14Allwhohavesickness,familyproblems,financialproblems,sorrow,griefandloss(whicharethecurseofthelawaccordingtoDeut28)Ephesians 3:13-21Allwhoneedsalvationand/orspiritualunderstandingEphesians 2:8-10 AllwhoneedfaithasagiftfromGodEphesians 6:10-18Allwhoneedstrength,powerandprotectionforlifePhilippians 1:3-6 ForallmembersoftheBodyofChristasablessingPhilippians 4:6-9AllwhoneedapeacefulmindandagoodlifeHebrews 13:5-6AllwhohaveneedsandfearsJude 24-25AllwhoneedassurancefromGodofeternalsalvationPsalm 107:20Allwhoneedhealing

“Hesaiduntothem,butwhosayyouthatIam?”Matt16:15.

Youarenotalone!Askandyoushallreceive.

RIVERGARDEN(706)782-5435(706)490-3063P.O.Box112,Lakemont,Georgia30552



DavidBartlettwasbornJune20,1970inAlbany,Georgia.Hefelthehadafairlygoodchildhood.HisolderbrothersandsisterswereintodrugsandpeerpressureledDavid

toexperimentwiththemtoo.At14yearsold,hestartedsmokingmarijuanaanddrinkingalcohol.By15,hebeganusingcocaine.This led to his first run inwith the law, at age 17;Davidwasarrestedandsenttoaprisonbootcamp. God tried to reach him,butDavidwouldnotlisten.Uponhis release, he was placed onprobation.

Bytheageof22,Davidwason the run from probation. Hewas using drugsmore than everandhadprettymuchgivenuponlife. Addiction was in completecontrol.HetraveledtoCaliforniaand met up with some peopleusing drugs and living in hotelsand RV’s. This is where he methis son’s mother.They dated fora short time before she becamepregnant.Hewasstillontherun,so he kept moving. Addictionwas growing stronger. Davidwasabsentthefirst9yearsofhisson’slife.Heknewwherehissonwas during that time, but felt sounfit. He couldn’t take care ofhimself, let alone a child. Thisinadequacywasanexcusetousemore. Addiction thrives on ourweaknesses.

In 2000, David startedmixingcocaineandmethamphetamineandusingheavily.Hegotbusted forpossessionanditwasthenthattheprobationviolationcaughtupwithhim.He served sixmonthsinjailandputbackonprobation.Uponhisrelease,hehadintentionsofgoingtochurch,but addiction took control once again andhewentbackontherun.Likemanyaddicts,Davidcouldonlystaysoberforshortperiodsoftimeonhisown.Withouthelpfromyourhigherpower,sobrietyisnexttoimpossible.He made his way back to California, butthistimehewashomelessandlivingonthestreets. SanFrancisco is an “easy”place tolive ifyouarehomelessbecause theyhaveplentyofshelters,foodkitchensanddrugs.

Second ChancesIn October of 2002, David ran into some believers from

VacavilleChurchofGod thatwerehavingchurch inapark indowntownSanFrancisco,Davidwashighsohemovedon.HecontinuedtousedrugsthruChristmas.HeranintothesamegroupofChristiansagainandacoupleofministersWayneandDianneprayedwithhim.Davidsaid“somethingwasspecialaboutthem,

when they prayedwithme, I feltit.” Wayne asked him to comeback in twoweeks, claiming thatitwasveryimportant.OnJanuary10, 2003 David made his waybacktotheparkwheretheywerehavingchurch.WayneandDianneprayedoverhis life and the spiritoftheLordtouchedDavid’sheart.ThroughprayerandinthenameofJesus they called out the spirit ofaddiction.Dianneprayedaspecialprayer andWayne laid his handsuponDavidandhewasfilledwiththe spirit ofGodandhis lifewaschanged.

Withintwoweeks,DavidwasoffthestreetsandlivinginahomefullofChristianstudentswhowereattending a Bible college nearby.TheyhelpedDavidandforthefirsttimeinhislifehewasservingtheLord.Aftersevenmonths,hecamehometoclearuphisprobationandbegan attending church. He alsoattended a few 12-stepmeetings.ArelationshipwithChristwasthekeyforDavid.

Twoyears ago,heand JoelWinchesterstarted FreedomMinistries,whichministersto inmates in local jails and residents innursing homes. He and his son, a NewHampshirepoliceofficer,arenowincontactand their relationship has been restored.LikeDavid,hissonlovestheLord.ThispastSeptember,overLaborDayweekend,DavidmarriedhislovelywifeHannah.Davidsays,“Mylifenowisblessedbeyondmeasure.Toseepeoplegetsaved,toseepeopledeliveredfromtheclutchesofdrugsandalcohol,itisamazing!”DavidandHannahattendchurchat Clayton Church of God and invite youto join them one Sunday; second chanceshappeneveryday.

byMelissaThomas-Williams



FebruaryisValentine’smonthandthismagazine’sweddingissue.Withthatinmindwe’regoing to take a pleasant hike, about twomiles eachway, along theBartramTrail fromWarwomanDelltoMartin’sCreekFalls.

WarwomanDellisabeautifulpicnicareajustoutsideofClayton.Forourhike,parkinthefirstparkingareaandtheBartramTrail,(blazedwith2X6inchyellowplasticrectangles)isjustuptheroadontheright.There’sasmallstreamthere,BeckyBranch,andyoucanseetheremnantsofanoldfishhatchery.Afteraascendingcoupleofshortswitchbacks,thetrailopensontoWarwomanRoad.There’sahistoricalmarkertherehonoringourtrail’snamesakenaturalistWilliamBartram.

Aftercarefullycrossingtheroad,you’llseeablazeleadingintothewoods.YoucouldgothatwaybutwhatIrecommendisgoingalittledownhillandpickingupanothertrail,parallelingtheBartram,ontheothersideofthecreek.Thisissoyoudon’tcrossoverthesmallviewingbridgeatBeckyBranchFallsuntiltheendofyourhike.Ascendingthistrail,thewaterfallcomesintoviewandsoon

you’llturnrightontheBartramTrail,awayfromthenoisystream.Thetrailnow runs along the mountainsideaboveWarwomanRoad.Therewasa fire here sometime back so thissectionofthetrailoffersnicewinterviews.

After crossing an old loggingroad,thetrailnowgentlydescends.Aftercrossinganotherroad,thisonewellmaintainedbytheforestservice,the trail leadsyou intosomedenseRhododendron, along a stream,acrossasmallbridge,acrossanothersmallstreamviasteppingstonesandaway fromWarwoman Road.Aftergoingintoandoutofseverallovelyforest coves, the trail joins an oldroadbedrunningalongsideMartin’sCreek.There’sastunningrockgorgeherewiththestreamcoursingnoisilythrough it. Enjoy this gorge from asafedistanceplease.

