TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2009
Lynn’s Zen Forgiveness by C. Lynn Perry I’ve been tryin’ to get down To the Heart of the Matter But my will gets weak And my thoughts seem to scatter But I think it’s about forgiveness Forgiveness Even if, even if, you don’t love me anymore. — Don Henley, “The Heart of the Matter” I think that there is nothing worse than feeling naïve and taken advantage of. And I am a professional at being naïve, which in turn
makes me totally hard on myself. Sometimes, I just don’t think I think like other people. Just last week a guy came in the office wanting to be a mentor for my program, and he even asked me over the phone if he could see the background check (because he was curious). I didn’t think anything about it at the time. His background check came back with a long list of infractions, along with a child endangerment charge. Needless to say he ain’t gonna have anything to do with my babies! He told me he was unem-
ployed, and wanted to do something to give back to the community to take up his spare time. I can respect that, ya know? Because having been unemployed for months before landing this job, I wish I had done volunteer work to fill up my spare time, instead of sitting around throwing the worlds biggest pity party ever. I’m now thinking that he just wanted to see what his background check would turn up in case a potential employer wanted to hire
North Georgia fall festivals www.hellonorthgeorgia.com, www.blueridgemountains.com As temperatures and leaves continue to fall, North Georgia is heading into the height of the fall season. Whether the crisp air has stirred a craving for crisp apples, sorghum, and a myriad other homemade goods — or for arts, crafts, music and even gold — this year’s fall festivals are guaranteed not to disappoint. So bring the whole family and visit one — visit all! — of the areas’ one-of-a-kind festival offerings.
Cherry Log Fall Festival in Cherry Log Oct. 10, 11 and 17. First three weekends each October, the community of Cherry Log celebrates the harvest with the Cherry Log Festival. Serving delicious homemade breakfast and lunch, offering arts and crafts, homemade cakes, pies and canned goods, bluegrass, gospel and country music at the Cherry Log Community Clubhouse, 341 Cherry Log Street. 2009 Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay October 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Ellijay Lions Club,
the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, and Gilmer County invite everyone to come and enjoy the 38th year of the Georgia Apple Festival. There are over 300 vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items, as well as many on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. For more information visit www.georgiaapplefestival.org. Prater’s Mill Country Fair in Dalton Oct. 10-11. Mountain music, Southern foods, liv-
him, and wanted us to pay for it, which we did. A background check now runs over $50, and since our budget just got cut by $5,000 at the last minute, we really don’t have the funds to waste on people’s personal demons. So, I’m feeling naïve and used again. Forgiveness means looking at the bigger picture, and I realize that everyone makes mistakes, and everyone goes through hard times at some point in their lives. That’s probably why Hillary Clinton managed to forgive Bill. She obviously took all his good deeds into consideration, and decided that her marriage was worth saving. Maybe she understood that he was truly sorry, and that it wouldn’t be too much trouble to take an industrial strength stapler to his boxers and his undershirt. It always helps when the offender apologizes or seems
remorseful. But even then, some offenses just seem unforgivable. That’s why I’ve decided to do a little forgiving myself, and hope that people in my life forgive me for my infractions. Forgiveness, after all, is for yourself, and not for the person you need to forgive. They could probably care less. So, here’s a list of the stuff in my life I forgive: I forgive the man that tried to kill me with his Dodge Durango. I may not get around like I used to, and I have had to learn to walk all over again, but I am upright and above ground and have a new gratitude about life. It was an accident, and even though I know he really didn’t wish me any harm, he about killed me. I forgive Ben Affleck for the movie “Gigli.” How bad of a train wreck was that? I forgive “Tickle me Elmo”
for stealing my daughter’s heart when she was a kid. I forgive Steve, my former boyfriend of eight plus years, for leaving me for a woman 15 years younger then me, when he was 15 years older than me. I was supposed to be the younger woman, darn it! I forgive Keanu Reeves for stealing my daughter’s hairstyle. I forgive Janet Jackson for showing us her breast during the Super Bowl. I forgive my dreams that may never come to fruition. I forgive the guy that came into my office and got a background check done on our dime. I forgive everyone, and I hope everyone forgives me for my infractions. Forgiveness is a huge thing. Because forgiveness frees you … … even if, even if, you don’t love them anymore.
ing history exhibits and handmade crafts and original art of 185 artisans. Demonstrations including blacksmithing, spinning, quilting, rug hooking, woodcarving and hand tufting. Food and fun for all ages. Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega Oct. 17 and 18, when thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. For more information visit www.dahlonega.org/index.p hp/festivals/162-gold-rushdays.html.
