Validity Magazine January 2015

Page 1

Validit y

2015 Bridal Issue www.ValidityBridal.com

Complimentary January 2015 Vol. 5, Issue 1


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Table of Contents

Inside this issue of

Validity

NEW t his mont h:

Pinterest Weddings By Nikki Newbold

Make effective use of Pinterest to style your unique wedding. Page 10

Online Weddings By Cody Crawford

DIY wedding website tips.

January 2015 Vol. 5, Issue 1

Page 13

Resource Directory Advertisers by category listing.

Foods for Healthy Beauty

Page 22

Beauty food suggestions for the bride-to-be. Page 23

Haitian Reality By Michelle Bonville

Haitians work hard for meager sustenance.

High School Newspaper Editor By DeeGee Lester

Brides & Grooms

A complete section featuring weddings in the Validity region. From Nashville to Natchez, see beautiful brides, read stories of proposals and sweet memories.

Page 15

Above, Baker Wedding at Belle Meade Plantation, Simply M Photography

Writing from his experience, a high school senior leads the way. Page 27

Cover Photo: Edwards Wedding at Natchez, Mississippi. Brandon O’Neal Photography www.brandononealphotography.com

Find More

In Every Issue:

The Perfect Wedding Meal

A Garden For Love

By Katie Hayes

By Cassandra Warner

Katie shares tips from her personal wedding experience.

Growing a cut flower garden for your special day. Page 6

Ornithology Report

One Attorney’s Opinion

By Bill Pulliam

Also in this Issue:

Page 26

Redistricting representation.

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Validity

Online! www.ValidityMag.com Be Social! Look Us Up!

Cerebral Meanderings, Page 34 Page 33

Validity Magazine, Published 12 times per year, monthly, Vol. 5, Issue 1 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Validity Magazine, P. O. Box 516, Hohenwald, TN 38462-0516. Address Service Requested. Subscriptions are available on an annual basis at $20 per year. Mail check or money order to: Validity Subscriptions, P.O. Box 516, Hohenwald, Tennessee 38462.

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I Love Knowing That..., Page 32 Lookin’ Back, Page 32

Validity Magazine is published monthly in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Validity Magazine reserves the right to edit editorial and advertising submissions for appropriateness of the publication. Reproduction of any part of Validity Magazine without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Validity Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions.

.

From The Publisher, Page 5

Page 28

By Landis Turner

Birds that “ain’t from around here.”

Page 25

Publisher Becky Jane Newbold, info@validitymag.com, 931-628-6039 Managing Editor Shane Newbold, info@ValidityMag.com, 931-628-6039 Director of Digital Innovation Cody Crawford, cody@validitymag.com, 615-768-9479 Contributing Writers, Bill Pulliam, Cassandra Warner, Charles Newbold Jr., Cynthia Rohrbach, Justin Crawford, Katie Taylor, Landis Turner Contributing Photographers, Cassandra Warner, Katie Taylor Technical Advisor, Larry Bartley

Our Mission Validity Magazine exists to reflect rural lifestyles of rural communities along the Natchez Trace Parkway in both storytelling and photo journalism. This local publication is designed to promote positive life experiences by delivering authentic, relevant content on healthy living, nature, outdoors, technology, gardening, entertainment and travel to the people who enjoy the small town experience.


From The Publisher

Big Weddings & Marital Bliss E

xpert I am not, I just know what has worked for us. A hugely, expensive wedding was never my style. And when my father passed away suddenly just as Shane and I were planning to announce a wedding, the fact that my dad would not walk me down the By Becky Jane Newbold aisle furthered my resolve to keep it simple. My husband and I were wed in my mother’s backyard in a perfect and unpretentious ceremony. Later this year we will celebrate 28 years. We have a long way yet to go. To be sure we had found the right mate, there were a few guidelines we discussed while dating. These have kept us tightly knit, so here they are, in case you are interested. Our rules: Be kind. Common courtesy should not be reserved exclusively for acquaintanc-

Reality Perspective

es, friends or strangers. Yes, after all this time, we still say thank you, please, excuse me, and we help each other. All with a smile (well, most of the time). Go to bed together. Obviously faithfulness is essential to marital harmony. But more than that, when one retires to bed, the other is close behind. I am not sure who told us that so many years ago, but it helps keep us on the same track. Be honest. You are (or should be) marrying your best friend. How can a friendship thrive if even little lies are part of the mix? Furthermore, accept the truth when the other expresses it. Work it out. It may not always be easy, but it is what you signed up for. Common faith. Shane and I believe in Jesus and the principles of the Bible. Our vows were written by us using scripture we believed to be solid words of wisdom. Never talk badly about the other or gossip about each other to our friends. A marriage is tough enough to protect without dragging your friends’ opinions into the mix. Just do not do it.

shooting skeet in Bill and Kathy Roper’s backyard and wading the creeks of Lewis County with my fun-loving wife satisfy my requirements for adventure. And, the list of more stuff to do “around here” could fill this page. Cramming into a jet for hours, spending time walking around a city where you cannot communicate with the locals and crawling into a motel bed where thousands before you have slept does not live up to a big adventure in my thinking. How bout we charter a fishing boat, motor 35 miles off the coast of Louisiana, hook and fight 100 pound yellowfin tuna. I can get excited about

Safe at Home

T

rekking to foreign lands, India, France and Columbia, South America, Luke, my adventuresome, wandering son, thinks I am weird for having no desire to travel afar. R i d By Shane Newbold ing Harleys with our friends Keith and Connie; fishing, skiing and pontooning with family and friends on the Tennessee River;

Or stop if you have already started. Show love for one another through your commitment. To the newlywed, the honeymoon high of love seems unending. Remember when real life hits you in the face, this person you marry deserves all of your love, respect and commitment. I choose to frequently remind myself of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control; against such thing there is no law.” If I focus on keeping these gifts in my personal life, my spouse will benefit immensely. Extravagant weddings do not equal marital bliss. This is not to say a bride should not tailor-make her day. Mine was almost perfectly what I had always wanted. Only thing missing was my dad. My father-in-law to-be instructed, “This is the only wedding you are ever going to have. Make it everything you want it to be.” He was right. I had chosen my man and did not intend to ever have another. But I also knew the ceremony was just the beginning, not the cli-

that! Yeah, a trip to the Gulf is as far from home as I desire to be. The wife wants to travel abroad. Perhaps, when I can no longer traipse through hills and hollers, and life has slowed a bit, crossing the big blue might be more appealing. Luke says I should experience other cultures. He is probably right. But for now, on this crazy, often violent planet, being safe in my rural home, surrounded by people who “got your back,” is supremely significant. Father to four and best friend to Becky Jane for 27 years, Shane Newbold lives life to the fullest birdwatching, fishing, motorcycling and enjoying his family.

max. Shane and I had a lot to learn about one another. By stubbornly refusing to accept the world’s flippant view of marriage, our friendship has deepened to a level we could have never comprehended. We work hard to make it last. We hope you enjoy seeing a glimpse of the beautiful weddings within this issue. The sanctity of marriage is a precious gift. Blessings to the brides and the grooms in this issue of Validity and to those to be wed in the coming year. May you find joy in 2015.

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931-729-3792 Validitymag.com

5 .


Bruschetta Bar

Katie Hayes Taylor

Validity Recipes

with similar ideas of what “good food” really is, we had wonderful time deciding what would be served at our small, intimate wedding in Sewanee, Tennessee. The recipes for this month are completely inspired by the food we chose to serve to our guests in July of last year. We wanted the menu to be an extension of the food we love, but we also wanted the dishes to appeal to the young and the old as well as the pickiest of eaters. Because we do not eat a lot of meat ourselves, we did not want a typical “meat and three” dish. While these are the usual dinner-type meals served at evening weddings, we went with multiple, heavy heures-de-vours for a filling, yet versatile menu. Hoping for the best on the actual wedding day, we were overjoyed when our friends and family told us how much they loved the meal. Multiple comments such as, “This is the best wedding food we have ever had,” truly made us happy. Below are a few of the dishes served at our reception. If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, my advice is to think about the food the bride and groom like, tweak it a little bit to appeal to a large crowd and do not forget to taste samples at the caterer before choosing a dish on the catering menu. That is the fun part!

Bruschetta Bar:

A cheese bar with crackers, Italian meats and cheeses and spreads paired perfectly with the red and white wines we served. This was not only inexpensive, but guests were able to mingle and drink while nibbling on this appetizer before the heavier dishes were served. Do not worry so much about the type of meats and cheeses; simply having a variety and displaying it in an aesthetically pleasing way is perfect for hungry guests.

Crispy F latbread Pizza

The first date my husband and I went on was to a local pizzeria, so serving pizza at our wedding seemed very fitting. Not to mention, who doesn’t like pizza? Knowing this would be a hit after taste testing, we went with a few classic varieties and also a mushroom pizza inspired by that very first date.

