On The Road Part 2 :-)

I am writing this from a quaint little library in the town of Helen, Georgia. The library is small, maybe as big as a convience store gas station--but, very nice that they have internet access here.

I've been lonely for my quiet time with God, so before I allowed myself to write here, I enjoyed a little book by Corrie TenBoom called Don't Wrestle, Just Nestle which was full of good advice for the very thing I am bad about in my life - worrying! I feel much more centered now. Wouldn't you think while you were on vacation that you would have MORE time for devotions! One little tidbit from it: "Be sure you remain covered with a canopy of praise. It is like a tent over and around you. Satan has no entrace as long as you pin down the sides by praising and thanking God for His wonderful promises." I also liked her little story about Susana Wesley's private place of praise - when the kids and life would just get too overwhelming for her, she would just lift up her skirt and cover her face with it, like a tent, for that quiet escape. Wouldn't they be surprised at work if I gave that a try--instead, I mostly just hide in the bathroom :-)

We've had wonderful, sunny weather. The first morning we explored Helen. Forty years ago the folks here got the idea that they needed an attraction here so people would stop on their way to the larger towns. Basically one person came up with the idea of turning it into a Bavarian (Alpine) Village, and the rest is history. It's not very busy right now, even though it is their big Oktoberfest Festival during October.

So far we have:

1) hiked to Anna Ruby Falls. A.Ruby is about 150' high. When we arrived the sun was shining directly on the falls, so they stood out starkly white against the rocky background.
2)drove up to Brasstown Bald, and then hiked to the top. The Bald is the highest point in this area, about 4,870' or something like that. They've built a circular building on the top of the bald - it looks like it was crafted from area rocks and such. You can see 4 states from the top, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. Basically we were hemmed in by mountains. It was awesome in the truest sense of the word.
3)hiked to Dukes Creek Falls. These falls are 300' high, once again the afternoon sun was shining directly on the falls for a fabulous view.
4)hiked to Unicoi State Park Lodge. The plan was that we would have lunch once we arrived - but we arrived at 2:05 and they don't serve past 2. That was a bummer because it was over 3 miles, and we had to go back 3 miles to Helen before we could eat. Fortunately we carried water, but had taken no snacks as we planned to lunch when we arrived. A candy bar from the gift store shored off the crabbies. This was a nice nature hike, but we didn't notice much on the way down cuz we just wanted to get back!
5)ate lunch at Hans Restuarant and Lounge when we got back. There are a lot of motorcylcists in this part of the country and a number of bikes were in the front, so we hoped that meant good food. It did - a delicious burger (you know the kind, you have to use 2 hands to eat it). This restaurant was filled with wonderful black and white photographs of, you guessed it, motorcyclists! The photos were great character sketches. I wish I could have read the photographer's name so I could have learned the history behind the photos.
5) ate an outrageously expensive dinner at Natacoochee Grill and discovered a new wine from the Habersham Winery - White Muscadine a semi-sweet white - very yummy. The Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake wasn't too shabby either!
6) today, Ron is golfing and I'm hanging out in Helen. I'm getting to enjoy this lovely library and soon, I can go in and out of as many shops as I choose without having to wonder if Ron is getting impatient. He always tells me to take his time, but I will enjoy it so much more knowing that there is no-one waiting on me. I may have to get a chocolate caramel covered apple later in the day from the Hansel and Gretel Candy Factory to tide me over till dinner. From here, I'm planning on going to the Helen Craft Center where I can also dawdle for as long as I choose!

It is beautiful here. It is so nice of God to have created all the mountains, lakes, waterfalls, fall colors, and to have given us such a nice time of refreshment and rest before heading back to real life!

On The Road Again

It seems like a long time since I've written in my blog diary. It is strangely addicting, I rather miss posting my musings.

We are in London, KY tonight and tomorrow we head on out to our "Sweet Retreat" Log Cabin home for the next week in the area of Helen, Georgia. We look forward to some hiking, some good food, some reading, and for Ron, some golf. A week ago, I bought 2 new books, which I have not allowed myself to even peek at! Home, by Marilyn Robinson, and The Remarkable and Very True Story of Lucy and Snowdrop, which, for some reason could not be found on the BN site. I also have I Captured the Castle. I should have lots to write about when I return. It was lovely to internet access in our hotel! In addition, I have a "People" magazine and "Newsweek" with more info on Sarah Palin. For all you democrats, I just can't help it, I LIKE her :-)

SELFISHNESS

I just finished The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. While it is primarily a story about survival, and focused accomplishment (how did those kids manage to overcome their surroundings and get out of a no-win situation and into school, success, relationships???), I was mostly struck by the selfishness of the parents, particularly mom. I think it is because I can so relate to her selfish feelings. How often have I NOT wanted to do something with my kids, but read a book instead--or create some sort of art or craft, or not make supper, or just lay on the beach, or even, not go to work. I mean really, there are so many things I would rather have done than be tied down to work, home, laundry, meals, bills, kids. My kids are grown now, but I have not forgotten the days when you could not even go into the bathroom and pee without some little voice calling for you outside the door. When you couldn't even read one entire sentence in a book without being interrupted!!

It amazes me that even though this mom gave in to every selfish feeling, that her children do not resent her, but still have relationship with her. It equally amazes me that their parents practically starved them, and they still had love for mom and dad, and wished them well, and tried to set them up for success. Where does that kind of steadfastness come from? If we knew, we could bottle it and help so many kids that are decimated by these kinds of relationships. What is in the core of their being that keeps them from giving up and keeps them moving on? Children are so fragile, and yet, they can be so strong.

And, the thing is, when we put aside our selfishness, and give them our full attention we are rewarded with so much love . . . their "interruptions" give so much meaning to our lives when we meet them at their need, and just dish out the love!