6 minute read
My World Travels
By Jonan Keeny
Like many parents, I am particularly partial to my own progeny, but when it comes to children in general, I am a sucker. So when my niece, nine-year-old Adler Stimeling from Berwick, Pennsylvania, requested a trip to Foxfire because she hadn’t been there in a few years, even though we had been planning to spend the day in Toccoa, I said…Of course! And thus, I soloed Toccoa while Mimi and Papa Keeny, along with Adler, Wyatt, and Miles, toured Foxfire. As it turned out, it was all for the best… we find that we actually have at least one friend in common, Dr. Matthew Leff, the Director of Bands at Rabun County High School. And let’s be honest, I know very few people in this area personally. But as I explained before, my “family” continues to expand. So then we talked about music and how a random lifelong musician came to be in their gallery on behalf of a local magazine that I am blessed to be a small part of. From there it was suggested that I stop by Diamond Studios and talk to those guys because they are
I have been following Crozier Collective Gallery on Instagram for a few months and I had been itching for an excuse to stop by to check them out. Their Insta, and their physical gallery, is full of beautiful work. Local art? Check. Art from around the world? Check. Two passionate owners, Ty and Drew, who are committed to bringing the community together by actively participating and supporting local events? Check. And who loves it when he walks into an unknown situation, nervous as Hades (that means “heck”), and is welcomed like an old friend? This guy, that’s who. Meeting and visiting with Ty and Drew Crozier was a wonderful experience. (At least for me. I think I may have kept them away from other things they should have been doing longer than I should have. Sorry!) And as they tell me their life story, both together and separately, looking for a drum teacher. (Hold that thought.) A short time later, after taking some photos in the gallery and being in awe of Drew’s photography in particular, I went on my way.
Shirley’s Soul Food Cafe was suggested to me as an interesting destination for lunch. The story of this Jesus-loving restaurateur/ bus driver/humanitarian is remarkable. Just before I left, I asked Ms. Shirley if there was anything she wanted me to include in my article about her or her restaurant. Her incredibly humble response? “No. Just write about how you felt while you were here today.” So, the pressure is on, but I’ll do my best: Shirley’s food reminds me of a cross between both of my late grandmothers’ homestyle cooking, along with my experiences at many years of church potlucks in a variety of locales. It’s tasty, it’s comforting, and it’s full of love. Out of the list of options, I chose fried chicken, whiting, potatoes, and fried okra with sweet tea, of course. Just like most of the other patrons in Shirley’s, I ate with a smile on my face. The food is wonderful and flavorful, and I was grateful to have yet another local experience that blessed me with a feeling of being at home. As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” There is no shortage of heart at Shirley’s, and I will most definitely be a repeat customer. The rest of my day (almost) was spent at the Currahee Military Museum. How does one describe the power of this place? I have no idea. As I wandered through, it was easy to get caught up in the emotion on display. This is by far one of the most immersive museums I have explored, and the Aldbourne Stable (relocated from England and re-assembled on site) was a particularly moving part of the experience. Countless artifacts, many with accompanying letters, told a vivid story of Camp Toccoa, heroic Army Paratroopers, and the importance of this region in World War II. The fact that these heroes are immortalized in “Band of Brothers” is a testament to the sacrifice(s) they made for our country and for the world. I am not worthy. Before I headed out, I briefly chatted with Warlene who was so pleasantly helpful and assured her that next time I would be back with the entire family.
Jonan Keeny was born in Topeka, Kansas, he got older in Berwick, Pennsylvania, and then he lived a bunch of other places. A lifelong learner and a full-time dreamer, the prospect of grand new adventures gets him out of bed in the morning, with some additional assistance from his two blonde-haired, blue-eyed alarm clocks, of course!
Jonan recently rediscovered his passion for photography, which keeps him quite busy tromping around the woods, stopping at random places on the side of the road, and uploading photos to his website, www.myworldpics.com, and his Insta, @dude4disney. When he isn’t wrangling two little boys, he’s likely hanging out with his wife, Mary Lauren, reading a book to learn something new, or dreaming of life’s next adventure and Walt Disney World. Regardless of the activity, he’s probably participating in it while wearing funky socks and a cool hat.
On a whim, I took the Croziers’ advice and strolled down to Diamond Studios. Kevin and Nathan could not have been nicer, at least once I awkwardly explained the circumstances that brought me to their door, and I GOT TO BE IN A BAND AGAIN for about five minutes. IT. WAS. AWESOME. It was a joy to be playing again and they were a joy to jam with. I have no idea what the future holds for the three of us, but once again, at least temporarily, I was home.
Toccoa, how do I love thee? I am unable to count the ways…But I can’t wait to make you my temporary home once again!