Georgia Mountain Laurel December 18 by The Laurel of Northeast Georgia

From the Publisher

know I always say this, but I think Christmas is my favorite holiday, that is until Easter… It is a very special time of year. As 2018 winds down and the holiday season is in full force, it is a time to reflect and slow down. Families gather and we get to see those family members we miss all year. Food is enjoyed and ball games watched. Shopping is on the forefront of our minds as we work through our gift list. Santa seems to be everywhere and songs we grew up singing roll off our lips. Charlie Brown and Frosty are still being watched and the all-time favorite The Christmas Story plays over and over. We know the real story of Christmas has nothing to do with a BB gun, it has to do with the birth of Jesus and the hope that event brought to all mankind. He is the greatest gift and was given for all. The same way that you have to accept the gifts given to you this year, you must accept God’s son. He is a life changing, hope giving, loving Savior. Our wish for you is to know His grace and experience His love. All of us at Georgia Mountain Laurel wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!

Tracy December 2018 • Volume Fifteen • Issue Twelve Publisher/Editor - Tracy McCoy Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Office Manager/ Account Executive - Cindi Freeman Account Executive - Melynda Hensley Account Executive - Calin DeFoor Account Executive - Tom Gorman Web Management - Lucas McCoy Contributing Writers: Mark Holloway, Susan Brewer, Jan Timms, Beth Fierberg, Joel Hitt Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, Lorie Thompson, John Shivers, Emory Jones, Kitty Flewelling, Carolyn Horton, Aaron Allford,

Georgia Mountain Laurel Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 2511 Highway 441, Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com Copyright 2018 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine is published twelve times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to GML magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Georgia Mountain Laurel maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

IN THIS ISSUE Arts & Entertainment

Affairs to Remember

Cover Artist - Tracy McCoy

North Georgia Arts Guild

Book Review - Three Gifts for Christmas

A Taste

Event Calendar

Life & Leisure 54

Hipsters

Notes from a Southern Kitchen

Bon Appetit

Another Chance

The Family Table

Light after the Storm

Bella’s Restaurant

By the Way

Lovin’ the Journey

Mountain Homes 30

Harry Norman Featured Home

Outdoors

Poss Realty Featured Home

Adventure Out

Hitt the Outdoors

Paws 4 Life

Faith in Christ 38

Life is a Blessing

Bless Your Heart

Health & Wellness

River Garden

Live Healthy & Be Well

You Wouldn’t Say That to Your Friend

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Cover Artist

Do Something You Love… Everyday! by Tracy McCoy

rior to my affiliation and then career with the Laurel magazines, my exposure to the art world was minimal, unless you consider my love for making people more beautiful in the salons I had both worked in and owned an art. I would have struggled to name a local artist and could only speak of the giants like Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, or the painter of light, Thomas Kincaid. I hadn’t picked up a paint brush unless I was painting walls since elementary art class. So you see, my appreciation for the arts was sparse. The Laurel has always been a strong advocate for the arts. So when I became involved, I was so honored to meet such talented artists and many who were right “under my nose.” I learned so much about art in the mountains. I was so amazed at the abundance of talent. By the time I took ownership of what was Rabun’s Laurel in 2006, I truly considered myself an art lover. After becoming the publisher, I found myself with the task of choosing cover artists. I had no problem finding amazing artists, and soon I added photographers to our cover lists. I enjoy sitting down with our cover artists to gain insight into their inspirations, their techniques, preferences in medium, and finding what sets them apart from the others. There seems to be three scenarios thus far: Some it seems were born with a crayon in their hand and have always been gifted with extreme talent; many are self-taught while others pursued formal education. Most have beautiful and well-stocked art rooms or studios in or near their homes. Then there is the one who loved to draw as a child and was “into art” in middle and high school only to find life gets complicated and marriages, children, and jobs prevent the artist from creating. These artists often return to their art after life settles down and they find themselves with more time on their hands. Then there is the artist who didn’t realize they had any talent for art until much later in life. They find that time behind the easel brings a sense of serenity, and, in fact, keeps them out of the psychiatrist’s office. They are fascinated with techniques, want to try it all, and find themselves taking classes, or as in my case, watching Bob Ross on YouTube well into the night. They are planning a place to paint, but in the meantime there are canvases from blank to finished sitting everywhere. I had no idea I could paint anything until a friend invited me to a “ladies night out” painting party. I may have never went had she not been like a sister to me. I attended and reluctantly said, “Pass the paint brushes.” I looked around the room to find a painting of a rooster by artist Diane Rush. I loved it and

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looking at it, I attempted to duplicate the image on her canvas to mine. I am no “Diane,” but it was recognizable and colorful, but more than anything, I didn’t think about another thing while I was painting. It was like a tiny vacation and I loved that. The following week I went to purchase some small canvases and a set of acrylic paint with brushes. That was five years ago and I am still using art to ease my mind, bring joy to my heart, and express what I love. I have taken some classes at local galleries and have become a real student of the arts. I see everything as a painting it seems. I notice more about color and depth than I did before. I admire seasoned artists more than ever because I realize the time that goes into a painting and how hard it can be to recreate what’s in your mind. I am by no means a professional, but I am an artist and I love being one. I find that painting is all I want to do each day. I have to make it my reward for finishing each issue of the magazine. I am eager to learn and grateful for every tip or trick I have learned so far. A year or so ago I tried my hand at the potter’s wheel with artist Leah Henry and I found it exhilarating until my creation collapsed. I find much greater joy in painting raw pottery. Maybe some would call my art a hobby, but I find it a passion, and if I’ve learned anything it is that art is unique to each individual and it is multi-faceted in that what one person finds in a piece, the next will never see it the same. In twelve years, I’ve met hundreds of artists and I’ve loved them all. I am thankful they let me play in their world. I am, after all, a newbie bent on encouraging others to find their artistic side. I hope that I’ll never lose the desire to paint something and I pray I’ll walk around from now on with paint on my clothes and even in my hair cause I am in love with art! I am so determined to learn and share that my artsy friend Cindi Freeman and I have put together a place to create. Cindi makes signs and paints herself. We love to explore new projects and all we really needed was a space to do it. So recently we opened Sunshine & Sawdust, a DIY and gift boutique where great treasures are found and made. From one person looking for a quiet place to paint, to ladies night out painting or sign parties, we welcome all who want to explore their creative side. We will offer classes and invite local artists in to share their passion. It’s a great place to find the perfect gift or make it yourself. I invite you to stop in at 2511 Highway 441, Clayton, GA. Sunshine & Sawdust is located between the Georgia Mountain Laurel office and Expectations Salon a couple miles north of Clayton in Mountain City. Give me a call (706.982.9197) if you want to paint… I’ve got brushes!!

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North Georgia Arts Guild In time for Christmas, Angel Dobs conducts a symphony of soapmaking by Susan Brewer

ath bombs meet warm water in the tub for a self-indulgent spa moment at home. Both kids and adults love them, Angel Dobs told me.

“You can get them at Walmart. But you know what? The quality of ingredients is not the same – trust me! My grandkids come over and scoop up as many as they can hold when I’m making them. ‘It’s important,’ I tell them, ‘that you give me feedback,’ which they do. ‘Yours are much nicer than the ones from the store!’” Why is that?

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Angel, who is part chemist at heart, has already asked: How is soap made? What is it made of? Teaching herself these things fed her interest in making it. Lye is one ingredient. Oils are the others. Soap meets skin – which is the largest organ of our body– and drying, stinging, and residue are all signs of shop chemicals and factory reconstituted compounds. Her products, as opposed to commercial products, are simple, pure. Angel was born sixth in a family of twelve siblings. To hold on and stand out takes effort, she learned. You run the risk, she told me, of getting lost without a strong anchor such as the one that she developed. Her parents encouraged her, and her tribe of family laid down a foundation she later used. For forty-five years, she was a classical musician in Philadelphia, a flutist, playing with symphonies and orchestras. Last month she played Smetana’s Bartered Bride Overture as part of the Impressions of a New World program with the Georgia Philharmonic. “Let me tell you something about playing with the symphony,” she said. “The conductor is center, surrounded by the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. They are all around me. Before the audience hears the music, I have felt it pulse through my body. When I’m counting measures of rest, I close my eyes and listen. It’s an absolute joy.” As for Christmas, Angel has a new legacy. Angel’s Corner, named after her, premiered Friday, Saturday, Sunday over Thanksgiving weekend at the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris. Children step out to do their Christmas shopping for family assisted by elves. Nothing is priced over $5 and their gift purchases are wrapped by a volunteer at no charge. It is similar to The Elf Corner Gift Shop, also created by Angel, that takes place during the annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival hosted by the Sawnee Association of the Arts held at Lanier Tech in November. This woman casts a broad creative net; her catch is shaped with a detailed, laser focus. She is stoked by everything she touches. She possesses the drive of creating with consistency and accuracy while she purposely avoids sloppiness or casual habits. She is fortunate in that she is married to a partner who is similar, a gifted artist in his own right, a watercolor artist and pianist who by profession is an electrical engineer. David Dobs is a quiet driving force that completes her life picture as does her son, Andrew, and his family. To Angel, titles, honors, and distinctions aren’t important. Life isn’t about accolades, she told me, it’s about the action of doing right now. Somehow, her perspective is refreshing—it surely is different. “Angelcraft Bath and Body Boutique” is her brand. Find it online at Angelcraft.biz, at festivals, and at The Urban Farm Girl store in Cumming, GA. Email angelcraft.soap@gmail.com or call (215) 2190515 to find out more.

