Volume 4 Issue 6 Kitchen Drawer Illustrated

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“Everyone “Everyone was was so so attentive attentive and and everything everything was was so so crisp crisp and and clean. clean. It all made me It all made me feel feel right at home.” right at home.”

SPALDING REGIONAL MADE A BELIEVER OUT OF ME! — Star Avery — Star Avery Griffin Griffin

More and more people throughout our region are choosing Spalding Regional More and more people throughout our region are choosing Spalding Regional Hospital. We’re committed to the right combination of high-level medical services Hospital. We’re committed to the right combination of high-level medical services and attentive care that isn’t always possible in a larger, less personal setting. and attentive care that isn’t always possible in a larger, less personal setting. It’s how we make change for the better happen every day for YOU. It’s how we make change for the better happen every day for YOU.

Read Read more more at at www.spaldingregional.com www.spaldingregional.com A Member of Spalding Health™ A Member of Spalding Health™

Staff Picks...................................................... 5

Contributing Writers

Why Do We Hunt? ...................................... 7

Amanda Cera

SlowExposures 2012...................................... 11

Laurie Cochrane

Glam Local ................................................... 17

Chris Curry

Perfectly Matched........................................ 21

Clark Douglas

Plug In............................................................ 2

Artist Profile: Camelot Theatre.................. 24

Finding Freedman......................................... 35

Contributing Photographers

Kitchen Table.................................................. 43

Mary Alice

Paparazzi.......................................................... 47, 58

McNair Evans

Sports: Chipper Jones................................... 48

Sue McGlothlin

Movie Review: Prometheus .......................... 53

John Hathaway

Vent................................................................... 61

Donna Rosser

Fiction: Merry Christmas, Mama................ 63

Steve Smyly

November/December Calendar................... 32

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*Additional photo credit for Artist Profile volume 4, issue 5: Jim Chapman

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stuff@kitchendrawer.net

stor ies

ideas

send in

his tory

pho tos

Instagram Contest

Fall Photo Contest

Blair Toombs

Michael Thurston

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Holiday Sale Holiday Store Hours Mon-Fri 11am-7pm Sat 10am-2pm

Special pricing on MacBook Pros currently in stock – pricing too low to advertise. Come in today and mention you are a Kitchen Drawer reader for this special deal!

Huge sale on ALL demo products! Save over $700 on last-generation MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, and Apple products on display.

Now taking orders for Apple’s new product line: iPad Mini New iMac

13” MacBook Pro with Retina Display iPad with Retina Display

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HELP US HELP OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY

For every Chick-ÄS-A® )V_ 4LHS W\rchase in November MVY V\Y WHY[ULYPUN JOHYP[PLZ *OPJR ÄS-A® of Gri U +^HYM /V\ZL ^PSS TH[JO [OL KVUH[PVU ^P[O H IV_ TLHS +VUH[PVUZ ^PSS IL KPZ[YPI\[LK [V :WHSKPUN *V\U[` JOHYP[PLZ PU +LJLTILr Tell your cashier to add a Chick-ÄS-A® Box Meal for Charity on your ticket anytime in November so it can be matched this holiday season.

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Staff Picks STAFF PICKS If you could have been told one thing that you weren’t told when you were a teenager, what would you like to have heard?

Allison

Ashley

Nicole

Ben

EDITOR

MANAGER

Learn about investing

Invest in Apple Stock!

PUBLISHER

Everything mom says is true

ART DIRECTOR

Keep all your Barbies in mint condition

Extended Family Beau

PHOTOGRAPHER

Brittany

ADMIN ASSISTANT

Enjoy your electricity while it’s free

(Pending answer) My teenage years aren’t that far behind me

Jennifer

Nan

AD DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Heather

PHOTOGRAPHER

So many things, but I wouldn’t have listened

Paige

AD DESIGNER

Don’t use a credit card, AT ALL. EVER.

You shouldn’t wear that swimsuit

There is no such thing as a “do-­over”

Rachel

Ronnie

Taylor

OUTDOORS WRITER

SPORTS WRITER That actually having a job isn’t as fun as having money

WRITER

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Invest in Microsoft & Apple

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By  Ronnie  Garrison

D

o  you  hunt?  Ever  wonder  why  you  do? Â

wheeler  we  just  have  to  have  to  get  to Â

If  you  don't,  do  you  wonder  why Â

the  stand.

other  people  hunt?  After  all,  meat Â

We  spend  our  days  before  deer  season Â

now  comes  in  nice  packages  in  the  grocery Â

scouting  for  the  perfect  places  to  hunt. Â

store,  and  it  is  much  easier  to  buy  it Â

Once  the  season  opens,  we  spend  many  hours Â

than  to  kill,  clean,  and  package  your Â

standing  in  a  tree,  watching  for  movement. Â

own.  Buying  meat  in  the  store  is  probably Â

That  is  fun  up  to  a  point,  but  bugs,  rain, Â

cheaper, Â too!

cold,  and  wind  are  constant  plagues  when Â

Deer  hunters  are  probably  the  worst  about  spending  time  and  money.  We  buy Â

you  are  trying  to  stay  perfectly  still. &DPRXĂ€DJH VXLWV DUH H[SHQVLYH DQG WKH

H[SHQVLYH ULĂ€HV VFRSHV DQG EXOOHWV 0RVW

newer  â€œScent-­Lokâ€?  gear  is  very  expensive. Â

of  us  have  climbing  stands  that  cost  over Â

But  we  still  have  to  hide  our  scents  and Â

$100,  and  we  spend  many  hours  and  dollars Â

fool  deer  with  all  kinds  of  drops,  sprays, Â

building  permanent  stands,  from  platforms Â

and  attractants.

in  trees  to  fancy  tower  stands,  that  give Â

Processing  a  deer  ends  up  costing  well Â

XV SHQWKRXVH YLHZV RI ÂżHOGV DQG SRZHU

over  a  dollar  a  pound  for  the  meat  you Â

lines.

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Hunting  leases  cost  a  lot,  and  being Â

if  you  kill  several  deer  each  season,  you Â

in  a  hunting  club  is  not  cheap,  with Â

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dues  commonly  over  $500  a  year.  We  plant Â

mignon  for  every  pound  of  meat.

food  for  the  deer,  spending  countless Â

Squirrel  and  rabbit  hunters  have  it Â

dollars  on  fertilizer,  seed,  and  fuel Â

a  little  cheaper,  but  you  still  have  to Â

for  tractors.  Tick  and  bug  spray  costs Â

have  a  good  gun,  and  rabbit  dogs  require Â

add  up,  too.  Don't  even  price  the  four-­

expensive  food  and  medicine.  No  matter Â

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how  much  you  enjoy  training  the Â

night  or  over  piles  of  corn  does  not Â

dogs,  it  costs  a  lot  of  time  in  the Â

understand  at  all.

fields  and  woods. Bird  hunters  have  the  same  expenses Â

I  like  the  attitude  Native  Americans  had  toward  game  animals.  They  gave Â

ZLWK GRJV DQG ÂżQGLQJ D SODFH WR KXQW

thanks  to  the  spirit  of  the  animal Â

quail  and  other  birds  is  not  easy.  If Â

for  giving  itself  to  the  hunter.  They Â

you're  hunting  doves,  you  need  at  least Â

respected  the  animal  and  treasured  it. Â

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0RGHUQ KXQWHUV VKRXOG GR WKH VDPH

at  a  high  cost.  If  you  go  on  pay  shoots, Â

Hunting  is  a  tradition  for  many  of Â

it  is  not  unusual  to  pay  $50  a  day  to Â

us.  If  you  grew  up  in  the  1950s  and  60s Â

kill  ten  birds  that  give  you  about  an Â

like  I  did,  especially  in  rural  areas, Â

ounce  of  meat  each.

you  hunted.  Your  family  hunted.  That Â

Even  with  all  the  expenses,  we Â

is  still  the  case  in  many  rural  areas. Â

hunters  love  it  and  don't  pay  any Â

There  is  no  better  way  to  bond  with  your Â

attention  to  the  costs.  There  is Â

kids  and  elders  than  by  hunting  with Â

something  primal  about  going  into  the Â

them  and  spending  time  after  the  hunt Â

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DURXQG D FDPSÂżUH SDVVLQJ RQ WUDGLWLRQV

food.  It  touches  something  deep  inside Â

and  family  folklore.

a  hunter  to  do  that.  The  meat  is  better Â

Hunting  is  a  special  privilege  and Â

than  anything  you  can  buy  in  a  store,  no  we  should  treasure  it.  In  our  modern  matter  what  the  cost. Being  outdoors  puts  us  in  touch  with  nature.  In  many  kinds  of  hunting, Â

world  it  is  all  too  easy  to  lose  touch  with  our  roots  and  the  reality  of  the  natural  world.

from  deer  hunting  to  squirrel  hunting,  you  can  spend  hours  sitting  still  and Â

You can read more from Ronnie Garrison at

thinking  about  the  world  around  you Â

KWWS ÀVKLQJ DERXW FRP $ERXW FRP LV SDUW

and  how  it  works.  You  realize  that Â

RI WKH 1HZ <RUN 7LPHV &RPSDQ\

nature  has  no  compassion.  It  is  totally  VXUYLYDO RI WKH ÂżWWHVW DQG RQO\ WKH best  survive.  Including  you. Non-­hunters  don't  understand  much  of  this.  They  are  insulated  from  the  real  world  in  many  ways.  Even  some  hunters  don't  really  understand,  either.  Hunting  is  just  something  they  do. I  hate  to  see  someone  hauling  a  dead  deer  around  and  bragging  about  what  a  good  hunter  they  are.  Sometimes  it  is  skill;Íž  sometimes  it  is  more  luck  than Â

PHOTO BY KIM HOLM

anything  else.  Anyone  breaking  the  law  to  kill  a  deer  by  hunting  at Â

8

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HOBBS

PHARMACY e joy of giving‌.

