9/11/01- We Will Never Forget

I'm going to do something unusual, and post here and my other site- and not about fashion or stuff around town.

On 9/11/01, I was a college freshman at Mercer University. I was in class on the second floor of Stetson- the business and education building. It was some kind of freshman orientation class, UNV 100 I believe. We heard something was happening, how we heard I cannot remember but I do remember we urged our teacher to let us go and see. After some perusation, she let us go downstairs. The first tower of course had already been hit, they had CBS News on this large screen that took up the whole wall. When I heard Dan Rather’s voice it all became real.

The day was kind of blurry, I honestly can’t remember exactly seeing the second plane hit, I think I did. What I remember is one classmate was very upset: her father worked in one of the towers. Another classmate and fellow ADPi suggested we try to organize a campus blood drive, so we called the Red Cross: they were already booked up with people wanting to give blood and do something.

I’m pretty sure we had a candlelight vigil that night as well, someone who was there can remind me.

I remember also, that year one of our required readings was this book called Jihad vs. McWorld, that professor now seems prophetic.

I have no wise words, nothing really of importance to say, other than this is what I remember. Being a college freshman, wanting so much to make a difference in the world and to see it change right in front of you- it still impacts me today. I suppose it always will. I was a political science major, and 9/11 affected almost every class I took, aside from the classical political science classes.

It’s just heartbreaking, I think about those families, the children who were left behind, the children who must have died- I believe there was a daycare in the towers. I believe being a parent puts things in a different light as well.

I am watching this program on the History Channel at the moment- and I am hearing the story of one person for the first time. It seems there is always a new story, every time I watch. I suppose for this reason, and to pay tribute, I will watch every year. To remember. They deserve that much from us.

McDuffie Loves Macon and Meet and Greet with Ward Stare

I promise- I did not mean to post this the same day as Larry Fennelly’s review in Out and About. In fact I am purposely waiting to read it until after I post this. It’s really my own fault for waiting so long to post. Anyways…

WOW. First- congrats to all of the staff at The Grand Opera House, this was an amazing show and I am so happy I got to see it. I had promised myself I would NOT miss Robert McDuffie’s next performance in Macon. I had to miss the last one for whatever reason or another, I am not sure why I just know I meant to go and didn’t. I am also happy to have been able to see the McDuffie Center String Ensemble. We have such talent here in Macon because of Mercer. Which brings me to my second thank you, to Mercer University,  I am so proud to have attended this fine university, and even more so now . My third thank you, to everyone who attended, I would have expected in typical Macon fashion for there to have been seating a plenty before the show but there wasn’t- in fact it was standing room only and I believe people may have had to leave.

I also now have a new favorite classical song: “ One Note Samba”. Steve Moretti’s percussion performance was truly remarkable. And it was fun to see him and his wife, Amy Schwartz Moretti, perform together. I have seen her perform via YouTube before and already had an appreciation for her work. I also enjoy shows like this that perform familiar numbers such as “ It Ain’t Necessarily So” by Gershwin and “Adagio” by Samuel Barber. It’s kind of like when you get to see a Picasso for the first time in person, and really every time after that (I have seen two Picasso exhibits): it’s just awe inspiring to feel that music that you have seen in the movies in person. And even if you are not familiar with the music, like my introduction to “One Note Samba”, there’s just something about seeing it in person and watching the performers and how they connect to the music that makes it more alive. Pardon me, but even as often as I write I still struggle to accurately describe how live performances, especially of classical music, move me.

I can say this- I am going to make a more concerted effort to go to live performances. Whether it be classical music at Mercer or the Macon Symphony or even live theater, Macon has SO MUCH to offer. For anyone to say we do not have the amount of culture as Atlanta or even Savannah makes me want to pull my hair out. If you ever feel tempted to say it- reach out to someone and ask “what’s going on this week?” Heck- reach out to me, I don’t mind. Even if I don’t know I generally know who to ask!

That being said- who all did I see at this performance? I know you want to know. Right as I walked in I ran into Mayor and Dele Reichert (who just celebrated a birthday- be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday!) as well as Susannah Cox Maddux and Collin Holder- manning the I Love Macon sign up table. I also later saw Catherine and Brother Liles, who I know from church, as well as Sarah Gerwig and her two lovely sons. Frankly, it was so packed in there it was hard to see everyone I knew. I know there were more I know in attendance.

The lesson here? If you missed it, well I feel sorry for you, but be sure to not miss the next performance of live music. Perhaps you will spy the next Robert McDuffie performing.

