PTSW - My Own: Preface

 

Dear Reader

Mind must convince mind that it can wave the same filaments of subtlety, soul convince soul that it can give off the same shimmers of eternity. - Robert Frost

Stroll gently through this park of secret dreams.

I do not often come here with friends.

I want you to stay, 

Through every joy, pain and fear:

to know and be known

to hear and be heard,
each tone and texture,
all scents and every delicious portion.

Can they be mine alone?

Be patient,

Walk softly through my gallery:

Do you hear?

Do you know?

Do you dream too?

by Terrell Shaw

Saturday Song: We Shall Overcome

 

When I became a card-carrying member of the Columbia Record Club, while still in High School about 1963 or 64, Pete Seeger's Carnegie Hall "We Shall Overcome" album was one of the twelve albums I chose with my membership.

Fading Away

I just got back from a 20 minute meeting of the Trinity United Methodist Church Council. We turned in our clergy review forms for 2023 and took two required (though absurd) votes to 

(1) approve the 2024 (non-existent) Church Council members. I abstained; I would not give even imaginary support to leaders who would choose to disband the church.)

(2) set a salary for a (non-existent) pastor for 2024. I approved the imaginary salary; I would have approved one-dollar or a million --- in this case identical sums.

Barring some unexpected matter arising that requires a council vote before the church disbands, this was the final meeting of the Trinity United Methodist Church Council. After 148 years of service our congregation will officially disband on November 30, 2023. Each of its remaining 800 plus members will be, at least temporarily, without a church home.

As I waited afterwards for the Turner McCall light to change so I could walk toward home I noticed the sign sadly and appropriately fading away.

PTSW - My Own: Dedication

I have played with words since childhood, trying to fully tell my darkest fears, wildest wonders, deepest joys --- and sometimes just some silliness. I will store these, my own, here. When I gave a small booklet of verse to Sheila back in the nineties, I used this bit as a dedication.

For Sheila, Brannon and Lillian

The one I chose, who chose me too;

The one we planned, who startles so;

The one for all, who’s most her own—

To find this place, with the three of you;

And all our love!  

  Any foregone woe,

The terrors and tears in years alone, 

I count as only paving stone.

- by Terrell Shaw

 

 

Patsy

Today Sheila and I attended the graveside memorial service for Patsy Dooley Goodrich. We did not know Patsy well and only met her a few times through of dear friend and Patsy's sister, Laurie Craw. The service was led by the Rev. Natalie Falkner pastor of Cave Spring United Methodist Church. The Rev. Keith Drew, a former pastor at that church sang one of my favorite songs, Morning Has Broken, accompanying himself on guitar. He also delivered an eloquent eulogy and led the family and friends in singing Amazing Grace,

Here is the online obituary posted by the funeral home. 

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Patsy Dooley Goodrich, 79, of Winterville, GA passed away on September 7, 2023 at a hospital in Athens, Georgia after a long illness.

Known to her friends as Pat, she was born in Floyd County, Georgia on October 9, 1943, daughter of Posey A. and Bonnie Teat Dooley. She is survived by her husband, James Goodrich of Winterville; sister, Laurie Dooley Craw, brother-in-law, Steve Craw of Cave Spring; niece, Rachel Craw of Brooklyn, NY; nephew, Sam Craw of Atlanta and two step-daughters, Laura Brown and Stephanie Goodrich.

She was a graduate of Cedartown High School and the University of Chattanooga, where she earned a BS degree in Medical Technology. She began her career as a Medical Technologist and retired from the US Department of Agriculture, Russell Research Center in Athens. 

Patsy was an avid traveler and outdoors adventurer. She and her husband visited every continent and had many adventures in jungles, mountains, oceans, glaciers and deserts of the planet and delighted in all the nature and animals they encountered. She was a longtime member of the Athens Rock and Gem Club and the local Red Hat Club and held a private pilots license.

She is remembered by family and friends as a gracious lady devoted to family and friends. A strong, self-reliant woman with a big heart.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 11:00am in the family lot of the Northview Cemetery.

These Guys

 Excellent ad released by the Biden Harris campaign today:

Saturday Song: Hold On!

 One of the great joys of my life was the opportunity to perform as Archiebald Craven in the glorious musical play The Secret Garden with BOTH of my daughters. A few years later I had to settle for a supporting role as old Ben the gardener -- I had aged out of the Archie role. BUT my disappointment was greatly assuaged by getting to share the stage again with one of my daughters. This time Lillian played the role Brannon had played the first time, and like her older sister before her she made this song a real showstopper. 

Here's Lillian singing "Hold On"...

Clocktower Tour Saturday September 2 - Y'all come!

Saturday, September 2, 2023, 1-3 pm

Clocktower Tours

Come view the interior murals in the base of the tower that depict Rome's history, as Selena Tilley describes the history of the unique 150 year old icon of our city. Then  climb the 107 steps to the top of the tower for the best views and selfies in Rome. I will be up top to point out some of the landmarks in the Coosa, Etowah, and Oostanaula valleys. Y'all come! Call the history center to reserve your place.

From the History Center Website:

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Clocktower Tours

Public Tour Tickets: $10
Dates:
– Held every first Saturday, Apr – Sept , 1 pm to 3 pm
– Public tours are not offered in October

Clocktower Fall Spectacular – 1st Saturday in November
– A first Saturday November tour is held 5 to 6 pm. This tour is ideal for amateur and professional photographers who want to capture the fall colors.

Purchase Clocktower Tickets Now

Tickets are non-refundable unless cancelled by organizer. To avoid online ticket fees, tickets may also be purchased by cash in-person: Georgia’s Rome Gift Shop & Welcome Center (at both the Jackson Hill & history center locations) Ticket sales benefit the Rome Clocktower Restoration Fund. Limit 20 people at clocktower top at a time.

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