37728 Altom Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe Edition

May 2020

Texas Talent

The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival

Just for Fun

Baseball Memories

Business Focus

Curves for Women

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May 2020 | Volume 9, Issue 5

The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival

Texas Talent

8

Just for Fun

Baseball Memories

18

Business Focus

24

8

24

Curves for Women

Features

Favorites

18

6

Letters from Readers

16

Star Students

7

From the Publisher

22

Pet Pals

12

Glorious Grandkids

23

Tickle My Funny Bones

13

Dear Gabby

28

What are you Reading?

14

“Seens” from Our World

29

Health Matters

Mustard Seed Moments

15 Out of the Mouths of Babes

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 5

Letters from Our Readers

Partners Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith

A New Black Swan Event?

Nassim Taleb, in his 2001 book ‘Fooled by Randomness’, described ‘Black Swan Events’ as high-profile, hard-to-predict and rare events that are beyond the realm of normal expectations in history, science, finance, and technology.

Black Swan Events are named for real-life black swans, which at one time were widely believed to not even exist. Second Century Romans even had a phrase: ‘Rara avis in terris nigroque simillima cygno’, to describe someone or something as so rare or unlikely to exist that it would be like seeing a black swan.

Centuries later, however, black swans were discovered to exist, in Australia!

Year to date, with market problems beginning around Feb. 24th, I think we can probably agree that a black swan has landed once more.

The sudden spread of the coronavirus, and the worldwide shock that it has produced, has now infected the stock market.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq both set new all-time highs recently (February 19th), and the Dow a week before that (February 12th); but since then the news has bounced positive to negative, and back again.

I want to thank you and the staff for featuring me in your magazine. I just saw the article online. I have already had many favorable comments. My son said, “Mom, that’s a great article!” It is so nice to be recognized for a lifetime of work at my passion. Thanks a bunch !

Lois Blackburne

Thank you Postcards Magazine for sharing the talent of my great niece Tanna Freedman in the Creative Corner of your April 2020 edition, “What to See in Sunsets.”

Tonie Sikes

What makes this time seem different, however, is the speed of the decline ... that’s the ‘black swan’ nature of it.

Markets & Politics: it’s a very common assumption that we will have more market volatility in a national election year. Like it or not, economics is now politics and politics is economic. That was already the case before coronavirus, and it is growing even more so.

• In addition to emergency response spending, look for billions in tax cuts, grants and transfer payments if virus containment measures push the economy toward recession.

• Coronavirus will accelerate deglobalization and encourage even more export controls.

Thank you for posting the event cancellations and updates on your Facebook page.

Frances Castillo

• Policymakers will worry about over-reliance on China.

• New policies may try to promote telehealth services and remote work and discourage large gatherings.

• Just as 9/11 begat the TSA, this disease could generate new proposals impacting borders, airlines, cruise ships and public events.

• The fact that uninsured/underinsured people are now a hazard to everyone may affect health care policy debates.

• The 2020 election may become a referendum on President Trump’s crisis management.

• Public health measures could reshape how political campaigns are waged and financed.

• Public rallies may become scarce.

• Any troubled businesses that lay off workers could come under attack from both Trump tweets and House Democrats.

• State governors will need to work with the President regardless of party, a potential challenge for some.

Bottom Line: Politicians learned long ago to never let a crisis go to waste. All these changes are possible, if not likely, even if coronavirus proves less severe than many think.

In closing: One acronym I saw years ago, was that FEAR, really stood for False Expectations Appearing Real.

As always, no crystal ball here, and only the Good Lord knows, what the future holds, but in the meantime, as to your money….and ours….we continue to follow a very rigid process, following trends, and data / fact driven information, positive & negative indicators, and which parts or all of the strategies that we employ need changing…all while our clients “Live Life on Purpose” and pursue their goals!

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6 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | May 2020

A shining light. A light of peace, a light of happiness, a light of freedom, a light of togetherness. It’s a light that shines bright to help bring peace, happiness, freedom, togetherness among each one of us. Thank you, Postcards Magazine.

