On the Mark, Get Ready, Set, GO, 2017.

2017 is kicking off with several projects poised for success.  Each has taken many, many years.  Each has been the cause of much frustration and self-doubt.  I often have great ideas and limited ability to manifest them.  Each year, I’ve kept throwing wood on the fire. Some years I could barely see glowing coals.

Right after moving back to Hancock County in 2007, I started organizing an art show.  I had a location, artist and a date.  What I didn’t have was money for insurance, marketing and everything that goes into a successful showcase.  In April 2017, the first art showcase in the county is being hosted by CJE Enterprises Foundation, Inc. with a $5,000 matching grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts.  We are well on our way to raising the remaining $5,000.

The Hancock Community Group, in 2008 was a loose collaboration between community members that organized for an annual Labor Day Picnic and MLK Day of Service.  For years we talked about becoming formally organized.  We just talked and continued to plan and organize the picnic and day of service.  It worked and we all knew we wanted to do more.  At the 2016 picnic a call was put out for anyone wanting to improve the county.  25 people signed up and 20 showed up for the first meeting.  90% of those at the first meeting have continued to be involved.  We are incorporated, are getting the 50lc3 designation, have opened a bank account, have a board of directors and officers.

Harriet Davis and I have talked about hosting a storytelling event for the past decade.  In November, we hosted the first Tellabration!, celebration of storytelling in Milledgeville, GA at Allen’s market.  Allied Arts provided space and WRGC, the Georgia College Public Radio affiliate recorded for broadcasting later.  We’ve hosted another show in December and have another planned for January 2017.

Writers write, storytellers tell stories, I’ve continued telling stories.  I’ve not been as consistent with writing.  Yes, I write tellers to several people.  I write articles for the local newspaper.  I’ve talked about writing a book.  I have a list of books I want to write and that’s about as far as it has gone.  During the latter part of 2017, I took a writer’s workshop lead by Tina McElroy Ansa.  It has made all the difference.  I discovered my process and took a page from my well-organized husband.  I’ve completed four chapters of the book, “Staying Nappy in a Straight World.

One of the success principles from the writer’s workshop was belonging to a writer’s group.  I am a founding member of the Hancock County Writers Group.  We have five members and envision multiple groups springing up.  We have an artist, blues vocalist, minister and storyteller.  This is a new venture for three group members.

On the mark, get ready, set, GO, 2017.