As I read my devotional this morning pertaining to a verse from Joshua, it brought to mind a story I had read in Guideposts. It told about a man who painted rocks with scriptures on them and sold them in a gift shop. A few years ago, I was into painting. Shirts, plates, cups, sticks and rocks, I painted anything that came to my mind. After reading the article, I decided that I would paint a rock with a verse of scripture. So here is what happened.
I preceded to travel to a creek in Sugar Valley where I knew that I could get some rocks for this purpose. I had been to this creek many times, as it was on the property of my friend, Clarence Ghorley. We used it often for baptizing. You just had to keep an eye out for snakes. I should know this as it is called Snake Creek Gap. Many rattlers have been killed at this location. I think one year, Clarence said that he had killed about 23 of different sizes.
Well it took a while to find the right one while I kept an eye out for snakes. I am deathly afraid of these particular varmints. We killed one in my home once but that is another story for me to tell. There were plenty of big rocks but not flat rocks in just the right shape that I wanted it to be.. After finding my rock, I came home and washed the rock to remove all the mud and debree. I waited until the next day for the painting because I wanted to get gold paint for this rock. I have always thought of gold as being a royal color. Then I decided to put two coats on the rock in case of scratches and each coat had to be thoroughly dry. When I got to the painting of the scripture, it didn't turn out like I wanted it to, so what I got was a mish-mash of printing big and little letters. Then I had a nudge from the Lord. "Why are you trying to made it perfect?" What an eye opener. Nothing is perfect in this world except GOD. So my messed up rock is on the front porch by the door with these words. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
I want all people who come to my door to know that we are Christians. I hope we show it in word as well as deed and with a little humor to boot.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
"PEGGY'S HOUSE"
As I was reading Facebook the other day. I came across a Blog that interested me about an establishment in Rome in my youth. "Peggy's." It brought to mind a episode of when I was about 15 years old. My mom had a beauty shop in North Rome and had quite a bit of clientele. One particular person was a young woman who came every week to have her hair done for the week-end. Once a month, she would have a touch-up of her roots. Her hair was a gorgeous color of platinum blond. Over time, her name has slipped my mind, but her order of lunch still remains with me as I was the one to walk to the Drug Store soda shop to bring it back. Always the same, grilled cheese sandwich with dill pickle slices, potato chips and a fountain coke with extra ice. She would give me a $10 bill and when I returned, she would let me keep the change. I had spending money all summer. Over a few weeks, I learned that she was an employee of "Peggy's." She had a boyfriend who used her for money as he didn't work. I won't reveal his name as I attended school with his brother and sister. He told me this when he found out that I went to East Rome. Sometimes he would bring her to the shop but mostly she rode in a cab. Then he would come by to get money. He would be going to a bootlegger in East Rome to get white whiskey. He would bring her back a drink and keep the change. Sometimes, he would buy two bottles, bring her one and keep the other. This was a lot for a 15-year-old to comprehend. I couldn't even tell anyone about this or my mom would lose her patronage. And her tips were great. Sometimes, she would even have her nails done. My mom had learned this at Beauty School as well as facials. It was an all round shop.
Now I knew where "Peggy's" was located as just about every other person in Rome. Across the street from the fairgrounds. Most anytime that I would drive by, your could see the location. I would take East First Street up to 5 points and turn across what is now MLK Blvd to get to Kingston Hwy going to my aunt's house. In the day time, the parking lot would be empty but at night, it was full. Sometimes I would even recognize a few cars. That would be my secret. The only way to keep a secret, is if I don't tell. Two people will not keep a secret. At the end of the summer, my mom was killed in an automobile accident and I went to live with my dad. I never saw her again but I remember that flowers were sent to the funeral and I recognized the name's. I only hope that a thank you card was sent to them in their remembrance of my mom. Later in my life, I wondered what would make a young girl like her turn to that old profession. So poor to need the money, or abused as a child, or maybe she was homeless. We don't know what her situation was and why she was in that location. "Walk a mile in my shoes." Except for a loving family, I could have been homeless. Always be open to people and not judge them until you know all the circumstances and situations. There is an old saying, "There but for the Grace of GOD go I." So often we are quick to judge. My dad always said to clean off your own back porch before you start to clean someone else's.
