Isn't it funny how you always seem to see someone you know at Panera Bread Company?  I was there today meeting a friend for lunch and while I was there I saw no less than 9 other people that I hadn't seen in a while! 

It reminded me of a funny thing that happened on the first day of school.  Some other moms from my daughter's class and I met at Panera for bagels and coffee to celebrate the first day of school.  Well, it seemed every other mom in West Cobb had the same idea!   When I went to stand in line, there was a lady in front of me that asked "What is with all the minivans out there?  It's like a sea of minivans!"   :)

So, is Panera at The Avenue the new "mom" hub of West Cobb? 

It looks like Cobb County residents will be able to water new landscaping and enjoy their swimming pools this summer after all.  Cobb County has decided to follow Governor Perdue's suggestion to ease the total outdoor watering ban.

Cobb County will ease the guidelines for outdoor watering starting Saturday, March 1. Watering exemptions for landscape installation and filling residential pools will begin April 1.

Click here to find out more details about the new watering rules.

Meredith Nelson is hosting a TOMS "Style Your Soles Party" this week at Piedmont Baptist Church on Barrett Parkway.

Meredith says that TOMS is a company that is all about giving. For every pair of shoes they sell, a pair is donated to a child in need. One for one, simple as that.

The TOMS company was started just a few years ago by a man named Blake Mycoskie. While being on a trip to Argentina to learn how to play polo, Blake spent time with the children in the local villages and saw that most of them did not have shoes. He also saw that their feet were cut, sore, and infected. Spending time with these precious children inspired Blake with the idea for TOMS, which stands for "Shoes for Tomorrow."

TOMS are modeled after a traditional Argentinian shoe that farmers have been wearing for centuries. TOMS are made of simple canvas and a flip-flop like sole, a close adaptation from the farmers' burlap shoe with a rope bottom.  They have all kinds of patterns and styles for Men, Women and Children.   You can find out more about TOMS shoes at their website:  http://www.tomsshoes.com/

So, if you need some cool summer shoes and want to help children in the process, come to the "Style Your Soles Party" Thursday, February 28th from 5:00-7:30PM at Piedmont Baptist Church on Barrett Parkway.  For more information, contact Meredith at mnelso33@students.kennesaw.edu.

If you haven't filed  already, this week is your last chance.  Cobb County homeowners have until Saturday, March 1st to file for Homestead Exemption for this tax year.  Applications must be sent by mail and recieved or U.S. postmarked by March 1st.

If you've filed in the past then you don't have to file again because exemptions are automatically renewed each year.

Application forms and information are available at www.cobbtax.org or can be requested by calling 770-528-8600.

McEachern UMC has such a wonderful Mother's Morning Out Program. My daughter went there when she was younger and I was so pleased with everything about the MMO program and staff.  They are very well respected in the community and it's easy to see why. 

The teachers are so great and very nurturing.  They really care about your chilren!

While the formal registration day is over, there are still a few slots left for the 2008-2009 school year! 
Check their website here to find out more.

At West Cobb Baptist Church the theme is "Taking a Real Savior to Real People."  If you ever visit this church you will find that they are very "real" and it is easy to fit right in and feel comfortable with the people there.

The pastor, Ken Williams, is great and he's very approachable. His sermons are relevant for today's world and he is passionate about reaching the community for Christ.

Wes Walker is the minister of creative arts and he leads the praise and worship team.  West Cobb Baptist is well known for their talented worship team and contemporary, exciting worship.  You will love the music at this church!

With a dynamic youth group, led by Chad Cannon, and excellent children's ministries....West Cobb Church has a lot to offer.  They also have a wide variety of small groups and Bible studies to choose from. 

Find out more about this awesome church at their website:  www.westcobbcurch.com

Many people around Lost Mountain today still remember old "Newt"...that is, Newton Sanford, the last manager of The Lost Mountain Store.  Apparently he was quite a character!  According to a 1978 newspaper clipping that hangs framed in United Community Bank branch that inhabits the store today, Newt did not like photographers or artists coming around to make pictures of the historic building.  That's pretty ironic when you consider that today it is one of the most photographed and painted buildings in Cobb County!  I think everyone I know has a picture of the old store somewhere in their home.