Jesse Fitzgerald Scott

No Shortage of New Perspective Over the past month, we have lived in a world very different from that to which we are accustomed…a quieter world…a more distant world, yet more connected than ever. Just the other night, my entire family (mother, brothers, sisters-in-law, and all the grandchildren) chatted together on a video call. I’m not even sure “The Jetsons” had video conference calls! It was wonderful to see everyone, and the younger children thought it was great fun, as did I. This call did make me think--our entire family normally sees each other only once or twice a year. Even then, there are those who are sometimes unable to join us for various reasons. The end of April is not a time we would normally get together, but the fact that we CAN’T makes us painfully aware of how much we love each other and want to be together. I hope we continue to make the time and effort to be together – whether in person or virtually. In fact, I’ve thought about several things I think we may be learning from this time of quarantine.

From the Publisher Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

how much our teachers do, and I hope they have a renewed commitment as parents to support our educators.

I hope we appreciate the freedom we have to come together and worship. I hope we don’t take that for granted again. I hope that, when the church doors re-open, empty seats will be few.

I hope that new habits have been created--those of taking time for yourself to read, to exercise, to meditate. I hope those habits continue and are a priority when this is over.

I hope we remember to support our small business owners and neighbors. I hope you think when making a purchase to choose to shop where it will impact a local family. I hope you remember it is not Amazon who supports the Little League teams.

I hope we have more patience and more empathy. I hope we are able to focus on what is truly important.

And…I hope all the flowers I’ve planted will survive the summer.

We are in this together, and I hope we all come out of this better versions of ourselves.

I hope we have learned to appreciate our teachers. I hope the parents who have been required to handle homeschool duties realize

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 7

H

Artists from The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Part Two

By Mike Yawn

Texas is replete with arts communities, offering the state’s arts lovers much to choose from. The difficulty, however, is navigating the Lone Star State’s endless highways just to get from, say, Dallas to Marfa (eight hours…). Fortunately, the state also has numerous art festivals that allow visitors to find all their art in one place.

One of the best of these festivals is The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, which, following an extensive jury-selection process, features some 200 talented artists from Texas and (well) beyond. In this special edition of (Mostly) Texas Talent, we highlight three artists appearing at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival: Christina Smith, the Festival’s 2020 “Featured Artist”; ceramicist Debra Steidel, from Wimberley, Texas; and sculptor/jeweler Rita Marie Ross, from Austin, Texas.

This year’s festival was postponed due to Coronavirus concerns and has been rescheduled for October 1718. More information about the festival and The Woodlands Arts Council can be found on their website: https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/.

Debra Steidel www.steidelfineart.com

Debra Steidel lives and works in Wimberley, Texas, where she owns Steidel Fine Art Gallery. On display are dozens of her beautiful sculptures featuring clay, porcelain, and glass. For the past decade, she has been devoted to “the perfection of the lidded vessel,” but her entire body of work is characterized by its sympathy with nature, elegant curvature, and beauty.

You are a self-taught artist. Describe how you developed in the 1980s. I was a mother with two children, and it wasn’t easy to

be a mother and a professional artist, but when my children were a bit older, I was able to go out and do the art fairs and public galleries.

I did a lot of art at an early age, drawing and painting, but I just had Now, I do about two dozen shows a year. an urge to use a potter’s wheel. At 18, that’s what I decided to do, so I bought a wheel, and I used the same wheel for 40 years before it gave Every show is different, but how do most art festivals out a few years ago.

a love of art.

Do you still have it?

Yes. It’s in a little shrine, sitting in the garden.

work?

Typically, you’ll submit images of your work and your booth, and then you hope the selection panel picks you.

You’ve been doing art for your entire adult life. At what How much does it cost an artist to enter a festival? point in your career did you become a self-sustaining professional artist?

I started making a living—not a great living—as a professional artist

8 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | May 2020

It depends on the show, but for a good one, it will cost somewhere between $400 and $1,000. Of course, you have other expenses as well.

What makes for a good art festival?

Well, The Woodlands Festival is really nice. It has the support of the local community; the town is attractive; and, for the artists, practical things such as the proximity of restaurants and hotels can be important.

Are the festivals your primary source of art-related income, or do you get more from galleries and online sales?

About 90 percent of my sales come from art fairs, but that varies by artist.

Your work can be quite intricate and elaborate.

Shadow Dancers

Can that be conveyed effectively online?

