Amarillo Magazine | May 2010

special advertising section: women in business PROFILES

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com

good.

it’s

How women really feel about marriage, family, work and everything in between

The s Women’ Issue

Carla Sherman

Busted!

You’re wearing the wrong bra and we can tell.

Learn what it takes to keep The Girls under control.

Summer Shoe shopping

Find shoes that complement your outfits and give your feet the support they need.

Chocolate

Get sweet and savory recipes to share between you and your chocolate-loving friends.

contents

On the cover 44 It’s Good.

Marriage, work, religion, sex – we wanted to know how Amarillo women really feel about the things that consume our lives. We polled readers on a wide range of topics and talked with four ladies who break the stereotypes and had a little something to say.

Features 23 Busted!

You’re wearing the wrong bra and we can tell. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

We’ll show you how to invest in a bra that tames The Girls while providing comfort and style.

36 Jump Feet First Into Shoe Shopping

Don’t sacrifice your feet this summer for a cute pair of sandals. Instead, pick up a pair of shoes that complement your favorite outfits and give your feet the support they need.

68 Chocolate

Simply, there was no other food group (and chocolate is its own food group) more suited for an issue dedicated to women. Get sweet and savory recipes to share between you and your chocolate-loving friends.

sections

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44 Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Letter/Online Page.... 10 Out & About............. 12 The Way I See It....... 16 Get Involved............. 18 Dress Code............... 23 To Your Health.......... 32 Inside...................... 40 Outside.................... 42

photo by pam lary photography photo editing by brooks webb

Special Feature........ 56 Inspire..................... 60 Book Nook............... 66 What’s Cooking?....... 68 Let’s Eat!................. 73 Retro Rewind........... 96 Local Exposure......... 98 Spotlight................ 100

Publisher

Editor

Features Writer

Creative Services Manager

Michele McAffrey 806.345.3256 michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com Jennie Treadway-Miller 806.345.3223 jennie.miller@amarillo.com Steven Adams

Designers

Jeremy Say Livia Woodburn

Intern

Andrea Jones

Staff Photographer

Kevin Briles

Freelance Designer

Darren Hendricks

Advertising Director

Mike Distelhorst

editor’s letter

Les Simpson

W

hen we put together our “How Women Really Feel” survey, we didn’t know what to expect. Would women feel comfortable responding to the questions we asked? I have to say the feedback we’ve received every day for the past month-and-a-half has blown me away.

I took time several weeks ago to sit down and read every email and I was touched, encouraged, and sometimes even saddened by the heartfelt (and funny) comments women submitted. I could feel their hope, fear, worry and desperation over all the things that many of us hold dear to our hearts – children, marriage, friendship and money or work issues. Your responses made me feel connected, maybe more than I’ve ever felt, to the beauty that makes us women. And I was reminded that I’m not alone in the things I cherish or the things I fret over in the middle of the night. We’re really more

Classified Sales Cindy Brown Manager

Retail Sales Manager

Jaime Pipkin

Online Sales Manager

Kendra Barrett

Dewey Shanks

Major/National Accounts Manager

Account

Representatives

Kimberly Barclay Laura Collins Sharon Denny Trish Faris Cory Griggs Rick Miller Hailey Morrison Michelle Parsons Marcy Weldon Cindy Ledesma Patrick O’Rand

Ad Services Manager

Jennifer Thomas 806.345.3226 jennifer.thomas@amarillo.com

Sales Assistants

Natasha Reavis Charla Moore Sarena Poor Keisha Stepp

Patrick Ayala

Online Production Manager Programmer

Tosh Lyons

To advertise in Amarillo Magazine, please contact Jaime Pipkin at 806.345.3432 or jaime.pipkin@amarillo.com To advertise on amarillomagonline.com, please contact Kendra Barrett at 806.345.3472 or kendra.barrett@amarillo.com

Production Director Mike O’Connor

alike than any of us might imagine.

We’re a strong, preserving bunch, ladies. We manage households, bank accounts, relationships and careers, although I have to agree with Ellen Green’s wisdom that she shared with us. She said, “Women can have it all, but not all at the same time. It’s impossible to be simultaneously the perfect mother, the perfect employee and the perfect spouse. No one is perfect and if women think success comes only from perfection in everything at every moment, they are setting themselves up for failure.” I’ve found this to be true in my own life.

I’ve taken away a new appreciation of what it means to be a woman and I’m proud of the strength and caring revealed in the women of our city. Let’s resolve not to be so hard on ourselves and enjoy life, whatever that might be for each of us.

I offer my sincerest thanks to each woman who took the time to respond to our questions. Thank you for sharing your hearts with us. And to all the mothers, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day and share one of my favorite quotes with you from Elizabeth Stone, author and English professor at Fordham University – “Making the decision to have a child - it’s momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Division Controller Mike Clayton 900 S. Harrison St., Amarillo, TX 79101 806.376.4488 • amarillomagonline.com Amarillo Magazine is a monthly publication of Amarillo Globe-News Custom Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent. Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited due to space limitations.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

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We want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us know what you want to read. Do you have a favorite section in the magazine? Let us know at amarillomagonline.com.

Antionetti Flanagan

Izzy Garcia

1

I love Amarillo Magazine online! I visit almost everyday.

Thanks for al you guys do.

Isreal Bryson

I really enjoy reading a magazine that is so well put together and it’s from my own city.

Davina Ybarra

Sunday mornings and Amarillo Magazine - what a great combination!

Thanks for the outdoor issue!

Brian Otterness

Brenda Walsh

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Read the full results of our “How Women Really Feel” survey and view additional images from the cover photo shoot.

33 %

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in Register to W Get Involved Photo Gallery See additional photos from Michele’s afternoon at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Jennie’s day at the High Plains Food Bank Community Garden. Learn how you can get involved and make a difference in our community.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Log on to amarillomagonline.com and register to win the four movies from Inside’s “Girls Night In.” Included are Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Under the Tuscan Sun, Sex and the City and Chocolat.

Calendar of Events – Now Online!

Before making your weekend plans, check out our calendar of events. A complete list is available online.

out & about 1

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In the Pink Luncheon On Wednesday, March 10th, guests filled the Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Room for the annual In the Pink Luncheon. The event featured guest speaker Dr. Clifford Hudis of Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

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1. Caroline Hamilton, Claire Davis and Jillian Hamilton, 2. Jan Robinson, Amy Huddleston, Sawyer Clark and Marisol Marquez, 3. Kori Royal, Marita Hochstein, Cyndi David and Lisa Hoff Davis, 4. Edwyna Honderick, Gerry Yock and Leasa Dean.

PHOTos BY donna alexander

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Women’s Forum Luncheon At the Amarillo Country Club on March 27th, women from the Panhandle were honored for their contributions made to the community at the annual Amarillo Area Women’s Forum luncheon.

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1. Donna Moore, Kay McMinn and Glennda Cook, 2. Margaret Reed and Lynn Wells, 3. Rita Bryant and Dana Williams, 4. Maria DeBrango-Stickel and Shirley Benton Hunt, 5. Olla Johnson and Sally Skaggs.

PHOTos BY donna alexander

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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out & about 1

2

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3

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YMCA Heroes Luncheon On April 1st, the YMCA hosted its 72nd annual Heroes Scholarship Luncheon. This year’s recipient of the Harry Mays Award was David Washer.

1. The Silver Strutters, 2. Marques Loftis, 3. Taylor Kelley, Brad Hickman, Tim Williams, John Massouh, Andy Little and David Jones, 4. Katrice and Kyntaezhia Reasonover, Delores Maldonado and Marquan Beaver, 5. Mindy Gollihugh and Jennifer Ashley.

PHOTos BY ashley grossman

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Downtown Women’s Center Spring Luncheon The Downtown Women’s Center hosted their 2010 spring luncheon on April 8th at the Amarillo Civic Center. The annual fundraiser featured guest speaker Ron Hall, coauthor of the book, What Difference Do It Make.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

1. “Sister Act”-Ladies Auxiliary and Residents of DWC, 2. Chip Garrison, Jaque Branch, Stella Knickerbocker and Bobby Martinez, 3. Ron Hall, 4. Toni and Emelise Knapp, 5. Catherine Meck, Kelli Bullard and Carrie Hicks, 8. Christal Echols.

PHOTos BY Jeff Harbin, Life of Riley photography

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“A mother understands what a child does not say.” ~ Happy Mother’s Day ~

HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL 8” x 4.875”

Dudley E. Freeman, M.D. • Sarah Bergeron, RNC, WHNP George Barnett, M.D. • Cullen Hopkins, M.D. • Gregory A. May, M.D.

7620 Wallace Blvd. • Amarillo, Tx. 79124 • 806-359-5468

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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the way i see it

Jon Mark Beilue

Like a Dog Looking at a Kaleidoscope T

he movie is “My Fair Lady.” And in an apparent moment of exasperation, Professor Henry Higgins asked, “Why can’t a woman be more like a man?”

I’ve only got to assume this wasn’t after seeing Audrey Hepburn walking down a staircase in an evening dress but after either a frustrating conversation with her, or more likely, trying hopelessly to understand her.

The theme for this month’s magazine is “How Women Really Feel.” Nice that such an uncomplicated subject was tackled. Why this month’s issue isn’t 892 pages is beyond me. And that would only be Part I. There’s only two known topics more complicated than “How Women Really Feel.”

The runner-up is Thurston’s geometrisation conjecture in the geometry of multidimensional spaces in the field of topology. A Russian math genius got a $1 million prize for solving that.

The only one more difficult than that is “Men Understanding How Women Really Feel.”

Just typing that is laughable. Bill Gates doesn’t have enough cash to make solving that undertaking sufficient.

Men can’t know.

Don’t know. And won’t ever know. So why pretend we can?

Obviously I don’t know since I’ll only have been married 25 years this summer. So on any subject I have no clue about, I do the only sensible thing – go to Google.

And this just about sums it up for me. There, right at the top, is a research article entitled “Women Feel Guilty for Feeling Guilty, Study Shows.” I rest my case. Game, set and match.

The article goes on to say the differences between the sexes and their feelings can be seen in the first few days of life. Female infants in hospital nurseries are much more likely than boys to start crying only because they hear another baby crying.

The study didn’t say but I would imagine the male babies were just lying there blissfully passing gas and smiling. Those male and female traits tend to remain well through adulthood.

There’s a think-tank book called “The Essential Difference,” which I’m sure is boring as all get-out.

Cambridge University neuroscientist Simon Baron-Cohen,

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

cousin of Sacha of “Borat” fame, wrote: “The female brain is predominantly hard-wired for empathy. The male brain is predominately hard-wired for understanding and building systems.”

I respectfully disagree with the good doctor. We’re hardwired for sports and sex. And if there is any understanding in our craniums at all, it goes in the direction of whether baseball should have the DH and not why a woman is suddenly melancholy.

When it comes to understanding how women really feel, I’m like a dog looking at the shapes, colors and movements of a kaleidoscope. Head goes from side to side in a mesmerized stupor, tongue hanging out.

It’s fascinating, but foreign.

But we can try to understand their feelings, knowing we’ll never truly succeed. In the Cliff Notes version, listen to them. Yeah, I know, like we got a choice. There are times when they really want to talk – like nightly – so try to focus and stay engaged and quit sneaking a peek at ESPN. Tell them you love’em. It might make them suspicious, but that’s their problem.

Don’t take them for granted because they never should be. Remember the important dates in their lives. And if they play dirty by starting to cry – just like they did in the hospital nursery – don’t do what seems natural and try to get in the last word. And, for sure, don’t revert back to passing gas and smiling.

It’s a complicated almost mystical world of womanhood and their feelings. So if even that fails, at least follow the philosophy of Norm from the old ‘80s TV show Cheers: “Women. Can’t live without them…pass the beer nuts.” am Jon Mark Beilue is a columnist for the Amarillo Globe-News.

He can be reached at jon.beilue@amarillo.com or 345.3318.

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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get involved

Labor of Love Hope and healing at the SPCA

By Michele McAffrey

Joey

Sheila Kiker

Janet Varela

I

was wary of visiting the SPCA from the minute we decided to feature the organization as one of this month’s volunteer opportunities. Let’s face it. We tend to protect ourselves from the often ugly side of life because we don’t want to feel sad or uncomfortable. I didn’t want to see innocent animals suffering and had images in my mind like the ones you see in those heart-wrenching commercials on T.V. So after swearing to my husband that I wouldn’t bring home ten dogs that needed me, I squared my shoulders and told myself to be brave. What I encountered was far from what I expected. The SPCA’s facilities are very clean and ordered. Every staff member was friendly and even joyful. I first met up with Sheila Kiker, current president of the SPCA, and Janet Varela who is the executive director. I could immediately see and feel the love they had for the work they do every day and for each animal that they’ve rescued.

Growing up, Sheila wanted to be a veterinarian. Instead she raised her children, went back to school and works full-time at the Veteran’s Administration by day. She spends the majority of the rest of her time at the SPCA as a volunteer. She’s quick to tell me, however that even an hour or two from a volunteer would be a huge help.

Janet has worked for the SPCA for six years. She began her time as a volunteer and was hooked after she found herself laboring to save the runt from a litter of Rottweiler puppies. She ended up adopting that puppy (and still has her) and found that working at the SPCA fulfills

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

her. “There’s nothing like the love you receive from a dog.

They love you when no one else will. It’s the neatest love,” Janet tells me.

As the two women take me on a tour of the facility, they introduce me to each dog. We start with the smaller dogs and puppies, and then move on to the larger dogs and the cats.

Janet has named every one of them. She knows details about each one, where they were found, how long they’ve been there and a little bit about their personalities - just like a proud mother. I talk to each one but keep my distance; visitors are discouraged from putting their fingers in cages. Which works for me because I’m struggling to avoid tears as I see all those brown eyes staring at me.

And then I see him. His name is Joey, a Chihuahua mix that came to the SPCA after he was found starved nearly to death by his owners. As Janet tells me about him, I can’t help myself. I have to touch him. He’s a fragile little thing and cowers in the corner, shivering. I tell him I’m sorry and he comes over and lets me caress his neck and then his stomach. It is everything I can do not to cry. I desperately want to take him home with me but Joey will stay at the SPCA until he’s healthy and unafraid. “You don’t have to own a pet. It’s a privilege,” Janet says. “That’s what makes me mad when I see abuse cases.”

Puppies, small dogs and cats tend to get adopted pretty quickly but they have a few older, larger dogs that have lived there as long as five years. Big, black dogs are the hardest to adopt out because people are threatened by them.

The SPCA is a no-kill facility and can house about 100 dogs and 40 cats at a time. Animals can stay until they find a home. Every animal must be at least three months old and fixed before they are adoptable. Before someone can adopt, they fill out extensive paperwork. Janet and her staff feel that owning a pet should be looked at as a lifelong commitment.

They want owners to know that they could possibly have their pet for at least 15 years. It’s not “just a dog” that can be easily disposed of.

Janet’s vision is for a larger sanctuary so the long-term residents can run and play outside instead of spending their time in a dog-run.

She wants at least 20 acres for the sanctuary as well as a new building for sick animals and cats. And since the SPCA is a no-kill facility, they have high medical bills which are currently hurting their budget. In short, they need help. There are many ways volunteers can help, from transporting animals to PetSmart for adoption to walking dogs. In the end, the biggest payoff you’ll receive is the look of gratitude you’ll see in each animal’s eyes. am

You Can Help!