Edwin Hunter, of Marietta, recalls old "Newt" (who they called "Snuffy") in his blog Chicken Fat.....

 " Snuffy kept his money in a wood box, bigger than a cigar box. You give him your money for your Coke and crackers and he would open the box and dig out your change. He held it in such a way you could not see inside the box to see how much money was inside it. He was in no hurry to count it out. While you were standing there waiting he had a chance to talk to you and maybe brag a little. He was a talker."

Hugh Scott, a native West Cobb man and one of the first customers of the United Community Bank branch now located in The Lost Mtn. Store, was recently quoted in the Marietta Daily Journal:    " I'm the only man living who flew to the Lost Mountain Store to get a Coca-cola," he said.   He goes on to tell the story of how he and a friend flew a small airplane to a dirt-strip near the store once just to get an ice cold Coke!

There are also rumors that old "Newt" once killed a man that tried to rob him at the store.  According to legend, he told the police that if they tried to take him in for questioning then there would be two dead bodies at the store!  He was ultimately cleared in the murder.

Peggy Pietras, who works at the Lost Mountain branch of The United Community Bank, told me about Buddy Cheeks.  The son of Effie Cheeks, he came into the bank every week bringing cake or cookies for the women that worked there.  On these visits he often recalled his Mother (Newt's sister) working in the old store where she also made and sold hats.  The bank has one of her hats on display and Buddy told Peggy once that the only hat he owned of his mother's was old and worn out.   Peggy had told him that he should have his mother's hat and they were going to trade his worn out hat for the pretty one on display at the bank.  But sadly, Buddy passed away unexpectedly a few weeks later and never got his mother's hat.  So his mother's hat still sits on display in the bank (pictured in photo).

The Old Lost Mountain Store has seen so much history and affected many lives in our little corner of West Cobb over the past 100 years!

In the mid 1800's, Judge Aaron Lafayette Bartlett had a vision for the wild land that sat alongside Dallas Highway and Lost Mountain. He purchased  two hundred acres as well as a house on this property for a grand total of $2.95!  He and his brother-in-law, John Coleman Watson, used bricks they made themselves and built a store called The Watson and Bartlett Store which became a crucial point of commerce for the rural community of Lost Mountain.

In 1893, John Watson sought new opportunities in Dallas. That's when Josiah Wilson Arnold and his family took over operations of the store. 

While the store had always boasted of carrying everything from "baby needs to burial supplies,"  under Joe Arnold's management the store expanded to include plows and farm equipment, as well as fabric and household goods.  The store also became a central meeting place for the community and town meetings and elections were often held in the old building.

(A close-up view of the bricks on the front of the store where holes are still visible from years of nailing up signs.)


Sadly, in 1922 Joe Arnold left Lost Mountain after the death of his wife.  This is when Levi Sanford (of Paulding County and a close friend of the Bartletts) took over management of the store.  Within a few years, his 18 year old son, Newt, became the operating manager and remained the manager (with the help of his sister, Effie Cheeks) until the store's close in 1992, when he became ill and moved to Cave Spring, GA.

Click here to read more about Newt Sanford and his sister Effie Cheeks in "The Old Lost Mountain Store" (Part 3).........

(Standing on the porch of the old store, one can sense the history of this landmark building.)

As a child growing up in Mableton in the 1970's, I always looked forward to the summer weekends when we would drive out to Allatoona Lake to camp and ride around the lake in my Dad's red ski-boat.  Even though it was only about a 30 minute drive, to me it seemed like a long journey.   I would get so excited when we would come upon the little red brick store because I knew it meant we were almost there!  Sometimes we would stop for  cold Coca-Cola's and candy at the old store by the mountain. There always seemed to be old men sitting out on the porch and if memory serves, there was usually a dog laying around too.