I think it’s difficult. If people have seen my work in person, they can often pick out a piece they like online. But if they’ve never seen my work in person, I am not sure how much an online viewer is able to assess the worth of the art, which is more than the sum of the work and materials.

Speaking of materials, describe the different ceramic materials you employ.

I use several different clays. I use a porcelain; I use a white stoneware, which I blend with porcelain for my vessels; and I use a fiber clay, which I also blend with porcelain for some of the larger sculpted pieces.

In the last five years or so, I began working with a glass foundry to make the lids for my vessels. I make the original lid pieces out of clay, and I send that to the foundry, then they use a lost-wax process Cornu Glacial to replicate the lids using glass.

Why is glass preferable specifically for the lids?

I like the translucency of glass. My vision was to permit light to come through and have people see the light interact with the piece.

What are some of your influences with glass?

Emile Galle and Rene Lalique. They used a similar technique for casting the glass, very different from hand-blown glass. Lalique was part of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.

Your work has Art Nouveau elements. What appeals to you about that style?

The elegance of the forms. The forms are organic, inspired by nature. I believe nature is endlessly inspiring, and it is where I get most of my ideas.

Rita Marie Ross

www.ritamarieross.com

Rita Marie Ross grew up in Sandusky, Ohio, before weather and artistic opportunity brought her to Austin, Texas, where she has spent the last three decades. Relying on “persistence, curiosity, and a hot flame,” she creates jewelry and sculpture, an exercise in what she calls “raw creativity.”

You grew up in a small Midwestern town. What kind of support was provided for the arts?

I was fortunate, because our school had an amazing arts program. I was able to do jewelry, loom weaving, leather, and painting. We also had amazing teachers.

»

May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 9

How did you pursue art following high school?

I found a local mentor who taught me how to cut stones and offered a few silversmithing techniques. I was hooked! Shortly thereafter, I moved to Athens, Ohio, and my neighbor taught me how to weave baskets. Much of my work reflects those experiences.

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Tell us about the influence he

had on you and the working relationship the two of you forged.

When I met Daryl, I said, “This is the person who will teach me sculpture.” Of course, he didn’t know that, but I did! I was doing jewelry and baskets at the time, but Daryl suggested I weave copper wire. Once I began, there was no turning back. Daryl passed away in 2011, but he influenced my process extensively. We opened a few art galleries together, the most notable probably being Laughing at the Sun in Austin.

At what point do you think you became a “professional artist” as opposed to an amateur artist or apprentice?

I have been working in metal since the late 1970s and teaching jewelry classes in my studio. But sometime around 2003, I think, I had developed into a fully professional artist. It takes a while: you have to pay your dues, do something long enough to have a context for your work, and know where your creativity comes from. Eventually, you develop your own style and people recognize your work.

Your style, particularly in its intricacy, is distinctive, but you utilize different media and forms.

What inspires your artistic diversity?

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Nature moves me the most. As an example, spirals occur in nature, and you see a lot of those forms in my work. I also incorporate emotions into my work. Daryl encouraged me: “Rita, if you can put emotion into your work, you will never be

Vortex

um silver. On the second day of that workshop, I said, “That’s it. I am getting rid of all my sterling silver and using Argentium!” I love it so much, I became a certified instructor. Argentium is tarnish resistant and is fused instead of soldered.

How many art shows do you typically participate in annually?

When I began doing larger pieces and running a gallery, it wasn’t easy to do the art shows. But I am moving back into that, and last year I won three awards at shows. So, I have a few shows lined up for the spring, and I am very excited about the SculptFest in Round Rock, Art City Austin, and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. I love art, and I love seeing how it changes people.

How has art changed you?

Commission

Sometimes I’ll get frazzled when I am working on a piece, but I look around, take all the art in, and it has a calming effect. People come bored, because you are expressing your own creativity.” Nature, with into the studio or booth to view the work and they just slow down. its colors, forms, and textures, inspires my work, physically and emoIt happened to me, and I hope what people experience while viewing tionally. I am always experimenting, looking for new ways to combine my work is a sense of peace, curiosity, or just a moment to be thoughts and materials. absorbed in something completely.

Tell us about the materials you use for your sculptures.

I mostly use recycled copper wire and color the metal with acid patinas and metallic paints. I also like to incorporate aluminum to add some white in a piece. Also, the aluminum is very light, which is helpful when working with some of the larger sculptures. What materials

work best for your jewelry?