• Walk and play with dogs • Bathe animals • Wash blankets • Do yard work • Pick up trash • Help at PetSmart • Maintenance work on facilities and pet cemetery

• Fostering puppies and kittens • Taking care of cats (bathing and grooming) • Helping with adoptions • Donating just $5.00 a month would make a difference • Sponsor a dog-run

Peace, Love &

MOM!

201 WESTGATE PARKWAY • SUITE J-1 355.2955 • M-F 10-6

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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get involved

A Group Effort

Volunteering at the High Plains Food Bank Community Garden

by Jennie Treadway-Miller

I

t was a beautiful Monday, perfect for gardening, even though five inches of snow had just fallen over the weekend. Yet, true to the fickle Panhandle weather, spring-like temperatures followed and arrived just in time for me to join seven students from Pleasant Valley Elementary School on a reward service day at the High Plains Food Bank Community Garden.

To dig in the dirt with a bunch of eager kids sounded like great fun, especially when each of them had names to spell out, stories to tell and curiosities that needed satisfying. After meeting Morgan Dezendorf, director of volunteer and nutrition education, at the garden’s entrance, I pulled on my work gloves and joined the mini-gardeners as they built the last two lasagna beds in the far corner of the one-acre plot.

“We had a group of kids come last week and they built three beds for us,” says Morgan. “It wore them out so we thought two beds were enough for these guys.”

Morgan’s first experience with the High Plains Food Bank came in the form of an internship in 2009 alongside Marc Jansing. After investing their time, energy and expertise as Environmental Science students, the two were hired as full-time educators and managers of the community garden. (Morgan handles the volunteers and education side while Marc manages the land.)

The garden is a cooperative project between the HPFB and the High Plains Institute for Applied Ecology and serves as a means to provide fresh, organic produce for the agency’s recipients as well as a teaching environment for the community. However, since Morgan and Marc are the only employees designated to work the garden, they rely heavily on volunteers to maintain it.

“Last June this area was a vacant lot. It was a place people threw their trash,” says Marc. “We haven’t even had a true first year yet,

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

but what’s been accomplished is outstanding. We’re volunteer-driven.

The garden is a social, health, and environmental issue, so everyone can find something to latch onto.”

In addition to the kids from Pleasant Valley, another volunteer was on site – Lynn Daigle, recent transplant to Amarillo from Detroit, whose background in urban planning gave way to finding the community garden online.

“I needed to get out of the house,” she laughs. “But I just started coming here in my free time once a week or so to do whatever they need, digging ditches, nailing posts or turning compost.”

Work labor aside, other donations have been just as valuable, such as the Tool Drive sponsored by St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and food scrap donations from local restaurants to feed the garden’s compost pile.

The grounds consist mostly of linear lasagna-style beds, though a raised bed area was recently built to accommodate those who require a handicappedaccessible environment.

“We have different styles of beds to show people what they can do, like make one out of cinder blocks or tires,” says Marc. “You can use almost any resource.”

Currently, Morgan and Marc are prepping the beds for summer planting, seed starting and beginning to harvest early spring produce. Volunteers would be a great help in the labor of working the beds as well as contributing to the compost pile, which would require keeping your personal uncooked food scraps, like coffee grounds, banana peels and inedible discarded plant parts, and dropping them off at the HPFB. As the students and I wrapped up our volunteer time at the garden (first graders can only last so long, as can 30-something writers), I felt the tiniest bit of pride that we’d contributed to the production of healthy, nutritious food that will feed a multitude of hungry people across the Panhandle. Dirt and sweat notwithstanding, you don’t have to have a green thumb to have a positive impact. The HPFB Community Garden is an ideal summertime spot for families, groups or even individuals who just want to lend a hand to help cultivate fresh, healthy food for those in need. am

You Can Help!

Volunteers are welcome Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1-4 p.m., and on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. It is best to call at least 24 hours ahead of time to see what shift is available.

Make a bigger impact with more people by organizing a group of volunteers within your family, work place or church.

Drop off your inedible, uncooked food scraps to contribute to the garden’s compost pile. Ideal scraps include coffee grounds, rinsed egg shells, banana peels and discarded plant parts. (Due to acidity levels in the soil, citrus peels are not preferable.)

Clean out your shed or garage and donate unused garden tools to the garden.

For more information about volunteering, contact Morgan at 374.8562 or email her at morgan@hpfb.org photos by Jeff Harbin, life of riley photography

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

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Y

ou’re wearing the wrong bra and we can tell. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Many women make the mistake of buying the wrong size bra, and then they wear it until it either rips to shreds in the washer or dies a slow death from lack of proper care. It’s time to get The Girls under control by finally choosing a bra that fits.

Ladies, we have lift-off.

Photos by Pam Lary Photography

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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dress code

To lift:

Elomi support bra $55, Lingerie Allure

Once nature’s taken its course, you can’t regain elasticity. To avoid damage to your breast tissue from wearing the wrong size bra, look for one that that gives you ample support. This bra has its very own infrastructure - an insert support system inside each cup.

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To control:

Le Mystere “Energie” sports bra $62, Bustiez

To add:

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Wacoal Petite Embrace lace push-up underwire bra $50, Dillard’s

Designed especially for a petite woman, this push-up offers molded cups with removable pads for a natural looking shape.

Vigorous activity and exercise can break down breast tissue and cause sagging, so it’s important to wear a sports bra that gives sufficient support while still allowing for proper, flexible motion. The molded underwire cups stabilize breast tissue while absorbing the impact of high-intensity workouts.

To shape: To minimize: Le Mystere full coverage bra $74, Dillard’s

Full figured girls need a sturdy cup and a wide band, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something that’s unattractive. This bra offers hidden underwire in the contoured cups along with pretty lace accents on the neckline and straps.

Unbelievabra “Tankee” $89, Bustiez

The Tankee is a life-changer.

You’ll get a streamlined look from both the molded cups and the body shaping tank.

Plus, no more tugging at annoying bands or bra straps.

To balance: Jodee prosthetic bra $61, Nearly Me custom fit inserts $71, Lingerie Allure

An uneven chest is a more common problem than women think. This prosthetic bra has pockets for custom fit inserts that even out the cup sizes.

The inserts are soft and natural looking and shaped to fit any bra cup. am

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL 8” x 4.875”

Lizzie Mae’s Mercantile

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BEST 2009 OF AMARILLO LLO

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3,000 sq. ft. of Gifts and Home Decor in a Most Unique Cabin Setting

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Huge selection of gift ideas with Mother’s Day in Mind!

dress code

Blair Fraley, Wade Gordon Salon

photos by Chriselda Model: Stephanie Lemons

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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dress code

Summer FiveMinute Makeup:

Eyes There are big things happening this season for eyes. Some are more intimidating than others, so experiment with them. It’s a trend that is easy to do but fun and, most importantly, looks youthful. Dump the dark black, smoky eye. Gold metallic and gunmetal grays are what’s happening right now.

What to do: If using a metallic shadow, line your bottom lid, lash line and the inside corner with shadow. Finish the look with a few coats of mascara and a red lip gloss.

If using gunmetal gray, keep the color on the top lid only and try not to extend too high on the lid. Apply to top eyelid just enough to where you can see it right above your lashes when your eye is open. Apply eyeliner to your top lash line and finish with pink lip stick or gloss.

For a gold metallic, try NYC Sparkle Eye Dust in “Champagne.”

For a gunmetal shadow, try Urban Decay “Gunmetal Gray.”

What to avoid: Dark colors/dark smoky eye.

Lips As we age, we lose moisture and collagen in our skin. That goes for your pout too. For spring, make sure to use a lip primer (the primer grabs onto pigments in the lip color to hold it in place longer) or a hydrating formulated lip color to keep your lips from looking dry. I like primers with a built-in plumper formulated to fill out thin lips or simply give more plump to your pout!

For plump lips, try Too Faced Lip Injection.

Go for a bold lip this season. All hues of pink are big right now, whether it is hot pink or a pinky- nude. Sheer red shades are in as well and are a very classy choice that easily translates from day to night. Try a red lip stain and make sure to top these colors with a high-shine lip gloss. If you are going to don a statement lip this season, talk to a makeup artist before purchasing the lip color. The artist will make sure the shade complements your complexion. Remember, as we age, our lip tones change, so if you wore an “in” color last year and want to try that same look again, you will need to make some adjustments due to complexion changes.

I like to give my skin a break from winter foundation and choose something with a lighter weight, while staying true to the bronze factor. Summer is a time to let your skin breathe. So, the question is, “What do you do for an easy, beautiful summer look?”

First Step: Replace your foundation with a tinted moisturizer. Warm a dime-size dollup and apply to your entire face with your fingers.

Try Stila Bronzing tinted moisturizer or Oil of Olay Definity tinted moisturizer.

Second Step: Dust with a light powder if you prefer a less dewy look.

How to handle the statement lip: Fight lip color feathering by applying lipstick with a lip brush for precise coverage. Have a nude lip pencil handy. Nude lip pencils extend the wear of a lip look. Choose a liner that matches the shade of your lips, not the lipstick.

What to avoid: Extremely dark or matte lip shades.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Blair Fraley

Blair is from Borger, Texas.

She is an art director and a makeup artist for Wade Gordon Salon and the director of education at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy. Blair has been with the salon for almost five years. The music scene inspires Blair creatively and fuels her passion to make people look and feel amazing.

Third Step: Apply a bronzer for a sun-kissed look.

Try M.A.C. Loose Powder in “Golden Bronze.”

Fourth Step: Apply one coat of mascara. Big lashes are in, even fake ones. Work the brush through the lashes in a zigzag motion for more length and separation. Finish the lashes with the tip of the wand to get rid of clumps.

Try DiorShow mascara in “Black Out.”

Fifth Step: Finish with high-shine lip gloss.

Try Bed Head lip gloss in “Dumb Blonde.” am

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

29

dress code

Blair’s

must-haves

“This blush is long-lasting and it keeps you looking fresh all day.”

this season “I use this gloss on every client and at every photo shoot. It’s a high-shine gloss that acts as a lipstick sealer.”

“I use this product during summer. It doesn’t turn orange and the application is streak-free.”

1

12

“This shadow stays put, is long-lasting and blends beautifully.”

2 11

“This mascara gives your lashes more volume and a lot more drama. It glides on smoothly and kicks out each lash separately to extreme length.”

“This is a clear lip gloss with extreme shine. It keeps your lips feeling hydrated and wears well throughout the day. Try layering it with your lipstick and apply it to the middle of your lips to give the appearance of fullness.”

“Apply to your cheeks and temples. I cannot go day to day without this bronzer.

It gives you just enough shimmer and the Jennifer Lopez dewy look, while adding color to your cheeks.”

3 4

10 8

“This moisturizer feels refreshing and if you need to wear foundation, this works really well underneath it.

Your makeup will appear blended, not blotchy.”

5

“This pink is wearable, night or day. It’s matte but glides on smooth and sheer.”

9 6 7

1. Bed Head blush in “Cheeky” $17, available at Wade Gordon Salon

“At a low price-point of just $3.00 and change, this great shadow gives a great shimmer.”

5. Stila bronzing tinted moisturizer $32, Sephora 6. Too Faced lip injection $18.50, Sephora

2. M.A.C. Cremesheen Glass lip gloss in “Fashion Shoot” $18.50, Dillard’s

7. NYC Sparkle Eye Dust in “Champagne” $3.59, Target

3. Urban Decay eye shadow in “Gunmetal Gray” $17, Sephora

8. M.A.C. Viva Glam lipstick in “Gaga” $14, Dillard’s

4. M.A.C. loose powder in “Golden Bronze” $21, Dillard’s

9. Oil of Olay Definity tinted moisturizer $19.89, Target

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“I love this moisturizer for a quick, instant bronze. It spices up your skin tone when you’re in the mood to feel natural and hydrates your skin or adds a little extra bronze to your foundation.”

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

“I recommend this product to all of my clients. This lip plumper works precisely as it claims and adds high shine into the mix.”

10. Christian Dior DiorShow mascara in “Black Out” $24, Dillard’s 11. Hawaiian Tropics Island Radiance self-tanner $10.99, Ulta 12. Bed Head lip gloss in “Dumb Blonde” $14.76, available at Wade Gordon Salon

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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to your health

Healthy at Every Stage Amy Smith

W

e often don’t realize that what’s inside is a reflection of what’s outside. If you’re healthy, you’re more likely to be happy.

If you feel good, you’re more likely to look good. Healthy choices are part of daily life; what you put on your plate is as important as what you put on your body.

For people of all ages, making healthy food choices and getting the proper amount of sleep and water are some of the most important things you can do. Stress can also be a culprit to weight and health.

Creating stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or just laughing could add years to your life and joy to your years. Some other things to consider as we age:

20s

Make life easy. Start good habits now and break the bad ones.

Habits can take days to create and years to break.

So think about it - what happens when a habit develops over years? Women in their 20s tend to wake up one day and wonder what happened. “I was in great shape in high school.”

The shock of organizing your own days generally leads to poor food choices and putting off exercise. Breaking these habits now will prevent you from waking up when you are 40 and saying, “I was in great shape in high school!”

Take advantage of peaks in your bone and muscle mass. Lift weights two to three times a week. This helps strengthen bones and muscle and increases metabolism, which burns calories. Cardio three to five times a week will zap calories, give you energy and help manage stress.

Creating healthy eating habits now could be a saving grace later on.

Shoot for balanced meals, make sure you get enough protein and avoid comfort or boredom eating.

30s

Make time for yourself.

Kids, boss, husband, house, dinner - it’s exhausting. Few realize exercise and eating right gives you energy and releases endorphins which make you feel better. Spend one hour a day on you and you’ll be able to contribute more to everyone else.

Decreasing stamina can make motivation hard to come by. But one hour three times a week is all it takes to get in a great workout and feel better. High-intensity training is a combination of strength training and short bursts of high-level cardio. It blasts fat, builds muscle, increases stamina and it’s time efficient.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Proper nutrition will also increase energy levels. Stay away from high fat, high sugar foods which will give short bursts of energy then leave you drained. Watch your portions and be aware of eating after your kids. Bonus: helping yourself will teach your kids healthy food habits too.

40s

Stick with good habits and prepare for change.

Your body is going through more changes. It can be tempting to give up and give in. Being fit now can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases later such as hypertension and diabetes.

Raising your heart rate for 30 minutes, three to five days a week is important to burn those extra pounds from lower estrogen levels, as well as building heart and lung strength. Your muscle mass is also decreasing, which effects posture, movement and strength. Incorporate weight machines two times a week, concentrating on base muscles, including upper back and abs.

Calorie requirements start dropping as well. Eat less, but more often. This will keep your metabolism up all day. Make sure you get plenty of calcium for bone mass, and vitamin D to help absorb calcium.

50s

It’s not too late. Start now.

If you’ve used up every excuse not to get healthy, starting now will still help prevent health problems such as hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.

Experiment with exercise. Enjoy it! If you have always wanted to do something, now is the time. Play tennis, dance or start swimming. Be active and raise your heart rate. Don’t forget about your muscles. Find activities that apply resistance to your muscles. This helps with bone strength, range of motion and joint pain.

Remember, food fuels your body. Moving more doesn’t always mean eating more. Watch your portion sizes, staying away from saturated fats. Stock up on foods like turkey, tuna and beans which are packed with B vitamins. They enhance the immune system and support metabolism.

+

60s

Keep living and enjoying life.

Being healthy now is about enjoying life and being able to do day-to-day activities.

Do exercises which assure you can lift a five-pound bag of groceries, get up and down to do yard work or walk through the store without getting tired. Low-intensity workouts will help with bone or joint problems and being active will help control medical conditions.

