Looking Ahead to New Year's Day

Around here we follow that old Southern saying for our traditional New Years Day Meal….

Eat poor that day, eat rich the rest of the year. Rice for riches and peas for peace.

Over the years my husband and I have tried to dress up our grandmothers’recipes for Black-Eyed Peas, Corn Bread, and Collard Greens a bit because truthfully I never have liked the soupy kind of collard greens my mother fixed and plain old black-eyed peas were not very appetizing.

So why does my family continue the tradition by serving the staple ingredients when we could just as easily have steak or lobster? I think there is something special about remembering where you came from.

No, the past isn’t always pretty. It’s said Hoppin’ John originated from slave victuals and no one wants to glorify the conditions that slaves lived in, but the past I’m talking about is the extremely dirt poor Georgia that existed for whites and blacks between Reconstruction and the New South era of Henry Grady fame. That is the Georgia of our grandparents and great-grandparents.

Last Saturday I went to my father’s house in Cherokee County. It’s hard to imagine now but at one time his property was a working farm with planted crops and grazing animals. Most of what was eaten was grown or raised right there. There were no fast food trips or daily grocery runs and restaurant meals were out of the question. By today’s standards my grandparents were poor.

Most of the people I know would find it very hard to live the way they did, so I don’t think it’s too much to ask of myself and my children to remember how our forbears celebrated the first day of each year.

However, like I said, my husband and I have managed to find updated recipes for the old standards.

Here are two New Years Day dishes that will be served at my house on January 1st.

Pork Roast With Hopping John Stuffing

1 small onion, chopped
½ medium-size green bell pepper, chopped
2 T. vegetable oil
1 ½ cups cooked long-grain rice
1 ½ cups frozen chopped collard greens, thawed
1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained (I like the Glory brand)
½ cup diced cooked country ham
½ t. sugar
½ t. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 (2 ½-pound) boneless pork loin roast

Saute onion and bell pepper in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Add rice and next five ingredients; stir in egg. Set stuffing aside.

Butterfly pork loin roast by making a lengthwise cut down center of 1 flat side, cutting to within ½ inch of bottom. From bottom of cut, slice horizontally to ½ inch from left side; repeat procedure to right side. Open roast, and place between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Spoon 1 ½ cups stuffing evenly over roast, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll up; tie with string at 1-inch intervals. Place, seam side down in a lightly greased 11 x 7-inch baking dish.

Bake at 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in center registeres 160 degrees. Reheat remaining Hopping John and serve with roast.
6-8 servings
Prep: 30 minutes, Bake: 1 hour

Hot Water Cornbread

This cornbread needs to be prepared at the last minute so you can serve it hot!

2 cups white cornmeal
¼ t. baking powder
1 ¼ t. salt
1 t. sugar
¼ cup half-and-half
1 T. vegetable oil
¾ cup to 1 ¼ cups boiling water
Vegetable oil
Softened butter

Combine cornmeal and next three ingredients in a bowl; stir in half-and-half and 1 T. oil. Gradually add boiling water, stirring until batter is the consistency of grits.

Pour oil to a depth of ½ inch into a large heavy skillet; place over medium high heat. Scoop batter into a ¼-cup measure; drop into hot oil, and fry, in batches, 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain well on paper towels. Serve immediately with softened butter.
Makes 8 patties
Prep: 5 minutes, Cook 18 minutes

Both of these recipes originated from Southern Living Magazine.

The pictures with this post were taken by my daughter on her grandfather's property. If the first picture didn't load properly click on it to see it all. It's a lovely photo looking up towards a huge oak tree and the old corn crib on the property.

Go Visit the Georgia Blog Carnival....It's Free!

I’ve been in and out all day today helping Santa to complete his list and when I stopped by the house long enough to drop off packages I was pleased to discover the 25th Georgia Blog Carnival has arrived for your reading pleasure over at Marketing Through the Clutter.

Many thanks to Sandi….She’s done a great job of putting together our online magazine for the Georgia Blogosphere and dubbed me the Georgia Carnival Poobah. I like that since I was a huge fan of the Flintstones for many, many years. Isn’t that what the leader of the Imperial Order of the Water Buffalos was called?

I digress…..After spending too much money today I’m glad I have a weekend activity that’s free. Head on over to carnival and relax for a bit.

Don’t forget to link to the carnival to let your readers know it is up.

I plan to pour me a nice cup of eggnogg and curl up with the laptop later on this evening and enjoy.

One More Thing to Add to the To-Do List

Yes, it’s almost that time again! The Georgia Carnival will post this Friday with lots of news and views from the past two weeks. Marketing Through the Clutter will be our kind host.

Submissions should include your blog name, post url, your name, and your email address. Send your submission to gamind@mail.com or use the blog carnival submission form here.

So Long Speaker Murphy

The last gavel has sounded for Tom Murphy, long-time Speaker for the Geogia General Assembly. He was wonderfully cast for his role. I don’t think anyone could have played him better. The picture seen here is from 1975 and features Tom Murphy with two other people Georgians would recognize……George Busbee and Zell Miller.

The New Georgia Encyclopedia article for Speaker Murphy can be found here.

Dan Fogelberg: One of My All Time Favorites

During the late 70s when others might have been listening to John Denver or Neil Diamond I was collecting Dan Fogelberg albulms (remember those….they were the shiny, black vinyl disks that made music when you placed them on something called a turn table?). I still have my Fogelberg albulms as as well hundreds of others as well. I just can’t seem to let go of them.

This morning the news of Fogelberg’s passing met my ears and I was instantly sad.

Here's the whole story..... and here is Fogelberg doing what I loved:

History of a Long, Dirt Road

I love dirt roads, and Georgia is simply full of them.

Unfortunately you have to travel further and further from the environs of Atlanta to find them anymore.


When I was 18 and a newbie on the college campus of my parent’s choosing I was a member of the Dirt Road Club. The requirements were simple…..you had to have enough money to invest in either gas or an appropriate beverage or two for you and your fellow club members, you had to be willing to devote an occaisional Saturday or Sunday to what could be an all day, all night road trip, and if you were the official driver for that trip you had turn off the main highway everytime you came upon a dirt road and follow it until you couldn’t follow it any longer.

Needless to say I’m quite the expert when it comes to private drives and logging roads all over North Georgia.

Just like the explorers of the 1500s and just like those folks who brave the elements to climb Mt. Everest members of The Dirt Road Club ventured forth because they were compelled to.

Our club motto was “Because it’s there!”

Yes, there were some dirt roads that were a bit scary, some that had a Deliverance feel to them, and some were just plain dangerous. Others were pure gems. Once when riding along through a forest the trees suddenly cleared and we found ourselves on a ridge where you could see mountain rise after mountain rise in the distance. Another time we found a mountain stream complete with waterfall and on the hills rising up all around us were hundreds of mountain laurel in full bloom. Those were the moments that kept us going down all those dirt roads.