Well, I used sterling silver predominantly for many years, but about six years ago, I took an intensive workshop on Argenti-

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May is such an awesome month. Any month that hosts Mother’s Day and the National Day of Prayer has to be good.

Since I’ve been spending a lot of time at home lately, I’ve been cleaning out everything--and I mean everything. To make sure I hadn’t missed anything, I even took a decongestant and a laxative. I really don’t know why I bother with spring cleaning. I’ll just have to do it again next year. Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com/ share for some downhome advice from someone who’s probably been there, done that, and found out what you shouldn’t do.

Thank you!

DEAR GABBY I just met this girl, and something has happened to me. I’m spending money I don’t have and making promises I never thought I would.

If I even think that she is thinking about something she wants, I feel like I have to make sure she has it.

What is wrong with me?

BAFFLED DEAR BAFFLED The brain is the most amazing organ! It works for 24 hours, 365 days, right from your birth until you fall in love. That’s my diagnosis.

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CONFIDENTIAL TO PROUD MEMBER OF THE DEEP END: The parallels between your life and mine are uncanny; I didn’t know where my Father was until after he died in his late 80s. I, too, even had a Welsh Princess in my ancestry, who was kidnapped. I understand now how you felt about finding out about “the other side of the family.” Genealogy opened a lot of doors for me, also.

My take on Plain Jane was she was jealous of the time/energy her friend was spending with the clubs. As always, when people are having issues or confrontations, I try to diffuse the situation with humor.

I sincerely regret that my advice was offensive to you. My intent is to make people smile about their problems and possibly lighten up enough to see them clearly. Please accept my apology and continue to do your good work.

Thank you to all the healthcare workers, EMTs and all essential employees who are working hard every day during this outbreak.

We appreciate every single one of you!

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May 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 13

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Star Students

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Favorite Movie: The Green Arrow Favorite Music/Artist: Hip-Hop; Rap Favorite Food: Mexican

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Favorite Quote: “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready.”

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Favorite Movie: Overcomer Favorite Music/Artist: Christian Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese

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“The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall all alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.”

--Bart Giamatti, former Baseball Commissioner

Diam nds in Our Eyes

By Mike Yawn

This year, baseball stopped early, another casualty of the COVID-19 virus. On March 12, with all the hopefulness of a Cubs’ fan in Spring Training, Major League Baseball delayed the opening of the season for at least “two weeks.” More than a month later, the season is still on hold, leaving baseball fans without their national pastime (at a time when there is much time to be passed).

To help fans get through this dark time, Postcards reached out to members of the community to share their favorite baseball memories. It is, we hope, a reminder that, while “Love is the most important thing in the world,” as Yogi Berra once said, “baseball is pretty good, too.”

18 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | May 2020

Tom Waddill worked for The Huntsville Item for 20 years and is now a realtor in Walker and Montgomery counties. His favorite team, unfathomably, is the Boston Red Sox—although, in public, he quickly adds that the Astros are his second favorite team and the Rangers his third favorite team. (Author’s note: I have not been around him in Dallas to see if he reverses his second and third favorite teams….)

It is odd, springtime without Opening Day. I capitalize Opening Day, because I’m one of those baseball nuts who believes it ought to be a national holiday. Well, this year some of us didn’t go to work on Opening Day. Ballplayers didn’t hit the field for work, either. Strange days.

Two memories stand out as favorites. Many years back, the Red Sox opened the season with a road game against the Rangers in Arlington.

Fans gobbled up tickets like 25-cent hot dogs and free nachos. I called the ticket office, and, fortunately, I was blessed with the friendliest and most helpful ticket lady ever. I told her I wanted to take my mom and wife to our first Opening Day game. We got wonderful seats behind home plate.

The Longhorn Band, or a mini version of it anyway, handled the pregame entertainment; jets soared through the bright, blue sky at the conclusion of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Our beloved Red Sox won the game, I think, and we all had a huge time at our favorite place to hang out.

Another favorite memory also involves family. We had a mini-family reunion at a playoff game in Houston. The Sox and Astros — probably the best two teams in baseball in 2018 — battled for the American League pennant. Boston led the series the night we all met at Minute Maid Park.