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Corner of College & 8th Streets 770-228-2788 M-F 9-6:00 | Sat 9-2

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ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER BEAUCHAMP

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n event that celebrates both old buildings and FRQWHPSRUDU\ Ă€QH DUW SKRWRJUDSK\ VHHPV WR EH a contradiction in terms. Old structures embody history. Their physical shells document the passage of time and tell us about our cultural priorities through their neglect, remodeling, or restoration. On the other hand, photographs record a moment in time; each is created by an individual who consciously chooses to “makeâ€? an image. Combine historic buildings and contemporary photography and you have SlowExposures. The annual photography festival in Pike County that celebrates the rural American South marked its tenth anniversary during the last two weekends in September. What makes this event unique is the setting—all of the exhibits are housed in historic buildings from the late 19th century, when Pike County was a nexus of the cottongrowing economy in Georgia. Very little cotton is grown in the county now. The railroad that transported cotton, peaches, and pecans is gone. The small town gins are slowly disappearing; however, many of the buildings remain. Ten years ago, Pike Historic Preservation was IRUPHG WR KHOS SUHVHUYH VLJQLĂ€FDQW VWUXFWXUHV WKDW ZHUH being threatened with neglect and destruction. With the VXSSRUW RI WKLV QRQ SURĂ€W RUJDQL]DWLRQ DQ LQWUHSLG JURXS of women decided to help draw attention to these treasures (and the cultural and historical legacy that begot them) by putting on a photography show. They took seriously “A picture is worth a thousand wordsâ€? and invited photographers to submit images that capture “the diversity, contradictions, and complexityâ€? of the rural South. They wanted people to slow down and really experience the 6RXWK¡V ODQGVFDSH KLVWRU\ DQG FXOWXUH 3URĂ€WV ZHUH donated to the renovation of endangered historic buildings. And so it began. For the past 10 years, through a 12-month planning cycle, volunteers from the southern part of the metro Atlanta area have created and hosted Slow([SRVXUHV 7KH HYHQW¡V RUJDQL]HUV LQYLWH D VPDOO number of world-class photographers and curators to select for the main exhibition about 70-90 images from a growing number of on-line entries (near 1000 this year). The expert jurors then come to Pike County to judge the framed work and to present workshops and seminars. The main exhibition is presented in the R.F. Strickland building in Concord, which once housed a grocery store, a dry goods store, a bank, an undertaker, and a car dealership. The late 19th century mercantile building was saved through public and private donations. Three years ago, the city of Concord renovated the building in a way that preserved its character and function as a community landmark. Picture 90 contemporary works of photography hanging in the old grocery space. Imagine, in the old dry 12

goods space, a formal ball decorated as an “Evening in a Southern Garden,â€? complete with 1,500 pale lavender ORQJ VWHPPHG URVHV 9LVXDOL]H D KXQGUHG JXHVWV IURP California, New York, Mexico, Maine, Tennessee, Washington, Florida, and New Mexico who have never EHHQ FORVHU WR WKH UXUDO 6RXWK WKDQ +DUWVĂ€HOG -DFNVRQ International Airport or downtown Atlanta. Now mix them with ball-goers from our local communities and you have the incredible cross-pollination of ideas and cultures that is SlowExposures. (The event also affords us the opportunity to do a little gracious stereotype busting.)

They... invited photographers to submit images that capture “the diversity, contradictions, and complexityâ€? of the rural South. They wanted people to slow down and really experience the South’s landscape, history, and culture. In addition to Strickland’s, other venues included the 1870 Whiskey Bonding Barn in Molena, the Meansville Baptist Church’s social hall, the 1898 building (which houses the bookstore in Zebulon), and the Chamber of Commerce’s 1940s building on the Courthouse Square. All of these buildings stand as physical embodiments of our history that would be lost if the walls were knocked down. In their own “moment in timeâ€? fashion, photographs are also critical for preserving history—some of the images entered into SlowExposures over the past 10 years have captured local buildings that have since succumbed to ZHDWKHU Ă€UH RU WKH EXOOGR]HU :LWKRXW WKLV UHFRUG ZKDW was important and valued would be lost with the passing RI OLYLQJ PHPRU\ 7KLV \HDU¡V SURĂ€WV ZLOO EH GRQDWHG WR support the Whiskey Bonding Barn, which is now standing D ELW VWUDLJKWHU ZLWK D QHZ IRXQGDWLRQ Ă RRU DQG URRI DQG which has found new use as an event center. 'XULQJ WKH FHOHEUDWLRQ WKLV \HDU RXWVLGHUV UHFRJQL]HG WKH magic of SlowExposures. In comment after comment, visitors referred to both the community support for photography and our unique “sense of place.â€? They encountered this in interactions with our volunteers, people they met, and at the venues—it was an XQIRUJHWWDEOH H[SHULHQFH 2XU DUHD KDV GHĂ€QLWHO\ FRPH RXW ahead: our historic buildings are undergoing a renaissance, we have been treated to cutting-edge photography, and our community thrives! ( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

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GRIFFIN/SPALDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Annual Christmas Parade Saturday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m. “Christmas Night of Lights” Since we are trying something new this year, let’s light up the streets with your entries! Prizes awarded in several categories. Participants must register in advance. This is a candy-­free event.

GRIFFIN/SPALDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Celebrating 1

ursday, January 17 at

Years!

Kiwan

Center

Share your Chamber memories with us, email or bring by photos you may have over the years from Chamber events.

Nominations are open for Lon Touchstone Small Business of the Year Outstanding Griffin/Spalding Corporate Citizen Outstanding Citizen of the Year Outstanding Organization of the Year General Griffin

Clockwise from left: 1st Place Papa’s

Shotgun by McNair Evans 2nd Place Family Tree by Donna Rosser People’s Choice Winner Behind the Curtains by Sue McGlothlin 3rd Place Little Stony Creek E\ -RKQ +DWKDZD\

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T

hese  days,  most  people  and  families  are  touched  by  adoption  in  some  way.  Decades  of  taboo  and  stigma  are  ¿QDOO\ ZHDULQJ GRZQ DQG SHRSOH DUH EHFRPLQJ RSHQ WR WKH LGHD WKDW IDPLOLHV DUH ERUQ IURP ORYH QXUWXUH DQG LQWHQW YHUVXV VLPSOH ELRORJ\ 6HYHUDO RI WKHVH IDPLOLHV LQFOXGLQJ P\ RZQ KDYH EHHQ EURXJKW WRJHWKHU E\ LQWHUQDWLRQDO DGRSWLRQ ,Q WKH ¿YH \HDUV VLQFH P\ VRQ KDV EHHQ KRPH ZH¶YH HQFRXQWHUHG PDQ\ GLIIHUHQW UHDFWLRQV PDGH DPD]LQJ IULHQGV KDG VRPH PDMRU H\H UROOLQJ PRPHQWV DQG OHDUQHG WKDW VRPHWLPHV \RX KDYH WR ¿JKW EDFN DQG VRPHWLPHV \RX KDYH WR UHOD[ DQG OHW WKLQJV JR 7KH NH\ LV ¿QGLQJ WKH EDODQFH EHWZHHQ WDNLQJ WKH WLPH WR HGXFDWH SHRSOH YHUVXV VLPSO\ VSHQGLQJ WLPH ZLWK \RXU NLGV DQG QRW PDNLQJ WKHP IHHO OLNH SRVWHU FKLOGUHQ EHFDXVH UHDOO\ ZKDW they  are  is  just…children. w w w.k it chendr aw er.net

21

to us made sure we knew that Charlie’s impending arrival was a joyous occasion.

Charlie with sisters, M al & Piper DW WKH *ULI¿Q )DLU

Becoming adoptive parents was, for us, an easy choice. Most people assume that infertility drove that decision, but that was not the case. I’d wanted to start my family through adoption for years, and so it seemed like a natural thing to do when we decided to become parents. We signed on with Children’s Home Society & Family Services in St. Paul, Minnesota, and began to tackle the mountains of paperwork that go into adopting a child. Fekadu (Charlie) was referred to us on June 27, 2007 and we arrived home with him on September 9th of that same year. I remember vividly the wait for “the call.” It was the same feeling of uncertainty and excitement that I experienced later with my pregnancies. Our families and friends were amazingly supportive, hosting baby showers, helping with arrangements, and just being excited for this little person to join our family. That is exactly how someone in the process of adopting should feel. If someone you know is adopting, treat it just as you would a pregnancy. Most adoptive moms will tell you that they even gained a few pounds from nervous eating, and I can tell you from experience that 22 hours on an airplane with a frightened toddler makes labor and delivery look like a spa day. Luckily, the people closest

22

Of course, it wasn’t all cute socks and baby shower cake. There were moments of doubt so strong that it was VRPHWLPHV GLI¿FXOW WR FDUU\ RQ :HUH ZH GRLQJ WKH ULJKW thing? Are people going to treat our family differently? Can I parent a child of a different race appropriately? People asked us so many questions. As a newbie to the process, I would stumble on my answers, almost feeling as if I were defending myself. Once we had Charlie’s photo and information, I carried his picture around with me like any proud mom. One woman looked at the photo, looked at me, and asked, “So, women over there just sell their babies, right? How much did you pay for him?” I’m not sure about other parents, but talking about my kid like he’s a used Honda doesn’t really sit well with me. At that moment I realized that I would EH VSHQGLQJ VRPH SRUWLRQ RI WKH UHVW RI P\ OLIH ¿HOGLQJ statements and questions like that one. Then I realized that once the baby in that photo arrived here, he was going to grow up to hear the same things. It was time to start getting thicker skin and making some serious allies. Laura Farruggio is also an adoptive mom. When I met her, Max was just over a year old and had been adopted from Ethiopia a few months before. Seeing Laura and 0D[ WRJHWKHU KHOSHG FRQ¿UP WKDW WKLV ZDV WKH ULJKW SDWK to becoming parents for us.