Now, as a resident of West Cobb, I pass by the Old Lost Mountain Store nearly every day.  Originally built in 1881, the historic building is no longer a store but a branch of the United Community Bank.  It was renovated in 1996 and they used as much of the original materials of the store as possible in the renovation, adding replicas of the original gas pumps in front of the store.

The original shelves of the store were used to build the counter for the bank, and all of the desks (including the conference room table) were built from wood from the store counters. 

 The bank proudly displays memorabilia from the old store as well as the original Coca-Cola sign that hung outside the store.  They even have rocking chairs and a game of checkers set up in the back in case anyone wants to "sit a spell" and remember the old times. 

I was so glad that the bank renovated the Old Lost Mountain Store rather than tearing down this unique community landmark.  Even though it is now surrounded by shopping centers and upscale neighborhoods, this beautiful old building is a constant reminder of days gone by.

Click here to read Part 2 of "The Old Lost Mountain Store".............



  (A display of memorabilia from the store and old newspaper clippings sit behind a table ready for a game of checkers at the United Community Bank, Lost Mtn.  People used to sit on the porch of the Old Lost Mountain Store playing checkers.)











  (Rocking Chairs remind customers of days gone by when people used to just sit and chat for a while at the old store.)

















  (The bank saved as much of the original material from the store as possible in the renovation.  This Conference Table was made from wood that came from the counter of the Old Store.)

Casy Walker, a 2007 graduate of McEachern High School,  is now a college Freshman at Georgia State University.  When she entered the Miss Georgia State University pageant  she had no idea she had a chance to win. 

"I could not believe that I won the pageant, I am a Freshman and have few experiences with GSU. However, I am so glad I won!" Casy says.  She not only won the title, she won in 3 out of 4 categories including the Interview, Evening Gown and Talent portions of the contest.

She's been busy since the pageant  making appearances at various school functions.  "I judged our school talent show, I was in the Homecoming parade, and I spoke at the Homecoming ball," said Casy.

Casy has also begun efforts with the Georgia Walk Now for Autism program, which will be sponsoring a walk in April to raise awareness for autism.....a cause that is very near and dear to her heart.  

She looks forward to what she can accomplish because of the Miss Georgia State University title.  "Although as an individual I can do and accomplish many things, having a "title" helps because it represents something. People don't have to ask  my 'credentials' because they are written across the sash and crown!  Winning this pageant has already opened up so many opportunities for me."

Casy is a straight "A" student and a talented dancer.  She has aspirations to be a Speech and Language Pathologist.  She is also very active in her church, Trinity Chapel Church of God. 

Casy tells me, " I am so excited to be in the position of being a role model not just downtown, but here in Powder Springs too.....where I work with children every Sunday at church.  It is so important to me that girls, especially, see that not all 'grown up fashionable women' go to jail or carry million dollar handbags, like so many celebrities.  You don't have to be a movie star or an heiress to be beautiful..... I want them to know that they can amount to so much more than that." 

The Georgia State University pageant is part of the Miss America pageant system, so Casy will be competing in June at the Miss Georgia contest in Columbus.  

I have to admit that I am a little biased.  After all, Casy happens to be my baby sister!  But for anyone that knows her, it is easy to see what the pageant judges saw in this remarkable young woman.  I am so proud of her.

Good luck in June, Casy!  We're all rooting for you!

I just love this video made by World Race Missionaries in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Can you imagine if it was this hard to get coffee in West Cobb? I'm thankful for The Daily Grind!



Even in our fast paced lives, sitting down with someone over a cup of coffee is still an important aspect of our culture. Meeting for a cup of coffee is more than just drinking a hot, roasted liquid.....it's often about sharing time with another person. Whether it's a family member at breakfast, an after dinner coffee with a business associate, or a cafe meeting with a group of friends, coffee is often the platform for conversation and connections.

Seth Barnes, the director of Adventures in Missions writes more about the coffee connection in this article on his blog.

