Natural Texan

JUNE/JULY

2015

LIFE IN THE PINES OF SHELBY COUNTY

SEEDS

OF SUMMER

naturaltexan.net

Certified Natural Health Professional

Style

EAST TEXAS

NAT U R A L

Editor Gabrielle West Managing Editor Kayla West Photographer Ronna McSwain Contributing Photographers Jennifer Raymond Bambi Wilburn Contributing Writers Jheri Lynn McSwain Chloe Brown Kristen Chumbley Ann Blackwell Dustin Bridges

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editor’s letter Never in a million years did I think that I would have ended up being raised in Shelby County, deep in the Bluebonnet state of Texas. I was born in Louisiana, but was blessed enough to end up in Texas at a young age. Once you have lived here all your life it’s kind of hard to leave a special place like East Texas. I am now married to an amazing man, Chase West and spend most of my time raising our precious little girl Codi Grace in these tall pines. I would not have it any other way. Our precious daughter just turned one in February and she is a cowgirl to the fullest. I mean what other child, besides an East Texas kid, gets a horse for their first birthday? I owe most of this thanks to her daddy, Uncle Kerry and Aunt Florence West.

East Texas is such a graceful place to live and I would never change it for the world.

Regardless of my origins and upbringing, Shelby County,is the reason I decided to create this magazine. I have always wanted a way to tell my story and the many stories of my community, but who has 25 years to listen to me talk? Well after graduating, going to work, and experiencing the real world I chose to create my magazine Natural Texan. With the Lord on my side and a wonderful supportive husband and mother I have been able to make my dream of starting a magazine come true. My goal is to tell the stories of East Texas and Shelby County because I believe that is what truly makes my home one of kind. I hope that you are able to experience the comfort and honesty of the diverse communities in the south.

With the Lord on my side and a wonderful supportive husband and mother I have been able to make my dream of starting a magazine come true.

This is the first issue and the Lord couldn’t have planned it any better, so I owe it all to him. It is summer and the rodeo and Watermelon Festival are the best way to kick off a magazine that explores the life of those in Shelby County.. As you read the first issue “SEEDS OF SUMMER,” I hope you get a feel of Shelby County and can picture it right before your eyes. I look forward to telling stories of East Texas and the wonderful people that live there for many years to come. .

Editor,

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NATURAL TEXAN

Codi Grace West Cover Photo by : Ronna McSwain

departments

ON THE COVER

p16

9

p6

RODEO

Life

Saddle up and get ready to ride at the 62nd Annual Sheriff Posse Rodeo.

15 p10 p23

ORGANIC

Home

When it comes to the skin of our children, we need to think a little differently.

21

HEALTH &

Fitness

Learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable because after all, that is where champions are made.

25

EAST TEXAS

Style

This summer is all about lace, fringe & graphic tees at Southern Charm!

p18

p26

28

GRACE & GIGGLES

Kids

LOVING LACE! JUNE/JULY 2015

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No. 5

The Seeds Of Summer are here, during this time of year we have seeds to plant grass:flowers, vegetables, and fruit. There are certain seeds that bring up pure sweetness and you can’t resist them. What would summer be without the juicy red watermelons, two words that go great together watermelon and summer.

No. No. 66

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Before the summer is over be sure to get your Seeds Of Summer and enjoy. Codi has already gotten a little taste of summer as you can see she cant Resist the watermelons this year.

By: JJ Ford Rotary Club President

Hope you enjoy Seeds Of Summer along with the annual what-a-melon festival.

26th Annual

What-A-Melon Festival Brings Summer Fun Downtown

THURSDAY

> Gates opening at 5pm. > Enjoy carnival rides, a variety of vendors, and live music under the big tent.

Thursday night’s entertainment includes a line up of great gospel music!

FRIDAY

> Rides start at 3pm. > A crowd favorite, the What-A-Melon Pet Show,

will be held under the big tent followed by more live entertainment.

SATURDAY

> 4th Annual What-A-Melon Run starts at 7am.

Each year proceeds from the 5K benefit a local group or organization. The 5K has helped in the past the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Center Softball Association, and Shelby County Scouting.

> Seed Spitting Contest begins at 4pm.

followed by the Watermelon Speed Eating Contest under the big tent.

