15 minute read
The Book Boyfriend
from FF February 2022
by Forsyth Mags
The Book Boyfriend BY LISA S.T. DOSS
What makes you delve headfirst into the pages of a novel for five minutes or five hours? Is it the storyline, the great chemistry between two lead characters, or the protagonist male with the attractive features that makes you say, “If only he were real!?” He has most likely broken from the complexities of his life and is not quite at the status of a superhero; yet, he wakes every morning, caring for others, and despite his fierce nature, he has heart. How many lead characters suit the description? Almost all! Perhaps your fandom takes you beyond the text and screen to chatrooms, notifications from authors, lists to attend cosplay events, or travels to the character’s state or fictional universe! Adventure and great lines are just a few reasons to claim a male character as a book boyfriend!
Advertisement
James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser
Say the name “James Fraser” to a room at large, and most likely, there will be several women who swoon! The Outlander series, defined as a mix of historical fiction, romance, and sciencefiction, comprises 25 books. Fans are perhaps sated now for just a while by the 928-page, November 2021, publication of the ninth novel, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. Unfortunately, it may be another decade before the next “big book,” as author Diana Gabaldon differentiates between novels and novelettes, appears. The story focuses on twentieth-century British nurse Claire Randall, who travels to the eighteenth century to find adventure and love with a dashing Scot. Jamie’s cat-eyes and unabated promises of protection would make anyone wish to go through the stones or to Scotland! Thank goodness, fans have the television mini-series this month before spending the remaining year as downhearted “Droughtlanders”!
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Dashing. Respectable. Contemplative. Desirable. Mysterious. It’s no wonder Mr. Darcy remains the most adored romantic character spanning 209 years. He belongs among a list of the “100 Best Male Characters”—at the top, of course! From a novel published in 1813, Jane Austen has provided millions of readers with a chance to believe a natural encounter could leave a mutual impression and develop into a love story. The attraction of Mr. Darcy is dimensional. He is snobbish, and, at times, a hopeless conversationalist; his heart’s desire, Elizabeth Bennett, is strong-willed, outspoken, and demands transparency and truth. Their flaws create the fairytale and inspire readers to continue delving into the pages, or pressing “play,” to experience her Pride and Prejudice.
Walter Longmire
A pair of boots and a cowboy hat begin the attraction. Add a widower with a grown daughter, a man of truth, interested in solving a difficult case while he is acting sheriff of Absaroka County, and a great protagonist is born. Fans of Walt Longmire sympathize with a man trying to overcome personal adversity through 27 novels and novelettes by Craig Johnson. They are also drawn to a secondary character, the loveable Cheyenne and owner of the Pony Bar and Grill, Henry Standing Bear of the Dog Clan. Together, they are similar to Batman and Robin, without capes and masks. Readers not only love the novels and novelettes, but happily binge-watch six seasons, totaling 63 episodes, of the television series. So, what happens when our longing for Walter Longmire becomes unbearable? Plane Tickets arrive by e-mail for us to spend some time in the beautiful scenery of Wyoming!
What attributes identify the appeal or the inclination to swoon upon hearing these names? The long list of Book Boyfriends is not, by any means, limited to a Scottish Highlander, a sheriff cowboy, or a high-born gentleman of Derbyshire, England. Your list may also include a man of steel (Clark), a long-awaited king (Aragorn), a farm boy (Westley), or a widowed lawyer (Atticus). This February, start sharing your favorite novels with family and friends. Perhaps you will receive a new series full of adventure, unexpected first meetings, and a desire to add a few new names to your list of beloved books! Fandom cannot be helped. We are inundated by book and screen, forum sites and webchats, and cosplay events spread out worldwide!
Make the MOST
of Every Day
BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON
Who can forget Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic lyrics from the musical, The Sound of Music? As they came to mind on a recent morning walk (a favorite thing, for sure!), I thought: “Why wait until ‘the dog bites’ or ‘the bee stings’? Why not seek out our favorite things and consciously reach for them every day? Isn’t that how we create more joy right now, right where we are? While stepping away from fulltime work and easing into a more relaxed rhythm, I am challenging myself to become my own “Joy-Meister.” Trust me, it’s not like waving a magic wand. It requires self-observation, habitchanging, and experimentation. But the payoff? Now that’s the prize!
EIGHT STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO BRING MORE JOY TO YOUR EVERY DAY:
1. Practice noticing and reflecting on what makes you feel
good; feel happy throughout the day. Pay attention to the small things. Sitting on my veranda and watching the birds’ antics is a serious joy-maker for me. Write down at least one joy-maker each day for an entire month. Then consciously seek these out on a regular basis. And on the flip side… 2. Notice what you are tired of. Start to identify the habits and activities that no longer bring you joy. Maybe an activity has reached its “joy-expiration” date and is now a bit boring.
