Thursday, May 31, 2012

Returning the Cinnamon

Yesterday, I went to lunch with my cousin/friend Shann. She arrived at the house and waited in the car. Bounding out the door, I greeted her and stepped to her open window.

Morning Sun Through Villa Rica Pines
We exchanged compliments, each finding something worth a shout-out, the norm between us two. Then she followed hers up with an "I'm so glad you're back here, and that you're my friend!"

To which I heartily agreed, "And I return the cinnamon."

Giggling, I corrected. "Sentiment, I mean. I return the sentiment."

On the way to Phat Phil's (me in front, Shann following), I felt an enormous surge of love and connection. It was a perfect spring day in Northwest Georgia, sunny and warm, but not too hot. A perfect, low-humidity day.
Villa Rica Main Street at Sunset

We drove down North Avenue, past the site of the old hospital, now a parking lot for the new, past Junior Food Store, and through the 'projects' where family-friends had lived. With pride I noted it is still as well-kept as it was back then.

The Old VR Movie Theater, Now Cinema Tavern
On Old Town Road through Fullerville, past Shelia Saul's mama's house and the baseball park. I spent countless hours in both places as a girl - hanging out, sleeping over, inventing foods in the kitchen. In my mind's eye I see little usses jumping the ditch playing follow-the-leader. My mouth waters remembering green plums plucked from the tree.

By the time I made the outskirts of Villa Rica, I was bursting with it. It welled up inside, the "detached-me" experiencing awe and wonder, as those feelings tumbled out in a shouted, "I LOVE YOU, VILLA RICA!!!!"

What has changed? Everything. And yet nothing.

Bugsy, At Home in Villa Rica
Only me. Well, not so much me, as my mind. My mind has changed. I now see a place of beauty, love and community. I see a place where I belong, a place I want to belong. That is what has changed.

So. Villa Rica. Thank you for giving me a beautiful life, both then and now. I am home.

And this time, I can return the cinnamon.

~ Olivia J. Herrell

5 comments:

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Bugsy looks content. Glad you have found a center and a community. Only happy days ahead, Roland

Yvonne Osborne said...

Funny how our view of "home" can change. Have a great summer, with lots of cinnamon!

Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O.J. Barré said...

Roland, yes he seems so, in spite of my neighbor's eleven cats & the odd toms that wander freely. Thank you for stopping by, I miss seeing you.

Yvonne, thanks and a great summer to you, too!

~ Olivia

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Olivia, it's a two way street: I've missed seeing you at my blog. Have a great summer, you and Bugsy~ :-)

Walter Knight said...

There's no place like home.

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