Sister Sue, brother-in-law Eddie and brother Dan drove many miles to see the game with me, my wife, Stephie, and our son, Johnnie.

Johnnie was the only one who believed the Bosox would get the job done and close out the series that night. He had faith in David Price, and sure enough, Price performed like a champ, outdueling Justin Verlander that evening.

The Red Sox won 108 games that year, and they went on to win the World Series, 4-1 over the Dodgers. It was a wonderful season—and it was even more wonderful that I had a chance to see them in person and surrounded by family. I hope all those things happen again soon.

Coach Jay Sirianni is the head coach for the Sam Houston State University Bearkats baseball team. He previously worked as a coach at UT-Arlington; Barton County Community College; and he played college baseball at Texas A&M and the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.

In 1999-2000, he played minor league ball in the Cleveland Indians’ farm system.

This is the first spr in g without baseball in my life.

My dad was a college coach for a long time, and being without it now makes for a very different spring.

The first memory is the 1985 World Series, when the Cardinals played the Royals—the so-called “I-70 series” or “Show-Me Series,” since both teams were from Missouri, the “Show-Me State.” I was a Cardinals fan, and it was Game 7.

Unfortunately, the Coach Jay Sirianni Cards lost, but it

Tom Waddill & Family remains a highlight, because I had a chance to see my favorite team in-person at the World Series, and I got to see them with my dad.

My second favorite memory is when SHSU won the Regional Tournament in Lubbock in 2017. We beat the Red Raiders in back-to-back games to advance to the Super Regional, and just remembering that scene—seeing our kids celebrate—gives me chills.

Austin Hall is the head baseball coach of New Caney High School.

Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach for New Caney and an assistant (football) coach at Marshall— where he also went to high school, playing both football and baseball.

I have so many memories of baseball, but two really stand out to me. One o cc ur red in 2001, when I was in 8th grade.

I was watching Coach Austin Hall Marshall High School play Lufkin High School, and Colt Griffin was pitching for Marshall.

He would end up being selected in the 9th round of the Amateur Baseball draft that summer. Starting for Lufkin was Robert Ray, who would go on to Texas A&M and eventually play for the Toronto Blue Jays. It was a hot, muggy night, and there were Major League scouts all over the place.

Twice that night Griffin hit triple digits on the radar gun. I was in awe of the two pitchers, and it was great to be in attendance at a game where the entire crowd was hanging on every pitch.

My second memory was game 6 of the 2011 World Series, an epic duel between the Rangers and the Cardinals. I’ve been a life-long fan of the Rangers, and, accordingly, have experienced much misery, watching them lose year-in and year-out. This year was the opportunity to exorcise those baseball demons and see the Rangers win it all.

I was driving home from coaching a sub-varsity football game, listening on the radio. I’m a baseball purist, and I love listening to the sport

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 19

on the radio, and especially a game called by Hall of Famer Eric Nadel. I pulled into my driveway in the bottom of the 9th, when the Rangers were leading by two, with two outs, two men on base, and David Freese at bat.

He hit the ball to right field—a catch and squeeze of the glove by Nelson Cruz would end it, and I would have heard the Rangers’ first World Series victory. Unfortunately, that’s not how it ended, but I listened to the whole thing, to the bottom of the 11th. It was one of the greatest games in World Series history. I remember it for the heartache and the excitement, a combination of emotions that makes baseball beautiful.

Ron Eastman is the legendary baseball coach of The Woodlands High School. He has coached for more than 30 years, has won multiple state championships, and was inducted into the National High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. More than two dozen of his players have been drafted by Major League teams.

I grew up in Southern California, and I was a Dodgers and an Angels fan.

Anytime my dad and I were able to go to a game involving either team was a special time, and I remember those games and the joy we shared.

Of course, being a baseball coach for 33 years has also produced memories and special moments.

Coach Ron Eastman Winning the State

Championship in 2006 and 2013 (when I was a head coach) and in 2000 (when I was an assistant coach), those were probably the most special times.

But, actually, it is an honor every time our team steps on a practice or game field, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

As a spectator, my favorite memory of baseball is watching Game One of the 1988 World Series on television. It was the Dodgers vs. the A’s, with the A’s up in the 9th, and baseball’s best closer, Dennis Eckersley, in the game to close it out. The injured Kirk Gibson came in to pinch hit, and he hit a two-run walk-off home run to win the game.

