We've all sensed how we can be taken in awe of something spectacular. Even within a crowd there can be complete silence at a magnificent panoramic view of great vistas, or a secluded mountain meadow exploding in color of wildflowers, or even a beautiful piece of music that stirs the depths within us. We all have had moments in which there are not words to describe what we are experiencing at the moment. We capture some of this with taking pictures or purchasing recordings to make the memories of the moment last. But there's somewhat of a loss in the recording of a memory in that we want to capture the moment — but it's not the moment. We sense there's more, as though someone is speaking but the voice is not heard internally or externally but the soul hears clearly the call and the seeking of more. This experience can be just as real in other areas as well, as in love, justice, peace, and relationships.

Since our wonderful opportunity to retire to the lovely N.C. mountains, we have noticed a brouhaha with the Town over wonderful activities Venture Local has tried to promote.

Coming from Safety Harbor, Fla., where every third Friday evening was promoted and aided by the local police to re-route traffic, I am stunned that the Board seems reluctant to cooperate with anything that can bring social connectivity, Franklin advertising and increased business to our lovely little town. This is what I see articles about in the papers ... not good for trying to attract future small business to Franklin. Gosh, with the economy in the straits it's in, why would a town be so foolish?

At a recent Macon County Commission meeting, Commissioners unanimously approved purchasing the old Parker Meadows golf course for a county park. Plans for this park include eight ball fields, four of which will be located directly across the street from Parker Farm Estates. Baseball and softball games, including 24 team tournaments mentioned at the meeting, are not exactly quiet activities. The noise from the fans, coaches, and players, as well as the constant “daylight” provided by lights that will inevitably be installed, will negatively impact all of the residents of the nice, quiet neighborhoods that border this property.

I had heard for months that negotiations were underway to sell the property, previously being developed as a 160 unit RV park, to an undisclosed buyer. The person who told me about these negotiations, evidently the only resident of the three area subdivisions “in the know,” told me he was not authorized to disclose the plans for this property until an agreement was reached.

I had the pleasure and honor to attend the WNC 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel on Saturday, Nov. 3. I have to say it was a great honor to be in a room with so much history, tradition, and so many American heroes. This was my third attendance at the celebration of the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, and I have to say this by far was the best and most gratifying of all. To see Marines that had served from Guadalcanal to Afghanistan, and every war or conflict in between together celebrating their brotherhood, left many in the room touched and without a dry eye at times.