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23

We  became  friends  through  adoption,  and  are  still  close  today.  Our  boys  are  seven  and  six  now,  and  we  love  to  spend  time  together  when  we  can.  Seeing  them  play,  these  two  boys  who  came  across  the  world  to  let  us  care  for  them,  is  a  beautiful  thing.  Laura  also  has  a  daughter,  Mimi,  who  came  home  from  India  in  2008  at  age  six.  Adopting  an  older  child,  especially  from  another  country,  was  a  completely  different  learning  curve,  one  that  Laura  has  handled  beautifully.  Her  kids  are  happy,  well  adjusted,  and  full  of  infectious  positive  energy.  Despite  the  obvious  differences  in  their  skin  color,  Laura  tells  me  that  there  hasn’t  really  been  much  negative  response  to  the  adoptions,  other  than  people  assuming  they  aren’t  her  children,  which  she  of  course  corrects  immediately.

As  we  all  share  stories,  it’s  easy  to  see  the  big  question,  the  one  we  all  get  more  than  the  others.  â€œWhy  didn’t  you  adopt  from  HERE?â€?  My  answer  a  few  years  ago  would  have  been  a  long,  drawn  out  explanation  about  the  differences  between  domestic  and  international  processes  and  how  different  things  are  right  for  each  family.  My  answer  TODAY,  while  I’m  juggling  three  kids,  a  demanding  career,  school,  and  life  in  general,  would  be  a  lot  shorter.  â€œHere  where,  EARTH?  I  did.â€?  Domestic  adoption  is  great,  and  I  have  many  friends  who’ve  built  their  families  that  way.  I’ve  celebrated  those  moments  with  them  just  as  if  they’d  been  biological  kids  or  kids  from  a  different  country.  People  who  lack  a  global  mentality  sometimes  don’t  see  that  adoption  has  nothing  to  do  with  patriotism.  The  bottom  line  is  that  kids  are  kids,  and  they  all  deserve  families  equally. As  Andy  and  Hannah  pointed  out,  every  parent  is  going  to  be  motivated  by  a  different  prospect  of  starting  or  growing  a  family.  As  in  my  case,  many  weren’t  brought  to  adoption  because  of  infertility.  It  was  their  Plan  A.  Hannah  said  that  she  has  responded  to  the  question  of  â€œWhy  not  domestic?â€?  with  feigned  surprise  that  the  asker  has  such  knowledge  of  the  topic  that  they  must  themselves  be  adoptive  parents.  That  is  rarely  the  case,  but  she  makes  her  point.  â€œNot  everyone  HAS  to  have  a  heart  for  adoption,â€?  says  Hannah,  â€œbut  everyone  should  have  a  heart  for  kids.  They’re  next  in  line,  the  next  generation.â€?

/DXUD 0D[ 0LPL

Andy  and  Hannah  Cecil  and  their  children  are  another  local  family  that  has  come  together  from  around  the  world.  Habtamu  (Asher)  came  home  in  September  of  2008  and  is  now  four  years  old.  His  sister,  Micaiah,  was  born  in  Guatemala  and  is  six.  There  is  something  to  be  said  for  the  instant  connection  you  feel  when  you  are  with  other  parents  who  have  been  through  the  same  process  you  have  and  who  really  â€œget  it.â€?  Talking  with  Laura  and  the  Cecils,  we  were  able  to  pin  down  some  common  misconceptions  regarding  international  adoption.

24

Cecil  children ( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

Lunch Monday through Saturday 11am to 5pm. Dinner Monday through Saturday 5pm to 10pm Phone: 678.692.8453 126 S. Hill street Griffin, Ga

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The Holidays are Coming! it’s time to book your holiday parties

The !

Alexander House T

his turn-of-the-century style home has the old-world charm and convenience you have been seeking for your event. The Alexander House is nestled on over an acre in beautiful historic McDonough just 1.6 miles from I-75. We can accommodate up to 50 guests seated inside and an additional 20 on the front porch. Also, you can rent an outdoor tent which accommodates over 100 guests. The house is perfect for family gatherings, dinners, parties, meetings, luncheons, small weddings, receptions, rehearsals, or birthdays. We have affordable in-house catering provided by The Grand Gourmet, making this the south side’s paramount small-event facility. Come feel at home and enjoy our house.

3931 Jodeco Road | McDonough, GA 30253 678-641-1825 or 770-363-5877 | info@thegrandgourmet.net | www.thealexanderhouse.net 26

( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

That  isn’t  the  only  question  we  get,  and  it’s  actually  one  of  the  easiest.  Another  that  stings  a  bit  more  is  â€œDon’t  you  want  kids  of  your  OWN?â€?  Seems  innocent  enough,  but  when  you  look  at  the  verbiage,  it’s  easy  to  see  the  implication.  I  don’t  think  Charlie  wants  to  hear  that  he  isn’t  â€œmy  own,â€?  but  that  his  sisters  are.  They  are  all  mine,  equally,  and  I  am  theirs.  When  I  discovered  I  was  SUHJQDQW ZLWK P\ ÂżUVW GDXJKWHU 0DOORU\ , UHPHPEHU feeling  a  distinct  sense  of  worry  over  what  it  would  mean  for  Charlie.  I  didn’t  want  him  to  feel  second  best.  People  were  very  excited,  and  more  than  a  few  implied  that  this  pregnancy  was  a  gift  for  the  blessing  we  had  given  Charlie  by  adopting  him.  So,  this  was  karma’s  way  of  ED IRU +HDGHG WR 4XHHQ RI 6KH saying,  â€œHey,  thanks  for  taking  care  of  that  little  Ethiopian  \ &KDUOLHÂśV DQQLYHUVDU\ GD kid.  For  doing  that,  here’s  your  healthy,  white,  baby  girl.â€?  Don’t  think  so.  One  person  even  asked  a  family  member  if  we  were  keeping  him.  Unreal.  I  told  them  to  relay  the  $QRWKHU DVSHFW RI LQWHUQDWLRQDO DGRSWLRQ WKDW GHÂżQHV message  that  we’d  already  taken  the  tags  off,  so  yes,  we  our  families  is  the  integration  of  our  children’s  birth  would  be  keeping  our  son. cultures  into  our  lives.  Atlanta  has  a  large  and  active  Ethiopian  community,  one  that  celebrates  and  welcomes  Another  frequent  comment  Laura  pointed  out  is  the  topic  our  children.  Many  times  we’ve  met  at  one  of  the  various  of  â€œluck.â€?  Many  people  feel  that  it  is  perfectly  acceptable  Ethiopian  restaurants  in  the  city  and  are  met  with  hugs,  to  tell  adopted  children  how  lucky  they  are.  The  truth,  beaming  smiles,  and  warm  affection  for  our  children.  however,  is  that  no  child  wants  to  feel  like  their  family  Seeing  our  children  connect  with  members  of  their  birth  came  together  because  of  charity,  or  that  they  owe  their  culture  is  rewarding  for  us  as  parents,  but  for  the  kids  parents  something  for  â€œrescuingâ€?  them.  We  are  the  lucky  it  is  imperative.  No  matter  how  American  they  are,  it’s  ones—the  parents  who  get  the  gift  of  raising  a  child.  important  for  them  to  feel  a  sense  of  history,  and  to  know  It’s  as  simple  as  that.  Luck  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  and  be  proud  of  where  they  were  born.  Hannah  says  that  tragedies  that  these  kids  have  had  to  overcome  at  such  they  explain  it  as  a  â€œcontinuation  of  their  lives  instead  of  young  ages,  or  the  fact  that  they’ve  had  to  be  taken  from  two  separate  lives.â€? their  birth  countries  and  cultures.  If  a  person  feels  that  they  want  to  adopt  simply  to  save  a  child,  then  they’re  in  Sometimes  I  look  at  my  son,  who  is  growing  so  fast,  and  I  it  for  the  wrong  reasons. have  no  idea  how  I  got  so  lucky.  How  many  circumstances  brought  him  around  the  world  and  into  my  life  forever.  Gradually,  things  have  gotten  easier  for  our  little  family.  Tragedy  and  loss,  joy  and  family.  A  tiny  baby  who  was  The  older  Charlie  gets,  the  more  questions  he  has,  but  born  in  a  village  that  I  never  would  have  known  existed  is  he  also  has  a  better  understanding  of  what  adoption  is,  QRZ P\ FKLOG +H ÂżWV ULJKW LQ ZLWK XV +H DGRUHV KLV VLVWHUV how  he  came  to  be  in  our  family,  and  what  it  means  to  and  they  him.  He’s  brilliant,  musical,  charismatic,  loving.  be  a  great  big  brother  to  his  two  little  sisters,  who  love  He’s  proud  of  his  skin,  which  makes  me  proud.  I  know  that,  him  dearly.  I  don’t  get  more  than  a  few  glances  when  XQIRUWXQDWHO\ , KDYH WR NHHS ÂżJKWLQJ IRU WKDW WR UHPDLQ we  are  out,  and  usually  people  just  smile  and  that’s  it.  true,  and  so  I  do.  I  send  him  out  into  the  world  more  and  People  know  him,  they  recognize  us,  and  the  exasperating  more,  knowing  that  he’s  changing  it  without  even  realizing  comments  happen  less  and  less  frequently.  Sometimes  it.  Hannah  is  right—these  kids  are  the  next  generation,  people  say,  â€œAre  they  all  yours?â€?  and  all  I  have  to  do  is  and  what  a  beautiful,  mismatched,  and  yet  PERFECTLY  smile  and  reply,  â€œYes.â€? matched,  bunch  they  are.