This week’s wordless image over at History Is Elementary was a dirt road. The image received many comments regarding perspective and the fact that the road in the photo looked like a very long road. It does my heart good when so many take the time to bring out other details like the palmetto, live oaks, and the shell covered road like Shannon and Carmi.

The road seen in my image has the distinction of being the longest and oldest dirt road still in use in America. It is located on Ossabaw Island, a barrier island along Georgia’s coast. Jeremy was the first commenter to place the image in the proper U.S. region so congratulations and enjoy your link. :)

The island contains over 26,000 acreas and archeologists have determined humans haved lived on or used the island for the past 4,000 years.

Thought it had two other prior owners Ossabaw Island was owned by John Morel during Georgia’s colonial years and through the Revolution. He purchased half of the island in 1760 and the other half in 1763. Morel was a Savannah merchant and Council of Safety member who with the help of slave labor used the island for timber cutting and agriculture. Indigo, cotton, and rice were main cash crops cultivated on Ossabaw.

During Morel’s ownership the avenue of oaks that remain today were planted along the long dirt road that traverses the island. To make it easier to manage agricultural operations on the island Morel divided the land into tracts. Following John Morel’s death in 1777 the island was divided among Morel’s three sons with each receiving a particular tract. Bryan Morel received North End Place, Peter Henry Morel received Middle Place, and John Morel II took control of South End. I would venture that they shared the fourth tract known as Buckhead. After the War of 1812 the highly sought Sea Island cotton was raised on Ossabaw because it has stronger filiments than cotton grown on the mainland and it was very desirable by textile manufacturers.

During the Civil War when the Union blockaded the South the Morel family abandoned Ossabaw Island. At one point during Reconstruction a Freedmen’s Bureau location was there. In fact, the Ossabaw Foundation site states that many of the former slaves from Ossabaw eventually relocated to Pin Point, Georgia which is the home of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

The remains of three slave cabins can be found at the northern end of the island. One is thought to date from 1820 and the other two date from the 1840s. Archeologists have found alligator teeth and racoon bones in the area surrounding the cabins along with the makings of a mojo bag along with blue beads. It was thought that the color blue would ward off any spirits. It was believed that spirits didn’t like the color blue because it reminded them of heaven.

During the Gilded Age in the late 1800s the island was controlled by the Wannamaker family of Philadelphia. They used Ossabaw as a hunting club.

During the 1920s Dr. H.N. Torrey built a vacation home on the island that in reality is a mansion. The Torrey family had moved to Savannah from Grosse Pointe, Michigan in 1923 and when their Savannah home burned they moved to Ossabaw where they entertained many people. It has been reported that Henry Ford, who had his own Georgia plantation, was the first to sign the Torrey’s guestbook.

Eventually, the island passed to the Torrey’s daughter, Eleanor Torrey West. Along with her husband, Clifford West, the Ossabaw Foundation was created which launched many unique programs on the island, such as the Ossabaw Island Project. This interdisciplinary program supported recommended individuals “of creative thought and purpose in the arts, sciences, industry, education, and religion” to come to the islands to share their ideas with other creatives and pursue their work without interruption.

The island was turned over to the State of Georgia in 1978, and was designated as Georgia’s first Heritage Preserve with the written understanding that Ossabaw would “only be used for natural scientific, and cultural study, research and education, and environmentally sound preservation, conservation and management of the Island’s ecosystem.” The acquistition was made possible by the generosity of Mrs. West and her family, a personal gift to the State of Georgia from Robert F. Woodruff (Coca-Cola), the assistance of The Nature Conservancy, and the State’s commitment to preservation of the island.

Gee, just think…..all of that a dirt road to boot. Thanks, Mrs. West!

For further reading:

An AJC article from 2006 provides some interesting detail about life on the island for slaves and those that came later.

This Smithsonian article also details slave life on the island.

A Georgia blog, Nature's Harmony Farm, provides some information regarding Ossabaw pigs.

More history bits can be found here, here, and here.

Lost History: Red Oak Depot

When I was a little girl and before I started to school one of the things I would do each day is follow my mother around. While a nice Mr. Jackson delivered our newspaper each afternoon to a box out at the highway our mail went to a post office box down the road in Red Oak. We received our mail at the same post office box as the business my father worked for. I can’t remember my first address or phone number after I was married, but I still remember PO Box 70 as my mailing address for all of those years.

Anyway we were in downtown Red Oak (if there was such a thing) every day and I often wondered aloud to my mother why Red Oak didn’t have a train depot like the neighboring towns of Fairburn, Palmetto, or even College Park. Of course, mother didn’t know. Over the years I did discover there had been one, but progress had required that it be torn down. How sad….

The above image was found online here, and its one of the closest things I’ve found to an actual photo.

This Week's New Additions

In case you missed it over the weekend the 24th Carnival for Georgia Bloggers is up over at Drifting Through the Grift. Go give the carousel a whirl.....

The following sites have been added to my blogroll of Georgia bloggers here at Georgia on My Mind:

Decatur Metro – from the site Decatur Metro brings you all the latest news from Decatur, Georgia and its surrounding environs every day. While it may not be the city that never sleeps (all those kids have to be get up in time to make an eco-friendly commute to/from school!), there’s always something going on in Decatur. Be it a development controversy or a rockin’ concert at Eddie’s Attic, Decatur Metro will always have the latest scoop. So sit back with a pint of high-gravity beer from the Brick Store, and a plate of fried chicken from Watershed and enjoy the ride!

Common Sense – Jace hails from Woodstock, Georgia and his girlfriend thinks he’s a nerd for getting so excited about blogging. His place is the one for you if you like commentary on life, liberty, and politics in America.

Dunwoody North Civic Association – this blog supports the 1,250 homes in the Dunwoody North subdivision as well as the subdivisions of Andover Estates, Laurelwood Farms, Dunwoody Trails, Brafferton Square, Briars North, The Madisons, and Chestnut Landing. This is a pretty indepth blog regarding issues important to the people living in the subdivisions mentioned. All areas need a forum like this!

Grouchy Old Cripple in Atlanta – the tagline at this site states, pushing the boundaries of bad taste and political incorrectness. Well, someone has to, don’t they? Lots of opinions on politics and current issues.

Cosmic Persona Designs – From the site, the cosmic archetypal, visionary, mystical, and transpersonal drawings by Jude Cowell

Virus Head – if you like viral themes then this blog is for you…..politics, religion, culture, and daily life

Dixie's Diner – blogging about family, job, and current events

The Sandbox – An Air Force brat and UGA grad now proudly serving his country by attending flight/navigation school at Pensacola Naval Air Station. He hasn’t posted in awhile but who can blame him? He is going to to flight school…..