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Three Gifts for Christmas

Beginning a new holiday tradition

hristmas… a magical, mystical time of year when family and friends take on renewed importance. It’s against this backdrop that Rebekka Austin struggles in a new town to hold life together for herself and her young daughter. It’s the first Christmas since her husband’s tragic death, money is tight, and family and old friends she’d thought would be there for her have defected. Rebekka’s story unfolds in the pages of Three Gifts for Christmas, the newest book by north Georgia author John Shivers. It’s the perfect read to get you into the true spirit of Christmas. It also makes a wonderful gift or stocking stuffer. While John, who also writes regularly for Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine, has twelve other books in print, this is his first Christmas-themed novel. “The credit actually goes to one of my readers, a guy named Gary Thompson from Jackson County, who has bought all of my books. He kept encouraging me… insisting, actually, that I needed to write a Christmas book.” Readers attuned to detail will discover that John named one of the book’s minor characters for Gary. Whether it’s a reward or retaliation, John won’t say. He explains that the way his book plots evolve, the idea visits him. He doesn’t set out to write a particular story about a specific subject. But in this case, he let the idea of a Christmas book tumble and after a few weeks, the premise for Three Gifts for Christmas revealed itself. “Once I’d captured the synopsis, I actually sent it to Gary. I wanted his verdict on the storyline. He gave me a big thumb’s up.” John goes on to say, “So I took it and ran.” John also sent the finished manuscript to Gary before letting anyone else see it. “After all, he got me into this, so I wanted his investment in the story.” John laughs and says, “I can’t believe what I’ll do to keep a reader happy!” If feedback from other readers is any indication, Gary’s opinions were right on target. Reviews from those who have bought the book are across the board positive. “Very positive,” John says. “Several have said it’s the best thing I’ve written, and more than one has compared the story to a Hallmark Christmas movie. I actually have two other readers who’re trying to find connections to someone with Hallmark to pitch the idea,” John says. “I told them to have at it. I certainly wouldn’t object, but it’s a long-shot.” In the meantime, his insistent Jackson County reader declared that this book is so good, John needs to write another for next Christmas. “I told him, ‘I’m not like a faucet you can turn on and a book pours out.’ But believe it or not, about

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a month ago, the idea for a second Christmas story emerged.” John already has the synopsis safely captured on paper, and will go to work in 2019 writing this book. “I lose more good ideas because I fail to write them down,” John explains. “So I have this idea stored on paper and in an electronic file.” In fact, he says, this may well become a Christmas tradition. “If the idea for a third book will visit me, I may well develop a series of Christmas stories.” John’s other twelve books include a trilogy about an unlikely domestic violence victim, and the three books tell the wakeup story, the breakaway story, and the survival story. A second trilogy, Broken Spirit, Merry Heart, and His Mercy Endureth, actually morphed into a four-volume saga, following reader demand to “know what happened” to the book’s main character. He has several other stand-alone titles, as well as the “Slop Bucket Mystery” series about a mountain real estate broker who is also a very effective amateur private sleuth. Three Gifts for Christmas are $15.00 plus any applicable shipping. Contact John at jswriter@bellsouth.net to purchase.

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Bon Appétit

Christmas is Almost Here! by Scarlett Cook

t seems as though it was just yesterday that it was summer – you do remember that long hot season, right? Well Christmas is just around the corner and 2019 is not far behind. Gather your love ones and invite a few more that need a “home” for Christmas and set the table with your best dishes and enjoy this dinner. Let your guests feel welcome with the hot dip while you finish up dinner and call everyone to the table. You can worry about the calories in 2019. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a wonderful 2019!

Hot Clam Dip 1 8-Ounce package cream cheese 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise 2 Tablespoons finely minced onion 1 Small can clams, drained and chopped 1/2 Cup Sour Cream 1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 Teaspoon garlic salt 1 8-Ounce bar of Cheddar cheese, grated Crackers Preheat oven to 350˚. Mix all ingredients together, reserving 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Pour mixture into greased baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve hot or room temperature with crackers

Chicken & Shrimp Supreme 6 Servings

1/2 Cup plain flour 6 Bone in Chicken Breasts with skin 1/4 Cup vegetable oil 1 Diced onion ½ Cup diced green bell pepper 1 Clove garlic, minced 1 Small can tomato sauce 1 Teaspoon salt 1/2 Teaspoon pepper 1 Teaspoon basil 1 Teaspoon parsley 1 Teaspoon paprika 1/2 Pound sliced mushrooms 1/4 Cup apple juice 1/2 Pound raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

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Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease 9” X 13” baking dish. Coat chicken with flour. Heat a skillet with the vegetable oil and brown chicken. Place chicken in prepared dish. In same skillet sauté onion and bell pepper. Add garlic, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, basil, parsley, paprika, clams, mushrooms and apple juice. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour sauce over chicken, cover with foil and bake for one hour. Remove from oven, uncover and add shrimp, pushing them down into the sauce. Return to oven and cook for 10 minutes more.

Leafy Greens & Cherry Salad Serves 4 – 6

1 Package washed salad greens 4 – 6 Ounces dried cherries 1 Small Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped 1 Avocado, peeled and chopped 1 Cup chopped walnuts Bleu cheese crumbles Raspberry Vinaigrette Just before serving: In a large bowl mix all ingredients except dressing. Toss gently. Add vinaigrette and serve.

Green Bean and Artichoke Casserole Serves 6 – 8

7 Tablespoons butter 3 1/2 Tablespoons plain flour 1 1/2 Cans chicken broth 1 1/2 Teaspoons curry powder 1 Teaspoon salt 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper 4 Cans French green beans, well drained 1 Can marinated artichoke hearts, well drained and chopped 1/2 Cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1/2 Cup bread crumbs 2 Tablespoons melted butter Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease 9” X 13” baking dish. Combine butter, flour, broth, curry powder, salt and pepper. Add green beans and artichoke hearts; pour into prepared dish. Sprinkle with cheese and crumbs and pour melted butter over casserole. Bake 25 – 30 minutes until golden brown.

Chocolate Mousse 6 – 8 Servings

1 8-Ounce package cream cheese at room temperature 1 Cup sugar 1/3 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract 1 Cup heavy whipping cream Put cream cheese in large mixing bowl. While beating add sugar gradually. Beat well. Add cocoa powder and vanilla, beating until well mixed. Set aside. In small mixer bowl that has been well chilled in freezer, pour whipping cream. Beat until stiff peaks form. By hand fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture and blend well. Pour into individual bowls and chill until serving time.

Broccoli Cornbread 1 10-Ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained 1 Small onion, chopped 1 Stick butter 1 Box Jiffy cornbread mix 4 Eggs, slightly beaten 1 Cup cottage cheese Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease loaf pan Sauté onions in margarine. Mix cornbread mix, eggs and cottage cheese together. Add spinach and onions; mix well. Pour into prepared pan and bake 30 minutes or until brown

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The Family Table

by Lorie Thompson

h boy, am I blessed! I spent the past weekend with my family in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. We relaxed alongside a roaring mountain stream and looked at perfect blue skies through ancient oak canopies. We ate gourmet food al fresco while enjoying a blazing outdoor fire. We gazed at an evening sky where the stars looked like diamonds on black velvet. It was a fabulous weekend of wintertime camping on Rabun County’s own Wildcat Creek. (I had you thinking I had traveled somewhere really exotic, huh?) While we enjoyed our family time sitting around the campfire, we started planning our Christmas holiday. There was some discussion among us about keeping the holiday parties simple. I am determined that this year, I will work less and enjoy more. I keep telling myself that in 10 years no one will remember if my house was perfect, but they might fondly recall the fabulous, savory bread pudding I made them and they will undoubtedly remember the love in our family and the times we have shared. Let me tell you about the Savory Apple and Gruyere Bread Pudding. I first enjoyed this at The Bistro at Biltmore. I left the restaurant thinking it was one of the best things I had ever eaten. I found the recipe online on the Biltmore website and have been making it for holidays on a regular basis. It is high calorie, and it takes a little effort, but it will be one of the best things you have ever eaten. It is very rare for me to use a recipe over and over without customizing it to my taste and style, but this one was perfect as written. Here is the recipe as given on their website: biltmore.com It takes a little time, but it so worth the trouble. • Nine large baked croissants - cut into large cubes • 1 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples - peeled and diced • 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

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• 3/4 cup cooked smoked bacon - chopped ( I use 8 slices) (it’s the holidays! • 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat • 1/2 cup leeks – diced • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger - finely chopped • 2 teaspoons garlic – minced • 2 teaspoons fresh sage - chopped or 1 tsp dried • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme - chopped or 1 tsp dried • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes • 6 large eggs – beaten • 3 cups heavy cream • 1 cup milk • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, add butter and reserved bacon fat. Add leeks, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, and cook, stirring often until leeks are soft (but not browned), approximately 10-12 minutes. Add apples, bacon, and chopped herbs, and cook an additional 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs, then add cream and milk. Whisk together until incorporated. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine cubed croissants, cooked apple mixture, and Gruyere cheese. Mix thoroughly. Add cream mixture into croissant mixture, season with salt and black pepper, and gently incorporate until well mixed. Let pudding mixture sit for 5 minutes. Butter a medium sized casserole dish and distribute pudding mixture evenly in dish. Tightly cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, until set in the middle. Remove the foil and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes until browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes and serve.

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A Taste of the Mountains

If you are looking for an elegant and delicious Christmas meal, let me suggest a stuffed, rolled pork loin. I stuffed mine with chopped apples, cranberries, leeks, shallot, and fresh and dried herbs. Let me tell you how to put this one together. You will always find a bundle of leeks in my veggie drawer in the winter months. If you are going to use them for the savory bread pudding, you might as well use the rest in other dishes. To use the leeks, you will chop the root end off and slice the leeks into thin rings, working your way up to the tougher green stem end. Wash the leek slices and rewash them. The layers will often have sand in them. To make the pork loin, have your butcher butterfly cut the pork loin so that it lays out flat. Or, you can cut your own. Make a lengthwise slice about 3/4 of an inch from the bottom of the loin. Roll the loin back as you continue to slice. It does not have to be perfect. You can use twine to tie it back up if you accidentally cut through. Season both sides with salt and pepper. To make the stuffing, add 3 T of butter to a saute’ pan and 1 1/2 C of cleaned leeks. Sautee for 4-5 minutes. Add 2 C of diced apples and 12 ounces of cranberries. Cook until the cranberries have popped. Add 3 T of sugar and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Spread onto the loin evenly. Roll loin up and tie with twine if needed. Peel 2-3 large sweet potatoes and slice into the pan. Drizzle potatoes in olive oil. Add salt, pepper of your choice, sage, and fresh thyme. Roast at 375 degrees for 1 - 1 1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 155 degrees. Remove from the

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oven and remove the roast to a serving board. Tent with foil until time to serve. Pour off most of the liquid in the roasting pan and place sweet potatoes back in the oven for 20 minutes to crisp up. Serve alongside 1 inch thick slices of the pork roast. Focus your time this holiday on your family and the ones you love the most. Give them the gift of your time and your undivided interest. Serve them great food in a warm home filled with laughter and joy, and it will be the best holiday ever! May God bless you and your family! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Lorie Thompson is a REALTOR® at Poss Realty in Clayton, Georgia. Her expertise in her industry is second only to her culinary talents. Lorie is a dynamo in the kitchen. Honestly if she prepares it, it will likely be the best you’ve ever had! Lorie and her husband Anthony (Peanut) make their home in the Persimmon community. She is the proud mother of Joe Thompson and Kendall Thompson.