I picked up a card at the Daily Grind about this new church and then the same day I recieved a mailing from the same church!  I don't know if God was trying to tell me to post about it, but it definitely caught my attention. 

The name is "New Season Church" and the grand opening is tomorrow in Hiram. 
This is from their mailer:  "New seasons don't begin with a change of circumstances, they begin with a change of heart.  God specializes in clean slates and fresh starts.  It's a new year, and at New Season Church we invite you to join us as we all look for ways to make this year, and the rest of our lives, the best they can be."

You can find out more on their website at www.newseasonchurch.com

Every third Saturday, The Avenue West Cobb offers a complimentary program for children ages 3-10. 
It's free! So go by tomorrow, February 16th from 9:30-11:30, for story time, art projects, children's entertainment, door prizes and more!

Visit www.campavenue.com for more info.

Lee Smith is one of my favorite Southern authors. Most of her stories and novels are about women coming of age in some way in the South and Appalachia. I got hooked on her short stories when I read Oral History and Me and My Baby View the Eclipse years ago.

Her newest novel (although it was published in 2006 and I'm just getting around to reading it) is called On Agate Hill and it didn't disappoint. It tells the story of Molly Petree, a young girl living with ghosts on a plantation with her Uncle in the aftermath of the Civil War. The book follows her journey into adulthood in the hills of Appalachia. Her story is one of hope, sorrow, and tumultous relationships and decisions that bring her full circle back to Agate Hill.

"The story takes place on Agate Hill, N.C., 1872. On her thirteenth birthday, orphan girl Molly Petree peeps out the chink of a window from her secret hiding place up in the eaves of a tumbledown old plantation house to survey a world gone wild. “I know I am a spitfire and a burden,” she begins her diary. “I do not care. For evil or good this is my own true life and I WILL have it. I will.” She keeps the diary in her treasured “box of phenomena” which contains “letters, poems, songs, court records, marbles, rocks, dolls, and bones, some human” by the time it is found during a historic renovation project in 2003. These items tell the story of Molly’s passionate journey through life. " from www.leesmith.com

Smith's characters are so vivid....it never ceases to amaze me when I read one of her books that the characters seem so familiar. There's a distinct "Southern-ness" that comes through Lee's writing whether it's a work of historical fiction (like On Agate Hill) or a more modern day story.

DreamBuilders is a Journey church in Kennesaw Georgia.  They meet in the Kroger shopping center at the corner of Jiles Rd and Wade Green.

The senior pastors are James and Monica Satcher and they meet on Sundays at 11:00 am and Wednesdays at 7:00pm.

Find out more on their website:  www.dreambuilderschurch.org

In honor of Valentines Day, I thought I'd list my top 5 romantic restaurants in West Cobb. 

Unfortunately, I'm sitting here at my computer instead of dining at one of these fabulous restaurants because it's a school night and I have a sick child. :(

1)  The Old Mill Restaurant in Acworth, Georgia.
2)  Aspen's West Cobb at the Avenues at West Cobb
3)  Shillings on the Square in Marietta (upstairs)
4)  The Melting Pot in Kennesaw at Town Center
5)  Chicago's in Marietta on Whitlock - Be sure to go to the lounge and listen to Danny sing and play piano!

What are your top 5?

Whether you love him or hate him he's sure to make an impression!

Neal Boortz will be at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore at the Avenues of West Cobb tonight at 7:00 PM. Reservations for the line will begin at 5:00 PM.

He'll be signing his new book!

Last Friday, my mom volunteered to babysit our kids so my dear husband took me out to dinner.  (We never turn down free babysitting from the grandparents!)  We went to The Old Mill Restaurant in Acworth, Georgia and I think it's my new favorite restaurant.

The atmosphere was so romantic and I loved the history of the building.....especially the story of the founder of the Mill, John Cowan, and the "Four Georgians" who went out to Montana in search of gold.  I had so much fun walking around and looking at the old photographs of Acworth on the walls. 

