Vote for Your Favorite Photo!

December 29, 2021 by angelchatt

In 2021 I traveled through seven southern states and took hundreds of photos. I chose two from each state to share with you. Now I’m asking you to consider each one carefully, then vote for your favorite by leaving a Comment.

Narrowing them down to only 14 was quite difficult, yet a very enjoyable trip down memory lane. Every state has tons of beauty and vibrant colors. Were you able to get out and embrace any great spots in the past year?

If you ever want suggestions about any of these areas, I will be delighted to share my thoughts. Travelers should encourage one another to explore all the precious places that surround us.

Here are my photos, alphabetically by state.

ALABAMA

Fields of lavender were ready for harvest in the aptly named town of Harvest, Alabama. Lavender is said to represent silence and calmness, while the pretty purple color is often associated with royalty. I walked though this lovely area in silence and calmness, feeling like royalty as I took in all the allure of these exquisite flowers. https://www.facebook.com/Lavenderwynde

Early one morning I happened upon an eerie and mysterious site full of ruins in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Pieces of columns and wall took me by surprise, and I was completely fascinated. This had once been a grand building and had burned down in 1923.

FLORIDA

Folks who love hunting for antiques need to visit the small town of Havana, Florida. This is one of several nice murals in a setting of multiple antique shops and quaint cafes. Havana was once known for growing shade tobacco. A few old tobacco barns still exist and there is even a small museum dedicated to the subject.

Bradley’s Country Store in Tallahassee, Florida began in 1927. They make delicious sausage and host an annual fun day that includes music, art, and lots of activities. That is where I took this shot of horse drawn carriages by a scenic lakeside.

GEORGIA

Caught this fabulous shot at my favorite time of day (early morning) in Rome, Georgia. I love misty mountains, rain, and cemeteries…was thrilled to see them all in this photo. If you love old cemeteries, you must visit Myrtle Hill which has six terraces and over 30 tree varieties and is a gorgeous (and possibly haunted) destination.

The elegant fountain in Forsyth Park is a most picturesque place in Savannah, Georgia. It was built in 1858 and is surrounded by oaks, magnolias, and just about more park benches than you could count. Can you guess why the water is temporarily turned green every March?

MISSISSIPPI

In Columbus, Mississippi I was honored to interview a most unique and totally unforgettable character. Her name is Edwina Williams, but everyone knows her as “Mother Goose”. For over 30 years she has captured the hearts and imaginations of folks through her songs, stories, and her advocacy for literacy. People like her make life so special. For more info: https://www.columbusmainstreet.com/staff/mother-goose-little-goose/

In Tupelo, Mississippi I sloshed through snow to share a private moment with Elvis…okay, fine, with this STATUE of Elvis! Even though the snow had closed down nearly everything, I enjoyed taking photos of many Elvis-related items and his birthplace. https://www.tupelo.net/

NORTH CAROLINA

Fayetteville, North Carolina is fortunate to have Cape Fear Botanical Garden. If you love flowers, you could spend many happy hours wandering their 80 acres. It includes a river bluff, an old farmhouse, and a lake. There are so many photo ops! The daylily section is a true spectacle of color from every angle. For more info https://www.capefearbg.org/ .

Just off Interstate 95 in Hope Mills, North Carolina you can find Dirtbag Ales. A group of friends began brewing beer, then added food. They kept growing this one-of-a-kind spot that now includes playground, dog park, music, and farmer’s market. The place and the beer are simply beyond awesome. https://www.dirtbagales.com/

SOUTH CAROLINA

Florence, South Carolina became one of my favorite places in 2021. There you can find the Pee Dee State Farmers Market and get up close and personal with fresh produce, plants, honey, and homemade items. These plums were irresistibly juicy and satisfying. I ate several of them while driving back to my home state. https://agriculture.sc.gov/divisions/agency-operations/state-farmers-markets/pee-dee-state-farmers-market/

In the historic district of downtown Florence sits Top Hat Special-Teas, a pretty pink place where Laurie is the tea queen! It is tearoom, museum, and educational space combined to thrill and tickle the taste buds. View these brewing accessories and enjoy tea, quiche, and scones. https://www.facebook.com/tophatspecialteas .

