What I found in Carrollton, GA

I’m not picky about much (ha-ha), but I am selective about the groups I speak to.  I want to know they are the kind of people I’d like to be with and that I would support their causes. I hit the jackpot with The Community Foundation of West Georgia and their Power of the Purse luncheon. I felt at home the moment I sloshed through the pouring rain and found women smiling and laughing as if it was the sunniest day of the year. I was with my people.

First of all, they told me our event would be held in their School Performing Arts Center. “Oh, an old school building. How quaint that will be.” But, ummm,  as I turned into the parking lot, I pulled over to double check my directions. It was the most gorgeous county school building I’ve ever seen. The inside held a beautiful auditorium and several meeting rooms. Our group of about 100 ladies filled the luncheon area. 

The Power of the Purse raises funds to benefit women and children’s issues throughout their area.  I said the women all brought different gifts to blend together like a beautiful quilt. I also sang a few bars of an Elvis song. (You had to be there). Wait . . . did I say “Quilt?”

Carrollton, GA just happens to be the home of the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum. The director of the Museum happened to be at the luncheon. “Sorry, we’re closed on Wednesdays.” (sad face from me). “Don’t worry, I have a key and will be there after lunch. Stop by and see me.” (private tour? Yay!!!). Back through the rain I ran. 

The quilt images above should open to full size if you click them.

Joanna Browning, Director of Operations, is a wealth of knowledge about the art and history of quilting and showed me the latest exhibits as well as the classroom where children and adults learn the process of creating quilts. I wasn’t surprised when Joanna told me people travel from all over the country to visit the museum and Power of the Purse has actually helped fund some of the class supplies. 

Although I wanted to stay longer and explore their beautiful downtown, the rain grew stronger, so I headed home. The photo below is from their website, proving they really do have sunny days, which is what I’ll aim for on my next visit. There are so many good things to do in Carrollton, that I can’t wait to return. 

Many thanks to the wonderful women who planned, prepared and attended the luncheon. Your city is fabulous and it’s all because of hard working groups like the Community Foundation and Power of the Purse. 

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26 Comments

  1. Roxanne Bernard on May 19, 2023 at 2:37 pm

    You look so pretty, as always! Nothing is better than a day out with lovely ladies and a great luncheon!

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 2:40 pm

      Thanks so much Roxanne. I don’t usually wear pink, even though I love it, but when I showed up, half the ladies and the table flowers and balloons were pink, so it was perfect! I’m always up for a theme!

  2. Kim Jones on May 19, 2023 at 2:41 pm

    Leslie Anne-Thank you so much! We loved having you speak at our Power of the Purse event. People are still talking about the event! You were so relatable and on message that spoke to the heart of our members. Glad you got to take a few minutes to visit the Quilt Museum, it is truly a hidden gem for Carrollton. Hopefully, you will be back our way on a sunnier day! Thanks again.

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 2:50 pm

      So good to hear from you Kim. You truly have an amazing group of ladies. I love their focus and ability to get things done. I also love that you are bringing in the ABBA tribute band for a fund raiser later this summer. Now THAT is right up my alley and I may have to make a trip up there for that! Thank you so much for hosting me and congratulations on all your successes in the community.

  3. Pam Richardson on May 19, 2023 at 2:52 pm

    I agree with my friend, Roxanne. You looks so pretty. It sounds like a fabulous event and a private tour of the quilts was icing on the cake!

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 4:48 pm

      Thank you Pam. My friends at M&F Casuals in Fairhope helped me select the outfit. Everything from the lunch to the ladies to the quilts made for a very sweet day.

  4. Alan on May 19, 2023 at 5:03 pm

    Great town! I want more details about the next book, please!!

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 6:39 pm

      Here’s a detail — you’ll love it!!!! (maybe). hahaha. More to come later. Stay tuned!

      • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 9:17 pm

        And by the way – Alan heard about the book through the newsletter I sent out earlier. Make sure you sign up at the top right of the page!

  5. Roxanne Bernard on May 19, 2023 at 6:37 pm

    You look so pretty, as always! Nothing is better than a day out with lovely ladies and a great luncheon!

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 6:40 pm

      Thanks so much Roxanne. I don’t usually wear pink, even though I love it, but when I showed up, half the ladies and the table flowers and balloons were pink, so it was perfect! I’m always up for a theme!

  6. Kim Jones on May 19, 2023 at 6:41 pm

    Leslie Anne-Thank you so much! We loved having you speak at our Power of the Purse event. People are still talking about the event! You were so relatable and on message that spoke to the heart of our members. Glad you got to take a few minutes to visit the Quilt Museum, it is truly a hidden gem for Carrollton. Hopefully, you will be back our way on a sunnier day! Thanks again.

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 6:50 pm

      So good to hear from you Kim. You truly have an amazing group of ladies. I love their focus and ability to get things done. I also love that you are bringing in the ABBA tribute band for a fund raiser later this summer. Now THAT is right up my alley and I may have to make a trip up there for that! Thank you so much for hosting me and congratulations on all your successes in the community.

  7. Pam Richardson on May 19, 2023 at 6:52 pm

    I agree with my friend, Roxanne. You looks so pretty. It sounds like a fabulous event and a private tour of the quilts was icing on the cake!

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 8:48 pm

      Thank you Pam. My friends at M&F Casuals in Fairhope helped me select the outfit. Everything from the lunch to the ladies to the quilts made for a very sweet day.

  8. Alan on May 19, 2023 at 9:03 pm

    Great town! I want more details about the next book, please!!

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 10:39 pm

      Here’s a detail — you’ll love it!!!! (maybe). hahaha. More to come later. Stay tuned!

      • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 20, 2023 at 1:17 am

        And by the way – Alan heard about the book through the newsletter I sent out earlier. Make sure you sign up at the top right of the page!

  9. Diane on May 19, 2023 at 9:15 pm

    You had me smiling all the way home after I heard you speak. You were like a sister.

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 19, 2023 at 9:18 pm

      The good sister, I hope! – Thank you so much Diane. Now you’ve made me smile!

  10. Diane on May 20, 2023 at 1:15 am

    You had me smiling all the way home after I heard you speak. You were like a sister.

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 20, 2023 at 1:18 am

      The good sister, I hope! – Thank you so much Diane. Now you’ve made me smile!

  11. Robin on May 20, 2023 at 2:15 pm

    What a wonderful group luncheon you attended! The venue looked amazing. Thank you for sharing the pictures of the quilt museum.

    Enjoy your weekend!
    Robin

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 20, 2023 at 2:16 pm

      Thanks Robin. Happy weekend to you as well.

  12. Robin on May 20, 2023 at 6:15 pm

    What a wonderful group luncheon you attended! The venue looked amazing. Thank you for sharing the pictures of the quilt museum.

    Enjoy your weekend!
    Robin

    • Leslie Anne Tarabella on May 20, 2023 at 6:16 pm

      Thanks Robin. Happy weekend to you as well.

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