PinPointe Bridgeland/Blackhorse ranch

Contents ON THE COVER: Carson Eagan

Serving the Communities of Bridgeland & BlackHorse Ranch

6

18

14 6

Carson Eagan: Cypress Lacrosse Midfielder Excels on the Field, in the Classroom, and in the Community

18 Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ 3rd Annual Back to School Bash an Astounding Success

10 Payal Mandewalkar: Influencer and Fashion Blogger Realizes Her Bollywood Dreams of Glitz and Glamour

20 Baby Moses Law Provides a Safe Alternative to Child Abandonment, Anonymity for the Parent

14 Best of Cy-Fair: Senate Avenue Brewing Company

21 Cypress Happenings

15 Best of Cy-Fair: The Daly Round Indoor Golf & Lounge 22 Hey Girl! What's in Your Bag? 17

Cy-Ranch High School Hosts Round Up 2024

PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE

Carson Eagan

Cypress Lacrosse Midfielder Excels on the Field, in the Classroom, and in the Community

By Patricia Hudson

C

ypress Ranch senior Carson Eagan is a talented 17 year-old athlete. What is most unusual is the sport in which he excels: lacrosse.

In Cypress circles, this sport is not widely known.

“Lacrosse is an exciting and fast-paced sport that combines elements of basketball, soccer, and hockey. It’s played with 10 players on the field at a time from each team, including a goalie. The field is similar in size to a soccer field, and each player uses a stick called a crosse, to pass, catch, and shoot a small rubber ball. The objective is to score more goals than the other team in four quarters of play. It’s a sport that requires speed, coordination, and teamwork,” explains Carson.

Carson recalls being interested in sports from the time he began to walk.

“I played football and baseball like most kids do, starting in kindergarten. In the 5th grade, my cousins introduced me to lacrosse; I was hooked right from the beginning. The combination of speed, skill, and teamwork in lacrosse really resonated with me, and it quickly became my favorite sport. I joined a youth club called Iron Men Lacrosse in Cypress. I continued playing football through my freshman year of high school, but Lacrosse quickly became my passion. My fondest memory from my early days was the first time I played with Iron Man Lacrosse. I remember the excitement and energy of being on the field, the rush of running with the ball, and the thrill of scoring my first goal. It was in those early moments that I fell in

6 September | October 2024

love with the game, and I knew I wanted to keep playing lacrosse for as long as I could,” reminisces Eagan.

Fueled by his passion, hard work, and dedication to the sport, Carson has competed nationwide on not one, but three teams.

“I currently play for Cypress United Lacrosse, a team that competes in the Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL). I also play for two select teams, Texas Legacy and Supreme Lacrosse, during the summer and fall seasons. We compete in tournaments all across the country, from California to New York. My position is midfield, which I love because it allows me to play both offense and defense, and be involved in every part of the game.

This year, I will be a 4-year starter for Cypress United Lacrosse. In the 2024 season, I was honored to be voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) by my coaches for the Cypress United team.

During the 2023 season, the Cypress United team reached the ‘A’ class State Semi-finals Championship game. “We lost in overtime, which was tough, but it was an incredible experience to compete at that level, and it’s a game I’ll never forget. In the 2024 season, we played in the class ‘AA’ class State tournament, finishing as the number seven team in the state out of 147 teams,” shares the midfielder proudly. “We plan to finish even higher this year and hope to get support and recognition for the sport from the Cypress Community.”

“Colby is really into football. He’s a sophomore and is the starting middle linebacker for the JV ‘A’ squad. He’s super dedicated to the sport and is hoping to move up to the varsity team before the season ends,” says his brother proudly. “He is a hard worker and is really focused on his athletic goals.”

What does the future hold for Carson Eagan?

“I’m planning to attend Texas A&M University, which is where my mom and aunt graduated, as well as where my cousins currently attend. I’ll be majoring in business finance and economics. I’m really excited about the

This Cypress Ranch senior excels not only on the field, but in the classroom and in the community.

“My favorite subject in school is economics because I’m fascinated by how economies work and how financial decisions impact the world. I’ve worked hard to maintain a strong academic record and currently have a 3.6 GPA. I’m actively involved with the youth program at The Foundry Church, where I participate in community service activities. I’m also a member of a Bible study group that meets several times a week. These activities are really important to me because they help me stay grounded and focused on my values,” he explains.

Carson has a younger brother who is also a student athlete at Cypress Ranch High School.

PinPointe Magazine

7

opportunities that lie ahead, both academically and personally.”