Our Favorite No-Rise Mushroom Pizza

(inspired by the “Fun Guy” pizza at Rock’n’Dough Pizza in Jackson, TN)

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough 1 cup hot water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

Planning the Perfect Wedding Menu

P

lanning our wedding, it quickly became clear the food we served would be one of the most important aspects of the day. As a recipe developer and avid cook, this seemed only appropriate. In fact, choosing the menu was probably the most difficult decision out of all the details and decisions that go into planning a wedding. While it was difficult, it was also rewarding and fun for my fiance and me. He loves to eat just as much as I love to cook, and .

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A Bruschetta Bar with Italian meats, cheeses and spreads

Katie Hayes Taylor

By Katie Hayes Taylor


Validity Recipes

2 ¾ cups whole wheat flour ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon sea salt Dried Italian herbs (optional) Pizza Toppings 1 cup red pizza sauce 1 cup sliced portabella mushrooms 1 cup sliced white mushrooms 1 cup shredded fontina cheese 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk water, sugar, oil and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until liquid becomes foamy.

Combine flour, Parmesan cheese, sea salt and Italian herbs if you choose. Pour water-yeast mixture into flour bowl and mix. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook for 10 minutes on low-medium speed. Otherwise, dump the dough onto a floured workspace and knead for 10 minutes. Spread out on oiled pizza stone or pan. Begin by spreading the red sauce over the pizza, and add the remaining toppings. Be generous on the cheese-it makes it better! Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is beginning to brown on the bottom and cheese is melted and bubbly. Whole-Wheat pizza dough recipe source: cookieandkate.com

Classic Moscow Mule

Katie Hayes Taylor

2 oz vodka 3-4 oz. ginger beer (not ginger ale) Juice from half a lime Ice cube

Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for Our Favorite No-Rise Mushroom Pizza.

Select firm, fresh mushrooms for best flavor.

Katie Hayes Taylor

Our Favorite No-Rise Mushroom Pizza

Katie Hayes Taylor

Katie Hayes Taylor

Signature Cocktails

Of course almost everyone loves wine and beer, but how about a fun way for guests to taste the bride’s and groom’s drink of choice? Vodka Lemonade for her and Old Fashion for him? Or how about a Moscow Mule? Whatever it is, be sure to have the bartenders make the drinks prior to the wedding in bulk, which makes serving the cocktails much easier than attempting to make them individually.

Classic Moscow Mule consists of Ginger Beer, Vodka and lime.

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7 .


Validity Recipes

A Spanish translator by day, Katie Hayes Taylor is an avid runner who finds creativity in the kitchen relaxing. Her passion is finding new recipes that are outside the box, fresh and seasonally grown.

Katie Hayes Taylor

Katie Hayes Taylor

While we did not serve macaroons as our favors, I recently went to a wedding where they gave them out before we left, and not only were they delicious, but the reasoning behind the macaroon was even more special. The bride and groom first started dating while she was tutoring him for a French class they were taking. The coconut macaroon recipe below is inspired by that wedding, but I tweaked it to make it a healthier alternative to most sugary macaroon recipes. Sweetened with bananas and one tablespoon of pure maple syrup, this is a wonderful dessert to enjoy without the guilt!

Macaroon Base 1 ripe banana, mashed ¼ cup coconut oil, melted 2 tablespoons Stevia ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1⁄₅ cup unsweetened shredded coconut Pinch of sea salt Chocolate Sauce ¼ cup extra dark chocolate chips 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup In a mixing bowl, combine all macaroon base ingredients. Mix well. With your hands, roll the coconut mixture into small bitesized balls. You can use a tablespoon for getting an approximate amount. Put macaroons in freezer, and while they are hardening, make chocolate sauce by combining chocolate sauce ingredients and melting in microwave. Remove macaroons from freezer, and dip the bottoms in the bowl of chocolate. This will create a chocolate “shell.” Then drizzle the remaining chocolate sauce over the macaroons. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Katie Hayes Taylor

Coconut Macaroon Personalized Favors

Cane Sugar and FlourFree Chocolate-Coconut Macaroons

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Chocolate-Coconut Macaroons


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Pinterest Weddings...

But let’s be honest, ladies. We all know that ten minutes after coming home from that first incredible date with said fella, we all rushed to the computer, clicked the saved Pinterest link and typed into the search window… wait for it… “rustic wedding ideas!” I know it, you know it and until the beautiful “secret board” option, everyone following you knew it. There’s just nothing like putting together the wedding of your dreams online, complete with pictures and Do-ItYourself tutorials. With Pinterest, you’ll find ideas and lessons on the perfect wedding dress for your body type, DIY flower arrangements and centerpieces, up-dos for the bride, up-dos for the bridesmaids, downdos for the bride, the importance of choosing the right wedding photographer, best wedding gift for a groom from his bride and everything in between. With so many ideas, it is impossible NOT to have the perfect wedding! Pinterest

N

Pinterest

othing makes a young twenty-something’s eye sparkle like the word “Pinterest!” Pi n t e re s t is the greatest invention for girls, women and even some men, though the men may not admit it. This is estrue By Nikki Newbold pecially for the lady who has recently accepted a marriage proposal from the man of her dreams.

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holds the key to the greatest ideas for the picture-perfect wedding, the likes of which have never been seen! Or does it? While Pinterest does provide wonderful help on saving money and still having a gorgeous wedding, that “pin” leading to that article about putting together the perfect centerpiece has been pinned by four billion other people. Okay, maybe four billion is a bit of an exaggeration, but I think you get my point. This begs the question: How do you use Pinterest for wedding

planning but still have a unique, cost-efficient wedding? The answer: Make every idea your own! The pin showing you the sweet, elegant way to ask your nearest and dearest to be bridesmaids has been used over and over, however, it might not have been put together using the wrapping paper you and your college roommate found at that weird store a million years ago. The boxes you send may not have butterflies flying out when opened, but they can have pictures of the moments that show why you are

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choosing her to be your maid of honor. The key is to take the “perfect idea” from Pinterest and make it perfect for you. Don’t take every idea from one pin. Gather from different areas and combine ideas from different wedding themes. There are no rules. Mix and match until it’s exactly the right color scheme. I’ve been to many weddings that all look the same. They have the same decorations, they use the same signs and they even have the same food. Not that I’m complaining - that spinach and artichoke dip is to die for! The point is, it really doesn’t take much to mix it up and set your wedding apart. By all means, use a large chalkboard to direct people to their seats, but find another way to word it and use a different font. Be bold and do things your way! It’s your party, you can cry if you want to…wait, that’s not what I meant. Bottom line: Make the wedding yours. Don’t be afraid to dip into the creativity that flows through your veins and mold an idea around your unique personality and vision. Last but not least, whatever it is you decide to do, whether it be to use different fabric, change the flavors or do a flash mob with your entire family and the wait staff instead of a traditional father-daughter dance, PRACTICE IT! It is cool to use that super rad wedding-cake mold, but it is not cool to use a new, never before used or tasted recipe in that super rad mold without a run through prior to the big show. Will that delicious lemon cake covered in butter cream fondant hold its shape, and are you actually able to accomplish those realistic finishing touches, or

is it all going to come crashing down when it warms to room temperature after sitting in the refrigerator all night? There is a fantastic search category on Pinterest dedicated to these wonderful moments of planning failures. Simply search these two words: Nailed It! Whatever ideas you choose to utilize, do it proudly. Remember this, that if it all crashes and burns, the relationship does not hinge on this ridiculously perfect wedding it’s the marriage that matters.

Besides, most brides don’t even remember to eat at their wedding, much less what kind of food was served. Just be sure to have good cake, you’ll at least get one bite of that. Nikki is a wife, mother, youth minister, birth doula and holds a bachelors degree in opera singing. She spends most of her time at home raising her two young kids and trying to keep her house in one piece. 0

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Historic Hickman County

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Online Weddings DIY Website Building Tips

By Cody Crawford

C

ongratulations, you’re engaged! One part of wedding planning couples often overlook is creating a wedding website. A wedding site can be a wonderful tool for showcasing your engagement pictures and also a great time-saver for fielding questions about your wedding. Simply giving your guests a link allows them to see to all your wedding information and your great pictures conveniently. For those who want to DIY (do-it-yourself ), we’ve listed some tips for building your own wedding website. The staff of Validity also offers wedding website design services. We use the following methods when we build a site for someone, so you know you’re getting reliable advice.

Planning

It’s important to plan out your website before you start to avoid getting overwhelmed. Focus on the big picture. When scheming in your head about your dream wedding site, think about what you want your guests to see when they hit your page for the first time. If you have some engagement pictures you really love, you might put those on the main page, so they are the first thing your guests will see. If you don’t have great engagements, plan to write a paragraph or two for the front page. You can talk about how excited the two of you are to be getting married and thank your guests for stopping by. Now is a great time to think about integrating your wedding colors into your site. If you need a little help, try Adobe’s free color picker online at color.

adobe.com. This web app will allow you to try different colors together before you start making the site. A Google search will find a lot of beautiful example sites for you to view, since the main task at this point is to visualize your end result. But remember to keep it simple if you are creating the site yourself. There will be plenty of time later to add features.

