There is something different about Calhoun, Georgia. I tried to explain it to my wife and kids many years ago, but they thought I was silly. I told them all they had to do was attend a Calhoun High School football game and they’d understand. So I took them to a game and they have never been the same since. They thought Calhoun was hosting a Georgia vs. Florida game at Phil Reeves Stadium. We went home this weekend to release “Southern Roots” and participate in the Northwest Georgia Writer Conference. It was, as it always is, a very special weekend.
We, my wife four children and a friend, stayed at Stoneleigh, Jim Lay’s beautiful home. Stoneleigh is named after the Lord and Lady Lay’s estate in England. My children called it a museum and the curator certainly showed unparalleled Southern hospitality. We ate with family silver on family china. He entertained the children with wonderfully interesting stories but scared them a bit when he told them that his grandmother’s ghost often returns to curse Sherman’s Army for taking her white pony in May 1864.
I took in all the paintings and furniture before retiring to the cannonball bed on Friday night. The house had a familiar smell to it. I recognized it as the smell of my grandmother’s home on Victory Drive. Perhaps it was the silk and wool rugs or the antique furniture. I’m not sure what it was but it smelt like home. The sound was familiar as well – the sound of clocks ticking. You can listen to time passing one second at a time in the silence of the night. Finally, there was the train, which was so familiar from years past. It was the first time I’d slept in Calhoun in 23 years. It was good to be home.
After a midnight run to Wal-Mart with my 15-year-old daughter to purchase a newly released Twilight movie – New Moon - we settlend down for good. Saturday began with an author meet ‘n’ greet. Many old friends came by to purchase a book and talk. The conference was very successful. We wrapped it up with another author meet ‘n’ greet which again brought many family and friends to the Harris Arts Center for a visit and signing.
After the conclusion of the conference, we packed up books and headed to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for a Walraven family gathering. It was the perfect ending to a very special day for us. I had not seen most of those present in 20+ years. As we drove back to Stoneleigh all four of my children informed me that they were going to live in Calhoun when they grow up.
We drove back to Clarksville today with plans to return to Calhoun in June for a book reading at the HAC. I look forward to speaking with you after you’ve had a chance to read the book. My sincere thanks to all those who made this weekend such a special time for our family.