Socialization can sometimes be a struggle, but it is a key component to being healthy and happy. Get your girlfriends together to hit the gym, and then do lunch after. Check into some group classes. Try yoga or tai chi - they concentrate on balance and flexibility. As muscle mass decreases and you experience aches and pains, it is common for the body to become unbalanced, which can be unsafe for daily activities. Remember, if you work one half of the body, always work the other half.

What’s healthy for us will make us feel and look better. Being fit is all about habits; it is a lifestyle. Don’t beat yourself up for getting off track, just start over and jump back in. That is the great thing about living a long, healthy life. We can start over, and over and over again. am

Amy Smith

Amy graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. She is a certified personal trainer through the Professional Fitness Trainer Association (PFTA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and is also currently working on her yoga instructor certification. Amy has been in the fitness industry for four years. She currently works as the member services director at the Amarillo Town Club.

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

33

to your health

Battlefield

of the Mind

Tackling the pressures of life Katherine Gurley, MA, LPC, LCDC

W

omen deal with various pressures, both externally and internally, that can cause depression, anxiety and fear.

When the pressures are identified, then there can be change and hope.

External Pressures • Media - Internet, television and movies continually provide images of women who have got it made, women who can stay fit and fabulous at any age, perfectly balance career and children and have a great love life. The media distorts reality and sets ideals that are unattainable.

• Comparisons - Women compare themselves to other women to see if they have what it takes to be an excellent wife, mother, career woman or friend. This tension is often unspoken but the pressure is there. Women may feel that they live in the shadows of other more important or successful women.

• Body image and insecurities - There are so many perceived ways to become beautiful, such as tummy tucks, face lifts, spa treatments, tanning beds and cultural pressures support these methods.

• Trying to find one’s place - Many women desire to make a difference and to be known for who they are and how they contribute to the lives of others.

• Relationships - Women thrive off of relationships, whether good or bad, so it is important that a woman surrounds herself with those who are encouraging, trustworthy and faithful.

Internal Pressures • Negative Self-Talk - patterns of talking to yourself in an unhealthy and harsh way • Mindreading - assuming to know what others are thinking and perceiving it to be negative

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

• Should’ve, Could’ve, Would’ve - blaming yourself and holding onto the past • Half-Empty Glass Mentality - unable to see the good in life

How do you overcome these pressures?

First realize that the mind is a battleground and it’s a fight to overcome the natural tendency to believe the worst. There is great freedom that comes from changing our negative thought patterns and believing the truth rather than lies. Lies and distortions can keep you stuck an unhealthy pattern. The truth is that women are valuable, worthwhile and important. This is not a self-inflated grandiosity but an acknowledgement that each of us as human beings are unique and have purpose and talents. The heart can get set on what it believes to be true but the perception is often wrong, especially when one thinks, “It’s too late for me,” or, “Nothing good will ever happen for me.”

There is a big difference between beliefs and thoughts. Thoughts are in the brain with words and language attached, whereas a belief is in the heart. The phrase “As a man believeth in his heart, so is he” rings true. A belief has no language, but is more of a sense. Beliefs are much harder to change than thoughts because a belief is the underlying layer after deciding to change negative thoughts. If you ultimately believe that you are not important, then you will live with the fruit of that lie—depression, hopelessness and loneliness. The opposite is also true.

If the belief is one that offers hope, worth and value, then the fruit of that belief is confidence and security.

Many assumptions are unfounded and not based in reality. Do not be a woman who mind reads. The tendency to start worrying over a perceived wrong may end up not being at all what you thought it was. Don’t beat yourself up over things already done. Criticizing and critiquing things in your mind over and over does no good. Don’t spend your energy playing mind games in your head. Fix what you can and then make the conscious decision to forgive yourself and others when needed. Turn off the TV and the computer. It’s important to be careful what information is put into your mind. Take a break from all extra pressures and focus on yourself.

Learn to look for the good in life and not dwell on the bad. Make a true effort to see the glass half-full. Our minds often forget about good things that have happened and continually focus on what went wrong.

Picture a mental filter where all the good is strained off and the negative or bad is left. The filter needs to be flipped upside down so you can let the negative go and hold on to what is uplifting, encouraging or positive.

Find a healthy support system through family members who encourage you and see the good in you. Friends can be very valuable at helping sort through things if there is openness and honesty.

Counseling can also help you see how to change beliefs that are destructive and keep focused on the truth. An outside perspective can offer something different and spur on change.

After labeling the internal and external pressures that affect you and healthy ways to sort through your thoughts, it is important to realize that in all of the mind’s battles we can be victorious. There is always hope for one who wants to change and grow. Our minds and hearts are strong and can become even stronger when we decide to find the truth and live by it. In fact, the truth will always win out over a lie. am Katherine Gurley, MA, LPC, LCDC

Katherine is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Psychology degree and completed her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling at West Texas A&M. She has worked at the NWTHS Pavilion, Safe Place domestic violence shelter, and the Presbyterian Children’s Home.

Katherine currently has her own private practice working with teens and adults. She lives in Amarillo with her husband and two children.

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3503 NE 24th • 381-0032 may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

35

to your health

Jump Feet First into Shoe Shopping Dr. Bryan Bullard

and Mackey Amos

B

efore you run to the nearest shoe store to catch a sale, first take into consideration what will be best for your feet, what shoes will keep them happy and comfy all summer.

The first recommendation I always make to patients is not to jump right into flip-flops and wear them everyday all day. They provide no support or shock absorption as you walk. My second recommendation is to pay attention to your heel heights. If your tendency is to wear a shoe that has a two- or three-inch heel in the winter, coming down to ground zero, i.e. a flatter shoe, could produce a significant amount of strain on either the Achilles tendon region or the ligament on the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia. This additional strain to either one of these structures could cause Achilles tendonitis and/or plantar fasciitis, both of which can be worsened by consistently choosing the wrong spring and summer shoes.

“Michelle”

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

So what’s a girl to do when shopping for this year’s seasonal shoe? Begin with the Check-and-Test method.

Check if the shoe gives good support. Test this by twisting it like a wash rag. Hold the toe and heel of the shoe, then twist. The more it twists, the less support it will give, and as a consumer, this tells you that the shoe is not constructed well. Most flats will twist, so when checking a shoe, look for a contour shape in the arch of the foot.

Find these shoes locally that we believe pass the Check-and-Test criteria: Wedges: The “Plover” wedge by Indigo meets our comfort standard with a soft leather interior and added metatarsal relief in the forefoot. Its other features take this wedge into a great buy. This 3 ½-inch heel built on a 1-inch platform gives stylish height without the strain, a perfect switch for ladies that wear heels in the winter. Available at George’s Shoes The “Michelle” wedge by Aetrex offers a variety of different styles and is another must-buy.

It has a classic look like the wedge but the inside pushes the industry standard. This wedge has a removable and modifiable insert that gives the buyer customized comfort and shock absorption in much-needed areas. Available at Randy’s Shoes

“Plover”

Check if the shoe provides good shock absorption. Test this by putting the shoe on and rocking to your heel and back to your forefoot. When rocking your foot in the shoe, you should feel give in the sole. Naturally, some shoes will give more than others, but you don’t want to feel like you are standing on concrete with no protection. You can also check the shoe by looking at what the inside or the top of the shoe is made of, such as leather or cloth lining. As a consumer, if it is made of a gel, make a mental note to remind yourself that it may feel great when you buy it, but the reality is that most gels don’t last long.

Check for proper fit and size. Test by trying it on. When you step down, putting weight on the shoe, your foot should not spill over the sides of the sole and your heel shouldn’t slip. The most helpful tool is to be measured.

Knowing your generic size and width will give you a great starting point.

Remember, no shoe is built the same, so no shoe fits the same. Take the time to find your proper fit each and every time.

This will allow the foot to function in the way that it was meant to when walking.

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

37

to your health

Sandals: The “Labella” sandal by Aetrex, along with their other models and styles, have an actual orthotic with a comfortable, soft-top layer made with memory foam. This orthotic is removable, can be easily customized for comfort and will give you the support that a flip-flop won’t. Available at Randy’s Shoes The “Groove” sandal by ECCO comes in six different styles to meet every taste. It has a soft leather top-cover and a slight contour shape for support. Its solid construction helps aid in making this a functional slipon this summer. Available at Dillard’s

“Labella”

“Groove”

Summer Casual:

“Wave”

The “Wave” by Clarks is another innovative style that offers a semi-rocker bottom sole. The rocker bottom sole helps reduce stress on the joints and the heel when it strikes the ground, guiding the foot for effortless walking through the toe. The “Wave” also has different styles and comes in three widths. Available at George’s Shoes Aetrex offers many cute casual shoes but my favorite is the new “Alana” model especially for summer. The design allows for the foot breadth and comes in three widths plus the removable insert that allows for customized comfort in both the heel and forefoot. Available at Randy’s Shoes

“Alana”

Dr. Bryan Bullard Whether your choice of summer shoe is some type of sandal, wedge or summer casual, at the end of the day the shoe needs to provide you with mechanical support for your lower extremities and your back, as well as proper fit. With a little thought and the “Check and Test,” you can be smart and fashionable with your shoe selections. am

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Dr. Bullard is a Board Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon. He has practiced in Amarillo for the past 15 years. Dr. Bullard has a specialized interest in sports medicine, peripheral nerve surgery, diabetic limb salvage and wilderness medicine.

Mackey Amos Mackey practices pedorthics in Dr. Bullard’s practice. He has served both his patients and the Amarillo community for approximately a year with a focus on proper footwear and custom orthotics. Mackey specializes in runners, team sport athletes and prevention for diabetics.

HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL 8” x 4.875”

HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL 8” x 4.875”

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

39

inside outside

Girls Night In

It’s Friday night and there’s fun to be had. Short on cash? Stay in! Call your best girls, grab a chick flick off the shelf and create a themed night that’s sure to warrant lots of giggles and memories between friends.

Watch

Drink

Eat

Sex and the City (2008) Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon

Cosmopolitan Martini 1 oz. Citron Vodka ½ oz. Triple Sec ½ oz. Cranberry Juice Juice squeezed from one lime

Mexican Fiesta Bar Create a spread with south-of-theborder treats so your girls can make their own favorite burrito, tostada and nacho combinations.

Four years after the series finale, the girls are still the fab foursome with impeccable style, wit and charm. Carrie and Big finally work towards something more permanent, Samantha’s longest relationship ever begins to unravel, Miranda has trouble juggling work and home, and Charlotte enjoys the surprise of pregnancy. Naturally, this just scratches the surface of a movie (and series) with a dedicated cult following.

Pour ingredients into a martini shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for several seconds, pour into martini glass and serve with a lime wedge.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) Starring Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, and Raoul Bova

Italian Wine When it comes to wine, bring on the vintage Italian with a bottle of Layer Cake Primitivo.

After a painful divorce, San Francisco writer Frances Mayes falls into a depression that her best friend, Patti, feels will never end. The perpetual writer’s block doesn’t help either. In lieu of wallowing in self pity, Frances decides to take a chance on a changed life by moving to Tuscany.

She spends her days restoring her home in the countryside and meeting the locals – including one particular gentleman who gives her hope for a second chance at love.

Chocolat (2000) Starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, and Alfred Molina When a mysterious woman, Vianne, and her daughter move to a small French and predominately Catholic village in 1959, she causes a stir by opening a chocolate shop just as Lent begins. Villagers succumb to the temptations of her sweet treats and charming ways, much to the displeasure of the town’s mayor.

Drinking Chocolate Don’t even think about serving your guests instant hot chocolate from a single-serving pack. Get rich with a luxurious, silky cup of warm drinking chocolate.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) Starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard Holly Golightly is a flirty, sophisticated socialite who captures the attention of Paul, a struggling writer who lives in her New York apartment building. No matter the drama of life, Holly believes all can be solved by visiting the storefront windows of Tiffany & Company each morning over breakfast.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Antipasti platter Keep it simple (and low-carb) with a platter of Italian meats and cheeses, along with sliced tomatoes, olives, and basil. Slice up some Ciabatta bread for bruschetta (rub the pieces with fresh garlic for more flavor) and set out a small bowl of extra-virgin olive oil sprinkled with freshlyground pepper for dipping.

Chocolate Mousse Pair fresh berries with this lightas-a-feather, decadent chocolate mousse.

Go to page 68 for these and other chocolate recipes!

Mimosas Mix one-part champagne or sparkling wine with one-part chilled orange juice and serve in a champagne flute with an orange wedge.

Breakfast Scones Enjoy a sweet and simple breakfast scone with your Mimosa.

For this Currant Scone recipe, log on to amarillomagonline.com.

Treat Fabulous Feet Since you’re staying in, leave those Jimmy Choos under the bed and slip into something more comfortable. Pick up a few extra pairs of slippers for your best friends so you can all lounge in style. Available at Lingerie Allure.

Pen Your Thoughts Bring out the inner writer and deep thinker in yourself by journaling.

Encourage the girls in your group to do the same by giving them a unique journal and pen for them to take home. Available at The Secret Place.

Pedi-Party Bring the delicious dark color of chocolate to the tips of your toes with a dark brown polish.

Dress Up Channel Holly and her classic style by looking fabulous on your night in. Don a tiara while you sip your mimosa or pull your hair back in a print silk scarf. Available at Et Cetera

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Cup sizes D-K.

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may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

41

inside outside

Tool Around I

f the saying is true, then May flowers are blooming and you might be in need of new gardening gloves. If that’s the case, we have a few suggestions. Look beyond the garden variety of common tools and treat yourself to fun and fashionable yard garb. (Just check out that watering can!)

Coulter Garden & Nursery 1. Muck Boot Company waterproof shoes $59.98 2. Gator Grabber $49.98 5. Natural fiber pot $9.98 6. Atlas gloves $7.98 11. Tommyco Garden vinyl kneeler $14.98 Pete’s Greenhouse 3. Olivina olive body butter $26 4. Ollas clay watering system $19.99 7. Tubtrugs tote $10.99 8. Metal pig watering can $34 9. Good Grips floral snips $16.99 10. Garden Works soil scoop $19.99 12. The Pallina heavy-duty gloves $39.99

7

5 2

8

6 4 3

9

11 12

1 10

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Photo by pam lary photography

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

®

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may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

43

C over S tor y

good.

it’s

How women really feel about marriage, family, work and everything in between

By Jennie Treadway-Miller

he college graduate, the stay-at-home mom, the working woman, and the grandmother: Conventional roles with even more conventional stereotypes. We’re often quick to assume the grad is lost in a fantasy world while the grandmother spends her quiet days crocheting baby blankets. The stay-at-home mom selflessly puts her kids and hubby first, while the working mom selfishly puts herself first. The fact of the matter is, in all of these cases, the label doesn’t always fit the lady.

We spent one month asking the women of Amarillo about marriage, family, work and everything else in between. Turns out they had a little something to say.

MAKEUP BY PATTI STAPP | PHOTOS BY PAM LARY PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTO EDIting by BROOKS WEBB

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Left to right: Carla Sherman, Alice Hyde, Andrea Jones and Ellen Green

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

45

C over S tor y

Well, one thing is certain: We could all use a housekeeper.

193

Of the

women polled:

15% Married:66% Single:13% Remarried:1% College graduate:32% Divorced:

When we originally brainstormed the idea to conduct a survey to find out what the women of Amarillo really believe about a myriad of topics, we began at the simplest and most obvious starting point: Are Amarillo women happy?

Overwhelmingly, according to our results, they are. More than 50 percent in each age group agreed that, minus few things, life is generally good. They also agreed, at well over 75 percent, that if they could employ one personal assistant, she would be responsible for all the housework, especially the laundry. No surprises there.