(Author’s Note: Gibson’s home run is one of the most famous in all of baseball. With a torn left hamstring and an injured right knee, Gibson was not expected to play—and, indeed, his pinch-hitting appearance was his only at bat in the World Series. Despite these injuries, he hit a dramatic home run, and his trot around the bases involved an unusual combination of limping and celebrating, all to the perfectly modulated call of Vin Scully: “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.”)

Frank Minton was drafted the same year (1955) and by the same organization (Dodgers) as Sandy Koufax. Minton pitched for three years in the minor leagues, compiling a 37-20 record with an ERA of 3.24 for the Dodgers’ farm system. In his first year in the minor leagues, he also had a .336 batting average in more than 100 at bats—good for a position player, great for a pitcher. But even before his playing days, he had felt the pull of religion, and the tension between baseball and becoming a preacher was real. Despite being offered a baseball contract for 1958, Minton declined, and he pursued the pastorate. He was a full-time pastor for more than 50 years. Now in his mid-80s, he still speaks of baseball and church with an audible joy and much vigor.

My favorite baseball memory takes me to childhood, when my father surprised my twin brother and me by saying, “Let’s go to the ball game!” Very seldom did dad do anything like this! We rode with him in our 1947 Plymouth,

Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End

20 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | May 2020

enjoying the ride primarily because the destination was a ballpark, where we would watch baseball together, as a family. It’s hard not to enjoy a baseball game, and the hot dogs, Cracker Jack, and soda made it all the better. It didn’t matter who played or who won: what mattered was that we were together.

Going to that baseball game made me love my father and baseball more than ever.

One of my favorite memories of playing baseball Frank Minton was when I hit a home run in the minor leagues. I only hit one home run in my three years in professional baseball, and I wasn’t expected to do much with the bat. I was a pitcher. But you can’t get up to bat without having a desire to, just once, knock it out of the park. I was the most surprised guy on the diamond, and that jog around the bases was one of my most enjoyable.

Reverend Minton is not the only one who finds a connection of sorts between baseball and religion. Indeed, President Herbert Hoover noted,

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“Next to religion, baseball has had a greater impact on our American way of life than any other American institution.”

It is noteworthy that, while other sports are played in stadia, arenas, or rinks, baseball is played in a park. The word “park” is derived from the Latin “paridisus,” which means: “a park, an orchard; the Garden of Eden; the abode of the blessed,” and there you have it.

The allusion to Eden is not misplaced. We know from the Bible, for example, that God was a baseball fan. Indeed, the first words of the Bible are: “In the big inning, God created heaven and earth.” A big inning, indeed.

And so at Postcards, we wish all of you a quick and safe resolution from the COVID-19 pandemic, and for all the baseball fans, we hope that you can soon embrace the “sunshine and high skies” and join your family and friends in a ballpark, the “abode of the blessed.”

“Baseball is like church.

Many attend; few understand.”

--Leo Durocher, former baseball player & Hall of Fame manager

Mike Yawn (@mike_yawn) teaches at SHSU For more information on the College of Arts & Media visit www.shsu.edu/CAM

May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 21

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By Janet Davidson

“I love to solve problems; I like puzzles; I love helping people and being around people,” the owner of the Huntsville and Conroe Curves gyms shared, explaining how this dynamic lady with a degree in computer science came to be an enthusiastic proponent of a unique way of working out specifically targeted for women. Proud Bearkat Tish Humphrey possesses an entrepreneurial spirit that has contributed to our community through numerous avenues.

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Tish coaches Mel on proper form.

24 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | May 2020

Tish Humphrey - Owner

In 2000, Tish and a friend joined the Huntsville Curves with a gift certificate that had been purchased through a Sam Houston Football Auction. “I fell in love with the concept! Although my mom is a wonderful example of staying active and exercising, I hadn’t worked out in 20 years,” Tish noted. In 2000, Tish bought her first Curves, which was one of the fastest growing franchises. Her husband told her that she should buy the Willis location as well. “So, at this time, I had two businesses, two kids, a marriage, and a full-time job. God was so involved with these opportunities.”

