The Journey Magazine

J U LY 2 0 1 7

THE

magazine an original since 2005

- Neighbors Emergency Center -

ASK THE DOC “As our name indicates, we want to become neighbors in every sense of the word with the Luf kin community,” said Dr. Mike Wilson, Neighbors Emergency Center Luf kin’s Medical Director. “We want to build friendships and partnerships with the people and businesses. We want to lend a helping hand to those who need one, whether it be through providing the absolute best in emergency medical care or through community outreach and service.”

Neighbors Lufkin values the opportunity to help when medical emergencies strike.

Besides being there when a family experiences an injury or illness, Neighbors is proud to actively support the Lufkin community.

SLACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S TRUNK OR TREAT It was no trick! Neighbors Luf kin was thrilled to meet little ghosts and goblins and participate in “Trunk or Treat” on October 27. This family-friendly event was open to the community as a safe place for children to trick-or-treat for Halloween.

LUFKIN ISD TEACHERS OF THE GAME Neighbors was pleased to sponsor the “Neighbors of the Game” teacher recognition program at Luf kin High School during football season. Teachers were honored at Luf kin Panther Varsity Football games throughout the season for their hard work in the classroom and dedication to their students. Neighbors spotlighted Girls’ Athletic Director Jerri Boyd, Spanish teacher Eliazar Caldera, CTE Business teacher Shaniqua Davis, CTE Architecture and Construction teacher Robert Foley, and CTE Audio Video Production teacher Mike McHaney.

RELAY FOR LIFE Neighbors Emergency Center was proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for Luf kin’s Relay for Life on May 5. Over 1,000 people turned out to support this great cause in the fight against cancer and our own Dr. Wilson was privileged to give the opening remarks at the Survivors’ Dinner.

ANGELINA COUNTY FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION To recognize the brave work of local first responders, Neighbors Luf kin hosted a First Responders’ Appreciation Lunch on May 11. About 90 uniformed Police, Fire, EMS and Sheriff ’s department officers attended. Additionally, Neighbors Emergency Center Luf kin is an official rest stop for all local law enforcement agencies.

These and many more community events are a direct link with Neighbors’ values of having a giving heart, a creative spark and a nurturing mentality all delivered with the smile of teamwork.

Thank you, Lufkin, for the warm welcome to the community and for allowing us to be your Best Neighbors Ever!

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best of

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INDEPENDENCE DAY

July

Also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776.

MOVIE RELEASE: SPIDERMAN HOMECOMING A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

A new villain, the Vulture (Michael Keaton), emerges in this second reboot of the Spider-Man film franchise and the sixteenth film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Main Street Market Days A Time to come to dowtown Lufkin and enjoy shopping with merchants and area vendors.

Featuring antiques, home decor, clothing, jewelty, art, furniture and more.

EMOJI DAY Celebrate by using all the animated images you can with your friends. Tweet them on twitter, post them on Facebook, text them in your messenger, and just generally fill the world with the wonderful, amazing, and silly images that are emoji!

POUR AND EXPLORE: Take a trip around the world of wine. Pour and Explore is an elegant night of wine tasting paired with a delicious meal. Seating is limited, and tickets are available through the Lufkin CVB.

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MOON DAY This day commemorates the day man first walked on the moon. On July 20, 1969, the Lunar Module, nicknamed the "Eagle", touched down on the surface of the moon at Tranquility Base. Neil Armstrong stepped off of the Eagle's ladder, placed one foot upon the moon's surface and proclaimed: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."

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NATIONAL VANILLA ICE CREAM DAY National Vanilla Ice Cream Day is observed annually on July 23rd. As part of National Ice Cream Month and not too far behind National Ice Cream Day, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day honors one of the most popular of the ice cream flavors.

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t B esn d s Fr i e

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP According to the United Nations, the official sponsor of this special day, the International Day of Friendship is a day set aside to promote friendship among peoples, cultures and countries. It is a day of respect for others, and a day to celebrate diversity.

from the

E D I TO R

Both the calendar and the thermometer tell us summer is in full swing in East Texas. Hopefully you are enjoying these long summer days and finding ways to keep cool! We have been enjoying lots of days in the water, doing what we can to beat the heat. During this last full month of summer, we will be squeezing in every late afternoon swim, movie night and lazy day that we can.

One of our favorite summer celebrations is The Fourth of July. I don’t know of anything that invokes more pride than the sight of old glory. For over 200 years, the Stars and Stripes have unified men and women; just the sight of the red, white and blue brings people together like nothing else.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we remember those who fought for that freedom and those who are still serving to protect it today. It is a privilege to devote a portion of this magazine to honor those men and women who have given selflessly so that we may enjoy freedom in this great country.

While your family is gathering to enjoy the rest of the summer and celebrate our nation’s independence, take time to remember those who are serving.

They, along with their families, sacrifice for each of us on a daily basis. May God bless them greatly!

All the way home, Beth

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table of

CONTENTS features

home

community

5 3 PLACES & FACES

16 HOME TOUR

63 HONORING OUR TROOPS

26 IN THE KITCHEN

42 20 QUESTIONS

82 DAY TRIPPIN'

3 0 FINE WINE

4 4 GANDY NOTES

32 TIPS & TRICKS

48 POLITICAL

36

51 SPOTLIGHT

LIFE & DESIGN

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5 ASK THE DOCS

table of | C O N T E N T S

growing up

8 0 PRETTY BABIES

sports & outdoors

reader showcase

8 4 NATURE'S EYE

9 6 YOUR THOUGHTS

SEASON OF PREPARATION

81 WORD SCRAMBLE

SUMMER GROUNDWORK

97 YOUR JOURNEY

NWTF JOURNEY OUT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

THE

magazine an original since 2005

OW N E R & D I R E C TO R :

Kim Ogden kogden@tjmag.com M A NAG I N G E D I TO R :

Beth Johnson editor@tjmag.com P H O T O G R A P H Y:

Lisa Crow L AY O U T D E S I G N & A D V E RT I S I N G D E S I G N :

Kelly Hudman

CONTRIBUTORS:

Claire Brody Nichole Chala Emily Courtney/Nature's Eye James Floyd/Nature's Eye Angela Gandy Cory Head Hunter Linton/Nature's Eye

C O N TA C T U S : Mailing:

P.O. Box 150351 Lufkin, Texas 75915 Physical:

1302 East Lufkin Avenue Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-366-5463 Online:

kogden@tjmag.com facebook.com/tjmag

a letter from a

M OT H E R

Dear Chad, As I reflect back on my life, I consider you my biggest and best accomplishment.

There you were, coming into the world a sleepy, tiny 4 lb 4 oz boy who could barely drink from a bottle. Now here you are, a vibrant, healthy man who flies million dollar aircraft.

For the past 17 years of your service and as you continue to serve, Dad and I have been so privileged to watch as you experience your journey to so many countries. The address book we keep tucked in a drawer contains too many addresses to count where we sent letters, pictures, and packages in hopes of keeping you updated with the "home front" events. We sent Mia Sweet Tea so you'd have the taste of your favorite sweet southern drink and bottles of Tabasco to provide you with the spicy flavors of Texas cooking while you were overseas.

God knows me very well from the countless hours He and I talked as I asked for your safe return while you were in Iraq in the middle of that craziness. Although you never spoke of it even after returning home, we know you were in harm's way daily and we never stopped praying. I continue to ask him everyday for you to be safe and to guide you in all of life's decisions.

