On August 20, 2011 the South Habersham High School class of 1966 will meet along with the members from the classes of 1965 and 1967. We are getting excited. For many of our fellow classmates, it has been many years since we have seen each other. What does one talk about after all this time? Will we recognize each other? I can speak for myself when I say the pounds have been sneaking up. It is time to put that fear of how I look behind me and enjoy the reunion.
Life has been good to me, so what do I have to fear? Why be nervous? I think a visit to the past is always scary. For me, high school was not one of my favorite times even though I had wonderful friends with whom I shared great memories. We enjoyed the football and basketball games, drive-in movies, the Grand Theater in Cornelia, Lake Russell, cruising town on a Sunday afternoon, and eating ice cream at the Dairy Queen.
During our reign at South Habersham High School, the Beatles was the top music group. President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas. We watched in disbelief as Jack Ruby shot the accused shooter, Lee Harvey Oswall. Martin Luther King made his famous "I have a Dream" speech and then later was assassinated. Robert Kennedy was shot and killed in California. Malcolm X was shot. The war in Vietnam was raging and many of our classmates served their country there. (Bobby Sexton from the class of 1965 was killed there, and now his name is listed on The Wall in Washington, DC. ) Sonny and Cher were making their way up the music charts. The '60s Hippies were a growing number, but our class didn't seem to be touched by the movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is signed into law by President Johnson. We didn't realize just how much history we were witnessing.
On August 20 this group of grown-up '60s teenagers will celebrate their memories by gathering together for their class reunions. Although I am a little apprehensive, I am excited. The years have flown by; the hair has turned grey; the pounds have crept on us; however, the hearts of our friends will be the same. I look forward to hearing about their adventures through the years. Class of '65, '66, and '67, bring it on!
It is me again, Lord. Thanking you for the opportunity to reconnect with old friends.
A little Georgia Wisdom: If you have the opportunity to attend your class reunion, go. You will not regret it.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
If Life Were Only a Script...
Have you ever watched a movie and thought about the words of wisdom the actor spoke? When the wise mother or grandmother gives her doting family those wonderful words to live by, I think to myself how I wish I could spew words of wisdom like that. All their conversations seem to be filled with just the right mixture of life experiences and inspired intervention.
When I became a mother and wanted to be the right mix of inspiration to my children, I realized that I didn't have a script writer to put those life changing words in my mouth. My twenty-two years of life experience didn't prepare me to be the perfect mother. In fact, I wasn't prepared at all. I had changed diapers, made bottles and taken care of babies, but when those little bundles of responsibility were mine, I knew I was out of my league.
There was a time when Chaos filled the kitchen. Bottles were empty; the baby was crying; I was crying; and the dishes were piled in the sink. Chaos had taken over my life! What was I going to do? What would "Leave it Beaver" June Clever, in her pearl necklace, perfect dress and heels, do in this situation?
I'm standing in my own kitchen in my night gown, dishes in the sink, empty bottles, baby crying, and I'm crying. What I didn't know was that Rescue was about to enter the back door. Just when I thought Chaos had me by the throat, my mother walked in the kitchen. I stopped crying, the baby stopped crying, and like a miracle, things began to take shape in my stressful kitchen. My mother, God bless her, took control and swept Chaos out the door.
Three years later, and now with some life experience, I brought home another little bundle of joy. This time I was better prepared for the responsibility. Chaos had a more difficult time getting a foot hold on me and my kitchen. My mother, along with on-the-job training, had taught me how to be better prepared for motherhood.
As my children grew older, I found that the words of wisdom that I just knew would eventually come didn't. I did not have a script writer to put those "words to grow by" in my head to be released at just the right moment to my doting children.
I really wanted those words of wisdom to be there when my children were teenagers, sadly they weren't. Where was that script writer? I wanted someone to write those words of wisdom for me to memorize and regurgitate at just the right time.
As I grew older, I realized there was a script writer. God gave us life's instructions in the Bible.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for words of wisdom from the perfect book.
A little Georgia Wisdom: When you need words of wisdom to share with your family, refer to the ultimate script writer. Our God is an awesome God.
