Friday, August 31, 2012

Love is in the air. It's fresh. It's exciting. It's in Georgia. There is a rumor floating around that love is illusive and cannot be found. I beg to differ. It can be found. It all has to do with where you're looking and  what and who you're looking at. Georgia is a beautiful place, full of all kinds of people. I'll share some of them with you. You'll even find some of them very colorful. Let's explore their personalities, their tastes and interests. If you have someone to suggest, send me an email at liferenovator@gmail.com.

Today, I'll begin with me. I have found some of the most interesting places to visit in Georgia. Oxford is one such place. A hop, skip and a jump from Atlanta, it has the flavor of a small town with a hint of city. There are beautiful homes and beautiful places for nice, long drives. There I met a real Southern Gentleman who is a talented author and speaker whose name is Gregory L. Towns. Be on the look out to hear more about him. He writes with a flare that draws you in and makes you feel as though you know each character. His  writing is engaging and makes even those who claim they hate to read want to know what happens and who done it. And did I say that he's a gentleman? Of course, I did. He is also writing a new chapter in his own life. Intrigue. Intrigue. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

High School, Life School

 
 
A.L. Miller Sr. High School in Macon, Georgia as I knew  it as a teenager years ago. It is a place whose halls have many stories to tell. Some stories elicit beautiful memories of friendship, pranks, detention, study halls and, yes, education. While others evoke not so pleasant memories of our quest to bridge the racial divide and appreciate each other's diversity. You see, the years were during the late 60's and early 70's when we were told, "Miller girls don't act that way". The teachers and staff were referring to how we were to carry ourselves as young ladies. Even though we were of different races, the standard for our behavior was the same. We were to carry ourselves with dignity, a quest for knowledge and goal-directed living. Yet, in the halls, racial differences peeked their ugly head as we were reminded that we were black because of names that we were sometimes called. And they remembered that they were white because of names that they were called. But it is amazing how these experiences have created a bond and connection that still connects us today. I chose to begin my Junior High School years at A.L. Miller Jr. High during "Freedom of Choice", prior to mandatory integration. I was reminded of these times recently when I say some of my fellow classmates who were white. Our conversation ended with lessons learned from that period in our lives and how we need to meet up again with others from that period and stay in touch with each other. We reminisced and realized that those times helped to build character in many of us. The lesson that I carry is that, yes, ultimately I was a Miller girl and the good and the bad helped to mold me into who I am today. The powers to be may have decided to get rid of the building as a school, but they can never erase from the blackboard of our memories the lessons that were learned there.  

 
 
A.L. Miller Sr. High School in Macon, Georgia as I knew  it as a teenager years ago. It is a place whose halls have many stories to tell. Some stories elict beautiful memories of friendship, pranks, detention, study halls and, yes, education. While others elicit not so pleasant memories of our quest to bridge the racial divide and appreciate each other's diversity. You see, the years were during the late 60's and early 70's when we were told, "Miller girls don't act that way". The teachers and staff were referrinng to how we were to carry ourselves as young ladies. Even though we were of different races, the standard for our behavior was the same. We were to carry ourselves with dignity, a quest for knowledge and goal-directed living. Yet, in the halls, racial differences peeked their ugly head as we were reminded that we were black because of names that we were sometimes called. And they remembered that they were white because of names that they were called. But it is amazing how these experiences have created a bond and connection that still connect us today. I chose to begin my Junior High School years at A.L. Miller Jr. High during "Freedom of Choice", prior to mandatory integration. I was reminded of these times recently when I say some of my fellow classmates who were white. Our conversation ended with lessons learned from that period in our lives and how we need to meet up again with others from that period and stay in touch with each other. We reminisced and realized that those times helped to build character in many of us. The lesson that I carry is that, yes, ultimately I was a Miller girl and the good and the bad helped to mold me into who I am today. The powers to be may have decided to get rid of the building as a school, but they can never erase from the blackboard of our memories the lessons that were learned there.  

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

I'm back

Well, hello. It's hard to believe that it's been so long since I posted anything. Shall I say that life got in the way. I was being a care taker for my mother who had cancer. She fought hard and transitioned from this life on September 16, 2010. I am now a care taker for my father and will document the journey. My mother was an awesome person who taught me so much. Now I see so much of her shinning through me. I'll share my observations about this, as well. I guess you can say that it's all..something southern. Stay tuned and let me know what you think.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I Write Like

Hey,
I know that there are a lot of you southern writers out there. So, here's something for you. I read about a site called "I Write Like". You submit a sample of your writing and it analyzes who you write like. I submitted a portion of a book that I'm writing and it says that I write like David Foster Wallace. See what it says about your writing at iwl.me .

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

New Hope International

Are you looking for a church home in or near Warner Robins, Georgia? Well, have I got just the place for you! New Hope International, Bishop Jeff Poole, Pastor is a spirit-filled church where you can truly feel at liberty to praise and worship. The music is great and the Word (Sermons) are even greater. Check out these notes from the sermon on Sunday, July 25, 2010.
Title: It's in the Atmosphere
Daniel 10:12-13
Ephesians 6:2;6:12
We are not human beings living a spiritual existence. We are spiritual beings living a human existence. Stop letting the circumstances and people around you control your responses and the atmosphere of your life. There's an attack on your peace, your joy, your finances, and on your family  with your name on it. But, God is giving you authority over the atmoshere of your life. Pray Ephesians 1 for wisdom and revelation knowledge of Him, for God to reveal what's been covered, released and manifested in your life. Pray for Word of Knowledge, the full discernment. Ask God to, "Open my eyes that I may see".

Atmosphere is defined as a pervading mood, something that gets into every part of it; influence; environment. The enemy (Satan) is trying to pervade your mood, your influence and your environment. He's trying to disturb the atmosphere of your life. Just like when you're on an airplane and there's turbulance, you need to buckle yourself in and stay grounded when you hit the turbulance in your life. Get around people who are full of faith. Their atmosphere will pervade your environment. Be sure to pervade the atmosphere around you with faith, worship, praise and a positive attitude.

Visit New Hope International on the Russell Parkway Extension, Warner Robins, Georgia. You'll be glad that you did.

Conversations Overheard

Ever listen in on other people's conversations in a restaurant? Sometimes you just can't help it. They talk loud. They talk on their cell phones. And right now I'm hearing a conversation in God only knows what language! I've never heard this one. And, people are talking about what they did over the weekend. Laughing. Taking pictures of each other...Wow. I think they're from out of town. I guess they're experiencing something southern.