We had fried green tomatoes with roasted red pepper and goat cheese for an appetizer, Salmon that was perfectly cooked and served on a cedar plank, and sides that were so Southern it brought back memories of my childhood!  The okra tasted exactly like my Grandmother's, it actually brought tears to my eyes to remember it.

The service was also great....our waiter was very professional and attentive.  They had live music that was so nice and I later found out that the pianist was one of the owners!

If you haven't been, check it out.....dining at The Old Mill Restaurant is a great experience.  It's 5 star in my book!

Visit their website for more information at www.acwortholdmill.com .

This church recently opened a beautiful new worship center on Stilesboro Road and I've been hearing more and more great things about the church.

Just recently, when I interviewed Matt Sellors at The Daily Grind Coffee shop, he mentioned that they were providing coffee for RiverStone church on Sundays.

They worship at 9:00am and 11:00am on Sundays and have many other programs and cell groups during the week.

Find out more here:  www.riverstonewf.org

The University of Georgia and the Cobb County Cooperative Extension is offering a fun online program designed to get people to increase their physical activity.  The program will allow you to track your physical activity online.  The miles are then translated to a map where you can virtually visit different areas of Georgia and learn more about each area.

This seems like it would be a lot of fun!  Registration begins February 18th and it's FREE!

Find out more at walkgeorgia.org .

Have you ever seen a map of the intersection of Macland and Lost Mountain Road?  That little corner of Cobb County is actually called "Macland Community."

I've always wondered where the name came from.  Today, the busy intersection is a part of Powder Springs.  There is no "town" of Macland.  McEachern Memorial Methodist Church sits on one corner and Kroger sits on the other.  Locals know that the McEachern family was very important to this community, but where did the name Macland come from? 

Well, the other day I came across this bit of information on the cobbcountyga.gov website:

"..... Villages in and around present day Cobb County were points for trade and negotiations between the Indians and pioneers. As settlers continued to move into the area they set up homes and farms. 
        In 1831, one such settler, David Newton McEachern from Cabarrus County, North Carolina came to Georgia and established his first tract of land and later extended it to one thousand acres. Tenant farmers called the area “Mac’s Land”, which evolved into “Macland,” the namesake of Macland Road as well as the community of Macland located at the intersection of Macland Road and Lost Mountain Road. The historic Macland community is the only community along its entire length."

And now it makes perfect sense! 

Thomas Dorsey, a Georgian from Villa Rica, came to be known as the "Father of Gospel Music."  One of the greatest gospel songs of all time, Take My Hand Precious Lord, was born out of his intense grief over the loss of his wife and son during childbirth. 

A few weeks ago, after hearing very sad news from a friend about the loss of his sister, I happened to sit down at the piano and sing this song.  As I sang I wondered how many hearts have been soothed by these incredible, comforting words and beautiful melody? 


Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light,
Take my hand, Precious Lord, lead me home.                              

"As the Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home." Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993)

When asked "Who owns your company or runs daily operations?" Janet Huffman at A Cup of The Word Christian Bookstore replied "God is the owner, he allows me to run the day-to-day operations."   That kind of servant's heart attitude is apparent as soon as you walk through the door at A Cup of The Word.  Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to browse the beautiful artwork and gift section, they can help you.

Janet's background includes a   bachelors degree in Accounting, a CPA certificate and an MBA.  She has worked in accounting, auditing, and enterprise-level software education and consulting. But a few years ago, she says God placed it on her heart to open a store.  She had become involved in missions at her church (McEachern Methodist, where she also teaches an ESOL class) and she was looking for small items to take to Venezuela.  At the time, she could not find anything written in Spanish except for a few Bibles.  Janet later opened A Cup of The Word in November of 2006.

A Cup of The Word carries Bibles, books, gifts, greeting cards, CDs and DVDs.  They are also a platinum dealer of the popular Willow Tree Collection by Demdaco.

There is a wonderful Children's section in the back of the store with a play area to entertain children so parents can shop.  There's also a cozy corner with a few chairs where you can relax and thumb through books.  A Cup of The Word also sells beautful art pieces and gifts for all ages.

