We’ve moved. Not just moved forward, but northward. North Georgia to be exact. When a friend learned where we were moving, she said, “In Georgia, you’re from south Georgia, Atlanta, or north Georgia. And we’re about as far north as you get and still be in Georgia.
Our little town, Mineral Bluff, is tucked between two quaint little towns. One is McCaysville, where a blue line runs through the IGA parking lot. On one side, you’re in Georgia on the other Tennessee. Tourists take pictures straddling the line. So far we haven’t done that, however. . .
If you go the opposite direction, you head into the other quaint town, Blue Ridge. It’s nestled in the mountains and has friendly folks, beautiful views, and a scenic railroad trip that people come from far and wide to take. We haven’t done that yet either. But that’s a for-sure on our list of things-to-do in our new town.
Moving to Georgia, after living nearly 58 years in Florida, has been one of those experiences that make an indelible imprint on one’s mind. The imprint is far more emotional, strenuous, and just plain massive in every way than I had imagined when imagining the move.
How do I pack up all our worldly goods, say good-bye to dear, dear friends, our wonderful church family, my hairdresser, the one I’ve had since 1975? Will we find where to buy tires or raw honey? Will I often run into someone in the grocery store who I know to happily stop and chat with? Who will be my dentist and doctor? How will I ever have a neighbor who shares her homemade hot-out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls and gives my dog a treat every afternoon? And everything else that makes up the rhythm of daily life?
In order to move, I started a new exercise routine—boxing. As I boxed dishes, towels, clothes, you know, all the regular household things, I relived memories while I boxed pictures, my son, Andrew’s, baby rattle, and daughter, Lisa’s, tiny flower girl dress from my sister’s wedding. Both Lisa and Andrew are grown, married, and have children. Doesn’t matter. Those things and the other treasures that I rediscovered are special and had to come to Georgia with me.
After all the boxing and good-byes, comes the excitement of new place. We love our new home—it’s a gift from God in every way.
I’m unboxing now, painting walls, and eager to ‘swap howdies’ with my new neighbors. Moving forward sometimes means really and truly moving!
I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at sharonkiser@aol.com or visit my website: sharonkiser.com.
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