TENNESSEE

Apple Valley Orchard in Cleveland, Tennessee is where I interviewed the owner of this family apple business and got this practically perfect picture of little green apples still growing on the trees. Happy little apples on happy little trees, I’m sure. https://applevalleyorchard.com/ .

These cute colors prove that there is art in architecture! Fayetteville, Tennessee is full of fantastic buildings with tons of history. Many of them are also full of antiques and colorful characters. https://www.fayettevilletn.com/tourism.php .

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out these photos. They were just a small sample of what I discovered on my 2021 travels as I sought to Embrace Southern States!!! Now, it is time for you to leave a nice Comment to VOTE for your favorite. Please share your thoughts and we can all decide the winners… together.

Remember to SHARE this article with your friends and let them know how to find Embrace Southern States. Instagram go to https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ or if you prefer Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates .

JOY of 2021: A Recap

December 17, 2021 by angelchatt

Embrace every ounce of JOY in life! That is the biggest and best lesson I learned from the past year. How do YOU embrace life’s joy? Here is a summary of how I did it…my way!

New and vibrant mural in Florence, Alabama…so joyful !!

This delightful artwork in Fayetteville, NC makes me smile !

“Mother Goose” in Columbus, MS sang and discussed her passion for literacy.

This sweet potato cheesecake in Florence, South Carolina is beyond bliss !

As a travel writer, I embrace road trips in the southeastern United States in a huge way. In 2021 I visited towns in seven states. This included two Bucket List towns…Florence, Alabama https://www.visitflorenceal.com/ and Fayetteville, North Carolina https://www.visitfayettevillenc.com/ . I met “Mother Goose” in Columbus, Mississippi http://www.visitcolumbusms.org/, and ate so much amazing food on the Pecan Trail in Florence, South Carolina https://visitflo.com/.

The total number of interviews for the year topped 80! (DANG, Y’ALL… I love travel and photography and interviewing fine, fun, fascinating folks!) These included two Bucket List interviews. The first was Stephanie Stuckey who is bringing back the iconic Stuckey’s business that adds so much fun to road trips https://stuckeys.com/. The other was Nick Murray who gave up a successful corporate job to return to the land and become a goat farmer in Georgia https://www.gratefulhillfarm.com/. He and his beautiful family are quite inspiring.

Chef Leon brings fresh & exciting food to Florida.

Two fun local Florida interviews were with attorney Dana Brooks https://www.fasigbrooks.com/attorneys/dana-brooks/ and rising young chef Leon Brunson https://leoncbrunson.com/ .

Making new friends is such a pleasure. I met several fellow travel writers including Melody Pittman https://www.whereverimayroamblog.com/, the deeply awe-inspiring Penny Zibula https://sixlegswilltravel.com/, Anna Cook https://stuckonthego.com/, and the duo Brandi and Dori https://backroadsandburgers.com/. I highly encourage y’all to enjoy their sites.

Two of the sweetest and most brilliant business owners I got to know were Heather Thomas of The Willis Park Hotel in Georgia https://www.thewillisparkhotel.com/ and Kyle Hardee of Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish in South Carolina https://tubbsseafood.com/.

Kyle at Tubb’s is a pure JOY to interview !

The Facebook Group that I started a year ago is a work in progress that is coming along nicely https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates. Dang, y’all, I sure hope YOU are part of that. I am also slowly learning how to do more technology, including Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/. If YOU know anyone who could help me improve my website…and “grow” it…please let me know.

One last thing: I deeply and sincerely appreciate every person who takes the time to read and enjoy EmbraceSouthernStates…if YOU enjoy it…PLEASE take time to leave COMMENTS!!! Thank you, and MAY 2022 EMBRACE YOU with a joy of travel!!!

NATURE IS THE NICEST NEIGHBOR

November 18, 2021 by angelchatt

Wouldn’t it be nice to see some natural beauty right now? I am so thankful to live in the Florida Panhandle where nature and beauty put on a living art exhibit every day of the year. Nature is the nicest neighbor.

My human neighbors are just fine, but I don’t find myself eager to photograph them. Yes, they look okay, but nature outshines them.

All of the photos in this article were taken in Florida, most locations identified in captions.