Stephanie – blogs about her day to day life

Ray Charles and Georgia on My Mind

Albany, the birthplace of Ray Charles, has honored him with a statue.

Wikipedia states: Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia to Bailey Robinson, a railroad repair man, mechanic and handyman, and Aretha Williams, who stacked boards in a sawmill; the two were never married. The family moved to Greenville, Florida, when Ray was an infant. Bailey had two more families, leaving Aretha to raise the family. When Charles was five, he witnessed his younger brother, George, drown in his silverlarge portable laundry tub. He began to go blind at age six and was totally blind by age seven.

You can read the rest of the Wikipedia entry here, and enjoy Ray Charles singing below.

What's he singing? Well, Georgia on My Mind, of course!

The 24th Georgia Carnival

The 24th Georgia Carnival is up over at Drifting Through the Grift. GriftDrift has done an excellent job of putting together a nice panorama of what the Georgia blogosphere has to offer.

The next carnival will post December 21 and will be found over at Marketing Through The Clutter before returning here at the beginning of the year for its one year anniversary.

John Laurens: A Man Before His Time

Laurens County was created in December, 1807 and was named for John Laurens, an aide-de-camp for General George Washington during the American Revolution. (Read a letter from George Washington to John Laurens.) He was appointed to that position after a standout performance at Brandywine. Laurens is also remembered for having his horse shot out from underneath him at Monmouth.

Laurens was not from Georgia, but was from South Carolina. His father, Henry Laurens, served as president of the Continental Congress. Later, after the Revolution Henry Laurens traveled to Europe and was part of the delegation that negotiated settlement terms with the British. He is immortalized in many paintings but the most interesting is Benjamin West’s unfinished work I wrote about over at History Is Elementary today.

Getting back to the namesake for Georgia’s Laurens County……John Laurens lobbied for a Black regiment during the Revolution to help fight for the Patriot cause. He wanted slaves armed and wanted them to have their freedom in exchange for their service. His ideas greatly set him apart from other South Carolina Patriots. Laurens’ innovative idea was portrayed in the movie The Patriot with Mel Gibson.

During the fall of Charleston John Laurens was captured by the British and was shipped to Philadephia where he was granted parole. Later he was recaptured by the British and ended up in the Tower of London. When he was exchanged a few months later Congress appointed him special minister to France. In March, 1781 John Laurens obtained an agreement from the French where they would lend naval support to the Patriots that same year, and he also traveled to the Netherlands for a loan and supplies.

In a plot too interesting to be real life Laurens managed to return to America in time to join the Patriots at Yorktown where he took part in the surrender negotiations. He then traveled back to South Carolina and worked with Nathaniel Greene who had a network of spies reporting on British operations there. Even though there had been a surrender at Yorktown the British remained active elsewhere for a time.

John Laurens’ service to his country ended in August, 1782 at the Battle of Chehaw Neck when he shot. Many historians feel it was a meek ending for such a dynamic man. Laurens is buried at Mepkin, the Laurens’ estate that today contains a Trappist abbey.

The picture with this post is a minature by Charles Wilson Peale. Laurens commissioned it for his wife. Mr. Peale eventually copied the minature and presented to Major William Jackson who served with Laurens during the siege of Charleston. Jackson’s copy also contains a motton written in Latin that states, “Dulce et decorum est propatria mori” which means “It is a sweet and honorable thing to die for one’s country.”

Many historians feel that John Laurens was a man before his time and admire his youthful zeal on the battlefield and off. One interesting bit about Laurens that I would never bring up to my nine year old students is the fact that there is speculation that Laurens and Alexander Hamilton were lovers. This is due to the fact that in some of their letters contain very loving sentiments such as this quote from Hamilton: “I wish, my dear Laurens…it might be in my power, by action rather than words, [to] convince you that I love you.” Hamilton and Laurens are both on the “Surrender of Cornwallis” commemorative U.S. postage stamp released in October of 1981. (Source)

One of the most recent accounts of the life of John Laurens is Gregory D. Massey’s John Laurens and the American Revolution. A volume that I would really like to have in my possession is from 1958 by Sara Bertha Townsend called An American Soldier: The Life and Times of John Laurens. It is based largely on the correspondence between John Laurens and his father, Henry Laurens.

Atlanta Fireman Has to Take Drastic Steps

The deplorable conditions shown tonight on video within a Channel 46 story is inexcusable for city where officials go to work each day in plush conditions…..glass atrium, palm trees, decorated offices….I’m fairly certain that if the tables were turned and Atlanta’s City Council or Mayor Franklin was forced to work each day at this firehouse they would find the money very quickly to provide themselves with a proper environment.

The condition of this firehouse has not occurred overnight. and if I was a taxpayer in Atlanta I would livid….I’m livid anyway.

Click here for the full story and and make sure you watch the video.

Argh! It's Only Tuesday....

Well, at least we know now it wasn’t our computer that was on the fritz……WSB reports that AT&T had some problems last night with Internet connections.

Ok, I’m not really pleased that Channel 2 opted to forgo the rereun of a "Charlie Brown Christmas" (one of my all time favs) for a compliation of several of their recent investigative reports. However, congrats to Jason Pye over at Georgia Porkbusters and
JasonPye.com for his part in the piece regarding government spending. It’s nice to see some of those faces in the Georgia blogosphere from time to time.

Last night we heard that many of Georgia’s soldiers in the reserve are being called overseas again….this time to Afghanistan. Thanksgiving Day I had a dual experience relating to a soldier's homecoming.

Finally, on to something really different…..a government agency is saying stop sending us money. Gee, I don’t know about you, but they could send a stack of those $5.00 checks my way.

If It's Monday Then It Must Be Additions and A Call for Submissions

This week’s additions are pulled from the most recent edition of the Georgia Carnival over at Facing the Sharks. There were several Georgia blogs I had not previously linked mentioned in the carnival. I’ll finish linking to them next week. If you are a blogger located in Georgia and I haven’t added you to the blogroll here at Georgia On My Mind yet please contact me and I will get to it straight away.

The next edition of the carnival is looming ahead for December 7th. It will be hosted by
Drifting Through the Grift. Submit your posts to gamind@mail.com or use the handy submission form. Submissions are due Thursday, December 6th by 6:00 p.m.

This week’s additions are:

Running Trails in Atlanta – Dave is enjoying and discovering trails in and around Atlanta as well as around the country during his travels

What's Goin' On? – Wilson is actually an attorney during his free time but keeps the blogosphere up-to-date with political and current issues via his blog posts and podcasts.

Almost in Focus – This is an apt title for an interesting photo blog created by Danny Gilleland.