Southern Charm Since 1908

Organize Information

Almost every wedding website has a list of tabs at the top or on the sides. This is to organize information for your guests. We recently created a wedding site for Emily, who chose the tabs Gallery, Wedding Party, Registry, Information, RSVP and a page where people can post Instagram pictures while enjoying her wedding just by using her unique hashtag. There are unlimited options for tabs, so choose about five when you’re planning. You can always add one or two more later if you find you missed something. Some other

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A Taste of

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931-759-7394 For great food with a side of history, visit Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant in Lynchburg, Tennessee. This stately establishment, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is no longer a boarding house but is still a great place to enjoy a real home-cooked meal. In fact, Mr. Jack Daniel himself was a noon-day regular. Miss Bobo’s menu varies daily but always includes generous helpings of favorites like country ham, chicken with pastry, fried okra, blackberry cobbler and many other specialties.

Dinner 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Central Time, Monday - Saturday. We also offer a 3 p.m. seating on busy days. Be sure to call several days in advance because spaces fill up pretty fast.

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Free * Kid’s Meal!

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with the purchase of a regular price meal

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13 .


quality, even if they are just selfies from Facebook. Good pictures are crucial to a great looking website.

Create Content

Find a Website Builder

When you have four or five topics, start working on the content for each page. Take your time with this. Content is the most difficult part of creating a wedding website. You might want to tell your proposal story on one of the pages, and you don’t want that to seem thrown together. Just take your time and be yourself. If you get stuck on something, take a break and come back later. Also, make sure to check for grammar errors before you post it to your site. Even if you don’t have official engagement pictures, there are certain to be a few good photos of the two of you. If there aren’t, now is a good time to take some. Even if you have to beg a friend to snap a few, find some cute pictures to put on your site. Make sure the photos are high

Design the Pages

Planning is now officially over, and now you get to design each page. Take the information you’ve written and the great pictures you’ve found and put them all together. This might be the most time consuming part, but it’s also the most fun. Watching your site come together can be so rewarding. Don’t give up until your site looks just right.

to your guests before and after your wedding. Happy website building! Need help? For a flat rate, the staff at Validity can create a gorgeous website for you and your future spouse. To get started, simply go to our website, ValidityBridal. com, and send us a bit of information about what you’d like. Cody Crawford is Director of Digital Innovations at Validity Magazine.

You’re Done!

No matter how you decide to create your wedding website, just remember it is uniquely yours. This isn’t anyone else’s wedding, so make it how you want it. Whether you hire a professional or DIY, your wedding website should be a joy

i n Th e Square Downtown Columb

O

Get Awesome Pictures

Once you’ve gathered all your information and pictures, you need to figure out how to build your site on the internet. Many free website builders exist. You simply need to Google “free website builder” and pick one that you like. There are better website builders for people who are willing to pay. Some sites will allow you to build and keep a website for as little as ten dollars a month. Another alternative is to use social media. Creating a Facebook or Google+ page for your wedding makes it easy to let all your friends and family know you have a wedding site. Social media pages aren’t as configurable as an actual website builder, however, so if you’re going to go this route, you might adjust how you plan and create content. Also, if all of your Facebook or Google+ friends aren’t invited to the wedding, make sure to politely state somewhere on the page that the

event is invite and RSVP only.

a

options for tabs include Our Story, Schedule, Directions, Travel and Accommodations and Guestbook.

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catering florals set ups

CRYE-LEIKE EVENT CENTER Creative Images by Jennifer

TheFarmhouse

1116 Nashville Highway Columbia, TN 38401

z

z

å

on the Square

4 0 0 W. P u b l i c S q u a re • C e n t e r v i l l e , T N 3 7 0 3 3 • 9 3 1 - 7 2 9 - 4 1 2 9

Open Monday - Friday, 9-5, Saturday, 9-2

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T Seating capacity for 176 T Tables and chairs T Nice kitchen area T 4 bathrooms T Ample parking

Call 931-540-8400

Shawn Tankersley for Reservations


Mac Brown Photographers

B

T e h m e o C B e r r e H www.ValidityBridal.com ides 

eautiful brides from around our region, photographed by area professionals as well as all the resources you’ll need to plan your special day are all within the pages of this inaugural bridal issue.

With our very first magazine for brides and grooms, we’ve rolled out a gift for you. Validity Bridal Online is an online resource for brides and grooms, with information on preparing for your big day and a list of recommended vendors in our Resource Directory. Also find a link to our Pinterest board filled with our favorite wedding ideas at ValidityBridal.com or go to pinterest.com/ validitymag. In today’s world, every couple should have a wedding website to show off their cute pictures, give information to their guests and have a place for their guests to leave them comments. See our tips for creating your own, or let us build one for you.

See More Brides at ValidityBridal.com

Jonathan & Katie Taylor Validitymag.com

Sara Lane Shoots | saralaneshoots.com

Enjoy!

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he wouldn’t propose. It was a cool day, so Tara tried several different excuses to avoid going on a picnic, but Brad was insistent and they went to the park. After finishing lunch, Brad asked Tara to sit by him and started saying the sweetest things about their relationship. He then pulled a gorgeous ring out of his pocket that he designed and had made for Tara. He asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. After Tara got over the shock, she finally said yes. Brad had a photographer hiding to capture the moment, and both of their families were at a restaurant nearby where they went to celebrate their engagement. In a rustic, chic themed wedding of teal, blush-pink and ivory at Brentwood Baptist Church, Tara and Bradley Johnson solemnised their vows. Their marriage was on January 4, 2014.

Brad & Tara Johnson Brentwood, Tennessee Mac Brown Photographers

Mac Brown Photographers

Their Proposal Story: Brad and Tara had talked about getting engaged for several months in the spring of 2013. Brad was finishing school, so Tara figured it would be summer before he proposed. They had talked about rings and looked at several stores for some Tara liked. On Friday night, April 19, Brad took Tara to look at one last store and they found the perfect ring. The jeweler said it would be at least six weeks before the ring could be ready, so Tara counted the days and prepared herself to wait. Two days later, Brad and Tara went to church together and Brad said he had planned a picnic lunch after. Tara was suspicious, but because they had just looked at rings again, she knew .

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Mac Brown Photographers

Mac Brown Photographers

excitement and disbelief that I was looking at my wife-to-be on our wedding day. She looked incredibly gorgeous and that was the moment I Tara’s Favorite Memory had been waiting on for months.” from their Wedding: Tara and Brad took their honeymoon at SanThe bride’s favorite wedding dals Grande Antigua and now live in Thompmemory is walking down the aisle. son’s Station, Tennessee. “As a little girl, I never dreamed about the details of my wedding day like some girls do. The only moment I imaged was what it would be like to walk down the aisle on my dad’s arm toward the man I would spend the rest of my life with. As I walked down the aisle toward Brad that day, clinging tightly to my dad’s arm, my nerves and anxiety disappeared. It was a special moment and a memory I will never forget.” Brad’’s Favorite Memory from their Wedding: The groom’s favorite part of the wedding was the first look. “We got dressed in separate areas at our reception venue for pictures before the ceremony. The anticipation was killing me and I couldn’t wait to see Tara in her dress. For the reveal, we stood back to back holding hands while the photographer took pictures. I was very nervous and excited, but when we turned to face each other for the first time, all the nerves went away. I was overcome with


Robert & Mallory Harris

Their Proposal Story, from Mallory’s Perspective: “We were in a long distance relationship all throughout college. Robert went to Purdue University in Indiana, and I went to Samford University in Alabama. He came down to Birmingham to visit one weekend and waited for me as I got off work. I walked outside and he handed me a letter. The letter said that he had a fun, special night planned with a few stops and more letters along the way. From there, we went around town, first letting me pick out a new dress to wear and then taking me to our favorite spot that overlooks the city. It was raining outside, so we went to a little gazebo on top of a huge hill, where he handed me the last letter. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, and of course I said yes!” Mallory and Robert said their vows in a classically-themed wedding at First United Methodist Church in Columbia, Tennessee on June 29, 2013. Bridesmaids wore black with a touch of turquoise in their jewelry. The flowers were cream-colored. Mallory’s Favorite Memory from their Wedding: “My favorite memory from our wedding was definitely our first dance! We chose Ray LaMontagne’s “You are the Best Thing” as our first song, and the

Simply M Photography

band played it beautifully. I had learned a few basic swing dance moves in college like the “pretzel,” and I taught Robert these. We had not had time to practice much, so we were both a little nervous dancing with all eyes on us. Robert grabbed my hand and we started twirling and dipping in front of everyone, and I don’t think either of us stopped smiling the whole time. We had so much fun!” Robert’s Favorite Memory from their Wedding: “My favorite memory from the wedding was the few minutes right after the ceremony before heading to the reception. Mallory and I ate dinner at the church while everyone else was at the reception. We were able to take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes in the middle of our big day. We let it sink in that we just got married and reflected on the ceremony. The ceremony and the reception were amazing, but getting to hang out and talk with Mallory alone for a few minutes was my favorite memory of the day!” Robert and Mallory spent their honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico.