Justupstreamfromthegorgeisa nice little waterfall and an opencampingareaontheothersidetothecreek.Thetrailentersanotheropencampingarea,withabridgecrossingMartin’s Creek. But before crossingthe bridge, look around, you’ll bereturningtothisspotfromadifferentdirection.After crossing the streamandascendingalittlemoresteeply,you’ll see thecreek scenically stairstepping down on you left. You’llthencometoa“T”shapedviewingplatformatthebaseofMartin’sCreekFalls.Thisisabeautifulcascade,oneofmyfavorites.

Adventure Out WarwomanDelltoMartin’sCreekFalls


Now departing the waterfall you can continue along theBartramTrail,descendingalongtheothersideofthecreekwhichwill return you to the open camping area where you crossedMartin’sCreek.This is oneof the few times I’ll ask younot tofollow the blazes. If you start heading uphill away from thestream,you’regoingthewrongway.Pickuptheblazesleadingdownstream, and you’re now on your way back the way youcamewithalittlestopoffatBeckyBranchFalls.Thiscascadeisanicereward,veryneartheendofyouhike.

After awelldeserved rest at thewaterfall, continueacrossthe bridge and descend on the other side of the creek downtoWarwoman Road and back toWarwoman Dell. And as abonus, there’sa thirdverysmallcascadeat thewesternendofWarwomanDell.Justgouptothebigpavilionattheendoftheroadandfollowgreenblazes.ThelittlewaterfallwascreatedinthemideighteenhundredswhenrockwasquarriedfromthisspotfortheBlueRidgeRailroad.YoucanreadaboutthehistoryoftheB.R.R.R.onmarkersinWarwomanDell.Andifyouwanttoberomantic,bringsomespecialtreatsandathermosofsomethingwarmtoshareafteryouradventure.Ofcourseyou’realsominutesawayfromClaytonincaseyouwanttogetoutofthecold.PerhapsavisittoClayton’snewestrestaurant,Clarks’OnMain,mightbefun.HappyHiking!

TrailNotes:You certainly don’t need a guidebook for thistripbutifyou’reinterestedinexploringtheBartramTrail,Ihighlyrecommend the spiral bound “BartramTrail” by JohnRay andMalcolmSkove.It’savailableatPrater’sCollectiblesinClayton.The book is informative, easy to use and accurate. And theproceedsofthebookgotowardsmaintainingthetrail.

It’smonthnumbertwo,here’sapoemjustforyou:Takeanicewinterhikewithoneyouholddearest,Toseethreefallswherethewaterisclearest.Perhapsbringalongsomechocolatesandwine,‘Tisagreatwaytoromanceyoursweetvalentine.

Clarks’OnMaine:www.clarksonmain.comPhone:706.212.0101

To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question orcomment:www.mcintoshmountains.com

byPeterMcIntosh


IwriteasIsitonthiscolddrearydaywatchingasquirrelmunching,oratleasttryingtodefeatacheap,so-calledsquirrel-prooffeederleftbymylandlordoraformertenantofthehouseIcurrentlyoccupy.Thesquirrelseemstohavegivenupnow,itselfdefeated.Inthedistanceisacoldfogdriftingtowardusoverthegraylayersofmountainsthatseemtofadeastheyrecedeoneovertheother.

InJanuarythePineSiskinsandAmericanGoldfincheshavearrivedatallofourbirdfeedersthathangoffthedeckandprimarilyfilledwithCole’sBlueRibbonBlendbirdfeed.Itisamixofblackoilsunflower,sunflowermeats,whiteprosomilletandcrackedcorn.Thisiswhatweconsiderawintermixforgroundfeeders.ThePineSiskinsandGoldfinchesarelovingthesunflowermeatsandalsomanagetocrackmostoftheshelledsunflower.Thisleavestheotherseedsfortheotherbirdsfrequentingourdeck.

It is interesting. First the sunflowergets eaten.TheTuftedTitmouse (or titmice, either spelling is consideredcorrect) arealsomunchingawayattheseedsinthetrayfeederandintheSquirrelBusterMinibirdfeeder,aswellastheotherfeederleftbytheowners.Wefillthemallregularly.Dark-eyedJuncosvisitthesefeeders,too.Theylikethesunflowerandthemilletandmayeveneatsomeofthecrackedcorninapinch.

OnthejoistabovethedeckrailhangsaPropSuetfeederwithtwocakesofColesSpecialFeederSuet.Thisfeederisdesignedwithan extended “prop” hangingbelow the suet. It is designedso woodpeckers can prop theirtail against it like they wouldwhenperchedonthetrunkofatree.We have had quite of fewDowny Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, CarolinaWrens,CarolinaChickadeesandTuftedTitmousevisitthepropthiswinter.When it reallygetsbusywiththesmallerbirdsweknowitistimetochecktheotherfeedersbecausetheylikelyareempty.

Oncemost of the feed hasbeen eaten what is usually leftis the cracked corn. Most ofthe aforementioned birds don’tconsider corn as a favorite.However, it is eaten regularlybyCardinals (akaRedbirds)and

White-ThroatedSparrows(thesearehereinwinterandusuallyfeedneartheground–notsomuch30feetintheairasisthedeckhere);likewisetheEasternTowheesfindcornasafavoritewhenfedneartheground.So,intheend,mostlywhatisleftiscornwhentheotherseedisgone.Ijusttossitoverthesideforthesparrows,towheesandthatfatoldsquirrelwaydownbelow.

Moralofthestory,ifyouwanttofeedbirdsuphigh,getaSquirrelBusterFeederandfillitwithCole’sSpecialFeeder.Ithasoilsunflower,stripedsunflower,shelledsunflower,safflower(forCardinals),peanutsandpecans.IfyougetthatandaSquirrelBuster,the“uphigh”birdswilleatitallandthefatfurrysquirrelwillhavetoliveoffthelandandloseabitofweight.

byRichardEdwinHyatt

RichardandhiswifeJeanownandoperateMountainNatureindowntownClayton.Theycanbereachedat706.782-.838.