Bella’s Restaurant Big Flavor & Rich History

ave you been to Bella’s Restaurant? What you will find is great food, a cozy atmosphere and a wait staff that has it all together, but what you might miss is the family behind the scenes. In the kitchen is one of the key players in this restaurant’s success. Alex Aguilar has an impressive list of restaurants where he has gained experience. Restaurants like the Chicken Coop, Burrell’s Junction, Green Shutters, and Clayton Cafe. Some of Rabun County’s finest restaurants have had this man in their kitchen. Cooking for decades, Alex credits Julia’s for the bulk of his experience. Julia’s was a restaurant in Rabun that many locals and travelers have fond memories of. Alex smiles when he remembers the years he spent there. In fact, it was at Julia’s that he met his wife Kim. Today the couple work side by side to run this familyowned business. The two are passionate about serving great food to all who enter their doors. In just three short years they have established regulars and quite a following. The restaurant continues to evolve and we wanted to let our readers know about some of the new things that are happening at Bella’s. First off, while not new, you should be aware that “All You Can Eat Shrimp” happens every Thursday evening and Fridays are perfect for Prime Rib! Sunday Brunch is served each week from 10 am – 1 pm and the Aguilars’ customers love it! New “Family Sized Entrees” are being rolled out, making supper easier than ever for working moms. You will be able to pick up large portions of their favorites like Spaghetti, Lasagna, and Baked

Ziti, and each can include salad and bread on the side. These family sized pans feed 4-6 making them the answer you’ve been looking for. What a great idea, too, when you want to take a dish to an event or someone in need. The folks at Bella’s believe in serving their community. For the first three years, they served a free Thanksgiving Dinner to their customers. This year, Kim decided to cook for her family and enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving at home. The Aguilars have two beautiful daughters, Bella, for whom the restaurant is named, and Ally, her younger sister. The day I visited with this family the girls were there and full of energy. I asked Bella how it felt to have a restaurant named after her and she said it was “Cool”. These children have grown up with both parents in the kitchen and are learning to appreciate the customers and the community that supports them, something their parents are instilling in them. Alex and Kim are very grateful for the blessings they have had since opening their doors and I know that there are some very loyal customers who are thankful for Bella’s. If you have not experienced Bella’s, put it on your list of restaurants to visit. We think you’ll be glad you did. Bella’s Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday – Saturday and Sunday for brunch. They are located at 92 Plaza Way, Clayton, GA 30525. You can call 706.960.9185 for information or follow them on Facebook @ Bellassteaksandpizza.

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Own This “Little Mountain” with the Big View

hen Thomas Jefferson built his now famous home outside Charlottesville, Virginia, he christened it “Monticello,” translated “little mountain” in Italian. The views from atop that little mountain were said to be breathtaking. Much the same can be said for the home located at 120 Soque Overlook Lane outside Clarkesville, Georgia. Sited on 32 acres, this executive mountain estate boasts layered views of Tray Mountain Wilderness outside, along with some exceptional living opportunities inside. This 6,300± square foot home in Soque Falls Subdivision, only minutes from Lake Burton and a mere ten miles from the conveniences and charm of downtown Clarkesville, is a one-of-a-kind listing, and this little mountain with all that it has to offer is on the market now, for less than eight hundred thousand dollars. Are you hooked yet? Because there’s more. Oh, so much more. From the outside, this home, with its mellow, salmon hued brick that hint of handmade quality on all four sides, and a comfortable, columned front veranda, sets the stage. All who approach on the wide, paved drive are greeted with a curbside welcome that begs you to alight and come inside. Ample guest parking is available. The key words that describe the inside are bright and light… spacious… exceptional traditional quality… comfortable… custom yet convenient. This family home reaches out in greeting to family and guests alike. Five oversize bedrooms, four full baths and a half-bath provide adequate accommodations for the large family or for empty nesters with far-flung friends and relations. Hardwood floors predominate and three fireplaces with gas logs provide both visual enjoyment, as well as the glow of warmth on those cold winter days.

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by John Shivers Furniture style custom cabinetry anchors both the kitchen and laundry room, where hard surface counter tops and top-of-theline stainless steel appliances enhance both the appearance as well as the cooking experience for the resident chefs. Call it a cook’s paradise with walk-in pantry, island, breakfast area with window seat, indoor grill, and double ovens. Entertaining in the adjacent dining room that easily seats twelve will be a piece of cake. Tray ceilings, windows with transoms, and generous moldings in this room and many of the others set the tone for enjoyable living in this exquisite home. In addition, there is a bonus room, an exercise room, family room, great room, and an in-law suite or apartment with separate kitchen. The library / office makes it comfortable to work from home, while the master suite on the main level and a split bedroom plan provides yet another sanctuary space. A recreation room and a theater/media room add yet more versatility and appeal. In the basement is generous garage space and other finished rooms that simply add to the livability of this versatile residence. Thanks to energy conservation building techniques and materials, you’ll be saving the green while being green friendly. And if all this weren’t enough, back outside again, two more perks await. The family who lives here will enjoy access to 4,000 feet of Soque River trout fishing. Plus, the entire tract is already platted into fourteen additional lots within the gated development, all of which borders on the U.S. National Forest. The tract is contained in a Conservation Tax Program, so develop the lots, or hold on to them. After all, you’re the owner of this little mountain outside Clarkesville, within hearing distance of the music of Soque Falls, and that’s your call to make. For additional information on this classic piece of mountain property, contact Meghann Brackett with Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain at 706-968-1870, or call the office at 706-212-0228. Reference GAMLS #8441193.

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Service Professionals

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You’ll Call Yourself “At Home” in Lakemont

By John Shivers

here’s just something about the open, welcoming appearance of the house at 318 Dragon Tree in Lakemont, Georgia that screams “family home,” and makes you want to stop and stay a spell. Perhaps it’s the comfortable, rustic cottage appearance. Or the deck that wraps around three sides of the log-sided home. Could it be the spacious drive and parking area or even something as simple as the basketball goal near the garage? Exactly what attracts isn’t the issue? What’s assured is that there’s an abundance of family living available in this 2,084 square foot home located in Lakemont Highlands, in the southern end of Rabun County. With a price tag as comfortable and enticing as the home itself, this house would work equally well as a vacation get-away, or a place to hang your hat year-round. Adjacent to the house, connected by a covered breezeway, is the oversized, finished garage. There’s even a place to park your RV or your boat. The wooded landscape of the acre lot provides both beauty and privacy. Long distance views of breathtaking mountains are yet another reason to call this place home. One of the big positives for this home that was built in 2005 is the flexibility and livability of the interior floor plan. With three spacious bedrooms, two full baths and one half-bath, and generous closet space spread across two levels, the layout offers privacy as well as plenty of opportunity for great rural living.

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Vaulted ceilings of stained tongue-and-groove crowns the great room, and the wood continues into kitchen and dining area and the lower level. The ceiling height allows for additional windows high in the gable end, helping to flood the space with light. The word “rustic” defines the interior, but in a totally creative and custom way. The use of wood, such as the half log used to fashion the breakfast bar between the kitchen and the dining area, juxtaposed with other natural and manmade materials, presents a homey yet stylish setting for some memorable living. In the kitchen, easily accessible from the garage, the family chels will find plenty to make them happy and the task of entertaining a pleasure. Between the breakfast bar and the adjacent dining area, all of which are surrounded by windows and views, there’s plenty of seating for many hungry appetites. The kitchen features custom cabinetry topped by hard surfaces, an island, stainless steel appliances including built-in range and oven, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

A corner fireplace of mountain stone anchors the Great Room that provides great space for a myriad of living activities. Wooden beams and trim and back-to-nature paint hues create a comfortable living palette. The stairway employs gnarled wooden branches to create the balusters, and hardwood floors run throughout. The upper level also includes the master bedroom and bath with a garden tub and separate shower, and access to the covered deck. The completely finished lower level incorporates two bedrooms and full bath, and a second living area, which opens onto a covered porch overlooking more of those spectacular mountain vistas. A second fireplace in this area makes this bonus area just what its name suggests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a true bonus. A third garage area is also on this level. This home is ideal for empty nesters or for the typical American family. Use only the main floor, or spread out across two levels, where you can enjoy the outdoors and the views that it offers four seasons out of the year. Listing agent for this property now priced at $379,000 is Poss Realty agent Chelsea Cohee, who can be reached at 706-982-9677 or 706-782-7133. Reference MLS #8249084.

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Life is a Blessing – Wishing you an abundant Christmas!

hat first Christmas, in a manger in Bethlehem, God viewed our world through human eyes. Word became flesh and He dwelt among us for a mere thrity-three years, yet He still changes lives today. Each life has purpose; we are all here for a reason. Some seek to find their mission, looking to make a difference while others simply take what they can get and leave nothing behind. His life has purpose and so does yours. In the book of Matthew the story unfolds... Mary meets an angel... She has found favor with God... Baby is on the way... What about Joseph? The Bible says: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21 Ahh... so there is Jesus’ mission - to save His people. Again in the book of Luke we are told “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:910. So Jesus wasn’t sent to earth to ruin your life or cramp your style but to give life. Christ identified His ultimate mission in John 10:10 when He said “...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” More abundantly? When is the last time anyone wanted to give you something, much less “more abundantly”. Step back to the stable and imagine this newborn baby,

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each breath perfect, Mary is counting fingers and toes, Joseph standing above her... perhaps they had talked about it on the way to the city or maybe this was the first she had heard of it... but quite possibly Joseph remembers and with his voice barely above a whisper he manages... “His name is Jesus.” Mary knowing in her heart that her child, this Son of God is special... He is here for a purpose. She pulls Him to her chest and holds him tight for she knows it is but for a time. In much the same way, your mother looked at you as you slept in her arms and her hopes for you were high, she carried you in her womb as Mary did Christ and she loved you with her whole heart. She knew that you were special and that you could do great things. Her plans for you began when she first looked into your eyes. Have you found your mission? Have you embraced life? Have you met Jesus, accepted His gift of life and are you basking in abundance? Not material abundance... the Greek word used in John 10:10 by Christ was perissón and its meaning is, are you ready? Beyond measure! God’s child came into this world so that we could live beyond measure... He commanded us to love one another... He wants to know you, pour His blessings out in your life so that you my friend, can enjoy a beautifully rich life that will last forever. Mary, the mother of Jesus must have looked into her child’s eyes and maybe she wondered how many lives her little boy would touch... whose life would He change besides her own. God knew that you would have an encounter with His Son and that a choice would be made by you to know His Son or not. A life with Christ awaits you and that life is abundantly glorious! The road is not always easy, the riches are not silver and gold but peace and joy. A full heart even on empty days. Look into the manger... there lies your future will you pick it up or turn away and leave empty? You are always in my prayers, Tracy McCoy

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Bless Your Heart - Crazy Sock Angel by Lisa Harris

es, God made all the angels, but He made one extraordinary angel named Lou. Now Lou was a tad disappointed that she had not been named Victorious or Harmony or Heavenly. Those names went to the most spectacular angels. Lou was not particularly spectacular in the beauty sense. She was a bit fluffed out and had an affinity for red and white striped socks that matched her personality. God seemed to have a special fondness for Lou. He loved her heart so much He sent her to observe His beloved South at Christmas. The day before she left, God approached her. “Lou, in the South they talk different, so watch for hidden meanings.” Lou shook her head like she understood—she didn’t. “And Lou.” “Yes, God?” “Pay attention, you tend to get distracted.” “Yes, God.”