The following story is from the blog called "Peggy's." The initials at the end of the story are MWH. All credit goes the that person for all her work in searching out this story.
http://peggyshouse.blogspot.com/
I am attempting to write a book about a curious yet elusive woman in a small north Georgia town who managed to run a successful up-scale house of prostitution for over thirty years. Peggy Stone Sneed was an uneducated country girl from an area called the 'Prospect Community' near Centre, Alabama. She came to Rome, Georgia as a young woman to work in the Celanese Mill by day, and began moonlighting in a local 'house' by night. It was said that she was exceptionally beautiful and many of the men at the plant tried to get close to her with no success whatsoever. It wasn't until one of them discovered her at her night job that it was understood why, so those who's hopes had been dashed time and again, found that there was another way to get to know her.
Over time, she supposedly earned enough money to start her own business and she left the plant to open up her own house. It was said that her business sense was remarkable. She ran a tight ship and her girls had frequent medical attention and were 'guaranteed safe'. On one rare occasion when a client did come down with an embarrassing 'condition', Peggy made good on her word by covering all of his medical costs.
Local business, such as dress store owners, grocers, and pharmacists catered to the cash paying Madam by bringing goods to her house for purchase. She kept a side business during prohibition of selling beer and Cuban rum - all without consequences. It was said that hers was a clearing house for girls from Cuba and the west coast so her house was constantly full of fresh faces. She also had a suspicious amount of property in the Virgin Islands as well as in Floyd County.
Most remarkable of all is that Peggy's was well known nationally and internationally and received no opposition from the local Police, local businesses or even the local women. Everyone looked the other way and accepted the house as a part of the community - peacefully. This is a phenomenon that has not occurred before or since. My question is why? What made Peggy different? From her signature pink clothing and hair to her signature pink French poodle, she stood out and hasn't been forgotten these long years.
I have been collecting all sorts of amusing stories about this woman and her house and I am posting here to collect more. Everything you read here is pure here say, I admit it! I have a great start but there are just as many new questions being raised as there are answers. If you have any sort of anecdote about her or the house, please post them. I even take second and third hand stories...and your name won't be used. From the blog, Peggy's in North Rome.
http://peggyshouse.blogspot.com/
Now I knew where "Peggy's" was located as just about every other person in Rome. Across the street from the fairgrounds. Most anytime that I would drive by, your could see the location. I would take East First Street up to 5 points and turn across what is now MLK Blvd to get to Kingston Hwy going to my aunt's house. In the day time, the parking lot would be empty but at night, it was full. Sometimes I would even recognize a few cars. That would be my secret. The only way to keep a secret, is if I don't tell. Two people will not keep a secret. At the end of the summer, my mom was killed in an automobile accident and I went to live with my dad. I never saw her again but I remember that flowers were sent to the funeral and I recognized the name's. I only hope that a thank you card was sent to them in their remembrance of my mom. Later in my life, I wondered what would make a young girl like her turn to that old profession. So poor to need the money, or abused as a child, or maybe she was homeless. We don't know what her situation was and why she was in that location. "Walk a mile in my shoes." Except for a loving family, I could have been homeless. Always be open to people and not judge them until you know all the circumstances and situations. There is an old saying, "There but for the Grace of GOD go I." So often we are quick to judge. My dad always said to clean off your own back porch before you start to clean someone else's.
The following story is from the blog called "Peggy's." The initials at the end of the story are MWH. All credit goes the that person for all her work in searching out this story.
http://peggyshouse.blogspot.com/
I am attempting to write a book about a curious yet elusive woman in a small north Georgia town who managed to run a successful up-scale house of prostitution for over thirty years. Peggy Stone Sneed was an uneducated country girl from an area called the 'Prospect Community' near Centre, Alabama. She came to Rome, Georgia as a young woman to work in the Celanese Mill by day, and began moonlighting in a local 'house' by night. It was said that she was exceptionally beautiful and many of the men at the plant tried to get close to her with no success whatsoever. It wasn't until one of them discovered her at her night job that it was understood why, so those who's hopes had been dashed time and again, found that there was another way to get to know her.
Over time, she supposedly earned enough money to start her own business and she left the plant to open up her own house. It was said that her business sense was remarkable. She ran a tight ship and her girls had frequent medical attention and were 'guaranteed safe'. On one rare occasion when a client did come down with an embarrassing 'condition', Peggy made good on her word by covering all of his medical costs.