It was lots of fun to browse through my photos and find just the thing that you can enjoy with me right now. Think of this as a refreshing pictorial break from whatever you are doing… a “walk in the woods” or “walk on the wildflower side”. Hope you find at least a couple of these that make you want to come visit or at least to share some thoughts!

Meander through the woods with me on this pleasant path.

A path at Lichgate on High Road in Tallahassee.

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Find Live Oaks showing off their friendship with Spanish Moss.

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Perhaps you prefer a vantage with a view of the local wildflowers.

Open field on Christy Cary Lane in Tallahassee.

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Happy flowers here attract the Zebra Longwing butterfly.

On my street (no I won’t post the name)!

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These Camellias bloom from November through January.

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Then the Azaleas bloom from February through April.

Also in my own yard adding so much beauty.

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The gorgeous clusters on the Beautyberry can last for months.

Yep, still in my neighborhood. LOVE the color!

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Large creeks in Florida have alligators, turtles, and great fishing.

Black Creek is located in Middleburg, Florida.

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Lily pads seem so relaxed as they enjoy the sunshine.

Lovely lily pads located on Black Creek.

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Adventure awaits around the next bend!

This track is in Gadsden County near Havana, Florida.

-_-_-_-_-_-_ < Dang, sure hope y’all like the photos! > -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

By the way, if you are actually reading this…THANK YOU! Now could you do me a really super HUGE favor? Using the hashtag #embracesouthernstates please connect with me on these sites:

https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ INSTAGRAM

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-l-dowdy-22a2a4196/ LINKEDIN

There ‘s also a Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS DEEPLY ENCOURAGED AND APPRECIATED, THANK YOU !!!

HOPE with Dr. Rosalind Y. Tompkins

November 9, 2021November 8, 2021 by angelchatt

A young black girl struggles to find hope as she makes her way in the world. Happens every day, right? No one is surprised to hear about young black girls and women who struggle with low self-esteem, feelings of being frustrated, confused, and unloved. Or to hear that they struggle with addiction and unexpected pregnancy.

But wait! That is only the beginning of one woman’s truly inspiring story. Her personal journey included becoming a mother, finding faith, and learning lessons which would help not only herself but also thousands of others. HOPE with Dr. Rosalind Y. Tompkins can change the world.

Some of the many accomplishments of Dr. Rosalind Y. Tompkins include author, columnist, humanitarian, life coach, mother, pastor, poet, speaker, traveler, and wife. Here is a timeline of a portion of her remarkable milestones.

1987 – Bachelor of Science (Social Work) from Florida State University

1991 – Founded non-profit Mothers in Crisis

1996 – Ordained as a Minister

1998 – Founded Turning Point International Church

2010 – Book “You Are Beautiful (Unlocking Beauty from Within)”

2012 – Honorary Humanities Doctorate from Five-Fold Ministries Theological University

2014 – Married Pastor R.L. Kwame Lewis

2018 – Helped get April designated as National Month of Hope

2019 – Book “As Long as There Is Breath In Your Body, There Is Still Hope”

2021 – “Masters and Doctorate of Divinity appointment as Ambassador of Foreign Affairs from B.C. Graham Theological Seminary.”

She shares her story in books, poetry, and so much more.

Dr. Tompkins is a HOPE-ologist who credits her exuberance to being “spirit-filled and full of hope”. As a hope life coach, pastor, and speaker she enthusiastically shares her personal story in efforts to bring hope to the world. She loves to help others become their best self. She beams with satisfaction when sharing that HOPE stands for Helping Others Practice Empowerment and that her non-profit Mothers in Crisis has helped over 10,000 overcome addiction, hatred, and divisions.

Here are a few excerpts from our recent interview.

Could you please explain what you do?

I fulfill my purpose to focus on HOPE by sharing my testimony and helping people get over or move beyond negative obstacles. Through the non-profit Mothers in Crisis and the Turning Point International Church I lead drug education, support groups, and children’s programs.

This has also included mission trips to several other countries. One poignant example was visiting a rape center where we gave gifts to the mothers and dolls to the children.

How are you able to do all this?

It is all by the grace of God allowing me to tap into my purpose and find my sweet spot. I don’t do religion, instead I come from a place of spirituality based on a personal relationship with God.