Whether to pursue lacrosse post high school was a decision not made lightly for the senior.

“I have been recruited by a number of colleges across the country to play lacrosse. However, after a lot of thought, I made the decision not to pursue lacrosse at the collegiate level.

It was a tough choice because lacrosse has been such a big part of my life, but I decided to focus on my academic and career goals instead. I believe this path will give me the best opportunities for my future, and I’m confident it’s the right decision for me,” affirms Eagan.

“We are incredibly proud of everything Carson has achieved in lacrosse. His dad Randy and I have always supported him in pursuing his passions. While we know how difficult it was for him to decide not to play collegiate lacrosse, we’re fully behind his decision to focus on academics.

We’ve always emphasized the importance of education, and we’re glad that he’s thinking about his longterm goals and making decisions that will help him succeed in the future,” assures mom Marcia.

8 September | October 2024

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please email: texasteacher024@outlook.com.

PinPointe Magazine

9

Payal Mandewalkar

PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE

Cypress Influencer and Fashion Blogger Realizes Her Bollywood Dreams of Glitz and Glamour

By Patricia Hudson “Fashion is an individual’s statement of self-expression. What one wears should make them feel powerful, confident and beautiful in their own skin” - Payal Mandewalkar, Times-Bulletin

French Riviera at Cannes, France Photo Credit: NJ Photo Cannes @nj.photo.cannes

P

ayal Mandewalkar was born in Maharashtra, India and was raised in Mumbai. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an engineer, but also of walking a fashion runway. Her aspirations included working for one of the most successful companies in the USA. In 2003, Payal married her husband Pavan in Hyderabad, India.

Determined to reach her childhood dreams, Payal studied Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunication at Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University, SNDT, in Mumbai, India. Payal and Pavan moved to Texas in 2004 where she was awarded her Master’s Degree. “By profession, I am an IT Project Manager,” states Payal.

In a Times-Bulletin article, Payal divulged that she was always fascinated by the glitz and glamour industry of Bollywood and dreamed to walk the ramp one day, but an unrealistic image of a tall, thin, and “perfect” model body kept her childhood dream at bay.

During the Covid Pandemic, she turned towards social media as an outlet for showcasing her styles and began to represent fashion as all-encompassing and inclusive, while breaking the stereotype definition of models.

Within the Indian community, Payal is held in high esteem. Sonal Tuljapurkar, Cypress entrepreneur (featured in PinPointe Cypress Creek Lakes February/March 2024), comments, “Payal is one of the most hardworking people I know. She has achieved great success through determination and passion towards her work. At the same time, she hasn’t forgotten her roots, is kind-hearted, and is absolutely selfless while helping others.”

Payal’s social media reflects a staggering list of career and life engagements. We asked what she considers her motivation

10 September | October 2024

as an international influencer, world beauty pageant winner, engineer, model and fashion blogger.

“As an International Influencer and model, I am driven by a desire to inspire and make a positive impact on others through my journey and success I achieved after winning the title of Mrs. Asia World Elitec 2021 by helping many small to mid-size (businesses), not only women-oriented, but also other local businesses. I use my platforms to promote causes, help nonprofit charity organizations raise funds, support events through innovative marketing ideas and help build a successful environment around.”

In Feb 2023, Payal walked in New York Fashion Week for three renowned designers including Anjali Phougat Coutures at Designer Dream Collection, where she walked as a Brand Ambassador supporting sustainable fashion.

Mandewalkar collaborated with a DDC campaign for beauty in diversity project for Elle magazine, and was a Times 40 under 40 award winner.

As an Instagram Influencer/fashion blogger, Payal won the title of International Instagram Influencer of the Year in 2021-2022 and The Inspiring Woman Award. She is a Brand ambassador for many well-

known brands like Express, Tanishq Usa, Diamonds Direct, Pixi beauty, Uoozee, C bazaar. Shein, and kota silk. Her accomplishments include acting in several short films where she won the award for Best Make Up and Costume at the Texas Kannada Short Film Festival.

Launched in July 2024, Payal is the CEO and founder of InVogue Talent Agency. She continues to inspire women as a mentor and pageant coach.

“Women empowerment is challenging the status quo of the community, loving and respecting yourself as a whole and having the liberty to do what she desires.

It’s about leading by example and inspiring others to do their best and being able to live and strive for greatness while being vulnerable and ambivalent,” shares Mandewalkar.