BrianBowen.com – Brian is the pastor for college students and young adults at Harvest Cathedral in Macon, Georgia plus he’s a systems administrator for a large company. His posts include his thoughts on life, God, and his family.

Kat in Georgia – Kat states her blog is just a collection of aimless ramblings from a wife, mom, and proud member of Soldier’s Angels, Adoptaplatoon, Web of Support, Operation Quiet Comfort, and The Patriot Guard Riders. Can you tell she supports our troops? Stop by and give her a salute!

DamonLadet.com - Damon is a certified Adobe and Apple instructor. His primary focus is video applications. His blog allows him to try out new things and store links to cool finds. Stop by…you might pick up a trick or two.

ShawnAllison.com – Shawn is from Savannah and she is currently majoring in Information Technology. Her blog reflects love for the sweetness of life.

Snozzberries - From the site…some sarcasm, a pinch of irony, thoughts, complaints, overshares, self-deprecation, and obscure pop culture knowledge.

Homeschool Journey – Wife of one and mother of five shares her family’s daily adventures.

Garm Howling – Howling into the void about anything and everything…..

Our Journey to Baby Shanahan – So what happens after a couple adopts a baby from China? This is the story about one little girl’s American life.

Journey of a 1000 Words – This blogger is many things including a Baltimoran turned Georgian, an award-winning print and broadcast journalist, an aspiring book author, and she even has a link where you can hear her daily newscast.

Common Folk Using Common Sense - Lots of opinions and updates on current issues and politics from a man who describes himself as 46, male, husband, father, and grandfather.

Slobokan's Site O' Schtuff – The tagline at at this site states, “the safe surfing soapbox for the sophisticated surfer of sorts….Lots of different links and thoughts.

GeoSciBlog - This blog’s author, Joe-6-pack, states the blog name stands for GeologicalScienceBlog. Subjects will include climatology, environmental science, NASCAR, beer, property rights, politics from a Christian Conservative/Libertarian viewpoint, and random thoughts. Check out his other sites too……Beer Can Blog which focuses on beer can collecting and GeorgiaScience.com

Hoping for a Bethlehem Postmark

Realizing tomorrow is December 1st I was prompted to pick up a couple of extra boxes of Christmas cards today, and I hope to get them prepared to mail over the weekend.

That’s my goal every year, but I haven’t met it in years. In fact, I usually have to give up my desire to send cards because I simply run out of time.

This year….I am determined.

When I was a little girl I loved reading through Mom and Dad’s cards, but the envelopes intrigued me just as much. I loved the stamps and the postmarks……especially the ones that had come from Christmas sounding places like Bethlehem, Georgia. Back in the 70’s we always had at least two or three.

Bethlehem is a small, small hamlet with less than one thousand people….probably somewhere around 700. It was one of the towns the state deleted from official maps a few months back because of its size and their belief they were decluttering the maps. The town can be found on Georgia 11 between Lawrenceville and Athens in Barrow County.

Generally life in Bethlehem is pretty slow going until December when hundreds of people from the surrounding area descend on the Bethlehem, Georgia post office to mail their Christmas cards. People that know people living in Bethlehem mail their cards and stamp money to them in order to have the Bethlehem postmark. It’s a sort of tradition, I guess.

I wonder if I’ll get a postmark this year from Georgia's version of the city of David?

Well, one thing is for certain I won’t get many cards if I don’t send some, so off I go to get them done.

Bethlehem's official webpage
Other places with Christmas sounding names
The picture of the post office is from the official webpage.

Blogroll Additions

Remember to check out the latest Georgia Carnival over at Facing the Sharks that posted last Friday. I’m still trying to wade my way through it.

Here are this week’s additions to the blogroll……If I haven't added yours yet send me an email to gamind@mail.com to prompt me. :)

Drive a Faster Car – From this blog’s “about” section…Peanut butter sandwiches, paying the rent late to pick up the latest albums, and biking around in the hood. [This is] an Atlanta blog featuring the Metro Atlanta area, music, life and independent art.

Fluffy Flowers – Lots of neat crafting ideas and a little about life in Macon

Greener Pastures - The blog author, Pasture Scott, states, “Why Green Pastures? The vision for this site is to take you to the same verdant pastures and cool waters that my Lord takes me; offering, I trust, the consolation of the Holy Spirit to parched souls. And I’m sure you are wondering about the moniker “Pasture” Scott…..He states you need to know that I go by “Pasture Scott” because in our fellowship of many little ankle-biters, I am known by this tender nomenclature since “pasture” sounds so like “pastor” from the lips of southern tykes. It’s appropriate, don’t you think?”

Arc of Time – this blog author states the site primarily exists as a way to keep friends and family updated and to post about running, the internet, religion, and of course, Atlanta……..this blogger also blogs at Metroblogging Atlanta

Metroblogging Atlanta – a group blog about…..all things Atlanta, of course. Recent postings include riding on Marta, the UGA/Ga. Tech game, a wreck in front of King Plow, and Grady.

Next Gener.Asian Church – the tagline states “the collision of faith and Asian Amerian culture”….it’s a collaborative blog to discuss issues facing Asian American culture and the Christian faith.

Maigh.com – When she describes herself in one word Maigh informs her readers that she has “kick”. Recently she posted the comment “Yes, I plan on wearing sandals the rest of my life.” I know how she feels…I finally had to forgo my flip flops for real shoes over the weekend, but I’m keeping them by the bed just in case we have a heat wave. I’m looking forward to reading more of Maigh’s postings.

Mostly Muppet.com – This blogger’s “about” page states he is a producer for TBS.com the online home for America’s “Very Funny” cable network, TBS. He also writes for The Daily Flog, Metroblogging Atlanta and Blogging Harry Potter.

Re: Paper – This is a very cool blog oozing creativity…..lots of hackbooking and photography. Not sure what hackbooking is? Head on over and look at the sidebar to the left for an explanation

The Gist - Will Hindmarch is a freelance writer and game developer based in Atlanta, Georgia. His site design is very pleasing to the eye and I look forward to reading his posts, however, one warning per Will…..don’t ask him about zeppelins or he’ll keep you tied up in conversation all day. Will, I think they are pretty cool as well.

The next Georgia Carnival will post December 7th over at Drifting Through the Grift. Submit your posts to gamind@mail.com or use the handy submission form. Submissions are due Thursday, December 6th by 6:00 p.m.

The 23rd Georgia Carnival Has Posted

Happy Friday!

The 23rd Georgia Carnival has been posted and can be found here.

My gold star award goes out to Facing the Sharks, this edition’s host, for the wonderful job of presenting all of the submissions.

Go on over visit for a spell!

Submissions are now being accepted for the next carnival that will post on Friday, December 7th over at Drifting Through the Grift .