Local business, such as dress store owners, grocers, and pharmacists catered to the cash paying Madam by bringing goods to her house for purchase. She kept a side business during prohibition of selling beer and Cuban rum - all without consequences. It was said that hers was a clearing house for girls from Cuba and the west coast so her house was constantly full of fresh faces. She also had a suspicious amount of property in the Virgin Islands as well as in Floyd County.
Most remarkable of all is that Peggy's was well known nationally and internationally and received no opposition from the local Police, local businesses or even the local women. Everyone looked the other way and accepted the house as a part of the community - peacefully. This is a phenomenon that has not occurred before or since. My question is why? What made Peggy different? From her signature pink clothing and hair to her signature pink French poodle, she stood out and hasn't been forgotten these long years.
I have been collecting all sorts of amusing stories about this woman and her house and I am posting here to collect more. Everything you read here is pure here say, I admit it! I have a great start but there are just as many new questions being raised as there are answers. If you have any sort of anecdote about her or the house, please post them. I even take second and third hand stories...and your name won't be used. From the blog, Peggy's in North Rome.
http://peggyshouse.blogspot.com/
DEATH IN THE COMMUNITY-PAULA LOUISE KELLY
KJV-Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind. let each esteem others better than themselves. My daily devotional reads a little different-Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
On July 31, 2011-Paula Louise Kelly left this earth. Just a simple act of one driver in such a big hurry that he could not wait to go further down the road. This driver passed in an area that should not be used for passing on a 2-lane highway.Therefore, 2 people died. She was just 1/2 mile from home. This lady was my neighbor; a mother, grandmother, daughter, and wife. An aunt, cousin, and friend yet her life was cut short. 46 years old but she is no longer with us. Subsequently, a child died from the injuries. Why do we always think that we are better than others and do our own thing or be first all the time. We haven't earned any rights. We are only children of GOD by His Grace. By believing on Him and be washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Are we teaching our children this measure of faith? Is it our environment that causes us to behave this way? It might be what we see others do and copy their actions. Some call it "Road Rage." Others call it selfishness or vindictiveness. Yet in truth, we are spoiled children. We all want to do our own thing and 2 people are dead. I don't want to be this type of person. I want to have a little more patience and help someone along the way.
Father in Heaven, Please help me to over come my faults and failures. Let me be a better example for my children and grandchildren, to be humble and a servant for you. Amen.
The following is an obituary for Paula Louise Kelly:
Paula Whitener Kelly, 46, of Trimble Hollow Rd., Adairsville, Georgia, died July 31, 2011.
Paula was born June 16, 1965 in Bartow County, was employed at David's Auto Sales in Rome and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Acworth.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charlie and Margene Edwards and Albert and Zona Whitener.
Surviving are her children, Billy and Brandy Ford of Cohutta, Dana and Jorge Sanchez of Cartersville, Tiffany and Jason Turner of Calhoun, nine grandchildren, parents, Nancy and Jerry Thacker of Kingston, Paul and Annette Whitener of Adairsville, stepmother, Shelty Whitener of Cartersville, sister and brother in law, Donna and John McRobie of Tunnel Hill, brothers and sisters in law, Rev. Donnie and Carol Whitener and Morris and Elsa Whitener and Johnny Wilson, all of Cartersville and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Boston and Rev. Donnie Whitener.
Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 4:00-9:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Michael Overton, Billy Ford, III, Morris Whitener, Lamar and Victor Crowe, Charles and Mark Gibson, Chris Borders and Rev. Louie G. Casey.
Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.
On July 31, 2011-Paula Louise Kelly left this earth. Just a simple act of one driver in such a big hurry that he could not wait to go further down the road. This driver passed in an area that should not be used for passing on a 2-lane highway.Therefore, 2 people died. She was just 1/2 mile from home. This lady was my neighbor; a mother, grandmother, daughter, and wife. An aunt, cousin, and friend yet her life was cut short. 46 years old but she is no longer with us. Subsequently, a child died from the injuries. Why do we always think that we are better than others and do our own thing or be first all the time. We haven't earned any rights. We are only children of GOD by His Grace. By believing on Him and be washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Are we teaching our children this measure of faith? Is it our environment that causes us to behave this way? It might be what we see others do and copy their actions. Some call it "Road Rage." Others call it selfishness or vindictiveness. Yet in truth, we are spoiled children. We all want to do our own thing and 2 people are dead. I don't want to be this type of person. I want to have a little more patience and help someone along the way.