Beyond those two similarities, the questions we asked warranted varying answers depending on the age groups who answered. For example, right off the bat we asked readers if they could go back in time, how many of their decisions would be made differently, if any. Those in their 20s and 30s answered only a few, but as the age bracket increased, few lead to many. More than 70 percent of those in their 60s agreed that they’d make many decisions differently, and while that may sound alarming at first, it doesn’t necessarily translate to marrying different people, deciding not to have children or pursuing an entirely alternate life.

“For me, I would’ve been kinder,” says Alice Hyde, 60, wife, mother, artist and avid tennis player. “It’s not that I was terribly mean when I was younger, but it takes maturity to see how your decisions can impact others. I’ve seen how hurt others have been by one person’s decisions. So, yes, I would’ve been more kind.”

Alice spent her childhood between Tulsa and Houston, and after meeting Douglass Hyde at the University of Texas in Austin, the two married, had three children and eventually settled in Amarillo in 1983 so her husband could begin his practice as an orthopedic surgeon. With an undergraduate degree in

26%

of women polled said their sex drive is equal to that of their partner.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Art, Alice pursued her master’s degree at West Texas A&M University while her children were young, taking two classes a semester while still managing the home. She graduated from WTAMU in 1995 and continues to dabble in artwork from home. Alice even has a few pieces of jewelry she created on display at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum in Canyon.

Over the years, Alice volunteered her time to serve on nonprofit boards, and with three adult children out of the home, she finds contentment in this quieter season of life.

“I’ve had a happy life, but the most stress-filled time was early on when we were newly married and had small children. There are so many demands and needs to be met and so much of that stress is self-imposed. I don’t know where we get that from,” laughs Alice. “Now I’m catching up on my life and getting organized.”

Stress-filled, indeed. (Remember that call for a housekeeper?) More than 60 percent of all who answered believe women can work outside the home and still be considered “a good mother,” whatever that means to each individual. Yet, it remains perfectly acceptable, at least among Amarillo women, to forgo the workplace and stay home full time. In fact, more than 70 percent agreed that being a mother is one of the most enjoyable, if not the most fulfilling, role of their lives.

Yet, while this treasured role has its deep-seeded fulfillment, it is unequivocally and exhaustingly demanding. Regardless of where a mother spends her day, at home with her children or at work thinking about her children, the unending labor of motherhood remains. As 18th Century French novelist and realist Honoré de Balzac once said, “A mother who is really a mother is never free,” meaning that a mother’s thoughts, feelings and actions are never entirely her own.

Or as Alice puts it, “You tend to whoever screams the loudest.”

I’m afraid that...

I will continue to be unsuccessful as my husband and I are trying to get pregnant.

I’m scared to go into the adoption process.

It seems extremely stressful and expensive.

– Jen Smith, 20s

37%

of women polled said their sex drive was lower than their partner’s.

You have to be solvent. It’s worth waiting for something. You don’t have to have everything right now and I really don’t know how we as a culture got there. We were brought up to work for something and savor it.

- Alice Hyde

53%

of readers said about their bodies, “I’m not perfect, but I don’t dwell on it.

I secretly believe… the people who act the happiest are the most unhappy at home, in their marriage, their careers and life in general.

– Hillary Deaver, 30s

24% of readers said they are constantly trying to improve their outward appearance.

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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C over S tor y

I’m afraid that... … my Marine son won’t be coming home. {40s} … I may be getting divorced. {40s} … my health will keep me from growing old gracefully. {50s}

… I will die in debt. {30s} … I will never get my weight under control. {30s} … I have discovered too late in life my career passion. {50s} … I’ll lose my good health as I grow old. {50s} … the best part of my life has passed. {60s}

I secretly believe... … that we have created a culture of entitlement in this country. Nothing in this life should be free. {40s} … that life is one big puzzle and God is slowly giving me pieces to try and figure out where they go. {20s} … the recession hasn’t hit Amarillo yet. {30s} … I will write a novel someday. {50s} … in love at first sight. {50s} … I can completely take care of myself. {50s} … I am smarter than my husband. {60s}

This is something to which Carla Sherman can relate. After seven years in the insurance industry, and unable to get pregnant, Carla, 34, opted for a career change that landed her at the scheduling desk for Amarillo Medical Specialists, a move that she believes was divine intervention. There she met a doctor who was able to properly identify and treat her infertility and two years ago, she and her highschool sweetheart husband, Deke, had Braxton, a shy blue-eyed healthy little boy. To everyone’s surprise, she conceived daughter Kinsley shortly after and now spends her days as a stay-at-home mother.

“I always wanted to be a mom but I’d accepted that I couldn’t have children so I wouldn’t be angry about it,” she says in her living room. Both Braxton and Kinsley bear Carla’s bright blue eyes. “I guess God wanted me to wait because that was the only reason I worked with all of those doctors.”

Lest anyone thinks a stay-at-home mother has it easy, dare make a simple remark about not working and see what reaction that gets you.

“Generally I don’t think people care whether a mother works or not but there are some who say, ‘I wish I didn’t have to work,’ and I just say, ‘What do you mean not work?’” laughs Carla. “My husband even said we could trade jobs for an afternoon just so he could see how hard it is. Yeah, well, we still haven’t had that afternoon.”

Carla and Deke make their living renovating old houses. The one in which they live and raise their family is no exception. Together they have a passion for making old things new, specifically the aged, neglected houses in the northeast parts of Amarillo.

In fact, when asked if she could do anything without consequence, Carla answered: Rob a bank.

“I really would, and I know that sounds bad, but I would take all that money and put it into the rundown neighborhoods and houses around here. This is where I grew up and this is where my kids are going to grow up and I want them to love it,” she says. The

53%

of our readers had at least one daughter and only three want marriage and family to be her first priority in adulthood.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Shermans have looked into acquiring grants to help restore houses on the north side of town to beautify the area.

It’s this mindset that Carla hopes will transfer into the belief systems of her children, that materialism is fleeting and you can take pride in the simple things you can achieve for yourself and others.

Common knowledge tells us that the business of raising children requires diligent juggling, and for the woman in the thick of it, it can sometimes be too much to bear. As Anna Quindlen, a Pultizer Prize-winning author, novelist and mother of three, describes, “The world is full of women blindsided by the unceasing demands of motherhood, still flabbergasted by how a job can be terrific and torturous, involving and utterly tedious, all at the same time.”

In short, we’re busy.

It is no wonder that only a few, 25 out of 193 to be exact, said that they were their own number one priority. (18 who completed the survey said their job was their number one priority, while 63 put their faith and religious beliefs first.) These numbers make the larger point that the majority of women in Amarillo place their families on the forefront of everything.

Women are not just the keepers of the kids and contributors to the family pot. We are responsible for all of the unseen jobs in between.

“Not to dismiss what the women’s movement did for us, because I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them, but Gloria Steinem wasn’t a working mother.

She didn’t have the background to say what she did,” says Ellen Green, 52, dean of marketing and communication at Amarillo College and host of KACV’s Face to Face. She and her husband, David, have four children between them.

“To leave the details of motherhood and marriage out never should’ve been the message,” she continues.

If I could say one thing to one person...

I would’ve taken the opportunity to tell my Papa before he died that I loved and appreciated everything he did for me. – Melissa Hendricks, 40s

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mothers want their daughter to follow her heart, wherever it leads.

I want my kids to know that life is what you make of it.

You can have absolutely nothing and still be happier than those who have everything.

- Carla Sherman

36%

of women in their 20s and 30s said they need more romance from their partner.

If I could do anything without consequences,I would... eat my weight in ice cream. – Mandy Hagee, 30s

43%

of women in their 40s and older want a stronger emotional connection from their partner.

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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C over S tor y

As a 30year career woman and mother, I know now that motherhood is extremely important and that women can have it all, but not all at the same time.

- Ellen Green

26

mothers want their daughter to focus on her career first.

50

I’m afraid that...

I will warp my kids somehow, that I won’t set the best example when it comes to dealing with stress, being healthy or having stronger faith. – Penni Bently, 30s

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

34% of readers said they’d prefer more options for restaurants and entertainment in Amarillo.

“All of that adds up to who you are and what you can do. The biggest mistake I made early on was working 60 hours a week while my son was little.”

But Gloria Steinem was onto something, at least in the early years (let’s give credit where credit is due), and the majority of Amarillo women conceded that as young girls, they imagined their future selves lodged somewhere between the ultra-feminist and the ultimate mom and wife, June Cleaver. Where each modern woman ended up is the result of a menagerie of influences – upbringing, cultural exposure, value systems and, simply, changed minds.

“Those early women thought they had to act like men to get here, but really, we have wonderful things to offer just as we are,” says Ellen. “I spent this last year in Leadership Texas surrounded by some really great women and I just thought – what if women really backed other women, to really say that it’s wonderful to be a stay-at-home mom or to be a college president? What could we accomplish together if we did that?”

Moral support is certainly something a lot of us could use, though when readers were asked how they manage a bad day, less than half replied that they’d turn to a spouse, significant other or friend for comfort. More than 100 women gave the more distressing answer: Suck it up and deal with it, just like we’re are supposed to.

As we near the bottom line, deducting how we put the needs of our families first and manage the stress of it all by dismissing our own needs, it shouldn’t come as a shock when asked about exercise and diet.

The majority of those who responded said they had no exercise routine at all and that their issues with food were stressful or even disordered. However, before we forget where we began, remember that

29% of readers think Amarillo is too conservative.

the majority of women reported a happy life, regrets, exhaustion and lingering guilt notwithstanding.

Perhaps it’s our level of faith (most reported their religious beliefs being either prominently important or the bedrock of their lives), or maybe it’s because we really do know how to balance it all.

In any case, when asked about their home lives, the majority in every age group answered that while life is busy they find occasional time for things they enjoy. For a woman to find contentment, a little something of her own, a hobby, a dependable friendship, a passion or even just a little rest for the weary is maybe the place to start.

“We’ve come so far as women but we still have that Cinderella complex,” says Ellen. “Girls see getting married and having kids as so romantic but it’s a great deal of work.”

Draw the conclusions you want, but consider this a cautionary tale for the younger ladies who have yet to commit to a marriage, to motherhood or even to a long-term career but are on the cusp of doing so.

Take our intern, for example. Raised in Wheeler, Texas, Andrea Jones is graduating this month from West Texas A&M University with an advertising degree. Her first job is on the horizon, and though she’s in a long-term committed relationship, Andrea isn’t in a hurry to get married and have kids. She began her internship with the magazine in January, and while she’s been responsible for menial (but helpful) tasks at times, we thought we’d give her the larger responsibility in the end of conducting her own mini-survey among her peers as part of this cover story. Not only did we want to know how college-age women feel about all of the same issues, we wanted to know what they expected out of life post-graduation.

If I could do anything without consequences, I would... … speak my mind. {20s} … take off for a few days alone. {40s} … travel....a lot! {30s} … try out for a play at the ALT. I think I’d be good but I’m terrified to try. {40s} … maintain a romantic relationship with someone other than my spouse. {50s} … plastic surgery. {40s} … quit my job today and go live near my grandchildren! {60s}

If I could say one thing to one person... … I miss you, Mom. {20s} … Why did you eat the apple Eve? {30s} … know who you are. {50s} … I would tell my daughter’s birth mother that she was so selfless and so brave for placing her beautiful baby girl in our family. {30s} … can you see me? Because I can’t see myself. {40s} … follow your dreams no matter how long it takes to get to do it. {70s}

continued on page 53

I secretly believe… that I’m more like my mother than I admit to other people! – Amy Armstrong, 20s

45%

of readers say that this conservative city is just the way they like it.

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college students

How women really feel

By Andrea Jones

C I always thought that if I went to school, I would be guaranteed this awesome job when I finished but I’ve recently realized there is so much more to it.

ollege girls spend four tough years of classes, clubs and internships making sure they perfect every little detail, hoping it will all pay off upon graduation. They are presented with their diploma and then the phone starts ringing off the hook with employers who want the freshly-educated merit scholar.

Then they are awarded an amazing dream job along with a trendy condo in the city and Mr. Perfect comes walking up the sidewalk, right?

Is it true that expectations are too high, that college students don’t really know the reality until after graduation? Or is it possible that it’s just optimism that helps this generation deal with life?

I discovered high hopes when I surveyed college girls in the Texas Panhandle. The majority of those surveyed were single, upper classmen and studying a wide range of majors. I hoped to discover what this particular age group aspired for and expected during and after college.

As you’ve probably already heard, this generation of college students is referred to as millennials. According to William Strauss and Neil Howe, authors of “Millennials go to College,” these students are motivated, goaloriented, confident and they want instant gratification. They’re optimistic and view college as a pathway for them to be successful and make a lot of money. They often miss the big picture of higher education and don’t focus on personal growth.

The young women I surveyed are indeed

72% 51% 34% 32% of those who responded to the survey were juniors, seniors and graduate students

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are in a relationship, engaged or married

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

of women cited relationships as being the most important to them

said their religion was the most important

continued from page 51

career-oriented, driven and optimistic in finding jobs, even though unemployment is at its highest in years.

Yet, given a choice of what is most important in their lives, 34 percent chose relationships compared to religion at 31 percent, then education, money and, lastly, free time. While relationships were most important to them, 68 percent hoped to find that “dream job” post-graduation. It seems we girls want it all: the perfect relationship, a great career and “me” time.

Brittany Sarrett, a senior advertising major at West Texas A&M University, hopes to pursue a job as a copywriter for an ad agency as soon as she graduates. It makes you wonder what happens if we don’t receive the jobs for which we hoped and planned.

“If I don’t get a job as a copywriter when I graduate, I will do anything to gain experience and get my foot in the door,” Brittany says. She believes that she has the same chances as her male counterparts and although finding a job will be tough, she isn’t worried.

“Of course I am discouraged by the recent job market and how few and far between jobs are. My only way of being optimistic is that I am a bright and eager young graduate with a lot of passion and drive for my future,” she says.

I always thought that if I went to school, I would be guaranteed this awesome job when I finished but I’ve recently realized there is so much more to it. I don’t think most students realize this until after they get their diploma.

“I think that when I started at WTAMU, I had a false sense of security when it came to finding a job. All my life people have told me, ‘if you have a degree, you’ll be guaranteed a job. Just go to college and you’ll be fine.’

That simply isn’t the case. I think that having a degree does help you stand out among other candidates but you have to show your employer so much more. The beginning of my junior year, I started to realize how much more I needed to do in order to show my dedication,” says Brittany.

One afternoon recently, as I was leaving my internship with Amarillo Magazine and driving downtown, I thought about graduation’s fast approach and had an epiphany: My education wasn’t the ticket to the perfect job I had dreamed of. It was a learning experience that helped me mature, think analytically and discover myself. We don’t always pursue jobs in the field we study and there’s nothing wrong with that.

The advice I was given and once doubted really is true – find your passion and make money doing it rather than trying to find the money and making it your passion.

68% 49% 32% hoped to find their dream job post-graduation

look forward to that feeling of satisfaction from graduating

have their eyes on a well-paying job with benefits

While we have countless choices available to us – and thank goodness for that – remember that there is time for everything and everything has its time. Decisions made in unwarranted frenzy just bring about more stress. As New Mexico writer and artist Natalie Goldberg says, “Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency.”

It was important, on that note, to ask both Ellen and Alice what they could tell their former selves in a brief moment of time travel.

If you could go back to the younger you, pull her aside and whisper a little wisdom in her ear, what would you say?