Sonal Tuljapurkar and Payal

If these accomplishments aren’t enough, Payal enjoys adding her determination and passion to the game of cricket.

Payal and her husband Pavan have two children.

Parnika, 19, is a third-year engineering student at Rice University. Prayom, 9, is a 4th grade elementary school student. Culture plays an integral role in the lives of the Mandewalkar family. “Indian culture is vibrant and multifaceted, impacting daily life through its traditional food, daily prayers, the type of clothes, the different festivals we celebrate and we try to emphasize on concepts like respect for elders, hospitality, humility, and non-violence which are deeply ingrained in Indian culture and influence daily interactions and decisionmaking,” explains Payal. instagram.com/payalsfashionpalette

Payal and Pavan

2024 Cannes Film Festival

PinPointe Magazine

11

12 September | October 2024

PinPointe Magazine

13

The Best of Cy-Fair P L A C E S T O E AT

By Patricia Hudson

PinPointe Magazine opted for a different take for our restaurant reviews this edition. We chose to highlight two unique establishments: Senate Avenue Brewing Company and The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge. Less than 10 miles apart, why not jump on US290 and visit them both?

Senate Avenue Brewing Company

T

he Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce held the August networking breakfast in a most unlikely place: Senate Avenue Brewing Company.

Andrew Mitcham, owner of Senate Avenue, hosted the event, which also served as a ribbon cutting, “Just 4 years later but… oh well,” joked Mitcham. (His story is intriguing; In the wake of 911, he left UT to join the Army and became a combat medic, earned his EMT Certification and taught Combat Lifesaver courses across the country. He did a stint in the

Corporate IT world before starting his own IT company with his brother-in-law. Moving back to Jersey Village, he married and served as the Mayor of JV. While his ultimate goal was to attract a brewery to his city, ironically, he now owns one!)

Getting back to Senate Brewing Company; they are billed as a nanobrewery and taphouse, and sell wine by the glass and bottle. The fullservice kitchen offers unique fare such as fried artichoke hearts and crab cakes, bison and black bean burgers, street tacos, (Our breakfast tacos and biscuits were delicious), and blackened redfish. SABC is family friendly; even dogs are welcome on the patio.

Senate Avenue Brewing Company 16000 Dillard Drive • Unit F Jersey Village, TX 77040 (832) 295-3188 Days/Hours of Operation: Sunday: Noon-7pm Monday-Friday: 11am-9pm Saturday: Noon-9 pm

14 September | October 2024

The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge

A

friend’s networking event found me at The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge midweek, just as folks were leaving work. A first-time visitor, I asked others about the establishment; a fun place to relax, watch the game, practice your swing, and meet friends, so they said. A friendly bartender called out a greeting while deftly offering a selection of spirits, craft beers, and cocktails to clients seated around the bar and around the room. My Cuba Libre was on point. Comfortable seating for conversation and tables for those perusing menus and others that checked out the Astros on multiple screens filled the room. Truffle Pretzel Bites and Cajun Crunch Egg Rolls; Handhelds of short rib and brisket blended beef with Bourbon bacon jam and shoestring potatoes tempted the tastebuds. Talk is, the oven fired flatbread pizzas are favorites among the golfers. The indoor golf simulators located in bays

PinPointe Magazine

15

in the next room were filled with golfers and others that aspired to be. Bring your own clubs, or rent some. It’s 21 and over after 9 pm. Oh, and Bottomless Mimosas are offered for $12 a person every Saturday and Sunday. I’d say The Daly Round measures up to the hype.

The Daily Round Indoor Golf & Lounge 11734 Barker Cypress Road • Suite 116 Cypress Tx 77433 (346) 462-7043 Days/Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday 11am-Midnight

16 September | October 2024

Cypress Ranch High School Around CY P R E S S Hosts Round Up 2024 Story and Photos by Patricia Hudson

Cypress Ranch High School kicked off the school year with its annual Round Up, a community back to school event featuring a school carnival hosted by Cypress Ranch athletes and school organizations. An assortment of food trucks lined one side of the parking lot, with booths and games filling a large expanse of the back parking lot.

Incoming freshmen, new students and their families were encouraged to attend the Round Up, meet the athletes, learn more about extracurricular activities, try their hand at games of skill, and join in on the first pep rally of the year. Just an hour into the Round Up, the skies began to darken, thunder and lightning rolled in. “We were supposed to have a pep rally at the football field, but unfortunately, it was canceled,” comments Mothers of Mustangs mom Penny Friedrich. Penny’s son Kaden is a senior and plays Center for the Mustangs.