Simply M Photography

Simply M Photography

Simply M Photography

Columbia, Tennessee Photographer Molly Wantland of Simply M Photography

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Matthew & Emily Edwards

Natchez, Mississippi Photographer Brandon O’Neal of Brandon O’Neal Photography

Brandon O’Neal Photography

Their Proposal Story:

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Emily and Matthew were living in Tucson, Arizona when Matthew popped the question. After he had the ring made by a jeweler in Dallas, Texas, he waited two whole months until he couldn’t wait any longer. On St. Patrick’s Day, 2013, Matthew found the perfect moment. After having a wonderful dinner on their balcony, they sat and talked about life and the future. Emily took some dishes downstairs, and Matthew grabbed the ring. When he got downstairs, Emily was putting leftovers in the fridge. Matthew turned the lights off because there was a light in the ring box. Just as he opened the box, Emily, confused, turned on the kitchen lights. “Turn off the lights, baby,” Matthew said. Somewhat confused, Emily did and found her way to the light. Matthew, on one knee, asked Emily to marry him. After she said yes, they called friends and family and went out to a favorite, local restaurant for wine and desserts. Emily and Matthew Edwards were married April 12, 2014 in Natchez, Mississippi in a black and white wedding.


Brandon O’Neal Photography

Emily’s Favorite Memory from their Wedding: The bride’s favorite wedding memory is “Matthew singing ‘Marry Me’ to me at our reception and dancing with all of our family and friends.” Matthew’s Favorite Memory from their Wedding: The groom’s favorite wedding memory is, “watching Emily ride up to the drive in the white convertible. She looked like a princess and I knew I was the luckiest man.”

Brandon O’Neal Photography

Brandon O’Neal Photography

Emily and Matthew are planning a trip to Italy for their one year anniversary.

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Sewanee, Tennessee Photography by Sara-Lane Baskin of Sara-Lane Shoots

Their Proposal Story, from Katie’s Perspective: “Every Saturday, I meet with my running partners for our long run. It had snowed the night before, making for a really fun snow run. Everyone in my running group knew, except for me, that Jon had a water station set up at the end of the run with a plan to propose. Jon always said he was going to set up a water station for one of our long runs, but he never did, so it was an ongoing joke between us all. When we turned the corner during the last mile of the run, there was Jon on the corner at 6 a.m. with water and champagne, telling us he had come to our aid. I turned around and my running group had disappeared and there was Jon on one knee. The group came running back around the corner, celebrating because they knew all along. It was a great morning!” Jon and Katie tied the knot in Sewanee, Tennessee with a coral, celadon, gold and white wedding. They married on July 26, 2014 and spent . 20 Validitymag.com

Sara Lane Shoots | saralaneshoots.com

Sara Lane Shoots | saralaneshoots.com

Jonathan & Katie Taylor

the weekend celebrating together in Chattanooga. Katie’s favorite wedding memory “Having all my favorite people, including family and friends I hadn’t seen in years, join together to celebrate such a special day and moment in time for Jon and me. It was an indescribable feeling I’ll never forget.”

Jon’s favorite wedding memory Jon’s favorite part of the wedding was “the power in the vows, and adding our own vows after saying the traditional ones.” Jon and Katie now live in Memphis, Tennessee.


Creative Images by Jennifer Creative Images by Jennifer

Nicole’s favorite wedding memory: “We wanted to be more traditional and not see each other before the ceremony. In the garden, we had lace-covered curtains that were opened as I walked down the aisle. That moment when I looked up and saw Ryan at the end of the aisle is one I will always remember. It was then that I realized I was about to marry the man of my dreams.” Ryan’s favorite wedding memory: “Our first dance. We took dancing lessons at a local dance studio, Blue Suede Ballroom, a couple months before our wedding. We danced to “our” song, “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band. Nicole and Ryan took their honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico and now live in Memphis, Tennessee.

Ryan & Nicole Baker

Nashville, Tennessee Photographer Jennifer West of Creative Images by Jennifer

Creative Images by Jennifer

The Proposal Story: It was after Ryan’s undergrad college graduation from Belmont University in May of 2012. Since both of their families were in town, they were taking lots of pictures. It was time for Ryan to take some pictures with Nicole. Ryan pulled a small box out from behind his degree, got down on one knee and popped the question in the Belmont Gardens. He was still in cap and gown. Nicole was in shock. According to Ryan, her first word was “no,” but she says it was, “No, I can’t believe this is happening…yes, I will absolutely marry you!” Either way, they happily married almost two years later on April 26, 2014. Nicole and Ryan Baker tied the knot at Belle Meade Plantation in a rustic chic wedding of blush and mint. Validitymag.com

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Don’t Forget The Groom!

Validity Advertiser’s Resource Directory find these advertisers within the pages of this issue See more Wedding Info at www.ValidityBridal.com

Accessories & Shoes

The Shoe Shop

Banking

CB&S Bank

Books

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Cakes & Sweets

Southern Sweets Armstrong Pie Co. Pie Sensations

Make Your House Your HoMe Custom Paint

with from Duncan’s Hardware

Catering & Food Mt. Pleasant Grille If you like our food, then you’ll love our catering. Our place or yours, give us a call and we’ll work out the details. We have great southern food for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate retreats and class reunions. 931-379-7228 100 South Main Street, Mount Pleasant, TN 38474 www.mtpleasantgrille.com Farmhouse on the Square Call us today for your catering, florals and wedding set-ups. We are open Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-2. To book for your special day, call us for an appointment. 931-729-4129 400 W. Public Square, Centerville, TN 37033 Christy’s 6th St. Restaurant & Cafe Richland Trace Market Square Market & Cafe Top of the World Farm

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Favors & Decor

Buffalo River Artisans Coop Liberty Pharmacy Lily Jane The Dragonfly Emporium The Factory The Needle Nest

Floral Farmhouse on the Square Call us today for your catering, florals and wedding set-ups. We are open Monday to Friday

9-5 and Saturday 9-2. To book for your special day, call us for an appointment. 931-729-4129 400 W. Public Square, Centerville, TN 37033 Furniture & Antiques

Alexander’s Mattree World Centerville Marketplace Dusty Diamonds Office Warehouse

Hardware & Construction

Duncan’s Hardware The Building Company

Health & Beauty

Columbia Health Foods J&S Salon Milksoapberry Wild Duck Soup Emporium

Hotels/ B&B

Commodore Hotel & Cafe Fall Hollow B & B Pillow Street B & B

Jewelry

Sherry’s Jewelry

Insurance

Farm Bureau Foster Insurance Shelter Insurance

Dalyn Patterson, Linden, TN 931-589-5411 Jason Ray, Waynesboro, TN 931-722-5592 Terry Keathley, Hohenwald, TN 931-796-3800 Jamie Turnbo, Columbia, TN 931-388-8095 Tommy Hight, Columbia, TN 931-388-2009 Ann Barnick, Columbia, TN 931-840-9555, Medical

NHC Homecare Stewart Family Chiropractic Thiesing Chiropractic

MUSIC

Variety Records Jukebox Media

Photo Framing

Eagle Creek Frame Shop Wall Candy

Photography

Brandon O’Neal Photography

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Creative Images by Jennifer

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Sara-Lane Baskin Photography

saralaneshoots.com

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http://simplymphotography. com Real Estate

Richardson Real Estate

Restaurants

Emeralds Restaurant Fall Hollow Restaurant Miss Mary Bobo’s Mt. Pleasant Grille River Rat Grill Rusty Fish Hook

Sporting Goods

Jones & Lang Four Seasons Brewer’s Tactical & Home Defense Northside Gun Shop Ted’s Sporting Goods

Transportation

Hohenwald Tire Center Sander’s Market Bates Garage David’s Body Shop

Travel

South Central TN Tourism

Wedding Venues

Buffalo River Farms Crye-Leike Event Space

Mt. Pleasant Grille If you like our food, then you’ll love our catering. Our place or yours, give us a call and we’ll work out the details. We have great southern food for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate retreats and class reunions. 931-379-7228 100 South Main Street, Mount Pleasant, TN 38474 www.mtpleasantgrille.com

Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau From small intimate ceremonies to large outdoor or indoor events, Natchez provides everything needed to make your Mississippi wedding day memories last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for?! Start planning your Southern dream wedding today. 800-647-6724, info@visitnatchez.org Visit Natchez, 640 S. Canal Street, Box C, Natchez, Mississippi 39120 www.visitnatchez.org/weddings/ The Historic Athenaeum Rectory The Historic Athenaeum Rectory in Columbia, Tennessee is one of the most unique sites in Tennessee. Built in 1833, the distinctive Moorish-Gothic architecture of this antebellum site will prove to be a beautiful backdrop to your special day. The Athenaeum offers both indoor and outdoor wedding packages and is also available to be rented for photography sessions. Receptions can be held indoors or on the grounds of the Athenaeum and a full kitchen will be available to your catering staff. The site also offers dressing rooms for the bridal party. For more information, call today! 931-381-4822, athenaeumrectory@gmail.com 808 Athenaeum Street, Columbia, TN 38401 www.athenaeumrectory.com The Stables Westbury House

Wines & Liquor

Hillbilly Liquor Hudson’s Wine & Liquor

Keg Springs Winery 931-589-0589 361 Keg Springs Rd., Hampshire, TN 38461 www.kegspringswinery.net


for reducing skin swelling and protecting skin from the sun.

