Sweet PJ

Posted by AR on July 23rd, 2010 filed in Paw Prints
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PJ is such a good kitty. Unlike Cocoa Joy, he will let you take his photo all day long. Notice that his eyes match the sofa! Classic!

Another English Rose

Posted by AR on July 21st, 2010 filed in Journaling through England
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I’m trying to understand why some things seem more beautiful in England than in the States. A rose that has grown up beside a well-seasoned downspout—who would have thought this would draw anyone’s attention but it did . . . and the memory lingers.

An English Garden Gate

Posted by AR on July 19th, 2010 filed in C. S. Lewis, Journaling through England, Memories
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This old gate is one that C. S. Lewis would have passed many times on his way to Holy Trinity Church at Headington Quarry in England. I don’t know why I thought of this quote from Prince Caspian when I posted it last night; I just did. I hope you enjoy it, too. And if you have not read Lewis’s Narnia books, the summer is a great time to do just that—read.

“He led them to the right of the dancing trees—whether they were still dancing nobody knew, for Lucy had her eyes on the Lion and the rest had their eyes on Lucy.”

Dr. R.A. Forrest’s Church

Posted by AR on July 19th, 2010 filed in Living in Stephens County, Toccoa Falls
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I love these doors. I finally stopped yesterday afternoon and took a photo of them. They have been restored, and I think that they are so simple that they are elegant. The church is beautiful. I also had a chance to go inside and see where the founder of Toccoa Falls College preached for so many years. Dr. R. A. Forrest (pictured below) was the pastor from 1925 until 1950.

“In 1925, the First Presbyterian Church issued him a call to become their pastor. After much consideration and with the understanding that he would be able to continue his evangelistic work throughout the United States and Canada, he accepted the call and served as pastor of this church for twenty-five years. During his pastorate a beautiful brick edifice was built, and the church membership increased. It is of interest to note that, though he felt several times that he should resign because of the pressure of his other duties. The church refused to allow this until he reached the age of retirement.” —Taken from the book: Achieving The Impossible with God.

Here’s another view of the doors. I love the lamp post, too!

Stepping Back in Time

Posted by AR on July 17th, 2010 filed in Memories
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Visit any Mast General Store and you will feel like you have stepped back in time. You also will feel very welcomed. I don’t know how the people, who own this group of stores do it, but from the moment you walk in the door to the time you leave, you feel like you have walked into a place that is warm and friendly. They love for you to bring your dog/dogs with you (if the animal is well behaved) and will even go out of their way to offer your pup dog treats. In fact, Cocoa Joy walks through the store attracting comments and doggy cookies from one sales associate after another. The photo above was taken at the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. It is the original store, and from the moment you walk through the door, you realize you have stepped into a bit of history.

The store contains a small Post Office. In fact a sign hanging near the window says: “This is a Working Post Office. Please Do Not Attempt to Open the Mailboxes.” Guess there is nothing like curious shoppers!

Wander through the rooms and you will find something to purchase. I love the shoe section (in a room beyond this one). You also can open the old Coca Cola cooler (in the foreground) and pull out a small bottom of Coke—absolutely the best!

This is the way America shopped in the 30′s and 40′s. Even the old gas (petrol) pump is still in it’s original place.