Thanks for all of the comments and emails regarding blog categories. I will begin posting about this soon.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m on a self-imposed posting holiday until Friday. I will be spending time with family and friends.

The painting I’ve presented here is by Norman Rockwell and was inspired along with three other paintings by Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedom’s speech.

The four paintings (you can see them here) were published in the Saturday Evening Post on February 20th, February 27th, March 6th, and March 13th in 1943.

The paintings raised over $130,000,000 in war bond sales when they toured around the country by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

If you are looking for Thanksgiving reading here are the titles of some of my former postings over at History Is Elementary:

13 Thanksgiving Myths

What's All the Hubbub, Bub? All I Want Is Turkey, Family, and a Little Football

Squanto: A Coincidental Life, Part 1

Squanto: A Coincidental Life, Part 2

More Georgia Blogs

The following sites have been added to the blogroll here at Georgia on My Mind:

Yes, They Are All Mine –What would you do with six kids? This great blog gives us a peek into a peek loud, crazy, and full of sticky kisses world

Losing Georgia...The Douglas Story – This site really hits home with me because it centers around my home county. The site itself provides its purpose: The Losing Georgia Project/Losing Georgia: The Douglas Story are one and the same, created by local artist and writer Andrew A. Powell. Beginning in the summer of June 2005, the Project was to photograph the immense changes to the landscape while incorporating the prospects of the future. As the photography turned into research, information was made available through Google Earth and later LosingGeorgia.com, where two years later the Project has proven to be an invaluable local resource.

Douglas County News – Another blog regarding my home county with various county specific links for folks in the Douglasville area.

Georgia Law Blog-Jack Clay – lots of legal topics, links to other law blogs, case updates and case law.

Urban Baboon – things to do, things to see, photos, hiking, history, oddities, and commentary regarding the place we know as Greater Atlanta

Rippling Pond Blog --see what an educator can do with the right technology….

Aprovechar – Lots of great and healthy food ideas with the tagline “talking the full measure of life.”

Rural Pen – Interesting musings from a pen in the rural south

And with the upcoming UGA/Ga. Tech faceoff I’m adding some team blogs for each…..

Ramblin Racket – Top post has new lyrics to “Glory to Old Georgia”

Mash on the Gas – A Georgia Tech site

Bulldawgy – the tagline states….football, music, politics, grace and the lack thereof

Dawg Sports – lots of dawginess and links

The next edition of the Georgia Carnival will post this Friday, and we need to hear from you! Send your submissions (permalinks) to gamind@mail.com or use the handy submission form.

Submissions are due Thursday by 6:00 p.m.

Our host for Friday’s edition will be Facing the Sharks.

The Ga. Carnival Needs to Hear From You

The next edition of the Georgia Carnival will post this Friday, and we need to hear from you! Send your submissions (permalinks) to gamind@mail.com or use the handy submission form. Submissions are due Thursday by 6:00 p.m.

Our host for Friday’s edition will be Facing the Sharks.

Future hosts include:

December 7th Drifting Through the Grift

December 21st Marketing Through the Clutter

January 4th Georgia on My Mind
This will be the one year anniversary of the carnival

January 18th Georgia Politics Unfiltered

Reminder: I’m making a huge attempt to categorize the Georgia blogs I have on the blogroll----See my post here. Provide me a comment or send me an email where you think your blog fits in…….give me two category choices.

I Need Your Input Georgia Bloggers

The blogroll here at Georgia on My Mind is growing quickly, and many people are finding Georgia blogs through the carnival and due to the extra links it and the blogroll provide.

However, if someone is looking for a particular type of blog they must sift the the numerous blog catalog and directory sites, look for their topic, and then hope to find a local blogger. I think it would be easier if I provide a topic listing of Georgia blogs. I have been working on this for the last several weeks, but I need some feedback from the Georgia blogging community.

My plans are to group together like blogs in a series of blog posts. The postings will be accessible under the topic keyword with Google. Once the post is published the link will become a hyperlink I will place the hyperlink in the sidebar under Georgia Blog Topics. For example, the few blogs on the blogroll like my History Is Elementary that focus mainly on history would be under the topic "history". My blog would also have a secondary category…."education".

As new blogs are added and introduced I could edit and re-post the topic post. In this way every Georgia blog is listed on the blogroll and will be listed under two topic listings as well.

So, what I need from Georgia bloggers is ideas on topic labels. Each blog will be labeled two ways like I set out above. Here are some possible topics I’m working with already:

Politics
Music
On-line Media/ (I’ve linked to several blogs that represent newspapers/magazines)
Business
Entrepreneurship
Events and Things to Do
Rural Living
City Living
Education
Religion
Creative Arts
Photography
Painting
History
Podcasting
On-line Journalism
Journalism
Family and Everyday Life
Advocacy (see Hope of Georgia blog or Dustin Inman Society)
Legal Issues
Popular Culture
Book Reviews
Geneology
Sports
Presidential Race (campaign blogs)

I had a topic noted as "Journal”, but isn’t that kind of what blog is anyway? A journal can be about anything, so that’s why I decided to post this to see if anyone has a preference or other ideas.

I think this can help get the right traffic to the right Georgia blog, so I’d love to have your ideas.

If you have two topics you already know you want for your blog please email me at gamind@mail.com or leave word in the comments.

A few submissions have already been received for next week’s carnival.

Am I still waiting on yours? :)

Shhhhhh.....This Blog Is In Prayer

I’m in prayer today, and I hope if you have a notion you are too. However, it didn’t take my Governor to prompt me to prayer. I’ve been praying since early in the summer for a change in our weather pattern and so have many others.

I guess there are those who would be shocked to discover I have prayed in my classroom (gasp!), prayed in the hallways, and even placed my hands over that all important state test before it’s sent in for scoring. I have been known to stand beside a student while he or she is working and place my hand on their shoulder while I say a prayer. Prayer should be a constant activity…..a daily conversation with God.

My daily conversation with God, however, is a silent one. Most students never know I say prayers in the classroom and I certainly wouldn’t gather students and direct them to pray. However, I have given them the opportunity at their suggestion….one such occasion was 9/11 when a student wanted to say a prayer for the people in the towers. The student organized it, made sure everyone knew they didn’t have to join in, he led it, and I silently prayed with them. Public prayer does have its place and purpose.

Gov. Sonny Perdue’s call for prayer has once again placed our state in the forefront for those who like to write off Southerners as simple country bumpkins. You know….those “There they go again…..” types.

Religion is a part of the South and deeply embedded into our culture no matter how many critics want to ridicule it or even deny it. If your family has been in the South for over five generations and have more or less followed the Baptist, Methodist, or just the Christian faith in general there’s a good chance you have a long line of pastors in your family like I do.

It’s hard to shake that kind of dust from your shoes.