**Don’tforgettoturnoffyouroutsidelightsatnight.Usemotiondetectorlighting,shields,andIDA-approvedlightingsoyoudon’timposeyourlightonthosewhowanttoseethestars.IbelieveGodmadenightdarkforareason.Pleasehelpkeepitthat

way.**

MountainNatureALazyWinterDay



“The story goes like this, my daddy, Fate Long’s wife died leaving him with 4 children. It was a time when a man couldn’t hardly work, keep the farm going and tend to the house chores too, but he did his best.

A man from Dillard came to talk to daddy about some business and said, “Fate, you need a woman around here. I have a sister named Sally, who is living and caring for this doctor n’ his family down there in Gainesville. Want me to ask her if she’d be interested in corresponding with you?’ Daddy told him he reckoned that’d be alright and so word got back that Miss Sally was alright with daddy writing to her. So they started writing back and forth a letter each week. Miss Sally put a Bible verse in her letter and asked Fate to find it in the Bible and send back the book and chapter. Which he did and returned the favor. Each week one challenged the other and this went on for months. One day a letter came for Sally and it said “Dearest Sally, I would like for you to be my bride. I will be at the train station in Gainesville, Georgia this Saturday. I will be wearing a dress hat and my Sunday suit and carrying a red rose. If you’d like to marry me you can meet me there and bring with you a red rose too. Saturday came and my daddy showed up at the train station and the platform was empty. No one was there but he stood there with his rose in hand and he waited. Soon enough a door opened and out stepped Miss Sally. Daddy married her and I was the third child she birthed with my daddy. I didn’t ever know my mama ‘cause she died a few months after I was born, but I’ll meet her in heaven one day.” - Billy Long

This storywas told again and again by Billy Long, and the tearswouldflow.HisyoungestdaughterKathyremembershearingitforaslongasshecanremember.Shealwayslovedweddingsandwondersifthismightbethereasonwhy.KathyLonggrewup in theBetty’sCreekcommunity innorthernRabunCounty.Shehadamemorablechildhoodspendingmuchtimearoundfamilyandhavingmanyfriends.WhenKathywas17yearsold,shehadbeenlivinginAtlantaforthesummerandhadcomehomefortheweekend.ShewentouttomeetsomefriendsattheDairyQueeninClaytonandsheranintoJimBlalockandwasstruckbyhisbeautifulsmile.JimandKathystarteddating.AyearpassedandKathyhadgraduatedatRGNSinJune.ItwasSeptemberandshewastostartatNorthGeorgiaTechinOctober.OneeveningJimhadcomeuptoKathy’sandtheyweretalkingabouthergoingtoschool.Jimtoldhertherewasnosenseinherhavingtochangehernameinthemiddleoftheyearsotheymightaswellgoaheadandgetmarriedbeforeshestarted.SheagreedandJimsuggestedtheydoitinoneweek.Isthatnotthemostromanticproposalever?Talkaboutthrowingaweddingtogether...butanyonewhoknowsKathyLongisnotsurprisedthatshepulleditoff!ShebecameKathyBlalockinSeptember1972,andthecouplebecameparentsthreeyearslaterwhentheirsonErikwasbornandthreeyearsafterthatdaughterAmberwasborn.

Kathybeganplayingthepianoinhighschool.Intheearly80sshewasplay-ingforalargeweddingatClaytonBaptistChurchandatthelastminuteafriendofthebride’smomcameintotown,whohappenedtobeanexcellentorganist.TheyhadnoonetodirecttheweddingandKathybeggedtheladytoplayandthisbeganherdirectingdays.Afterthatwordgotoutandwiththereputationof an incredibly talentedwomanwho could get things done, shewas soonaskedtodirectanotherandthenanother.ShehastraveledtoLosAngeles,Palm

Springs,Raleigh,St.Simmonsandthelistgoesonandon.WhenKathysitsdownwithabridesheplanstospend2–3hourslisteningandworkingonthecouple’swishlist.Sheencouragesherbridestobringphotosofthingstheywantfrommagazinesorothersources.Togethertheyworkonaprojectionsheetandtakealookattheweddingbudget.Shehandsthebridealistofvendorsandoncethecoupleorfamilyhasmadedecisionsonwhothey’lluseKathyreachesouttoeachvendortoestablishameetingandtheplancomes

LetMeIntroduceYou....toKathyL.Blalock


together.Somebridesorparentsofthebridetellherto“justdoit”andshelikesthat.Othersgiveherthecolors,budgetandstyletheyarelookingforandleavethedetailsuptoher.Thensomewanttobeinoneveryaspect.Kathycanworkwithallscenarios.

In the90sKathy, togetherwith theReverend JamesTurpinopenedtheTallulahFallsWeddingChapel.Thelocationofferedbrides an affordable place to have their weddings.The eventscould be all inclusive or customized to the couples needs.Asmoreandmorebrideschosetohavetheirweddingsoutdoorsuseofthechapelwaned.Theteamislookingataresurrectionofthechapelthisspring,offeringindoororoutdoorweddings.

Kathyhas seen some incredible thingsover the years. Shetold me she comes prepared for anything. One thing she haslearnedthrutheyearsis,don’tdwellontheproblem,dwellonthesolution.Shesayseveryonewantssomethingdifferentandnomatterwhateventsheisplanningshestudiesthewishlist,andthencreatesarealitylist,layoutsanddiagramsandsheworksintothenighttogetitallready,ifnecessary.TheydoawalkthroughtomakecertaineveryoneknowstheirplaceandeventhentherecanbeunexpectedsurprisesbutKathyknows that these thingsbecomememories. She is professional yet comfortable and sogenuine.Shetrulywantsherclients’eventstobememorableandasclosetoperfectaspossible.

KathyandJim’sfamilyhasgrowntoincludeadaughter-in-lawBeckyLoveBlalockandason-in-lawAdamBrady;thebestpart is the three amazing grandchildren that her childrenhavegivenherandJim.AdamandAmberhavetwofinesonsBraxtonage10andBrockage6.ErikandBeckyhaveasweetlittlegirlKasiJaiwhois14monthsold.Kathyhasanotherdaughterexceptthisoneshedidn’tgivebirthto...shecountsAshleyDixonasher

own and this yearAshleywillmarryWillGriffin at theBetty’sCreekBarn.ThisisaweddingthatKathywillbesureisasspecialasthebrideistoher.