We are constantly amazed at the accomplishments and sacrifices that you and all of the military personnel continue to do for our great country.

I love you now, always have, and always will.

Fly high!

Love, Mom

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HOME TOUR | IN THE KITCHEN | FINE WINE | TIPS & TRICKS | LIFE & DESIGN

welcome | H O M E

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home | H O M E

T O U R

S TA G L E A P welcomes us home

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17 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E photo credit |

L I S A C R OW P H OTO G R A P H Y

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T O U R

H

ome Tour welcomes you to Stag Leap Countr y Cabins, a private retreat with a bed and breakfast feel in the beautiful pineywoods of East Texas. Stag Leap is a 200-acre woodland with secluded cabins scattered throughout the proper ty, beside the Bonaldo Creek. The perfect retreat for any occasion.

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home | H O M E

T O U R

Located ten minutes from the downtown brick streets of Nacogdoches, Texas which of fer s quaint antique shops and museums galore.

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Stag Leap is only minutes away from Stephen F. Austin Univer sity and their staterecognized Azalea gardens.

Lake Nacogdoches is just down the road from the main proper ty where you can go boating or fishing. The area around the lake has excellent oppor tunities for bird watching and hiking as par t of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Pineywood Trail.

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T O U R

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Wayne and Mattie Collins star ted their business when their son, Kirby Collins, approached them about a new venture he wanted to tr y soon after finishing his college deg ree.

They have since g rown their Stag Leap business into the beautiful East Texas get away it is today.

If you would like to set up your next reser vation, please visit their website at stagleap.com.

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T O U R

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stagleap.com

home | I N

T H E

K I T C H E N

PAT R I O T I C PRETZEL STICKS INGREDIENTS: 16 oz bag pretzel rods 12 oz bag Wilton candy melts (1 each: red, white, blue) White star sprinkles

DIRECTIONS: L i n e c o u n t e r o r b a k i n g t r a y s w i t h w a x p a p e r.

Melt candy according to package directions.

Use a tall microwavable glass or jar to get maximum coverage for the pretzel rod.

Dip pretzel rod into white melted candy and pull out of glass slowly while lightly tapping some of the melted candy off of the pretzel.

A l t e r n a t i v e l y, y o u c a n t w i s t t h e p r e t z e l a g a i n s t t h e s i d e of the glass while you are pulling it out to reduce the amount of candy on each pretzel.

Let set until white candy has solidified and then dip top in blue.

Add red candy stripes.

Sprinkle blue pretzel tips with star sprinkles while the candy is still wet.

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T H E

K I T C H E N

FIREWORKS FRUIT KABOBS I N G R E D I E N T L I S T & W H AT YO U W I L L N E E D : A set of skewers (the ones pictured are bamboo, 6in.)

A mini seedless watermelon (or half a large watermelon) Blueberries (7-10 per average sized skewer) Star cookie cutter

DIRECTIONS: S t e p 1 : Wa s h b l u e b e r r i e s , s t i c k s , a n d s l i c e w a t e r m e l o n to fit the width of the star cutter (mine is exactly 1 inch thick).

Step 2: Slide the blueberries onto the stick (start with whichever fruit you ultimately want on the bottom), with the pointed end of the skewer facing up.

S t e p 3 : U s i n g t h e c u t t e r, c r e a t e a s t a r s h a p e o u t o f t h e w a t e r m e l o n . P l a c e t h e s t a r a t t h e t o p o f t h e s k e w e r, making sure the pointed stick is not exposed beyond the watermelon.

RED, WHITE & BLUE -POUND CAKE IN A CUPINGREDIENTS: 2 store bought pound cakes 1 pint blueberries 1 pint raspberries homemade whipped cream (heavy cream, vanilla extract and sugar)

DIRECTIONS: Slice pound cake into 1 inch slices, and cut the slices into cubes so they will fit in your cup.

Starting with a layer of cake on the bottom, follow with blueberries, whipped cream, raspberries, and top with another layer of cake.

Garnish with more whipped cream and berries if desired.

Yield: 8 servings

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home | F I N E

O

W I N E

Pinot Noir

ne of my favorite wines for summer is the elegant and lush taste of the Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir is a highly sought after wine with an unfortunately weak constitute. Perhaps that is what makes it so famous. The grapes' thin skin makes it susceptible to rot, vineyard pests, and it cannot thrive in extremes of heat and cold. Because of its frailty, this grape is low yielding and requires specific soil and a cool climate in which to grow. Regions that are ideal for Pinot are Burgundy in France, Oregon's Willamette Valley and California's Carneros and Russian River Valleys in the United States, along with New Zealand and Australia.

The pinot grape is commonly known for its cherry and strawberry flavors, as well as hints of spice with light tannins and low acidity. This makes it an ideal wine for summer sipping. Pinot Noir can also take on flavors from the oak in which it was barreled, such as vanilla and smoke flavors, giving it extra depth and uniqueness. One thing to keep in mind with the Pinot Noir grape is that it will pick up different traits depending on the soil and region in which it is grown.

For example, the French Pinot Noir, also called Burgundy, has flavors of ripened berry, sweet black cherry, mushrooms and damp leaves. On the other hand, I tend to lean more towards California Pinots, particularly the Santa Barbara region because the berry flavor is more forward with less quality of tartness. They have implied hints of cloves, spices, and a more subtle note of earthiness. New Zealand and Australian Pinot Noirs have these similar qualities, as well.

Just like the movie Side Ways, it is always an endeavor to find the quintessential bottle of Pinot Noir. Here are a few suggestions for you to try.

Ano Verde Pinot Noir 2014. Santa Barbara County, California.

Poppy Pinot Noir 2014. Monterey County, California.

Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve 2014. Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Louis Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin 2005. Burgundy, France.

Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2015. Martinborough Valley, New Zealand.

Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 2006. Yarra Valley, Australia.

Now that you have your bottles of Pinot Noir, the storage temperature and glass in which you pour them are as equally important as the taste. The best temperature to store Pinot Noir at is 58-62 degrees Fahrenheit. To bring out the wine’s flavor, it is best to give it a slight chill prior to drinking. Wine glasses come in many shapes and sizes, but what is best for one wine may be the downfall of another. Pinot Noir is best served in a glass with a larger bowl. This allows for greater surface area to increase oxygen exposure.

There is nothing better than sitting on your back porch sipping Pinot Noir as you watch the sun set. From one wine connoisseur to another, enjoy!

-Nichole Chala

Nichole Chala is a wine enthusiast with a passion for tasting amazing wines from across the globe. Nichole grew up in Northern California where her passion for wine developed as a young girl tasting wine in her grandfather’s cellar. She has since tasted, traveled and lived along the extensive coasts of California up through Washington State and ending in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Nichole currently lives in Lufkin with her husband and three children. Nichole has a wine blog on Facebook if you are interested in learning more about wines for every day enjoyment.

home | T I P S

&

T R I C K S

Decorating

TIPS & TRICKS YOUR DECORATING CHEAT SHEET While these rule of thumb measurements are always recommended to consider before making décor purchases, take each one with a grain of salt. They are meant to be a guide, not a rule book! All rules can be broken, but if you aren’t sure, you can always play it safe!

HANGING ARTWORK • For a single piece of art, the center of the piece should hang 56”– 60” from the floor, which is eye-level for most. When hanging two pieces (one over the other), treat them as one large piece of art and hang the center at 56”– 60”.