If they don't have it they can get it!  Janet says they  welcome individual and group special orders and offer quantity discounts. They are also available to pray with and for anyone who desires it. Doesn't everyone need prayer?

A Cup of The Word is open Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri 10am – 8pm, Wed 10am – 5pm, and Sat 10am – 6pm (New hours for Wed took effect the first of January to allow staff to participate in church and school activities.)

They accept cash, checks and all major credit cards.  They will also set up church accounts.

You can find A Cup of The Word in the Village at Old Trace Shopping Center at the intersection of Dallas Highway and Bob Cox Road in Marietta.  For more information, visit the website at www.acupoftheword.com, or click here for the business listing.

People ask me that question all the time since we added our newest addition a few months ago.  His name is Bingo and he is a 5 month old Goldendoodle.  That is, he's a hybrid between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. 

Actually, Bingo is a Mini-Goldendoodle because his Mom was a Golden Retriever and his Daddy was a miniature poodle.  Most people ask me "How did that happen?"  Well, let's just say Bingo's parents had a little help from the breeder!  Mini-Goldendoodles grow to be somewhere around 40 pounds while full sized Goldendoodles can get as big as a Golden Retriever (55-80 lbs).

We already had one old, spoiled Schnauzer so it was a big decision to add a new "baby" to our bunch.  But I had read so many great things about Goldendoodles and their wonderful temperament and super intelligence.  I also learned that they were originally bred for use as Service Dogs for people who needed a more hypo-allergenic dog than a Golden Retriever.  The more I read about them the more intrigued I became.

When we found out there was a breeder right here in West Cobb, we made the mistake of just going to "look" at a litter of puppies....and we saw this little face!  We were like putty in his little paws!

I do have to say that Bingo is the easiest puppy I have ever had.  He didn't even cry the first night we brought him home!  He was like part of our family from day one.  He even lets us do funny things with his hair!

Bingo is great with the kids and everybody loves him......well, everybody but the Schnauzer.

He's got the lovable, affectionate, eager to please personality of a Golden Retriever and the wit and intelligence of a poodle.  Sometimes I think he's a little too intelligent, though, like maybe he's getting on my laptop when I'm not looking and trying to figure out my paypal account so he can order chew toys off of Ebay or something.  If I find a bill for 100 tennis balls, I'll know who's responsible.



Oh yeah.....he also makes a pretty good vacuum cleaner!

My prayers and thoughts are with the victims of the tornadoes that killed so many in the South yesterday.  How devastating and horrible it must be for those families. :(

Hmmm...I can't help but think the new ruling regarding the water in Lake Lanier had something to do with this.  I mean, if Florida and Alabama are not going to restrict water use, why should Georgian's and Georgia industry continue to suffer?

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the outdoor watering ban in Georgia will be lifted beginning April1st. 

The agriculture and landscaping industries have been hit the hardest by the drought and Perdue said today, "Frankly, this industry did more than its share. It bore a lot of the brunt of the conservation measures last fall and they can do that temporarily but it's wrong to put most of that burden on one industry."

The new rules will allow hand watering of established landscape for 25 minutes per day on the old Odd/Even address schedule that was in place prior to the current restrictions.  Professionally installed landscaping can be watered 3 times a week up to 10 weeks after installations.  And all new landscaping will need to be registered online.

The Governor is supposed to give an announcement concerning outdoor swimming pools later today.

I ate at Bubbalini's last night with a group of other moms.  It's a fairly new Italian restaurant on Whitlock. The food was great and the service was  really good too, which is a big plus.

Our night out was in honor of one of the women who is having a baby.  The staff was so great about letting us have balloons, presents, etc.  They even let us bring in our own cake to serve for dessert at no extra charge!  They put it on a pretty platter with plates and everything.

The restaurant itself is really large, but still intimate and relaxing.  The decor is beautiful with lots of interesting photographs on the wall.  It seems like it would be a great "date" spot.  I will definitely go back again!