Because we tend to repeat behaviors even when we have outgrown them, be sure to look closely.
3. Experiment with something new. Switch things up. I’ve started to follow along on You Tube Pilates videos and found that doing so brings me joy along with greater physical flexibility! A small win for me!
4. Focus on the end result of a tiresome task. Whether it’s paying the bills or cleaning the bathroom, we all have tasks we’d rather avoid. By focusing on the ultimate result, you temper the burdensome part by envisioning the satisfaction and positive feelings you will experience when you’re finished. 5. Shower the people you love with love. Undeniably, a huge contributor to happiness is the quality of our relationships.
When you tend to them in small, consistent ways, you deepen your bond with others. I love the fact that my dear,
Massachusetts-based friend Lynda and I have a standing
Saturday afternoon catch-up call where we never know what will happen or who will say what. Our distance has brought us closer. Go figure…. 6. Practice gratitude. Being thankful for the good things in your life is the gift that keeps on giving, because gratitude changes your brain in positive ways. When I hit the mattress each night, my first expression of gratitude is a shoutout to the comfortable bed that welcomes me. From there, I give thanks for five things that brought me joy that day.
7. Be kind to others. Every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate kindness. Every single one. When you are kind, the pleasure and reward centers in your brain light up, increasing your feeling of satisfaction and well-being. And, on the receiving end, you never know how much positive good your kindness can bring to another.
8. Have an open mind and an open heart. Remind yourself that you do not walk in your sister’s shoes. There are always more than one way to think, feel, and perceive. Strive for less judgment and more acceptance. Your heart will be lighter.
OPERATION: Christmas Miracle
The Bridge Church Helps Kentucky Tornado Victims
BY CAROLYN S PETERSON
There truly is no devastation like that of a tornado. Lives taken, families destroyed, homes and things strewn for miles in the blink of an eye. While there is no ideal time for a tornado, one at Christmas amplifies the loss of lives and the memories yet to be made. When the tornadoes hit this past
December in Kentucky, The Bridge Church, in Mocksville, NC, collected items for those displaced by the tornado to aid the victims in their darkest hours.
The Bridge Church
Justin and Melisa Blue formed The Bridge Church in July, 2017 after Bible study meetings at local coffee shops grew and a larger, central location was needed to meet. As a wife and mom of three,
Melisa’s heart broke for those affected by the tornadoes in Kentucky. “On Sunday, December 12th of last year, I heard the news from a friend’s post on Facebook about the tornadoes in Kentucky.
I searched online and saw just how bad things were there. I began to pray and felt overwhelmed by it all. On our way to church that morning, I talked to my children about Christmas, and as they began to share with me all they hoped for on Christmas, I could not help but think of those children I had seen in some of the photos that were posted from Kentucky; their Christmas looked much different than ours. I told my husband and my children about the news from Kentucky. My husband, Justin, is a visionary and acts in faith said ‘what are we going to do?’ He insisted that we do something! We didn’t have anyone we knew in the areas affected in Kentucky, so he immediately called the Governor of Kentucky’s office and spoke to an assistant on how we could possibly help,” said Melisa.
With a Plan and a Heart of Giving, All Things Are Possible
After making a connection with the Governor of Kentucky and expressing how they wanted to help,
Melisa and Justin got busy with their plan. “We spent the next week contacting all our local pastors and businesses we knew to get involved. We were so overwhelmed by the thousands of dollars, food and hygiene products, along with hundreds of toys that were donated. Soon, we rented a Penske truck to deliver all the goods just a few days before Christmas,” Melisa commented. It really reached beyond the walls of The Bridge Church and became a community effort.
“There were drop off donation sites all over Davie County, beyond our church. From Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant, to South and Main Boutique, to First Horizons Bank, to The Factory Coffee Shop, to The Station, and Fort Bixby General Store, the community really stepped up to help in the effort. We were fortunate that LeBleu donated a pallet of bottled water and The Ascension Episcopal Church donated non-perishable food to feed hundreds of people,” stated Melisa.
Upon arriving in Kentucky, Melisa and Justin met several people affected by the storms. “We met one lady and her daughter who allowed us to walk through their home that had been destroyed. They showed us the closet they hid in when the storm hit, and the only portion of the roof that was left was over the closet that sheltered them. The entire back wall and roof of their home was detached and lying in the field behind their house. We were really touched and reminded of the preciousness of life and the importance of helping others in times of need,” Melisa said.
The Bridge Church is located at 1509 Angell Road in Mocksville, NC. Follow The Bridge Church on Facebook @bridgechurchmocksville.
Forsyth Country Day School
Our forward-thinking approach to learning fosters curiosity, develops talents and interests, and builds confidence to prepare students for what's ahead!
Schedule Your Tour Today!