Father in Heaven, Please help me to over come my faults and failures. Let me be a better example for my children and grandchildren, to be humble and a servant for you. Amen.
The following is an obituary for Paula Louise Kelly:
Paula Whitener Kelly, 46, of Trimble Hollow Rd., Adairsville, Georgia, died July 31, 2011.
Paula was born June 16, 1965 in Bartow County, was employed at David's Auto Sales in Rome and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Acworth.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charlie and Margene Edwards and Albert and Zona Whitener.
Surviving are her children, Billy and Brandy Ford of Cohutta, Dana and Jorge Sanchez of Cartersville, Tiffany and Jason Turner of Calhoun, nine grandchildren, parents, Nancy and Jerry Thacker of Kingston, Paul and Annette Whitener of Adairsville, stepmother, Shelty Whitener of Cartersville, sister and brother in law, Donna and John McRobie of Tunnel Hill, brothers and sisters in law, Rev. Donnie and Carol Whitener and Morris and Elsa Whitener and Johnny Wilson, all of Cartersville and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Boston and Rev. Donnie Whitener.
Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 4:00-9:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Michael Overton, Billy Ford, III, Morris Whitener, Lamar and Victor Crowe, Charles and Mark Gibson, Chris Borders and Rev. Louie G. Casey.
Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Dr. J. Edwin Orr
As I was reading my Bible this morning, I came across a verse in Psalms 139: 23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." It stuck in my mind as I had sung this song many times at church in my youth. Sometimes a song just does not leave your memory. Years later, when I was taking piano lessons, I found this song in the piano music course of Henry Slaughter. This course was teaching augmented and diminished cords. So as anyone who knows me, I decided to search out about the man who wrote the words. I love all biographies, and since my grandfather and all his brothers wrote gospel music, the first website I visited contained a great deal about Dr. Orr. It was easier than I thought, as he had a lifetime of Christian leadership. Though out his life, he had led revivals in just about every country of the world. What an accomplishment and testimony to our GOD. He has a website and you can order many of his sermons and books. www.jedwinorr.com. The following are from various websites.
James Edwin Orr. He was born January 12, 1912 in Belfast, Ireland. He died April 22, 1987m in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Orr was ordained an American Baptist minister in 1940, attended Northwestern University (MA-1941) and Northern Baptist Seminary (ThD-1943), and served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific in World War II. After the war, he continued his schooling, attending Oxford University (PhD-1948) and the University of California at Los Angeles (EdD-1971); he also received honorary degrees from an Indian seminary, Pasadena, California. He wrote at least six hymns including "Cleanse Me."
The words were written at a revival meeting in Ngarunwahis, New Zealand, taking less than five minutes to put them down on paper. This is a "MAORI" tune adapted by John T. Benson Jr.
"Search me, O God,
and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior,
Know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be
Some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin
And set me free."
I have included the first verse, but it can be found in many hymnals for various churches. Besides his writing, teaching, and preaching, Dr. Orr had great impact on evangelicals around the world through his friendship with other leading Christians. He was an advisor of Billy Graham's from the start of that evangelist's career.
Orr passed on to Glory on a preaching trip in 1987.
Below is a dedication for Dr. Orr's book "Full Surrender" by Billy Graham
"Dr. J. Edwin Orr, in my opinion, is on of the greatest authorities on the history of religious revivals in the Protestant world. I think that God has given him one of the greatest and most unique ministries anywhere in the nation...I know of no man who has a greater passion for worldwide revival or a greater love for the souls of men."
From F.F.Bruce, from the introduction to "Light of the Nations" by Dr. Orr
"Some men read history, some write it, and others make it. So far as the history of religious revivals is concerned, J Edwin Orr belongs to all three categories."
Ref:
www.believersweb.org.
www.cyberhymnal.org.
James Edwin Orr. He was born January 12, 1912 in Belfast, Ireland. He died April 22, 1987m in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Orr was ordained an American Baptist minister in 1940, attended Northwestern University (MA-1941) and Northern Baptist Seminary (ThD-1943), and served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific in World War II. After the war, he continued his schooling, attending Oxford University (PhD-1948) and the University of California at Los Angeles (EdD-1971); he also received honorary degrees from an Indian seminary, Pasadena, California. He wrote at least six hymns including "Cleanse Me."