> Weighing in of Shelby County’s biggest watermelons begins at 5pm.

- The ‘biggest’ event of the festival.

Find out who wins the honor of growing Shelby County’s Largest Watermelon!

> Annual What-A-Melon Pageant starts at 6pm!

Girls 0-15 years and boys 0-5 years compete in their favorite watermelon or summer attire.

> Live entertainment once again takes the stage to close the festival.

JUNE/JULY JUNE/JULY 2015 2015

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RODEO

Life

Saddle up and get ready to ride at the 62nd Annual Sheriff Posse Rodeo.

JUNE/JULY 2015

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No. 9

RODEO Annual Shleby County Shetiff Posse

TOP #1 RODEO SPONSORS:

Wright Chysler Dodge Jeep Klein Brothers Rodeo No.No. 10 10 | | NATURAL NATURAL TEXAN TEXAN

LIELA KLEIN

JUNE/JULY 2015

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No. 11

EAST TEXAS RUSTLERS

IN MEMORY COLE DEPRIEST

Cole’s passion for horses and rodeo was very obvious to those around him. Cole was a member and leader of the National Champion East Texas Equestrian Rustler Drill Team and an active member of the PYRA.

EAST TEXAS ROUGHRIDERS

ast Texas

QUESTRIAN DRILL TEAMS EAST TEXAS YOUNG GUNS

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Cole was not just a cowboy but also a beast on the basebal field. You could always count on Cole to be on an all star team at the end of every baseball season. If he wasnt in boots, spurs and a cowboy hat riding around with his grandfather taking care of the cattle, you would be sure to find him in cleats and a baseball cap. There were many times that you found him in his baseball uniform with his boots riding horses.

The Cole-Man Scholarship Foundation has been founded to support hard working individuals that portray selfless service, outgoing personalities just like those of Cole’s and also those who have the drive and motivation to further their education in remembrance of our hero, Cole-Man.

gofundme.com/ColeManScholarship

The Rodeo Queen contest has been a favorite event for the Shelby County Sheriff Posse Rodeo for many years. Her shiny outfits, colored hats, and boots make her very easy to spot. But be assured that the Rodeo Queen is not just a pretty girl with big Texas hair. She is smart and can outride most cowboys. She can tell you more about rodeo event rules and regulations along with the penalties for livestock treatment She knows where the rodeos are and who their champions are for the past 50 years (both cowboys and livestock). She does this all without batting an eye. The contests in which these girls compete are among the toughest competitions they will ever enter. The must give prepared speeches, take written tests, and participate in several personal interview and impromptu question sessions. Her knowledge must not only include rodeo material, but current world events. She must also compete in horsemanship which requires that she work with unfamiliar horses. She must do all of this while looking like a million bucks and have a smile on her face. So the next time you see a Rodeo Queen, just know she is one of a kind and deserves much respect.

These three young ladies have served in these roles for 2 years because the Rodeo Queen contest was not held last year. But the contest is here this year and time is at hand. Local contestants ages 5 to 23 are encouraged to enter. There are three age groups: Princess group for ages 5 to 10, the Duchess group for ages 11to15, and the Queen group for ages 16 to 23.

The contest is open to any young lady in Texas, but local entries are highly sought and encouraged. A queen preparation clinic will be held for contestants once they have entered. The clinic will be conducted by the contest coordinator, Ann Blackwell. However, anyone wishing to attend the clinic will be allowed to do so. That date will be published later.

For more information on the contest, contact: Ann Blackwell at tablackwell@yahoo.com or 936-590-9126, 936-590-1855 JUNE/JULY 2015

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No. 13

upcoming 2015 events

JUNE

JULY

June 5, 11AM-1PM 1st Responders Luncheon Sponsored by: Spector Inc, Port a Kool, and

July 2-4 Timpson Frontier Days

McAdams Propane

(Lufkin Expo)

June 13-14 CrossFire Productions Team Roping (Henderson)

July 4 Attoyac Arena Team Roping (Garrison)

June 20, 11AM Baldwin Ranch Sorting

July 4 Tenaha 4th of July Celebration

June 23 Business After Hours Presented by Shelby Savings Bank

July 4-15 Baseball Tournament

June 28-30 East Texas Peace Officers Conference Civic Center

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July 4-5 CrossFire Productions Team Roping

July 9, 10, 11 Watermelon Festival (Center) July 18, 11AM Baldwin Ranch Sorting

ORGANIC

Home

Summer sun is well known for being damaging to our skin. When it comes to the skin of our children, we need to think a little differently.

