Picturesque North Georgia

Picturesque North Georgia, a set on Flickr.

The North Georgia Mountains are a perfect weekend getaway. Hiking, boating, dining, biking and shopping are just a few of the activities this historic region has to offer.

The Blue Ridge mountain chain ends in Georgia. At over 1 billion years of age, the Blue Ridge mountains are among the oldest mountains in the United States. The mountains in this region are also a part of the vast system of North American mountains known as the Appalachian Mountains that spans most of the United States longitudally along the eastern areas of the nation and terminates in Alabama.

The region is known for its ruggedness and scenic beauty. The Cherokee, who lived in these mountains, called them Sah-ka-na'-ga - "The Great Blue Hills of God."

In addition, large portions of the North Georgia mountains are included in the more than 750,000 acres that comprises the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Reflections

As I approach another revolution around the sun, I share with you my reflections, lessons and insights …

• It is paramount to express gratitude and appreciation.
• Say, “I love you” as often as possible.
• The person who possesses the largest bookshelf, not the latest technical gadget, designer fashions, an overflowing wallet or biggest gun, holds true power.  Knowledge IS POWER!
• Always transcend political correctness and strive for human righteousness.
• Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgement of the facts of the situation.
• It is your beliefs and perceptions that will drive your focus; it is what you focus on that you will experience. To prove this, spend a day with an optimist and a day with a pessimist. Once you do, you will never again question that person’s reality. How he or she sees and reacts to the world is in that person’s mind and has little to do with the outer world.
• Treasure every moment that you have! And, treasure it more because you shared it with someone special … special enough to spend your time, because time waits for no one.
• Don’t undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.  It is because we are different that each of us is special.
• Don’t set your goals by what other people deem important.  Only you know what is best for you.
• Don’t take for granted those closest to your heart.  Cherish them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.
• Don’t be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect ... this is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.
• Don’t be afraid to encounter risks.  It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
• While independence is important, traveling through life is easier with the assistance of friends.
• Never dismiss your dreams.  To be without dreams is to be without hope; to be without hope is to be without purpose.

In ending, always remember to live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and … leave the rest up to God.

Field of Flags

Field of Flags, a set on Flickr.

The Marietta Kiwanis Club sponsored an event honoring the victims of the senseless and savage attack of 9/11/01. The special observance began at 7:30 AM at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The ceremony included U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, former U.S. Congressman Bob Barr, a Riderless Horse, a 21-gun salute, and bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” and “Taps.”

The Look

You’ve seen the look--that over-the-top nonverbal form of expression.  It silently admonishes, puts a child firmly in his or her place, and stops the most verbose from opening their mouths.  Maybe you’ve been the object of such looks, or perhaps you’re a master at delivering this inaudible form of communication.  All things considered, the following might even be registered in some obscure section of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: “Don’t even think of touching that!” or “I can’t believe what you just said!” or this ever so popular glance, “Don’t even go there!”

The troubling part of this voiceless vernacular isn’t necessarily the look itself, but rather our childlike reaction to it.  As a child, I was rattled by the look.  Even now, I am startled by its power.  The irony, of course, is that I usually return the favor with one of my own wide-eyed faces that says, ”Yes? Do you have something to say to me?”

Communicating with our features may be all we have in some instances.  Yet, when we use the look to belittle others, instead of using words to educate or inform them, we are not being kind to them or ourselves.

Most nonverbal cues--warm and welcoming touches, smiles, or a sympathetic nod--are like the colorful and sweet sprinkles we toss on cupcakes.  They enhance human interaction.

But, the glaring and rolling of the eyes are another story.  We’ve all heard the advice as kids--ignore it--but as we all know, it can be a difficult task.  But, think about this … how much more energy does it take to react to a look instead of keeping that look at bay and disallowing it from entering your frame of mind?

It may not feel meditative, but letting it pass will help you get on to the things that are much more important.  The next time someone tries to rattle you with the look, mentally draw a mustache above the lips, and if you have the time, scribble a couple of horns and a tail, too ;-)