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“One more thing Lou,” God continued. “Lay low on knitting those crazy socks—I know you like to leave them around for people, but I want you observing human nature, not knitting.” Lou nodded her angelic head and headed South. She was anxious to get where grits flowed with butter and hugs never ended. Sounded heavenly to her as she stopped in mid-flight to pull her striped socks back up. She was quite the sight, but as the men in the South say, “She’s got personality!” That she did. Lou arrived in a little town in North Georgia where trees were tall and glorious, and the rivers glistened from the winter sun. It was a wonderful little town with a quaint Main Street, decorated street lights, and people saying, “Merry Christmas” to everyone they passed. Lou watched for a while until she decided to explore the town. She went into a small restaurant where she saw a young couple trying to have a date night with their two-year old sitting in the highchair fussing. “Awww, they need help,” Lou said to herself as she went

over to the baby. She knew she was supposed to ‘observe’ but… Lou talked to the fussy baby, played with her, soothed her the entire two hours the parents got to talk and enjoy the meal. They were stunned how their little one went from fussy to totally happy the entire time. As they picked their little one up the mom noticed her feet, “Honey, did you put these little red striped socks on her?” Lou grinned. Back out on the street, Lou sang with the carolers, said, “Merry Christmas” to all she passed, though none could hear her, and she knitted socks for the homeless and left them by their sleeping heads. Lou was having a fabulous time until she heard a conversation coming from a group of ladies leaving the church with a beautiful steeple. “Did you see that woman walk up to the front of the church and sit on the first row?” Stella said. “I sure did,” exclaimed Ester, “She had on enough make-up to stock a store!” Mary chimed in saying, “Her dress was just a tad too tight and much too short, and that butterfly tattoo on her arm was just tacky.” Belle added in, “And there was the Manger scene with Baby Jesus in front of her. Has she no respect?” Lou was tearing up at their conversation. They had no idea what this young woman was going through, nor what she had come from. Suddenly, the ladies said in almost perfect unison, “Well… Bless Her Heart,” while nodding their heads. Lou was confused, they were not being kind, then they were blessing her heart. Which was it? Lou begin to knit her crazy socks furiously, when God spoke to her heart. “Remember when I said that some sayings have hidden meanings—this is one of them.” “What does it mean God?” Lou questioned. “Sometimes it’s said in a most loving and prayerful way and other times it means someone is pitiful, doesn’t know better, or is just not smart.” Lou slowed down her knitting and thought through all this. She had observed enough! Lou became human flesh and

walked up to the ladies and introduced herself. “Hi, ladies. My name is Lou and I’m looking for my niece, Lacy.” The ladies looked confused, so Lou continued. “She’s dark headed and tends to wear a lot of make-up, tight clothing, and has a butterfly tattoo that means she’s wanting to find the beauty in life. What you see on the outside comes from brokenness at home and in living. I know she’s searching for God and needs good mentors like you Christian ladies. Her heart is ready to accept Jesus, she just needs a little loving. Oh, and she can sing like an angel.” Lou stopped there and waited. Stella, Ester, Mary, and Belle all looked at each other with convicted hearts. Stella piped up first, “Lou, I believe she’s still seated in church. Do you want to go to her?” Lou clasped Stella’s hand and said, “Oh, it would mean so much to me if you would go talk to her, tell her God loves her, and that she is where she needs to be. Don’t tell her I was here, it will do better if you go.” Stella grabbed Ester’s hand who grabbed Mary’s who grabbed Belle’s and said, “Where two or more are gathered, let’s go pray with Lacy.” Lou hugged each lady and left, but not before she placed each a pair of crazy striped socks on the church steps and as she did so, Lou said in loving thankfulness, “Bless their Hearts.” What a Christmas season it was. Lou observed so much—the southern ways, the southern talk, the southern hospitality, even the hidden meanings of the South. It was all there blanketed in a light coating of fresh snow. Lou was there when Lacy accepted Christ into her life and she was there when she sang, “Oh, Holy Night” standing next to baby Jesus lying in the manger. Lacy had toned down her make-up as she had another glow from her face. And the ladies that loved on her and helped her? Well…they were glowing too. You see, in the South, you may see many things… But one thing I promise you will see is Heart. Merry Christmas from my blessed heart to yours! (This story is in memory of my fun-loving ‘crazy sock angel’ daughter, Whitney—October 1983 to July 2009)

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Hiawassee, Georgia

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Mountain Happenings STEPHENS COUNTY

WHITE COUNTY

November 30th - December 1st ChristmasFest & Lighting of the Tree Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269

December 1st - 2nd, 8th - 9th 11th Annual Christkindlmarkt Downtown Helen Info: 706.878.1908

December 1st Toccoa Christmas Parade Toccoa Info: 706.491.7718

December 1 Christmas in the Mountains Celebration & Lighted Parade Courthouse Square Cleveland Info: 706.865.5356

December 8th Christmas at the Inn Traveler’s Rest Historic Site Toccoa Info: 706.356.4362 The Ritz Theater Toccoa Info: www.ritztheatretoccoa.com December 6th, 13th, 20th Christmas Movies at the Ritz December 7th - Kevin Max December 8th Southern Gospel Music December 13th It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio theatre

December 7 - 8 , 15 - 16 A Victorian Christmas Hardman Farm State Historic Site Sautee Nacoochee Info: 706.878.1077 th

December 8th Christmas Parade Helen Info: 706.878.2181 December 15th Christmas in the Cabin Smithgall Woods State Park Helen Info: 706.878.3087

HABERSHAM COUNTY

December 17th Pancake Breakfast with Santa BabyLand General Hospital Cleveland Info: 706.865.2171

November 22nd - January 1st Christmas Lights Spectacular Cornelia City Park Cornelia Info: 706.778.8585

December 31st Dropping of the Edelweiss New Year’s Eve Event Helen Festhalle, Helen Info: 706.878.1908

December 1st, 2nd, 6th - 9th Play: FrUiTCaKes Habersham Community Theatre Clarkesville Info: 706.839.1315 habershamtheater.org

Sautee Nacoochee Center Sautee Info: 706.878.3300 December 1st Blacksmith Demonstration

December 8th A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220

December 9th Classical Music Series

December 13th - 15th Christmas in the Park Big City Park Cornelia Info: 706.778.8585

December 22nd Community Contra Dance Info: 706.754.3254

December 15th Habersham County Christmas Parade Cornelia Info: 706.778.8585

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December 6th, 13th Holiday Gift Making Class

November 30th - December 1st Sautee Star’s Fall Production of Fairytale Theater December 15th Roxie Watson Concert

Unicoi State Park Helen Info: 706.878.2201 November 18th - December 8th Festival of Trees December 16th Breakfast with Santa December 31st New Year’s Eve Celebration RABUN COUNTY December 1st Holiday Open House in Lakemont Lakemont Info: 706.960.9333 December 1st Christmas Parade Downtown Clayton Info: 706.782.4812 December 1st Clayton Farmers Holiday Market Foodbank of Northeast Georgia Clayton Info: teachingkitchen.mtn@ foodbanknega.org December 1st Christmas at the Gorge Tallulah Gorge Park Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.7981 December 7th Christmas Tree Lighting on Tallulah Falls Lake Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.4318 November 30th - December 1st 2018 Appalachian Food & Wine Trail Participating Vineyards in Union and Towns Counties: Odom Springs Vineyards, Paradise Hills Winery Resort, Crane Creek Vineyards, Hightower Creek Vineyards Info: 877.745.5789 TOWNS COUNTY December 1st and each Saturday Saturday Night Music Mountain Home Music Theatre Hiawassee Info: 706.896.3624

December 7th Let it Snow: A Holiday Music Journey Season of Light: Special Holiday Presentation O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium Young Harris College, Young Harris Info: 706.379.3111 December 10th Harlem Globetrotters Young Harris College Rec Center Young Harris Info: 800.241.3754 Crane Creek Vineyards Young Harris Info: 706.379.1236 December 7 and each Friday Friday Evening Tapas & Acoustic th

December 31st New Year’s Eve Party Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4191 georgiamountainfairgrounds.com November 22nd - 24th and each Thursday through Saturday until December 29th Mountain Country Christmas in Lights December 15th A Shagging Christmas Concert: The Tams, Swingin’ Medallions & Clarence Carter UNION COUNTY November 30th - December 1st Blairsville Holiday Stop & Shop Union County Civic Center Blairsville Info: 770.789.2044

December 1st - 31st Tour of Trees Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 December 1st Kris Kringle Mountain Market Union County Farmers’ Market Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 December 1st Christmas Parade Downtown Blairsville Info: 706.347.3503 December 6th and the first Thursday of the month Shop Late Thursday Downtown Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 December 8th 2018 Holly Jolly Christmas Breakfast with Santa Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 December 8th Christmas Tree Lighting Vogel State Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.2628 Paradise Hills Resort Blairsville Info: www.paradisehillsga.com December 2nd and each Sunday Live Music December 15th Open House - Cookie Contest

CLAY COUNTY, NC John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown Info: 800.365.5724, folkschool.org office - 828.837.2775

Cowee School Franklin Info: 828.369.5595 coweeschool.org December 15th - SEBA Jam

December 2nd Fireside Sale

December 1st - Cowee Christmas

December 4th Beginner Contra & Square Dance

Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts Franklin Info: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598 GreatMountainMusic.com

December 7th Brasstown Ringers Holiday Concert December 15th Holiday Kids’ Party Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville Info: 828.389.2787 thepeacocknc.org December 22 It’s A Wonderful Life, Love from WVL Radio Theatre nd

MACON COUNTY, NC

December 1st A Rocky Mountain Christmas by Jim Curry featuring the Music of John Denver December 6th - 8th The Best Christmas Pageant Ever December 18th A Christmas Together: An Evening of Stories, Songs and Family December 21st A Bluegrass Christmas with Sierra Hull

December 1st Winter Wonderland Nights Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516

Highlands Performing Arts Center Highlands Info: highlandspac.net

December 1st Highlands Mountain Christmas Parade Downtown Highlands Info: 828.526.5841

December 8th NTL: The Madness of George III

December 31st 5th Annual Franklin Ruby Drop Downtown Franklin Info: 866.372.5546

December 1st MET: The Magic Flute

December 13th HCP: Holiday Reading December 15th MET: La Traviate

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Make it a SIMPLY Gift-tastic Holiday! I

t is the gift-buying season and as hoards of people flock to the stores in search of that perfect gift, you have another option. How many times have you shopped till your feet hurt, you almost had to throw down with the pushy lady at the sweater display and you feel frustrated not sure they even like wool. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve considered Gift cards but you think they might be too impersonal when they can actually be very personal! If your daughter loves to eat at the Universal Joint or your husband shops at Reeves for sporting gifts or your friend shops at The Treehouse for clothes, then for you to choose a gift certificate for one of these businesses makes sense. Your decision gives them something they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t return, that they will enjoy and makes it super easy for you. The added benefit is that you are supporting local and in most cases small businesses. So skip the big box chaos and use our gift certificate guide to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Think of fun and creative ways to wrap it up and call your shopping done. We tried to think out of the box and offer suggestions you may have never even entertained. Make Christmas merrier all the way around and spend your extra time enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Share this good information with your friends and tell our friends you saw their name in the Laurel. Shop local and make it simple this year! Oh, and these cards and certificates make great last minute stocking stuffers. You are welcome for the great ideas, please tell them you saw their name in our guide. Merry Christmas!

