Time passes quickly when you are having fun is a declaration I have always heard. I cannot confirm
that these stay-at-home days have been a lot of fun. Since stories have filled a big portion of my life,
recalling these tales fill times that could be lonely. As much as I enjoy reliving stories, I like to share with others. Instead of beginning with “Once Upon a Time”, now my opening is “Stop me if you have heard I this one.” Even if it has been heard before by listeners, I enhance and add details they haven’t heard. In this column I will be reviewing columns you have read, but I hope no one will stop reading at this point. I often quote one of my all-time favorite authors, the late Pat Conroy, who said, “A good story never grows old.” (Although writing mostly about Low country of S.C. he was born in GA).
Often, I am asked how long have I been writing columns for my beloved Forest Blade. From my files I learned that I have submitted stories of people, places and events “Around the Square” since 2017 and delighted to have the privilege.
Hope you will enjoy going through the years with me. Many have been tributes to friends who shared my childhood, adults who have been my role models, business folks, teachers, and all who still fill my heart with precious memories.
My forever friends, Annette McDaniel Evens. Frances Willis Powell, Ann Shepard Calef, Jewell
Perryman Claxton, and others have appeared in the column. Beautiful, talented and gracious Rita
Johnson and Ann Garrett should always be remembered. Athletic stars, Oscar Odom and Frank
Wimberly ‘s fame was reviewed.
Teachers were mentioned frequently: First grade teacher, Miss Scarboro taught me to read. Mrs. Nina Price made Georgia History come alive. Hixie G. Scott seemed to always be my teacher each year at SHS. (She never spoke her name without the “G”) Coach and Mrs. Schwabe taught me that your teacher can also be your friend. Peggy George Sammons gave me a love of language, literature and writing. Mrs. Edna Bailey told me, “You have a way with words.” and also gave me the needed skill of typing.
Mrs. Mae Vann, my high school Sunday school teacher helped form my faith, and demonstrated the