Often, I encourage others to ask God what they should do. When God guides, he provides. The provision is there when there is vision.

Could you speak a little more about travel?

Hope and help from above have led her travels.

Traveling to other countries is the most fun thing I’ve ever done. I look forward to returning some day to East Africa. I would love to visit Switzerland in the future. Of course, my hometown of Tallahassee is the beautiful capital city of Florida and a great destination in its own right.

What about your passions, hobbies, and creativity?

Praise and worship music that is positive and anointed is my passion. I love singers such as Travis Greene or William McDowell. I enjoy reading and one of my current favorite Christian authors is Kim Cash Tate. I like to express my own creativity through writing and poetry.

A few other things I enjoy are praying, watching streaming television, and rollerblading. Of course, I cherish time spent with family and friends as well as time spent in nature.

What is the connection between HOPE balls and the Month of Hope?

Mothers in Crisis started a local initiative that led to April being designated as the National Month of Hope. The goal is to “think hope” and “make hope connections”. We encourage others to start with a simple smile, then share their own hope stories, then find ways to help others. It could be by reading a book to a child, cleaning up a messy park, or giving to those in need.

We will send a free Hope Stress Ball to those in the USA who request it. The Balls for Hope Essay Contest will be awarding cash prizes in April. (See links below for details.)

Contact Dr. Tompkins about HOPE, stress balls, and faith!

What is your message to the world?

That no matter what is going on, THERE IS STILL HOPE!

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Dr. Tompkins meets with writer Angela L. Dowdy.

Dang, y’all! It was such a thrill to spend time with this incredible and motivational lady as she shared the things that are on her heart. Doctor Rosalind Y. Tompkins has a winning smile and a quality of empathy that is so deep and emotional. HOPE with Dr. Rosalind Y. Tompkins can change the world. If you need hope and encouragement, you may enjoy reading her books or speaking with her directly.

Here are two links you may find helpful:

https://makeahopeconnection.com/

https://rosalindytompkins.com/

Please leave a kind Comment to share your thoughts about this article. Thank you.

SPOOKTOBER FRIGHT SIGHTS?

October 4, 2021 by angelchatt

You want to do a ghost tour or see some Spooktober fright sights, yet don’t want to travel. Fine, stay right here and check out these photos. Use your imagination and feel those chills crawl up your spine. Have you ever been to any of these places in the southern states? Some claim they are scary or even haunted. What do you think?

FLORIDA

What face do you see… in this Demon Tree?

Look closely at this tree and you are sure to see a face. Is it animal, human, or demon? Why is it there? I cannot answer those questions. All I can tell you is that the first time I saw it in person I did get a chill. If you wish to find it, you will have to go to the Middleburg United Methodist Church cemetery in Middleburg, Florida. For Middleburg trip ideas, see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34448-Middleburg_Florida-Vacations.html .

The Phillips mausoleum is so unique… it deserves a peek.

Legend says Calvin Phillips was an eccentric architect who left behind a family in New York, moved to Florida, then spent years building for himself an equally eccentric mausoleum. Then he climbed into a custom-made casket… and died in the year 1919. Reports of his ghost have continued for over one hundred years at Oakland cemetery in Tallahassee, Florida. For trip ideas in Tallahassee, see https://visittallahassee.com/ .

GEORGIA

Several entities and apparitions with negative energy are said to roam the Cotton Exchange Tavern on River Street in Savannah. Reports of smells, apparitions, and flying objects have persisted for decades. Would you be brave enough to go inside? For Savannah trip ideas, see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60814-Savannah_Georgia-Vacations.html .

Other well-known local haunts include the Olde Harbour Inn, Mercer Williams house, and Colonial Park cemetery. Here is a shadowy Savannah walkway that I found too creepy, but others seem to think nothing of it. Would you walk in this area?

Walk cautiously through this place of restless spirits.

In Rome, Georgia, you can find the Myrtle Hill cemetery where Broad and Myrtle meet. Dearly departed have been laid to rest there since 1857. Reports say that not all of them are resting well and those restless spirits will occasionally be seen. Photos such as this one after an early morning rain would certainly make one, living or dead, walk the hill quite cautiously. For Rome trip ideas, see https://romegeorgia.org/ .