FCDS
Academic Excellence
Curious Learners Authentic Connections
FCDS.org l 336.945.3151
It’s a New Year, What’s changed? Have you reviewed your estate plan lately? The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to do that.
Although there’s no hard-and-fast rule about when you should review your estate plan, the following suggestions may be of some help: Cannon Wealth• You should review your estate plan immediately after a major life event. For example:
Loss of a spouse, new home, health changes, anything that has significantly changed in the last year. • You’ll probably want to do a quick review each year because changes in the economy and in the tax code often occur on a yearly basis. Also, changes in lifestyle, did you retire this year? • You’ll want to do a more thorough review every five years with a trusted financial planner to help you stay on track with your goals. Reviewing your estate plan will not only give you peace of mind, but will also alert you to any other changes that need to be addressed. There will be times when you’ll need to make changes to your plan to ensure that it still meets all your goals. For example, an executor, trustee, or guardian may change his or her mind about serving in that capacity, and you’ll need to name someone else.
BUILD. DEFEND. PRESERVE.
OUR SERVICES Retirement Planning Investment Planning Risk Management/Insurance Tax Planning Estate and Legacy Planning Cash Flow Management
336.231.6844 cannon-wealth.com
PROMNight
The new world we’ve faced since March 2020 has cost us much, but it’s also taken away time-honored traditions from our Junior and Senior High School students. The anticipated return of prom season promises an elevated sense of excitement. Forsyth Family is proud to help our local students celebrate this milestone and rite-of-passage. The time to plan is now! From the dresses to the flowers to the limos to the dinner – preparing for prom is a huge event. We will have content dedicated to prom prep for the next three-months with our prom guide! Enjoy fun content about planning and preparing for prom, as well as local resources which can be used to make the most of your student’s prom experience. Happy planning!
Hip Chics
What’s Popular for Prom 2022? The Dos and Don’ts of the Season
BY AMY HILL
Over the last couple of years, the pandemic has put junior and senior proms in jeopardy; but, the outlook for a top-notch 2022 prom season is looking promising. Feeling out of the loop when it comes to proper prom attire and activities now that life is slowly creeping back to normal? Here are a few tips for following this year’s most popular prom season trends.
Dress the Part
Although it may seem like the days of poofy, princess dresses are long gone, don’t be surprised if you see popular ‘80s trend making a comeback in stores this 2022 prom season. Iconic puff sleeves are re-emerging as one of the year’s most stand-out dress trends. Classic, elegant gowns in satin are still lining store racks, but many prom-goers are opting for off-the-shoulder gowns, mermaid silhouettes and flowy maxi-dresses. Selections in periwinkle and orchid pink are abundant this year, along with stunning dresses in jade green and cobalt blue.
Not sure which corsage or boutonniere to purchase for your date? Don’t sweat the small stuff this prom season. As it turns out, many brides and grooms believe the trend of corsages and boutonnieres is in its final days when it comes to weddings. Why not skip the stress of shopping for florals and splurge on self-tanning, cosmetics or hair care instead? Better yet, spend the extra cash you’ll save not purchasing an expensive arrangement of orchids and upgrade your preprom sirloin from a 6-ounce to a 10-ounce?
Dine in Style
Where can you find the perfect steak dinner or classy preprom meal to make sure you’re fueled up for a night of dancing? Ryan’s Restaurant in Winston-Salem is a go-to for special events any time of the year, and the view from inside the restaurant is certain to set the perfect mood for junior and senior prom. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time and arrive with an empty stomach – and don’t skip out on the sea bass.
Downtown Winston-Salem’s charming Italian eatery Quanto Basta makes another great setting for pasta-craving promgoers. The low lighting and large windows pair nicely with elegant gowns and tuxedos, and has the perfect menu for sharing Italian meats and cheeses with large groups of friends. If you’re craving French fare, reserve a table at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar next to the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, perfect for a pre or post-prom photoshoot to spice up your social media profiles. In fact, a photoshoot with friends around town is the perfect after-prom activity for those looking to skip out on the typical after-party.
Time to Relax
Many students are opting for a milder after-prom experience and are choosing to turn in early and spend the rest of the evening with their closest friends. You and your closest ladies can host a post-prom spa night with fruity mocktails, fun finger-foods and scented candles as a safe and stress-free way to decompress after a night on your feet. While getting ready for prom is half the fun, it can be just as enjoyable to wash off your makeup, slip into matching lounge sets and post up on the couch with your best friends. As for the boys? Ditch the uncomfortable tuxedos and bowties, and bond around a bonfire while snacking on hot dogs and s’mores. Make the night complete by spending it outside in a tent under the stars.
If you do choose to attend a traditional prom after-party, remember to stay safe and sober to protect yourself and others. No poor decision on prom night is worth ruining a promising future. Always remember to call a trusted friend or family member for help if you’re in a sticky situation, and when in doubt, don’t go out.
