Secrets of Tallulah

 Secrets of Tallulah: Histories, Mysteries, and Colorful Tales from Georgia's Nineteenth Century Mountain Resort by Brian A. Boyd
2003
Weight: 7.2 oz
Method of Disposal: Donating

I have been to Tallulah Gorge several times now but, after reading this book, I would like to go back with new eyes.  It is hard to imagine photographers in the 1800's dragging all that equipment with them to take photos of people hanging out in the treacherous landscape.  I am glad they did though.  It is fun to see the old photos of when Tallulah Gorge was a big vacation destination.  

I have always loved exploring Georgia.  Day trips are easy to pack into the weekends and the dogs can go.  During the pandemic, it has been a particular blessing to be surrounded by so many trails, waterfalls, mountains, and outdoor activities.

Tallulah is brutal with all if its steps, but it is a great place to take someone from out of town, even though just looking at the suspension bridge gives me the shakes.  I am proud to say that, despite my fear of heights, I have crossed it several times.  I also feel that I should never have to do it again.

Christmas in Plains: Memories

Christmas in Plains: Memories
2004
Weight: 5 oz
Method of Disposal: Donating

I am surprised so many people love this book!  It is simple and uninspired.  The effort to write about race could have been good, but it was so basic and unemotional that it bordered on being offensive.  The picture that gets painted if of a nice, white, upper class guy who loves his wife, kids, and Jesus.  He also loves his old home, Plains, and is nostalgic about the days of cutting down his own Christmas trees, playing with the black children he grew up with (partly kids of the parents that worked for his family), and good ol' traditional American Christian fun in a small town.  He talks a little bit about being the President and that it was painful when he was not reelected.  His joke about the world praying for him to have relief from his hemorrhoids fell flat, but I am glad he got relief.  Strange bits like that really popped out of the idyllic world he was presenting, but there was nothing truly moving, sad, dark, or honest that came out.  All joy, all the time.  Even when surrounded by racist/sexist institutions he recognizes as such.  At least he seems to know how lucky he was. 

I like the Carters just fine, and I appreciate a lot of the good they have done in the world.  I am just not a fan of this book.

Joe Jones

Joe Jones by Anne Lamott
1985
Weight: 1 lb
Method of Disposal:Leaving at Oakview Manor in Savannah, Georgia

I have lived in Georgia thirty years and never been to Savannah until now.  I am super excited to check out this city that so many people talk about.  I've heard the claims.  It is beautiful, crime-ridden, scary, gothic, boring, amazing.  I have heard it all, but so far so good.

The house we are staying in has books in the kitchen, the bed rooms, the living rooms.  I plan to leave mine in with theirs in hopes that travelers find it and read it while they are here.  I have always had a soft spot for Anne Lamott ever since my friend Sarah introduced me to her when I was 16.  She will be a little different that the books laying around here, probably more character driven and a little less dark, twisted.  Joe Jones focuses on a group of people who gather around a local cafe in the South.

O.K. I am being rushed out the door!  More later if I am sober enough to type ;) We are celebrating a friends 50th.

Georgia: A Guide to Backcountry Travel & Adventure

Georgia: A Guide to Backcountry Travel & Adventure by Jeff Samsel
1999
Weight: 14 oz
Method of Disposal: Recycling

Another book that just needs to say goodbye to this planet and stop taking up space in anyone's home.  I am sad that this one is no longer valuable.  It is a guide from 16 years ago even if I have never got over the fact that the nineties are actually that far away.  It was just yesterday, man!  Why do 60% of my books predate the year 2000?  Is the information they contain still accurate?  Should I just stick to fiction from here on out?
 

Snow Day

The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick 2000
The Magic Paintbrush by Lawrence Yep 2000
Weight: 14 oz
Method of Disposal: Leaving Somewhere

I am feeling very lucky and a little guilty.  I have been in my nice warm house all day, and the power has not gone out yet.  I am very thankful for this.  I have not been back to the animal shelter since 11pm last night.  Four of us went to clean up the pets, let them out, and make sure the one generator we have was working.  Today, a small crew of dedicated staff went to the shelter to care for the animals.  I was pleased to enjoy my day off and also feeling a little useless.  Mixed feelings.  I have no idea what tomorrow brings.