Foods for Health & Beauty

Salmon

stronger hair, due to the biotin and vitamin E found in them. And if that’s not enough, walnuts might actually improve the color of your hair as well, since they contain copper.

Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, the Greek yogurt contains protein, “good” type of fat. vitamin B5 and vitamin D for hair Omega-3 is not follicle health. It has vitamin A for produced by the younger looking skin. body, but must be Low-fat yogurt is also a good consumed in food food to eat when dieting, as it has or supplements. calcium, protein, fiber and few calAntioxidants and ories. selenium in salmon fight free radiLast but not least, few people cals, contributing acknowledge the health effects of to healthier skin. Rich in pro- staying hydrated with pure, clean tein and vitamin water. Water keeps your skin moist D, salmon also and smooth and helps skin cells ormulating the perfect beauty prove blood flow, lower cholesterol work properly. Water also helps helps achieve stronger hair. strategy for your wedding day and fend off heart-related issues with blood flow, keeping your skin can be time-consuming. The like high blood pressure and conglowing. dress, the jewelry, the makeup, di- gestive heart failure. An added benefit of water is Oysters contain high levels of Drinking green tea helps the eting and exercising your body into that it has no sugar or calories, so zinc. Zinc is a huge part of mainshape all take planning. Aside skin by reducing inflammation, it’s a great diet drink. taining good vision and helps keep from cutting calories, however, slowing damage to skin cells and the retina in working order. some foods actually make us more protecting them from burning in Oysters also have a good beautiful, making our eyes sparkle, the sun. This means more youthamount of protein. Since our hair shine and our skin more ful looking skin. It is great for the hair is mostly made of proteeth as well, because it has no supple and glowing. tein, eating oysters creates We all know smoking, exces- sugar that causes decay. Also, besive alcohol, lack of sleep and stress cause it has no sugar, green tea is a stronger hair and helps prenegatively affect our appearances. good substitute for soda and coffee vent hair loss. But to prepare for a special day or drinks when on a diet. just to look better in general, there Carrots are good for is more we can do than just avoid healthy skin, eyes and hair. www.TopoftheWorldFarm.com Blueberries are also great fruit the bad stuff. Since they contain large Some of the nutrients we for the skin. They have more anti- amounts of vitamin A, they should be getting for lovely eyes, oxidants than any other fruit. An- help prevent wrinkles, make skin, teeth and hair are vitamin C, tioxidants slow the creation of free your eye sight better, and vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium, radicals, which are damaged cells strengthen your scalp. antioxidants, zinc, lutein, zeaxan- that injure other cells and cause thin, calcium and omega-3 fatty wrinkles and dry skin. Blueberries are also low in caloacids. Most of these nutrients do Sweet potatoes have wonderful things in our bodies, ries, high in fiber, and one cup of much the same benefits as and many of them have several dif- blueberries has 25 percent of the carrots. They contain betarecommended vitamin C. As well carotene and vitamin A, so ferent necessary functions. Certain foods are just healthier as being good for the skin, blueber- they’re good for skin, eyes pasture than others. When researching ries also contribute to stronger hair. and hair. grass fed finished what to eat to be healthy, some beef forms of sustenance appear over pork For all-around health, eat spinand over, with amazing health benAh, walnuts. A deligrass fed efits to be reaped just by adding ach. Spinach is good for the hair, cious superfood, walnuts are lamb keeping follicles healthy and scalp loaded with omega-3 and them to our diets. pastured oils circulating. It is awesome for omega-6 fatty acids, for a chicken the eyes, since it has lutein and ze- whole range of health beneExperts say green tea is one of axanthin, which absorb damaging fits, including younger lookthe healthiest things to drink. It visible light. Price info: topoftheworldfarm@gmail.com ing skin. Spinach is also loaded with has catechins, which are antioxiWalnuts may also help 901-491-0183 dants that prevent cell damage, im- vitamins, containing vitamin E prevent hair loss and create Becky J. Newbold

Greek Yogurt

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Jones & Lang

Sporting goodS, inc. 1412 Trotwood ave. suite 3 Columbia, Tn 38401

931-388-8060 Fax: 931-388-1202 Toll Free: 1-877-396-0496

www.jonesandlang.com Did You Know

Validit y Magazine is ONLINE?

Find Your Favorite Stories From Past Issues And Some New Stuff We Found For You At

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Sanders Market

Sanders Service Center Since 1962 2871 Hwy. 412 E

At the Intersection of Highways 100 & 412 Linden, Tennessee

931-589-9507 • 931-589-6200


Mariani, Haiti

A Haitian Reality By Michelle Bonville

A

s the months have passed my heart has been more and more captured by the children in our church, school and neighborhood. I love to hear young voices calling “blan, blan” (“white, white”) when they want to talk to me but don’t know my name.

From the shy waves and smiles of children passing on the streets to the hugs and kisses on the cheek (a culturally normal greeting) from the students in our school, my heart is full of love yet aches with sadness. The sadness comes from knowing how difficult life is for the people, how hard they work for very little reward. There are places in Haiti that are full of wealthy people, but Mariani isn’t one of them. I often stand by the wall of our compound and watch as people walk to and fro. Most mornings children from across the street take a bucket and head down the road to get water. It is always amazing to see tiny girls that look to be about 7 or 8 years old carrying a full 5 gallon bucket of water on their head. So much work to have water for bathing and drinking. Such a difference from being in the U.S.A., where all we have to do is walk to the faucet, and even then we complain if the water pressure is low. Men and women often walk up and down the streets selling bags of water, fried plantains, candy and much more. They walk between the

cars trying to catch the attention of the people inside the vehicles. When someone wants to make a purchase the sellers often run down the road beside the vehicle in order to finish the exchange. The men who often sell in front of our mission have really touched my heart. They work so hard for every dollar and yet when they see a child trying to cross the road without a companion, they stop and help them traverse safely. As I have watched school progress, I can also see what a disadvantage these students have academically. The most common language among the people of Haiti is Creole, but when they attend school they immediately have to learn in French. This can be very difficult for the children because although French and Creole have many similarities, they are also vastly different. A simple example is the word for face. In Creole it is figi and in French it is visage. What a source of confusion this must be for these babies. Another disadvantage is the fact that many of them do not go to school consistently. To my knowl-

edge there are no schools in Haiti that are completely free. According to the 2010 demographics, more than two-thirds of the Haitian population do not have formal jobs. These people work hard for every dollar they earn and sometimes they are able to pay for their child’s education and sometimes they are not. Many students still have not begun school this year. The reasoning we are given is because the parents aren’t ready financially to purchase their books, their uniforms and pay their tuition. Our heart is to help these people get good jobs so they can provide for their families. This is one of the reasons we are currently working on opening the professional school so we can teach them to be electricians, nurses, secretaries, mechanics and so much more. Those who do attend school often have trouble learning their lessons and doing their homework. After speaking to a student in our second grade class about why they hadn’t completed their homework assignment, we discovered that they didn’t have a father or mother. They lived with their illiterate grandparents and their ten year old brother didn’t understand the lesson enough to help. This is actually a common problem. It is estimated that well over 50 percent of the population age 15 and older are unable to read. How difficult it must be for the children to try to do their lessons without the advantage of a parent to help them. To address this problem in our own school, we have decided to offer lessons to these children in the afternoons. We are also going to be offering adult reading classes in our professional school. I am excited to say that we have already been able to address one problem the children face, hunger. So many of the children were coming to school hungry, which kept them from being able to concentrate during class. The kindergarteners were crying and at times the older ones would complain that they were dizzy. Thanks to many wonderful people back home, we have been able to start a feeding program at the school. Now every child receives something to eat during recreation time (their lunch/play break). The beautiful smiles on the children’s faces fill

my heart with such joy! Some of the little ones will crawl onto my lap and fall asleep after they fill their belly. The program is a huge blessing to the families, but it is completely reliant on personal donations, so we are praying that God will continue to place it on people’s hearts to give so that we can keep it running. The Haitian people as a whole are some of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen, constantly fighting against the odds in order to provide for their families. My prayer is that God will continue to use us to help these people as much as possible. To make that happen, we need the support of the people back in the United States. Yes, we need financial support in order to do the things we do, but most importantly we need lots of prayers. Haiti is full of wonderful people, many of whom need Jesus. My prayer is that our mission will be a place where they find Him, a place of peace, hope and love. Michelle Bonville is a kindergarten teacher from Hohenwald, Tennessee and is currently on a one year mission trip to teach in Haiti. To learn how you can help feed a child, at a cost of $2.25 per month, call General Assembly & Church of the First Born at 931-796-4368.

Michelle Bonville

at

Michelle Bonville

School

Michelle Bonville

From The

Validitymag.com

25 .