Now, something else you don't want to miss is the Bravo! event with Ward Stare. You remember Bravo! The Social Club of the Grand Opera House, I have written about it before. This is a private event for members only and really, they ask that you RSVP first. (We all know about RSVP'ing, it's just polite.) It's just $40 for membership to the club and not only do you get to meet Ward Stare but there are all kinds of other benefits. To join or renew your membership, email Betsy at fitzgerald_me@mercer.edu. So, I'll see you there, right? Right!

The White Party: Who, Where, When, Why and What I Decided to Wear

For those of you who read my fashion blog, Make It Work Molly, or even saw my Tumblr page or Instragram photos, you might remember an assuage of white dresses being displayed. These were some of the many options I went through for Tori and Jerry Jennings' White Party- held annually for Tori's birthday. The anticipation had been building for sometime for this event, as I heard stories about how fantastic it was the year before. And of course I know that any event Tori and Jerry have anything to do with will be amazing. Their wedding was like nothing I had ever seen, of course the most important part being seeing two people so much in love with one another pledging their lives to each other.

Forgive me for being somewhat sentimental, but really watching these two together whether it be an evening after work or one of their phenomenal events is something special to me. Anyone who is ever around them can tell how truly dedicated they are to each other. I pray that anyone I know can find that kind of love.

The love they have for one another resonates even through their parties. The both of them are so giving that they want to share everything with their friends. So much so that I am not sure even Tori or Jerry knows exactly how many people they invited to their soiree.

David and I met up with friends Matt and Evah beforehand and rode out to Tori and Jerry's home together. (A side note: if you are ever around myself and Evah together we will usually break in to some kind of story about a mutual former employer. I will not name said former employer except to say that our stories usually revolve around pre paid debit cards and repos.)

Upon arriving we first saw Mrs. Betty Ann Jennings, Jerry's mother, I have to say this lady is so special to me because she has worked with my mother for years at Stratford and was really there for us during a personal situation. This lady has a genuine heart of gold- there are not many out there like her. Once walking in Tori and Melissa (Boren) and Donna (Jennings) were putting out various food items and utensils. In typical Southern lady form I asked if there was anything I could do, was given a small task, and then I stood and watched as these very capable ladies finished up. It was at this point that I decided it was best if I joined David, Matt, and Evah outside. We would eventually make our way to watch the Alabama game. (Is there even any need in mentioning Michigan? After all they seem to not make it to the game.)

And of course we saw a ton of people included (but not limited to): Jonathan Andre, Ricky Hale, Canaan Marshall, Drew Jennings, Ned and Priscilla Esser, Coy Gregory, Elizabeth Evans, Al DeGraw, Stephanie Robinson and her boyfriend Andre, Chanda and Kevin Akles, David Quakenbush, Stephen Fulbright, Melissa and Beau Boren (and her cousin Jessica visiting from England), Jessica White, Blair and Brandon Melton, Amy Thomas, Katie Walden, Paul Griffin and Vickie, Misty and Scott Kiernan, April Moulton Beale and Alvin Beale, Bart Campione and his girlfriend Den, Travis Clark and Lindsey Hubbard.

And as always when I am around Tori I meet someone new who I am thankful for meeting: I must beg forgiveness as I cannot remember this young lady's name but she did introduce herself to me. Apparently we both share a die hard love of Fountain of Juice and she had seen me there before. She is Tori's massuese and also cleans her home occasionally. Of course I had to ask her to please get her contact info to me through Tori- perhaps I can blog about her massages sometime? EDIT- Susie is her name! Lord help me...

I do need to add the flowers from Petals Flowers and More were simply amazing- as was the cake and all of the food. (I need to get the name of who made that cake! Wow!)

I also have to thank Stephen and David for giving us a ride home- I never ever advocate driving even after one drink (if nothing else you might end up in Cuffed or another one of those publications- yikes!). We discussed going out and dancing downtown, it's probably a good thing we did not as I had forgotten it was Boys Bid Day at Mercer. Probably most everything was rented out however I would hope having been a former KA Rose and Lambda Chi Alpha Crescent Court member could potentially still carry a little weight. (Maybe- I say this tongue in cheek.)

I will say, the most fun part of the evening was the most unexpected. Sometimes, dancing in one's own living room like a moron with noone watching can be more fun than anything else.

This being said... I do love an excuse to also get dressed up and go out.... check out my Make It Work Molly to see what I wore!

Til next time folks... gotta get ready to go. Going to try and make it to The 3rd Annual VNA (Vineville Neighborhood Association) Labor Day Wine and Music Festival to see Abby Owens perform. And then off to see Ned and Priscilla Esser!