ALABAMA

Florence, Alabama, is where you can find the fascinating Pope’s Tavern Museum. It served as a hospital during the Civil War and over thirty soldiers died there. Rumors of screams, apparitions, and the smell of blood are rampant. During the day it is a lovely and educational place, but I would not care to enter at night. Would you? For trip info on Florence and “The Shoals” area, see https://www.visitflorenceal.com/ .

—- *** —- *** — Spooktober Fright Sights — *** — *** —

Have you visited any of these sights? Did you find them fascinating or frightening? What other places in the southeastern states would you like to know about? Your comments are always encouraged… that’s how you show you care!

Remember, You can find Embrace Southern States on our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ .

TASTING ART ON A BALCONY

September 28, 2021 by angelchatt

Where can you go in southern Georgia to taste art on a balcony? Here is the intriguing story which leads to an exciting answer!

The old second floor of this historical building (circa 1899) had sat unused for over sixty years. An ambitious young couple poured hours of love and labor into the restoration. They created a boutique hotel and an amazing café that now add a dazzling shine to a delightful corner.

Six elegant rooms with names such as “The Music Room” and “The Library Suite” are waiting for fine folks like you to come curl up in comfy beds. While there, you can enjoy such amenities as a private gym and access to a person concierge.

Brick interior walls add so much character.

Can you believe this place also includes exposed brick interior walls, original oil paintings, and gorgeous antiques? Are you sitting on the edge of your seat yet? Do you want to know whether such a place exists? Who are these people? Where is this building? What’s the deal about a balcony? What’s the part about tasting art?

Who are these people?

Tyler & Heather started new family & new business.

The young couple is Tyler and Heather Thomas. A few years ago, they moved to a small town in the state of Georgia. The population was only around 12,700. This did not deter them from starting both a family and a business there. That business, located on a beautiful town square, is a restaurant named The American. It has thrived and set a new standard for extraordinary fare made from scratch daily. This encouraged them to take on an even more daunting opportunity.

Where is this building?

So much to discover in historic Bainbridge, Georgia.

In the southwestern corner of the state of Georgia, you will find the town of Bainbridge. This is where U.S. Highways 27 and 84 meet the Flint River. At the corner of W. Water Street and N. Broad Street you will discover a captivating historic town square named Willis Park which opened to the public in 1904.

Hotel crowned with gold is SO VERY worth your visit!

Across the way is the newly restored and opened Willis Park Hotel. This wonderful white building is accented with silver and crowned with gold. While the address is 129 E. Water Street, the best entrance is found around the corner on Broad and is well marked.

What about the balcony?

Balcony view only hints to the town’s charm.

This talented Thomas couple seems to have quite the knack for restoration and adding just the right aesthetic touch. They were convinced that this corner would benefit from a balcony. And right they were, this is the best place from which to view the pleasant and picturesque historic downtown with its quaint town square. As you take in the charm, you see fabulous architecture, church steeples, statues, and even a gazebo.

What about tasting art?

You need to experience Cafe Sinclair… soon!

Café Sinclair is the perfect spot for breakfast waffles and eggs or a sandwich or fruit tart for lunch. I really LOVE those cute fruit tarts.

Could a fruit tart be art? Yes, I guess!

It is also a classy place that hosts “Meet the Artist” from time to time. The first one featured Melissa Mills and was a huge success. This evening event combines a casual mingle with a swanky soiree and the result is a super combo of art and culture. There are even copycat cookies by Crumby Couture that replicate works of art…that you can EAT. So, food as art meets art as food! I love that so much! Tasting art on a balcony is a real thing!

Artist Melissa Mills with owner Heather Thomas.

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You are probably ready to plan your own trip to Bainbridge, aren’t you? Great! Be sure to introduce yourself to Heather at Cafe Sinclair, and tell her you enjoyed reading this article. Here are some links that will prove helpful for you.