When I became a mother and wanted to be the right mix of inspiration to my children, I realized that I didn't have a script writer to put those life changing words in my mouth. My twenty-two years of life experience didn't prepare me to be the perfect mother. In fact, I wasn't prepared at all. I had changed diapers, made bottles and taken care of babies, but when those little bundles of responsibility were mine, I knew I was out of my league.
There was a time when Chaos filled the kitchen. Bottles were empty; the baby was crying; I was crying; and the dishes were piled in the sink. Chaos had taken over my life! What was I going to do? What would "Leave it Beaver" June Clever, in her pearl necklace, perfect dress and heels, do in this situation?
I'm standing in my own kitchen in my night gown, dishes in the sink, empty bottles, baby crying, and I'm crying. What I didn't know was that Rescue was about to enter the back door. Just when I thought Chaos had me by the throat, my mother walked in the kitchen. I stopped crying, the baby stopped crying, and like a miracle, things began to take shape in my stressful kitchen. My mother, God bless her, took control and swept Chaos out the door.
Three years later, and now with some life experience, I brought home another little bundle of joy. This time I was better prepared for the responsibility. Chaos had a more difficult time getting a foot hold on me and my kitchen. My mother, along with on-the-job training, had taught me how to be better prepared for motherhood.
As my children grew older, I found that the words of wisdom that I just knew would eventually come didn't. I did not have a script writer to put those "words to grow by" in my head to be released at just the right moment to my doting children.
I really wanted those words of wisdom to be there when my children were teenagers, sadly they weren't. Where was that script writer? I wanted someone to write those words of wisdom for me to memorize and regurgitate at just the right time.
As I grew older, I realized there was a script writer. God gave us life's instructions in the Bible.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for words of wisdom from the perfect book.
A little Georgia Wisdom: When you need words of wisdom to share with your family, refer to the ultimate script writer. Our God is an awesome God.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
"Yes, I'm a Christian"
Today my granddaughter, Madison, and I spent the afternoon together. She rode a horse on a trail ride, and I enjoyed a visit with an old friend I haven't seen in many years. After her ride, we toured Helen, Georgia. Something I haven't done in a very long time and something Madison hasn't done at all. We enjoyed our afternoon meandering in and out of the shops.
Madison wanted to see the tarantula museum and I opted to have a cold soft drink outside at a picnic table while she took the tour. It is while I was having my cold drink, a very nice lady came over to talk to me. She and members of her church were Gideons, and it was their ministry to give out New Testaments. She gave me one. I gladly accepted it, but I told her I was already a Christian and expressed my delight in her mission. Ms. Mary is from South Georgia and is a member of the Baptist church in her southern town. We shared our religious backgrounds since both of us were Baptist.
It was nice to meet her and I applaud her and her husband and friends as they walked the streets of Helen and talked to people. You see my brother Dwayne is a Gideon and I am very proud of his participation in this ministry of getting Bibles into the hands of the public.
Ms. Mary and I enjoyed our exchange this afternoon. I may not see her again her on earth, but I know without a doubt we will meet again. She is a dear lady doing the work God has called her to do.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for folks like Ms. Mary, her husband and friends, and my brother Dwayne who have been called to share the Gospel by giving out Bibles.
A little Georgia Wisdom: If you don't have a personal relationship with our Lord, I pray you will accept Him as your personal Saviour. All you have to do is ask Him to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart today! You will be glad you did.
Madison wanted to see the tarantula museum and I opted to have a cold soft drink outside at a picnic table while she took the tour. It is while I was having my cold drink, a very nice lady came over to talk to me. She and members of her church were Gideons, and it was their ministry to give out New Testaments. She gave me one. I gladly accepted it, but I told her I was already a Christian and expressed my delight in her mission. Ms. Mary is from South Georgia and is a member of the Baptist church in her southern town. We shared our religious backgrounds since both of us were Baptist.
It was nice to meet her and I applaud her and her husband and friends as they walked the streets of Helen and talked to people. You see my brother Dwayne is a Gideon and I am very proud of his participation in this ministry of getting Bibles into the hands of the public.
Ms. Mary and I enjoyed our exchange this afternoon. I may not see her again her on earth, but I know without a doubt we will meet again. She is a dear lady doing the work God has called her to do.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for folks like Ms. Mary, her husband and friends, and my brother Dwayne who have been called to share the Gospel by giving out Bibles.
