The Great Pumpkin Patch-

~Doc Lawrence

I just saw pumpkins being loaded on a truck at a nearby Kroger, a sure sign that fall has truly arrived. Sure enough, the orange globes are cropping up in more places, a natural occurrence with a greater meaning this year.

"Pumpkins," Stone Mountain artist Olivia Thomason says, "trigger precious memories of laughter, fun and good things to come." They also beckon us to ponder life as the year just begins to slowly wind down. It's almost impossible to feel sad in the presence of pumpkins.

Olivia has a painting incorporating the pumpkin's wonderful role in our customs. "The Great Pumpkin Patch," has appeared in magazine feature stories and showcases the ubiquitous festivals, events, family affairs and magic of the season. "Drive to Jaemor Farms north of Gainesville and the pumpkins stacked on the hill at the entrance will make you feel good all over!" While some pumpkin patches are not opening this season, other opportunities are just around the corner, Olivia added. "Oakland Cemetery has a pumpkin patch event in early October."

The painting is 18"x 24", acrylic on canvas, and is for sale: bigoart1@yahoo.com. If you're looking for some warmth or want to brighten up a dull room, this will get the job done.

Olivia Thomason has garnered many awards including "Artist of the Year" and "Gallery of the Year." Praised by Atlanta historian Dr. Richard Funderburke as "the unchallenged queen of folk art in Georgia," her recent works, "The Stone Mountain Farmers Market" and "Tunes by the Tracks" capture the charm of living in Stone Mountain Historic Village.