Meanwhile, in the UK the weather is even more atrocious.  Harriet's power went out a couple times, and we were creating backup plans to ensure we would still be able to check in with each other periodically.  Wishing everyone could be safe and warm tonight.

80 mph Gales

About 4 hours away in Wales

I wish I could say that I had been productive today, but I absolutely have not been.  I have been snuggling with all the critters, my own and my fosters, and reading books.  I should be cleaning, working, writing letters, but I am so sleepy and my body just seems to want to rest so I have been reading.  I finished these two books today.  I remember being worried that The Last Book in the Universe would just be a rip-off of Fahrenheit 451.  Not at all.  It might have made me cry at one point. I am already scanning my shelves for my next read.

Whole World Guide to Culture Learning

Whole World Guide to Culture Learning by J. Daniel Hess
1994
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Method of Disposal: Leaving somewhere in Decatur, GA

 

This is a book to help people adapt to living and/or working abroad and to encourage cultural learning.  I am assuming that it is dated now, at twenty years old.  How is it that 1994 happened 20 years ago?!  I don't believe it.  I won't believe it.

I am not certain when I will get the chance to travel again--much to my dismay--and I have never been anywhere but Georgia for over a month.  I know one day I will have the opportunity to live in England now, but will I get the chance to live anywhere else?  I still have so many dreams, but the years go by so quickly.
 

Cattitude

Cattitude: Boxed Set Photographs by Kim Levin and Written By Christine Montaquila
2007
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Method of Disposal: Donation

       

Meet Heather!  Heather is living outdoors but would love to be an indoor kitty.  She never leaves my stoop these days and frequently begs to come in.  I am allergic to cats, but I got her vaccinations, testing, and deworming taken care of.  She is also spayed.  She is incredibly sweet and will stand up on her hind legs to get a pet from you.  She is a svelte little girl with beautiful markings.  She is FREE to a good home, and I may be willing to transport her depending on where you live.

                   

This is Crumpet.  She is one of my favorite cats of all time.  She has been at PAWS for two years, and she desperately needs a home.  If you are someone I know well and trust I would be willing to pay her adoption fee and transport her to you.  If I do not know you, I am afraid you will have to go through the regular channels.  She is totally worth it.  She is a smart, serious girl that is very independent but still craves chin scratches and ear ruffles.  She gets along with other cats.

The General is the kitten I have fostered since he was 5 days old.  he is probably around 6 weeks now.  He was bottle fed and is very loved.  He will be available at PAWS Atlanta once he is neutered. 

Special Units: Assault Police

Special Units: Assault Police  by Octavio Diez
2001
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Method of Disposal: Leaving in Joe's in EAV

In my first year of college I had a roommate that volunteered for CASA, a child advocacy group in the area.  She had to be sworn in by a judge incredibly early in the morning, but she did not have a car.  She would need me to give her a ride.  Again.  I woke up early.  I cannot remember exactly when now.  Maybe she had to be there by seven?  We drove around, looking for the courthouse to no avail.  We saw a police officer, and she asked me to pull over and ask her for directions.  I did and immediately she wrote me a citation for trespassing on government property.  I had no idea where I was, what I had done wrong, or why I had to wait for her to run my license in her database.  Because I was waiting in the car for such a long period, I was able to look around and note that I had pulled into DeKalb County Special Operations.  I had to go to court to appeal the decision, and then I was told I would have to come back again--same time, same place.  My teacher told me she would fail me if I missed the class to go to court and that I should just pay the ticket.  It sounds extreme, but she had a very strict policy for her class Women, Islam, and the Qur'an (which was very interesting by the by).  I paid the ticket.  My roommate volunteered for CASA. 