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27

ALLRED FAMILY

DENTISTRY

Jones-Harrison

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 Â

743 South Eight Street Griffin, Georgia 30224

770-228-6101

26A East Main Street Hampton, Georgia 30228

770-946-3576

4 8 $ / , 7 < * 8 , 7 $ 5 5 ( 3 $ , 5 Healthy Kids, Happy Families

Accepting New Patients

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New Location 14557 Highway 19, Suite A /ZQNÃ…V /) www.cokerpediatrics.com Find us on Facebook ( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

by Allison Smyly

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29

30

THE LIGHTS GO DOWN AND

spellbinding music begins to play softly. The audience members filling the auditorium lean forward in anticipation. Four narrators, dressed all in black, weave a tale of a shallow and selfish prince, as an enchantress appears on stage and casts a spell on the prince's castle and all who live there. The curtain rises to reveal a charming provincial town with villagers bustling about their daily routines, as Belle, a bookish beauty who, in the words of the villagers, “doesn't quite fit in,” dreams of adventure. Belle's wish comes true as she and the audience take a journey that includes a boisterous tavern, an exploding invention, foreboding forests, an enchanted castle, and a hideous beast. Finally, the spell is broken when the prince learns that beauty is found within and discovers the true meaning of love.

includes a summer production suitable for elementary-schoolaged students through adults, a fall show (alternates annually between plays with adult actors and student-directed shows), and a spring performance that is geared toward middleschool-aged youth through adults. Upcoming productions are Arsenic and Old Lace (November 9-11, 2012), Meet Me in St. Louis (April 5-7, 2013), and The Little Mermaid (August 2325, 2013). Camelot usually presents two to three shows per year. According to the company’s director, Brad Fowler, the company is “the combination of the dreams of a lot of different people.” Although the path has not always been easy, Brad and many others have persevered to keep affordable live theatre available in Griffin. Those helping to keep local theatre alive and well include Camelot’s hands-on board members, who pitch in to help wherever needed, whether sewing

Such is the magic of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, as brought to life by Griffin’s Camelot Theatre Company. As a “Junior” production, all 42 actors and actresses in Beauty and the Beast were 18 years of age or younger, as were many members of the technical crews. Three of the four public shows sold out; the company also performed two shows for eager second- and third-graders from several local elementary schools. Founded in 1998, Camelot is a not-for-profit regional theatre group. Though its mission is to create community-based theatrical excellence with a special focus on musicals and youth productions, Camelot performs a variety of shows with wide appeal. The schedule for a typical year

costumes, building sets, or selling tickets. Camelot’s current board of directors consists of Kitt Holmes (Treasurer), Jay Stone (Secretary), Mettelen Moore (Vice-President), Tim Franklin, Russell Samples, Stacy Ballard, and Tammy Stone. Brad also gives credit to technical crews, sponsors, cast members’ parents, and, of course, the actors and actresses who help bring the shows to life. He says, “Without those people, the show would not go.” Brad smiles as he remembers his introduction to acting. “I took my daughters to audition for Annie in 2002. I had no intention of getting up there.” A family friend, suspecting that Brad might have an undiscovered talent, persuaded Brad to audition as well. “I got up there and sang a

( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

song from church,” he remembers. “I had a good time.” He ended up getting three parts in the play. Brad was bitten by the theatre bug, and he and his family have been active in Camelot’s productions ever since. Brad’s wife, Colleen, provides valuable assistance with scheduling and keeping things running smoothly. “She’s extremely organized,” says Brad. “She knows I love it and the kids love it.” Brad and Colleen’s daughters, Whitley and Lindsey, also enjoy acting, and perform with Camelot and other local companies. Through a contract with Partners in Education, the company currently stages productions at the Enrichment Center on Spalding Drive (the original Orrs Elementary). Camelot leases previously unused space from the school system for rehearsals and for storing costumes, props, and sets. Camelot is a Partner in Education for the Griffin-Spalding school system and donates 10% of ticket sales to the Enrichment Center, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between the theatre company and the school system. Board member Kitt Holmes believes that live theatre benefits audiences as well as those who are part of the production. She says that watching a live performance can increase a child’s attention span and help develop the social skills of watching quietly and showing appreciation for the actors’ efforts. She says, “Participating in theatre gives kids many of the same benefits as organized sports: confidence, self-discipline, (and) learning to work with a group. Actors and athletes practice to get better, work toward a goal, and get spectator feedback.” Acting, like sports, involves physical exertion. Kitt comments, “You only need to watch a choreography session or visit the dressing room once to see

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how these kids work up a sweat!” Parents of cast members are enthusiastic about the Camelot experience. According to Joy Adkisson, mother of two Beauty and the Beast cast members: “(Acting) allows them to be who they are and discover how much more they can be.” Lori Bush, mother of three cast members, says, “I love that the kids feel a part of something bigger than themselves. The show depends on them, and knowing that does wonders for their confidence and gives them a place to belong.” In recent years, Camelot has been taking a group of local students to Music Theatre International’s Junior Theatre Festival, an annual event in which the young participants receive training, acting experience, and networking opportunities. The 2013 Junior Theatre Festival will be held in Atlanta in January. Kitt hopes that, one day, Camelot will be able to obtain grants that will enable them to offer financial assistance to young people who wish to go the festival. Brad encourages members of the community to support local theatre groups. For about the price of admission to a movie (tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors), audience members can enjoy the unique energy of live performances. Kitt says, “Camelot has the feeling of a family...we all work together and support each other.” She adds: “I grew up watching The Little Rascals and was always jealous of the shows the gang put on. That’s the way I feel about Camelot—it’s like a big group of friends who say, ‘Hey, let’s put on a show!’” For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit camelottheatre.com.

31

November Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

THESE DOGS NEED YOU! Remember  the  article  about Â

ÇĄ Â?Â… ˆ”‘Â? ‘—” —Ž›Ȁ —‰—•– ••—‡ ‘ˆ –Š‹• Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇŤ Â?ˆ‘”–—Â?ƒ–‡Ž› CARE  is  being  forced  to  close  its  doors  and  Lisa  Ramos  has  put  out  an  urgent  call  for  adoption.  THESE DOGS MUST FIND HOMES BY DECEMBER 31, 2012.  Look  at  their  faces;  can  Â›Â‘— Š‡Ž’Ǎ ƒŽŽ ‹•ƒ –‘†ƒ› –‘ •…Š‡†—Ž‡ ƒ –‹Â?‡ –‘ ’‹…Â? —’ ›‘—” Â?‡™ „‡•– friend.  (770) 884-­9620 or email her careinc2010@gmail.com 4

5

6

7

ELECTION Â DAY

MISS ANGEL BETTY

Thursday 1

2

Saturday 3 Pumpkin  Destruction  Day

The  Rock  Ranch Â

ARIEL DARLA 8

9

Toddlers  in  Motion  Storytime

Holiday  Reds  &  Whites  Wine  Tasting

10:30 Â AM Â Â

6 Â PM Â Â

Flint  River  Regional  Library

Friday

Arts  Clayton  Gallery

1 Â PM

10 Honor  Our  Veterans  Â‡ÂƒÂ…Š –ƒ–‡ Aerodrome  9  AM  Â

MILLIE

Family  Fun  Day The  Rock  Ranch

11 Â AM Â Â

11 12 13 14 15 16 17Hard  Road  Arsenic  &  Old  Â‡Â?‡Ƥ– ˆ‘” Fruitcakes-­â€? The  Complete  Lace  Knit-­â€?A-­â€?Long  w/  Family  Brian  &  Chandler A  C hristmas  Works  of  William  Public  Auto  Camelot  Theatre  Toni  Tidwell Storytimes

”‹ƼÂ? ƒ˜‹Ž‹‘Â? Shakespeare  Show Auction Company  |  2  PM A  Novel  Flint  River  12  PM   Henry  County  (Abridged)  -­â€?  P lay Dealers  Choice    Holiday  Festival  Experience  Regional  Library Blacksmithing  Gordon  College  Performing  Arts  Auto  Auction of  Arts Zebulon Demonstration 10:30  AM   Center Fine  Arts  Center 6:30  PM  Downtown  Dauset  Trails  10  AM   McDonough  7:30  PM   7  PM     Nature  Center  |9  AM   12  PM   18 19 20 21 22 23 24 THANKSGIVING

Yana  Reznik  Concert

Tree  Lighting

Airport  Road  Park  ÂƒÂ?Â? –”‡‡– ƒˆ‡

”‹ƼÂ? 4-­â€?7  PM  Â

First  United  Methodist  Church

2:30 Â PM Â Â 25

”‹Ƽ� —†‹–‘”‹—�

2 Â PM Â Â

6 Â PM Â

TIFFANY 26

The  Nutcracker  Ballet  Performance

Happy  Hour

…ƒ†‡�› ’‘”–• McDonough

29

28 Lap  Sit  Storytime

Zumba  w/  Dawn

Flint  River  Regional  Library

–—†‹‘

”‹Ƽ�

SCAN THIS CODE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS

Turkey  Trot  5K,  Â”‹ƼÂ? Â?ƒ–‡ Â?Â? 1Mi,  &  Tot  Trot  4:30  PM  Â

PEPPER

9:30 Â AM Â Â

”‹ƼÂ? ‹…›…Ž‡ Club  Ride First  United  Methodist  Church

8:30 Â AM Â Â

8 Â AM Â Â 27

7 Â PM Â Â

Disney  Skate

30

Seniors  Walking  for  Wellness

”‹ƼÂ? ‹–› ƒ”Â? Gym

7:30 Â AM Â Â

Live  Auction

Ole  Mill  Auction  House Â

7 Â PM Â Â

CHAUCER

Every  CARE,  Inc.  dog  has  had  a  health  checkup  and  vet  visit,  some  are  as  young  as  four  months  old.  Look  at  Pepper,  how  can  you  resist  those  eyes!  Wouldn’t  you  love  to  take  Tiffany  home?  Â

Call  Lisa  today  770-­884-­9620

december Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1 Annual  Christmas  Parade  &  Tree  Lighting