Ornithology Report

The Gulf Coast of Tennessee and fall passages. One of the most impressive of these “inland coasts” is on the reaches of Kentucky Lake between Big Sandy and Paris Landing, in Henry and Benton Counties. This area is about two hours away from most of the Validity reading area, and is well worth the trip if you like to see the larger birds of bigger waters. The list of rarities that have been found in this area is enormous. Quite a few birds have been spotted here for the first or even the only time in Tennessee. Many others that are hard to find elsewhere show up here regularly. There are three major birding areas involved here. The easiest to get to is Paris Landing State Park, immediately south of Highway 79 just west of the bridge over Kentucky Lake. This is a prime spot for gulls, ducks, loons and, often, Bald Eagles. There are several good viewpoints over the lake to the east of the Lodge. The ducks here are typically the “diving ducks” or “bay ducks.” These are the species that like deeper water and dive for their food. The other birding areas nearby are in the Big Sandy unit of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. The roads around the lake here can be confusing, even by the usual twistyturny standards of rural Tennessee. Go to the TN-NWR website (www. fws.gov/TennesseeRefuge/) and get a copy of the map of the Big Sandy Unit. And have a good gazetteer or trustworthy navigation system. Plus a bag of bread crumbs. South of Paris Landing on the west shore of the lake is Britton Ford. Most Major The highlight here is the Insurance Accepted wildlife viewing platMedicare form on Swayne Road. Participant ome are It looks out over a comCertified Home Care plex of peninsulas and Agency shallow bays. Nearby are many fields managed Highly Experienced for wildlife. This is ofStaff ten a major wintertime Available 24/7 Care is our magnet for geese and business. the “puddle ducks” – the dabblers that simply tip their rears up and poke nHCHomeCare50@yaHoo.Com their heads down to feed

NHC

H

C

C

931-381-1234

.

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Bill Pulliam

W

hen most people think of the coast, they think of beaches, sunshine, resorts and seafood restaurants. But when birders think of the coast, of course, we think of birds -- ducks, grebes, pelicans, By Bill Pulliam gulls, terns, sandpipers, herons, all the creatures of mudflat, bay and shore. Many of these are the big and showy birds, what some nickname the “charismatic megafauna.” In case you are not up on your Greek word roots, this just translates as “big showy animals.” If you are looking for palm trees and surfers, you will not find those in Tennessee. But if you are looking for the charismatic avian megafauna, you can do pretty well by making a trip to what birders have dubbed the Gulf Coast of Tennessee. Alongside the forests and hills that characterize the Tennessee landscape, we are also defined by our many large TVA reservoirs. Over the decades since they were first built, the birdlife of this region has adapted to their presence. Many of the birds that once migrated all the way to the real Gulf Coast have taken to cutting their trips short and spending their winters in the Tennessee Valley on these lakes. Other species that still winter to our south use these inland shorelines as important stopovers during their spring

Herring, Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s Gulls at Pace Point.

in shallow water. It is not unusual to find all five species of geese that regularly occur in Tennessee here, along with nearly every species of puddle duck. Britton Ford is another good spot for eagles, and it has a special distinction as being perhaps the best spot in Tennessee to spot a Golden Eagle. Keep an eye to the sky, and brush up on how to tell the two eagles apart (that was the topic of one of my first Validity columns). Remember that many young Bald Eagles do not have white heads or tails. The third jewel in this crowning spot of Tennessee birding is Pace Point. To get to this remote area you need to find your way north out of the town of Big Sandy onto Lick Creek Road. This is simple enough, you just go north from the gas station, across the bridge, then first right, curve left, then right, bear left, then keep right, and… well, watch the signs and cross your fingers. When you do successfully get on Lick Creek Road, take it about eight miles or so to the refuge entrance. Once you get to the refuge, there are several destinations. First, on your right you will come to the Bennett’s Bay overlook. This is often another excellent spot to see ducks, geese, eagles and even the occasional swan. Following the road all the way to its end (often muddy) will take you to Pace Point proper. This unassuming spit of gravel presents you with a panoramic view of the lake. You are only three miles from Paris Landing. The Inn and Highway 79 bridge are easily seen across the lake. One of the things for which Pace Point is famous is rare gulls. Sorting out the gulls into species is

a daunting task for a novice; suffice it to say that 16 different species of gulls have been found in Tennessee, and most of these have been seen at Pace Point. If you don’t care to learn the arcane art of gull identification, you can just take in the panorama, and really feel like you are standing on the shore of a coastal bay, with perhaps even some pelicans winging over the water. There are a couple of other areas near Pace Point worth viewing. Just a few hundred yards south of the point, the road skirts the lake at what birders dub “Coot Bay.” About a mile farther down, another dirt road (Lee Springs Road) forks off to the west that takes you to numerous views of the lake shore through the trees. This area is dubbed ”Rocky Point.” The major attractions of this part of Kentucky Lake are the big birds. But, there are plenty of smaller critters (“dickey birds,” birders often call them) to be seen as well. The fields, roadsides and forests can be quite active, and alert eyes have spotted rare sparrows and other smaller, feathered oddities here as well. Regardless of whether you are looking at the charismatic megafauna or the dickey birds, a trip to the Gulf Coast of Tennessee can be a scenic and adventurous expedition. Bill Pulliam got started in birdwatching by his junior high science teacher in 1974, and has been an avid birder ever since in 48 U.S. states and 7 foreign countries. He is currently the Tennessee editor for eBird, a online project that compiles millions of observations from tens of thousands of birders around the world.


Building a Future the “Write” Way

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rofessionals in every field know that few skills propel a career as much as the ability to write well. Those who are skilled writers are able to produce the essays that capture the attention of scholarship committees and college admissions boards; to move through graduate programs; to publish papers, present at conferences, and become the recognized people in their field – from education and By DeeGee engineering to Lester medicine and business. Justice Trapp is a writer. The Editor-in-Chief of Lawrence County High School’s student newspaper, The Wildcat, Justice has the ability to carry his readers through an exploration of a variety of topics from the excitement and turbulence of adolescence, “Becoming Me,” to the need for compassion and the importance of watching out for one another, “Where’s the Love?”.

“I write these as a way to tell my story and to connect with other students,” Justice says. “We all have a lot in common and if a student is going through something, it helps to know they are not alone; that others are dealing with many of the same things.” In his position as editor, he is also aware of hooking readers, the impact of placement within the newspaper and other issues. “I have different responsibilities as editor and I don’t get to write as much. But I know that the editorial is the second thing they see in the paper, after the lead story, and I try to write articles that open up conversation and thinking about things. Some [articles] come quickly while with others, I have to try to word it the best I can.” This vision gives the paper a different attitude. Indeed, while The Wildcat follows the traditions of student newspapers, covering the latest ball game and student news, its writers creatively explore other topics as well as current events that may appeal to high school students or affect their lives. As editor, Justice recognizes his leadership role as well as the necessity for a full team effort including the staff and the advisor, Melissa Brazier.

Senior members of The Wildcat staff, left, Justice Trapp, Jacob Holder, Payton Gore, Brandi Childress and Katelynne Wilburn.

Stella Johnson

Student Profile: Justice Trapp, Lawrence County High School

“This is the biggest staff ever things that touch the heart, and and the first time we have taken it hopes to write in the medical field. completely online, so at first, there But he has many options available. “I’ve had a good life here,” he was a lot of pressure. But now it has calmed down and we’re in a says. “Living with a single mom in groove where it… flows,” Justice a small town has made me a better person. I’ve always wanted to go says, chuckling. Like many modern newspa- to Nashville, but I don’t see myself pers, the time-consuming and, living there more than a few years. often, disheartening efforts to sell I’ve always had an interest in helpads for a printed edition, led to ing people – not just making monthe decision to go online. But, the ey, but helping people.” appeal for “holding a newspaper in your hands” remains strong for A 1968 graduate of Lewis County some students, and Justice says that High School, DeeGee Lester serves Director of Education at the Parfuture editions may offer online, as as thenon. Her articles have been well as a limited number of printed published in children’s magazines and editions. journals. She is author of three Justice traces his own writing books and co-authored a two-volume efforts to 7th grade when he devel- pictorial history of Sumner County. oped an attraction to poetry as an outlet for self-expression. He began entering poetry competitions into high school and was a semi-finalist in the American Library of Poetry Competition. One way to continue developing as a writer was through the student newspaper. “The first year I could get on staff, I applied and made it.” His mother influenced that focused, can-do attitude. Raised by a single-parent, surrounded by aunts, and with no strong father-figure as a role model, Justice feels empowered. “It has helped to see how these women act and react to things. I think I generally take things to a deeper level and it helps to see that you can be independent.” As he writes in “Becoming Me, Part 2”: “Looking back…it makes me proud of my mother for overcoming,” and enabling her son to “learn the difference between need and want, and to not take things for granted.” Managed IT Services He will carry these lessons into college in IT Support the fall when he begins Computer Repair his freshman year at Austin Peay State UniPhone Service versity to pursue a degree in nursing, with the eventual goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. He plans to continue with creative writing, Validitymag.com 27 .