Last year, Curves North America, New Zealand, and Australia was bought by Krishea Holloway, who Tish believes was probably 18 years-old when she bought her first Curves. As the President, last year, she introduced the MyCurves on Demand workout.” As a club owner, Tish questioned why the company was encouraging people to workout at home; however, this foresight had set in motion what women would need as Covid-19 altered the reality for many of the gym members. “We have an at-home option that interfaces with the Curves philosophy.”

When ladies moved away from their cities or when a Curves closed in their area, this program allowed them to continue their health journey.

MyCurves on Demand is an online portal where anyone can get access as a member. It comes with a resistance band that is soft and safety tested. It is $24.99 a month for non-Curves members; Curves members get a discount. It is hard sometimes for working moms; they might be able to make it to the club a couple of days a week, but they want the consistency of what Curves is. Curves is 30-minutes; Curves is fun, fast, and safe. The coach is always there training you. The videos are made by ‘real women’--members, owners--so it is relatable”, Tish stated. Another advantage is that a person can use MyCurves on Demand when they travel; taking the band

and logging in when someone is traveling keeps that person from having to work out in a hotel gym.

She went on to say, “I have tried so many things in this setting that I would never have tried in a traditional gym. A lot of women feel like me; I can be silly here; I can be myself. When I purchased Curves, I was 30 pounds heavier. Curves changed my life! I learned that dieting is not a way of life.” Curves produced a book in 2002 called Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting. The paradigm of most gyms is intimidating to most women. Many people aren’t sure how to do the exercises, and they are too embarrassed to ask someone for help. Curves has all the traditional offerings of cardio, boxing, balance, etc. that can meet the needs of a young lady who is fifteen or a wise woman who is ninety. “A twenty-year-old can work out with her forty-five-year-old mom, who is working out with her seventy-year-old mom in the midst of this pandemic,” Tish added. They encourage everyone to keep working out so as not to lose muscle mass, which helps with balance, health, a stronger immune system, etc.

The 30-minute Curves workout is based on five components: Warm Up, Cardio, Strength, Cool Down and Stretch. The upper and lower body are worked out through concentric and eccentric movements. “We go through a circuit: you go from band/machine work to body movement, then you go back to strength training. You go back and forth, and then you start cooling down and then go to stretching. Stretching is critical.

You get a 19% strength gain by stretching,” Tish explained.

Tish has been able to marry her computer programmer mind with her heart to help and love on people. “In Curves, the coaches and I get to interact with people; we get to listen to them. We get to get into their hearts and find out what it is that makes them

»

Curves coaches (starting with closest and clockwise): Fran Balko, Melanie Michaelchuk, Kaylie Perez, Tish Humphrey, Deborah O’Barr, and Cindy Hardy. Not pictured: Jami Slott, Jill Nowell and Mary Kay Skinner May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 25

Melinda C. before

“On Facebook, we have free workouts that are available to everyone in the community”

want to lose weight, to be healthier.” Some of the members want to be able to play with grandkids or not be a burden to their families.

Tish’s amazing coaches are Cindy Hardy, Kaylie Perez, Melanie Michaelchuk , Deborah O’Barr, Fran Balko, Melinda C. after Jami Slott, Jill Nowell and Mary Kay Skinner.

One member, Shirley, joined Curves after beating cancer. She wanted to be strong enough to make a trip with her family. Another lady, Melanie, was an active person before joining Curves. Since joining, she lost 40+ pounds and has since climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Client Melinda C. recently celebrated her year anniversary and proudly shares her weight-loss/health journey on

Facebook.

The members of this club enjoy the monthly coaching that keeps them accountable.

“While we are closed, we are helping our members set goals, helping them through struggles, sending classes online and on Facebook. We are also offering something to the community. Depression can hold people back. We are reminding people to celebrate their downtime.

On Facebook, we have free workouts that are available to everyone in the community,” Tish & Mel Tish said.

Although health and fitness a re the main priorities of this institution, Cur ves also contributes to the community in several ways.

The Assistance League Montgomery County is actively recruiting retired (or almost retired) men to give back and make a difference in transformng lives and strengthening the community we live in. Got brains, brawn and a heart of gold?

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Tish during the Food Drive Basket Parade

“We are community!

We are a beacon!”