In her spare time, which is at a premium, Kathy teachesSundaySchoolatTracesofTiger;sheplaysthepianoandleadsthefolksthereinsinginghymns.Sheenjoysthisfellowshipverymuch.Sheisactiveinherchurch,wheresheservesaschurchor-ganistandspendseveryspareminutewithherfamily.Wetalkedaboutabucket listwhich ledKathy to tellmeabouta time inher lifewhen her childrenwere small and she didwardrobesin thefilmindustry.Shehad the joyofworkingwithUniversalStudios,WarnerBrotherandaCanadianFilmCompany.ShewascostumerforGrizzly,WhiskeyMountain,TheFourSeasons,andBakerCounty,USA,andrecentlyworkedwiththe40thanniver-sarycelebrationofDeliverance.Shemetmanymoviestarsandtreatedthemnodifferentthananyoneelse.Sheenjoyedworkingonthesefilmsbutatimecamewhenshehadtoputherfamilyfirstandthatisadecisionshehasneverregretted.Beingamotheranda grandmother is her greatest joy. I believe that nomatterwhatKathydoes, shedoes itwell.She toldme thatherdaddywasafarmerbuthewasthebestatfarming...seemsthismaybeafamilytrait.

byTracyMcCoy

TofindoutmoreaboutKathyL.BlalockWeddingsvisitherwebsiteatwww.klbweddings.comorasshesays“Whenhegivesyouthering,giveusaring”at706.490.1484.

54 February 2016 gmlaurel.com

There’s just something about lacing up your kix and putting some miles behind you. But figuring out why runners run is complex. I can’t decide if I run because it’s a hobby, an

athletic event or the purist form of exercise for me.

Maybe I run because my shoes take me places. Maybe I run because of the people I get to be with. Maybe running is about the places you see. I’ve traversed the sheep-filled pastures of Ireland and sucked in the thin air of the Andes of Ecuador. I’ve inhaled the city fumes in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and paced from Hopkinton to Boston during a nor’easter. I’ve soaked in the sights and sounds running from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and finishing in Manhattan’s Central Park. I decided to run from my home south of Tiger to the top of Glassy Mountain’s fire tower and back down.

Maybe I run because I feel great while I am and when I’m done.

I love getting close to my mentors. One of them is Stan Cottrell. He’s 72. Scientists say he’s a freak of nature. I say he’s a gift from God with lungs gifted by God. In 1981, he ran 55 miles a day for 80 days while German doctor Hugo Greiner drained daily vials of his blood looking for kryptonite…and for a reason why Stan is superhuman.

The other day Stan and I carb’d up on breakfast at the Rusty Bike. I talked our wonderful server Kim Austin into standing on a chair to capture just the right angle of an ultra runner and his protégé. Thanks, Kim. Trying to fit just a gold nugget of Stan into this column is a bit of a challenge. His mind is like a Gatling gun, firing sayings at me like, “If better is possible, good is not enough.” Or, “As the mind flows, the body goes.”

Stan returned to his roots a few weeks ago and raced a course which was once merely a childhood dare…a dare he couldn’t run from Horse Cave to Munfordville Kentucky. He did then and does still. At 72, be beat the entire field of runners. It’s now an annual charity race, Run for the Children, which puts warm coats on shivering Appalachian kids.

Stan once had a dream to distribute Bibles in China. So while visiting with Billy Graham, the famous preacher picks up the phone and dials Ronnie. Billy then hands the phone to shocked and nervous Stan who explains how he’d like to run the entire Great Wall of China. Ronnie….Reagan, President at the time, opened that door and Stan would become a folk hero, warmly embraced by the country.

Stan has pounded more than 250,000 miles of pavement and dirt since 1955.

39 countries and counting.

Stan has run coast to U.S. coast multiple times. Stan’s East-West run set a speed record which lasted 30 years. He’s crisscrossed Europe, set ultra distance records, too many to describe here and he isn’t slowing down.

His astounding body of work will soon include the Great

Global Friendship Run. Stan’s life passion is being friends with kings and peasants and his Friendship Runs have opened doors diplomats couldn’t. He plans on running through every country on the globe to point hearts to peace and the Prince of Peace.

His ultra running has sent him along hills and hollers, into palaces and the White House. But his heart has never wandered from his Hart County roots and he’s never lost his country boy wonder.

I should probably tell you he was the first southerner south of the Mason-Dixon Line to run the Boston Marathon. That was in 1964. He hitched a ride from college on a cucumber truck from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

He’s living proof running isn’t bad on the body, but good.

Did I mention he’s 72? His book, No Mountain Too High will inspire you.

I count myself humbly blessed just getting to be around Stan. He speaks into my life. He makes my 56th birthday in March feel like just a warm up. In fact he told me, “Mark, you are just now getting to the starting line. Your race has just begun. All the ingredients are on the kitchen table.”

As for Stan, there appears to be no pause button on his brain or heart. He’s always dreaming, always planning, always developing, always chasing tomorrow. I’ll not be surprised if he arrives at tomorrow ahead of schedule. He’s got plans for his own brand of running shoe. Publishers have ideas for him too.

But I’m content just to carve out time with this small giant. I’ll always choose to be influenced by an optimist. The alternative is far too dangerous.

Sometimes, a man’s greatest contribution to community is realized only after he’s gone. Unfortunately, the depth of legacy can sometimes best be measured, as David Crowder says, “from this side of the dirt”.

We are all influenced and formed by people and experience. We are the sum total of what we allow in. We are what we eat physically and wholly.

I’m better for allowing a dynamo like Stan Cottrell to impact me.

Lovin’ the JourneyStan the Man

gmlaurel.com February 2016 55

As we sat waiting on our food, I was a tad blunt with this icon across the table. “Stan, longevity runs in your DNA. But I’m not willing to miss the opportunity to formally interview you. I don’t think I’d like to live with the weight of that regret.”

And so we visited and talked... all over the map. He coached me on hydration, pace, vision, purpose, fuel, motivation and life. So much so, we gave up our table and moved to the chairs by the front door and we talked some more.

I left the restaurant challenged to be great with what I’ve got, to be great with whom I am and how I’m made...to be great, not on a big stage, but on no stage. Stan’s been great on some very large stages. But his humble streak runs deep.

Running puts me in special places with special people. Soon I’ll tell you about a recent trail run to Elliott’s Rock. This disputed location marks where Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina come together like the Hatfields and McCoys at a family reunion gone badly.

I ran there with Coach Steve Patterson, Naval Academy athlete Will McDonough, and appellate court judge marathon buddy Brian Rickman. My wife Carol hiked in with Will’s sister Megan and joined us at this famous landmark along a beautifully remote section of the Chattooga River. I’m telling ya running takes you to great places with great people.

See you on the trail.

By Mark Holloway

Mark is the owner of Fresh Start, a property maintenance company.

He and wife Carol live a very active life, enjoying the outdoors, hiking,

cycling, mountain climbing and exploring the Southeast.