I guess some high-falutin’ educated folks manage to educate themselves right out religion even if they have deep Southern roots. I too have been faced with the dilemma of seperating fact and faith. It’s a choice they make and I support their choice, however, I hold three pieces of paper that tell me I’m highly educated as well…. yet for me and my house I choose prayer and all that goes along with it.

News stories regarding the Governor’s call for prayer can be found here, here, and here.

This post also appears at Got Bible? and History Is Elementary

A Georgia Blog in the News

A Georgia blog, The Dustin Inman Society, was featured on WSB-TV news last night. The main page for the website can be found here, and the most current blog entries can be found here.

The topic of the story was Americans who have been killed in traffic accidents due to the negligence of illegal aliens who often cannot be tracked down for prosecution. Since these drivers are illegals the families of those injured and killed are forced to take on medical expenses, pain and suffering even though they were not responsible for the accident.

You can find out more information regarding the accident that claimed Dustin’s life here.

The clip titled Illegal and Under Arrest can be found here.

The photo is from The Dustin Inman Society site.

More Georgia Blogs

More sites have been added to the blogroll here at Georgia on My Mind. They are:

Barnes Storming- a blog about pop culture, culture, and music you should be listening to written by Brad Barnes, a features writer with the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Creative title, creative postings…..nuff said!

Walk of Shame –Need to know what’s going on in Columbus? Sonya’s postings will keep you plugged in.

The Spin Cycle-a health and fitness blog also from the Ledger-Enquirer.

The Pasty Quail- an Athens based voice for news and politics. The bloggers at this site made their Georgia Carnival debut last week.

Love My Georgia-a great site about everything Georgia…lots of links…lots of things to check out.

Baptist Commentary-expositions on particular text, opinions, and links…..check out the posting index----lots of information in an easy to navigate site.

Primitive Baptist Churches—lots of links and information including locations of primitive Baptist Churches. Did you know there are over 40 Primitive Baptist churches in Georgia?

The Adventures of a Spastic Squirrel-Amanda is an engineering student and states she’s sort of random with her posting topics. I know the feeling.

NewsManBook.com-the blog of Columbus newscaster Dick McMichael

Through a Glass Darkly-ruminations on life and lots of vegan links

Random Atlanta – random musings about all things Atlanta....love the dog!

Niches – blog topics include native plants, habitat restoration, and other science snippets

Thank You Veterans!

This isn't the day to debate if a war was/is just or not.

Recognize the veterans in your life for their sacrifice whether they are from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or the current conflict!

Paying Respects

It wasn’t too long ago that I was perusing through the links at Georgia Daily Digest and came upon a story from Macon, Georgia involving the Allman Brothers Band and the resting places of bassist Berry Oakley and Duane Allman at Rosehill Cemetary.

I love listening to the Allman Brothers…..their music reminds me of certain events and people from my past. Southern rock and and very Southern past---they go hand in hand with me.

The dream that all of the members of the Allman Brothers Band would survive the 70s, 80s, 90s and still be cranking out great Southern rock into the 21st century came to an abrupt halt when Duane and Berry were killed in separate motorcycle accidents one year apart. Yes, they still tour and music is still played, but....

I’m sure my husband and I are like many folks that still maintain Allman Brothers records and even a few 8-tracks for keepsakes, but many fans are drawn to Rosehill…not to say a prayer or leave a flower, but to get down and party which means, of course, drinking, dancing, and even going so far as to having sex graveside per Candace Oakley, Berry's sister.

Over the years Ms. Oakley has cleaned liquor bottles, cigarette butts, condom wrappers, and even cleaned up crayon markings from the headstones. The crayon marks were left behind as fans made rubbings of the text on each headstone which are also stained from the many bottles of liquor that have been poured over each grave. Angel statues that originally adorned the gravesites were taken years ago by adoring fans, and vandals have even gone so far as attempting to break into the vaults.

Candace Oakley has battled with the Macon City Council for years in an attempt to place some sort of barrier or fence around the graves. A chain link fence Ms. Oakley had erected a few years ago was torn down by the city. Recently she requested another fence more in keeping with the appearance of the cememtary.

While I certainly wouldn’t mind visting the cemetary the next time I head towards Macon, Georgia I prefer to remember the fallen Allman Brothers Band members in this way:



Associated links you might find interesting:

I know it’s Wikipedia, but there are great links here.
Scroll down at this site for more info on the gravesites.
Here is an article on the Allman and Berry fence fund
The fence fund MySpace Page and the main page for the Fence Fund.

Georgia Carnival: Edition 22

Welcome to the 22nd edition of the Georgia Carnival. Please support these fine Georgia bloggers by letting them know you have visited them with a comment. Your continued support with your links and shout-outs at your site helps to alert others to what we Georgia bloggers have to offer.

The next carnival will be hosted over at Facing the Sharks two weeks from today.

If you would like to host the carnival at your site e-mail me to set up a date. It’s a great way to put your own personal spin on the carnival.

The last edition of the Georgia carnival can be found here, and the carnival archives are found here.

Now… on to the highlights of Georgia blogging during the past two weeks:

Genarlow Wilson

The last edition of the Georgia Carnival hadn’t been posted long when word hit the blogosphere that Genarlow Wilson would soon be a free man. Several weighed in with their thoughts and the aftermath that followed.

Over at Albatross the announcement was made and Fresh Loaf discussed some of the initial reactions by those involved. As more and more statements were made Going Through the Motions, Drifting Through the Grift, and SpaceyG over at Peach Pundit kept us advised.

Water…..

The Atlanta Water Shortage Blog examines the Georgia Water Coalition Report. GriftDrift has a link to his discussion with Wilson R. Smith regarding the drought and politics. We have yet another view as well. Also Wilson provides thoughts and ideas regarding Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia...Water and Development, and finally, Perdue is hosting a prayer service for rain.

Local Election Results and Exploits of Those We Might Or Might Not Have Voted For

Rusty provides a new Georgia Politics podcast with links to other reading material while Buzz has some results from Tuesday’s election. There was some concern regarding the availability of alcohol on election day and Jace states voters continue to reject republicans. Of course, GriftDrift offered his take on elections as well.

James from The Other Athens gives us some food for thought regarding how much power the folks down at City Hall have over all our lives, and he’s also concerned about amendments to the Clarke County School District's budget.

The AJC’s Political Insider blog states Cynthia McKinney has a new cause.

Here's a link to a conversation with 10th District Congressman Paul Broun courtesy of The Other Athens.

The Brian Nichols Trial

Public Defender Stuff states Let's try Brian Nichols properly the first time while Georgia Criminal Defense discusses the lawsuit filed against Judge Fuller. Liberal Lucidity tells Glenn Richardson to ante up, and Sara Salmongirl agrees with comments made at a recent press conference that it’s time to end the “tenure, turmoil, and trauma” surrounding the Brian Nichols case and provides additional reasons to be grateful for Dr. Joseph Lowery.

