"Give Me the Simple Life"

There are certainly people who enjoy living in Montana, Washington, New Jersey and all of the components of the United States. But for me the best place to live is in Georgia, middle Georgia that is. It is the place that best suits me and gives me a sense of enjoyment and awe every single day.

There is nothing like going to a big city every once in a while, but for overall living give me the small town, simple life. In middle Georgia I can actually still feel the sense of community and family I felt when I was growing up in South Carolina.

This past weekend just reinforced those feelings. On Saturday I attended the Georgia Literary Festival. It was held in Macon, Georgia and it was an invitation for one and all to come celebrate the glory of books. There were guest speakers and panel discussions that featured authors from the area, but the main draw was the outdoor booths and sellers who sold books and promoted the literary legacy of this area.

The weather cooperated completely and it was bright and brisk all day long. I saw entire families strolling around taking in the sights, and enjoying the sense of community that was offered. It was Americana pure and simple - and I loved it!

As soon as I finished with the Festival I had to race back to Perry for a booksigning at the Perry Bookstore. This was a part of a celebration of downtown Perry, and I didn't want to miss any of it. I also didn't want to miss my supper so I called my wife and asked where we were eating. She said she, my son, his wife and their two children were headed to Cracker Barrel. I gave her my order for food and asked her to ask them to put a rush on it so I could eat and still get to the booksigning on time.

When I got there about twenty minutes later my food was waiting for me. Man, you can't get that kind of service anywhere else. In Perry even getting food is personal. I managed to eat my good food and then make it to the booksigning on time. I mean I wasn't even late by a minute.

The celebration of downtown Perry brought out more families. My grandkids came down with their parents to enjoy the fun. One of the highlights was using colored chalk to draw pictures or sign their names on the main street - which had been blocked off from traffic.

One of the ladies who came to the signing that night runs a restaurant called "The Swanson." I commented to her that the supper she had fixed for a church gathering that week had been delicious. It was a chicken and rice dish that was scrumptious.

When I finished bragging she told me she had some left over and it was down at "The Swanson." "On your way home stop by and just tell Mark to give it to you," she said. She didn't have to say it twice. As soon as the booksigning was over I was out of there and headed to "The Swanson."

The food I picked up was enough for three lunches for me, and I mean three big lunches. As I carried my food home I reflected back on my day. It had been fantastic in every respect. And it had all been perfect for my kind of town in America.

I like to go to the big city. I like those bright lights and all the charms the big city offers. But when it comes to living you couldn't blast me out of middle Georgia. In my book it is as close to perfection as living can get.

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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