• When hanging artwork over a piece of furniture or a sofa, allow 8 “– 12” between the bottom of the art and the top of the furniture. The width of the art should be about ¾ of the width of the furniture of the sofa under the art.

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FURNITURE • Allow 16” between a coffee table and sofa.

• Walkways should be no less than 3’ wide.

• An end table should be within 2”-4” of the furniture next to it. (Think nightstands next to the bed or end tables next to the sofa.)

•The back height of furniture in a room should be relatively close in height. (If you have one low chair, you might not want a super tall chair next to it.)

LIGHTING • The width of a chandelier over a dining table should be 1/2 - 2/3 width of the table. The bottom of the chandelier should hang 30” – 36” over the dining table for rooms with 8’ ceilings. For higher ceilings, hang the chandelier 3” higher for every foot over 8’.

• To determine the width of a fixture not over a dining table (think living room, bedroom, etc.), add the length and width of the room together in feet. That number in inches is an appropriate width for the fixture.

(Example: if the room measures 10’ x 15’, 10+15 = 25, the fixture should be at least 25” wide.)

•If people walk under the light fixture (think entry way), the light should hang no less than 7’ from the floor.

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T R I C K S

AREA RUGS • A rug under a dining table should extend at least 24” – 36” past the length and width of the dining table.

• An area rug under a bed should extend at least 24” past each end of the bed.

• For a large area rug, allow no less than 12” between the edge of the rug and the wall.

WINDOW TREATMENTS • Make sure that drapery panels kiss the floor. They should never be too short!

• Depending on the size of the window, extend drapery panels about 12” past each end of the windows. Hang the rod halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling. This will make windows appear larger.

• Consider roman shades on small windows that don’t extend to the floor.

Hello, I'm Claire, an interior stylist living in Austin, Texas with my husband, Parker. I'm the blogger and business owner behind Claire Brody Designs. I specialize in providing unique and one of a kind spaces on an affordable budget.

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home | L I F E

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D E S I G N

RUSTY & DUSTY TO SLEEK & CHIC W

hy s h o u l d yo u r c a r d t a b l e a n d c h a i r s l o o k l i ke t h ey a r e 3 0 ye a r s o l d j u s t b e c a u s e t h ey a r e 3 0 ye a r s o l d ? I m e a n , a r e n ’ t u s l a d i e s a l ways i n p u r s u i t to m a ke o u r s e l ve s l o o k yo u n g e r ? We d r e s s m o r e f a s h i o n a b l e a n d u s e t h e l a te s t p r o d u c t s , b u t w h e n o u r ‘ s t u f f ’ g e t s a l i t t l e we a t h e r e d , r i p p e d o r j u s t p l a i n o l d , we te n d to to s s t h e o l d a n d r u n o u t to b u y a n ew o n e o f w h a teve r i t i s . W hy w a s te yo u r h a r d e a r n e d m o n ey w h e n ‘ b r a n d n ew ’ i s j u s t a n h o u r o r t wo away ? I f yo u ’r e l i ke m e , a p r o j e c t n e e d s to s h ow r e s u l t s q u i c k l y f o r i t to ke e p my a t te n t i o n . T h i s o n e ce r t a i n l y p r ov i d e s i n s t a n t g r a t i f i c a t i o n (u n l i ke t h a t n ew eye c r e a m I ’ ve b e e n u s i n g) a n d t h e # wow f a c to r m a ke s yo u r e f f o r t s we l l wo r t h a l i t t l e e l b ow g r e a s e .

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MATERIALS: • O i l Cl ot h

– T h e r e ’s a ce r t a i n s e c t i o n of f a b r i c a t a s to r e t h a t my h u s b a n d s ays I l i ve a t … . i t ’s j u s t b eyo n d t h e r e g u l a r f a b r i c a n d l a r g e b o l t s o f u p h o l s t e r y, d ow n a n a i s l e w i t h t h e c r o c h e t i n g b o o k s . I l ove o i l c l o t h b e c a u s e i t m a ke s f o r a n i ce w i p e - a b l e s u r f a ce . Fo r my t a b l e a n d c h a i r s , I u s e d 2 y a r d s o f o i l c l o t h . A d j u s t t h e a m o u n t d e p e n d i n g o n t h e s ize o f yo u r t a b l e a n d n u m b e r o f c h a i r s yo u ’ l l b e cove r i n g . I t co s t $ 1 8 . 0 0/ya r d , b u t I c a n u s u a l l y f i n d i t o n s a l e a t l e a s t o n ce a m o n t h .

- I f yo u d o n ’ t l i ke a ny o f t h e p a t te r n s o f t h e o i l c l o t h , yo u c a n c ove r i t w i t h a ny t h i n g yo u l i ke . T h i n k o u t s i d e t h e b ox – a f u n k y b e d s h e e t , c u r t a i n s , b u r l a p b a g s , w h a teve r f i t s yo u r s t y l e . O n c e t h a t ’s o n , c ove r t h a t l aye r w i t h a l aye r o f c l e a r p l a s t i c (s o l d by t h e y a r d o n t h e b i g b o l t s n e a r t h e u p h o l s t e r y) . I f yo u d o e n d u p g o i n g t h i s r o u te , yo u n e e d t o s to r e yo u r t a b l e a n d c h a i r i n a c l i m a te c o n t r o l l e d e nv i r o n m e n t . I f m o i s t u r e g e t s b e t we e n t h e f a b r i c a n d t h e p l a s t i c , i t w i l l m i l d e w p r e t t y q u i c k l y.

•S p ray p a i n t

– $ 4 p e r c a n - M a ke s u r e yo u r s p r ay p a i n t i s l i s te d a s “ b o n d s to m e t a l ”. I a l s o r e c o m m e n d t h e R u s t- o l e u m B r a n d . F o r t h i s p r o j e c t I u s e d 4 c a n s o f s p r ay paint.

•S a n d pa p e r b lo ck

– $3 - Of course a regular sheet of sandpaper will do just f i n e i f yo u a l r e a d y h ave s o m e o n h a n d . T h e l ow e r t h e g r i t , t h e m o r e a b r a s i ve i t w i l l b e .

• Ch a i r t i p s

– $ 2 /p k - I f yo u r “ s h o e s ” a r e s t i l l i n g o o d s h a p e , t h e n j u s t t a p e t h e m o f f s o t h ey d o n ’ t g e t p a i n t e d . I f yo u n e e d n ew o n e s , I r e c o m m e n d t h a t yo u t a ke a n o l d t i p to t h e s to r e s o yo u c a n m a ke s u r e to g e t t h e co r r e c t s ize . I b o u g h t 7/8 ’ ’ b u t a s yo u ’ l l s e e i n t h e p h o t o , I p i c ke d u p a p a c k o f 1 ’ ’ by m i s t a ke .

•Ra g – n o t p i c t u r e d •Scis so r s •Screwd rive r •H ot g l u e g u n & g l u e s t i c k s

- I ’m co nv i n ce d I c a n r u l e t h e wo r l d w i t h a h o t g l u e g u n a n d a g o o d p a i r o f yo g a p a n t s .

•Yog a pa nt s

– o p t i o n a l b u t w i l l m a ke r a n g e o f m o t i o n e a s i e r a n d ove r a l l p r o j e c t ex p e r i e n c e m o r e e n j oy a b l e .