Their skin is very sensitive and delicate so we must take care of it.

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No. 15

Summer is here. The heat is scorching, the pools are waiting for a swimmers, and everyone is getting a summer tan. Along with all the perks that we love about summer, we also get to hear “ smack, buzz, buzz”. Just like us, the mosquitos, wasps, and snakes are ready for their summer appearance. So with all the fun that comes with summer the possibility of burns and bites threaten to ruin our fun. Of course, in East Texas the pastime of going to the lake or sitting on the porch is inescapable. My aim is to show get you started on a safe and healthy summer with a discussion of products that not only protect the skin of your family, but your long term health as well.

Summer sun is well known for being damaging to our skin. When it comes to the skin of our children, we need to think a little differently.

Their skin is very sensitive and delicate so we must take care of it.

GABBI’S PICK

These products can be purchased at your local Health food store, Target, Walgreens, Babies-RUs and many other big chain stores.

Of course we know that life is precious and care about those little ones, but so often our fear of bites and burns lead us to products laden with chemicals that may do more harm than good. There are tons of products on the market, from chemical sunscreens to all natural organic sunscreens. Luckily, natural care skin products are available and a great alternative to other products. Natural sunscreens contain beneficial minerals that block the UV rays. Surprisingly, chemical sunscreens actually absorb some of the rays and soak into your body. However, unlike chemical sunscreens, natural sunscreens will need reapplication since they sit on the top of the skin and are not absorbed like chemical sunscreens. Even though you may need to stop and reapply, you will have a peace of mind with these natural, clean, and often organic products.

While natural and organic products are wonderful for adult health, it is crucial in the life of a child. Our children are unique and during the first few years of their life they are bombarded with new environments, chemicals,

and their tiny bodies need all the help they can get. As a result, it takes time to figure out their health needs and their allergies.

Natural sunscreens do not contain allergenic ingredients and toxic chemicals that can be harmful to their delicate and sensitive little skin. Using natural products allows the body to avoid allergic reactions like skin irritants that are often found in chemical sunscreens.

Of course, we all know what it is like to get bitten by annoying mosquitos and other little insects. After the bites, you itch and scratch for days. The side effects of a bite are a constant source of frustration for many people. Children are especially vulnerable to this as they do not always understand the itching and stinging of a bite. It tends to make them irritable and could easily interrupt normal sleeping and eating patterns. As many of you know, this is no fun for the child or the parents. To eliminate all of these possibilities, look for natural insect repellant that does not contain the chemical DEET. Sometimes natural products can be a little bit more expensive than your ordinary products. As a parent I always said that I may just have to pay a little more to give what I believe is best. And supporting companies that support natural health is a part of that process. My hope is that parents will start to consider the ingredients in the products they purchase, not only for their child’s health, but also for the health of their family. The majority of products we use in the summer are applied to our skin, it is important to note that our body absorbs anything we put onto it. Natural products, especially in the summer are a wise consideration. These products can be purchased at your local Health food store, Target, Walgreens, Babies R us and many other big chain stores.

Many of these products are listed in this article below. Remember that the bites and burns of summer can have an affect on the way your skin looks now and in the future. Never leave the house in an East Texas summer without your sunscreen and repellant.

JUNE/JULY 2015

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No. 17

Don’t Let the

Run Dry What would you do if you turned on the tap and no water came out?

With the limited rainfall and increasing population, water is becoming a commodity in short supply, and the empty tap is possible. There are actions you can take to help reduce the amount of water that you and your family use.

Janie Harris, Extension Housing Specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service says, “Families need to evaluate their behaviors related to using water.” For example, make sure all family members turn off the water while brushing their teeth. Reuse water when possible, and water only what your landscape plants need. Certainly don’t water the sidewalk or driveway since they won’t grow.

Another tip is to maintain equipment, and repair all plumbing leaks. Many silent leaks allow water and your money to go down the drain. Landscape irrigation systems need to be checked for leaks, as well as faucets and indoor plumbing. Using equipment efficiently simply means to wash only full loads in the dishwasher and full loads in the clothes washer.