PinPointe Magazine

17

Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ 3rd Annual Back to School Bash an Astounding Success Story by Patricia Hudson Photos by Apollo Productions, Daniel Arizpe

Around

O

CY P R E S S

n Saturday, August 3, 2024, Cy-Fair Helping Hands held one of its biggest and most memorable community events: its 3rd Annual Back to School Bash. Aimed at providing backpacks and school supplies for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students in need, the event drew 1,448 attendees, with over 1,025 students happily receiving new ageappropriate backpacks filled with school supplies. To kick off the school year, the children and their families were invited to enjoy a carnival-like event, with games, entertainment, food, exhibits and fun provided by its community partners.

"The numbers from the B2SB are astounding," says Pat Hudson, Director of Community Outreach. "More than 120 individuals from community churches, businesses and organizations came together with approximately 60 volunteers to make this happen. We are ecstatic to share that of those numbers, 11 Cy-Fair churches were represented!

As our new Emmott Road location is not ideal for an event of this size, our good friends at Calvary Community Church graciously consented for us to use their church auditorium and parking lot. We are so grateful to Pastor Jeff McGee and his staff!

18 September | October 2024

We wish to send a special thank you to all that helped to make this event memorable, including those that made a financial donation, provided school supplies and backpacks, donated and/or sized new and gently used clothing, set up, filled backpacks, helped with distribution, fed the guests, entertained and provided carnival game booths. A special thank you to H-E-B Cypress Market at Barker Cypress for a pallet of water, Christine Kalmbach, Realtor for the hot dogs, State Representative Penny Morales Shaw and Lulac# 4967 Greater Houston LULAC for the hot dog

buns, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office for the donation of handwashing stations and portable toilets.”

Cy-Fair Helping Hands works closely with the Community Youth Services (CYS) workers that serve homeless and disadvantaged children within Cy-Fair ISD. On the Monday following the Bash, CFHH founder and Senior Homeless Services Director Jean Dreyer invited the CYS workers for breakfast and provided an overview of services available to CFISD students through CFHH programs. As they left, CYS workers loaded their cars (and a trailer) with 540 cloth and clear backpacks for the CFISD high school, middle and elementary campuses they serve. Olivia McElrath, Area Supervisor for Community Youth Services, made two subsequent trips to Cy-Fair Helping Hands, where volunteers loaded her vehicle with additional backpacks and supplies. Pantry clients were also able to pick up backpacks for their children for the two weeks following The Bash.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community businesses, churches, organizations, and individual supporters, we were able to donate an astounding 2,223 backpacks and school supplies for financially disadvantaged CFISD students,” exclaims Executive Director Janet Ryan. “It was heartwarming to see the immense smiles on the faces of the children as they excitedly grabbed their backpacks!

That made it all worthwhile!”

First Row (left to right): Kendall Leto, Isabella Perez, Kendall Bryan, Meredith Malonson, Ava Reyna, Ella Kimbrough, Brooklynh Doan, Nicole McWilliam, Sophia Escobar, Savannah Tabb Second Row (left to right): Brooklyn McCombs, Addie Smith, Presley Alvarez, Jayda Clack, Reagan Williams, Laila Tabb, London Thomas, Cate Lammert, Morgan Kotzur, Natalia Varela, Laityn Allemand, Olivia Reed PinPointe Magazine

19

A

Baby Moses Law Provides a Safe Alternative to Child Abandonment, Anonymity for the Parent

fter the body of a newborn baby boy was found recently in a trash bin in northwest Harris County, a local news station ran a story about the ‘Baby Moses Law’ and how it works in Texas. This is a brief summary of the Baby Moses Law in Texas.

The Safe Haven Law in Texas, officially known as the "Texas Baby Moses Law," was enacted as a response to increasing cases of infant abandonment, sometimes resulting in the infant’s death. It was signed into law by Governor George W. Bush on June 3, 1999. This law provides a legal and safe alternative for parents who feel unable to care for their newborns, allowing them to relinquish custody without facing criminal charges.

required by law to take the child into custody and provide any necessary medical care. From there, the child is transferred to Child Protective Services (CPS), which takes steps to place the child in a safe and permanent home through foster care or adoption.

The Texas Baby Moses Law was one of the first of its kind in the United States and served as a model for similar legislation across the country.

It reflects a compassionate approach to addressing a complex issue, aiming to protect the lives of vulnerable infants while offering a safe, non-judgmental option for parents in crisis.

