The Possible

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." - Saint Francis of Assisi

As I reflect on why I was seduced to pick up my whole life in Boston and move to Milledgeville to take the helm at Andalusia I was reminded of these wise words by the patron saint of animals, birds, and the environment. Indeed it was Andalusia as a place that brought me here. A place of inspiration and a haven for a supremely original and influential writer certainly, but Andalusia is also 544 acres of contiguous habitat for all kinds of flora and fauna as well as a place for humans to enjoy and connect with nature. So my aim is to start by doing what is necessary. Building on what has been accomplished to date here, I am finishing the work started on the Hill House and the Cow Barn with the goal of opening them to the public with programming and interpretation. Both structures are rich and redolent with narratives to be tapped about life on the farm for people as well as creatures. The Barn will also serve as swing space for rescuing the Equipment Shed, a threatened structure that is filled with what must be 100 years of farm tools and implements (including an eerily intact tack room). These projects, and others, are only possible through collaboration with volunteers (good citizens, friends, neighbors, artists, and students) and the financial support of individuals, foundations, agencies, and the business sector. It is the possible that excites me and drew me to the challenge of creating a relevant and sustainable organization for the long haul; an organization that will ensure this place is here 10, 50, 100 years from now. With your help that is not so impossible!

- Elizabeth Wylie, Executive Director

The Flannery O'Connor-Andalusia Foundation