Don't forget that today is an Early Release Day for Cobb County students! 

All students are released 2 hours early.

Throughout history, coffee houses have been a center for intellectual discussion and education.  This kind of communal sharing of ideas impacted many great social and political movements. For example, The East India Company, Lloyds of London and the London Stock Exchange resulted from coffee house discussions in Europe. In the US, coffee houses were popular meeting places for Revolutionary leaders. The Declaration of Independence was first read in front of a Boston coffee house.  Even the New York Stock Exchange originated in a coffee house!

Matt Sellors, owner of The Daily Grind, is keeping this rich history alive and well in West Cobb County. 

On any given day at The Daily Grind you can find business meetings going on in the back conference room, people meeting for Bible studies, moms discussing PTA events, students with their laptops, or people just "hanging out" enjoying great coffee.

When Matt Sellors left his corporate career in search of a more satisfying business venture, he looked into many retail opportunities.  When he was researching he went to a Daily Grind coffee house in Salem, Virginia and saw a group meeting there for a Bible study.  He says at that moment it "clicked" for him.  He realized that he wanted to provide an environment like that in his own community.

After Matt decided to open a cafe in West Cobb, he looked at his competition and said to himself "it can be done better."  By providing a coffee house that not only has great coffee but goes above and beyond with things like free Wi-Fi, excellent and friendly service, delicious food, and a comfortable and stylish atmosphere he has done just that.

For Matt, it's all about giving back to the community.  One of his primary goals is to impact young people in West Cobb by providing a safe yet fun place to congregate. He has also been involved with a small business mentoring program  at Harrison, Sprayberry and Kennesaw Mountain high schools. 

The Daily Grind is also involved with community churches and provides coffee for several churches on Sundays such as North Metro (where Matt and his family attend church), Riverstone Wesleyan Fellowship, and Burnt Hickory Baptist. 

Matt and his wife JoAnne can often be found working at The Daily Grind along with 3 of their 5 children, so go in for some great coffee and say - "Hi"!                                                                                               

The Daily Grind Coffee House and Cafe is located in The Shops at Due West on Due West Road.  The address is 3960 Mary Eliza Trace, Marietta, GA, 30064.  You can contact The Daily Grind at 770-422-9480 or check out their website at www.dailygrindunwind.com.

The Daily Grind's hours of operation are:
Mon-Thurs: 5:30am - 11:00pm
Fridays: 5:30am - Midnight
Saturdays: 7:00am - Midnight
Sundays: 8:00am - 11:00pm




                               Matt Sellors, owner of The Daily Grind

...and it wasn't so bad.  I was actually surprised at how quickly it went.

The lines were not very long but there seemed to be a lot of people confused about where they should be.  I hope that doesn't mean those people will give up and not vote.

If you haven't already, get out there and vote!

 
Don't forget to

get out there

today and vote!

You know how sometimes you just need a little lift?  Well,  for me a new outfit usually does the trick!

I went to Ann Taylor at The Avenues of West Cobb the other day and found just what I needed.  They had the cutest jeans and I got a few great sweaters and tops too.

I love their clothes because they are classic without being too stuffy or old-fashioned. 

The gals that helped me were really great too. And I've got to get some of their perfume.  It's called "Possibilities" and it's yummy!  Hmmmm....maybe I can hint around to my dear hubby for Valentine's Day! :)

"Stuff, Fluff, Dress 'n Love"....that's the theme at the new Benny's Bear Factory in Marietta.  Located in the Village at Old Trace Shopping Center on Dallas Hwy, the new store makes you feel like a kid again just walking through the doors. 

Benny's Bear Factory provides an interactive experience for children that allows them to pick out their very own animal or doll, stuff it at the enchanting stuffing machine and register it for adoption at the computer center.  They even offer stylish clothes for the new creations!  They offer 8 inch and 15 inch animals and dolls and most of the larger animals allow children to pick out their own "eyes" for an even more custom creation.