931-306-6555


A

A Garden for Love

Cassandra Warner

garden can be many things to different people. The bounty of a garden can sustain and nourish the body, and the beauty can feed the heart and soul. I usually focus a great deal on that, but in addition, there are gardens created that are inspired by occasions, events and memorials in one’s life. This month, Va l i d i t y has a special focus on making your wed- By Cassandra Warner ding day special, a perfect event, beautifully romantic, a wonderfully memorable time, that as a couple you will share for a lifetime. So possibly a garden for love could help you in creating that special day. As a couple begins their journey together, this first big event for them is full of hopes, dreams, visions and maybe some beautiful fantasies that they will share with family and friends to celebrate the beginning of their lives together. One of the first decisions of planning a wedding is where. The venue may be a small chapel, a large church, a cutting-edge, modern hotel or an old, historical one, a sandy beach, a field of flowers, a woodland sanctuary, your own backyard or a garden. So let’s consider some thoughts for how a garden can help in creating a magical, awe-inspiring venue for that memorable day. A garden can be one of the most beautiful, romantic settings for a wedding. There is a saying I love, “Time began in a garden and so did love.” So maybe that’s why it would seem an appropriate setting for a couple to create a memorable day to begin their time together. Of course, I use all kinds of excuses to create yet another garden spot. So if you had the time for planning your very own garden for love, that would be your own garden to visit and enjoy together and keep making memories there. It would be very special. Just imagine the possibilities: beautiful flowers, maybe an arch or an arbor covered in flowers and vines, flower


Cassandra Warner

cutting garden of flowers to be used for your own wedding day. There are many choices of flowers excellent for a cutting garden that range from perennials, biennials and annuals. Some of the old-fashioned flowers often grown are zinnia, marigold, foxglove, columbine, oriental poppy, bleeding heart, lenten rose, pansy, daisy, hollyhock, narcissus, sunflower, feverfew, clary sage, aster, coreopsis, dahlias and phlox. Big, Bold and Beautiful

Many different types, colors and textures of flowers can go into the bride’s bouquet and arrangeHave Your Flowers & Pick Them Too A cutting garden is enjoyable to ments for a wedding. For bold, have anytime, but it would be most focal blossoms, peonies are wonwonderful and special to grow a derful, especially the double blossom cultivars like “Festvia Maxima.” Cut these blooms when they are about three quarters open for best long-lasting appearance. The peonies will bloom all at once and early in the spring. To extend their bloom time, cut their stems 16 or so inches long when the first crack of color appears on the hard, green bud. Strip off most of the leaves and wrap up to ten stems in three layers of tissue paper. Mark the date on them and store in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks. When you take them out, cut an inch off the bottom of the stem and stand in water to rehydrate. In just two days, they will be in full bloom. Another beautiful, focal flower is the giant, white calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica). These bloom from mid-spring to late summer. They are incredibly beautiful, grow from a rhizome and like full sun Cassandra Warner

Cassandra Warner Cassandra Warner Cassandra Warner

covered swings, flower lined paths, little twinkling lights in trees, candlelight and flowers everywhere. Then maybe you would have an

open-sided tent with lights and flowers swinging from the center and around the four corners. This garden could have a theme or style with the use of flower choices, color and hardscape that is uniquely yours as the two of you create your own magical garden. The other possibility is to find a garden space or an outdoor venue that is currently used for weddings that you can add some of your own designs and features to make it uniquely yours. Another major part of the wedding is the flowers. They evoke a sense of romance and style for this most important day. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a wedding without them. I have no doubt about the power of flowers to make life beautiful, enhance your mood, make you happy or make you feel the love. A beautiful bride holding a lovely bouquet of flowers; that just is perfectly perfect. This is again a chance for your own design and creative expression for the bride and groom in your choices of colors and types. There again, you can use several colors and types or just one or two, whatever would be the most meaningful to both of you.

and rich, sandy soil. The Siberian Iris (Iris siberica) has dreamy, royal blue blooms. It has a triangular shape that stands out from others. It blooms from mid-spring to early summer and likes full sun. Each stalk will produce two flowers. After the first one closes, the second one will open. For Spiky Splendor

“Elfin Pink” penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) produces many stems of bright, tubular blooms in a stunning, deep pink. Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil, and it will bloom from early summer to early fall. The elegant Delphinium “Pacific Giant Mix” can add height and drama with its beautiful, cobalt blue blooms. Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Bloom time is early to mid summer. After their initial bloom, you can cut these plants back to the ground, add compost around the base and water well. This will produce a second round of blooms in late summer through early fall. “Purpleicious Speedwell” (Veronica spicata), with dazzling violet mini-spires that are prolific and last a long time as a cut flower, are easy to grow. Harvest all summer and they will bloom again in the fall. Frame It and Fill Out

To add an intricate, wispy framework for arrangements or bouquets, grow colewort (Crambe cordifolia). It has strong, multibranched stems with small, white flowers in late spring and mid sumValiditymag.com

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Cassandra Warner

ful for combining with any shade of blue. It prefers to be planted in partial to full shade and welldrained soil. As an added bonus, it is also drought-tolerant. “Sweet Pea” (Lathyrus odoratus) has a delicate, draping nature and a sweet scent. These exquisite flowers make great additions to the vase or bouquet. Sow seeds in cool weather in full sun to part shade in rich soil with good drainage, and provide something for them to climb on. In deciding where to site and how to lay out a cutting garden, you will want to check the loca-

Cassandra Warner

mer. Colewort needs full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Another good choice is Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila elegant). Pincushion flower (Scabiosa), with its soft, lacy-looking blooms, are great fillers and framers for arrangements. Butterfly Blue is quite divine. Pincushion flowers need full sun and moderate to fertile soil. The seed heads can also be used in late season arrangements and bouquets. With scalloped leaves and foamy clusters of tiny, chartreuse blossoms, “Lady’s Mantle” (Alchemilla mollis) is especially wonder-

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tion for how much sun it receives, and where are the areas of shade or partial shade. One of the main reasons for a cutting garden is to cut the flowers, of course, and not to cut the blooms in other areas of your gardens or landscape, so you keep their beautiful display and design intact. Design in the cutting garden should be for ease of harvest and requirements of the plants chosen. If you use perennials, biennials and annuals, set the perennials apart from the others so their roots will go undisturbed as you plant and replant the others. You may also want to consider, since you will be cutting the blooms, to site the garden in an out of the way spot or give it a border of small shrubs or plants to screen it, so the coming and going of blooms will go unnoticed. In a cutting garden, you don’t have to worry about color schemes. All colors can be welcome there and you can plant varieties that can be harvested from early spring into late fall. A cutting garden can provide a lot of fun and enjoyment and provide one of the essential elements for many of life’s celebrations, such as that special wedding day.

heaving (uplifting from the soil surface). Add more mulch if necessary. *If the ground is not too wet, you can turn beds to start to break up frozen layers and expose insect eggs and larvae for the birds. It will kill any exposed pests. *As long as the ground is not frozen, plant hardy evergreens, trees and shrubs. Keep them wellwatered and mulched. *Prune trees, shrubs, fruit trees and grapes during their dormant season. *Remember not to prune any spring flowering shrubs at this time or you’ll be pruning off flowers. *If it’s above freezing and not windy, spray fruit trees with dormant oil. Dormant oil is a nontoxic and very effective control for plum curculio, scale and other pests and their eggs. If any plant has a current infestation of scale, it should be sprayed two or more times over the winter. *Trim up hardy herbs such as rosemary, savory, thyme and oregano. They will benefit from a little late winter TLC. With a whole new year ahead of us, now is the time we can dream and scheme about what we can do January’s Checklist in our gardens this year and all *Work on your garden design kinds of new gardens in our future. for this year. So may your garden wishes and *Review last year’s garden jour- dreams be fulfilled in the new year, nal and get one started for this year. and may your gardens overflow *Take inventory of leftover with “Good Food, Joy, and most of seeds and those you may have saved all, Love.” to know what you need to purchase Life is a gift, and there’s no for this season. Look at all the won- greater gift than giving one’s life derful seed catalogs and if ordering, for another. I do think the garorder early so you don’t miss out on den helps us understand some of your most wanted items. the wondrous miracles of that great *On a sunny day, do a little or gift. Hope you have a good, giva lot of winter weeding. ing time in the garden. *Sow seeds of poppies and larkspurs in flower beds. Originally from Texas, Cassandra *Start seeds indoors at the end Warner is a transplant to the garGardening of the month for cabbage, lettuce den of Tennessee. has been one of her passions for and broccoli. forty years. “Gardening *Weed the asparagus bed and strawberry beds, then feed plants connects you to the miracle of and add more mulch, if needed, life and provides healthy exercise and stress relief. Mine has been near the end of the month. a learn as you grow school, and I *If onion and cabbage trans- plan to always ‘Keep it Growing’.” plants are available, you could set them out in the garden beneath a row cover. *Check perennials for frost


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I Love Knowing That...