Rabun County has a long history of self-sufficiency and of homefolks taking care of homefolks. One

of those organizations that has been on the front line offering clothing and food, as well as household items, is Sharing & Caring Rabun County.

From their modest tan frame building nestled behind the Rabun County Courthouse and the Rabun County Historical Society, Sharing & Caring has been helping residents whose needs outpace their resources for more than 30 years.

It was 1984, and a group of concerned individuals from the local Catholic congregation saw those needs. A segment of the local population was going without adequate clothing, without enough food to properly feed their families and something needed to be done. Under that initial impetus, a group representing several area churches met at the Clayton United Methodist Church.

until she got to feeling better. Now she feels better because she continues to show up each week.

Some 110 families are served monthly, and qualification for help is processed by Ninth District Opportunity, Inc. in Clayton, which can be reached by phone at 706.782.3704. Appointments are necessary. However, if someone loses their home and possessions to a fire or storm, all they have to do is show documentation and the Sharing & Caring inventory is available to them.

That inventory includes a wide selection of women’s clothing, and to a lesser degree items for men and children. There are lamps, dishes and cookware and a variety of merchandise that families and individuals need.

Food is distributed each Friday, and the quantity of food a person can receive is based on the number of people in the household. Food continues to be Sharing & Caring’s biggest need, although donations of clothing and household goods and money are also gratefully accepted. The agency receives no tax money support. Their entire operating budget is underwritten by donations and the sale of merchandise from the store.

Sharing & Caring is located at 127 Hiawassee Street in Clayton, and is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 AM ‘til 12 noon. The phone number for more information is 706.782.6340.

By John Shivers

Good Work! Sharing & Caring Has Long History of Serving

More than 100 families monthly depend on the Sharing & Caring Food Pantry. Food is always needed to replenish the pantry inventory.

Sharing & Caring, both as a concept and a reality was born.

Originally, the agency was housed in a building very near where Shadyside Drive comes into Savannah Street south of the courthouse. From that location, they began to work to resolve those problems that compromised quality of life for local citizens.

The emphasis hasn’t shifted.

“We don’t want anyone to go hungry,” affirms Linda Giles, president of the Sharing & Caring board of directors. She’s been involved with the agency for the past 16 years, and notes that many of their board members and volunteers have many years of service accrued.

Sharing & Caring is totally volunteer run. Everyone donates time and services, and no salaries are paid. Seven board members are elected for two-year terms and enthusiasm for the jobs they all do is high and contagious. These people get their “payday” during the organization’s volunteer recognition banquet each year, when they all get to feel good about the difference they make.

Jan Sheldon, who lost her husband in the past few years, explained it this way. “I’d much rather be here, doing something good, than spending money on doctors to help me get over my grief.” She said she initially planned to volunteer


- Hiawassee -

Towns County, Georgia


North Dakota is a mighty flat spot compared to North Georgia, but it’s an interesting place, never-the-less. For example, did you know the geographical center of

North America is in North Dakota? Well it is, and they have a tall stone obelisk marking the spot near the town of Rugby. I remember it so well because that was the first time I ever heard the word obelisk used in public.

Also, North Dakota is the only state that’s never had an earthquake, and they have a law on the books that makes it illegal to fall asleep with your shoes on. Believe me; I learned that the hard way.

But I’ll always remember North Dakota as the place where I first met Frank the pig. It happened while I was interviewing a corn farmer for the old Ah Shucks corn magazine.

They say that the most common prayer in North Dakota is for summer to fall on a weekend. I’m not sure when it fell that year, but it didn’t happen while I was there because it was mighty cold, so we went to the kitchen for coffee. There we sat —the farmer telling me about his corn crop, and me taking notes when I glanced into his living room and spotted Frank.

Having been an FFA Star Greenhand, (I cite that only to establish my credentials) I know a pig when I see one. Even if the swine I saw was stretched on a couch, covered with an afghan; its head on a pillow. Yes sir, this was a pig in a blanket alright

Now I was raised to mostly mind my own business, but I couldn’t keep chatting about corn when there was a sow on the sofa. (Frank was actually a boy pig, but I really wanted to use that “sow on the sofa” line.)

Still, I hesitated, because you wonder; does the farmer know about this? Will he be mad? Could this be a prank or per-

haps the result of a nasty divorce?

Finally, I said, politely, “Sir, are you aware there’s a hog in your home?”

“Oh sure,” he said. “That’s Frank! Would you like to meet him?” (At first I wasn’t sure if he said “meet him” or “eat him,” but I figured, okay was the right answer either way.) So we went into the living room, which smelled just fine by the way. (I know you were wondering) The farmer bent over the sleeping hog and whispered, “Frankeeeee…we’ve got companyyyy. Wake up and meet our new friend Frankeeee…”

Frank got up off the couch and offered me a hoof in friendship while the farmer filled me in. It seems that a few years back, they’d bought a miniature Vietnamese Pot Bellied pig as a pet. By the time they discovered Frank’s DNA wasn’t programmed for petite, the kids were attached and Frank had literally grown on them.

The farmer explained how smart Frank was, but I must have looked doubtful, so he said, “Frank, run out and fetch the paper.” Frank said no; I mean, he actually shook his head and grunted what sounded like, “NO WAY BIG BOY, IT’S WAYYYY TO COLD OUTSIDE! SUMMER HAPPENED THREE WEEKENDS AGO!!”

The farmer said somberly. (They often speak somberly up there because of the cold) “Get the paper, Frank. If you don’t, you’re grounded.” (Pigs hate the word grounded.) I can’t repeat what Frank said next, but he was walking toward the door as he said it. Then Frank — squealing like a pig — ran down the driveway, grabbed the newspaper in this mouth and, shrieking shrilly, raced back to the house.

But here’s the kicker; do you remember Mr. Charles Kuralt who used to travel the county interviewing remarkable people? Well, early one Sunday morning, a year or two later, I heard the voice on TV saying, “Stay tuned as Charles Kuralt interviews Frank, North Dakota’s only piano playing pig!”

All of a sudden, there was my ole buddy Frank, hamming it up on the piano! I know pigs are clever, ranking just behind dolphins and slightly ahead of Congress, but I found that to be amazing. Because not once during my interview did Frank ever mention he could play the piano.

Not all pigs are that unpretentious, you know.

By Emory Jones

Emory Jones is a gifted writer, husband, author of

The Valley Where They Danced, Distant Voices, The Story of

the Nacoochee Valley Indian Mound and several other books

and looks a little like Santa Claus. His humor is extraordinary

and we are pleased to share it with you, Emory’s books are

available on Amazon and at www.yonahtreasures.com.