ANNA JENNY TRUMAN PUMPKIN WALNUT BUDDY 2 Daybreak  3 Rotary  Tour  of  Homes

Trivia Â

Downtown  Brooks  |  2  PM

‹Â?‰• ĆŹ Things  Zebulon Â

  Tour  Christmas  of  Homes

7 Â PM Â Â

Thomaston 6 Â PM

 Â

4 Art  &  Wine  Event Â

”‹ƼÂ? ‡‰‹‘Â?ƒŽ ‡Ž…‘Â?‡ ‡Â?–‡” 7  PM

  a  Starting  Business

5 Happy  Hour

͚–Š –”‡‡– ‹‡” 3-­â€?7  PM

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Henry  Chamber  of  Commerce  |  5  PM

‹ŽŽ –”‡‡–

9 Â AM Â Â 16

23

Flint  River  Regional  Library 2:30  PM

24

Kids  Eat  Free Â

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CHRISTMAS Â EVE Â

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30

7 Â PM Â Â Â

770-­â€?229-­â€?9916 17 Crafts  at  the  Library

BOSLEY

Experience Zebulon

ƒ‹� –”‡‡– Players

RAISIN

18 19 Toastmasters  Happy  Hour Meeting Ǥ ‡Â?”›ǯ• 4-­â€?6  PM  Â

”‹Ƽ� Campus

7 Â PM Â Â 25

First  Baptist Â

”‹Ƽ� 7:30  PM

Dance  Club

8  PM   14 Magnolia  Lanes

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Love  a  Faire Zebulon

Business  Boosters  Luncheon

21 A  Country  Christmas  in  Lights

Henry  Chamber  of  The  Rock  Ranch Commerce

27

7 Â PM Â Â

28

Kiwanis  Club  of  Karaoke CHRISTMAS  Â”‹ƼÂ? ‡‡–‹Â?‰ ‹•‡‰—›• ‹Â?‰• ‹™ƒÂ?‹• ”‹ƼÂ? DAY Â

”‹Ƽ� Center

11:30 Â AM Â Â

7 Â AM Â Â

Brunch

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10 Â PM Â Â

5:30 Â PM 20

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Cosmic  Bowling

11 Â AM Â Â 26

6 Â PM Â Â

6 “Christmas  7 8 ™‹–Š ”‹ƼÂ? Ballroom  Dance  Run  for  this  City  Choral  Artsâ€?  Event 1/2  Marathon  Performance –ƒ”†—•– ƒŽŽ”‘‘Â? &  5K Â

 13 Business  2  Business  Connections

  10 11 12 “It’s  a  Wonder-­â€? Writers  Group  Meeting Visit  with  Santa ful  Lifeâ€?  -­â€?  A  live  A  Novel  United  Bank  on  radio  play

9

Downtown Â

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6 Â PM

22 Southern  Cruisers  Car  Show

‹•‡‰—›• ‹�‰•

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5 Â PM Â Â

29 Classics  Group  Meeting

RUGER

A  Novel  Experience Zebulon

31 Brunch

ƒÂ?Â? –”‡‡– ƒˆ‡ 9  AM  -­â€?  2  PM Â

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NEW  YEAR’S  EVE

MICAH

Most  dogs  are  spayed  or  neutered  and  up  to  date  on  shots.  Make  an  appointment  to  meet  them.  (706)  957-­8316 Photos  provided  by  Mary  Alice Â

SCAN THIS CODE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS

6:30 Â PM Â Â Â

Natu ra list,

Grif fin

(410 E. Taylor St.)

34

Founder of

The Sierra

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Macon Mall

(3661 Eisenhowe r Blvd.)

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Photos by Beau Gentry

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veryone knows Mark Freedman. Each evening he can be found, according to

his unvarying routine, either at J. Henry’s or 6th Street Pier, where

he sips a glass of pinot grigio and orders his dinner to go. As we talk, nearly every passerby at 6th Street stops to greet Mark. The men shake his hand or cuff him on the shoulder. Their wives hug Mark and tell him he really should come by the house. Anytime. Mark answers them all with his wide, welcoming grin.

THE LOOK

Those who may not know Mark Freedman by name, probably know him by sight. Mark has a penchant for dressing up. Notably, Mark’s standard attire includes Converse high-tops of two different colors. He will also be wearing some sort of hat – sometimes a vintage gas station attendant hat or maybe a sombrero with dangling pom-poms. And Mark always accessorizes with conversation pieces picked up from his latest trip to Scott Antique Markets or a local estate sale. When we meet, Mark is ZHDULQJ D ODUJH PHWDO Ă€VK DURXQG KLV QHFN WKDW LV VKDSHG LQWR a sort of spoon. “This is Native American,â€? Mark says. “It was probably used by a shaman of the Ojibwe tribe in the Great Lakes region.â€? He is also wearing a beautiful 1930s Mexican silver cuff with green stones that he bought at a yard sale for 75 cents. “Everyone tries to buy this off me,â€? Mark chuckles. Mark is used to attracting attention. Once, he went to the circus and attracted attention in his mismatched shoes, so, during intermission, he took it to the next level. Mark went out to his car and put on the black and white clown shoes (with eyes) that he always keeps there, just in case. The shoes were a big hit with the professional clowns who preferred them to their own shoes.

TRAVELS AND OTHER ADVENTURES

'HVSLWH VXFK H[XEHUDQW HYHQ à DPER\DQW GLVSOD\V 0DUN LV basically a solitary and private person who comes from a rather conservative family. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1957, Mark is the oldest of three. Mark’s entrepreneurial grandfather was the founder of Cook Coffee Company. He started by going door to door during the Depression, selling sundries. Mark’s grandfather was able to grow this business into Cook United, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mark’s father, in turn, made forays

into poultry and oil analysis. These enterprises made possible a wealth of experiences for Mark, before he was even 20 years old. If Mark’s in the mood, he has plenty of stories to tell about the exploits of his younger years. For example, in 1967, when he was 10, Mark went on a trip with his summer camp to the World’s Fair in Montreal. After a while, the group was asked to OHDYH 0DUN GLGQ¡W NQRZ ZK\ XQWLO Ă€YH \HDUV ODWHU 6RPH RI WKH kids had tried to free the animals in the Soviet Pavilion. During his last six weeks of high school, Mark interned at WMMS, the number-one radio station in the nation. “Their logo was a buzzard on a mushroom,â€? Mark remembers. “I still have the tee shirt.â€? The job gained Mark such perks as backstage passes to Grace Slick, The Band, Santana, and CSNY, to name a few. Mark’s family also loved to travel. Each Christmas, they went with friends to a different spot in the Caribbean. Mark remembers shooting darts for drinks – with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin – when he was only 15 years old. Mark studied marketing and advertising for four years at the University of Denver, during which time he worked for a couple more radio stations. In his junior year of college, Mark took classes in London and Paris. He arrived in London a couple of days early and was recognized by a fellow student from University of Denver who asked if Mark would like to room WRJHWKHU 6LQFH WKH\ ZHUH HDUO\ WKH\ KDG WR VWD\ WKH Ă€UVW QLJKW in a hostile hostel with a group of Belgian people who spoke no English. They stayed awake all night and guarded their stuff. The classes in London brought Mark into contact with several highly successful businessmen. Mark recalls wearing a pinstriped suit (and matching shoes) to meet with the CEO of Harrod’s in /RQGRQ :KLOH YLVLWLQJ WKH Ă€UVW +DUG 5RFN &DIp 0DUN PHW WKH founder, who had also graduated from the University of Denver. When he discovered that Mark and his roommate shared his alma mater, he took them out for a night on the town with 9,3 WUHDWPHQW 7KDW QLJKW WKH\ VDZ 7KH 5RFN\ Horror Picture Show at the theatre, in lieu of seeing Annie with the rest of the students. Mark scoffed, “Why see a New York play in London? I’ve seen Annie! In the United States – where it’s from!â€? One experience Mark remembers clearly was stopping in the famous Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park to listen to a black, pro-Israel VSRNHVPDQ XQGHU DQ ,VUDHOL Ă DJ WKHQ UHDOL]LQJ that the speaker right behind him was a vocal neo-Nazi. While in Europe, Mark visited Spain, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Portugal. He saw Princess Grace in Monaco and heard the Pope speak in Vatican City.

Don’t worry, dear, Squeaky Clean Inc. is booking holiday Deep Squeaks! And we can get $50.00 off when signing up for biweekly service.

770-468-9475 www.SqueakyCleanInc.org

the new shop that’s part hippie, part hipster and part crazy aunt pearl. of Handmade, Upcycled, and Vintage Goods call 770-229-6599 or visit nastynellie.com

TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10-6 INSIDE ‘STACHE STUDIO u 116 S. SIXTH STREET ‘stache studio ::: 116 S. Sixth Street ::: www.stachestudio.net ::: 770-229-6599

*plus $8 per hour of painting

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Have an hour for your lunch break? BYOL and we'll set up an easel, sketch something out for you on a smaller canvas and you'll leave with a mini-masterpiece. Have family coming into town and want to show them a good time on a Saturday afternoon? Come over and we'll set you up with whatever you'd like to paint!