Under the Texas Baby Moses Law, a parent can legally surrender their baby at designated Safe Haven locations, which include hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and emergency medical services (EMS) providers. The child must be no older than 60 days to qualify for this safe surrender. The law is designed to be as straightforward and non-threatening as possible to encourage parents to use it. No questions are asked of the parent, and they are not required to provide any identifying information. The anonymity of the parent is protected, and they are shielded from prosecution for abandonment, as long as the child shows no signs of abuse or neglect.

If you or someone you know is in a situation where they feel unable to care for a newborn, remember that there is a safe and legal option available.

The process is simple: the parent hands the infant to an on-duty employee at a designated Safe Haven site. The employee is

For more information, contact the Texas Baby Moses Hotline: 1-877-904-SAVE (1-877-904-7283).

20 September | October 2024

Despite its importance, many people are still unaware of the Safe Haven Law and the protections it offers. As community members, it is our responsibility to spread the word about this lifesaving law. By raising awareness of the Safe Haven Law, we can help prevent tragic outcomes and ensure that every infant has a chance for a safe and loving future.

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.

And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

Shop 'til you Drop 2024 Marketplace Saturday, September 24, 2024 • 9am-5pm 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 Cy-Fair Women's Club Annual Fundraiser. There are over 250 vendors.

All proceeds go back to the community through scholarships to graduating seniors in the CFISD area and financial assistance to nonprofits in the community. cyfairwomensclub.org

St. Cuthbert School 40th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, September 24, 2024 • 10am-1pm 17020 West Rd. • Houston, TX 77095 Bring the kids! Train rides, music, games, silent auction, craft area and food trucks. Admission is free! www.stcuthbert.org

Cy-Fair Fire Fest Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 10am-2pm Fire Station 11 • 18132 West Rd. • Cypress, TX Join us for a fun-filled day for the family with live demonstrations, Kidz Zone, Smoke House, Local Vendors, Food Trucks, and more!

Bridgeland Community Fun Run/Walk for Heroes Saturday, October 12, 2024 • 8am / Kid's 1K @ 9am Bridgeland’s Festival Park • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX Supporting The Bridgeland Community Supports Veterans, Inc. Details and Registration: blrunforheroes2024.eventbrite.com

The Judy Dierker Holiday Market Friday, October 18 & Saturday, October 19, 2024 • 9am-4pm Foundry Church • 8350 Jones Rd. • Houston, TX 77065 For 22 years, we have been bringing together a variety of vendors, artisans, and makers to offer a unique and festive shopping experience.

Not only will you find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, but you'll also be supporting a great cause.

Rotary Club of Cy-Fair Annual Veterans Day Golf Tournament Thursday, November 7, 2024 Blackhorse Golf Club • 12205 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 Benefitting PTSD Foundation of America & Camp Hope Register at: tinyurl.com/CyFair-Rotary-Golf2024 www.rotarycypressfairbanks.org

Veterans Day Celebration & Military Memorial Wall Dedication Saturday, November 9, 2024 • 10am-Noon 12527 Cypress North Houston • Cypress, TX 77429 Join us to celebrate all those who served while we are dedicating our new Military Memorial Wall! Light refreshments will be served.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Festival of Trees Fairfield Women’s Club Fundraising Garage Sale Saturday October 5, 2024 • 7am-2pm Over 100 homes participating in the sale. For a map of all homes involved in the sale visit fairfieldwomensclub.org.

Saturday, November 9, 2024 • 7-10pm Lindsay Lakes • 16536 Mueschke Rd. • Cypress, TX Dinner & Dessert, Cocktails& Mocktails Live Music, Bourbon Pull, Silent Auction & More! Visit www.cyfairhelpinghands.org/FOT2024/ for info on tables, sponsorships and tickets.

Market at the Attic Saturday, October 5, 2024 Angel's Attic Resale Store • 12930 Cypress N. Houston • Cypress, TX Support area small businesses featuring arts & crafts, jewelry, yummy treats, and much more.