Uptown Franklin

Don’t You Just Hate it When a Hog Gets in the house?


Uptown Franklin


Downtown Clayton


A Great Place to Shop, to Dine, to Relax

and Enjoy the Downtown Clayton Experience


I realize this is the February issue, and should be something about the heart, but I have had some questions lately about “COPD.” Chances are you may suffer from this condition yourself, or know someone or have a family member who uses inhalers and medicines for this, or possibly

may even be on home oxygen. COPD is something that must be taken seriously, as there are few things that can make you more anxious than not being able to take an easy breath. There are two types of COPD that we will address, and their treatment and management for best outcomes. However, there is one important thing to know about both of them – they are largely preventable, and that is always the key to living healthy and being well.

Live Healthy and Be Well!“You Take my Breath Away”

COPD stands for “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease” and exists in two major forms - chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both forms are caused by insults to the lungs, such as environmental toxins, industrial fumes, vapors, particles or most commonly, cigarette smoking. Some people may have a mix of the two conditions, but usually one of them dominates. The lungs react to these insults with inflammation which then limits both the inflow and outflow of air. The main and most notable symptom of people with COPD is called dyspnea, or shortness of breath. In the early stages, this occurs with exercise or exertion. As the condition progresses, it may be present all the time.

Long term inflammation of the large airways results in chronic bronchitis. It usually causes a chronic cough with sputum production, as the lungs try to clear the noxious stimulus causing the inflammation. More mucus is produced

to try and help clear the airways and protect them from harm. Over time, the bronchial airways become thickened from the constant insult and their lumens (inside openings) are narrowed resulting in the obstruction to airflow. People with chronic bronchitis have been referred to as “blue bloaters” because their lips and skin often have a bluish tinge (from hypoxia or lack of oxygen) and they also tend to also have a problem with fluid retention.

Emphysema results from inflammation and damage to the small air sacs (alveoli) which are at the end of the bronchial pathways. The air sacs become enlarged, but the absorptive surface in their walls is destroyed, resulting in a less efficient absorption of oxygen. So, the lungs increase in size to try and compensate, but without the lining of the air sacs to do the work of gas exchange, there is actually now less surface area to do this necessary work. The lungs, although larger,

Chronic Obstructive

Pulmonary Disease (COPD)


become less elastic and functional and this also limits the ability to get air in and out. The airways in the lung are now more prone to collapse, from lack of support, which even further decreases the inflow and outflow capability. People who have had emphysema for many years are usually thinner in stature from the increased work they do to breathe, may have a “barrel chest” from the increase in size of the lungs and are sometimes referred to as “pink puffers” because of their tendency to exhale through pursed lips. This breathing technique increases the “back pressure” in the airways and prevents them from total collapse.

Both types of COPD are very serious. It is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., and the economic cost has been estimated at almost $43 billion dollars a year in health care costs and lost productivity in the workplace. COPD is an uncommon diagnosis under the age of 40, but if you started smoking heavily at a young age, it must be considered if you experience the symptoms of dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum production, and/or a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease such as regular tobacco smoking, or industrial exposures. No single symptom or sign can adequately confirm or exclude the diagnosis of COPD and it requires specialized pulmonary function tests from a professional source to confirm and properly diagnose.

If you have been diagnosed with COPD and you smoke, please stop to prevent rapid further progression. You will need to take better care of yourself, as something as simple as a cold or minor bronchitis can become very serious and have much

more impact on a person with COPD. You should make sure and get your pneumonia shots, any vaccinations you need on schedule and use inhalers and medicines your doctor prescribes. At some point, you may need oxygen at home part or all of the time, but this will keep you in better condition and improve your overall quality of life and allow you to function better and do more. As with almost all diseases, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. If you smoke, stop, and if you don’t – don’t start!

We really do enjoy hearing from you with any questions, concerns, or ideas for future columns and/or health and wellness related issues for the Georgia Mountain Laurel. Please send an email to [email protected] or call us at 706.782.3572 and we will be sure to consider your input. This and previous articles can be now be found on the web at www.rabundoctor.com in an archived format. If you use Twitter, then follow us for health tips and wellness advice @rabundoctor. Until next time, live healthy and be well!


Healthy and Well


Healthy and Well


Key nutrients are cor-nerstones of good health, yet deficien-

cy among Americans is skyrocketing. Are you un-knowingly suffering from a nutrient shortage?

Dr. Ronald Hoffman, medical director of the Hoffman Center in New York City and host of the radio program “Intelligent Medicine” points to three major vitamin deficiencies affecting people today. He offers his expert insight on each and what you can do to fix the problem.

Omega-3s

“Many North Americans are omega-3 deficient because we eat highly processed foods that lack essential fatty acids and not enough oily fish,” says Hoffman. “The problem is particularly acute for vegetarians, those who prefer not to eat fish or are al-lergic and young people who are picky eaters.”

In the U.S. up to 91 percent of Americans are omega-3 de-ficient and a Harvard study ranked omega-3 deficiency as the eighth leading cause of preventable death. Omega-3s are con-sidered “essential” because the body cannot make them and must ingest them from external sources.

Omega-3s benefit the body in countless ways, including the optimal functioning of cell membranes. “The cell membrane is responsible for translating messages from adjacent cells and or-

How Nutrient Deficiencies are Killing your Health Potentialgans into chemical work inside the cell,” Hoffman explains.

There are more than 27,000 published stud-ies on omega-3s showing the benefit of omega-3s, from brain and heart health to boosting mood and skin health. Omega-3s are particularly no-table for cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recom-mends at least 1 gram of omega-3 EPA and DHA a day for those with es-tablished coronary artery disease.

“Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines provide the most omega-3s,” says Hoffman. “I also recommend sup-plements in soft gels or liquid form, or gummies and emul-sions for kids.”

He notes when selecting a supplement, freshness and dosage is crucial.

“Processing, packaging, quality control, proper inventory management and distribution make a difference. I recom-mend Nordic Naturals because they are vertically integrated from boat to bottle, ensuring the absolute freshest and pur-est omega-3 products in a wide variety of delivery systems,” Hoffman says. “I recommend that the average person take a dosage of 1 to 2 grams daily.”


Vitamin D

Because people can produce natural vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with sunlight, many assume they get enough. In reality, vitamin D deficiency is widespread. Up to 36 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient and up to 91 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. aren’t getting enough of the sunshine vitamin.