“I would tell the 21-year-old me, ‘Don’t worry so much about your future. Be confident and do what’s good for you. Don’t let people treat you badly and be willing to walk away,’” says Ellen.

As for Alice, the very thought of being able to reach out to her former self brought tears to her eyes. After taking a moment to consider the opportunity, she said, “I would say, ‘Hang in there. You’re bombarded with so much and life is consumed with kids, but soon they’re gone. Be engaged in your life.

“You know, life is constantly changing,” she continues. “It’s easy to think you’re going to be in one stage your whole life, but you’re not.”

This brings us back to the beginning, where the stages of a woman’s life are often neatly, and unfairly, placed within the parameters of conventional roles – the self-important college kid and the self-sacrificing stay-at-home mom, the scrupulous working woman and the ever-tender crocheting grandmother. But the reality is that Andrea isn’t self-important at all. She’s clever, ambitious and one of the funniest 20-somethings we’ve ever met. And while Carla may not don a fitted dress and apron every day, she is wholly committed to raising her children while dreaming of bigger things for her city. Ellen’s career, albeit successful, does not supersede her softer side and devotion at home. As for Alice, she is welltraveled, well-educated and a match to be met on the tennis courts.

may 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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C over S tor y

Andrea looks for her first post- graduation job.

Carla spends an afternoon in the backyard with Braxton and Kinsley.

For each of these ladies there have been ups and downs, depending on the season, yet they continue to seek out their authentic selves, weaving in time for relationships and passions, just This brings like the majority of women in Amarillo. us back to the Even though we’re beginning, where over-worked, underappreciated the stages of a and still holding out woman’s life for that housekeeper, are often neatly, we’re generally a happy bunch. and unfairly, Because what really placed within matters in this life is the parameters the comfort of family, friends and some of conventional sense of stability, be roles. it financial, social or even mental. When those things fall into place, happiness happens. And as the saying goes, if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

And that we find to be quite true. am

For the complete survey results, log on to amarillomagonline.com

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • may 2010

Alice stays in shape on the tennis court.

Ellen enjoys down time every night with her husband, David.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

A L i t e r a r y C la s s i c R i ta

Mor row

S

omething is strangely amiss when a grown woman old enough to have grandchildren resorts to hiding out in the Cliff Notes section of her local bookstore simply in order to remain a member in good standing of her ladies’ literary club. I should know.

It all started last year when several of my friends got the bright and bushy idea to form such a club. Don’t get me wrong. I like a good book with lots of words and pictures as well as the next guy, but there’s something about hearing the word “assignment” and “book” in the same sentence that conjures up too many loathsome 8th grade English memories. It was the worst of times.

Besides, with so many classics now turned into TNT movies, wouldn’t it be simpler and more practical to start a movie club? To read or not to read, that was the question. Yet I slowly warmed to the idea. Hearing words thrown around such as, “enrichment,” “fulfilling,” and “cheese and wine,” I decided I could at least do my part. And so, throwing caution to the wind I boldly entered a brave new world.

In the beginning, I had great expectations. So much so, that I actually attempted reading the selection before making an effort to discuss it at group. Admittedly a novel approach, my innocent zeal soon faded. I could see this was going nowhere fast. Or, slow. After making a dozen stabs at War and Peace, I retreated for a spell determining unabridged just wasn’t my genre. No farewell to arms for me; this would most certainly be war.

Month two I deployed a new strategy. Arriving late, I entered quietly, sliding along the back wall. I sat alone in the adjoining room so as to call no undue attention to myself. Requesting a hall pass in middiscussion, however, seemed to be my undoing. I could clearly see they were on to me, reading me like an open book.

May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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special feature

But by the third month, after they’d chosen To Kill A Mockingbird, I was ready and loaded for bird. (I, for one, know why the caged bird sings!) “Who wants to start us off today?” began Elaine, the fearless leader of our group, the one I respectfully refer to as our ReaderLeader. “What did you girls think of Atticus?”

Waving one hand frantically while retrieving bits of sharp cheddar from my lap with the other, I bounced excitedly on the love seat. “Oh! Oh!” I knew this answer so shot out with both barrels, “I thought Gregory Peck was extremely good looking!”

The eyes of those three musketeers pierced me like sharp daggers. Even in the silence, I could faintly hear the sound of their fury.

“Oh?” I jerked, in quick recovery mode.

“You mean. The book? Yes. Well. I was going to read that very book. But. My cat?” Here I nodded my head slowly for emphasis. “She ate it.”

“Don’t you mean your dog?” Linda sneered from the recliner, another smug reader with real leader potential. Did I sense a possible mutiny at our bounty?

“No!” I blasted, sticking to my guns. “I don’t have a dog. I have four cats. And they are all very smart.” And so little by little, I began to lose interest. I missed gardening. I missed hauling my kids to soccer practice.

I missed having my teeth worked on. Until I remembered Cliff Notes. That’s when I began stealing out of the house on weekends and slouching towards the reference section of the bookstores.

My Sherlock Holmes research was going nicely (another exceptionally fine movie, I must say) until the Sunday my family decided to join me unexpectedly after church.

Wandering off, thinking I was alone, my husband snuck up from behind and startled me, catching me like a thief, red-handed.

“Hey, there. What’re you reading?” he quipped.

“Great Gatsby!” I shrieked, slapping the little book shut, dropping it to hide all evidence. “Oh, you mean those silly Cliff Notes?”

I laughed gingerly. He continued sipping his mocha, clearly unamused, while I snatched the book from off the floor. “For your information, Mister, I was looking at that cover…to get… color schemes for our bathroom.”

“Black and yellow? Hmm. Must be book club week again,” he said, shaking his head

before turning to meander back to the gun section. Wise guy. I’ll show him the gun section!

Before you could say Les Misérables, month four had rolled around, and I was.

Elaine called the meeting to order. “But aren’t you going to read the minutes?” I interrupted, stalling for time. It’s a book club, they remind me. There are no minutes.

Quick Tip for the Book Club Beginner: When you’re clueless about the subject matter, I recommend one of two things. First, plead the Fifth. Or, recite convincingly from a book jacket endorsement – any book jacket.

With so many to choose from, it’d be a shame to let one go to waste, so I chose the later.

The ladies turned serious and reflective, exactly like Mrs. Flannigan, my 8th grade teacher, less the hanky. “What did you think of the Hound of the Baskervilles?” asks Elaine.

“I thought it was a taut thriller full of whiplash plot twists and wisecracking dialogue.” I gushed, testing the waters.

“But most of all,” I added slowly, mindful of the importance of appearing earnest, “I appreciated the author’s quintessential American voice.” There.

Kelli’s salad fork paused in mid-air. “Sir Author Conan Doyle was no American,” my smart friend piped up knowingly. “He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the mid1800s to an English father of Irish descent and an Irish mother.” The girl is nothing but trouble I tell you, having read all sorts of real books and encyclopedias. Still, I couldn’t help but believe she was making much ado about nothing.

“Even so,” I shrugged, undeterred, “you must admit it’s a genuine work of pop art… squarely in the column of must reads.”

All that to say, if you’re in a bookstore and happen to spot a middle-aged woman in disguise, lurking in the reference section, struggling to make out the small print – don’t be too surprised. Sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction. am

When you’re clueless about the subject matter, I recommend one of two things. First, plead the Fifth. Or, recite convincingly from a book jacket endorsement.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

Rita Morrow

Rita is a professional comedienne, singer and inspirational speaker. She makes her home in Lake Tanglewood with her husband Paul and three sons. Visit her website at www.marthamarie.net.

RED DOOR Antiques

MAY 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

59

inspire

My Middle Child is a

Zebra April Brownlee

M

y middle child is a zebra. I saw her stripes from the very beginning.

Getting others to see them was a whole other beast. If you don’t know, a zebra is the medical term used when an unlikely diagnosis results from ordinary symptoms. It’s the way medical students are taught to approach a diagnosis: “When you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.”

I once frantically blurted out at a birthday party, “Something’s wrong with her, but we don’t know what,” to another mom about my then six-month-old daughter. And when I saw the startled look on the poor woman’s face, I wanted to crawl under a table. She had just asked how the baby was doing and what life was like with two kids. I still cringe when I think of that moment. Or worse---when later, at the same party, I cornered the birthday girl’s grandmother, whom I’d heard was a nurse. I realize now my bizarre behavior really wasn’t me at all. I was another version of myself. One who was on auto-pilot. I didn’t see it then, but mother’s intuition had taken over.

There was a time I might have even rolled my eyes at a story like mine. I likened mother’s intuition to a superpower... the kind of

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

superpower that allows a 150-pound person to lift a two-ton car off another to save their life.

I lumped it in with the kinds of stories I saw as a kid on “That’s Incredible.”

But I couldn’t deny something was happening. This feeling of impending doom settled into the pit of my stomach practically from the start of my pregnancy. Since there was no medical reason to think anything might be wrong, I spent the next 29 weeks trying to ignore it. And when I met my big, beautiful, seemingly healthy baby girl, I breathed a sigh of relief.

But just as we were getting settled into our new lives as a family of four, I noticed subtle differences between our new baby and the way I remembered my older daughter as an infant. We’d had a textbook baby the first time around. But this child didn’t do anything the way she was supposed to. She had trouble feeding and vomited so violently I thought she might choke. Milk even shot out of her nose.

The first time that happened as I grabbed a cloth and pulled what I can only describe as milky strings from her nose, I thought my heart would pound out of my chest. Add to that, she wasn’t gaining weight and had

dropped completely off the growth chart. She felt floppy and didn’t move around much. And, she was sick- a lot.

I stayed up late every night, plugging symptoms into a search engine until I drained all the juice from my laptop battery… and myself. One day, I came across the website SWAN. It stands for Syndrome Without A Name. It’s a place for the undiagnosed. I used to stare at that website and think, “How sad.” I found out the cyber world is a huge world full of parents who, like me, were hopeful and helpless all at the same time.

My nights were consumed with Googling medical terms, but my days were often spent sitting in our doctor’s office with sweaty palms, trying to figure out what I could say to get anyone to take notice of our situation. At one visit, the baby got a reflux medication and I got a pat on the back. It seemed that’s how it always turned out. Her symptoms were so random and vague and difficult to describe. Often, they were things only I’d see. “All babies spit up,” I would be told over and over.

And each time I’d protest. “But not like this!” I was screaming “zebra!” but the doctor heard “horse.” Sometimes I wondered if I really was making her symptoms into something they weren’t. Thankfully, my husband and family could see something wrong, too.

The turning point for us came when my husband took our daughter for a routine check up and we realized she hadn’t gained a single ounce in more than a month. Tired of watching her little legs get thinner and thinner, I called another pediatrician the next morning. My desperation over the past few months was futile, but that morning it must’ve resonated over the phone lines, because they had me bring her in immediately. At that first encounter with the new doctor I felt peaceful.

And for the first time in months, I felt sane. I knew we had a long way to go. But it was a start and I was grateful for it.

Almost one year, a dozen specialists, and countless tests later, we received a diagnosis - a very mild case of something rare called Noonan Syndrome. If you didn’t know she had it and you weren’t there for all the trauma of those first 15 months, you probably wouldn’t guess anything is wrong. I like to think of her as “medically complex,” but otherwise, she’s your typical three year old, who will grow to be a typical teenager and eventually a typical adult. She’ll be able to go to college if she wants, get married and have babies.

As for me, with her diagnosis came vindication. I was acquitted by the court of paranoia. And even better, I was a champion for my child.

My mom once told me “God gives us the children we need.” And she’s right. Each one of my three kids has taught me something important.

This time around, I learned about strength. I learned how to advocate for my child. I learned a lot about horses and zebras. And most importantly, I learned mother’s intuition is the real deal. That feeling in the pit of my stomach disappeared with the diagnosis. Though I haven’t felt it since, I remember it vividly. And if it ever creeps up again, I’ll know I’m not crazy. I’m just a mom... with superpowers. am

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April Brownlee

April is a graduate of West Texas A&M University with a degree in Mass Communications. She is a professional fundraiser who lives in Amarillo with her husband and three children.

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May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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inspire

N

otable authorities call us soccer moms, other people label us as controlling, and some may call us mother, friend, sister or “that crazy lady.” We are a product of the 21st century.

Our world is ruled by work deadlines, sporting event schedules and to-do lists. Multi-tasking is a no-brainer, so don’t ask us to take it easy because we never will. We thrive in chaos.

Whether it is chasing the career we love or working as the CEO of a demanding household, today’s mothers continue to propel their family onward.

One of the things that sets us apart from the generations before is the realization that eating out is a necessity. My three-year-old son used to yell, “The pizzi man!” every time the doorbell rang. He chanted in a toddler cry of celebration, “I’m having pizzi!” as he hopped and twirled in the entry hall. His declaration upon the arrival of his favorite food always brought a giggle from us both.

One morning, he was surprised when I opened the door and it wasn’t the pizza delivery man.

“Oh, it’s jiss Granny and Papaw,” he said, pressing his face against the glass. Hanging his head and jutting out a lower lip, he ambled out of sight without a welcoming hug.

Some people may be surprised to know that children show more excitement about a deliveryman over grandparents. Modern mothers know this to be true. We also know that time spent around the dinner table is crucial and precious, whether it’s for a home cooked meal or a bucket of chicken.

We realize every child is a miracle and all too soon they will leave us to find their own way. A few of us might admit that a kid had to wear the same pair of pants two days in a row but all that matters to the children is that we accepted an invite to shoot hoops rather than start a load of laundry.

As weeks fly by in a haze, we may seem confused and often forget what day of the week it is. On the other hand, we will always remember with full clarity the day our goodbye kiss and hug was refused.

As we juggle the whirlwind of life, you may doubt how much more we can shoulder. Today’s mothers can take it. We believe in our own strength. We believe in the goodness of those within our inner circle.

We believe our faith will guide us through every tempest.

More importantly, when the doorbell rings and the smell of a pizza-pie drifts into the entry hall, we have been known to jump and twirl too. am Natalie Bright

Natalie is a local freelance writer, office manager for an oil company, and teaches Write Stuff for Kids workshops. Her first middle grade book for kids, Oil People, will be out this spring. She can be reached at www.nataliebright.com.

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May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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inspire

Suzy and her grandmother

Lessons Rocking Chair by

the

Suzy Winter

M

y grandmother: small in stature, tall in faith, fire in her eyes, my best friend. The summer of my third grade year, she moved in with us. Her children said that she was “too old to live alone.”

I guess a small kitchen grease fire that nearly destroyed her home provided all the evidence to confirm this fact. However, I think Grandma just needed to be needed. I know I certainly did.

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A few months before, my older brother had been tragically killed in action in Vietnam. Yet I lost more than my brother that day. I lost my family as well. It may sound dramatic, but from the memory of a frightened, little eight-year-old girl, seeing your mom sink into a pit of anger or find solace in Valium, nightly watching your dad find peace at the bottom of a bottle, and witnessing your only barely surviving brother becoming a slave to various substances – I don’t think that’s dramatic at all. I felt adrift in the sea of forgotten.

I could not wait for my school day to end so I could rush home and spend the rest of my day with Grandma.

As we would share an afternoon snack of apples and peanut butter, she would regale me with stories from when she was a young school teacher in the proverbial one-room school house. She would tell me about life as a mom of seven mischievous children (five boys and two girls, my mom being the older of the two girls). Most importantly, she also taught me to rely on faith through my often turbulent years.

She would tell me that bad things happen and we have a choice in life - become bitter from the experience or become better. She knew of what she spoke, having all five sons serve in World War II, losing children and grandchildren, having a different fire destroy their home when her children were small, illness and the death of a husband, and survival of The Great Depression. She had her hard times and her opportunities to become bitter or better.