A little Georgia Wisdom: If you don't have a personal relationship with our Lord, I pray you will accept Him as your personal Saviour. All you have to do is ask Him to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart today! You will be glad you did.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Girls With the Carnival Laughs
Recently I found an old friend on Facebook. Nancy and I worked together at International Furniture/Schnadig Corporation years ago. This was a time when her husband was in Vietnam and I was planning a wedding. Nancy and I enjoyed life to the fullest as we worked together in the office of Schnadig. We found humor in everything. Sometimes our humor erupted into uncontrollable giggles.
I want to bring to your attention that the two of us were not the only ones who participated in our GiggleFest. There were others working in our office, but Nancy and I were the instigators. Everyday at 10:00 a.m. we had break. I am a coffee drinker; Nancy loved her soft drinks and potted meat and bell pepper sandwiches, and we all shared cookies, potato chips, or any of many different kinds of snack foods. It was a one-for all and all-for-one break. We shared our food, but no one wanted the potted meat sandwiches. We had read the ingredients on the small can.
One year the owner of Schnadig was coming to the Cornelia plant and our office supervisor gathered all of us together to give us instructions on how to act like ladies while the owner was visiting. Looking back on this office meeting, it was Nancy and I to whom this lecture was intended.
Our supervisor looked at Nancy and said, "Nancy, you have a musical laugh," and then to me, "Linda, you do too. When the two of you get together, it sounds like a carnival has come to town." She didn't have to say anything else. We both knew. We were to be on our best behavior! This was not going to be easy.
A few days later the big bosses visited, and the two of us made it through without reprimand. It was not as simple as it sounds for two nineteen year old girls with the humor bug. What were we thinking? We both just loved life and found the funny side to every situation.
We had our teased hair, cute clothes, uncomfortable heels, and fancy purses. We weren't the only cute ones working in that office. Our other co-gigglers and stylish friends were Brenda, Judy, Shirley, and Carol. These ladies just knew when to quit. Nancy and I didn't.
Some of the best times of my life were spend in the office with the above ladies. We celebrated weddings, new births, and birthdays. It seems like only yesterday we were taking a break together, telling jokes, and enjoying each other's company. It was a time when the young men in our lives were in the military. Vietnam was real and the stress relief we used to deal with the strain of not knowing what each day would bring was humor. If often looked like immaturity, but it gave Nancy a few hours each day to try to forget the worry she had for her husband. The others followed suit. We needed that stress relief. Nancy did for sure. During this time, a young wife never knew when she might get a notice that she was a young widow.
I like to remember the late '60s, but I wouldn't want to go back to relive them. Those are the times better left in the past. I love remembering my friends made in a family-like office where young girls shopped during their lunches; celebrated birthdays with cake, laughed and cried together; and Nancy ate potted meat and bell pepper sandwiches at 10:00 each morning.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for good memories of friends from long ago.
A little Georgia Wisdom: Remember to "make new friends and keep the old; one is silver and the other gold."
I want to bring to your attention that the two of us were not the only ones who participated in our GiggleFest. There were others working in our office, but Nancy and I were the instigators. Everyday at 10:00 a.m. we had break. I am a coffee drinker; Nancy loved her soft drinks and potted meat and bell pepper sandwiches, and we all shared cookies, potato chips, or any of many different kinds of snack foods. It was a one-for all and all-for-one break. We shared our food, but no one wanted the potted meat sandwiches. We had read the ingredients on the small can.
One year the owner of Schnadig was coming to the Cornelia plant and our office supervisor gathered all of us together to give us instructions on how to act like ladies while the owner was visiting. Looking back on this office meeting, it was Nancy and I to whom this lecture was intended.
Our supervisor looked at Nancy and said, "Nancy, you have a musical laugh," and then to me, "Linda, you do too. When the two of you get together, it sounds like a carnival has come to town." She didn't have to say anything else. We both knew. We were to be on our best behavior! This was not going to be easy.
A few days later the big bosses visited, and the two of us made it through without reprimand. It was not as simple as it sounds for two nineteen year old girls with the humor bug. What were we thinking? We both just loved life and found the funny side to every situation.
We had our teased hair, cute clothes, uncomfortable heels, and fancy purses. We weren't the only cute ones working in that office. Our other co-gigglers and stylish friends were Brenda, Judy, Shirley, and Carol. These ladies just knew when to quit. Nancy and I didn't.