37

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JUST DOING IT

After college, Mark settled down to work for Cook’s in Ocala, Florida. At 23 years old, he transferred to Cook’s Department 6WRUH LQ *ULIĂ€Q ORFDWHG LQ WKH VKRSSLQJ FHQWHU WKDW ZLOO KRXVH WKH new Senior Center. When Cook’s shut their doors in 1987, Mark took a year’s sabbatical, then took a job with the postal service ZKHUH KH KDV EHHQ D UXUDO FDUULHU LQ 5LYHUGDOH IRU RYHU \HDUV But delivering the mail has never been enough activity for Mark. With his slight, wiry frame, Mark has always been athletic. Mark played soccer and wrestled in school. (He has a cousin who was RQ WKH 2O\PSLF ZUHVWOLQJ WHDP )RU D ZKLOH Ă€WQHVV ZDV 0DUN¡V hobby, and he became known around town for his seemingly boundless energy. Mark recalls, “I would ride to Pike County Schools and back on my bike for a warm-up [a distance of about PLOHV@ WKHQ ,¡G JR WR WKH 5DFTXHWKDXVH DQG WDNH D FRXSOH RI aerobic classes, and then I’d play a game of racquetball.â€? Also known to many as “the hacky sack guy,â€? Mark would spend KRXUV SHUIHFWLQJ KLV IRRWZRUN VNLOOV DORQH LQ *ULIĂ€Q &LW\ 3DUN smiling broadly at the awestruck kids who stopped to watch his impressive stunts. Mark started wearing red or blue high-tops with his Guatemalan shorts when he started kicking the hacky sack. One day it occurred to him to mix and match the pairs, and he’s done so ever since. Mark remembers meeting his parents for D VXPPHU JHW WRJHWKHU LQ &DSH &RG ZKHUH KLV PRWKHU ZDV Ă€UVW introduced to his new style. “She didn’t like it,â€? Mark recalls with a grimace. These days, although he still gets out the hacky sack from time to time, and is known for his “midnight walks,â€? Mark is more likely to use his leisure time to go hunting. For antiques.

OLD FRIENDS

0DUN ÀQGV D JUHDW GHDO RI VDWLVIDFWLRQ LQ LWHPV WKDW WHOO D VWRU\ +LV ORYH IRU DQWLTXHV EHJDQ ZKHQ KH UHQWHG KLV ÀUVW DSDUWPHQW on Hill Street from Paul Kurtz. The apartment came furnished with some of the Kurtz family pieces, and Mark immediately loved the style. It wasn’t just furniture to Mark – every piece had a history that intrigued him. Mark’s own collection was born of necessity. When Mark bought his own house, he had nothing to put in it – not a bed, not a

chair. He needed everything. So he bought his current bed from an estate sale. Now Mark sees antiques as a sound investment. “Some people like to invest in the stock market,â€? Mark observes, “but antiques are only going to go up in value. You never know with stocks.â€? Mark started frequenting Lakewood Antiques Market. He’d hang with the dealers out back, who often slept in their cars or vans during a show. Mark would show them items he’d purchased and soon gained their respect for his sharp eye and broad knowledge. When Lakewood closed, Mark began going to Scotts, where dealers now often stop Mark to see what he has found. When Mark holds an item of interest in both hands, hunches over and peers at it closely over his spectacles – he means business. He has developed an eye for antiques and collectables not unlike Herbert Vogel’s eye for art. For about WKH ODVW Ă€YH \HDUV 0DUN KDV NHSW D ERRWK DW ZKDW LV QRZ *LJL¡V $QWLTXH *ULIĂ€Q ZKHUH KH IRUFHV KLPVHOI WR SDUW ZLWK some of his treasures. Mark wants to see Machu Picchu someday. He foresees a day ZKHQ KH ZLOO UHWLUH IURP WKH SRVW RIĂ€FH VHQG KLV FROOHFWLRQ WR various auctions – Christie’s being one – and use the proceeds to go traveling again. In the meantime, Mark lives a rather spartan existence. In his modest home, he keeps only his bedroom climate controlled and lives almost entirely in that one room, surrounded by the antique pieces that hold the most meaning to him. He eats his takeout dinner in that room each night – never at the restaurant. Then, with no computer or television, Mark listens to jazz, blues, or rock and roll and researches antiques in PDJD]LQHV Ă \HUV DQG DQWLTXH ERRNV 7KHQ KH JRHV LQWR WKH RWKHU room to shoot a game of pool with himself before going to bed. But tonight, Mark is regretting that he ran out of time to buy a FHUWDLQ RLO SDLQWLQJ DW 6FRWWV WKDW UHPLQGV KLP RI &DPS 5RELQ Hood in New Hampshire. him and his brother spent every summer there, and it’s where their dad went to camp as a kid. There, Mark could get outdoors and play the sports he was so good DW $QG WKH DUFKHU\ DQG ULĂ H DZDUGV KH ZRQ PHDQW D ZHOFRPH pat on the back for young Mark. Sometimes, a certain piece strikes a chord with him, and he takes it home as if it’s a new friend. It’s apparent that this painting is on his mind. Mark says, “I want to hang it in my room so I can lie in bed and look over at it and remember those summers in the White Mountains on Lake Ossipee. I made a place for it.â€?

In a typical year more than 13,000 children in Georgia go through the court system because their family is in crisis. But the system isn't always equipped to assure a child's basic needs and rights are protected.

First United Methodist Preschool

VOLUNTEER Give abused and neglected children a voice -YOURS Advo-Kids CASA 770.228.4714 advo-kidscasa.org

7UXVW \RXU QH[W SURMHFW WR WKH DUHDÂśV OHDGLQJ *DUDJH 6WRUDJH DQG $FFHVVRU\ %XLOGLQJ FRPSDQ\ /GPVKQP VJKU CF CPF TGEGKXG QHH CP[ DWKNFKPI 7R VQ QHH

A certified “Program of Excellence� Registration for 2013-14 school year begins January 29, 2013 Serving children ages 12 mos - Kindergarten

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Aaron and Sheena Castellanos of The Grand Gourmet

Brie with Walnut Praline Topping 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp butter 2 tsp maple syrup 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 small (8 ounce) brie wheel Melt together the sugar, butter, and syrup in a saucepan over low heat. Simmer for three minutes and then stir in the walnuts. Cut the brie into wedges and spoon topping over the wedges or pour it over the whole brie wheel.

3/4 can chicken broth 2-3 Tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped Mix together the cornmeal, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until blended and pour into a large greased pan. Bake at 425F for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. When done, let cool and break into small pieces with your hands or two forks. Mix in the sautéed onions and celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and fresh sage leaves. (Add broth to your liking. I like it to be super moist.) Return to oven and cook until hot and crispy on the top. (Sometimes I cook it on broil to crisp it faster.)

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes 2 lbs (approximately) sweet potatoes, peeled and

Cornbread Dressing

rough chopped (large pieces) 1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups white cornmeal mix

4 ounces cream cheese

1 1/3 cups milk

2-3 Tbsp butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 to 1 tsp salt to taste

2 large eggs 3/4 cup chopped onion, sautéed in butter 1/2 cup chopped celery, sautéed in butter 1 can cream of chicken soup w w w.k it chendr aw er.net

Boil the sweet potatoes in some water until tender. Drain the potatoes and thoroughly mix in the brown sugar, cream cheese, butter, and salt; mash all ingredients together by hand or with a mixer. 43

blending, to get the desired flavor. (This dressing will last for several weeks in the refrigerator.)

Sweet & Spicy Pecans 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup warm water 1 cup pecan halves 2 Tbsp sugar

Spring Salad with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

1 Tbsp chili powder

Spring salad greens

Stir together 1/4 cup sugar and warm water until sugar dissolves. Add pecans and soak 10 minutes. Drain pecans and discard liquid. Combine 2 tablespoons sugar, chili powder, and red pepper. Add pecans and toss to coat. Pour pecans on a greased baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

1/8 cup Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette (recipe below) 1/4 cup chopped or sliced Granny Smith apples 1/8 cup crumbled feta

1/8 tsp ground red pepper

1/4 cup chopped Sweet & Spicy Pecans (recipe below) Toss spring salad greens in the sweet balsamic vinaigrette dressing and top with the apples, feta, and Sweet & Spicy Pecans. Serves two.

Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Photos credits Sweet & Spicy Pecans: Smitten Kitchen Spring Salad: thecooksnextdoor.com Mashed Sweet Potatoes: cooking-books.blogspot.com Cornbread Dressing: joesbarbequecompany.com Brie with Walnut Praline Topping: thegoodbowl.com

Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar Blend all ingredients in a blender for one to two minutes until no longer grainy and ingredients are well blended. (Some vinegars get thicker than others, but the flavor will be delicious.) Add more or less brown sugar, tasting after 44

Call Bobby 770-412-0825 Independent Avon Representative W O M E N

M E N

B A B Y ( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

Franklin & Rosemary Traveling Boutique introduces‌

The Holiday Shop

Featuring clothing, denim, scarves and more! Located in the back entrance of Liberty Technology at 120 East Taylor Street Griffin, GA 30223 Gift certificates available for purchase Scan QR code for updated hours and announcements Find us on Facebook!

We are still available for parties and fundraisers for the holidays. Call 404-391-8238 to book your holiday event!

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Ashford Place

657 Carver Road Griffin, GA 30224 770.229.5572

/X[XU\ $SDUWPHQWV 6SDFLRXV 7RZQKRPHV $OO ZH·UH PLVVLQJ LV <28

Ashford Villas

Putting the wise in man since 1951

1560 Flynt St. #A2 Griffin, GA 30223 770.233.6895

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124 W. SOLOMON ST. DOWNTOWN GRIFFIN (770) 227–2595

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Paparazzi Nick Anderson cruising in a speedboat in Miami

The team at Liberty Technology has some fun at their Business After Hours

The Gibsons, winners of the costume contest at the Nightmare on Meriwether Street Ball (Left to right) Farrah Crider, Sandra Long, Amy Slagle, Leslie Benefield, and Tonya Bullard at Farrah Crider’s suprise Birthday party

Lindy Pruitt & Ashley Baldwin complete the Marine Corps Marathon Lily Rivers sits in a Kitchen Drawer Spalding County Parks & Recreation Department at the Annual District Awards Banquet

Bridget Plott with a 9’ foot gator and a tiny friend, caught by Swamp People cast Junior and Willie Edwards

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Chase Wilkerson celebrates his 1st birthday

Julia, a photo by Chad Baker

47

BY TAYLOR GANTT

48

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W

hen Chipper Jones announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2012 season, no one was really surprised. After two decades of playing baseball in Atlanta, he was ready to move on to the next stage of his life. Nevertheless, fans everywhere knew that this was their last opportunity to witness a living legend in action. This past season, every plate appearance for Chipper Jones took on new meaning. Each pitch seemed like a slow, relentless countdown towards the day that the Braves would be without their greatest player. As the months went on and the season drew to a close, the inevitability of Chipper’s decision became ever more apparent.

were the glory days for the Braves, perennial postseason contenders who won it all in ‘95. Every year, the team built around the foundation of Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, with Bobby Cox as the steady hand managing the club. But as the 2000s came along, all three star pitchers ended up taking their talents elsewhere, leaving Chipper as the last player from those incredible teams. When Bobby Cox retired in 2010, it was simply a matter of time until Chipper followed suit.