She chose better because she never seemed to lose her joy or her faith. I remember her precious laugh and incredible sense of humor. I found comfort and restored joy at her feet. I found my anchor. Grandma pulled no punches. She told me that life sometimes deals some real blows that are intended to knock you flat. But we need to get back up and trust in something bigger than ourselves with joy to keep us strong.

Grandma referred to joy quite often in our talks and she did not mean a hysterical, exuberant, false laughter kind of joy, but a joy of assurance that things will work out for our good. More like a deep-seeded peace that all is well. She often said that the big picture would not be revealed to us until we were ready and even then, that the picture might still be dim.

I owe my grandmother so much. At times I may long for her strength and faith as I too face various trying situations. I can still hear her voice telling me “it’s a choice – you gonna let it make you better or bitter?” Then I blink as I hear those words coming from my two daughters, who also posses their great-grandmother’s spunk, tenacity and seeds of wisdom. And if it took a grease fire to bring my Grandma to me, then that too proved that good can rise from the ashes of tragedy. It is a precious legacy. am

Come check out our new summer arrivals!

Suzy Winter

Suzy is a freelance writer from Amarillo where she lives with her husband, Kent, and their three children.

2921 I-40 West #100 • 806-354-8100 www.salonatwolflinpointe.com Marketing & Media LuLu Web Designs - Elizabeth Liles

MAY 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

65

book nook Teen

North of Beautiful

By Justina Chen Headley Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2010

To anyone, Terra appears to be the typical 16-year-old student. She just so happens to have a port-wine colored birthmark on her cheek that makes her want to hide. In North of Beautiful, Terra travels across the globe with her mother in search of what true beauty is. Artistically written, author Chen Headley takes readers on a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of a girl who doesn’t want to hide anymore.

Fiction Tell All

By Chuck Palahniuk Doubleday 2010

Staged in the golden-era of Hollywood, Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk tells the story of Katherine Kenton, an aging actress, and her maid and companion, Hazie Coogan. Follow the scandalous chronicles of Kenton’s love affair with a young gold digger – a relationship Coogan strives to manage. Expect Palahniuk’s archetypical cleverness and imaginative prose as he weaves a story that reads like a gossip rag.

Humor

13 is the New 18: And Other Things My Children Taught Me – While I was Having a Nervous Breakdown Being their Mother

Humor

How Do You Tuck in a Superhero? And Other Delightful Mysteries of Raising Boys

By Rachel Balducci Revell 2010

66

Writer and mother Rachel Balducci chronicles her never-dull life at home with five boys, whose lively behavior ranges from the outrageous to the mysterious. The former journalist weaves humor throughout her touching stories, which is all you can do when you find one of your children hanging on to the edge of the roof. Settle in for a fun ride down the the winding winding road road of of raising raising boys. boys. to the edge of the roof. Settle in for a fun ride down do when you find one of your children hanging on throughout her touching stories, which is all you can mysterious. The former journalist weaves humor

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

By Beth J. Harpaz Three Rivers Press 2009

After her son’s bar mitzvah, Beth Harpaz watches as he crosses over from childhood to adulthood – from playful, innocent boyhood to the scary world of baggy clothes, lewd song lyrics and poor grades. Naturally, the only thing a good mother can do is start rifling through her son’s things. Join Harpaz on her journey to figuring out if she really is a Terrible Mother or if she’s juggling the everyday common woes of raising a teenager.

Humor

Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday?: A Mother’s Guide to Sanity in Stilettos

Teen

Fiction

By Ally Carter Hyperion Book 2010

By Dana Hand Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2010

Heist Society

Deep Creek

By Laura Bennett Random House 2010

Best known for her “Project Runway” (season 3) fame, fashion designer, architect, writer and mother of six pens a hilarious play-by-play about maintaining your fabulousness in spite of your duties at home. With home base in Manhattan, she and her husband are raising rambunctious boys, and though she’s the only female in the house, don’t think for a second she feels outnumbered. Her laissez-faire approach to parenting suits her just fine, and while her words might raise a few eyebrows, they certainly warrant a great laugh.

Katarina Bishop has always lived a life of crime. Born into a crooked family, she grew up learning how to case museums, learning the ropes of thievery from her parents. After deciding to leave the family business for good, Katarina scams her way into a boarding school but soon realizes that leaving her past behind her is harder than it looks. She’s forced to reenter the profession in order to save her father in what could be the biggest heist in history. And she has two weeks to pull it off.

Set in the Idaho Territory in June 1887, this historical thriller tells the story of a man who takes his daughter fishing one day and ends up catching the body of a Chinese gold miner. One dead body leads to another and the count soon reaches 30 murdered victims. Attorney Joe Vincent is hired, along with Lee Loi, a company investigator, to solve the case with secretive mountain guide Grace Sundown. Inspired by true events that occurred in the remote area of Hells Canyon, author Dana Hand adds imagination to fact in an attempt to explain how and why the massacre happened.

Young Readers (ages 4-8) You Are My Wish

Non-Fiction

By Maryann Cusimano Love, Satomi Ichikawa Philomel 2010

100 Words for Foodies By the Editors of American Heritage Dictionaries Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2009

This recent addition to the tender tales of love gives voice to the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild and the unique bonds they share. Following the success of You Are My I Love You, the author again brings life to the story through her playful rhyming while the illustrations live up to previous books in the series. Be sure to add You Are My Wish to your keepsakes box.

Foodies, here is your dictionary.

Part of American Heritage Dictionaries’ 100 Words series, this little pocket guide gives food lovers a quick reference companion for all of their soon-to-be favorite recipes and dishes. If you aren’t exactly sure what an aioli is, or maybe you’re nervous about trying sancocho, then fear no more. Not only is this guide helpful in a restaurant menu pinch, it’s also an interesting read on the origins of our favorite foods. foods. favorite read on the origins of our pinch, it’s also an interesting helpful in a restaurant menu more. Not only is this guide trying sancocho, then fear no or maybe you’re nervous about

Humor

The Art of Overeating: A Bellyful of Laughs about our Food-Phobic Culture

By Leslie Landis MFT Sterling 2009

Take the stress out of eating by laughing about it. After all, “The best way to eat healthy is to eat in large quantities. How else can you be sure that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need?” isn’t the best dietary advice. Indulge the anti-dieter in you by loosening your belt for full-belly laughter and poking a little fun at how obsessed we’ve become with food.

Sponsored by: For more selections, to check availability, or to order online, visit gohastings.com

May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

67

what’s cooking?

Chocolate

S

imply, there is no other food better suited for an issue devoted entirely to women. Chocolate is the sweetest, most sinful treat, dark, rich and reliably satisfying. Whether eaten in comfort or in celebration, there is no such thing as having too many chocolate recipes.

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Photos by Shannon Richardson Recipes tested by Kathy Mitchell

Chocolate Mousse

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Drinking Chocolate

Traditional Chicken Mole

May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

69

what’s cooking?

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Mousse

4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped ½ cup butter ¾ cup white sugar ½ cup cocoa powder 3 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped ½ cup water, divided 2 tablespoons butter (no substitutes) 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons sugar 1¼ cups whipping cream, whipped

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and dust with cocoa powder.

In a double boiler, heat chocolate, ¼ cup water and butter until the chocolate and butter are melted. Cool for 10 minutes. In a small, heavy saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar and remaining water. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees F, about 1-2 minutes.

Remove from the heat; whisk in chocolate mixture. Set saucepan in ice and stir until cooled, about 5-10 minutes. Fold in whipped cream.

Spoon into dessert dishes. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Top with additional whipped cream and fresh fruit, if desired.

In the top of a double boiler over lightly simmering water, melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Slices can also be reheated for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave before serving.

Traditional Chicken Mole

Drinking Chocolate

A dusting of cayenne pepper 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 1½ pounds chicken, cubed or cut into strips 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 tablespoons mild chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1½ ounces unsweetened chocolate 4 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes

2¼ cups whole milk ¼ cup water ¼ generous cup of superfine Baker’s Sugar 1 (3.5 ounce bar) of bittersweet chocolate-at least 70 percent cacao, finely chopped ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa, loosely packed

Sprinkle chicken with spices and toss gently to coat. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot and add chicken. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until just cooked through. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and reserve.

Meanwhile, combine chili powder with cumin, cinnamon and more cayenne pepper and black pepper as desired. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same pot and add chili powder mix. Stir with a spoon and heat over medium heat until blackened, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Reduce heat to low, stir in chocolate, and continue stirring until melted.

When chocolate is fully melted, add stewed tomatoes and bring to a boil.

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add chicken and continue cooking until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve warm with corn tortillas, beans and rice.

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Combine milk, water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat mixture over medium until it reaches a rolling boil. Add the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder. Whisk these ingredients into milk mixture and return to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to very low and simmer 1½ to 2 minutes to thicken Blend for 5 minutes with an immersion blender or in a regular blender for 30 seconds or until drinking chocolate is thick and foamy. Serve with biscotti for dipping.

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71

RESTAURANTS • FOOD • SPIRITS

photo by donna alexander

let’s eat!

Real Food Café Cooking together since 1999, Andy and T Price have a passion for real food (hence the name) made with whole and organic ingredients. Six years ago, the Price’s started cooking full time making desserts for several local restaurants and providing private cooking for clients. In November, they opened the Real Food Café which is located inside Blue Sage Art Gallery on 6th. They specialize in crepes and create recipes based on seasonal and fresh ingredients. Everything is made from scratch in an effort to maintain the highest quality of food for their customers. All the crepes are made with organic whole wheat flour. Not a single thing is pre-made. Andy and T say there’s an entire generation that doesn’t know what real food tastes like and they’re working hard to change that.

3300 SW 6th Ave, inside Blue Sage Art Gallery 570.3859. Open Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees over $21

RESTAURANT KEY Outdoor Dining ☎ Reservations Recommended T Live Music y

c Full Bar C Beer and/or Wine only ^ Best of Amarillo Winner

NEW New to Let’s Eat! UPDATE

Updated entry

The Let’s Eat! Guide is a reader service compiled by the Amarillo Magazine editorial staff. The magazine does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for a listing. The guide is updated regularly. To correct a listing or recommend a restaurant for consideration, contact Michele McAffrey at michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com.

May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Bar On warmer evenings, enjoy sitting on Polk St. while you enjoy a margarita and a traditional Mexican-style shrimp cocktail. 727 S. Polk 373.8889 acapulcomexicanrestaurant.net $$ c Ty

Aldaco’s Tacos Located on historic 6th street, you’ll find this small, authentic Mexican restaurant. Aldaco’s is filled with pictures and old posters. The wait staff is always friendly, making sure you enjoy yourself. It’s easy to have fun here, especially on live music nights.

Here’s a tip: try not to fill up on the homemade chips and salsa so you can enjoy the rest of the delicious food.

3623 SW 6th 374.4945 $ C T y The Back Porch & Tea Room An Amarillo original, this quaint tea room serves up great lunch fare.

The Chicken Avocado Sandwich on croissant is the way to go. Get the lunch plate with a cup of cheesy veggie soup and chips. Wash it all down with their excellent flavored tea. 3440 Bell 358.8871 $ NEW Blast from the Past Burgers This little joint is the perfect fix for the lunch time rush. Simply call your order in and drive by to pick it up.

Choose from a variety of both burgers and sandwiches. The burgers range in size from a ¼ pound to a double meat ½ pound. Best of all, no fillers here.

They only use fresh beef, never frozen.

2403 Hardin Drive 355.2009 $ Blue Sky Blue Sky’s burgers and homemade fries are the perfect companions to a Lone Star Beer or an Oreo shake.

Be prepared to share the one-sizefeeds-a lot cheese fries. 4201 I-40 West 355.8100 $ C T ^ y Carolina’s Wood-Fired Italian Despite the small interior, Carolina’s is great for a date or even the whole family. Start your meal off right with their first-rate Caesar salad and garlic bread. You can’t go wrong with any of the authentic pasta entrees. 2916 Wolflin Avenue 358.2099 $$ C Catfish Shack & Seafood Grill The Catfish Shack serves up fresh catfish and tasty sides. Leave room their wonderful from scratch cakes and pies. 3301 Olsen 358.3812 $ Cowboy Gelato Who says Italian-style gelato and cowboy hats don’t mix? We’ll admit that the saloon décor and “Hi ya’ll” greeting might throw you, but this isn’t your average ice cream shop (it is Amarillo, after all). After more than a few sample spoonfuls of gelato, we settled on the lime and the banana

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chocolate chip, but it’s all good. 2806 SW 6th Ave. 376.5286 $ David’s Steakhouse David’s signature marinated filet is outstanding. For die hard Seafood Galley fans, you can still get their yummy fish and chips. 2721 Virginia Circle 355.8171 davidssteaks.com $$

c☎

Doug’s For a quick and tasty meal, stop at Doug’s and try the chopped beef sandwich. The menu is reasonably priced and their barbecue sauce is fantastic. 3313 S. Georgia 352.8471 $ Eat-Rite The food at Eat-Rite isn’t just good for you, it’s delicious as well. Feast on the organic salad bar or choose from a variety of tasty sandwiches. 2441 I-40 West 353.7476 eat-rite.com $ Eddie’s Napolis Napoli’s has created an oasis in Amarillo that cannot be missed.

Indulge yourself in the homemade bread while you browse the ample menu. We gently nudge you towards the Amarillo Special or a personalized New York Style Pizza. 700 S. Taylor 373.0927 napolisonline.com $$ c ☎ Ty^

El Bracero Mexican Restaurant For ten years, El Bracero has provided hungry patrons with delicious meals and great traditional Mexican food.

The Nachos con Carne appetizer and a Michelada are a must. If you have big eaters to feed, try the Parrillada. 3303 Bell 355.0889 / 2116 S. Grand 373.4788 / 2822 W. 6th, 220.2395 $ T c Fatcat Fish & Grill From seafood to cheeseburgers and steaks, Fatcat Fish & Grill offers freshcooked food at a reasonable price.

1309 N. Fillmore 373.3581 $ Fernando’s Restaurant & Cantina Family-owned and operated, Fernando’s serves up classic Tex-Mex with a twist. They offer a self-serve salsa bar that caters to the tastes of even the most delicate diner.

From spicy to mild, zesty to sweet, there’s something for everyone, even cucumber and chipotle salsa. 2028 Paramount Blvd. 356.0342 $ c NEW Frankie’s Diner Frankie’s offers a variety of traditional diner fare in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Everything is homemade, from their tasty burgers and authentic Mexican food to waffles and breakfast that’s available all day.

The diner is the perfect place to rest after a day of antique shopping. Cool off with their classic floats, shakes and snow cones. 3209 6th 444.5718 $

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MAY 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Now through May 9th, 2010

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Golden Light Café As the oldest operating restaurant in Amarillo, the Golden Light has been in business since 1947, all in the same location. For a great burger and fries, this is the place to go. 2908 SW 6th 374.9237 goldenlightcafe.com $$ C ^ T Green Chile Willy’s As the owners say, the way you like it is the way they fix it. Hand cut grilled steaks, excellent burgers and grilled chicken, you name it, they’ve got it.