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Where is the staple gun on this list?” From my experience, the table tops of these card tables are too thin to use a staple gun. I once stapled on a new cover, only to flip it over and discover that every staple had poked through the top and it was now ruined. #lessonlearned. The chair seats are probably thick enough for this not to be a problem, but I prefer to work with the hot glue so I kept with it for the whole project.

Directions:

Step 1: Remove the seat boards of the chairs, the top of the table and the rubber tips off the feet. You can usually find an L bracket underneath that can easily be removed with your screwdriver.

Step 2: Lightly sand the frame of the chairs and table. If you have any rust spots, make sure you scrub them until they are fairly smooth.

Step 3:

With a damp rag, wipe down all surfaces – frames, seats and table top.

Step 4:

Spray paint all parts of the metal frames of both table and chairs. (This is the worst part because it requires some patience, and in this East Texas humidity paint dries sooooo slooooww.) Plug in your glue gun so it can be getting hot.

Step 5: While you wait for your first coat of paint to dry, cut the oil cloth to fit each section that is to be covered. Leave about 3 or 4 inches of extra fabric to wrap around the sides. Pay special attention to the direction the fabric will face once it’s attached back to the chair frame.

If the paint has dried by now, go ahead and do a second coat of spray paint. But let’s be honest, it’s probably still tacky and needs an hour or more to dry. Continue to step 7 while you wait.

Beginning with a seat section, cover the board with the oil cloth.

Step 6: Step 7:

•There is NO NEED to remove what is already on the seat. Simply add another layer directly on top of what’s already there.

•To attach the oil cloth, begin by laying the fabric print side down and placing the seat board upside down and centered on top of it.

•Wrap the fabric around the edge of the seat board in the center and tack it with some hot glue. (see photo) •Go to the opposite side of the seat and gently pull the fabric snug. (It may be tempting to glue the fabric to the TOP of the seat. I highly recommend you DO NOT do this. Not only is it not necessary, but you’ll be able to see the lines of glue, and it won’t be pretty. All glue should remain under the chair.)

•Repeat with the other two sides.

•Next, pull in the corners of the fabric and glue them down. Make sure they are attached in diagonal order so that the fabric is pulled evenly to avoid wrinkles in the top.

•Notches will need to be cut out for the fabric to go around the L brackets. Glue fabric around the brackets.

•Continue gluing fabric down all the way around the seat. When you get to the corners, make pleats by folding the fabric over on top of itself and gluing it down.

Repeat step 7 for the remaining seat boards

Step 8:

Step 9: Check on spray painted frames and make appropriate touch ups.

Cover top of table – The same process used in step 7 is used to cover the table top.

Seats should be covered. Table top should be covered. Frames should be painted. Now it’s time to put it all back together. #getexcited! Once everything is screwed back into place, install the new rubber tips onto the feet of your furniture.

Step 10: Step 11:

TADA!

Doesn’t that give your old table and chairs a nice little facelift? I bet you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood sitting at this sweet set up at your next yard sale…..or wherever else you use your card table!

I hope you look forward to this project as much as I did! Good luck and don’t forget…. get excited and make things!

Cory

I'm a wife and mother of two fun kiddos. I teach art and science and I love decorating and throwing parties (probably a little too much!). I never miss a chance to yard sale or find a bargain. My motto is. "Get excited and make things!"

2 0 Q U E S T I O N S | G A N DY N OT E S

| POLITICS | SPOTLIGHT

a loving | C O M M U N I T Y

41 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

community | 2 0

Q U E S T I O N S

twenty questions -WITH-

SCOTT BERGER Store Director Brookshire Brothers Gaslight Lufkin, Texas

1

If you were president for the day, what would you do?

If you could hire any actor to play you in a movie, who would it be?

Play golf like the other presidents

4

Favorite words of wisdom?

Surround yourself with good people because they will make you a better person.

6

Your car is on ďŹ re.

What is the one thing you save?

People Inside; everything else is replaceable

nickname does 3 What your wife have for Younger me Matthew McConaughey Older me Sam Elliot What is your go-to guy movie?

you?

She doesn't have one for me.

78

Choose one song as your life's theme song.

"RUDY" (any sports movie)

Where's the farthest place you've traveled?

11

Cordoba, Argentina (dove hunt)

Prince "Party Like It's 1999" I give you an orangutan as a pet. What do you name him?

BALD EAGLE

9

What super-power would you like to have?

The power to figure out what my wife is thinking (keep me out of trouble)

CLYDE (Movie - "Any Which Way But Loose")

Golf or Football?

FOOTBALL ALL DAY!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

16 Work hard to make a future for your family, but don't miss out on the little things when your kids are growing up.

If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be?

What is your favorite midnight snack?

Mexican Food or BBQ? Mexican

10

14

If you could have dinner with 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?

Besides my wife and 2 daughters, I think Dan Pastorini, Earl Campbell & Bum Phillips (love ya Blue era)

17

Nike or Under Armor?

Nike What actor would you ask to narrate your life?

20

Oreo Cookies & Milk

Do you have an irrational fear of any creature?

SNAKES

18

Dream teams you would want to play each other in the Super Bowl?

Texans/Cowgirls

GO TEXANS! 43 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

Morgan Freeman

community | G A N D Y

N O T E S

JULY

-National

"EVERYTHING I LOVE" Month

E AT IN LIN H ME HERS C T O A R C B T H IR E S K O BRO

1ÀñR³DO 1ÀñR³DO Independence )ULHG &KLÁ×HQ %Ç×LQL 'D\ 'DÔ Day 1ÀñR³DO Mac & Cheese Day

1ÀñR³DO 6XJDU &R´°LH Day

1ÀñR³DO Ice Cream Day

1ÀñR³DO +R¹ 'RDay 1ÀñR³DO 0LÊ× &KR¨R±ÀØH 'D\

1ÀñR³DO &KHHVHFÀ×H Day

, XOXO

$QJHOD

D

o you pay attention to the 'National Day Calendars' that float around out there? Do you share and post the sweetest picture of your siblings on #NationalSiblingDay or take advantage of all the deals emailed to you on #NationalPancakeDay? Get your hand up, because I’m right there with you raising mine. I’m the crazy one who pays attention to these things! I look up the National Days, Weeks and Months and love celebrating them! And why all these delicious days fall in the smack dab middle of summer… don’t ask me.

So, for the month of July, I want to share all these delicious days with you so that I won’t be the only one at the pool in my swimsuit cover-up eating ice cream on July 16.

Angela An A ngela iiss a m multi-tasking ulti-taskin n wife w wi ife and and nd mother mothe he er of two tw w boys who keep ph her err o e on nh her toes. She loves a good story and enjoys writing.

You can contact her at angelagandy@gmail. com.

c o m m u n i t y | P O L I T I C A L U P D AT E

T R AV I S C L A R DY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE With the Regular Session behind us and the start of the Special Session rapidly approaching, Judy and I are making the most of every minute at home in District 11, where you can eat blueberries at Nacogdoches’ 28th Annual Blueberry Festival in the morning and tomatoes all afternoon at Jacksonville's 33rd Annual Tomato Festival. We’ve visited with our friends in the Nacogdoches Rotary and made our way to Rusk where Senator Robert Nichols and I were thrilled to be named honorary employees of the Rusk State Hospital. Judy and I also caught up with Richard DeWitt and got a sneak peek at the Fredonia Hotel before it resumes its rightful place as the crown jewel of downtown Nacogdoches. I am proud to represent such wonderful folks and fine communities!