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Dining & Drinks 52 Main Street Deli Sandwiches, Soups and Salads 52 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 706.212.0052 www.facebook.com/MainStreetDeli Bella’s Steaks, Pasta and More American & Italian Cuisine 792 Plaza Way Clayton, GA 30525 706.960.9185 www.facebook.com/Bellassteakandpizza Clayton Café Down Home Cooking and Desserts 50 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30524 706.212.CAFE www.facebook.com/ClaytonCafe The Farm House Donuts Donuts and Furniture 90 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 706.949.9112 www.thefarmhousedonutsanddecor.com Fromage and Other Fine Foods Gourmet Dining 31 Earl Street Clayton, GA 30525 www.fromageclayton.com Henry’s Restaurant Country and Seafood Buffet 1957 Hwy. 441 South Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.3533 www.henryscountrybuffet.com Hoot ‘n’ Holler Bar and Grill Cold Beer, Hamburgers, and Music 1504 US-76 Clayton, GA 30525 www.facebook.com/ theHootNHollerBar&Grill Mama G’s Restaurant Italian Cuisine 777 Highway 441 S. Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.9565 www.loveisgoodfood.net

Moonrise Distillery Distillery Tours & Tastings 31 Webb Road Clayton, GA 30525 www.moonrisedistillery.com R.M. Rose Distillers Working Distillery & Gift Store 890 Franklin Street Dillard, GA 30537 706.982.8115 www.rmroseco.com Rumor Hazit Key West in the Mountains 175 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.1111 Smitty’s Spirits Liquor, Wine, Beer 681 Hwy 441 S. Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.7593 Stonewall Creek Vineyards Vineyard & Winery with Tasting Room 323 Standing Deer Lane Tiger, GA 30576 www.stonewallcreek.com Universal Joint Food, Live Music, & Events 109 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 www.ujclayton.com Lodging Parker Ranch Lodging & Events 95 Parker Lane Clayton, GA 30525 www.parkerranch.com

Butler’s Gallery Antiques and Gifts 74 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 706.212.0155 www.butlergalleries.com Blue Ridge Toys Toys, Toys & Toys! 45 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 813.767.1033 www.blueridgetoys.com Cage-Free Boutique Women’s Clothing & Alterations 55 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 www.cage-freeboutique.com Creative Framing Custom Framing, Fine Art & Gifts 482 Depot Street Franklin, NC 828.349.4468 www.creativeframing.info.com Dillard Market Art, Gifts, & Collectibles 6810 Hwy. 441 Dillard, GA 30537 706.982.1154 www.facebook.com/thedillardmarket Dogwoods Home Furnishings, Accessories, & Fine Art 41 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 706.960.9232 www.shopdogwoodshome.com

Shopping

Emery’s Wood Works Handcrafted Furniture & Home Decor 5312 Hwy 441 S. Tiger, GA 30576 706.982.2942 www.emeryswoodworks.com

Blackberry Market & Mossy Rock Gifts, Clothing, Accessories & Home Decor 37 E. Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 828.369.7880

Fire & Light Glass Studio Art Studio, Art Supplies, Classes 9788 Georgia Road Otto, NC 28736 828.349.4505 www.fireandlightglass.com

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Make it a SIMPLY Gift-tastic Holiday! Funkiture Gifts & DIY Studio Repurposed, Up-cycled and Unique Gifts 130 N. Main Street Hiawassee, GA 30546 www.funkituregifts.com

Timpson Creek Gallery Home Furnishings & Accessories Clothing, Fine Art, Jewelry 7142 Hwy. 76 W. Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.5164 www.timpsoncreek.com

ImPressed, LLC Custom Clothing & Accessories, Signs and More 621 Hwy 441 South Clayton, GA 30525 706.212.2818 www.ofthesemountains.com

Wander North Georgia Outdoor Sports Store 33 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 www.wandernorthgeorgia.com gift certificates only available in store

Indigo Women’s Clothing & Accessories 75 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 770.363.4043 www.facebook.com/Indigoclayton.com

Woods Furniture & Gift Shoppes Home Furnishings & Accessories, Gifts 1475 Washington Street Clarkesville, GA 30523 706.754.4144 www.woodsfurnitureinc.com

Mountain Chic Jewelry Boutique Fun. Fashion. Five Bucks. www.MountainChicJewelryBoutique.com NC Mountain Made Handmade Art Co-op 36 E Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 828.524.7766 Reeves Hardware, Furniture, Clothing & Shoes Sporting Goods, Gifts & Home Decor 16 South Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.4253 www.reevesacehardware.com Sole Place Western Wear, Shoes & Boots 61 N. Main Street Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.4975 www.soleplaceclayton.com Ten Roof Thriftique Nothing over $10 128 Duvall Street, Suite F Clayton, GA 30525 706.960.9301 www.facebook

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Services At Your Fingertips Nail Salon 91 E. Savannah Street, Suite #203 Clayton, GA 30525 706.490.9622 Black Wolf Tattoo Tattoo shop 91 E. Savannah Street, Suite #301 Clayton, GA 30525 706.970.0367 www.blackwolftattoos.com Bristles Salon on Savannah 91 E. Savannah St. Clayton, GA 30525 706.490.1587 Clayton Health and Fitness Gym, Classes, Personal Training & Weight Loss 69 Seed Tick Road Clayton, GA 30525 706.212.0001 www.claytonhealthandfitness.com

Expectations Family Salon 2511 Hwy. 441 Mountain City, GA 30562 706.746.3390 Kitty Flewelling Yoga & Pilates for Every Body At The Well - Lakemont & Soriee on Main - Clayton Buy Gift Certificate before Jan 31st for 10% off Call 828.200.0747 Salon Element Hair Salon; Skin and Nail Services 633 Hwy. 441 Clayton, GA 30525 706.490.9021 www.salonelement.com Sunshine’s Beauty Shop Beauty Salon 677 Hwy. 441 South, Suite b-2 Clayton, GA 30525 706.960.9296 www.facebook.com/ sunshinesbeautyshop The Cutting Edge 899 York House Road Rabun Gap, GA 30568 706.746.7136 Things To See & Do Hatch Camp and Art Farm Fishing, Camping, Art, and Music 1060 Joe Speed Road Clayton, GA 30525 706.782.3747 www.facebook.com/ hatchcampandartfarm Hillside Orchard Farm Farm, Store, Demonstrations, Petting Zoo 18 Sorghum Mill Drive Lakemont, GA 30552 706.782.2776 www.hillsideorchard.com

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Hipster Hate And The Bearded Man by Aaron Alford

h, the Hipster. You are so much cooler than the rest of us. How we love to hate thee.

You love old things in a way that seems to be a finger in the air to modernity, and you have an iPhone 6 1/2. You purchase your western shirt at the thrift store for five dollars, and the plain white vneck underneath it at Pretentious & Co. for 50. You smoke American Spirit cigarettes because they’re all natural, destroying your lungs with no chemicals added. You speak passionately about societal issues without lifting a finger to solve anything. You feel superior to everyone around you, and it shows. And, perhaps worst of all, you wear your facial hair ironically. The Bearded Man finds this offence most egregious, because he does not want to be perceived as one of “them”. The Bearded Man should wear the beard simply because he likes it. But the Hipster, oh the Hipster! You know that moustache looks strange on you, and you know that we know it looks strange on you, which is why you call it “ironic”. But we both also know that you kind of think it actually looks cool, in a non-ironic sort of way. It hearkens back to the time of gentlemen, but now you’ve added a self-referential awareness that no gentleman would have had in the first place. It’s all so meta it’s just exhausting. You are pretentious and self-righteous. You are the very embodiment of everything we despise. For all of these reasons and for so many more, we are allowed to hate you. And boy howdy does it feel good to hate you. But there’s a catch, a catch that makes us hate the Hipster all the more: Hipsters hate Hipsters! I’m definitely not the first person to write about this phenomenon, but it would seem that, hated as the Hipster is, he is everywhere and he is nowhere. I’m pretty sure I know one when I see one, but no one self-identifies as one. If no one claims to be a hipster, then what exactly is a Hipster? A while ago I was in the midst of a conversation about said Hipsters, light-heartedly talking about what I hate about them. I was taken aback when my friend said, “But aren’t you a Hipster?” I was a little offended, but the evidence was there: I like oldtimey styles. I wear vests. I like wearing suspenders. Sometimes I wax my moustache into a handlebar. I’ve even worn a bow tie a time or two (though my beard length makes that somewhat

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pointless). “What makes you not a Hipster?” my friend asked. I’d always thought I was styling myself after a kind of bearded CS Lewis, but suddenly I was confronted with the truth: I was a Hipster! My defence was I didn’t love these things ironically, as “they” do, but I didn’t really have an answer beyond that. My only real justification was I shop at thrift stores not because it’s cool, but because I’m actually poor. Speaking of thrift stores, it was two days later at the local Salvation Army when a man walked up to me and said in a thick, EnglishAs-A-Second-Language accent I couldn’t quite locate, “Escuse me, I like you style. You look bery, um, cool. Like, um, don’t be offended, um, what is the word? Hipster?” I smiled and sighed and sunk my bearded chin into my chest. There it was. Proof positive, from his strangely accented mouth to my own ears. I was a Hipster. “Thanks,” I said, my pride getting a bit stuck in my throat as I tried to swallow it. This revelation got me doing some self-evaluation. What is it that I hate in the Hipster? Pretentiousness? Hypocrisy? Their sense of superior coolness? Well, let’s see. Pretentiousness. That’s the one where you want people to be more impressed with you than they should, when you try to put forth an image that gives people the impression that you are smarter, more cultured, more important or, at the very least, cooler than you really are. Yep. Gotta admit I have that one. What about hypocrisy? Yes, pretty sure I’ve got that one well covered, too. I’m sure I have it by the very fact that I think I don’t. First rule of Hypocrite Club? Don’t admit you’re a hypocrite! Feeling superior? Lordy, Lordy. Never do I feel so superior than when I’m standing next to one of “those” people. Stupid Hipsters. If you can relate to any of this, then you guessed it: you might be a Hipster, too. Just name any aspect of the hated Hipster, or any group of people you find distasteful for that matter, and if you take off your sunglasses and stare deep into their reflective lenses long enough, you will have to admit to finding it in yourself. Let he who is without pretension cast the first stone. Biker Dude who hates Hipsters: You are a Hipster. Redneck-and-Proud Dude who hates Hipsters: You are so very a Hipster.