One final tip is to replace older fixtures and equipment with water efficient ones. Installing aerators on all faucets may cost just a few dollars. Replacing the old with a new 2.5 gallon-per-minute showerhead is inexpensive. Replacing an older toilet with a newer 1.6 gallon per flush model may cost up to $100.00.

Putting in landscape plants that are appropriate for your local climate conditions can help reduce the amount of water needed.

For more information on ways to cut the amount of water you use in you home, go to: http://fcs.tamu.edu/housing/efficient_housing/water_management/index.php.

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CONTACT: Jheri-Lynn McSwain, M.Ed., M.S. 936-598-7744, Jheri-Lynn.Smith@ag.tamu.edu County Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Sciences Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

HEALTH &

Fitness

Learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable because after all, that is where champions are made.

JUNE/JULY 2015

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No. 21

A passion that set me free

I challenge you to make the decision to live a healthier lifestyle, set aside a time to workout, and see how much of a difference it can make in not only the way you see yourself, but also how you feel in general.

Learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable because after all, that is where champions are made.

Chloe Brown

Certified Natural Health Professional

No. 22

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For some people fitness GUILT-FREE GRILLING

is a hobby and for others, it is a lifestyle.

I am nothing more than a small town girl trying to chase my dreams and utilize the vision God gave me. I have come a long way but I am nowhere close to where I would like to be. od has a beautiful way of allowing a light to shine in someone and I strongly believe he gave me the gift to do it through fitness.

I am so grateful to have been blessed with a driven mindset. I have been able to run in front of 20,000 people my sophomore year of high school and take the title of the 2nd strongest girl in Texas at 16 years of age. While God’s light has given me many wonderful memories, I have also been challenged. I have dealt with numerous haters and constant negativity from many directions. Although many days it was not easy, I learned how to grow and take the good from those situations. I now us this to inspire others on their own journeys. As for now, I am focusing on growing in every aspect of my life and hoping to encourage others to do the same. As such, I believe fitness is a perfect way for people to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Fitness is a versatile industry. We have so many options and can choose which exercise we want to pursue. Mine started with gymnastics, which lead to cheerleading, then running, and now lifting. To this day, I love it all and I never stop thinking about it. However, those four don’t even scratch the surface of fitness. There are a million and one things out there to pursue. Yet it is not even so much choosing a fitness program; it is about the journey itself. If everyone could realize that we should workout because we love our bodies and refuse to hate them, we would create a more positive mindset, which could potentially lead to better and faster results. Once that first leap is taken, things get easier and easier from that point forward.

There is one factor that is often overlooked in fitness and that is our mind. Mental health plays a huge part in fitness!

I have to believe in myself whenever I step under a squat rack and have 225 pounds on my back. Does anyone in their right mind believe I could do that if my mind told me no? Of course not! Your mindset and determination are two of the biggest factors, but once you learn how to get those two under control, the rest falls into place.

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No. 23

fun and

Games Across

Down 1. Tracking letters 2. One in Kasparov's corner 3. Capital on a fjord 4. Archie Bunker expression 5. Dana of ''Fly Away Home'' 6. Meet segment 7. ___ off (repel) 8. Race pace 9. Long-running sitcom 10. Singer's asset 11. Wing-prayer link 12. Any time now 13. Turn state's evidence 21. Purchase alternative 22. Tract of wasteland 25. Tough pill to swallow 26. Word with secret or press 27. Carpentry or plumbing, e.g.

28. Suit

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NATURAL TEXAN

29. Avid about 30. Pursue 31. Cubes 32. Popular sodas 34. Burger and fries go-with 35. Type of discussion 37. ''Laugh-In'' co-host 38. Fielder's flub 43. Web master?

44. Go to a higher level 45. Left Bank river 46. Eagle's nest 47. Pocket cover 48. Jam component?

49. Cacophonous cornfield critter 50. End-of-the-week letters 51. Hockey legend Gordie 52. House antecedent or follower 53. Thinks something is groovy 57. Article written by Rousseau

1. Mushroom 5. Adroit 9. Unrefined 14. Swanky 15. Lasting introduction 16. A ''Hilton'' locale 17. Aria, for example 18. Noted monologist 19. ___ a sour note 20. ''Celebration'' singers 23. Confined (with ''up'') 24. Palindromist's preposition 25. Fan favorite at Fenway 28. Partiality 30. Atlanta-based medical org.