And you can’t beat the country atmosphere for a relaxing good time. 13651 Interstate 27 622.2200 greenchilewillys.com $$ ^ Home Plate Diner Missed out on tickets to tonight’s Dillas game? Take your favorite baseball fan out for a baseball inspired meal instead. The walls at Home Plate are covered in local and national baseball memorabilia, and they serve everything you might order to eat at the game at prices that are easy on your wallet. 5600 Bell 359.4444 $ Hummer’s Sports Café Hang out with friends, Cheers style, and eat your fill of their great appetizers. Start off with a platter of raw oysters and a bucket of beer. We highly recommend the steak. 2600 Paramount 353.0723 $$

cy MON-FRI: 9:30-5:30 SAT: 10:00-5:00

3690 S. SONCY

|

467-9800

(BE T WE E N 34 TH & 45TH)

Jamaican Flame You’ll feel like you’re on vacation in the Caribbean when you visit Jamaican Flame. It’s off the beaten path but worth the effort spent finding it. Feast on favorites like Jerk ribs, chicken and pork along with sandwiches, pasta, rice dishes and even bread pudding. Vegan friendly and you can BYOB. 4132 Business Park Dr. 322.1043 $-$$ Joe Taco Great atmosphere and a variety of southwest favorites make Joe Taco a great place to sit and relax. Especially while enjoying one of their signature margaritas out on the patio. 7312 Wallace Blvd.

331.8226 joetaco.net $$ C ☎ T y ^ Jorge’s Tacos Garcia At Jorge’s, serving authentic Mexican food is a family affair. In the same location since 1999, the Veloz family serves up traditional favorites that keep their loyal customers coming back time after time. Try the Swiss enchiladas or the Chile Relleno Lampriados.

You won’t be disappointed. 1100 Ross 372.0411 tacosgarcia.com $$ c K-N Root Beer If you’ve tried K-N’s yummy burgers and floats, then you know why they’ve been a success for more than 40 years. The K-N Special, a double meat, double cheese burger melts in your mouth. There’s nothing like the old-fashioned icy mug of root beer! 3900 Olsen 355.4391 $ Kolache Café If you like authentic beirox, you’ll be delighted with the Kolache Café. And it doesn’t stop there. Choose from a variety of meat and fruit fillings for a filling breakfast, lunch or mid-day snack. Everything on the menu is baked fresh daily and so affordable that you can grab a dozen kolaches to go for a quick and tasty meal. 2207 S. Western, Suite B1-90 322.3279 $ y

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • MAY 2010

La Frontera La Frontera has served the Amarillo community for more than 20 years, offering the true taste of authentic traditional Mexican food. With a cozy atmosphere, great service, friendly staff and delicious food, what else could you ask for? 1401 S. Arthur 372.4593 eatatlafrontera.com $ T Leal’s If Mexican food is what crave, Leal’s serves several dishes that blend the traditional flavors of Mexico with a few new twists that will delight you. Try excellent non-traditional items like quail and salmon along with new sauce combinations and desserts.

Let’s not forget about their fresh-squeezed lime margaritas, some of the best margaritas anywhere.

1619 S. Kentucky 359.5959 lealsmexicanfoods.com $$

c Lone Star Bar & Grill Visit Lone Star Bar & Grill for classic American grillstyle food, including savory steaks, burgers, chicken sandwiches and more all at an affordable price.

You’ll also enjoy down-home friendly service. Their guarantee: no hot beer and no small steaks. FM 1151 622.9827 $$ c Malcom’s Ice Cream & Food Temptations Malcom’s offers the ultimate in classic soda fountain food: burgers, sandwiches and salads - everything’s good. Be sure you save room for dessert. Better yet, start with a treat. After all, it’s the most important part of the meal at Malcom’s. 2100 Paramount 355.3892 $ My Thai It’s hard to find authentic Thai cuisine that compares to My Thai. We recommend the angel noodle with sautéed tomatoes and mushrooms for a tasty alternative to fried rice. 2029 S. Coulter 352.9014 $ ^ Nachos Bar & Grill Enjoy the fresh hot sauce and chips while you wait for your food. The wait staff are efficient and friendly and the home town feel of Nachos makes this a great place to take the kids. 3333 S. Coulter 322.1140 $ c OHMS Café & Bar Set in downtown Amarillo, OHMS serves lunch buffet style and dinner in style. The chefs feature specials each week that range from seafood to smoked duck to grilled beef tenderloin. Excellent cuisine and service make this a delightful place to linger. 619 S. Tyler 373.3233 ohmscafe.com $$$ ☎ T ^ C Pacific Rim The Pacific Rim offers a variety of Asian Fusion cuisine in a unique setting. One of the best things about this place is the greeting you’ll get from Andy when you walk in. But let’s talk food. Their lettuce wraps are outstanding. In fact, everything is good.

They even offer speedy delivery. 2061 Paramount 353.9179 pacificrimam.com $ C Pizza Planet For dine-in or take-out, Pizza Planet offers some of the best pizza in town. If you like a good chef salad, this is your place. Be prepared to share; it’s huge.

2400 Paramount 353.6666 $-$$ C

May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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let’s eat!

Real Food Café Located in Blue Sage Pottery & Art Gallery, this quaint café serves up an abundance of scrumptious crepes. Everything is made from scratch including savory crepes, soups, salads and dessert crepes.

Start with a bowl of soup and feast your way to their Cordon Bleu. Loosen your belt and finish up with a dessert crepe. The chocolate crepe sure made us happy. 3302 6th 570.3859 $ Roosters Espresso Café Roosters offers more than just a good Cup of Joe. Stop in and plan on staying for a hot breakfast pastry or one of their delicious lunch specialties. It’s the perfect place to relax with your friends for lunch.

3440 Bell 353.7309 $ y Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q Rudy’s serves up the same original recipes that they’ve used since 1989: brisket, ribs, turkey, pork loin and sausage slow-smoked over an oak fire, seasoned with their own secret dry spice blend and topped with their famous “Sause.” Plenty of sides and delicious desserts ensure that you’ll need plenty of napkins. 3751 I-40 West 677.7452 rudys.com $$

Saffron You can experience the rich culture of the Middle East right here in Amarillo. Saffron’s menu consists of traditional Greek, Persian and Mediterranean dishes. The dining area is small and simple but this really ads to the authenticity. Leave room for the Baklava. 1511 S. Nelson 367.8899 $ C Scott’s Oyster Bar If you are a fresh oyster connoisseur, Scott’s is the place for you. Even though it’s a little on the small side, the quick service and excellent seafood make it one of our favorite places to hang out. 4150 Paramount 354.9110 $$ C y Taqueria El Tapatio Taqueria El Tapatio serves up authentic Mexican flavor in every dish they offer. It’s just plain good food.

The generous portions and affordable prices are easy on your pocketbook too. 3410 S. Coulter 331.6248 $ C Vince’s Pizza Vince’s calzones are some of the best we’ve had. He also offers wonderful Greek salads, gyros and a huge family-sized pizza. The quirky atmosphere will make you feel like you’re in Little Italy. 2413 S. Western 352.2656 $

Wing Stop Wing Stop cooks up some of the best chicken wings around. There’s a flavor for every palate. If you haven’t had their sugared French fries, you just haven’t lived. 45th & Bell 356.9464 / I-40 & Grand 331.9464 wingstop.com $$ ^ C Young Sushi The friendly greeting you’ll receive when you walk into Young’s is your first clue that your experience will be a good one. The helpful staff is always willing to offer suggestions regarding the sushi. If sushi’s not your thing, they also offer authentic Thai cuisine.

900 S. Tyler 371.7200 $$ C Zen 721 We can’t decide if it’s the menu or the atmosphere that we like most at Zen. Whether it’s lunch with co-workers, sushi with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Zen doesn’t disappoint. The chef keeps things fresh with new nightly specials and excellent presentation for each dish. It’s a truly unique venue.

Zen’s features Asian-American cuisine with a Japanese influence, the wine list is extensive and their desserts are the perfect finish to an excellent meal. 616 S. Polk 372.1909 zen721.com $$ ^ c ☎

taste of the city SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

taste of the city

May 2010 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

79

AN Advertising Section Created by Amarillo Globe-News Custom Publishing

WOMEN IN BUSINESS S pring

2 0 1 0

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

81

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Debbie Bigalow, vice president & mortgage loan department manager, Amarillo National Bank

Amarillo National Bank Q: What is your current position?.

A: I am the mortgage loan department manager.

Q: What got you started in this industry?

A: I thought it would be interesting to help people

Q: Did you have any inkling as a child that you

Q: How do you deal with stress that comes

Q: Tell us about your educational background.

A: I have a Bachelors Degree in Business from

buy houses since this is typically their biggest investment. I have done a number of different jobs in mortgage lending throughout the years. I consider each job a stepping stone to where I am today. with your career?

A: I don’t get too worked up about things.

Fortunately, this is part of my personality. I’ve found that remaining calm is the best way for me to solve problems. Also when I come to work, I concentrate on work and don’t concern myself with personal issues.

Amarillo National Bank

P. O. Box 1 Amarillo, Texas 79105 806.378.8000 debbie.bigalow@anb.com

82 WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

would work in this industry?

A: No, not really. I really wanted to be an interior

designer, but my plans got side-tracked when my older sister influenced me to consider a business degree because it would allow for broader career options. When I got to college, my favorite classes were finance and management so my career path into banking just progressed from there.

West Texas A&M University. I am a graduate of the School of Mortgage Banking (Mortgage Bankers Association). I also have a Certified Mortgage Banker designation through the Mortgage Bankers Association.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Jackie McBroom, banking officer, Commercial Loans, Amarillo National Bank

Amarillo National Bank Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I have been with Amarillo National Bank for 10

years. I am a banking officer and lending assistant in the Commercial Lending Division. I handle all aspects of our customer’s needs from loan origination and closing to account services and client relationship management.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: Absolutely without a doubt, the people at

ANB are my extended family. We have a fun team atmosphere and I am fortunate to have a great group of people to work with everyday. ANB provides many extra incentives as well, such as our fantastic health club and wellness benefits.

Q: Does your family background affect your work ethic?

Amarillo National Bank P. O. Box 1 Amarillo, Texas 79105 806.378.8000 jackie.mcbroom@anb.com

A: Being raised on a wheat farm in

Q: How do you balance career and family?

A: Being a full-time working mother with two very

active young daughters, Ally age 7 and Zoey age 6, definitely has its challenges. I couldn’t do it without the support of my husband Michael. It’s a jugglingact at times with sports, school activities and the WTAMU schedule but family is first and Ally and Zoey are always my top priority.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?

A: Working out is what I enjoy the most. It is “my time” and I look forward to the hour I get to myself. I enjoy running, cross training classes and I’m always looking to try anything new or find a race to challenge me. It’s a great stress relief and sense of accomplishment.

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to your company?

a small town in Central Montana, I learned a strong work ethic from my parents and grandparents. They taught us not only how to work, but also how to work hard, do a job right the first time and always treat others with respect regardless of the situation. I am grateful for being brought up with high expectations and strong values.

A: I pride myself on providing our customers with

outstanding service. To me, customer service is the single most important skill in any job. I want our customers to feel that ANB is the only place to bank and that we care about their success. I want them to know we genuinely appreciate their business and that we’ll always go the extra mile.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Pat Bowlin, marketing director, The Craig Methodist Retirement Community

The Craig Methodist Retirement Community Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: As the marketing director for The Craig

Methodist Retirement Community, it is my responsibility to tell the Craig’s story and in doing so, help people making a move feel like they are embarking on an adventure.

How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle in today’s busy world?

A: My husband and I have begun an exercise

program that works for us. He’s a great cook and it’s something he’s just taken up. We are enjoying the delights that he brings to the table, which are filling but not fattening. Our evenings alone or with friends are treasures that add to our lifestyle.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I love visiting with the people who live here and Q: Does your family background affect your those who inquire about the lifestyle of The Craig.

The marketing department maintains an open-door policy for residents and staff and because of that, we have residents dropping by just to say “hello.”

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to your company?

A: I am able to empathize with those

The Craig 5500 W. 9th Amarillo, Texas 79106 806.352.7244

who have experienced loss to help them move forward in their life’s journey. I’m a good listener.

work ethic?

A: Absolutely. My father was a Nazarene minister

and he, along with my mother, taught me early to always remember how it felt when I was hurt emotionally so I would never inflict that pain on others. Their compassion was felt in every community they lived in during their ministry and I hope that if they were living, they would be happy with the way I represent The Craig.

Q: Do you have any advice to give to other women in business?

A: Most of us don’t start at the top and there is

much to learn along the way. Remember that the journey can be memorable and rewarding too.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Alissha Jefferis, owner, Liquid Siding of Amarillo

Liquid Siding of Amarillo Q: What got you started in this industry?

A: My husband and I own a small construction

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?

A: Making decisions to purchase formal advertising

business in Pampa that provides windows, garage doors, sunrooms and other items. We heard about Liquid Siding and loved the product. We thought it would be an opportunity to introduce a unique product and service to the Texas Panhandle that would be different than anything else offered in this area.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I enjoy meeting people and telling them about

has been the most difficult task for me. I have developed many great relationships with the local media, which has helped me to make those decisions and feel confident about them.

Q: Does your family background affect your work ethic?

A: Yes, my parents taught me to work hard, do my

our new product. Liquid Siding is a permanent coating that is applied to the outside of a residence or commercial building that provides protection, energy efficiency but doesn’t change the look of the structure. It is exciting to offer the only product of this type in our area. The longevity and quality of Liquid Siding is unique and gives us the ability to offer customers a solution that increases 2300 N. Western, Suite 115C the value and enjoyment of their Amarillo, Texas 79124 home or business. I find it 806.322.2042 immensely rewarding.

Liquid Siding of Amarillo

best and give 100 percent. I have carried this work ethic into my adult life and my business. I grew up in the Texas Panhandle and wanted to make it my home and raise my children here.

Q: How do you personally help your company set itself apart from the competition?

A: I try to make each customer feel important and

let them know we stand behind our product and the service we provide. I want them to feel comfortable with decision they make to do business with us. We are a local company and customer satisfaction is very important to us.

1.888.NEVERPAINT www.liquidsiding.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Nalini’s Salon & Day Spa Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I am the spa owner and operator. I perform permanent makeup and training, waxing, skin and body treatments, iridology, electrolysis, airbrush tanning and nail services.

Q: Is your company involved in the community?

A: Yes, we donate services and baskets to a number of

local charities and organizations for door raffles to help with fundraising such as The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association and The United Way.

Q: What is your Educational Background?

A: I graduated from high school and then attended two

years of college. I went on to obtain my cosmetology and instructors license. I have achieved my master’s intra-dermal cosmetics and instructors certification. I am also a certified iridologist, and specialize in waxing, stapling, holistic counseling and herbal medicine and nutrition.

Q: How do you personally help set your company apart?

A: We provide the best, most up-to-date services and natural Nalini Patel, owner, Nalini’s Salon & Day Spa

products and continuously go through the highest training available. It is important to me to keep high ethical standards and customer service is our number one priority. We go out of our way to assist clients. We value their time and provide the fastest, quality, affordable service. We treat clients as we would want to be treated.

Q: What is your proudest achievement?

A: We have been able to stay in business for more than 18

Nalini’s Salon & Day Spa 4310 S. Western Amarillo, Texas 79109 806.354.0101 www.nalinis.com

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years. We’ve also been nominated as “Most Ethical Business” by the Better Business Bureau and won #1 Day Spa from KVII T.V. in Amarillo. We maintain an excellent reputation and have clients that come from all over the United States as referrals for permanent makeup.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Sharron Whipple, owner, Sharron Whipple Music Studio

Sharron Whipple Music Studio Q: Tell us about your current position A: Currently I own and operate a music studio

that employs six instructors besides myself. We teach several different instruments including piano, keyboard, voice, violin, viola, guitar, bass guitar and percussion (including drum set, hand-drumming and other types of percussion) along with composition and theory. We also have a recording studio. Part of my job includes marketing and registering students.