The Willis Park Hotel https://www.thewillisparkhotel.com/

Cafe Sinclair https://www.facebook.com/CafeSinclair

Crumby Couture https://www.facebook.com/crumbycouture

(artist) Melissa Mills https://www.instagram.com/lissagordonart/

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Remember to leave a nice Comment if you enjoyed this article. You can find Embrace Southern States on our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ . You are important and precious to me, please let me know what other people or places you’d like to learn more about…as long as they are in the southeastern United States, I could go there and let you know!

DOES “DEEPER MEANING” MATTER?

September 16, 2021 by angelchatt

What makes one simple man named George genuinely interesting? Why should you care about his past, present, and future? Can you relate to his background or his beliefs? Can his story help clear up any mysteries for you? Does “deeper meaning” matter?

EARLY BACKGROUND

George has lived most of his life in Tallahassee, Florida. As a kid he struggled with asthma and hay fever. He was an only child raised by his grandfather. Later each of his parents had other children, his half-siblings. He sang in a church choir and his high school chorus and recognized at an early age (in the 1960’s) that he was a hippie.

Think back to those Hippie days! (art@ Vecteezy.com)

Despite his increasing use of alcohol, cannabis, and psychedelics, George enjoyed learning and earned a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Education degree. He and his college friends were considered “liberal, radical, and rebellious.”

HELPFUL HIPPIE

George says he is multifaceted and has thrived in many jobs. The partial list includes instructional design, pastor, counselor, EMS, paramedic, and merchant seaman. He has always embraced the idea of helping others. In his young adulthood he often was like a warrior who would see a problem, jump in, and get involved without a clear or calm plan.

His quest for finding himself while finding enlightenment has led to travel adventures in the states of Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico. He would love to revisit Oregon one day. The one country that currently tops his bucket list is Thailand.

TRANSFORMED TRUTHTELLER

In 1994 George was fired from a hospital job and facing a bleak future. He was contemplating suicide when his half-sister phoned to invite him to a conference on spiritual healing. He was ambivalent yet agreed to go. They attended two nights.

The first night Gloria Copeland https://www.facebook.com/GloriaCopelandKCM spoke about addiction and George began to realize that his years as a “trauma junkie” had not served him well. He saw a vision of “addiction demons like multicolored dragons leaving people…swirling up to the ceiling of that huge auditorium…and vanishing.”

Dragon vision led to big changes for George. (art@ Vecteezy.com)

The following night during the altar call George went forward, knelt, and turned his life completely over to God. He then stood up “as a rededicated, healed, transformed, and brand-new man.” Since then, he has endeavored to share with others many of the deeper spiritual truths which give a greater meaning to life in this world.

VIRTUOUS VISIONARY

George Potter is now approaching age 72 and his deepest passions include music, meditation, gardening, and helping people. He plays the djembe, a West African drum. His favorite type of music is “any that is calm, meditative, and brings peace to me.” He loves to meditate by watching clouds and achieving a relaxed altered state. George does volunteer work with recovery ministries, and the local http://bigbendhc.org/ Homeless Coalition. He can sometimes be seen playing his drum at Hippie Church https://www.facebook.com/Hippie-Church-Tallahassee-104217601122716 which is enjoyable and has nice music.

This is a man who has found peace and purpose and has overcome many of his demons. By no means perfect, as is evident from being a bit overweight and in the process of a divorce, he states he is “an enlightened mystic Christian comfortable with Hindu concepts and open to new ideas and adventures.” He feels that not all people understand him, but those who need help are often drawn to him.

According to George Potter, this world is not all there is. People should be open to adventure, in this world and in the next. He is always ready to listen and refer folks to any needed resources. It is his belief that each person’s life is their art canvas, so they should question how to best use it for what they wish to create.

He has a heart for helping others open their eyes and their minds. His goal is to save others from their negativity, prejudices, and sufferings. In his own words, “I do my little part to wake people up and to help them live with deeper meaning.”

–**–** –**–** George can be reached on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/george.potter.54943600

—————————————–YOU, my reader, are AWESOME————————————

Interviewing fascinating folks all over the southeastern USA is such a joyful and uplifting passion which I combine with travel and photography. Sharing interviews and articles with YOU adds a “deeper meaning” to my life and I sincerely hope YOU enjoy them. I welcome your kind comments PLUS you can find the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ and be sure to let me know of anyone YOU think I should interview, THANK YOU.