Heritage Days in Talking Rock Oct. 17-18. Town will be filled with booths featuring a wide variety of arts, crafts and antiques. There will be interesting demonstrations for the young and old, Blue Grass and Southern Gospel Music and good food. Go back in time by visiting the restored 1877 Talking Rock Schoolhouse Teaching Museum. Or, join hobbyists from all over the country in “riding the rails” in restored railcars. A caravan of railroad motorcars is expected to roll into town and stop at noon on Saturday. You can also enjoy a ride in a donkey cart, meet the Town Crier, relax with the kids in the park and check out the new mural. Oktoberfest in Helen Oct. 1 through Nov. 1 (every day). Beer, brats, bands and Liederhosen the Helen Oktoberfest has them all. Join the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States, which runs from
mid-September through the first weekend in November. For more information visit www.helenchamber.com/ind ex.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73&I temid=29 Sorghum Festival in Blairsville Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18. Blairsville’s most famous event, Georgia’s official Sorghum Festival, is upon us. Sponsored by the Blairsville Jaycees. For more information visit http://sorghum.blairsville.co m/ or http://blairsville chamber.com/ for more Blairsville events. Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee Oct. 9 - 17. Each October, the nine-day event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention. For more info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/ fallfestival.php.
Ritz crackers make me happy and content Loran Smith There are so many good things in life. Simple things that don’t cause heartburn and headaches. But you can’t find them on a computer or at a technology store. Things like a grandchild saying, “I wuv you.” Or a pretty coed, dressing the way I remember they dressed in another day. Or a football player who returns a phone call. Someone who says, “Show me the way,” not “Show me the money!” A grandmother who retains her beauty. A bearded man in overalls who takes great pleasure in fishing and inviting friends to join him. “We just have fun, and you would be welcome,” he says to a man too busy to take a break. I like it this time of the year. The fall means that the harvest season soon will be upon us. The older I get, the more I enjoy Halloween. Not the ghosts and the goblins, but the pumpkins, the cornstalks, the hay bales and the full moon. Most of all, I seem to enjoy my friends more in the fall. A libation by the fireplace —the
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bling, however, to learn that the idea of using the name Ritz was because “it conjured up the image of wealth and glamour.” This lowly and humble cracker was named after the Ritz-Carlton. What a misnomer! The Ritz cracker is a product for all ages, all classes. Perhaps it has stood the test of time because it is generally appreciated by everybody. I have friends in Atlanta, Don and Barbara Hemrick, who often are my hosts on overnight trips to Georgia’s capital city. Barbara has an old-fashioned cookie jar filled with Ritz crackers. As soon as I walk in the kitchen, I reach for a handful. I am content and happy afterward. You take the Ritz-Carlton. I’ll take its namesake.
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reflect on the times I have pheasant hunted in South Dakota where pheasant hunting is the best. The pheasant is the most beautiful game bird of all. When I look at my wall mounts, I savor the memory of hunts with good friends in South Dakota. South Dakotans are generous and hospitable and the passion to return never subsides. If you are into counting your blessings, you can give consideration to Ritz crackers, which are one of those things you can enjoy any time of the year. Just a simple product with enduring attachment. Ritz crackers have only been with us since 1934. I figured out why they are so good. They originated in the harvest season. In November. It was a bit trou-
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indolent flames causing you to reflect and to count your blessings. Just can’t wait for the first fire of the fall. Don’t have to make any firewood arrangements this year, a good news/bad news circumstance. First the bad — we lost a tree last year. A stately and honorable friend. With its regrettable departure, however, came the good news: a stack of firewood we will enjoy over the holidays. This harvest season, I am going to read a new World War II book. And offer thanks for those who gave their lives that our government and its people have the right to make decisions, even if they are bad. Can we not hark back to those humble and honorable times? All we have to do is adopt that time-honored 4-H Club motto: “Service Above Self.” The fall means quail hunting, and I have invitations to hunt in south Georgia. I am going to find a way to get there and walk the woods and fields and marvel at the splendor of the outdoors in Thomasville and other locales where the beauty of a bird dog-on-a-point is unmatched. When it comes to hunting, I
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Gilmer County Veterans Memorial Bridge All living Americans owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served, fought and died serving our country. They served with valor, and many gave their all in order to allow us the bounty, safety and security we enjoy today. We need never to forget the sacrifices they made. Marble Veterans Pavers
will be a permanent part of the Memorial for anyone who served our country. Marble Veterans Pavers $50 each.
Brick Pavers
for any organization, individual, family or public official, will be a permanent part of the Memorial. Brick Pavers $35 each.
Inscription information: Max. 18 characters per line, (with upper and lower case) including spaces, up to three lines. Logos may be added upon request.
Yes, I want to support the Gilmer County Veterans Memorial. Enclosed is my contribution. Last Name
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Make checks payable to: Help Build the Bridge Fund, and mail to 96 Mtn. Springs Cir., Ellijay, GA 30536, Attn: Sandy Lyons (706-635-1931).