Atlanta Special Forces are featured in this book.  That is why this story is relevant.  It still pisses me off to this day.
 

Classic and Contemporary Nude Photography

Classic and Contemporary Nude Photography  David Chamberlain
1989
Weight: 2.3
Method of Disposal: Donating

This book was given to me by my grandfather, on the sly, when he thought I was old enough.  There was a certain perceived badness or guilt associated with it, as you could gauge by his well-meaning chuckle and devious smile.  It was not in any disturbing or awkward way.  It was just what happens when we are raised in a culture of body-shaming when the human body is actually quite beautiful and fun to photograph.

Anyway, I am not getting into that today.  I am getting rid of this book because it celebrates the human body, AND I just did the Warrior Dash yesterday in Georgia!  This is the second 5K I have done in my life--the last one was last month, and it was the Foam Run.  A 5K with obstacles is a breeze for many people, but I am still working on getting into shape and am quite chunky, and I am terrified of heights so I am mad proud of myself for doing it and having fun all the while.  I am excited to continue training my body to take on bigger challenges.  We only have our bodies so long and with each year they weaken, sometimes sooner than expected due to illness or accident.  I want to do everything I can while I can. 


 

Christ's Object Lessons

Christ's Object Lessons by E.G. White
2006
Weight: 8 oz
Method of Disposal: Leaving in Joe's in East Atlanta

This book is just fun because it is so absurd.  It looks like a mass market romance novel until you realize it is Jesus on the cover and not Fabio.  It looks like it would be free or at most $5.99 but, apparently, retails for $12.95.  The back cover brags that over a million copies of this classic are in print.

 

I, personally, took it from a strange, dusty, cluttered gas station on my drive from Georgia to California after I graduated college.  My beloved friend (who is a preacher) was with me!  I love you, Liz!  It was such a fun, amazing trip.  Now, this book can continue its travels to who knows where from here.

Frommer's The Carolinas and Georgia

Frommer's The Carolinas and Georgia
2003
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Method of Disposal: Leaving at the ChocoLatte off Shallowford Rd

I confess, I have found that I have a more recent edition of this, though in worse shape.  I am getting rid of this particular book so that I can write about getting away.  I am not sure if it is seasonal or if I just cannot handle the emotional heaviness that always seems to happen around November/December, but I am seriously searching for a way out.  Georgia is beautiful, and I have enjoyed hiking all over it, but I have too much history here.

I work so hard, but I daydream about have a month or two to myself.  I want to be somewhere that I can be reclusive and think about life and what I want to do with it.  Many say you only have one!  This is not it for me.  I am ready to take me dogs and move, whether or not I have relieved myself of the weight of all these books.  Anyone have any ideas?

Unleashing the Clutter

Applying Anthropology: An Introductory Reader Aaron Podolefsky and Peter J. Brown

2006

Weight: 1.8 lbs

Method of Disposal: Leaving in a book exchange box in Decatur, GA

I think I have created a mess I may never crawl back out of. The room I keep my fosters in was starting to look a little scary since Belize came this past weekend. She seems to do great outside of a crate, but she can create some havoc inside of one. She is getting better, but there were pieces of torn linen, plastic, and food everywhere from the first few days. Something had to be done. Besides, I had not cleared it out since someone had been living there temporarily. That started an avalanche. I decided to move all of the pet rescue items in there. Leashes, crates, costumes, clothes, harnesses, medicine, toys, beds, the works. That freed up some space in the tiny storage room for my tools, which then cleared up some space in my tiny little bathroom closet. The next thing I know it is a full on deep clean and disposal situation. I got in over my head. I work early in the morning and really should not have started a project this large, but once you start how can you possibly stop?

I have taken everything out of every closet. I have emptied out boxes I have not looked inside for over a year. The house was slightly messy before. I've been so busy that I haven't had time to do even the basics. Now it looks like a small cartoon Tasmanian devil came through and left hundreds of empty Rubbermaid containers. I have tons of empty Rubbermaid containers! What do you do with that? How do you stop? I don't want to come home to this tomorrow.