Anthony and Paula Bell opened the store on January 5th, 2008.  Anthony and Paula really have a heart for children.  They have always been active in their church, McEachern United Memorial Methodist, especially in children's programs.  They are also very active in the community with events and recreational activities that involve helping children.  They say they just enjoy making children happy and they wanted to create a place that was fun for children and parents without the hassle of going to the mall.  Paula says they just love seeing a child's smiling face when they make a new "friend" at Benny's Bear Factory.

Benny's Bear Factory also hosts birthday parties. There is a party area with colorful decorations and tables, and Benny the Bear will even make an appearance for the birthday guests!  Contact the store for more information about Birthday parties at 770-514-0606.

Anthony and Paula Bell are the owners of the new store and Tabitha Kernodle and Ginny Lee are managers.  Benny's Bear Factory also employs several high school students and Anthony and Paula's daughter, Alexandra, often helps out as well.  It's a family business that's family oriented.....and tons of fun! 

Benny's Bear Factory accepts all major credit cards and cash.  The hours of operation are:

10-6 Monday - Thursday
10-8 Friday
10-7 Saturday
12-6 Sunday

It is located at 3405 Dallas Hwy, Marietta, GA 30064. It is in the Village at Old Trace shopping center at the intersection of Dallas Hwy and Bob Cox Rd, just down the road from the Avenues West Cobb.

For even more information and a map to the store click here.

More Pictures from Benny's Bear Factory:


               Anthony, Alexandra, and Paula Bell (Owners of Benny's Bear Factory)



                                                   Benny's Bear Factory Party Area



                                               Benny's Bear Factory, West Cobb

The other night I was on my way to church......perhaps a little pre-occupied. On my path there I have to navigate through a particularly difficult 4 way stop. It is always full and you never know who your other three "stop mates" might be. Will they be polite? Will they be aggressive? Will it be one of those times where everyone sits there and waits for someone else to go? No two people seem to have read the same 4-Way Stop Handbook.

I waited my turn to come to the front of the line for the stop sign. I was the third one there so I waited for the person to my right. Then the person to my left. As my left "stop mate" (a truck) crossed the intersection I prepared to make my move next. Then, to my horror, I noticed that the white VW bug behind the truck was making its move to sneak in the same crossing as the truck. A myriad of thoughts ran through my mind. How dare he break the rules! Does he care that someone could have been hurt? How rude!!

Then..........I noticed that the VW was hooked to the back of the truck so it could be hauled. I felt really dumb! I was yelling at a dead car. I let a dead car take charge of my emotions. A dead car wasn't worth all that trouble.

I giggled to myself. God revealed my life lesson. "Don't waste your time getting mad at dead cars".

How often have I wasted energy on things that just don't matter? How often have I let petty events cause a negative reaction from me? How often have I spent my time "getting mad at dead cars"?

Lesson learned.

This article was submitted by Tanya Issiac-Ghoreishi,
Minister of Music and Fine Arts at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church.

Echo Mill is getting ready for their popular Consignment Sale again.

I've been to a consignment sale in Echo Mill Subdivision in the past and it was great.  They had so many clothes, toys, and baby "stuff" at really great prices. 

Keri Gilsenan is on the committee that organizes the sale and she says they should have somewhere around 14,000 items this year! They will have mostly Spring/Summer items and it will be held in the back clubhouse in Echo Mill.

The dates are February 28 from 9:00am-6:00pm, February 29 from 9:00am-6:00pm, and March 1st from 9:00am-12:00pm.  The final day is half priced shopping!

They still need volunteers to work the sale and you don't even have to live in the neighborhood.  All volunteers and sellers get the benefit of shopping early on February 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

For more information, contact Keri Gilsenan at 770-439-1741 or kerigilsenan@hotmail.com.

Echo MIll is located in Powder Springs, Georgia.  If you are coming West on Dallas Hwy from Marietta, turn left on Lost Mountain Rd then right on Corner road.  Take the first entrance in Echo Mill (on the right) to get to the back clubhouse.