Guy Who Runs a Website About Facial Hair: You’re so Hipster it hurts. It seems there has always been someone in society we love to hate. Before the Hipster, there was the Yuppie. Before the Yuppie, the Hippie. Before the Hippie, the Beatnik. And before the Beatnik… the Hipster. It all comes full circle. I suppose it doesn’t take too much digging to figure out why there’s always somebody to look down on. I don’t have to deal with my own flaws if I think that someone else’s are worse than mine. What was it That Guy said about splinters and logs? Speaking of That Guy, he did exactly the opposite of what we are so prone to do. Rather than labelling people and finding reasons to despise them, he saw their individual humanity and loved them. More than that, he happily accepted the derogatory labels others put on him: Drunkard. Glutton. Sinner. He let himself be hated to the point of accepting death. So, it would seem that the moment we hate someone, or feel disgusted by a certain cultural group, or merely look down on someone, that is the moment they look exactly like Jesus. Conversely, it’s only when we can admit our own hypocrisies and failings that we can be delivered from them. Does this mean we can never have a laugh at how ridiculous the Hipster can be? Perhaps not, as long as we have the humility to admit we’re laughing at ourselves. Because, Lord, help us, we’re all Hipsters in need of a Savior. Used with permission from www.beardedgospelmen.com Aaron Alford is originally from Ontario, Canada. He has studied improv at The Second City, hitchhiked across Ireland and Italy, and, as a missionary with Youth With A Mission in Modesto, California, helped run a street café for the homeless with his friends. He is currently studying for the priesthood in Columbus, Ohio, and enjoys beautifying the world with whimsy, compassion, pipe smoke, and an admirable beard. Jared Brock is co-founder of Hope for the Sold, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating exploitation, and author of A Year of Living Prayerfully and The Road to Dawn. He’s happily married to his best friend, Michelle, and his writing has appeared in Esquire, Catalyst, Relevant, Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and Writer’s Digest. Brock runs a documentary production company, is the director of Over 18 and Red Light Green Light, and has been interviewed on TODAY.com, 100 Huntley Street, and The 700 Club.

Franklin, North Carolina

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Notes from a Southern Kitchen A Very Rumsey Christmas Kendall R. Rumsey

hristmas at the Rumsey house has always been traditional.

The Christmas tree and other decorations went up just after Thanksgiving. The house was filled with Santa and snowmen and nativity scenes and stockings and every other imaginable Christmas decoration you could imagine. My mama loved Christmas and would make sure the decorations filled every room. Each year the tree would sit in front of our picture windows overlooking the backyard. It was particularly beautiful there and we all loved its placement, except for daddy, who now had to look through silk branches, colored lights and plastic Santa heads to see his favorite shows as the tree now obstructed his views of Sanford and Son, Hogan’s Heroes, football games and any war movie played on TBS. Through the course of weeks leading up to Christmas, packages would appear under the tree in festive colored wraps until, by Christmas Eve night, a mountain of gifts would fill one side of our living room. Mama would bake cookies and sausage balls and cakes that were usually eaten as soon as they came out of the oven. Our family always had our largest celebration on Christmas Eve. Inevitably the sounds of “An Elvis Christmas” would fill the house from mama’s cassette player, and as the day ran into afternoon and evening, grandparents, sometimes aunts, uncles and cousins, and in later years, my brother’s wife and children, would make their way to the house. By 5PM on Christmas Eve the house would be abuzz with family fun, sometimes arguments, and most often love and joy for another family Christmas. Our traditional Christmas Eve dinner was always the same: BBQ Pork and Brunswick Stew from Oinkers. Around the beginning of December each year, mama would stop by Oinkers and place our order so that she could then pick it up on the 23rd and have it ready to serve for our Christmas Eve dinner. The meal was quick and easy, as we all knew the main festivities wouldn’t commence until after dinner when we would gather around the tree and open our gifts. Going from youngest to oldest, each person would open a gift and then on and on until all the boxes were opened, admired, and the floor was filled with ripped papers and bows. After gifts, we relaxed, talked, and the kids made an early night of it as Santa would be waiting for us. The next morning when we rose early, sometimes in the middle of the night, to see what new treasures awaited us.

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Santa Clause always overindulged the Rumsey family. We got more than we needed and more than we deserved, but it was appreciated. After an early morning of Santa, daddy would cook breakfast and then follow up with an immediate start to our Christmas afternoon feast. By the end of Christmas Day, we were stuffed, overwhelmed by generosity, and exhausted. Another tradition in our house was when we rose on the 26th, Christmas was gone, or at least in the process of being gone. Mama loved Christmas, but she also loved getting her house back to normal, so on the 26th everything was boxed up and put away until the next year when we did it all again. Christmas at the Rumsey house has always been traditional. Well, except for the year my grandmother fell down the steps and broke her arm, or the year my brother was on an oil-rig in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and we ate warmed up Christmas left overs from the week prior, Christmas traditions always remained the same. Then the Christmas of 2010 rolled around. My mom had passed away in February of 2010 and much of our Christmas joy was gone. It would be different this year, but the grandkids made sure to help their grandfather decorate the house and we were all determined to make the holiday as perfect as we could. Back in 2005, my parents had bought a winter home in Florida and would take off for the warmer weather just after Christmas. This year, the plan was that I would take my dad back to his Florida home as I drove back to my home a bit further down the state. We had our traditional Christmas Eve at my boyhood home and daddy and I spent a quiet evening talking after everyone had left. We made plans to leave out early on the 26th so we brought all the boxes to store the Christmas decorations down the evening of the 24th so we could get it done after dinner on Christmas Day. As the night progressed, the local TV news started talking about possible snow on Christmas Day. Knowing how much my mother loved snow, daddy and I laughed that she would love it and it must be her gift to us that year. We went to bed early as we wanted to make sure and be at my brother’s house by 7AM the next day to see the kids when they woke up to find their gifts from Santa.

The next morning when we got up, Daddy and I drove to the cemetery and put flowers on my mama’s and brother’s graves and then took off to my brother’s house. A slight snow had begun, and the dusting was beautiful along the landscape of the mountains. As we arrived at my brother’s house, the snow had picked up and was starting to stick to the ground. As we ate breakfast, the snow really picked up and over the next few minutes, the grounds were covered and there was no end in sight as to when it would stop. Daddy and I decided we were going to Florida, that day, not later in the day, but then. We rushed back to the house and packed up our clothes. My brother and his family followed us over and the roads were beginning to get slippery. We knew we had to leave if we weren’t going to be stuck, so by 9AM we were on the road and headed back to the warmer temperatures. When we left Old Buncombe Road that day, the tree and decorations still stood in the house, packing boxes in the middle of the floor, we each had a couple of unopened gifts in the car with us and suitcases crammed with who knows what, but we were on our way. As daddy and I drove down the state that day, we talked, we laughed, and we cried a few tears. Daddy told me about his childhood Christmases, stories I had never heard. He told me about early Christmases before children came into the lives of he and my mom, and he told me some of his favorite memories. That day we ate our Christmas Dinner at an I-Hop, somewhere along the side of the Interstate in South Georgia, and to this day it was one of my favorite Christmas meals ever. As we approached Florida and my parents’ home, we unloaded daddy’s bags and continued our talks late into the night, it was a special Christmas that I will never forget and will always treasure. Rumsey Christmas has always been filled with traditions, but the 2010 Christmas was turned upside down and, as hard as it could have been, it was special. I’ll never forget the talks I had that day or the memories that were shared and made. As we gear up for Christmas 2018, some of our family traditions have changed, we have added new members to the family and lost our patriarch, but as with all the Christmases past, our holidays will be filled with love, laughs, probably some arguments, and a deep-seated respect for what has come before and hope for the future. I wish the same for each of you! Merry Christmas and may your 2019 be filled with love, laughs, good health, and prosperity! Kendall Rumsey is a resident of Clayton, GA. He is owner of imPRESSed, a custom imprint company and publishes the blog, Notes from a Southern Kitchen. www.impressedstyle.come www.notesfromasouthernkitchen.com

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‘Tis the Season for Another Chance by Beth Fierberg

ow many animal lovers say, “If I only won the lottery, I would buy some property and create a rescue sanctuary for animals?” This year I met a group of people who didn’t wait for the winning ticket. They saw a need and actually made it happen! They call themselves Another Chance Rescue, Rehab & Sanctuary (“Another Chance”) and they dedicate themselves to saving dogs from euthanasia in overcrowded shelters in our community and all over the southeast. Another Chance founder, Devon Cutshaw, came to this area from Palm Beach, Florida. Devon had worked in the mental health field, but in 1998 she retired and moved to her forty-acre farm in Lakemont, Georgia where she indulged her love for creatures great and small. The farm is home to horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, chickens, goats, two parrots, a longhorn steer, twenty-one dogs, and a llama. Even with all these animals to look after, Devon still found time to volunteer twice a week at a northeast Georgia shelter where she met volunteer, Rosa Allen. Rosa helped her to learn how to care for the homeless animals at the shelter. While there, Devon also met kennel manager, Tonya Roane, and fellow volunteers, Bruce Johnston and Linda Weber, who round out the five originators of Another Chance. It was the sad fate of dogs that were hastily labeled “unadoptable”, destined to spend years living in kennels, that was the impetus for Devon to buy five acres of property in Lakemont, Georgia to try to create a happier outcome for these dogs. This group of volunteers spent countless hours working with these “unadoptable” dogs and