Blogging and Other Benefits of Online Life

The Satellite TV Guru reviews the online movie rental service Netflix. Amber provides 10 events for bloggers. I wonder if we went to all of these events if we could write them off on our taxes…..and upon passing her first blog anniversary Sandi had great plans for marking it, however, she got caught up in the clutter.

Images….and more images

I would imagine that many non-Georgians would be surprised that bamboo grows well…..a little too well at times…in our state. Candace from A SAHM's Journal shares some images from UGA’s bamboo farm near Savannah. Susan from Patchwork Reflections states, “Visual aids are important in weight loss, as in many other areas of endeavor.” I couldn’t agree more and personally I found Susan's images very intriguing.

Religion and Spirituality

“Too often we think reaching out to our neighbors and into our community has to be some big complicated affair. Because we think so, we never do anything about it.” Does this sound familiar? It does to me. I’m convicted in a big way after reading Pastor Bill’s comments and link to a great article on Being Missional....Made Easy. "Making a difference in people’s lives isn’t that difficult…most often all it takes is opening up your home. When you open up your home, people open up their hearts and open up their lives."

Remember the various trades you made when you were in elementary school? Some were kinda sucky, weren’t they? Over at Got Bible (I’m writing over there now) I posted Grace for Faith: The Perfect Trade.

The megachurch model seems to be so popular these days….but “what do parishoners do when they hear their pastor has ‘been mistaken’ in leading their worship?” Dan from The Pasty Quail asks that very question in his post Megachurch Paradigm Willow Creek Goes Back to the Drawing Board. Local megachurches around Atlanta have been in the news the last couple of days….Andre gives us the gospel according to Creflo Dollar, and Decatur-Dekalb states Bishop Eddie Long is long on compensation.

Controversies

Mark Twin once said, “There are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damned lies, and statistics.” Hebbard from The Pasty Quail provides Criticism of the American Healthcare System.

Is the old Disney movie Song of the South racist? The Wrens Nest Online is asking….

To taser or not to taser…that is the question. Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine examines how young is too young.

Lefty explains why socialism makes sense.

A Typical Joe states, Though I’m not as sure I want a “tolerant” society, I think I may prefer a society that values “equality and justice.” What prompted this statement? Find out in Joe’s post Assimilate or Agitate.

Facing the Sharks, our next host for the Georgia Carnival, has been trying to take on the fat cats and big boys in the courtroom. She’s been battling such issues as electronic case filing which was not available to folks representing themselves. Keeping up the good fight Colleen was finally able to file being the first pro se litigant in the Middle District of Georgia to do so.

The Pasty Quail reports on Pakistan in Turmoil.

Georgia History…..some proud and not so proud moments

Have you ever walked the grounds of the Georgia State Capital building? It is a lovely place with wide walkways, interesting flora and fauna, and the statues……oh the statues especially the one of Eugene Talmadge pointing his large finger down Memorial Drive. If you were able to go back in time though, you might be surprised by the Capital building’s surroundings. They would not appear as they do today. Paw Paw Bill provides us a little insight into what used to surround the building as well as some interesting bits of verbal history from the House of Talmadge.

The lynchings at Moore's Ford Bridge is one of the lowest points in our history, but one that shouldn’t be forgotten. Many thanks to the Oconee Democrat who provides proof those citizens along the Walton and Oconee County border are making efforts to never forget.

On a lighter note over at History Is Elementary I posted You Know You're in Georgia When... based on a book by William Schemmel.

Books, Books and More Books

St. John Flynn from Cover to Cover reviews an upcoming novel from acclaimed author William C. Harris called Wassaw Sound.

Grasping for the Wind provides a review of Crystal Rain by Tobias Buckell, and She’s a Betty has a booklist with some interesting suggestions.

The Glenn Tax Debate….the love continues

What is a particular candidate saying about the Glenn tax? James provides the details. Lucid Idiocy provides Glenn Richardson, Charles Darwin, and taxes. SpaceyG provides some thoughts regarding a recent appearance at the Atlanta Press Club by Gov. Sonny Perdue as he gave the I Heart Property Taxes speech, and from Mel at Blog For Democracy it would seem voters are “getting it” in more ways than one.

Entertainment and Accolades

Beth from Cup of Coffey has a fantasy job and it involves many of my favorite movie soundtracks. Stacy has the low down regarding the Suzy Bass awards for 2007 which were held at the Egyptian Ballroom for local Atlanta theater, and speaking of awards and lists Andisheh Nouraee over at Fresh Loaf has been posting a series called Atlanta’s 11 Least Influential People. Catch up with the series here.

Presidential Contenders

A Few Good Pens is thinking about Ron Paul’s claim to have raised 4.2 million in day. Buzz thinks he has the secret of the Paulians. Terrell over at The Limb is usually telling us about his classroom activities. Today he’s sharing information regarding Robert Novak and Jimmy Carter. Recently Obama had to explain why he had decided not to wear a flag pin. In response Another History Blog provides more yellow ribbons than you can shake a stick at. ATLmalcontent is speaking of Senator Clinton here and here. Jason is appalled Neil Boortz has endorsed Huckabee and speaking of Boortz some UGA students were against him speaking at school, however, Zaid is glad he spoke out. In his speech Mr. Boortz told students some of the things they won't learn while at UGA. James took his family to hear Boortz and provides who he will support at the polls as well.

Sports

Aging Hipster is discussing Don Shula and the Patriots. The Barkan Dawg links to article that helps us all put things in perspective. Georgia Tech Sports Blog says well……maybe next year while, and Georgia Sports Blog discusses the black out for Auburn. Blutarsky has had enough of the black jersey speculation.

The next edition of the carnival will be found at Facing the Sharks on November 23rd. Posts can be sent to gamind@mail.com or use the handy submission form. Submissions are due November 22nd by 6:00 p.m.Thanks for your continued support of the Georgia Carnival!

Carnival Reminder and More Georgia Blogs

Just a reminder….the Georgia Carnival will post here this Friday. Send your submissions to gamind@mail.com or use the handy submission form. Submissions are due Thursday by 6:00 p.m.

More sites have been added to the blogroll here at Georgia on My Mind. They are:

My Home Sweet Home This blog is powered by Wordpress, gummy bears, sweet tea, and bloggable moments….not to mention homeschooling topics and the antics of 8 kids and 1 husband.

Shell's Stuff This homeschooling mom delves into graphic design, card making, and rubber stamping. She uses her blog to share a few of her creations and a little about her crazy life. Her card designs are simply wonderful!