I found this solitary book at the bottom of one of the boxes, and I decided that was a good excuse to take a break. I am going to fill one of those empty containers with the books I need to disperse in the Decatur lending libraries. Knock out two birds? Wish me luck!

The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo  by Alexandre Dumas

1984

Weight: 8.8 oz

Method of Disposal: Leaving Somewhere

I bought and read this book when I was in high school, and I loved it.  I remember that I picked it up and did not put it down until it was over.  I felt like I was in prison with Edmond Dantes  and rejoiced in his escape.  Shit was good.  

I opened it up one last time, to smell it, skim it, say goodbye to it and three items fell out.  One was a business card for Natural Wonders, a store that use to be in Gwinnett Place Mall that I loved as a child.  It was completely animal focused and you could “adopt” tigers, whales, and wolves.  The money went to the WWF, and you received photographs of your new animal.  They had rain sticks and shiny stones.  

The next thing to come out was a picture of a girl I never liked.  Why did I have it?  Why is it in my book?  We imagine we are both totally different people now, but I still had an aversion after all this time.  The last thing was a picture of myself, Noelle, and a guy named Jeff hanging out in my bedroom.  Noelle is hanging off my shoulder, I am spitting on myself (?), and Jeff is wearing my bra and acting like he is going to lick my cheek.  There are Garbage posters in the background, along with numerous photos of a scantily clad Gillian Anderson and a shooting silhouette from the range.  I think I will keep the last picture, but the other items are going to remain with the book until it finds its new owner.

Troy Davis

Amnesty International Report 2003

Weight: 1.9 lbs

Method of Disposal: Donating or given away, though dated it is still contains a lot of relevant information

After Troy Davis has been on death row for 19 years, his fourth death warrant has been signed.  He could be executed as early as September 21^st, despite the fact that 7 of 9 witnesses have recanted testimony against him and some have described being strongly encouraged by law officials to incriminate him.  There was never any physical evidence to link him to the murder of a police officer, and there is another possible suspect.  There are several large groups involved in the fight to save Troy Davis’ life, including Amnesty International and the NAACP.  His story has been reported for years and yet here we are, all these years later, and he is scheduled to be executed this month.  If you have not already signed petitions, told your family/friends, donated money to ad campaigns, attended rallies/protests, now is your chance.  It is not too late.  He has a clemency hearing on the 19^th.  It is particularly important that the people of Georgia take a stand, as this is happening in their own state.  If anyone would care to join me, I will be attending the march and rally at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Friday, September 16^th.  This is his last chance.

http://blog.amnestyusa.org/deathpenalty/days-of-solidarity-with-troy-davis/

Dream of the Tattered Man

A Dream of the Tattered Man: Stories from Georgia’s Death Row by Randolph Loney
2001
Weight: 1 lb
Method of Disposal: Donate



I really could not appreciate this book. Almost everything about it grated on me, and I felt like I would never get through it. Each page was a little piece of punishment. Last month wasn’t the first time I had picked up the book, but it was the first time I made it through.

I bought it when I was on a local author kick. It was an unfortunate time in my life. I read a lot of shit. I know there are great local authors, but I was having trouble picking them out of the crowd. I thought this book would be right up my alley. At the time, It was a recent discovery for me that I was against the death penalty. Years later, when I finally read this book, I almost had trouble maintaining that stance. It is really too bad since the author is also anti-capital punishment. We were just so disconnected from each other!

Just to assure you (or horrify you), I still do not support the death penalty. I was able to reason with myself and push this book out of it. Just make sure you don’t throw this one at somebody in an attempt to persuade them to stand up and fight.

A quick list of problems I had with the book:
• Too much God, though the author tried not to do this
• Too much personal struggle (mostly guilt), impossible to empathize with
• Too much name-dropping
• Too many useless details/adjectives—descriptions of the rain
• Too many quotes

Just steer clear!