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BELIEVED in them. Dogs like Kalypso, pictured in their group photo, was an owner surrender. Kalypso is dog reactive, but even though she is wonderful with people, she was rarely seen by potential adopters and spent years, in fact, most of her life, in a shelter. Kalypso has been with Another Chance since March 29, 2018 and she is much happier now in her new home. The location for this sanctuary is beautiful, shaded, and well-maintained. Tonya now lives on site and is there for the

dogs 24/7. The fenced in runs are six feet apart and measure thirty-six spacious square feet. Each run has a Department of Agriculture approved insulated dog house with their own porches and comfortable shavings to lie on. Karanda beds are in each run, and plastic swimming pools are provided in the warmer months for those dogs who enjoy the water. Before obtaining their 501(c)(3) status, Another Chance partnered with another rescue from Waco, Georgia, called Earl’s (Extraordinary Animals Rescued, Loved & Secure) Hope run by Sue Ann Eady, a retired school teacher and fellow animal lover. Earl’s Hope would pull dogs from shelters who would then be fostered by Another Chance, whose volunteers personally paid for all the dogs’ veterinary bills. Subsequently, Another Chance easily passed all required inspections through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. They now have their own license to run a rescue and can pull dogs from overcrowded shelters in their own name, but hope to still continue their great work with Earl’s Hope. Once Another Chance receives a new dog, he or she is evaluated by a certified animal behaviorist and the dogs spend time either in the new sanctuary, or in a foster home while undergoing treatment, socialization, and/or rehabilitation. Once a dog is ready for adoption, they may be transported through an animal transport entity called Road Trip Home to no-kill partners in the northeast. Earls’ Hope has shared its no kill rescue contacts in Maine and Massachusetts with Another Chance. Photos are sent ahead to these partnering agencies, and frequently these dogs already have homes waiting for them before they leave Another Chance. Since its creation, Another Chance has fostered and transported nineteen animals up north. Another Chance recently pulled a dog from Carroll County Animal Services, who itself received 157 animals from Bainbridge, Georgia, when Hurricane Michael completely destroyed their shelter. Dr. Stephen Arbitter, DVM of Rabun County Animal Hospital in Mountain City, Georgia, has been graciously providing veterinary services to Another Chance “which has been a blessing”, says Rosa Allen. “[Dr. Arbitter] has been very good to us. Sometimes we are at Rabun Animal Hospital three days a week, dealing with sterilization, expensive heartworm treatment, ear infections; you name it. Rescuing a dog is more than just taking them in, it’s also getting them healthy and ready for adoption.” On October 13th, Another Chance held its first yard sale fund raising event at the Rabun Outdoor Flea Market. The event was co-sponsored by the Sunday Diner in Clayton, Georgia, and raised just over $1,900.00, which is a good start. In addition to financial assistance, what they need most are good foster homes, where food and veterinary costs are provided to the foster families by Another Chance. The more foster homes they have, the more dogs they can save. If you are interested in volunteering and/or fostering for Another Chance, please call 706-212-9966. Another Chance is a non-profit organization. Donations can be mailed to Another Chance Rescue, 161 Community Lane, Lakemont, GA 30552. Christmas is all about the spirit of giving. Please help this wonderful new rescue; striving to save lives and make a real difference. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

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Light After the Storm by Beth Fierberg

“I

t’s the wee hours of the morning. I’m lying on the concrete sidewalk in front of the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. I don’t know why I like this spot, but it’s mine. I lay here most nights. During the day humans come and go, but I avoid them. They frighten me. I’ve seen them take others just like me away in the past and I never see them again. The weather here in Puerto Rico is usually beautiful but now there is wind and something else; something is just not right. I feel unsure. The wind blows ever stronger and I close my eyes. I hear something. It’s a human’s voice and I think she’s talking to me. Should I trust her? I don’t want to but I’m afraid. The human says, ‘I’ll call you Mysha’, and I let her put me in a box and take me to a building where there are others like me who are also sad and very afraid. We are all put on to a big loud box that moves and which I have avoided all my life. It takes us to something the humans call a plane and I hear them say, ‘We are going to the mainland away from the ‘Hairy Canine’ which I thought was me. I am so confused…” Little did Mysha know, “Angeles sin Alas” (Angels Without Wings), a local non-profit animal rescue, received the help of one of only three municipalities in Puerto Rico, who had an animal rescue initiative working in conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States, to fly Mysha and twenty-four other dogs who barely escaped the ravages of Hurricane Maria, a category 5 storm that left thousands of people

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and untold numbers of animals dead, and devasted Mysha’s beautiful island. There to meet that plane, at a small airport north of Atlanta, were several rescue organizations, among 350 shelter rescue partners nationwide, who are Emergency Placement Partners with the Humane Society of the United States. Among them was the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, “CHHS,” run by Executive Director, David Stroud. This wouldn’t be the last time the CHHS would reach out to help animal hurricane refugees. More recently, as Hurricane Florence threatened the Carolina coastline, on the evening of September 10, 2018, the Humane Society of the United States once again called into action their emergency placement partner, CHHS. David, his Shelter Manager, Kaitlyn Moss and Kaitlyn’s father, Derrick Moss, a volunteer who drove their mobile rescue transport trailer aptly called the H.E.A.R.T of North Carolina, (Humane, Emergency, Adoption, Rescue, Transport). They hit the road at 5:00 a.m. the following morning. They drove nearly nine hours to get to their first stop, the Outer Banks SPCA in Manteo, North Carolina. Kaitlyn explained, “What took the longest was getting all of the animals ready.” There were seventy-five animals needing evacuation. Many were ready to go, but Outer Banks wanted to make sure they were willing to take a three-legged cat who had his leg removed three days prior (Froggy) and a one-eyed cat (Jack). Kaitlyn said, “Of course! When you meet them, they are the coolest cats ever! As long as they are friendly we are good with it!”

On the way back from the Outer Banks SPCA it took a lot longer because, amongst all of the organized chaos, they had to drop animals off in two separate locations. The first place was SAFE Haven for Cats in Raleigh, North Carolina, a no-kill cat rescue where they dropped off twenty cats and kittens. They left Raleigh and headed for Charlotte, North Carolina to drop off thirty-four dogs and cats to Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Control and Humane Society of Charlotte. CHHS did not return empty handed. 1,037 miles and twentyfour hours later, and with no rest, at 5:30 a.m. they returned with eighteen cats and three dogs. Normally they are filled to capacity with cats, but with a brand new Feline Adoption & Animal Care Center ready for occupancy in early Fall, there was now plenty of room. I had the pleasure of interacting with Froggy, One-eyed Jack and fifteen other felines as well as a hound dog, a shepherd mix, and one of the cutest little pit bull puppies, who, at the time of this writing, were all available for adoption at CHHS. If you have any questions about adopting any of the amazing animals at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, or would like to volunteer, please call the shelter at (828)7435752. CHHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit no-kill shelter and will appreciatively accept your tax-deductible donation in support

of the Hurricane Florence survivors and the many other wonderful dogs and cats in search of their forever home. In case you were wondering whatever happened to Mysha, why don’t I let her tell you. It’s December 23, 2017… “Oh boy, oh boy it’s almost Christmas! I don’t know what that means exactly but there’s a happy feeling in the air. Today is going to be a good day! I’m outside in the cool air playing on the grass with one of my buddies who came with me on the plane. Then two humans came up to the fence, and I don’t know what got into me! I said, ‘Pick me! Pick me!’ But it came out sounding like woof, woof, woofff! The next thing I knew I got to give them sloppy kisses and I was running around wagging my tail like crazy! I think they liked it because I got to go home with them.” Mysha Fierberg found her forever home and became a much loved and spoiled member of our family. Among her adoption paperwork was a note from her rescue hero in Puerto Rico, Remie Sandra Roman, which allowed me to stay in contact with her and learn the details leading up to the dangerous night she was saved.

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By the Way...

With me, the past is always present by Emory Jones

hanksgiving and Christmas always make me think of the past. That’s not a bad thing—I like the past. A lot. My favorite TV show is Green Acres. Reruns of Gun Smoke sends a tingle up my leg, and don’t get me started on Hee Haw! For one thing, people were friendlier in the past. They also said and did some mighty fine things that we in the present don’t say or do anymore. Take humming, for example. I don’t remember the last time I heard somebody humming a tune, do you? I blame FaceBook for that. My grandmother hummed a lot, especially when she washed dishes. I suppose the modern day dishwasher just makes too much noise to hum over. Remember when auto mechanics hummed underneath the car while lying on one of those dirty little boards with wheels they

had? I haven’t heard a mechanic hum in years. And the last time I saw one of those little was on the Antiques Road Show. Of course, not everything from the past was perfect. I mean, take some of those so-called wise old sayings. Some of those were pretty dumb. For example: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” What’s the point of having a cake if you can’t eat it? Besides, if you want one cake to eat and another for looks, then make two cakes. By the way, if you want a balanced diet, just hold a piece of cake in each hand. My wife taught me that trick. How about, “A penny saved is a penny earned?” What if you found that penny? You didn’t earn it even if you do save it. And consider this—if you save one every day except Sunday for your whole life, you’d have saved roughly $83. And since most stores won’t take that many pennies, you’ll just be making things hard on everybody, especially your heirs. “Better three hours early than a minute late.” Shakespeare came up with that one, but I don’t agree with him. The old, “better late than never” saying fits my lifestyle better. And how about, “The early bird gets the worm?” Any country boy knows the best time to catch worms is at night, so in all probability, it’s the owl–who sleeps all day–that winds up with the most worms. The silliest of all may be, “All roads lead to Rome?” For one thing, they haven’t yet built an interstate across the ocean. Plus, the only road I know of that leads to Rome I-75 North. And take, “A watched pot never boils.” If you find this to be true, you either haven’t watched the pot long enough, or you forgot to turn the stove on. That happens more than you’d think. Here is one that’s so obvious it goes without saying: “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Why, if you did that, the Department of Children’s Services would be on you like a duck on a June bug. My Granddaddy used to say, “A large dog can always whip a small skunk, but it’s seldom worth the effort.” I never really understood that one, but Granddaddy said it a lot. I miss the past.

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Lovin’ the Journey The perfect fire.... by Mark Holloway

y hope for you this December is simple....happiness and joy! Well, and that your friendship with the Prince of Peace is better than ever!

Most likely you’ve already spent time with friends and family this holiday season. I imagine you’ve warmed yourself by a cozy fire at some point too....with more heart and hearth moments to come. A warm fire on a cold night transcends modern technology, social media, and selfies. I like watching people sitting by a fire gazing straight ahead. There’s something renewing and restful. I’m convinced the part of the brain which allows us to process thought even takes a break....particularly with us guys. We have a ‘nothing box’ where we have the talent to just sit, stare, and not think. Apparently women aren’t graced with this gift as much. Since mountain life is complimented so well by a fireplace or wood stove, I thought I’d share some helpful hints I’ve picked up along the way. Not only is a fast fire possible, it’s the norm around our home. We have a quality wood burning stove featuring a large glass door. We bought it when we moved here in 2007. We started fires differently that first winter. Back then, I thought there was something noble about matches and twigs and a lot of huffing and puffing.

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Then I discovered recycled cardboard fire logs which easily break a part. I set a chunk, half the size of my fist, into the center of the fire box and light it with one single proud and capable wooden match. I then set thin dry split wood in squares ‘log cabin’ style around the burning starter. Just as quickly, I place medium sized wood on top in the same pattern. Those wristsized pieces are followed by wood the length and size of my forearm. I then top the tower off with several larger-sized pieces of split wood. At this point, the starter cardboard is just getting going good. (The prepackaged cardboard is soaked in some type of petroleum based substance.) Adjust your stove’s air intake to full open. You’re essentially done. Close the stove door or fireplace screen and settle into a comfortable chair close by. The keys to successful winter fires are simple: a good starter and dry wood. Safety is your first thought. I clean my chimney halfway through the burn season and then again after our last fire in early spring. I used to clean client chimneys. I have a trusted specialist these days. I still clean my own. If you respect the natural dangers of the cleaning process, you’ll be fine. Ladders, open flame, and chimneys all demand safety. I suggest you turn off all your lights at night and use a flashlight to cross-shoot a light beam at various angles looking for any possible escaping smoke from your stove. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby too.