At season’s end, the Braves found themselves in a one-­game postseason playoff match with the defending champion Cardinals. I won’t rehash the gritty details, but due to some terrible Braves fielding and one horrendous umpiring decision that almost had the fans rioting (Google “Braves In-­Field Fly Rule”), Atlanta found themselves down three runs in the bottom of the 9th. Chipper Jones came to the plate with two outs and nobody on base, fully realizing that this was the end. “Crazy Train” was blasting at full volume, and the fans were cheering despite all the misfortune that had befallen their team. I think most of them realized that this last at-­bat was bigger than one game. Chipper tipped his cap to the fans and stepped into the batter’s box. If life were more like Hoosiers or Remember the Titans, Chipper would have launched a 756-­foot home run that miraculously scored four runs and won the game. He didn’t exactly do that. Chipper grounded the ball to the left side, hustling to first as fast as a 41-­year-­old guy can go, and beat out the throw, ending his illustrious career with a simple single. The inning ended soon after that, and the Cardinals moved on to the next round, leaving the Braves to sit on the couch ‘til next season.

Now, we have a young Atlanta Braves team with no defined leader. Guys like Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, and Martín Prado will try to step into that role and help galvanize a team to push deeper into the playoffs. Although the task will get tougher without Chipper hitting third in the lineup every day, the team must take the lessons learned from #10 and use them to get back to greatness. Chipper, from all of us Braves fans to you, thanks for all the memories, and enjoy your retirement to the fullest. I think it’s safe to say that you’ve earned it.

And with that playoff defeat, the last of the Braves legends hangs up his jersey. The ‘90s

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Photo by espn.go.com

49

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TNT

24-­Hour Service

Christmas Tree Farm

695  Williams  Mill  Road  Zebulon,  GA 770.468.0721

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Service on All Brands Heating Free Estimates Service on All Brands onEstimates Replacements Air  Conditioning Free Service on All Brands on Replacements Plumbing

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Happy Holidays from Star Salon & Spa Hair Nails Facials Massages

Voted best of the Best 2 years in a row Gift Certicates and Packages Available

414 South Hill Street, Griffin (770)228-7738 52

( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

BY CLARK DOUGLAS

I

Q GLUHFWRU 5LGOH\ 6FRWW WHUULÀHG moviegoers around the world with his masterful VFL À KRUURU ÀOP Alien. Since that time, the face-hugging, chest-bursting creatures of Scott’s futuristic haunted house (er, haunted spaceship) movie have gone on to star in numerous sequels RI YDU\LQJ TXDOLW\ 5HJDUGOHVV RI ZKHWKHU WKH

for quite a surprise: Prometheus is more interested LQ SKLORVRSKLFDO WKRXJKW SURYRNLQJ VFLHQFH Ă€FWLRQ than in making viewers jump out of their seats. 7KH Ă€OP IROORZV WKH FUHZ RI WKH VSDFHVKLS Prometheus on their journey to a distant planet. 7KHLU PLVVLRQ WR Ă€QG ´7KH (QJLQHHUV Âľ D JURXS

Charlie: What we hoped to achieve was to meet our makers. To get answers. Why they even made us in the first place. David: Why do you think your people made me? Charlie: We made you because we could. David: Can you imagine how disappointing it would be to hear the same thing from your creator? sequels were good (James Cameron’s pulsepounding Aliens) or bad (I’m looking at you, Alien vs. Predator), none of them ever quite managed to recapture the mystery, majesty, and terror of 6FRWW¡V RULJLQDO PDVWHUSLHFH $W ORQJ ODVW 6LU 5LGOH\ has returned to the franchise with Prometheus, an Alien prequel which provides a bit of detail on WKH HYHQWV ZKLFK RFFXUUHG EHIRUH 5LSOH\ DQG WKH FUHZ RI WKH 1RVWURPR Ă€UVW HQFRXQWHUHG WKRVH QDVW\ space critters. However, those expecting Scott to simply deliver another chilling scare-fest are in

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of recently discovered beings believed to be responsible for the creation of humanity. Members of the crew include icy corporate supervisor Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron, Snow White and the Huntsman), gruff captain Janek (Idris Elba, The Wire), archaeologist Elizabeth Shaw 1RRPL 5DSDFH 6herlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows), Shaw’s fellow archaeologist and love interest Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green, Across the Universe), and ultra-intelligent android David (Michael Fassbender, X-Men: First Class).

53

Questions of life, death, religion, and creation are woven into the fabric of Prometheus, and 6FRWW GRHVQ¡W SURYLGH GHĂ€QLWLYH DQVZHUV WR most of these questions (perhaps because they are unanswerable, or perhaps because he’s saving those answers for a sequel). In a moment UHPLQLVFHQW RI 5REHUW =HPHFNLV¡ VLPLODUO\ DPELWLRXV Contact, Charlie asks Elizabeth, a devout Christian, ZK\ VKH GLGQ¡W VWRS ZHDULQJ WKH FUXFLĂ€[ DURXQG KHU neck after The Engineers were discovered. After all, wouldn’t the notion that humans were created by mortal beings essentially disprove most religious faiths? Not as far as Elizabeth is concerned: The Engineers may be responsible for the creation of humanity, but who is responsible for the creation of The Engineers? In today’s society, the question of where to draw the line between supernatural GHVLJQ DQG QDWXUDO VFLHQWLĂ€F SURFHVV UHPDLQV DQ LQFUHGLEO\ FRQWHQWLRXV WRSLF 6FLHQFH Ă€FWLRQ KDV long been valuable for its ability to allow us to re-examine hot-button subjects from a fresh angle, and that’s something Prometheus does with subtlety and skill. To be sure, there are still moments of visceral WHUURU RXU Ă€UVW HQFRXQWHU ZLWK WKLV Ă€OP¡V otherworldly terror is pretty squirm-inducing, and there’s one sequence involving a futuristic caesarean section which is among the most intense scenes offered by any movie this year. As such, it 'DYLG LV WKH Ă€OP¡V PRVW FRPSHOOLQJ FKDUDFWHU DQ should be noted that Prometheus is not for the faint android who models himself after Peter O’Toole’s of heart. Still, those who can handle the moments portrait of T.E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia, of primal terror will also receive a great deal of and who seems to bear a quiet grudge against LQWHOOHFWXDO VWLPXODWLRQ $W LWV FRUH WKH Ă€OP LV QRW VR humanity for the condescending manner in which WKH\ WUHDW KLP 'HVSLWH KLV DUWLĂ€FLDO QDWXUH KH IRUPV much about battling monsters as it is about battling WKH HPRWLRQDO DQG SKLORVRSKLFDO FRUH RI WKH Ă€OP ,Q with those familiar questions humans have been asking for ages: Where do we come from? What one scene, David discusses a weighty subject with is our purpose? What happens when we die? No Charlie. movie could ever provide the Charlie: What we hoped to achieve was to meet our answers, but Prometheus is likely to prove a rich experience for those makers. To get answers. Why they even made us in of us still asking the questions. WKH Ă€UVW SODFH David: Why do you think your people made me? Photo from the Hollywood Reporter Charlie: We made you because we could. David: Can you imagine how disappointing it would be to hear the same thing from your creator? Upon their arrival, the crew begins searching the seemingly deserted planet for evidence of The (QJLQHHUV $ODV ZKDW WKH\¡OO Ă€QG LV PXFK PRUH sinister than they anticipated.

54

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Terrell and Sherri Moody are pleased to welcome Tim Daniel to their funeral home family.

effrey’s

Tim is a native of Thomaston and a Pike County resident. He and his wife, Mary Bess, have a three- year-old daughter, Maggie. Tim has been a funeral director in this area for the last 16 years.

bottle shoppe Your neighborhood store just around the corner

6WRS LQ DQG VWRFN XS IRU WKH KROLGD\V Your neighborhood store just around the corner 1012 Memorial Drive, Griffin

770-233-1868

We are proud to continue our business as 100% locally owned and operated.

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Moody-Daniel Funeral Home and Cremation Services 10170 Highway 19, Zebulon 770-567-8642 www.moodydaniel.com

H ap p y H o l ida y s!