Some of the best times of my life were spend in the office with the above ladies. We celebrated weddings, new births, and birthdays. It seems like only yesterday we were taking a break together, telling jokes, and enjoying each other's company. It was a time when the young men in our lives were in the military. Vietnam was real and the stress relief we used to deal with the strain of not knowing what each day would bring was humor. If often looked like immaturity, but it gave Nancy a few hours each day to try to forget the worry she had for her husband. The others followed suit. We needed that stress relief. Nancy did for sure. During this time, a young wife never knew when she might get a notice that she was a young widow.
I like to remember the late '60s, but I wouldn't want to go back to relive them. Those are the times better left in the past. I love remembering my friends made in a family-like office where young girls shopped during their lunches; celebrated birthdays with cake, laughed and cried together; and Nancy ate potted meat and bell pepper sandwiches at 10:00 each morning.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for good memories of friends from long ago.
A little Georgia Wisdom: Remember to "make new friends and keep the old; one is silver and the other gold."
Monday, July 11, 2011
When the Words Won't Come
Every day I sit at my computer and try to remember the topic I wanted to write about as I was about to fall asleep, or while grocery shopping, or while driving in the car. Those ideas come when they are least expected, and I don't have something on which to write the ideas.
The book I have in mind to write follows me everywhere, but I can't seem to pull it together as quickly as I want. Again, the ideas pop in and out of my head as I travel here and there or I am at work doing something else. Once I sit down at the computer, my mind becomes a blank sheet of paper.
Gee, me thinks I need a recorder to carry around with me. Maybe I should buy one of those handy-dandy ones that look like a pen you put in your pocket and secretly record conversations. Folks would think I have completely lost what little is left of my mind. Here I would be recording my notes through aloud conversation, and folks would think I was walking around just talking to myself.
Every person who enters our lives leaves with us something of themselves. We learn from others. The students I taught over the 27 years of teaching high school left something of themselves with me. Not only did I teach them English, and hopefully the joys of reading, but they taught me something about life and how to appreciate our connections with each other. My fellow teachers were also an inspiration to me. I enjoyed their valuable company. The others who have entered my life through friends, interests, and chance meetings and they, too, have also left a huge impression.
There are so many interesting people who have touched my life and the lives of others, but, man, how do I narrow it down to a manageable group? There is an actor; a missionary; a senator; an artist; an umpire; an unusual pilot; a disc jockey; an entertainer; a songwriter; a WWI soldier; a singing cowboy; and the list goes on. One can see how difficult this will be to get all of this compiled, edited, and published; however, the process can be a challenge, but it is also the fun part.
"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" — Dr. Seuss
One thing I ask of you is your prayers. Please remember me as I undertake this heartfelt endeavor.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for the strangers who become friends and the positive influences they leave with us as they pass through our lives.
A little Georgia Wisdom: Take the time to get to know the people with whom you come in contact. They will leave with you the positive influences if you look for it.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Casey Anthony and Susan Smith: Mothers and Their Dead Children
The news has been filled with the Casey Anthony trial. Casey Anthony was accused of killing her three year old daughter, Caylee Marie.
On July 5, 2011 Casey was found "not guilty" of murder, manslaughter and child-abuse charges; however; Casey was convicted of four misdemeanor counts of lying to investigators who were looking into Caylee's disappearance in June 2008.
When I started this blog, I was going to stay away from current events. You all have you own opinions about those events and don't want to hear mine, but I just couldn't let this one pass.
Let's go back to the trial of Susan Smith in Union, South Carolina.
Susan Smith of Union, S.C. was convicted on July 22, 1995 for murdering her two sons, Michael Daniel Smith, 3, and 14-month-old Alexander Tyler Smith by allowing her car to roll into a lake with her two sons strapped in their car seats.
Susan Smith's home video clips and family pictures showed a caring mother who played with her children. Casey Anthony's home videos and pictures showed a caring mother who played with Caylee. Neither mother would appear to be abusive and both appeared to love their children.
One question that kept being asked on FOX News, "What was considered child abuse?" If a parent is responsible for the death of a child and had never abused that child, would that one act be considered "abuse"? If the mother waited over thirty-one days without ever reporting her child missing, would that lack of concern for the child's well being be considered abuse?