Often I’ll set a ‘night log’ onto a thick bed of hot coals. I close the stove door securely and head to bed. Our stove has a trap door which allows easy clean up from the ash drawer below. Pour ashes into a safe place and make sure the coals are cold. We don’t lack for firewood here. I collect downed hardwoods year round. Pine is a good wood source, provided you’ve split and cured it for two years. Pine burns hot and fast and is an effective way to recapture a dying fire. If your fireplace has a gas starter, or gas logs, enjoy a warm, trouble-free, albeit, guilt-ridden winter. Perhaps you can recapture your sense of wilderness adventure in some other way. Maybe Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, William Clark and Meriwether Lewis would agree with me that gas just feels like cheating. Every fire has a ‘sweet spot’ moment. That’s when the fire is burning strong, the chill in the room has been replaced by a cozy warmth, and you’ve got hours of comfort before you need to add more fuel.

Make sure your chimney is clean and safe. Keep plenty of seasoned wood on hand. Only tourists buy green wood. If you order firewood, only pay after you’re sure it’s good and dry. So this season, heat up the tea kettle. Brew some fresh coffee. Sip some Gluhwein. Enjoy some eggnog. Sit long spells by the fire, gazing thought-free, straight ahead. Unplug and enjoy the kindness of others. Sing a carol. Read Matthew’s account of the Savior’s arrival. Love one another and stay cozy, y’all. See you on the trail. Mark and his wife Carol are the owners of Fresh Start, a company dedicated to stewarding the property and homes of their clients. They aspire to be your eyes, ears, and hands while you are away, and your resource for anything you need, whether you are a full or part time resident of the area. Mark can be reached by calling 706.490.7060

A few years ago, an ice storm crippled this area, knocking out power for days and days. Even our neighborhood, with buried utilities, was without electricity for nearly two days. Deep down inside, my Jeremiah Johnson self was secretly thrilled. I was going to finally get to live that fantasy pioneer dream and cook on our wood burning stove. Our Blossman Gas-installed tankless water heater insured hot showers and our wood stove provided hot food and a warm home. Those 48 hours could have only been better had I been sporting a Grizzly Adams beard. As Christmas approaches, make time for hearth moments with the folks dear to you. Share a story or two about Christmases past and hopes for Christmases to come.

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Adventure Out

Hemlock Falls with North Georgia Tech’s Photography Students by Peter McIntosh arlier this year, I had the privilege of speaking to the students at the North Georgia Technical College School of Photography. The college has a great photography program and a great group of enthusiastic students. I spoke to them about the fundamentals of backcountry photography and, the following week, they went on a field trip to Hemlock Falls. That’s the destination this month and all the photos here are by the students themselves. Great job to all of you students! The main reason for North Georgia Tech has such a highly regarded photography program is the instructors. You can see two of them in the group photo on the far right, Professor Melissa Henderson and Program Director, Jim Loring.

Hemlock Falls is a nice easy hike, just a gentle ascent along Moccasin Creek. The trail can be squishy if it’s been raining, so I always recommend boots on this trail. So get your camera and see what beauty you can capture. This adventure has beauty spots in any season. Happy hiking! ‘Tis the end of the year and my poem is here: The fall color is gone but there’s still beauty to be found, So get out and get going and take a look all around. The student’s photos here are just some of the views, Photo by: Alyssa Shipman

With so many great submissions, it was difficult to choose.

All of the student photos of Hemlock Falls can be found at https://northgatech.edu/hemlock-falls Getting there: From Clayton go 12 miles on U.S. 76 W. and turn left on State Highway 197. Go 3 miles to Moccasin Creek Park. Follow the gravel road across from the fish hatchery to where it dead ends at the trailhead. Moccasin Creek State Park is a fee area, but the Hemlock Falls Trail parking area is free.

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For more information go to: http://gastateparks.org/info/moccasin or call (706) 947-3194 NGTC School of Photography: The Photography associate degree program prepares students for employment in the diverse and growing field of photography. The Photography associate degree program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. https://northgatech.edu/students/ programs-of-study/photography

Photo at the top was taken by Peter Adams. Photo in the middle was taken by Laura Waters. Photo to the left was taken by Adriana Fortner.

To see more of Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photos, or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com

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Photo by Hannah Wakefield

Photo on the top was taken by Eli Stanley. Photo on the bottom was taken by Sidney Heath

Photo by Harrison Citron

Photo by Dustin Vandergrift

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the

Hitt Outdoors

Autumn Leaves: Little Bitta Science, Whole Lotta Color! by Joel Hitt igns of autumn are all but muted as we get into the holiday season. Back in the early days of autumn, before much change in leaf colors, I overheard a lunch table of “color-prognosticators” having fun with their predictions for the upcoming season. For the most part, they were somewhat pessimistic, expecting the mountain colors to be a little late this year, and maybe not much to write home about. While it is part of the fun of fall to try and outguess nature, there are some fairly accurate hints as to what to expect each year, mostly having to do with amounts of rainfall and nighttime temperatures over a six month period. But if you get different signals thrown at you at different periods, it can be confusing!

I will summarize some information I located on Wikipedia and other online sources. There is firm agreement that a succession of warm, sunny days in the early spring, coupled with cool but above-freezing nights, seems to yield good autumn color. On the other hand, if we have a delayed or late spring, (especially chilly nights or even light freezes), or a later severe summer drought, either one or both of these can delay the onset of fall color significantly. And finally, a warm period during fall will also lower the intensity of autumn colors. So we can be cursed or blessed by these factors from all three seasons, as it pertains to the climax colors of October! So what is the best combination of weather events? A warm but wet spring, favorable summer weather, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights should produce the most brilliant autumn colors at this latitude in the mountains. The only problem is, you are almost always going to find a mix of the good and the bad! So how did we turn out this year? There were some lingering warmish nights well into September that probably muted some of the color show. Some areas had some dry spells over the summer which may have had a negative effect for overall leaf color. But I’ve been really pleased overall! Actually, when you add in the sheer beauty of these peaks and valleys, independent of the autumn colors, can there ever really be a “bad” fall display in Northeast Georgia? So how do I think those friendly autumn color-predictors at the restaurant come out? I’d say they scored fairly well, but predicted more of a downturn to the colors than what actually occurred. Hopefully, they are happy to have been mistaken! American Beech is my favorite yellow-orange.

70 - December 2018

Today I would like to share an awareness that I’ve noticed during the six months I’ve written this column. First, I am grateful to share these moments with the readership of the Georgia Mountain Laurel! And second, whenever I’m asked to write or speak about the natural world, I could treat the topic simply as an academic discussion. That is, I could get my information from books or Google searches alone. But really, folks, any nature-based topic discussed well begs to have information brought in from the “outdoors,” that is, from field observations. So how cool is that! (I’ll go ahead and give you the answer: “VERY!”) So to be asked to write about the natural world is actually a double treat for me. I get to share information with you about nature, my favorite topic! But I further must have spent a sizable amount of time being IN nature during the run-up to each topic I investigate. It would leave a gaping hole if I sat at my desk looking out at the world of plants and animals and never placing myself out there with them! Rather, this task requires being outside with notebook and pencil, camera and binoculars, to see what nature shows me in that hour! Then the process is to bring that back to you, perhaps with reference to what others have said before me. Some would call this “research.” Somehow, it feels more like a form of play to me, as I move from one to another scene. As a result of what I’ve shared here, I have decided that one morning as I’m leaving my home office for the “woodland office,” I will pause at the front door and say to Ceree (and three dogs) in mock-serious tones, “I must be off to work ... Another day of hard labor awaits me!”

Sourwood is perhaps the best crimson color we have.

December 2018 - 71

Rabun Paws 4 Life The Paws of our Great Community

abun Paws 4 Life has now been in existence for 6 years. Our doors opened in November 2012 and since that time, we have continued to maintain our status as an Open Admission, No Kill Animal Control and Shelter. We have had many people ask us what that means for the animals and citizens of Rabun County. The answer to that question is multi-fold. For the citizens of Rabun County… Rabun Paws 4 Life is contracted by the county to provide Animal Control services. Our Animal Control Officers are employees of Rabun Paws 4 Life, Inc. We provide them with equipment, uniforms, animal traps, crates, and vehicles. We house, vet, vaccinate, microchip, provide for surgery as needed, and spay and neuter all strays or seized animals coming into our facility via animal control. We are the only facility in the county that can house animals that have bitten humans and those animals being held in animal cruelty and hoarding cases. We have had as many as 40 animals brought in at one time in a single hoarding case. There have been 4 such cases in the 6 years since we have opened our doors. When there is a traffic stop resulting in arrest with an animal in the vehicle (regardless whether day or night), our animal control officers remove the animal and take it to RP4L. When individuals are found deceased in a home and there are pets with no family available to care for them, our Animal Control officers respond to the scene and the animals are taken to Rabun Paws 4 Life. Rabun Paws 4 Life serves as the resource for low cost and no cost spay and neuter services within Rabun County. Through our special programs, pet owners can schedule a sterilization procedure at our participating veterinary hospital (Rabun Animal Hospital) or at the shelter. The cost is a maximum of $55.00. Free male cat neuters are performed at the shelter by Dr. Stephen Arbitter weekly with assistance of our Manger of Animal Health, Becca Neff. Rabun Paws 4 Life holds low cost vaccine clinics twice each year

to provide citizens with the mandated rabies vaccines as well as other vaccines that they choose for their pet. We provide over 800 vaccines to animals through our low-cost vaccine clinics annually. For the animals of Rabun County… Rabun Paws 4 Life shows animals in our care that they can be loved. Many of the animals that show up at our doors, either as strays, from hoarding or neglect cases, or from owner surrenders, have not been dealt the best hand. They are scared, cold, hungry, sick or injured. They have had multiple litters of puppies or kittens and are tired, or old and no one wants to see them through until the end. We become the temporary home for those animals, feed them, give them warmth, vaccinate, give medical care and most of all… show them compassion. Our goal is to get them to a “forever home”. Once they find their forever home, we can care for more animals in need. I can’t possibly list all the ways we help the citizen and animals of Rabun County, but as this year ends and another approaches, we hope to continue to give pride to the citizens of this community, knowing that we are doing our best to take care of those without a voice…. The animals. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Those of us at Rabun Paws 4 Life, Inc are doing our part in the greatness of our community: Rabun County. We wish you all the most wonderful holiday season and a peaceful 2019. Visit our shelter at 261 Boen Creek Road, Tiger, GA 30576 Call us for information, or to report lost/missing/found animals in Rabun County 706.782.5422 Donations for the care of our animals are always appreciated. Mail to PAWS 4 Life – PO Box 216, Clayton, GA 30525