Birds of a Feather 135 South Hill Street 678.603.2115

Women’s Boutique

Santa photos and Treats during

The Downtown Christmas Holiday Event November 17 10 a.m. -­ 6 p.m.

jewelry and accessories

children’s market

Shop Local this holiday season

vintage items

FREE DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT WHEN YOU SHOP AT FIVE PARTICIPATING STORES

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770-775-2794

286 Four Points Rd. Jackson, GA

Catcher Dream Assisted LivingCommunity ( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

arazzi Adam Grubbs, brother Brandon and cousin David Fountain perform at “No Fame, No Shame” Cabaret

SlowExposures Ball 2012

Michelle Hemphill wins the Humane Society Chili Cookoff

2012 Annual Doctoberfest in Downtown Griffin

Paparazzi String Theory performing at 6th Street Pier Photographer Ernesto Bazan signing a book for a fan

58

Damon and Clayton Plott with Swamp People stars Trapper Joe LaFont and Trigger Tommy Chauvin

A huge catch at Captain Anderson’s in FL ( 7 7 0 ) 4 1 2 -‐ 0 4 4 1

SAVE,  SHOP  SMART!  Every  Fri  &  Sat  8:00AM  -­â€?7:30PM Â

Groceries  |  Fresh  Meat  Counter  |  Fresh  Produce  Clothing  |  Shoes  |  Gifts  |  Toys  |  Floral  |  Electronics  Auction  House  ÂŽÂƒÂ•Â?ƒ ĆŹ Žƒ– …”‡‡Â? ǯ• Č ÂƒÂ?‡”ƒ• Č ÂŽÂƒÂ› –ƒ–‹‘Â?• Č‹ÍŁÍ ÇŚÂ†ÂƒÂ› ™ƒ””ƒÂ?–› ‘Â? ƒŽŽ ‡Ž‡…–”‘Â?Â‹Â…Â•ČŒ Â

(55  &  Older,  with  valid  ID) Â

830 E. Broadway Street | Griffin, GA | 770-229-9154 Auctioneer Vickie L. Wilson Lic. # AU003850

Tickets are available for $15 and can be purchased at:

Consigners welcome! 1HHG WR FOHDU RXW WKDW EDVHPHQW JDUDJH RU VWRUDJH" /HW¡V DXFWLRQ LW For more information contact Vickie Wilson 678-247-3760

The Ole Mill Auction House

830 E. Broadway Street

Griffin, GA 30223

El Durango

FNB Griffin Griffin Welcome Center Liberty Technology United Bank Or at the homes themselves on the day of the tour Visit Facebook for complete home list: www.facebook.com/griffindaybreak/events

HAPPY HOUR

Mexican Restaurant (770) 229-1555

4 – 6 Monday–Friday Buy 1 Get 1 Free Margaritas & Draft Beer

Saturday Special 99 Cent Draft Beer All Day Saturday

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Mon –Thurs 11am –10pm Fri 11am –11pm Mon-Thurs 11-10 Sat& 12Sat pm –11pm Fri 11-11 Closed Sun

Your One Stop Gift Shop! Save by framing early & using our stock moulding Photo restorations also available M-­F 9:30–6 ‡ 6DW. 9–1 120 East Bank St.

(behind the courthouse) (770) 227-­9185 0DrcLD &ollins, Owner

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212 MAIN STREET BARNESVILLE 770.358.9969

"NFSJDB T $PVOUSZ THE BEST IN NEW & CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC LAMAR COUNTY NEWS

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PIKE COUNTY NEWS

10% off all gift certificate purchases during November and December! 60

( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

We still have people in society saying “I could care less.” If you COULD care less that means you care at least to some degree! Apps that automatically activate my front-facing camera. YIKES!

“IRREGARDLESS”

People who speak against.... without the knowledge of the subject matter.

AM 750 dropping Clark Howard. I hate it when I finish a good book and I have to return to the real world! Saying “I don’t love it” when you hate it. If you REALLY didn’t love it, you’d say, “I don’t hate it.”

I really want to Vent, and I can’t think of anything to vent about! ALL THIS HAPPINESS IS

MAKING ME GRUMPY!

People beeping at me as soon as the light changes....oh wait..i do that.

You spend 30 minutes driving around the Wal-­Mart park-­ ing lot awaiting an up close spot to lessen your walking distance to the front door and then go inside and walk 2 and half miles shopping.

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specializing in careers and ministries

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( 7 7 0) 412 - 0 4 41

by Amanda Cera

H

alf the population of Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded me, but I was alone. I sat in the middle of Perimeter Mall on a bench, bags of +PZQ[\UI[ OQN\[ \]KSML JM\_MMV Ua NMM\ WV \PM ÆWWZ 1 _I[ [KIZML IVL M`PI][\ML 5a UQVL KW]TLV¼\ ÅVL \PM _WZL[ \W capture the foreboding that stiffened my arms and clogged my throat. A throng of children waited in line for a chance on Santa’s lap. What seemed a million lights lit the crowded walkways and stores. Red and green ribbons decorated every storefront. A huge blue spruce tree stood as the backdrop of Santa’s workshop. “Only one shopping day until Christmas,” warned the sign at Macy’s. One day left, I thought, resting my head in my hands and allowing a single tear to escape my closed lids. w w w.k it chendr aw er.net

5IUI _I[ KW]V\QVO WV UM IVL 1 PIL \W ÅVL whatever strength I still had buried within me. Even though I was the same girl who did the grocery shopping after school and took care of the house, I wasn’t sure I could breathe another breath. Pull it together, I told myself. If I couldn’t make this Christmas special, then no one else was going to. I scrubbed \PM _M\VM[[ NZWU Ua MaM[ _Q\P \ZMUJTQVO Å[\[ IVL OZIJJML my packages. The laughter of children caught my attention, and I took a few steps toward the line of children waiting to talk to Santa. I kept telling myself to walk away, that there was no magic in the fake bearded Santa sitting in the red velvet chair, but I couldn’t make my feet step out of line. I didn’t care if any of my friends from school saw me. I just wanted to remember what it felt like to believe in miracles. 63

The boy’s smile was contagious, and I felt the corners of my mouth

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“Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas,” Santa chimed in I ¹\PMa¼ZM XIaQVO UM NWZ \PQ[ [W LWV¼\ OQ^M UM IVa ÆIKSº tone. My packages slipped from my hands, and I felt the [\ZMVO\P ÆMM NZWU Ua TMO[ I[ 1 [IVS \W Ua SVMM[ QV NZWV\ WN Santa’s chair. “You okay?” he asked, patting the top of my head as QN 1 _MZM I Å^M aMIZ WTL TQ\\TM OQZT QV[\MIL WN I aMIZ WTL teenager. “Tell me what you want for Christmas.” 1 ZIQ[ML Ua NIKM \W TWWS ]X I\ PQU IVL I ÆWWL WN tears threatened and then ebbed. I suddenly felt ridiculous kneeling here in front of some old man in a Santa suit with a wailing crowd of kids behind me. I shook my head, trying to clear away the leaden sorrow crushing me, and then stood. Santa’s eyes shone with compassion as he steadied me with an arm around my shoulder. I didn’t even know I was going to speak until I heard the words cut through the drone of the crowd. “A miracle,” I said. “I want my Mama’s last Christmas to be happy, and I want it to snow.” Santa’s gaze held steady as he gave me a soft squeeze. “Pray,” Santa whispered. “After all, this is the season for miracles.” He helped me gather my packages and I walked away, turning once to watch a little boy, laughing, climb up

Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, we sang, our voices blending in harmony. I looked around the bed into the eyes of her family. Their faces smiled, but their eyes echoed the brokenness in their hearts. Only Mama’s eyes were happy and bright. Mama’s gaze caught mine, IVL 1 [I_ [ILVM[[ KZMMX QV\W \PM RWa¸I ZMÆMK\QWV WN Ua own pain, my loss. She was hurting for me, and I forced myself to smile. Mama joked and laughed. Some moments, I almost forgot she was dying. Having everyone home bolstered my strength, and the years-long journey of adult responsibility almost disappeared until it was time for everyone to go home. As my sisters and nieces and nephews said their goodbyes I sat in the living room and peered out the picture window, watching for snow. I remembered so many Christmas Eves, sitting on Mama’s lap with a mug of hot cocoa clutched in my hands, watching for snow through that same window. I could remember how my breath fogged the cold glass of the window, how the warm mug felt against my palms, how Mama’s arms felt around my waist. “Do you want me to stay with you, Christie?” my sister Lisa asked. I knew her own kids were waiting for Santa to come.

bend upward in a grin. Still, I wondered if I’d ever be happy again.

onto Santa’s knee. The boy’s smile was contagious, and I felt the corners of my mouth bend upward in a grin. Still, I wondered if I’d ever be happy again. My older sisters were waiting when I got home. Everyone had come home for this Christmas. We spent the afternoon decorating the house as we’d done when we were younger. By nightfall, the old manger scene with the one-winged angel sat on the mantel as it had every Christmas of our lives. The doorways were lined with candy canes, and the house smelled like fresh pine and sugar cookies. All the gifts were wrapped and under the tree. Christmas Eve had come. We all gathered around Mama’s hospital bed in the blue bedroom where she’d lived these past four years. The smell of antiseptic cut through the festive Christmas smells: cinnamon, peppermint, and pine. My dad sat in his rust-colored recliner. My three sisters, my nieces and nephews, and my cousins and I stood scattered unevenly around the bed.

w w w.k it chendr aw er.net

“It’s okay,” I answered, “I’m gonna sit with Mama for a little and go to bed.” She hugged me and hurried outside, tugging her coat around her. When the car had vanished around the curve, I went into Mama’s room and cuddled up beside her in her bed. “Looks like snow,” Mama whispered, hugging me tightly to her. In the glow of the night light, I could see the smile that lit Mama’s face. “Sure does,” I agreed, trying to memorize the weight and warmth of my mother’s arm hugging me as I closed my eyes, hoping for numbing sleep. “Goodnight, my baby. I love you,” Mama said. “I love you, too. Merry Christmas, Mama.” When I awoke the next morning, I knew Mama was gone. I woke my Dad and called my sisters before I collapsed onto the couch in the living room. From habit, I looked out through the window. Tears streaked down my KPMMS[ I[ \PZW]OP \PM _QVLW_ 1 [I_ \PM ÅZ[\ [VW_ÆISM[ drift softly, silently, to earth.

65

WE TREAT 17,000

BREAKS AND SPRAINS A YEAR.

AND STILL COUNTING. When a child or teen gets a fracture, he needs special care. So trust the doctors with the expertise to fix growing bones and growth plates the right way. Find out more at choa.org/fracture.

Dedicated to All Better

©2012 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

NOW OPEN - CHILDREN’S AT HUDSON BRIDGE 1510 HUDSON BRIDGE ROAD, STOCKBRIDGE

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