Judy and Travis Clardy with District Director Jerri Jones and Nacogdoches Rotary members Ron Collins(far left), Greg Nichols(far right)

Governor Abbott assigned a robust to-do list for the 85th Legislature to complete during the Special Session from July 18 to August 18, and Judy and I look forward to visiting with more of our neighbors both before and after. In the meantime, you can find a full list of the bills I’ve authored and sponsored, as well as all other legislative proceedings at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/.

My colleagues and I always appreciate your input, so please stay informed on the issues of the 85th Legislature’s Regular and Special Sessions and be sure to make us aware of your concerns about your state government.

(Left to Right) Judy Clardy, Charles Hassell, Sen. Robert Nichols, Rep. Travis Clardy, James I. Perkins, Margaret Perkins at Rusk State Hospital Employee Appreciation Day.

Please contact me through either my District office or Capitol Office: www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/?district=11

District 11 Office:

Capitol Office:

202 E. Pilar St., Rm. 310

EXT E2.908

Nacogdoches, TX 75961

P.O. Box 2910

936.560.3982

Austin, TX 78768 Texas Blueberry Festival, Nacogdoches 512.463.0592

48 | j u l y 2 0 1 7

TRENT ASHBY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Trent Ashby and Family

If you've been keeping up with what's going on in Austin, you've probably heard that my fellow legislators and I have been called back for a special session on July 18th. It's been over five years since our last special session, so I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief refresher on what it means for the Texas Legislature to be called back for a Special Session and what we'll address this time around.

A special session is essentially legislative "overtime" where lawmakers are called back to Austin, for no more than 30 days, to take up an agenda set forth by the Governor. If, after the 30 days of the first special session, the Governor is not satisfied with the work of the Legislature, he may call another special session to try again, and may continue doing so until he is satisfied. On the other hand, if the Legislature accomplishes the Governor's agenda prior to the 30 day mark, we may adjourn earlier.

Special session at the State Capitol

During a regular legislative session, lawmakers can consider bills on any topic. In a special session, however, the Legislature may consider only those bills that relate to the Governor's agenda. Similar to a regular session, bills will be assigned to a committee, where they will be debated and left open for public testimony. House bills voted out of their respective committee will go to the Calendars committee before they can come to the floor for a vote, and the same rules apply to get a bill placed on the Senate's intent calendar.

This year's special session has an ambitious 20-item agenda -- ranging from cracking down on mail-in ballot fraud to privacy protection and property tax reform. However, the only must pass item on the list is passage of sunset legislation to ensure the continuation of several state entities, including the Texas Medical Board which has purview over our state's physicians.

Without the passage of this bill, these agencies would have to shut down as we begin the next fiscal year. While Governor Abbott has made it clear to legislators his priorities for this overtime session, please bear in mind he can always add additional items to the current agenda.

Special session at the State Capital

Although many issues on the Special Session agenda were debated in the regular session of the 85th Legislature, the majority of them did not make it to the Governor’s desk because of differing opinions between the House and Senate or time simply running out. I remain optimistic that my colleagues in both chambers will head back to Austin ready to work together so that we may finish our business in a timely fashion and then return home to our districts.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office can be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.

community | S P O T L I G H T

F I R E WOR K S at the Z O O For as long as Americans can remember, the nation has celebrated the Fourth of July by staging grand fireworks shows in public squares and lighting smaller displays at home. Here in our hometown, the tradition of a city-wide fireworks event began in the 1970’s and came to an end in 2000. It was then that local businessman and hometown son Mike Love had an idea.

“The city was without the show, and it was something I remembered looking forward to as a kid. I couldn’t imagine the 4th of July without fireworks, so I began looking into what it would take to bring the show back to Luf kin, bigger and better than ever,” he said. “What we’ve been able to give back to the community is the largest fireworks show in East Texas, even outdoing Beaumont and Tyler. It’s nice for the city, too, because it doesn’t cost them anything.

Our firm donates it all. It was never about the money; I just wanted our community to be able to come together with their friends and families and create their own tradition.

That’s what it’s about – togetherness.”

Beginning in 2006, Mike and his team began taking classes to get licensed as pyrotechnic operators. Classes took 3 solid months and included applying for and being granted a

Federal Explosives License by the ATF in order to not only purchase and shoot off the fireworks, but to store them in a federally approved building before the show. “It’s quite the process,” explains Sam Johnson, a partner at Mike Love & Associates. “The building is kept away from the public and its location known to only a few people. We have a HazMat driver that travels to Oklahoma a few months before the show and picks up the cache of fireworks to bring them back here. And really, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.” As Sam explained to us, there’s much more that goes into the show than just fireworks.

“To understand how involved this process is, you must understand first that we fire off roughly 3500 shells in less than 24 minutes over the lake and it’s all coordinated to music. That’s right around 145 shells every minute! The explosives sit on 2-20ft trailers equipped with fiberglass tubes for the mortar rounds.

The firing is all electronic, but there has to be human touch to make sure nothing goes wrong.

We have 2 people designated for the firing and sequencing of the show, and they sit under an awning across the lake f lipping switches. However, it’s so loud they can’t hear the music. Therefore we have

someone who sits in-between them listening to the music through headphones; she literally taps them on their arm to let them know when to fire off rounds. It’s quite incredible to see the process.”

Fireworks, music and mortar trailers aren’t the only things that go into it. “The network of volunteers is incredible,” says Mike. “More than 10,000 people come to the zoo to watch this show, and the city is amazing at providing volunteers and services to keep everyone happy and safe. The Luf kin Police Department, the Fire Department, city street crews, LISD shuttle buses, parking crews, and more join together to help enhance the evening for everyone. Sam ( Johnson) will even cook lunch and dinner for the city employees as a way to say thank you for the hard work they put into the event.

What it all boils down to is a deep love and respect for our hometown. We are blessed to live in a community that is so generous, kind and hopeful about the future. The fireworks show is just an extension of that love and goodwill.

Bringing the community together for an evening under the stars, filled with music, laughter and fireworks is what every town should wish for. I just feel thankful to have it all right here in East Texas.”

4th

of

JULY

FIREWORKS at

ELLEN TROUT ZOO

presented by

MIKE LOVE & ASSOCITATES LLC Personal Injury Attorneys

PLACES

&

FACES PA N T H E R S O F P R E S T I G E B A N Q U E T, E X P O P A R T Y, R O D E O , S C I E N C E F A I R

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | PA N T H E R S O F P R E S T I G E B A N Q U E T

54 4 | july 2017

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | E X P O PA R T Y

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57 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

places & faces | RODEO

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | R O D E O & S C I E N C E FA I R

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | S C I E N C E FA I R

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | S C I E N C E FA I R

TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY: It's soon to be the 4th of July. Many of you are far from home in unpleasant places like Iraq and Afghanistan or off the coast of a hostile nation. You are fighting at least three wars, and everyday poses a risk, whether on the streets of Baghdad or on duty in Fort Hood.

At home, your loved ones are grilling, having a beer or playing golf.

Our tables are filled with plenty - not just today, but all days. Yes, many Americans struggle even in a good economy, but that fight is nothing like it is in the third world. This nation is still the land of opportunity because you help make it so.