The words were written at a revival meeting in Ngarunwahis, New Zealand, taking less than five minutes to put them down on paper. This is a "MAORI" tune adapted by John T. Benson Jr.
"Search me, O God,
and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior,
Know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be
Some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin
And set me free."
I have included the first verse, but it can be found in many hymnals for various churches. Besides his writing, teaching, and preaching, Dr. Orr had great impact on evangelicals around the world through his friendship with other leading Christians. He was an advisor of Billy Graham's from the start of that evangelist's career.
Orr passed on to Glory on a preaching trip in 1987.
Below is a dedication for Dr. Orr's book "Full Surrender" by Billy Graham
"Dr. J. Edwin Orr, in my opinion, is on of the greatest authorities on the history of religious revivals in the Protestant world. I think that God has given him one of the greatest and most unique ministries anywhere in the nation...I know of no man who has a greater passion for worldwide revival or a greater love for the souls of men."
From F.F.Bruce, from the introduction to "Light of the Nations" by Dr. Orr
"Some men read history, some write it, and others make it. So far as the history of religious revivals is concerned, J Edwin Orr belongs to all three categories."
Ref:
www.believersweb.org.
www.cyberhymnal.org.
Monday, July 11, 2011
ANTHONY JOHNSON SHOWALTER
1858-1924 Interred at West Hill Cemetery in Dalton, GA
So I came up with the name of VAROCKIN (Valentine) SHOWALTER from the Netherlands. The family was referred to as being "Dutch." Jacob Showalter, born about 1800 in Virginia or as many refer to as the Shenandoah Valley, had many descendants, one being Anthony Johnson Showalter, born May 1, 1858 in Cherry Grove, Virginia and died September 14, 1924 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is buried in West Hill Cemetery in Dalton, GA. He married Carolyn Walser on November 13, 1881. He was a music teacher, author, and publisher. He studied music in England, France, and Germany. He published over 130 music books, which sold over a million copies. He was the principal of the Southern Normal Musical Institute in Dalton, Georgia from it's beginning in 1880. He edited the "Musical Teacher" for over 20 years, and served as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Dalton, GA. He was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2000. He published a hymn for B. B. Beall in 1922 titled "Lift Him Up." He taught many shape-note singing schools in Georgia and Alabama of which the Beall Brothers and the Griffiths attended. Probably his most famous hymn is "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." Showalter wrote this tune and words to the refrain and first verses after hearing from two friends whose wives had died. This song was sung in the 1943 movie "The Human Comedy" and was nominated for Academy Awards in five categories. It is on the sound track of "O Brother, Where art Thou."
"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
refrain:
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this Pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
refrain:
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace, with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
refrain
Saturday, July 2, 2011
FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Saturday, July 02, 2011 9:47:41 AM
II Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me. In faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (King James version.)
-A devotional that I read has it worded a little different-
"What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus." New Version
As I was reading this, I was transported back in time to a place that wasn't fun for me. Freshman class in high school, my mom had died and my depression was taking it's toil with me and school work. I am referring mainly to Mrs. Wyrick's Home Economics I. I thought I wanted to learn to sew. Just couldn't follow all the directions. Made many mistakes and in the end, I failed this class. A rule in our school was if you failed, you would have to make it up before your senior year. Failed the entire freshman class, so it was a "do over." When I finally reached my sophomore year, I thought it might be time to repeat this class. What a big difference my maturity had taken me in following directions. Passed this class with a breeze and went on to number II. I had advanced in my sewing so I made a garment that I could wear to school. At our fashion show that year, I received great reviews from my fellow students and well as the teachers. It wasn't any thing fancy, just a skirt and vest with a matching blouse. I had used a material with all the fall colors, bright orange with many shades of rust, red and brown. Light and dark gold, and stripes of amber and yellow, so I looked like a walking rainbow except for the blue. I followed every little detail of the pattern and instructions from my teacher. I made an A+ and at my age of 67, I still remember the feeling when my dad saw the project. I had been after him to buy me a sewing machine to use at home instead of traveling to Aunt Josie's house everyday just to sew on her machine. Now he told me the reason I had not received this gift from him. He wasn't sure that I would keep up with this endeavor. I had not followed through on many things that I just knew that I could do. Wasn't old enough or mature enough to have a staying power. So after this, he went to Sears and bought a little Singer portable. It had all the major attachments and I used it for many years making all my clothes. I continued to make clothes for my children and even learned to make quilts on a machine. God knew I could do this but I wasn't ready to persevere. Funny how GOD teaches his children just like our parents teach and help us grow to be the people they wants us to be. My dad was a wonderful person and he helped me even tho I gave him a lot of heartache through my teenage years.