“Vitamin D is actually more than a vitamin,” Hoff-man explains. “It’s a ‘pro-hormone’ and modifies the ex-pression of many genes. This means it plays a powerful role, not just in building bone, but in the body’s immu-nity, muscle strength and even mood and cognition.”

Many factors affect a person’s ability to make enough vitamin D, including age and location. During sunny sea-sons, 10 to 45 minutes of direct sun exposure daily can help maintain adequate vitamin D, but for many people this is not possible all year long and supplementation is necessary.

“Current recommendations for vitamin D are 600 IU for ages 1-70; for pregnant or breast-feeding women and individuals over 70 it’s 800 IU. But this dosage could short-change many individuals with special needs or who have inadequate sun exposure,” says Hoffman. “The best bet is to measure vitamin D in the blood and supple-ment until an optimal blood level of 40-60 nanograms per milliliter is achieved.”

Magnesium

Most people have heard of magnesium but are un-sure how it impacts their health. An estimated 50 to 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium, mostly due to a diet of refined foods.

“Magnesium is an essential mineral that is a co-fac-tor for literally hundreds of biochemical pathways in the body,” Hoffman explains. “It is particularly crucial for en-ergy production in the mitochondria, tiny powerhouses within the cells. Therefore, inadequate magnesium can be responsible for physical fatigue and mental depres-sion.”

He also notes magnesium, along with calcium and vitamin D, is essential for bone health.

You can correct a deficiency by eating a diet rich in plant-based, unprocessed foods like nuts, leafy greens, avocados and dried fruit. However, many people require supplements to reach optimal magnesium levels.

“Check labels for the amount of elemental magne-sium in each supplement and shoot for 200-500 mg dai-ly. Be sure to meet with your doctor prior to taking any supplement,” says Hoffman.

Article Courtesy (BPT)


After months of online brows-ing, you’ve found the per-fect, wide plank hardwood

flooring. Or so you think! You ab-solutely love the look, but how can you be sure it’s the right product for you? Ask the pros.

In order to make an informed, purchasing decision, Linda Jova-novich of the American Hardwood Information Center, (www.hard-woodinfo.com) suggests you do your research. “All hardwood floor-ing is not the same,” she says. “Con-sulting with the experts will help determine if your product of choice will perform well in your unique home or office environment, and in your part of the country. And a little extra due diligence will eliminate guess-work, and the pain of an im-proper product choice.”

Getting started

The pros at Tennessee-based Mullican Flooring (www.mullican-flooring.com), offer this need-to-know information regarding the differences between solid and engi-neered hardwood flooring and the appropriate applications for each.

Solid hardwood flooring is just that, solid wood milled to a three-quarter inch thickness that can be installed only on a subfloor of wood, plywood or oriented strand board. Because of its thickness, it can be sanded and refinished over several generations of use. As a natural product, it will expand and contract with the humidity changes in your home or office. To compensate for this movement, in-stallers should leave an expansion gap between the wood flooring and the wall, and install baseboard molding or quarter round to hide the extra space. Remember, solid hardwood flooring cannot be glued onto concrete, does not perform well in high-moisture areas and can require up to 14 days of acclima-tion time.

All the rage: What’s Trending in Hardwood Flooring

All the rage and so inviting! 8-inch satin finished walnut flooring by Shannon and Waterman.


Services

Engineered hardwood flooring is not one solid piece of wood, but rather a cross-layer construction of five to nine layers of hardwood, bonded together us-ing heat and pressure. As a result of this process, engi-neered flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity, reducing expansion and contraction. In most cases, it can be sanded and refinished, however special care must be taken with the thinner profiles. And it can be glued onto concrete, making it an ap-propriate choice for all levels - upstairs, ground level and basements - and a great choice for what’s all the rage these days, wide plank flooring!

Another great resource

The flooring professionals at the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), www.nwfa.org, concur. Requests for wider boards, random widths and rustic species full of character and color continue to domi-nate the hardwood flooring marketplace.

“It’s a significant trend that will likely continue for quite some time,” says Brett Miller, NWFA vice presi-dent of Education and Certification. “And it is a trend that can present certain challenges, especially if the installation is subpar and the end-user is uninformed.”

So, act wisely and be in-the-know. Engaging the services of professional certified flooring installers will ensure your gorgeous flooring will stay that way. These knowledgeable craftsmen understand the importance of acclimation and the control of temperature and relative humidity. They in turn will pass that informa-tion on to you, the end-user. An educated customer is a happy one.

More on what’s trending

Other trends being followed by NWFA member companies, especially custom, wide plank flooring manufacturer Shannon & Waterman (www.shannon-waterman.com), include a continuation of gray stains and finishes, texturing of wood versus smooth finish-es, utilizing random widths in a single installation, a preference for rustic species, selecting boards based on significant character inclusions like knot holes and saw blade marks and a return to oil finishes.

It’s spicy. It’s classy. And it’s all the rage! Visit www.HardwoodInfo.com to see more on flooring, cabinetry and other products made from American Hardwoods.

Locally, we recommend you to visit Rabun Flooring.

Mike and Sandy Hyer are great about helping

customers select the perfect flooring to meet their needs. They have an outstanding selection and

professional installers who can get the job done for

you. Rabun Flooring is located at 57 West Savannah

Street in Clayton, Georgia. Give them a call today

with any questions you might have, 706.782.4706.


Services


for your

Home & Property


Services



“Me and Ulyss’ use t’ go t’gether even before him and his first wife was married. We’d go t’ church t’gether and come back, and I would get dinner and then

we sat for th’ rest of th’ day. We would stay in th’ house, and if we didn’t stay in th’ house we stayed on th’ porch. We had a’ ol’ pump organ, but I couldn’t play it and neither could Ulyss’, so we just sat

Aunt Arie, “He married me, and he died with me”

Foxfire


and talked. Then he got in with Ada and married her, and they went off t’ th’ state a’ Washington. Mommy had died then, and so I had several other boyfriends. I had s’ many boyfriends I couldn’t tell you who they all were! I went with one man—I guess he’s still livin’—and his mother lived right down th’ road, and she said he had a apron full a’ money and she wanted me t’ marry him. I said I wadn’t goin’ t’ marry anybody for their money. If you children marry, be sure you marry someone you love and somebody that’ll be good to you. If y’ marry someone for their money, ever’ bit of it has wings and will fly away. You girls remember that. His mother wanted me t’marry him, but I said, “No sir.” I went with many a boy though.

“After Ada died, Ulyss’ come back here and th’ first thing he done, a’ course, was t’ come up there where I was at. I was still single, and th’ next thing y’ know we was married. It just happened. I had cared for him for such a long time, though.