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e all have our favorite verses of scripture. I particularly love those that tell me who I am in Christ and who He is in me. I love knowing that I have been born again and have eternal life, because I believe in God’s only By Charles E. begotten Son, Newbold, Jr. Jesus Christ. John 3:16. I love knowing that! I love knowing that I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb–Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:9), who, while I was yet a sinner, died for me. Romans 5:8. I love knowing that I have been saved by grace through faith, and that it was a free gift from God, and not of my own works lest I should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9. I love knowing that I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, that God ordained before hand that I should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10. I love knowing that I have been buried with Him through baptism into death, and as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, I am able to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4. I love knowing that I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of

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God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20. I love knowing that I am no longer my own. I have been bought with a price. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The Lord can do with me as He wills. I love knowing that in Christ Jesus I live and move and have my being, because I am His offspring. Acts 17:28. I love knowing that He has begun a good work in me, and He will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6. I love knowing that all things work together for good to those who love God, those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. I love knowing that Christ in Me is my hope of glory. Colossians 1:27. I love knowing that I am in Jesus, and He is in me, just as He is in the Father, and the Father is in Him. John 17:20-23. I love knowing that God is working in me what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:21. I love knowing that, one day, when I see Him as He is, I will be like Him. 1 John 3:2. I love knowing that, even while I am still in the world, I am as He is. 1 John 4:17. I love knowing that the manner of love the Father has bestowed upon me was such, that He would call me a son of God. 1 John 3:1. I love knowing that this is not just about me. The “I” is “we.” Put yourself in these scriptures. They apply to all who have in fact accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord. I love knowing that about us, don’t you? Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr. has served as pastor, teacher and is an author calling forth Christians to live the laid-down life for Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Nancy McDonald Newbold, live in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Charles continues his writing.


Ask An Attorney

ONE PERSON-ONE VOTE

R

e c e n t l y, I wrote two columns about the most famous case ever tried in Tennessee, the “Monkey Trial.” Baker v. Carr, the most important case ever to origiBy Landis nate in our state Turner is the subject of this article. Throughout I will refer to the Supreme Court of the United States by its informal nickname SCOTUS. In Baker v. Carr, decided in 1962, SCOTUS set in motion legal developments which eventually required state legislatures, and later all legislative bodies, to redraw the lines of the districts, so that each member represented about the same number of constituents. In Tennessee, district lines are redrawn after each tenth year census. District populations must not vary more than ten per cent. Years later, Chief Justice Earl Warren said that the “one-man-onevote” case was the most important issue he decided on the bench. The Tennessee Constitution required the General Assembly to redraw its districts every ten years shortly after completion of the federal census. The purpose is to require districts to be adjusted so that they have substantially equal population. Charles Baker of Shelby County sued, because there had been no redistricting since 1901. Population had shifted so much, that some urban areas had 10 times as many residents in some of their districts than was the case in many rural districts. A rural citizen’s vote was worth many times as much as that of an urban resident. Senate district populations ranged from 25,000 to 132,000, so 20 of the 33 members of the state senate were elected by barely one-third of the state’s population. Baker contended that the fail-

ure to redistrict reduced the value of his vote to such an extent that he was denied “equal protection of the law” guaranteed to him by the Fourteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. The mayor of Nashville joined the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in federal court. The defendant named in the case was Secretary of State Joe Carr. He did not draw the lines, the legislature did, but The Honorable Mr. Carr was ultimately the highest official in charge of elections. The state argued that district lines were political questions, not judicial ones. Therefore, courts should follow the precedent set by the opinion of SCOTUS in 1946, when it held that it should not get into such a “political thicket.” Such issues must be left to the legislature. Until the 1962 decision officials at all levels had been able to ignore laws requiring periodic reapportionments. This perpetuated rural domination in rural areas, especially in the South. And it made it ever more difficult for rising numbers of minorities in cities to elect their own to legislative bodies. It is worth noting that two of the lawyers representing the plaintiff in Baker were prominent. Walter Chandler, of Memphis, served as city mayor twice and was a member of congress. Tommy Osborn, Nashville, became an excellent trial lawyer. Unfortunately, he represented Jimmy Hoffa, president of the Teamsters Union and ruined his career and went to prison when convicted of jury tampering. He committed suicide. As a county attorney for decades, I helped redraw district lines for county commissioners several times. Then as a commission member, I chaired the committee which did the reapportionment just after the 2010 census. Here is how it works in most counties most of the time. We ask the help of the County Technical Assistance Service, part of the University of Tennessee. We give the service instructions on what results we want when the new

plan is adopted. This includes such things as whether the number of districts will be more, fewer or the same. Also, will each district have one, two or three commissioners representing it. Our constitution allows these three options, as long as equal, or nearly equal, representation is maintained. Many small cities, such as my hometown, Hohenwald, elect their legislative body’s members at-large and have no districts. This is fully permissible and will be upheld by the courts, as long as an at-large system does not result in preventing the election of minority members, because they are so outnumbered by the majority. On a personal note, I like electing legislative members at-large. The practice of electing our city and county leaders from little neighborhoods is outdated and serves little purpose. The practice began in Tennessee in the 18th century when people travelled little and knew few people outside their immediate area. Today there is no reason why everyone could not know all about the qualifications of each candidate regardless of what part of the county he resides. And is there any real and

Hickman cOUnTY

Alan Potts

significant difference between the needs and desires of voters on the east end of a county, as opposed to those on the west end? I have always believed that the wider the constituency, the better and more qualified the candidates will be. Tennessee’s constitution requires that county commissions have at least nine, but no more than 25 members. I believe that small legislative bodies serve the people better than large ones. At least one serious and detailed study has demonstrated that the more a committee exceeds ten in number, the less effective and efficient it will operate. And, if its members are compensated, a small group will save money.

This column discusses legal issues of general interest and does not give legal advice on any reader’s personal situation. The law is not a one-size-fits-all hat. Consult a lawyer of your choice. Landis Turner is a graduate of the University of the SouthSewanee and Vanderbilt University School of Law. He is a former president of the Tennessee Bar Association.

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CLAiMS: 1-800-836-6327 www.fbitn.com Validitymag.com

33 .


Cerebral Meanderings

Divorce

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ing from the gods, indeed. Not that any of us are opposed to tax. We just disagree with the way our elected officials foolishly spend our earnings. But, let’s give credit where credit is due. The highminded politician’s battle cry can be heard by all throughout the hallowed halls of Congress, “We, the appointed and ordained by the Almighty Himself, are duty bound to spend the people’s money.” So, who are we, the hard working, survival-minded commoners, to question the lofty, prestigious leaders we have chosen. Blah, blah, blah. I want a divorce. Divorcing tailgaters seems to be the only option left for me. Slamming my brakes, trying to outrun the pesky rear bumper lover, getting their license number and call-

ppropriate or not, I feel compelled to address the virtues of divorce in this bridal issue of Validity. Of course, I am opposed to divorce except for the following scenarios. If there is spousal violence or adultery, then by all means, divorce is a viable option. However, if the male adulterer receives a black eye from his faithful By Shane Newbold wife, spousal violence, in actuality, is sweet justice. Many in my peer group would probably agree that a divorce from federal taxation would be a bless-

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ing the troopers and pulling over to let them pass have all failed. I have considered waving my semiautomatic 9mm out the window (pretty sure that is illegal, immoral and just a notch worse than what they are doing to me). Even the middle finger proves ineffective for these morons. Maybe a divorce will work. Conceptualize a life without high blood pressure. Yeah, I want a divorce from beta-blockers and diuretics. Recently, while delivering the new batch of Validity to our vendors and supporters, whom are also our friends, I noticed a large sign on the door of a women’s clothing and accessories store located on the square in a rural town. It stated, “Due to increased shoplifting, no large purses or shopping bags will be allowed in our store.” Later the same day, another small business owner confided in me that he was considering selling his establishment. The hired help was stealing, not showing for work or arriving late. Having two stores in separate towns, he was unable to monitor and manage both. If he closes a

store, then there are no jobs at all. A shame, that dishonest deadbeats injure a community who would risk their lives to rescue the miscreants from raging flood waters. Can we divorce these parasitic individuals? Speaking of deadbeats, can children divorce themselves from parents who fail to financially support their offspring? It is not the kid’s fault one or both of the parents ceased unwavering commitment. Whether or not you concur with the empirical, aforementioned perspective concerning divorce, certainly, we can all advocate the concept of an eternal existence free of tiny bloodsuckers: Thereby, whereby, hitherto and heretofore on this day forward, till a disadvantageous demise do I succumb, a writ of declaration of divorce, henceforth, be decreed upon said tick, chigger and mosquito. Father to four and best friend to Becky Jane for 26 years, Shane Newbold lives life to the fullest birdwatching, fishing, motorcycling and enjoying his family.

Richland Trace Market Home of the Bodenham Barbecue Smoked Ribs • Boston Butts • Fresh Chicken Tenders

Live Music • Open Mic • Thursday Night Highway 64 West • Pulaski, Tennessee • 931-363-0591

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open mon. - Sat. 10-5 or by appointment

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f o o r P

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in the heart of historic downtown Columbia, Tennessee 125 West seventh street Columbia, tn 38401

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new and previously owned furnishings @Variety_Records

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TuESday - Friday 11:00-2:30 • SuNday BuFFET 10:30-2:30

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