Meanwhile, you eat, sleep, walk and talk Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines. You work long hours, ever alert for the one time something bad might happen. You volunteered to be there. Every second you are there you are doing your part to guard your family, your friends and your nation.

To those who serve or have served in our armed forces, we want you to know that you are not forgotten, not on this day or any other. We remember you each time a man or woman in uniform passes us on the street. We remember you every time we sit at a table with an empty chair because a friend or loved one is in some far away land in uniform. We remember you every time we see the flag fly high over a capitol or when jets buzz our stadiums during a flyover. We remember you when you come home. We greet you with open arms as you step off the plane or honor the fallen with funeral processions worthy of their sacrifice.

More than just remembering, we give thanks. We pay tribute to those who don't just fight to protect us, but to those who give their last full measure of devotion and die fighting for us.

There are no words to say thank you for something like that.

There are no words in any language that could express those feelings. But we need to start trying.

For all you do and for all you’ve done, thank you.

63 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

feature

< Private Jason Cody Conn, United States Army

^

Devin Gustafson A1C, United States Air Force; F15 Crew Chief

< Jos Joshua Marcotte Unites States Uni Marine Corps Ma 64 | j u l y 2 0 1 7

> Corporal Cameron Watson, United States Army; Currently stationed in Kuwait.

<

2nd Class Petty Officer Landon Spurgeon, United States Navy; 2001-2010

> First Lieutenant Otto Jenkins; Fighter Pilot with the Mustang Aces of the 357th Fighter Group, World War II

65 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

feature

< Corporal Kristina Brooks, United States Marine Corps

^

E-5 Michael Bronn United States Airforce Photo taken during 2013 deployment in Saudi Arabia

< E5 William Rash United States Army Uni

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> FCSN Caleb Cook United States Navy

<

Lance Corporal Bethe Girardi United States Marine Retired

> A1C Jory Linneman United States Air Force He is currently deployed in the Middle East (son) MSGT Toni Linneman (right) Education & Training Master United States Air Force 1986-2006 (mom)

feature

< Jenny Blackledge Senior Airman United States Air Force Irag - 2005.

^

Justin Cariker United States Army Homecoming from Afghanistan deployment

< Air Airman Makayla Ross United States Airforce Uni

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> LCPL Matt Smith United States Marine Corps Currently deployed in Iraq

<

Tech Sergeant Floyd Sterling United States Air Force

> Matthew Ehring United States Marine Corps

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feature

< Petty Officer Third Class Brockton Scott Webster United States Navy

^

PV2 Jesse Galan United States Navy Military Police

< Se Second Class Petty Officer Christopher Buenrostro Ch United States Navy Un Currently deployed on the Cu USS Carl Vinson US

70 | j u l y 2 0 1 7

> Sergeant Adan Gonzalez United States Army Afghanistan deployment

<

Sergeant Kyle Prescott United States Marine Corps Currently deployed in the Middle East

> Sergeant Mark Condron United States Army Coming home from a year long deployment in Kuwait June 2016

71 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

feature

< SGT Andy Spillers United States Army

^

Tyler White United States Army Fort Drum, New York

< Stafff Sergeant S Kurt S Smith Returning home from his Return 3rd de deployment to the Middle East

> United States Army detachment, Kuwait.

This unit was sponsored by the Astros while they were deployed and were recognized when they returned

<

Specialist Keith Girardi-Pulley United States Army 3/18/86 - 4/26/11

> Bravo Company 122nd Aviation Support Battalion 82nd Airborne Division

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WORD SCRAMBLE | PRETTY BABIES

growing | U P

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showcase | P R E T T Y

B A B I E S

Griffin Brian Seymore March 25, 2017 Parents: Brian & Haley Seymore

Sister: Braylee Seymore

Grandparents: Danny & Donna Moody Doris Pelton Kim Pelton

Photographer: Andrea Musick

Hudson Andrew Smith January 11, 2017 Parents: Byron & Madison Smith

Grandparents: Darryl & Amy Smith of Lufkin, Lisa Thomas of Austin Robin Thomas of Austin

Abigail Page Cooper April 28, 2017 Parents: 2Mâ&#x20AC;«Ùºâ&#x20AC;¬MZa 0MI\PMZ +WWXMZ

Siblings: Cailyn, Olen & Anna Cooper

Grandparents: Pete & Linda Cooper Bruce & Charlotte Barnes

Madelyn Klaire Sirmons January 6, 2017 Parents: Cody & Katie Sirmons

Grandparents: Gary & Polly Clark Lonnie & Brenda Sirmons

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PAL ESTIN E -T E X A S -

B ROWS E & BUY Braly Builders Suppy Co. Housed in a 1938 elementary school and in business for over 80 years, this locally owned store and Texas landmark was recently named “The Coolest Hardware Store on the Planet” by Ace Hardware.

Braly’s also supports many local organizations that touch the community’s heart, such as the local baseball teams, Disabled American Veterans, Anderson County Youth Livestock Association, Junior Service League, churches and schools.

IT' S P I C K I N ' T I ME Lake Creek Blueberry Farm The Lake Creek Blueberry Farm has made a name for itself with blueberry pickers in East Texas. On this 32-acre farm, families are ITTW_ML \W KWUM IVL ÅTT J]KSM\[ _Q\P \PM NZ]Q\ NWZ MIKP 6W XM[\QKQLM[ are sprayed on the plants, making them edible on site. Lake Creek is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Check out the Lake Creek Blueberry Farm Facebook page for updated information.

RE ST YO U R HEAD Magnolia Street Inn A beautifully restored 1874 Victorian home, the 5IOVWTQI ;\ZMM\ 1VV W‫ٺ‬MZ[ bountiful breakfasts, afternoon refreshments, professional services and a relaxing atmosphere. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Magnoliastreetinn.com

S HO P ' T I L L YO U DR O P Palestine Main Street District A Texas Main Street City that covers 44 blocks of Downtown, Old Town and the Courthouse Square, visitors can enjoy historic architecture, shopping, antiques, restaurants and more. For more information visit palestinemainstreet.org

S IT & S IP P Granny Muffin Wines /ZIVVa 5]‫ٻ‬V ?QVM[ TWKI\ML QV 0Q[\WZQK ,W_V\W_V 8ITM[\QVM M makes a large selection of wines from grapes grown all over the he world. In one place you can taste a California grown Merlot, t, an Argentine Malbec, or maybe a Spanish Tempranillo. They ey pride themselves in providing a variety of wines that will tempt pt any palate, from the sweetest dessert wines to the driest of reds. s.

OZIVVaU]‫ٻ‬V_QVM[ KWU U

G E T O U TSIDE Lake Palestine

83 | j u l y 2 0 1 7

Located 30 minutes from Palestine, this gorgeous lake is a 25,600 acre outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true! With 135 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 16 feet, Lake 8ITM[\QVM W‫ٺ‬MZ[ XTMV\a WN ZWWU NWZ Å[PQVO JWI\QVO [SQQVO kayaking, hiking and much more. lakepalestinetexas.com

P R E S E N TS :

SPORTS & | OUTDOORS

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S E A S O N O F P R E PA R AT I O N | S U M M E R G R O U N D W O R K | N W T F | J O U R N E Y O U T | A R O U N D T H E C A M P F I R E

s p o r t s & o u t d o o r s | S E A S O N O F P R E PA R AT I O N

SEASON OF PREPARATION

by James Floyd

A

s far back as I can remember, summer has always been a time for work. In our family, cattle was and still is the biggest priority. "Making hay while the sun shines" was not only an overused slogan, but replace "making hay" with mending fences, spraying herbicide, running a chainsaw, or building repair and this would sum up most summer activities. As a teenager I dreaded the arrival of June. The "to-do" list seemed longer than the hot summer days. It wasn't until my late twenties that I began to appreciate the season of preparation.

