Writer’s Update | It’s crazy to see how far we’ve come and to know how far we’re going. It’s 2023, almost a decade since this original post. And as much as we loved what we were doing then, it’s a million times better now. Enjoy.

Original Post | 12/20/2014

It's been a while since I've put thoughts down here. Oh, believe me, my thoughts have been pouring (and some days, by pouring, I mean trickling) down into my computer files labeled The Liquor Maker April 6. Tentative Working Title. If they don't use that, I'll cry. I'm writing that tone, and well, you know when the tone it there. Anyway, I'm learning about runs, thumpers, bootleg turns, red liquor, white liquor, sweet potato pies, how revenuers preferred fedoras, chicken houses, sugar and silence. Yes, silence. For as many who will run over their mama to tell their story, they are other who would rather be strung up beside hogs at killin' time than to tell secrets.

Honestly, I don't think there are any secrets left, and I wonder exactly how much I'm adding to the story. Every now and then, a few details raise my eyebrows, but then it's regurgitated by someone else down the line and it's not so special anymore. Some of the old ones know there ain't no secrets no more 'cause most of their secrets died with some good ole boys years back, and they ain't naming names. Another thing, I'm reverting back to mountain Southern speak. It's as easy as rain. And I've learned to never, ever press STOP on my recorder when you're talking about moonshine. Kind of my big lesson learned: don't trust nobody. They didn't. I won't.

We did get my nose up long enough to take Christmas photos. We get to use our fancy triggers on Opal and Lloyd (for those you who have been following, our Canons) and make magic which actually includes us behind the lens. That's nice sometimes. We even let Jack and Lolly participate. As usual, Lolly doesn't care and wants us gone; Jack wants to play and eat, the reason I love him most.

We're gearing up for Seeing Southern's big 2015. This will be our first year out of the gate, so to speak. Now, hypocritically I say that everything will be put on the back burner until April 6, the day my words are packaged and sent off to strangers who don't love them as much as I do. It's like a mama letting go, and it's not pretty. Priorities. Another lesson, if you made something a priority months back, you must stick to it, regardless if something shiner comes along. We'll be shooting Day in the Life sessions - my absolute honor and passion - and jump back on the train with our travel photography and writing mid-April. Literally, train. We train travel in May, Walenda walk in June, Blue Ridge road trip in July, Europe in August and September, western US travel in October, and local travel in November and December. And in between, we work with tourism entities to promote their communities, plus we photograph and write for Georgia Connector and Peach State Publications. I dare say the creative juices will be (must be) overflowing this coming year.

We are grateful. We are thankful. I remember one of these wise old geezers to always remain thankful no matter what happens. Everything happens in its time. Judy and Len's calendar doesn't matter at all. We know that now. We remain open, and well, that's how The Liquor Maker was born. It fell into my lap quite accidentally. Keep your eyes open, and be careful what you ask for. It just might come true. Merry Christmas.

God Bless and always, with gratitude . . . Judy and Len