Jersey Village Brewfest Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 6-9pm DeLozier Park - Intersection of DeLozier and Rio Grande Presented by City of Jersey Village Parks and Recreation Parking at Champions Forest Church. Tickets $30 www.jerseyvillagetx.com/page/events.jvbrewfest

6th Annual A Taste of Cy-Fair

Cy-Fair Nutcracker Market Saturday, November 23, 2024 • 9am-5pm Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 Over 270 vendors offering everything from Women's and Children's Clothing, Home, Holiday and Garden Decor, Gourmet Food Items, Hand made and Fashion Jewelry, and so much more! $5 Cash Entry Fee at Door or purchase online. Children under 13 Free Entry. No Stroller allowed by Berry Center Policy during event until after 3pm. https://www.berrycenter.net/event-details/cyfair-nutcracker-market

TRAVeliNG SeNioR oF CypReSS TRipS & ACTiViTieS September 12, 2024: Fall Pot-Luck & Bingo Bingo. Bring your favorite dish. We provide the drinks. Cards afterwards. We eat promptly at 11:00 to 12:20, Bingo, then cards.

Lakeside Trails Clubhouse,16125 Country Fair Lane in Fairfield.

Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 5-8pm (4pm VIP Entry) Lakeland Village Center • 10615 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 Loads of food, wine, beer, music, a silent auction, and festivities!

Proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope to help local families and residents in need. Purchase tickets at: atasteofcyfair.com

October 10. 2024: Scarecrow Festival & Autumn Fair. Free Trip. Lunch on your own.

Leaving from Fairfield Baptist Church at 8:00 am.

Cy-Fest 2024

November 12, 2024: Houston Botanical Garden Light Show Price TBD Lunch at Kelly Country Cooking-Dinner. Leaving Fairfield Baptist Church 4:00 pm

Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 10am-2pm Lone Star College-CyFair • 9191 Barker Cypress Rd • Cypress, TX Cy-Fest, a free family-friendly community celebration for all ages, returns with a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, book mobile, bounce houses food trucks & More! www.lonestar.edu/cy-fest

Fairfield Family Night out Sunday, October 6, 2024 • 4-7pm Fairfield Central Park • 15015 Heath Green Circle • Cypress, TX Bounce Houses, Live DJ, Food Trucks, Face Painting, Games & More!

September 10, 2024: Mystery Trip Lunch on your own. Leaving from Fairfield Baptist Church 9:00 am. $25.00.

November 18-23, 2024: Branson Christmas Show Extravaganza, Branson, Missouri Admission to 5 Fabulous Shows, 8 meals: 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners: $895.

April 24-May 3, 2025: Shades of Ireland, 10 Days: 13 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners with Optional 3-Nigh Lond Pre Tour Extension or Optional 3-Nigh Edinburg Post Tour Extension. Round Trip Air from Houston Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers. Double Occupancy: $3,999.

All trips leave from Fairfield Baptist Church. Please park facing the ditch and apartments. All trips must be paid for within five days of registering, or you will be removed from the list. For info, contact Jo Ann at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie at jackie.devine@comcast.net.

PinPointe Magazine

21

By Allison Okuneye

When I think about the size of my purse over the years, it makes me laugh. There were the younger years where I had to have my entire makeup bag, 3 different body sprays, an entire hairbrush, basically the college girl equivalent of a Mary Poppins Bag. Then we move into the young mom years the bag stayed massive, but was now a diaper bag/purse. I had to remove MY “necessities” and restock with every baby item to be prepared for any and every possible situation. I still don’t understand how I was not WAY more buff between the weight of bags and babies, but I digress.

Now, in my older (but still younger) years I find myself eliminating the heavy baggage a little bit at a time.

Literally and figuratively.

Maybe with time you realize that the world doesn’t actually end if you don’t have multiple body sprays to choose from, or if you get caught in the rain and can’t fix your hair. Maybe 8 diapers for a trip to HEB was a little excessive. It didn’t feel that way at the time, and maybe it was totally necessary and I just haven’t been in that stage of life for a while. Different stages of life require different size purses. There are some seasons where you will feel prepared, with all of your tools, ready for any and every disaster. There may be another season where you don’t seem to 22 September | October 2024

have anything that you need. Or you may feel like me in my current season, decluttering every area...and the purse is just the beginning. Filling the extra space (in our purse or life) with extra “things” really just weighs us down. I am ok with having a lighter, easier to manage purse. I can confidently say that in this stage of life, where the purse is lighter, the extra baggage has been removed, my shoulders feel better, the stress of being 100% prepared is no longer looming, and I can finally have space for something new.

IN CASE YOU WERE CURIOUS...

This is what Is currently In my purse.

• WALLET • TRAVEL SIZE PERFUME (an-other.com FM/2018)

• LIPSTICK (Maybelline Super Stay Dancer)

• KEYS • SUNNIES

STAY FEARLESS AND PACK LIGHT!