MENTAL PREPARATION I would say that seventy percent of preparation is mental, if we perceive an event as negative then we are most likely not going to enjoy preparing for it. Stress begins to pile as the event draws near and human nature leads us to worry. In the case of our family farm, we are constantly concerned with the amount and quality of the hay we are producing as well as the other activities that help us prepare for those tough winter months.

As a hunter, the season of preparation means clearing and constructing shooting houses, conducting trail camera surveys, spending quality time with my birddog, as well as the many hours spent at the range. Truth is, there is little difference between clearing shooting lanes and clearing fence lines.

So why is it that one task seems so much more daunting to accomplish? I believe that it is due in part to our perception of the event. It comes as no surprise that events we look forward to are much easier to prepare for, but if this is the case then why do we often find ourselves ill-prepared for enjoyable events?

Each year hundreds of hunters (myself included) wait until the last few weeks leading up to gun season before dusting off our favorite firearms and hitting the range, or even worse, taking a rif le hunting without confirming its accuracy on paper. If we perceive target shooting as enjoyable and realize its importance, then why have we procrastinated? The key to this question lies in our motivations.

MOTIVATION It is our level of motivation that helps us set our priorities. Our motivators are both positively and negatively inf luenced.

We all have that friend that seems to enjoy planning and packing for a trip more so than experiencing it, and soon after they return home it seems like they immediately start planning for their next adventure. This is truly a person who has embraced the positive spirit of preparation.

Shopping and product research are two of the best examples of positive preparation. Think back to the last slow day at the office. If you were not watching hunting videos on YouTube then chances are you were reading product descriptions and reviews on some type of outdoor gear. I can't tell you how many times Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone to one of my favorite sporting goods retailerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web page and fill up an online shopping cart with no intentions of purchasing the products. To fully utilize the season of preparation we need to do more than just act on our positive motivators. We need to take action whether the motivator is positive or negative!

Having a sense of worry, urgency, or doubt are all examples of negatively inf luenced motivators. These motivations are fueled by fear and have consequences. As much as I would like to say that positive preparation is the best method for being prepared, the truth is, fear often gets results. The trick is finding out what combination works best for you. If you let negative motivators be the driving force behind your actions then you run the risk of changing your perception of recreation. Hunting and the associated land management practices may seem challenging at times, but as conservationists we must continue to enjoy that challenge. We need to also be aware of the negative perceptions of pressures when introducing a new or young person to our sport.

PRIORITIZE More often than not, our list of things to accomplish is far greater than what we can manage. If our time for preparation is limited, then how do we prioritize what needs to be accomplished? This is where having a forestry or wildlife management plan that is written by a natural resource professional can help with your decision making.

All management plans are written to aid land managers in making sound decisions and taking action to accomplish the landownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management objectives. While properties often have multiple objectives, such as timber production, maximizing wildlife potential, or aesthetics, it is imperative that the land manager prioritizes these objectives in the level of importance. While properties can often achieve multiple objectives, they typically can only maximize one. Therefore, if the primary objective changes, so must the plan.

Management plans will also contain an activity schedule for the life of the plan. This is a spreadsheet of events managed on a stand level to best achieve the land manager's objectives. Some activities will occur annually, such as monitoring for invasive species and maintaining roads, while other activities such as timber harvesting or herbicide application may only occur once for the life of the plan. While a forestry or wildlife management plan may not improve your turkey calling skills, it will aid in coordinating the next summer workday at camp.

WINTER IS COMING Studies have shown that simply planning for a trip has a positive inf luence on our quality of life - regardless of whether we are able to go on the trip. If this is true then summer should be one of the most uplifting times of year for hunters. As natural resource enthusiasts we need to appreciate our summer's sweat-equity. Without it, the fruits of fall would not seem as sweet. If the children's story of the grasshopper and the ant has taught me anything, it is that winter is coming and we best prepare.

sports & outdoors | SUMMER GROUNDWORK

SUMMER GROUNDWORK EMILY COURTNEY

T

hroughout my early childhood, I remember watching my brother spend months and months in preparation for hunting season. It was a year-round thing; once the seasons were over in the spring, he’d start planning habitat improvements and new hunting strategies for the next fall. This kind of dedication was what moved me to want to try hunting again in my early teen years, which resulted in immediate obsession and the passion I still hold as an adult. Once I started taking hunting seriously, my brother let me help with work weekends at hunting camp and any other times he’d go out to check cameras or hang stands. I loved getting to tag along for those kinds of trips. It made me feel important, like I was contributing to the process, and that he valued my company. One of my favorite parts was riding behind him on the four-wheeler. Whenever we hit a straight stretch of road, he’d look back, tell me to hang on, and push that accelerator as far as it would go. It was exhilarating. I should have been terrified, but I had such complete trust in him that I knew he’d never let me get hurt. I was fearless as long as I was with him. Nothing ever seemed like work with him either. We’d spend hours in the Mississippi summer sun, bush hogging, planting food plots, spraying roads, hanging stands, and

clearing shooting lanes. By the end of the day I’d be soaked with sweat, caked with dirt, covered with mosquito bites and thorn scratches, and completely exhausted. But I loved every minute of it. Then in the fall when the work paid off with a successful hunt, it made the experience that much sweeter.

One year, we got some post-season trail camera photos of a particular buck that we set our sights on for the fall. He was a cull buck, an older eight point with a much too small rack for his age. The photos reflected a pattern that allowed us to develop a strategy to hunt him. Many of our preparations that summer were directly aimed towards this strategy. There was a particular strip of woods that he traveled regularly where we focused most of our efforts. We sprayed herbicide to release some desirable oaks throughout the corridor. We put up a ladder stand on one of his routes. We cleared shooting lanes. We paid special attention to the food plots that the corridor connected. It may seem like a lot of work for a cull buck, but it was more about the process and prospect than the trophy itself. Of course there were other bucks we got photos of that summer; ones with bigger racks that we certainly hoped would pass by one of our stands, but we really

wanted the cull. As the season neared, we stayed out of the area as much as possible, and tried to resist checking the cameras too often.

We kept an eye on him, though, to make sure we got the most accurate picture of his pattern leading up to opening weekend.

My brother insisted on me hunting the ladder stand we’d set up to be the site of the buck’s demise. He knew how much I wanted him, and it’s entirely possible he wanted me to get him even more.

I hunted that stand almost exclusively for the first few weeks of the season, without a single sighting. So we decided to keep out of the area for a while and hunt some other spots, but our luck didn’t improve. One particularly cold morning, I decided I wanted to try the cull stand again. Some mornings you wake up and just have that feeling; you just know something is going to happen. This was not one of those days. My confidence was low and I had no expectations of seeing the buck I was after.

I settled into my stand, nonetheless, and waited for daylight.