Susan Smith saw opportunities for a life with a wealthy man, but he didn't share her love for her children, Michael and Alex. Casey Anthony like to party which was documented by pictures and her tattoo, "Bella Vita" (beautiful life), which she had done while little Caylee was missing.
Both used the "kidnapping" excuse. Susan reported someone hijacked her car with her two boys in the car; Casey reported a babysitter took Caylee. Both were given high profile status and appeared in the news. Once the media ball began to roll, there was no stopping it. The media continued to follow the cases right to the jury verdict.
Susan Smith and Casey Anthony reported they had been sexually abused and used the sexual-abuse defense. Both turned on family members to explain their behaviors.
What happens to mothers whose children become so much of a burden that they feel they have to kill them? Susan Smith's ex-husband wanted the boys and would raise them himself. Casey Anthony's parents had offered to adopt Caylee. So, there were other options for these mothers.
My personal opinion is that Casey Anthony is guilty of killing Caylee. What mother would cover up a child's drowning and then dispose of the body by using duct tape and garbage bags before placing the body in a swamp?
I do not want to make this into a news article; therefore, I will stop here. You have your own opinions about these cases.
God knows the hearts of these two mothers. It is not our place to judge them, but it is mighty hard not to want to see them pay for the deaths of those precious children who never had a chance to reach adulthood.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for all the mothers who love their children and when times are difficult, they seek Your guidance.
A little Georgia Wisdom: Always seek the Lord when times are difficult and especially when you feel you are at the end of your patience. He will send someone to help you.
| Casey Anthony, Orlando, FL Booking photo |
 |
| Caylee Anthony |
When I started this blog, I was going to stay away from current events. You all have you own opinions about those events and don't want to hear mine, but I just couldn't let this one pass.
Let's go back to the trial of Susan Smith in Union, South Carolina.
 |
| Susan Smith, Union, S.C. |
Susan Smith of Union, S.C. was convicted on July 22, 1995 for murdering her two sons, Michael Daniel Smith, 3, and 14-month-old Alexander Tyler Smith by allowing her car to roll into a lake with her two sons strapped in their car seats.
Michael and Alexander Smith
Family PhotoSusan Smith's home video clips and family pictures showed a caring mother who played with her children. Casey Anthony's home videos and pictures showed a caring mother who played with Caylee. Neither mother would appear to be abusive and both appeared to love their children.
One question that kept being asked on FOX News, "What was considered child abuse?" If a parent is responsible for the death of a child and had never abused that child, would that one act be considered "abuse"? If the mother waited over thirty-one days without ever reporting her child missing, would that lack of concern for the child's well being be considered abuse?
Susan Smith saw opportunities for a life with a wealthy man, but he didn't share her love for her children, Michael and Alex. Casey Anthony like to party which was documented by pictures and her tattoo, "Bella Vita" (beautiful life), which she had done while little Caylee was missing.
Both used the "kidnapping" excuse. Susan reported someone hijacked her car with her two boys in the car; Casey reported a babysitter took Caylee. Both were given high profile status and appeared in the news. Once the media ball began to roll, there was no stopping it. The media continued to follow the cases right to the jury verdict.
Susan Smith and Casey Anthony reported they had been sexually abused and used the sexual-abuse defense. Both turned on family members to explain their behaviors.
What happens to mothers whose children become so much of a burden that they feel they have to kill them? Susan Smith's ex-husband wanted the boys and would raise them himself. Casey Anthony's parents had offered to adopt Caylee. So, there were other options for these mothers.
My personal opinion is that Casey Anthony is guilty of killing Caylee. What mother would cover up a child's drowning and then dispose of the body by using duct tape and garbage bags before placing the body in a swamp?
I do not want to make this into a news article; therefore, I will stop here. You have your own opinions about these cases.
God knows the hearts of these two mothers. It is not our place to judge them, but it is mighty hard not to want to see them pay for the deaths of those precious children who never had a chance to reach adulthood.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for all the mothers who love their children and when times are difficult, they seek Your guidance.
A little Georgia Wisdom: Always seek the Lord when times are difficult and especially when you feel you are at the end of your patience. He will send someone to help you.
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