During the current pandemic, Curves has concentrated on “loving our neighbor” and helping people. “While we are closed, we are calling people to see if they need anything. Even our members have called us and said, ‘Hey! If you hear of somebody who needs something, please tell me; I want to help!’” Curves also does an annual food drive each year.

This year, they decided to include local businesses. They did a Basket Parade down Highway 75 in Huntsville. “We called all the businesses and told them what we were doing. These businesses got to participate in a big way. We were able to contribute around 400 pounds of food to the Good Shepherd Mission. Even though we moved our Willis location to Conroe, we continue to support the TLC Food Pantry. We were able to give almost 250 pounds of food to them before the more restrictive measures were put in place,” Tish offered.

Tish mentioned that some women drive a good distance to go to her clubs. “Once you get Curves in your blood, you know the difference!

The strength training is going to help keep you strong and help you feel good. It is hard to give it up. Members who have left and tried other things come back and say, ‘I wish that I had never left!’ It is like family!”

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Health Matters

By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA, and GOB (Good Ole Boy)

Let’s Address and Outguess the Stress of the COVID Mess When we experience major second-rate lifestyle changes, the body’s reaction is STRESS. Stress can be motivating to act, as in work situations, but when significant stress lingers, it results in depression and can damage health. The stressed body becomes awash in harmful hormones. Social distancing has altered the lives of many Americans more than ever before (not to mention the virus and unceasing negative news barrages).

Foremost, we need accurate reasoning for perspective. Recall your roughest times, how you persisted and arose stronger afterward.

As notable minister Robert Schuller said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” AMEN Carefully follow guidelines for avoiding COVID. Then take heart that, having done all you can, your chances of becoming sick are insignificant, and worrying will not help. It might even lower your immunity (which you do not want).

Laughter emits feel good hormones (termed endorphins) which counteract harmful stress hormones. GO AWAY! Scientific studies revealed depression and stress were reduced after laughter classes.

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Scientific studies also show effectiveness from stress buster mindfulness. Find a quiet spot, sit upright, place hands on lap, close eyes, and concentrate on your body sensations. Feel your chest lifting as breath enters your nose then lungs and feel an unhurried exhale.

Feel your feet and proceed up the body concentrating on different areas.

Try this for several minutes until your mind is at peace.

If your gym is closed, exercise regularly by walking, jogging, or bicycling in your neighborhood. Keep your core strong (which keeps posture decent) by plank exercises. See the web and start carefully.

Do chores such as yardwork or gardening. Read books or do puzzles.

Mood is better when active. KEEP OCCUPIED! Restrain the COVID news you read or watch; much does not apply to those remaining healthy by appropriate protective measures. CDC and medical schools are good info sites, but much other is often distorted.

Studies conclude religious participation has protective effects in times of stress caused by negative life events. STRESS BEGONE!

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Mustard Seed Moments

Trusting God with Our Lives

By Linda W. Perkins

I was nine years old when I walked down the aisle and declared Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I loved God with all my heart and would spend hours reading my Bible. Knowing I was already a bit of a worrywart, I claimed Philippians 4:6 “Do not worry about anything, but instead pray about everything” as my favorite verse. And yet, it wasn’t until many years later that I truly began to understand what it was to place my life in God’s hands.

My early faith life consisted of saying I trusted the Lord, but still trying to control everything myself. My prayers consisted mostly of requests for my plans to succeed. At some point, however, I came to the realization that all my best-laid plans weren’t working out too well.

Some just didn’t happen, and others were complete disasters.

bigger purpose for the way things were working out. Perhaps God had something better in store, or he wanted to teach me something from the situation. Often, he needed me to see that it wasn’t all about me; there were others to consider as well. The biggest lesson God wanted me to learn, though, was just to trust him – in good times, in bad times – ALL the time.

When life is confusing and circumstances are difficult, that is when we need our faith the most. Even when Jesus was at his lowest moment, knowing he would soon be crucified, he wept at his circumstances, but was still willing to surrender His will to the Father’s. He knew about the pain that was coming, but he also knew the Resurrection would follow.

Don’t worry about anything, but instead pray about everything.

God’s got this, no matter how things turn out.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” – Ephesians 3:17

When I came to the end of myself, I realized I had to let go and let God direct the show. I had to trust that, even when things weren’t going my way, that didn’t mean he had abandoned me. It meant he had a

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