What to do on a Thursday night?

So, it's a Thursday night in Macon, what to do? Well, Thursdays are pretty happening here lately BUT we have a very special Maconite coming to town tomorrow night. If you are not familiar with Robert McDuffie then do so NOW. He is hosting a free concert at The Grand Opera House tomorrow night. Here is his official website: http://www.robertmcduffie.com/ .

Now, perhaps you have heard of these famous violins that were made in the 1700's and are worth several millions are dollars. Does that maybe sound familiar? McDuffie, and his investment group, are in essence "leasing" one of these violins. You can read more about that transaction on his website. McDuffie is also a Grammy nominated artist. Impressed yet? If not I don't know what will impress you.

How about the fact that he is doing a free concert with his Mercer University McDuffie Center for Strings? This is an AMAZING opportunity to catch some phenomenal music at no cost. I am actually taking the day off from work so that I can take my children to this event. You can check it out here with this link: http://www.thegrandmacon.com/mcduffie/.

Even if you are not a classical music fan, this is really something not to be missed. McDuffie's concerts usually sell out quickly so the chance to go to something like this - and for FREE- I just cannot even stress to yall how excited I am about this. If I hear one more person complain about a so called lack of culture in this town I might really just have to scream at them- "Did you go to the free McDuffie Center for Strings concert?!" Yeah. No complaining allowed after this.

A Lil Bit of Catching Up to Do: Macon Arts, Weaver's Weekend and Bravo!

Wow! So much to catch yall up on...

Of course yall know I am a super busy lil lady. A few weeks ago I got the chance to visit the Women's Health Institute and be a live model for Dysport- a newer version of Botox- as well the the Venus Freeze treatment. I am very happy with the results thus far, but check out my Make It Work Molly for more information. That same evening I went to a meeting for the Macon Art's Alliance "Taste of the Arts" committee. Not sure if I can announce the theme BUT I will say it was sort of my suggestion and so of course I love it. We have a kick ass committee and it will be an event you do NOT want to miss.

Last weekend was Weaver's Weekend- an event which pays tribute to a young man who was my age and was senselessly killed while we were in college. Of course as per usual here of late we went to dinner at downtown grill beforehand, and then also made a stop at Roasted afterwards. It was a fantastic night and I saw all kinds of people- it was kind of like a mini high school reunion. It's always a fun night when I can see people like Nichole Mitchell and Rachel Phillips (of Signature Salon and Jack and Darcy- check them out if you haven't) and Tiffany Davidson. Props to Adam Dukes and Stephen Adams for putting together a fabulous event.

I swear I feel as though I am forgetting something...

I did also briefly attend the Bravo! Wine tasting event at Off the Vine, which was my first time going in since they changed the name and premise of the business. I really enjoyed the selection they had as well as the company! If you are looking for something to do in Middle Georgia this is a great group to be a part of- you can let me know if you are interested or call Betsy Fitzgerald at 301-5465. Oh, let me explain... Bravo! is the social club for The Grand Opera House. There are all kinds of benefits to joining, aside from the awesome company ;)

This past weekend was the best though. I had two play dates set up for my kids with friends. Again, I choose to not go in to a lot of detail about my children's activities for safety purposes but I can say that anytime with my kids trumps any other event I go to. The lesson here? Going out is great and all, but the best time spent are the "less eventful" times- the ones in which the real memories are made with my babies. :)

What To Do When You Have a Corporate Visitor? Hmmmm

So, this week I have someone from corporate visiting me. What to do? Well of course we have to work during the day (um, yes, I do actually do this) so the only thing we can really do out and about during the beginning of the week is to eat. It's pretty much practically my favorite thing to do anyway. So of course the first lunch place we go to is Fountain of Juice- we went to the one in Mercer Village because it's so close to the tv station where I work. Yummy yummy yummers. I do love me some FOJ. Imagine me as the Cookie Monster with my smoothies OH AND GUESS WHAT they now have a smoothie card! Woot woot!

I do love going to Mercer Village anyway. They have Jittery Joe's, Margaritas, Ingleside Village Pizza, Francar's, Rodeo Beach- by the way I am still rather ticked off that all of this gets built after I leave Mercer. WTF. All I need now is a more complete Barnes and Noble (or an independent book store) and some women's fashion retail and I can camp out permanently. Well, maybe semi-permanently. Yall know what I mean. Anyways....

So last night we went to what is quickly becoming a regular spot of mine, downtown grill and of course it was amazing as always. Richard was even nice enough to experiment and make this off the wall drink we had read about. Perhaps it's one of the reasons he was was name Best Bartender in the Telegraph's "Best of the Best"? I'm thinking so.