Every time I pick up a pattern now, I remember those classed and how many projects I have made over the years. One is a cloth doll dressed in Christmas clothes that sits under my Christmas tree. Every year, it reminds me of learning by following all the instruchions from our parents and GOD.
II Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me. In faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (King James version.)
-A devotional that I read has it worded a little different-
"What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus." New Version
As I was reading this, I was transported back in time to a place that wasn't fun for me. Freshman class in high school, my mom had died and my depression was taking it's toil with me and school work. I am referring mainly to Mrs. Wyrick's Home Economics I. I thought I wanted to learn to sew. Just couldn't follow all the directions. Made many mistakes and in the end, I failed this class. A rule in our school was if you failed, you would have to make it up before your senior year. Failed the entire freshman class, so it was a "do over." When I finally reached my sophomore year, I thought it might be time to repeat this class. What a big difference my maturity had taken me in following directions. Passed this class with a breeze and went on to number II. I had advanced in my sewing so I made a garment that I could wear to school. At our fashion show that year, I received great reviews from my fellow students and well as the teachers. It wasn't any thing fancy, just a skirt and vest with a matching blouse. I had used a material with all the fall colors, bright orange with many shades of rust, red and brown. Light and dark gold, and stripes of amber and yellow, so I looked like a walking rainbow except for the blue. I followed every little detail of the pattern and instructions from my teacher. I made an A+ and at my age of 67, I still remember the feeling when my dad saw the project. I had been after him to buy me a sewing machine to use at home instead of traveling to Aunt Josie's house everyday just to sew on her machine. Now he told me the reason I had not received this gift from him. He wasn't sure that I would keep up with this endeavor. I had not followed through on many things that I just knew that I could do. Wasn't old enough or mature enough to have a staying power. So after this, he went to Sears and bought a little Singer portable. It had all the major attachments and I used it for many years making all my clothes. I continued to make clothes for my children and even learned to make quilts on a machine. God knew I could do this but I wasn't ready to persevere. Funny how GOD teaches his children just like our parents teach and help us grow to be the people they wants us to be. My dad was a wonderful person and he helped me even tho I gave him a lot of heartache through my teenage years.
Every time I pick up a pattern now, I remember those classed and how many projects I have made over the years. One is a cloth doll dressed in Christmas clothes that sits under my Christmas tree. Every year, it reminds me of learning by following all the instruchions from our parents and GOD.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
ARBUTUS
When I first found my mom's first cousin on my tree, I was very curious about the name and where it came from. I had found that she was interred at Rome Memorial Park (south), the same place as my dad. I did not search any further until I heard it mentioned on an episode of "The Walton's." I decided to further search this shrub since that is how it was described.
"Habit: evergreen shrub or tree up to 5(10) m tall; trunk with brown bark, flaking and peeling in thin plates.
Leaves: alternate, persistent, simple, petiolate, 8-10 cm long; blade oblanceolate-obovate to sub-elliptic, obtuse or acuminate at the apex, somewhat leathery with finely serrate margins.
Flowers: hermaphrodite, actinomorphic, hypogynous, c. 7 mm long, arranged in hanging terminal panicles; sepals 5, small; corolla 7-10 mm long, gamopetalous, urceolate, ending in 5 small teeth, greenish-white; stamens 10, free, with anthers with two reflex appendices; nectariferous disc at the base; gynoecium syncarpous, 5-carpellate, 5-locular, with a superior ovary.
Fruit: globose berry 1-2.5 cm in diam., reddish or orange, with a rough and finely verrucose surface."
I was so shocked that I could not contain myself until I could get in the yard to search my shrub. Sure enough, to my surprise, I have this very shrub growing at the edge of my yard. It has been here since before 1994. It was about 4' tall at the time of our buying this house in March of 1994. We have cut it down twice since being here because it gets so tall and obstructs the view of the road from our driveway. I have used it many times as decorations at Christmas because of the lovely berries and satiny leaves. Now it will hold a special place in my memory as the daughter of Sampson P. Jones was named for this very tree-shrub.
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