Simply Ken Musings on the journey of life by a spiritual architect

Just Charlie The personal blog of a Baptist minister who just wants to be known as “Just Charlie”.

akaFrankGreen The author of this blog states he writes about nothing in particular….mostly his observations on life as an intown Atlantan who likes his friends, his drink, and his bike.

Atlanta Water Shortage Blog Keeping you informed about the Georgia drought

Asian Cajuns Is there really such a person? Of course there is….only in Atlanta.

My Daily Struggle …This blogger tackles each day by simply doing what she can.

Ellie's Dad This blog is about being a Dad and a husband, with an occasional rant about the political scene, business, traffic in Atlanta, and life in general

Do you know about a great Georgia blog? Drop me a line and tell me all about it...especially if it's yours!

I'm Just a Little Late for the Celebration

Those loud shouts you heard from the western quandrant of Georgia this past Saturday afternoon came from my son and husband as they watched the Georgia-Florida game.

Such excitement!

Even though I’m an educator and I’m supposed to “follow the rules” I greatly admire Coach Richt’s strategy regarding the celebration which the blog, Welcome to Terminus states “Watch this 100 times…it will not get old.”

No, it doesn’t get old.

There’s been many things written and said….Georgia Sports Blog has something here,
a little more here with some links, and even a little more on the celebration thing.

Coach Richt is bombarded with messages to win, win, and win. I’m bombarded with messages to score high, score high, score high. Coach Richt just did what every educator knows has to be done from time to time…..you have to get out of the box….you have to deviate from the norm…you have to take a risk to motivate. Later, Coach Richt admitted he didn’t really intend for such a gregarious celebration. Many times that occurs in the classroom as well. You give a direction and sometimes unintended things happen. I’m sure if he ever does that again he will word his directions a bit more carefully

There has been some criticism…there may be some copycats in the future, however, there wasn’t a single person harmed by the celebration. No one is going to be maimed for life, and life will continue on as before.

It was a wonderful exciting moment of a team living in the moment.

Blogroll Additions

Due to many new Georgia Carnival participants either through submissions or through Rusty's great job as host I have many new Georgia bloggers to add to the blogroll here at Georgia On My Mind.

These are just a few. I will be adding more later this week. As always if you are a Georgia blogger I can link to you here, and your submissions to the Georgia Carnival are always a welcome addition.

Pecanne Log-simply said at the site….ladyblogging Atlanta

Welcome to Terminus-An Atlanta Blog-First of all this site has a great name based on its location…Atlanta. Terminus was the an early name for Georgia’s capital city because the railroad line ended there. Welcome to Terminus has interesting news, sports, and things to do in Atlanta

The Augustan-Think Augusta and mix in local, state, and national politics

Softly and Tenderly-need prayer?

A SAHM Journal-Candace stays at home with Anna and writes about their adventures

Hot Flash Report-a blog based in Georgia regarding opinions concerning the wrongs of the Right

Albatross!-a blog written by a self-proclaimed self-taught left-leaning expert on everything

Patchwork Reflections-a patchwork of observations, musings, and reflections from Ellijay

R. Scott Davis, Psy D.–great posts from a licensed clinical psychologist

Miami Phillips...Finding Happiness Now-posts regarding getting the most from relationships and your business life

DuaneMoody.com-an entertaining blog that’s really more than just a blog

A Cup of Coffey-a dazzling act of blogging ventriloquism

Grabbing Sand-a great blog containing views on many different subjects…during the last Georgia Carnival readers were given appropriate telephone numbers to report water violations…a much needed act of citizenry these days.

ExtraFace-lots of great bloggy/techno topics and just looking at all of the things Dave has been involved in makes me tired. Go Dave!

BGB.Com-writer, artist, musician, mathematician, e-media hotshot, blasphemous hater are descriptors this blogger uses to describe himself. He’s got the power….now what?

How Good Are You With Georgia Facts and Trivia?

There are quite a few online quizzes regarding Georgia facts and trivia. I'll admit some of the questions on the quiz linked to below are quite obscure bits of knowledge, but I'll guarantee you'll learn at least one new thing and that makes it worthwhile. I earned an 80 when I took it. If you dare click through and take the quiz and come back to leave your score in the comments.

Play Quiz: The Peach State now!

Georgia Carnival: Edition 21

The 21st Georgia Carnival is now open for your enjoyment over at Radical Georgia Moderate.

Rusty has done a most excellent job of putting together a wonderful panorama of Georgia postings including a large section on our water woes, politics, education, books, and so much more.

Thanks for hosting, Rusty! Take a much deserved rest.

Find the carnival here.

The next edition of the Georgia Carnival will be found here at Georgia On My Mind on November 9th. Submissions can be sent directly to gamind@mail.com.

The 10-20-30 Virus

Pastor Bill over at Provocative Church tagged me with the 10-20-30 virus. If I have to have a virus this is the kind I’d want. The whole point is to write about where you were in your life 10 years ago, 20 years ago, and 30 years ago.

30 years ago: The year was 1977. I was a tenth grader making the change from public school….Lakeshore High School in College Park to private school….Woodward Academy. I loved my old school, but loved my new one even more. Friday and Saturday nights found me making the ever slow trek up and down Old National Highway where all the high school kids on the southside hung out to see and be seen. The Krystal and Steak and Shake parking lots were particular hot spots for some reason. This was also the year I finally gave in to join my church (First Baptist Church of Red Oak) and be baptized. “Gave in” is the right phrase because I had been ready for years, but simply wouldn’t submit to that walk down to the preacher. Rev. Larry Stewart was so relieved when I finally made that walk. He said his list had finally gotten shorter. It was also the year that I first laid eyes on my husband. He worked for my father and though it took him some time to realize I was “the one” I knew it in an instant. We have been married 23 years.

20 years ago: The year was 1987. I had been married for three years and was busy being the mother of an even more busy two year old boy. I was working as a paralegal for a lawfirm in Marietta, and hubby and I had just bought a new home west of Atlanta. We are still there. This was also the year I had to face what many children do in the United States though they are often at much younger ages. At the age of 25 I found myself a child of divorce. It’s never easy no matter how old you are.

10 years ago: The year was 1997. I was a busy mom of a twelve year old boy and a four year old girl. I was a work-from-home mom, a room mother, and PTA queen. I also travelled around to local courthouses doing freelance background checks and title exams for various clients by day, and by night I was immersed in the teacher candidate program for middle grades education at Mercer University. I finally started teaching during the 98-99 school year.

In order to get the virus totally out of my system I have to tag five other people, and I have decided to stick to Georgia folks. I’m interested in learning more about Chicken Fat, The Aging Hipster, Button Gwinnett over at Liberal Lucidity, Doug over at Considerettes, and SpaceyG at The Spacey Gracey Review.

I have emailed these folks with notification they have been infected. :)