While there we ran in to all kinds of people, Catherine and Brian Aplin, James and Jodi Palmer- Jodi made sure to ask me if we were also taking Kara to Tic Toc Room, which is where I believe we may go tonight.

Today we made sure to hit up The Rookery for lunch- Leilani and Wayne were SO welcoming and of course the food was amazing as always. And I got to introduce my co worker to Karla and Zelma Redding (she's a big Otis fan). I just love showing off my town :) Any suggestions of where else to go?

Catching Up: Bragg Jam, The Georgia Children's Museum, Downtown Grill and More

WOW- so much to catch yall up on! So last weekend I had my babies- yay! I heard about the Bragg Jam kid's event so of course I took my lil ones down there. I'm not sure they enjoyed the band so much but they did enjoy seeing the pets that were brought down. (No- we did not take any home.) We ended up making our way up the street to the Georgia Children's Museum, where we have a membership. My lil ones always have a blast there and this time was no different. The next day we went to the pool, and just kind of hung out and had some quiet time. Time with my babies is probably something I will not talk about often on this blog, not because I do not have fun with them because I do- but for their safety I will only reference events I go to with them vaguely and only well after the event.

We also checked out Centenary Church- it is very different from any church I have gone to and they take pride in that. I plan on going again, because I have always enjoyed checking out other forms of worship. And I was impressed by their varied song selection and laid back atmosphere.

This past week was rather full also! Every now and then I do need to go and check out the boutiques around town in person- I am sure yall are aware of my fashion blog www.makeitworkmolly.com - so it is necessary that I do research occasionally. There are great sales everywhere but this time I went in Rumor Boutique, fab'rik, Ginger Michelle, and Envie Boutique. You see, I have been on a specific mission lately: Operation Find the Perfect LWD for Tori's White Party. My friend Tori has a white party for her birthday party every year, and of course I've been trying to find just the right white dress. I have plenty already but I really wanted to find another one with the right look (for specifics see the blog I will write later for Make It Work Molly). I believe I have found the winner but I still may need yalls help to vote.

This weekend included lots of First Friday activities. Straight after work I headed to meet the group at downtown grill- we were not there long before we got our marching orders from one person in the group to move along. (I am not saying these were bad marching orders- in fact they were very good as it resulted in a lot of fun.) Next we headed to the First Friday exhibit at The Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance: "Size Matters". This is a collection of large works featuring Thomas Sanders, Joe Adams, Eric O'Dell, Laura Dewberry Surace and Jeffrey Surace. I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibit and frankly if you haven't gone- you need to go asap. There is something for everyone- whether you prefer abstracts (Joe Adams and Thomas Sanders) or realism (Eric O'Dell).

Next door we went to the viewing party for Oh Brides Magazine. This group of ladies are always super fun to me- Shondra, Jeralyn, and Amy I always love to see yall! For any of my friends with wedding needs THESE ladies are sure to help you out!

From here the next stop was The Rookery- where we ran in to Roger Riddle and everyone from Roasted. I gotta say, first about The Rookery I can remember when this place was super sketchy and it was scary to go to the bathroom there much less even THINK about touching the food. Now- oh my gosh they have the best burgers and chicken salad. YUM. Oh and the bathrooms are not scary anymore either lol.

From here we ended the night back where we started- at downtown grill. As always the food was amazing. It always is. I can seriously go from getting a filet to sea scallops and it's freaking perfect. The wine selection is amazing and so is the service. I could really go on and on but I love going someplace where everyone knows you and you are treated like a good friend. Of course, I have worked in many restaurants so I am lucky that this generally happens at most places but I can honestly say I have witness this at downtown grill for everyone. (It's a habit- to watch at restaurants.)

As for yesterday? Not a whole lot happening actually, just an easy day of antiquing at Payne City Antique Mall, a trip to Fresh Market, and more antiquing along Ingleside. Later on a visit with friends David and Stephen and a movie (which did make me cry- Simon Birch- if you have't seen it you need to). And for today... not too much going on. Obviously catching up on my blogging (watch out on Make It Work Molly for an interview with Susannah Maddux of Goods PR), doing a lil work for my real job, and trying to relax. Oh, we did make it to church at St. Paul's Episcopal on College Street as well as lunch at Dolce Vita- by the way... it was amazing (got the Classic- egg, cheese, and bacon in flatbread as well as a cheese biscuit).

So, maybe now I can start to relax? Eh... probably not ;) Yall know me better than that! Til next time...