Q: What got you started in this industry?

A: I grew up in a musical family. My mother was an

artist and a musician. She taught piano to some of the children in the neighborhood and played piano for our church. I was nurtured in music and loved it.

She and all of my music teachers were important in getting me where I am today.

Sharron Whipple Music Studio 6016 SW 33rd Amarillo, Texas 79106 806.358.4344 www.whipplepianostudio.com

Q: Tell us about your educational background.

A: I received a B.A. in psychology and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in accounting from Eastern New Mexico University. I have a minor in music, took all of the piano pedagogy classes offered at the time, and studied piano all the way through college.

Q: Have you pursued additional training?

A: I have taken piano from several teachers in the past decade. I took lessons from Jim Gardner in Amarillo for several years. I learned a tremendous amount from him. I have attended various piano teacher workshops, and conventions along with receiving counseling from the small business development center.

Q: What did you do before this?

A: I have taught piano most of my

life. I was a typist, a proof-reader and an accounting tutor in college. I have worked as a day-care, substitute and college teacher. I was the lead trustee for the family ranch. I have also raised two wonderful children.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Mariada George, M.D. Panhandle Pediatrics

Panhandle Pediatrics

a service of Family Medicine Centers Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I am a pediatrician with Panhandle Pediatrics.

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: I’m usually reading several books at a time.

Q: Have you pursued additional training?

A: In the medical field, we are constantly learning.

Q: How do you personally help your company

We take care of children from birth through about 18 to 20, well checks, sick visits and hospital care.

Continuing medical education is a requirement for keeping our credentials at hospitals and mandatory for a license. In addition, board certification now has to be renewed periodically. I have kept that up and remain Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics.

Q: Did you have any inclination as a child that Panhandle Pediatrics 1500 Coulter Amarillo, Texas 79106 806.354.0404 www.fmc-clinics.com

you would work in this industry?

A: I am told by my parents that I’ve

wanted to be a doctor since I was three years old. I don’t remember that far back but I’ve always known.

88 WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Currently, I’m reading a Temperance Brennan book, Tell Me Where it Hurts by Nick Trout DVM and The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun by J.R.R. Tolkien – my favorite author. set itself apart from the competition?

A: I think of my two nurses and I as a team. So

what sets us apart is our usual ability to take our jobs seriously but not ourselves. We try to connect on a personal level with our patients and their parents. Also, one of my nurses is fluent in Spanish, so we can make our Hispanic patients feel comfortable.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Kem’s Bed & Bath Q: What got you started in this industry?

A: I fell in love with retail at age twelve while working in

my aunt’s store. When my husband and I decided to leave teaching, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Fabrics and design had always been my passion. I wanted a retail store that would showcase beautiful fabrics and their uses.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I love coming to work everyday. I love the people. When

people come shopping for things for their homes, fragrances or Vera Bradley, they are happy and excited. I get to share in that excitement and help make everything come together for them. I like to work with all kinds of gadgets. I love getting to know my customers and their family’s lifestyles and life stages.

Q: Have you pursued additional training?

A: I earned my B.S. and M.S. from Texas Tech in home

economics education and taught school for ten years. In addition to the textile, art, fabric construction and design classes, I also took classes in upholstery and drapery design and constructions. I often take workshops when I attend markets and have gone to several intensive study programs sponsored by manufacturers.

Q: What’s one thing that made working for your company unique?

Kem Lester, owner, Kem’s Bed & Bath

A: The training that my employees receive makes them

experts on many of the products we buy and use daily, from sheets and towels to candles and lotions. I try to offer the best available products, so we are constantly studying and evaluating. We love to share what we have learned with our customers to help them create comfortable and lovely homes.

Q: How do you personally help your company set itself Kem’s Bed & Bath 7306 SW 34th Amarillo, Texas 79121 806.353.9129

apart from the competition?

A: I spotlight each manufacturer in a “shop.” The bedding

lines all have beautiful dressed beds with many additional bedding pieces plus samples and catalogs. We often special order so customers can have complete access to all of the products. The customers can mix and match from bed to bed and from line to line to create their own perfect bed. Lynn Bell is available to go to customers’ homes to design window treatments and accessorize rooms.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

PanHandleBabies Infant & Children’s Boutique Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I am the owner/designer of PanHandleBabies Infant & Children’s Boutique.

Q: What got you started in the industry?

A: In June 2003, we learned we were going to be

grandparents. We knew this would be little baby and finding clothes to fit would be tough. I began designing and making little clothes that would fit little bitty babies. A family friend asked if he could show these off. Three month later, I was registered with the FTC and manufacturing my own line.

Q: Do you have relatives also working in the industry?

A: Yes. We opened the boutique March 2006, which is totally family owned and operated. We all play a part. My husband makes our one of a kind toy boxes, rocking animals and timeout benches. Our youngest daughter helps make quilts and more, our eldest daughter with her retail management and merchandising training helped work out the kinks and I make the apparel and accessories.

Q: Is your company involved in the community?

If so, how?

A: Yes. We make and donate apparel, hats and booties to our local NICUs. We support our local March of Dimes, Juvenile Diabetes, Make-A-Wish, and Children’s Miracle Network and are heavily involved in infant bereavement support. You see where this is going. If it involves babies and kids, we try to jump right in and help.

Christy Woodard, owner, PanHandleBabies Infant & Children’s Boutique

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: Without a doubt, the interaction with our customers.

Over the past four years, I have laughed and cried with so many of them. We have seen the good and the bad. We have celebrated births and mourned losses, but together we have made it through. I have enjoyed watching their babies grow up and I look forward to seeing many more.

PanHandleBabies Infant & Children’s Boutique 3801 Olsen Amarillo, Texas 79109 806.467.1472

90 WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Q: What is your proudest achievement?

A: Turning tragedy into success. In 2001, I suffered a

permanent, life-changing injury, which ended my medical career. After two years of anger, self-pity and asking “Why me,” the answers came. I have learned to put my problems to the side and help others. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.

I truly believe this all happened to me because this was God’s plan.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Street Toyota Q: What got you started in this industry?

A: After moving to Amarillo from Marble Falls, Texas, my

husband felt that I needed a new car for my weekly trips back to the Hill Country to see our family. We went to Street Toyota, looked at cars and I just happened to mention that I could use a job. Before we left, we had a new car and I had a job offer!

Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I am a receptionist and I have the privilege of talking

to each customer. I want everyone to have a pleasant experience. I was shocked one day when someone asked, “You smile a lot don’t you?” and I was pleased to reply “Yes,” for I have been blessed with a heart that overflows with joy at helping others. I am also a concierge and the customer relations manager.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I enjoy visiting with each customer. When my mother

from North Dakota was in, one of our customers gave me a big hug and mother asked, “Who was that?” and I replied, “One of our customers.” I have been blessed with many new friendships.

Q: Do you have any advice to give to other women in business?

A: I would like to encourage any woman that would like a Bonnie Brakey, receptionist, Street Toyota

job to go out and apply. I was hired at age 56 after being a volunteer most of my life. If you have a big, warm smile and a willingness to please, I think you can succeed.

Q: How do you personally help your company set itself apart from competition?

A: We hire the best people available and we want our Street Toyota 4500 S. Soncy Amarillo, Texas 79119 806.355.9846

customers to have the best experience they’ve ever had. It is our privilege to service or find a vehicle to meet your needs, our goal to have you come back, and an extra bonus when you recommend us to friends and family. It is my privilege and pleasure to be a part of a caring team that aims to please.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Rachael Martin, RN, treatment coordinator, Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute, LLC

Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute, LLC Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I am a registered nurse certified in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy. My position at Texas Neuropsychiatric consists of the daily administration of TMS therapy treatments to patients. I am the coordinator of individualized treatment plans for each patient we treat at Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute, LLC.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I witness the transformation of lives everyday.

I have been blessed to meet many amazing people from all walks of life and of all ages. I have enjoyed the ability to share many journeys. Many of our patients have suffered for years with depression and I have celebrated and cried tears of joy with those who can now truly live their lives.

Q: How do you try to be a positive influence at work?

A: A positive attitude is contagious. I try to always

project a positive attitude everyday. It is especially important in this specialty to maintain a positive and encouraging environment for our patients. Attitude

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plays an important role in a patient’s response to TMS therapy.

Q: What makes your company a good place to work?

A: Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute is a great place to work. Dr. Jenkins, Dr. Sommerfeldt and Dr. Rush are all very dedicated to their patients and staff. I am part of a small team of three physicians and two nurses. We all work very well with one another and each brings a unique quality to the business. The dedication and teamwork make this a great place to work.

Q: How long has your company been in Amarillo?

A: The concept of Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute, LLC was developed in September 2009. TMS therapy was approved by the FDA in October 2008. Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute’s first patient was treated on November 11, 2009. Since the practice began, numerous patients from the Panhandle region have been treated successfully in Amarillo at TNI.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Sue Jenkins, RN, office manager, Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute, LLC

Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I am the office manager and registered nurse

at Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute, LLC. I’m one of two RN’s who administer treatments to patients with a variety of refectory neuropsychiatric diseases via a new cutting-edge technology called transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. We are forging through a new and exciting frontier of medicine. I truly love my job.

Q: What got you started in this industry?

A: I have been a registered nurse since 1983. My

scope of nursing practice has covered many areas.

My first exposure to psychiatric nursing was in 1991 with the opening of my husband’s (Michael D. Jenkins, M.D.) private practice. I was the office nurse for two very busy physicians for seven years.

I took a few years off to be a volunteer in many different areas, finally returning to my love of psychiatric nursing in 2009.

Q: What is one thing that makes working for your company unique?

A: I have been given the incredibly unique

opportunity to oversee a very busy, specialized medical practice where I witness, on a daily basis, dramatic improvement in our patients. This is a very

rare occurrence in the world of medicine, especially with the patient population who have been given little to no hope for improvement or remission.

Q: Share a favorite memory from your job.

A: My favorite memory was when the husband of

our very first patient came into our office with his wife of 37 years. She had battled major depression for 20 years. He said with a huge smile on his face and tears in his eyes, “I have my wife back after 20 years!”

Q: Do you see yourself as a leader in your company? Why?

A: Our TMS center is one of the leading treatment centers in the USA with over 600 treatments given since mid-November 2009. I am the initial contact person at TNI for individuals who are seeking information and education about the potential benefits and advantages of TMS therapy for themselves or their loved ones.

Texas Neuropsychiatric Institute, LLC 7400 Fleming Ave. Amarillo, Texas 79106 806.350.7868 www.centerfortms.net

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Graham Brothers Jewelers Q: Tell us about your current position.

A: I am the store director of Graham Brothers Jewelers.

Q: What’s one thing that makes working for your company unique?

A: I am the big sister of the two Graham brothers. Over the

years, my brothers, Perry and J.D. Graham, have encouraged me to come to Amarillo and join their team and I finally took the leap of faith. I’m so thrilled that I did. We all bring our specialized talents to the table. We took our energy and created synergy. The dynamics are awesome! What sets Graham Brothers Jewelers apart from all others is that we leave the ordinary behind by providing an extraordinary environment in which to make important decisions about fabulous jewelry.

Q: Is your company involved in the community?

A: Absolutely. The Texas Panhandle is our home. Graham

Brothers Jewelers provides support to many great causes including Circle of Friends, Amarillo Little Theatre, Lone Star Ballet, Amarillo Symphony, Harrington Cancer Center and Catholic Family Services among other numerous non-profit organizations. “For it is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis of Assisi

Q: Tell us about your educational background.

A: Bachelors of Science in Education – Stephen F. Austin State University

Masters in Education – Texas A&M University Terri Graham, store director, Graham Brothers Jewelers

Graham Brothers Jewelers 2201 Civic Circle Amarillo, Texas 79109 806.352.0080

Masters in Administration Certification – Dallas Baptist University I’m a lifelong learner.

Q: What did you do before this?

A: I lived in McKinney, Texas, and raised my beautiful daughter, Megan. I enjoyed a career as an elementary educator and administrator for the McKinney Independent School District.

Teaching children has always been my passion. Having the privilege and honor of influencing a child’s life has been my most rewarding accomplishment. There was never a dull moment.

Q: Do you have any advice to give to other women?

A: Follow your heart. It’s never too late to make a change in your life. It’s exhilarating! Take on a new challenge.

Be daring. Go for it!

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Sharon Denny Amarillo Globe-News

2010

President’s Club Inductee Presented annually to the top sales professionals within Morris Publishing Group, LLC.

Congratulations!

Morris Publishing Group, LLC

may

retro rewind

A Penny Saved Mrs. O.P. Goodman wanted to pay the physician for assisting in the birth of her daughter during the Depression in 1933, which was no small task. This Amarillo mother ended up saving 3,500 pennies for payment, which was promptly handed over to the doctor after the safe arrival of her little nine-pound bundle.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

JOIN US FOR OUR

MAY DAY EVENT SATURDAY MAY 1ST • Gourmet Food Sampling and Refreshments • Enter to Win a Juliska 4-Piece Hostess Set

Wolflin Square · 806.352.0321 littlebrownhouseamarillo.com

Entire Month of May • Receive a Free Gift with a $500 Juliska Purchase • Register Daily for a Chance to Win a Harriet large covered urn, a $395 Value Drawing will be held on Monday, May 31st

local exposure Photo courtesy of Ashley Grossman

L.O.V.E. Get a group of young girls together and there’s bound to be silliness.

(You can almost hear their laughter jump off the page.) Take a moment to remember that time – when you were as carefree as you’d ever be, wedged between childhood and womanhood, when the tiniest things made you happy and all your dreams seemed possible.

Do you have a photo to share? Upload your “Local Exposure” shots to our Flickr® group for consideration. flickr.com/groups/amarillomagazine

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

spotlight

Rhonda Dittfurth Mother, Educator, Communicator, Leader

T

his sixth-generation Texan is quick to tell any woman that if you want something bad enough, you can go out and get it. As the outreach coordinator for the Engineering and Computer Science Department at WTAMU and the president of the Amarillo Women’s Network, Rhonda Dittfurth is living proof that a mother of three can achieve higher education, a place of position and personal achievement as long as there is drive and determination.

“You know, my dad said, ‘You’re never too female to do what you want,’” says Rhonda. As for working with WT students, “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the light bulb go off.”

Through the AWN, Rhonda hopes to keep breaking down doors for women in the workplace and being an encouragement to young women in the male-dominated field of engineering. am

We want to know: My favorite meal to make from scratch is… bread. I love making bread.

The kneading is therapeutic for me and there is nothing better than fresh, hot, homemade bread and butter. Add a glass of buttermilk and it’s a meal.

If I had an open plane ticket to anywhere, I would go to… Chicago, to see another Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field.

After a long, hard day, I love to… sit on the porch and listen to the sounds of sunset.

If I were a character in a book, I would be… if it was a murder/mystery I would probably be the first victim.

You may be surprised to know that I… do pastel paintings. Someday I will get brave enough to try oils.

My guilty pleasure is… one word – chocolate!

If I had the time, I would… drive down every road in Texas and stop in every town.

My favorite bad-for-me-food is… hands down, the Texas Enchilada’s at Leal’s.

Well, that coupled with those awesome chips. Forgive me Victor, I leave nothing on the plate!

For the full story on Rhonda Dittfurth, log on to amarillomagonline.com 100 Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • May 2010

One movie I could watch over and over again is…

“For Love of the Game” with Kevin Costner.

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM.

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