After a couple hours of seeing no movement whatsoever, what little hope I had was quickly draining from me. Then, out of nowhere, I heard a crunch in the leaves. I picked up my gun and pushed the safety off before even turning around. Sometimes you just know. And sure enough, as I turned my head slightly, there he was trotting through my peripheral. A single shot from my .308, and he was on the ground 100 yards from the stand.

It was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. Having spent most of the year putting most of our management efforts

towards this one goal, it felt incredibly validating for all of the work to pay off. There have been many other bucks we’ve pinpointed for a season, but not many have worked out the same way. Whether you have a particular buck you’re trying to harvest, or simply trying to improve your chances with the general population, pre season preparation is crucial. Effective habitat management is indeed a year-round commitment. Whether it’s prescribed burning or tree planting in late winter, spring food plot planting, or mowing and spraying in the summer, all of your efforts contribute to the greater goals of improving habitat and enhancing the hunting experience.

If you’re a hunter, this probably sounds somewhat familiar.

It typically takes a good bit of preparation and planning to achieve much success hunting, and it can add up to seem like a lot of work. But it doesn’t have to be a chore. If you don’t already find the work enjoyable, figure out a way to make it fun.

Get a friend to help. Take a kid with you; yours or someone else’s. They will almost certainly find the work thrilling, and in a very contagious way. You just might recruit a new hunter while you’re at it. Or it can be a way to just get outside and spend some time alone. Use it as an excuse to buy some new toys (or “equipment” if your spouse asks). There’s a myriad of ways to make it a pleasant experience. If you enjoy it and put your heart into it, the results will reflect that. And who knows, it may just become your new favorite pastime. Besides hunting of course!

"SOMETIMES YOU JUST KNOW"

sports & outdoors | NWTF

AUGUST 5TH MARK YOUR CALENDAR The Pineywoods NWTF Chapter (PNWTF) presents the 29th NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet on August 5th.

We invite you to join us at the Lufkin Civic Center for an action packed night as we raise funds to “Save the Habitat and Save the Hunt”. The PNWTF Chapter will have hunt and gun auctions, gun raffles and a great meal for all in attendance.

our live auction success is a hunt purchased

by Melvin Linton for his 17-year-old son Hunter Linton at last year’s event. The hunt was place in western Polk County.

The PNWTF group has been one of the top fund raising chapters in the nation for many years. On the national stage, Texas State NWTF and National NWTF Awards flowed to Lufkin’s local Pineywoods Chapter for an exceptional year of success.

The last 28 years, attendees have enabled the PNWTF chapter to generate over a million dollars that is helping with our NWTF mission “Save the Habitat and Save the Hunt” bringing back dollars to East Texas in the form of making Texas lands better for hunting. An example of

90 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

“I sat very still on the edge of a fence line just waiting.

Mr. Wheeler started calling again

and

every

they answered back.

time At

that point, I couldn’t see him because of tall grass between us. He finally stuck his head through a hole in the grass and I took the shot. When I picked him up I noticed he was triple bearded! What a surprise!”

Early that morning, the wind was blowing 15 to 25 mph, temperature was 80 degrees with a 90% humidity, but this didn’t stop me from being all excited about hunting and enjoying my time in the great outdoors.

I met my guide, Terry Wheeler, who is an active committee member of the Pineywoods NWTF Chapter (PNWTFC). We headed to the deer lease where we met for breakfast with volunteer committee members Larry Jordan, Gary Brock, Louie Short and James Morgan.

Daylight came and with it the sounds of multiple toms gobbling on their roost. When the turkeys flew off the roost, things went completely silent. I could hear my heart beating in my chest with anticipation. At this point, I thought we were in trouble, but then we heard multiple gobbles from different directions with our calls. One was located down the pipeline from us.

I spotted his red head coming through the grass with my binoculars. He came and went quickly. We waited another 20 minutes and moved toward where we last saw him. In a few minutes, we saw 3 turkeys at about 800 yards down the pipeline. We got in the deep woods and closed the distance between us. I crawled quietly within the last 50 yards to get close to him. I sat very still on the edge of a fence line just waiting. Mr. Wheeler started calling again and every time they answered back. At that point, I couldn’t see him because of tall grass between us. He finally stuck his head through a hole in the grass and I took the shot. When I picked him up I noticed he was triple bearded! What a surprise!

A turkey taken in the Pineywoods of East Texas is an accomplishment in itself, but, a mature, triple beard! I experienced a hunt of a lifetime!

I want to say thanks again to the hard-working volunteers of the PNWTF who bring this kind of experience and opportunity. We would probably not be experiencing this successful a hunt without this great organization.

Hunter Linton

21 7+(

:$7(5

sports & outdoors | JOURNEY OUT

1o other setting calls for more time on the water than Texas in July. Some

areas may seem as arid as the Mojave, but there are recreational bodies of water scattered throughout the state. There are over 150 public lakes managed by TPWD, and more than a dozen public river access areas. You can find places to rent canoes and kayaks, boat ramps, popular fishing spots, and swimming areas. Safety is of upmost importance when engaging in any water recreation activity. TPWD offers Boater Education Courses that can help you learn how to be safe and smart on the water. Of course, always remember to wear a life jacket, supervise children closely, and avoid alcohol.

Check out http://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/recreation/access/ to find water recreation areas near you.

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93 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

G

O

D & G O OD F R

IE

N

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a

D S

O

D

O FO

campfire to share stories and experiences from our time outdoors. We’d like to invite you to share your stories with us here by submitting photos of you and your loved ones enjoying the outdoors.

Whether they’re snaps from a weekend camping trip, proof of a conquered hike, or a trophy shot of your kid with their first fish, we want to see them!

We know there’s a great community of outdoors

sports & outdoors | AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

enthusiasts in East Texas, and we’d love to see what you’re up to! Submit photos on our Facebook page, or post on Instagram using the hashtag #journeyout, and we’ll choose the best to print here every month!

Submit photos on our Facebook page, or post on Instagram using the hashtag #journeyout, and we’ll choose the best to print HERE every month!

your | T H O U G H T S

MAY NO SOLDIER GO UNLOVED. MAY NO SOLDIER WALK ALONE. MAY NO SOLDIER BE FORGOTTEN, UNTIL THEY ALL COME HOME. A heartfelt thank you from the staff at The Journey Magazine to our military, both at home and abroad, for your service, sacrifice and undying patriotism. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”

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your | J O U R N E Y

E-mail Your Journey submissions to: kogden@tjmag.com

<

> From Left, Piper, Scarlett & Stella Sheaffer Lufkin, Texas

by Their Nana, Toni Barnes

Eastern Bluebird, Broaddus, Texas - by Jo Gibson

> Rob Davis & Parker Day play in the Crown Colony Jr. Golf Program Tournament

Family fun at the Texas Blueberry Festival!

Thank you to our firefighters and first responders!

Miriam S, age 4 by her aunt, Kate Rudasill

<

Please include name of photographer and location. Submissions are free of charge.

your | J O U R N E Y

E-mail Your Journey submissions to: kogden@tjmag.com Please include name of photographer and location. Submissions are free of charge.

< Snow Cones & Swimming at Live Well!

Andy Villarreal & Cullen Brantner

^

LEAD Week Trip to Mountain View, Arkansas

by Jordan Dietz

< Fins to the left, fins to the right!

Jimmy Buffet Concert Houston, Texas Maxx & Angela Gandy

> Carter Ogden, Miramar, California

< Matthew Hineman Mountain View, Arkansas

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