I'm outta here.

Maybe it's the gypsy in my blood or an

incurable case of wanderlust, but this ol' gal is heading off

into the great unknown. Well, not exactly unknown.

A few weeks back I accepted a position with a newspaper back in my home state of

Pennsylvania. Though not in my hometown, it's only a few

hours' drive from most of my family and many of my friends. A small weekly located deep in the

mountains, it will sure be a big change from the flat

land of the south metro area not to mention I'll

need less air conditioning. Accepting the position

also means a chance to do a bit of teaching again at

Penn State University.

The decision wasn't made easily. My year in Georgia has been full to overflowing with

wonderful people and great opportunities. In just 12

months' time I've made some great friends and had

the opportunity and privilege to become part of

your weekly routine.

Journalism is a strange business community journalism even stranger. And those of us who

earn our daily bread putting words on paper are a

strange lot indeed. Many of us, myself included, are

gratification junkies. That's right. We need you to feed

the monkey on our backs.

If you don't have a comment or a criticism, how could we ever know that we're not just writing

for ourselves? So to those of you who have

written, called or stopped me on the street with both

criticism and kind words, thanks for the fix.

Over the past year, here in Fayette and Coweta counties and also in Henry, it's been quite an

experience. Let's see. I spent a day at a tattoo

parlor, another day with a clown from the Clyde

Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus, met a man who is busy

watching the skies for signs of other intelligent life in

the universe, interviewed the "real" Santa Claus,

smoked my first cigar, held a baby lion cub, went to a

high school prom, held a snake, petted a gator,

attended rock concerts, experienced "Tribulation Trail"

over at Metro Heights Baptist Church in

Stockbridge, and so much more it's impossible to list. But you

get the picture.

Even more satisfying this year has been the

chance to get to know so many of you. As I've intruded

into your lives, and often into your homes, you have

been the most gracious of hosts.

Tucked away among all the moments in time are images of your children dancing the night away

at the prom, hugging one another close after

graduation and losing a tough one on the soccer field.

Your memories have become mine, and I'll continue

to cherish them long after you've forgotten I've

ever been here.

Leaving my faithful readers is no piece of cake

but leaving my coworkers is another tough one.

They're among the best there is and you can believe I'll

be staying in touch. Sincere thanks to

editor-at-large Dave Hamrick who brought me here in the

first place and to John Thompson for keeping me sane

the past six months. To our publisher, Cal

Beverly, "Gracias y adios, jefe."

You're fortunate to have access to a

publication put together each week by professionals who

truly care about the community. Keep reading, keep

those letters to the editor coming in and never hesitate

to call if you have a comment or concern. They're counting on it. And by the way, if you ever

happen to be in Mercersburg, Pa., look me up.

As Jerry Garcia once sang, "What a long,

strange trip it's been."

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