33. Barbarians 34. Loafer adornment 35. Columbus' home 36. Front-runner 39. Reverse 40. Stew or miscellany 41. Visit again 42. ___-Foy, Quebec 43. Hit like Ruth 44. ''Gunsmoke'' star 45. Curative waters 46. Beginning on 47. Unidentifiable one 54. Like some tabloid stories 55. Reason for an ''R'' rating, perhaps 56. Air alternative 58. Apologize and then some 59. Triumphant cry 60. Strong impulse 61. Source of corruption 62. Chicken dinner?

63. Unpleasant situation

STUCK? NEED HELP? Look for the solutions in our Aug/Sept 2015 Issue

EAST TEXAS

Style

This summer is all about lace, fringe & graphic tees at Southern Charm!

JUNE/JULY 2015

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No. 25

FRINGE FRINGE is so in right now & we are seeing it everywhewre! The 70s staple has made it’s comeback and we are so happy about that! You can not, & I repeat NOT go wrong with a little fringe in your outfit this summer! Either a little fringe on your top, or even a fringe shoe or accessory can instantly give you a stylish boho look.

LACE MEET THE OWNER!

of Southern Charm

No. 26

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NATURAL TEXAN

Lace is just so timeless to us and has such a romantic look. We love to pair lace with denim to give it a great casual, every day look.

GRAPHIC

TEES

There are so many great looks you can create with a graphic tee. We love anything from southern inspired tees to anything to glorify the great state Texas. Many celebrities such as Miranda Lambert, Emily Maynard & Tori Gonzales, to name a few, are pros at giving their tees a great stylish look.

GABBI’S PICK

Southern Charm is located in the heart of East Texas. We sell at Canton Trade Days every month, online and also have a booth at The Junky Star in Shelbyville, Texas. Y’all come & see us!

facebook.com/Southerncharmtexas1 | southern-charm-texas.com

JUNE/JULY JUNE/JULY2015 2015 | | No.No.2727

GRACE & GIGGLES

Kids

MAC LEE Parents: Justin and Anna Lee Grandparents: Ken and Cecilia Boles, Sarah Lee and the late Harold Lee

DAYTON & KORBIN Parents: Jason Samford and Crystal White Grandparents: Johnny and Angie Stanley, James White and Mark and Tere Kerr

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NATURAL TEXAN

To submit a photo of your child to Natural Texan please email their photo and information to:

info@naturaltexan.net

EMORY THORNTON Parents: Daniel and Angela Thornton Grandparents: Ronny and Renee Hagler, Margo Noble and Lynn Thornton

KEITHAN & KAGE HORTON Parents: Brian and Rena Horton Grandparents: Gena Porterfield and Danny Porterfield

AVERY LAWSON Parents: Carl and Emma Whitehead; Craig and Abby Lawson Grandparents: Ken and Cecilia Boles; Ray Whitehead and Tina Whitehead; Rance and Anita Powdrill

KYPTON LYNN TAYLOR Parents: Cody and Elissa Taylor Grandparents: Chris and Cyndi Taylor, Tena Moragas

JACIE LEE Parents: Justin and Anna Lee Grandparents: Ken and Cecilia Boles Sarah Lee and the late Harold Lee

CASH & KINLEY CRANFORD Parents: Machael and Jami Cranford Grandparents: Johnny and Angie Stanley, Stacey and Tammy McSwain, Billy and Patti Cranford, and Sheryl Cranford

Market

THE LOCAL

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative Physical: 880 TX Hwy 21 E ▪ Mailing: PO Box 736 ▪ San Augustine, Texas 75972

Business Office Hours:

Monday—Friday, 8 AM—5 PM

MEMBER SERVICES:

(936) 229-4000 or 1-866-392-2547

TO REPORT OUTAGES: 1-800-392-5986

www.deepeast.com

Owned by those we serve since 1938

527 loop 500 E, Center, TX 75935 | (936) 598-5056

Residential – Commercial – Industrial Electrical Services 936-590-1245 or 936-368-2832​