“We went t’ Georgia t’ be married. Got married there at Dillard. I was wearin’ blue serge. I always heard if y’ marry in brown, you’ll live in a frown; if y’ marry in gray, you’ll go far away; if y’ marry in yellow, you’re ashamed of your fellow; if y’ marry in green, you’re ashamed t’ be seen; if y’ marry in white, you’ve chosen all right; if y’ marry in blue, you’ll always be true. People believe in all that. Why, you couldn’t hire some people t’ marry in yellow t’ save your life. I reckon I believed all that, too, ‘cause I was married in blue. After we married, we went back t’ my home on our weddin’ night and then moved here t’ Ulyss’s home, and we stayed here since th’ first day that we came up here. Then Ulyss’ died and left me by myself. He married me, and he died with me. Just as happy as he could be. He was. Just as happy as he could be.“

Adapted by Foxfire student Jessica Phillips from Aunt Arie: A Foxfire Portrait, pgs. 53-76


They gathered in Arthur Speed’s workshop to remember a multi-year A-Model strip-down, as

it was known in the southern Appa-lachians. Arthur Speed, Ken Ramey and Danny Bleckley all have ties to this vehicle and had stories to tell.

The strip-down, as Arthur Speed explained, is a homemade utility vehicle. Rudimentary in design, it was often the only transportation a mountain family had and they considered themselves fortunate to have it. It was a multi-purpose vehicle, modified to haul pulpwood, dogwood and cross ties off the mountain, to make the occasional trip to town for supplies, to carry the family to church on Sundays and even to the occasional picnic.

Arthur Speed’s father owned this vehicle many years ago. From him, it passed to the James Turpin, who then

WHEELS - A Warwoman Strip-down…The story of a much-loved Ford Model A Truck

sold it to John Bleckley. This is when Danny Bleckley entered the picture. Danny bought it from his Uncle John when Danny was in the 5th grade. He paid $50 for it and paid it off in $10 installments.

He and his brother Bobby Staton, and many of their friends drove the strip-down all over the mountainous Warwoman Community of Rabun County. The number that learned to drive using this vehicle is uncertain, but likely most of the boys in this community in that era had their time behind the wheel. There were stories of driving it, low on gas, and having to back it up a hill to ensure the fuel that remained was available to the engine to get back the strip-down back down the hill and stories of inconsistent brakes and the use of gears to bring it to a stop. Another story was of Bobby, behind the wheel when it backfired, set the woods on fire. It was a well-used and well-loved vehicle, and harkens back to a less complicated time.

As the boys of Warwoman grew up, married and began raising families, the old strip-down was left abandoned for over 30 years in the woods near Danny Bleckley’s home. Ken Ramey and Arthur had partnered to restore three remarkable vintage vehicles and after many visits by Danny to the shop where these restorations were taking place and his continued insistence that they restore the old strip-


down, it was reclaimed from its quiet rest in the woods and towed by Arthur and Ken to Arthur’s shop. The old strip-down had made its return home, and a vintage restoration began.

Arthur and Ken’s strip-down is made up of parts from 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 Ford Model As, hence its multi-year lineage. Arthur and Ken rebuilt this vehicle from the ground up, including a complete rebuild of its 4-cylinder, flat-head, 24-horsepower engine.

Arthur Speed, Ken Ramey and Danny Bleckley, all friends for life, still live in the Warwoman Community and still sit and share their great memories of the old strip-down and the sweetness of a simpler time.

By Larry and Gail Allgood


To describe Fort Hollingsworth White House as anything but a Georgia state treasure and national treasure would be wrong. This building has stood the test of time since

1793 and Willette White Mote who was my guide for part of an afternoon certainly agrees that this property should be cared for and protected for many generations to come.

Not only was Willette my guide but she is also one of many generations of the White family who still own and lived most of their lives on this beautiful North Banks County property. Wilette’s great grandfather Joshua White was the first member of her family to purchase the property and create additions in the 1860’s. One of my first questions was to ask her why the property was named Fort Hollingsworth White House. She explained that Joshua White had added a dog trot or covered walkway to the property and rooms off to the side of the original fort. While walking through the dog trot I was fascinated to see the original logs with axe marks still visible and the white chinking between the logs was the original white clay used from the creek across the road.

tribes were no longer a concern and the string of frontier forts were no longer necessary. The forts soon became log farmhouses. The “Four Mile Purchase” of 1804 was created when the Cherokees ceded a strip of land four miles wide (from the Habersham – Banks County line on Baldwin Mountain, to Line Baptist Church on old Hwy. 441) and 23 miles long extending from Currahee Mountain to the head waters of the South Oconee River. A line of felled trees twenty-feet wide marked the line, which became a “no man’s land”. The United States agreed to pay the Cherokees $5,000 and $1,000 per annum for the property rights.

Exploring Northeast GeorgiaFort Hollingsworth White House

Fort Hollingsworth White HouseWith Dog Trot to the left and original fort to the right.

Jacob Hollingsworth was the original builder of the fort in 1793. He was a pioneer from North Carolina, who was granted land in North Georgia after the Revolutionary War. Unfortunately after they settled into the fort they found out they were across the line, agreed upon in a treaty with the Cherokees. The Cherokee people in the area did not appreciate this disregard to the terms of the treaty and Hollingsworth and other families found themselves in a position of having to defend themselves.

The original fort had no windows downstairs except for a small one next to the chimney built from local field stone. Families in the area would seek protection in the fort during troubling times. By about 1796, conflicts with local Indian

Fort Hollingsworth original fireplace.

In the time period between Hollingsworth and the White family John Lane was an early owner of the fort. He was killed in the Civil War not long after purchasing the property. The property was divided between John Lane’s sisters and so the story comes round to Joshua White, whose wife was a sister of John Lane. Although John Lane was killed and buried in Tennessee there is a memorial to him on the grounds of the property.

Fort Hollingsworth White House is located off of Highway 441 between Baldwin and Homer. The address is 2307 Wynn Lake Road, Alto, Georgia 30510. For more information you can visit the website at www.forthollingsworth-whitehouse.com. Although the property is not open on specific days you can email to [email protected] or call either 706.244.1239 or 706.499.8579 for more information or to arrange a tour. Fort Hollingsworth-White House looks very much today as it did in the 1860’s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

By Kitty Stratton

“Snow

y Creek

” - Terry B

arnes Photography (tbarnesphotography.photoshelter.com)

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Georgia Mountain Laurel - February 16