The June road trip to J.R. and Dick’s residence and “old store” was a lot of fun and oh so much more! After meeting at the church parking lot at our regular time, we packed up some tables, chairs and potluck picnic lunch items and drove only a short distance to be welcomed by our hosts’ friendly smiles and warm, southern hospitality. 

 

J.R. and Dick took us on a tour of their home and store, answered our many questions and told stories about how their home was designed and constructed and about their many unique art pieces and collectibles. I don’t know where to begin to describe everything we saw. J.R. and Dick are artists and craftsmen who have created beautiful stained glass items, wood carvings ranging from wall art to furniture, metal sculpture, rock forms, and the list goes on and on. They have exceptional gifts to be able to see an ordinary, everyday item and the ability to reinvent it into something useful and/or decorative. One of the first items that caught my attention as we approached the home was the beautiful porch railing that had a wonderful swirling pattern that made you look twice to verify that the material used was old horseshoes! Without question, the men’s eyes were drawn to the antique cars displayed and our artist’s eyes were drawn to the beautiful, brightly colored stained glass that adorned the home. I use that word (home) intentionally because this is truly a welcoming, comfortable place that is alive with vitality and creativity. I believe that not a moment is wasted any day as these kind and gentle men go about preserving both natural and man-made objects. Their joy penetrated our hearts as they spoke with love about their creations and collectibles. Thank you J.R. and Dick for an extraordinary and educational time! P.S. Our picnic potluck was yummy… especially the chocolate pie!

 
The writer understands that there is an article in this month's Tennessee Magazine about J.R. and Dick's residence and old store.  You might want to track it down!
 

We would like to encourage everyone who is able to attend our July 15th meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the Unity Classroom. Please write it on your calendar and invite a friend. You never know what will come up with this fellowship group! Road trips, games, lively conversation, humorous anecdotes, memories – it’s a great time. I look forward to our next outing – put your thinking caps on to submit ideas as to where we’ll go in September. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Alexis Whray

Secretary, ALIVE! Fellowship