Texas Hill Country Culture - January 2020

MAKE YOUR WORKOUT MORE

FLEXIBLE

Discover the mental and physical health benefits of practicing yoga

TOAST TO GOOD

HEALTH

Learn how a glass of wine could help your heart

JOURNEY TOWARD

RENEWAL Five regional sites to boost your spiritual welbeing

JANUARY 2020

EVERY

LUXURY INCLUDED

January 2020 - Volume 5 - Issue 1 Carlina Villalpando Publisher

Parastoo Nikravesh Magazine Editor

Louis Amestoy Managing Editor

Nicole Crapps Page Designer

Dean Heep

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For story ideas: parastoo.nikravesh@txhcculture.com

For advertising inquiries: advertising@txhcculture.com

For general inquiries: info@txhcculture.com

@ txhillcountry_culture @ Texashillcountryculture

The Kerrville Daily Times 429 Jefferson St., Kerrville, Texas 78028 www.dailytimes.com | Phone: 830-896-7000 | Fax: 830-896-1150

DEC1901179

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

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Copyright: Hill Country Culture is published by The Kerrville Daily Times under Southern Newspapers Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

EDITOR’S LETTER

A

Happy new year

s we reach the dawn of a new decade, it’s amazing to think of what ten years can do. I started the 2010’s in middle school worried about if I’d make first chair flute in the Jacksonville Middle School band, and at the end of it I’m living six hours away from my hometown, writing a letter to the readers of the magazine I work on. I’ve had two graduations, a handful of jobs, a dozen or so vacations and more memories with beloved family and friends. As everyone reflects on their last decade and looks onto what the next few will hold, we ask that you take the time to breathe, relax and find time to improve your mental and physical health.

For our January issue, we wanted to think fresh. How can we find peace in our busy lifestyles? How can we create healthy habits in food and regular exercise? How can we enrich our lives with arts, literature and religion? We hope that reading our new issue of the new year will give you helpful advice and inspire your new journey.

A special thank you to the wonderful and talented Leslie Eastland for gracing our cover. She did her best yoga poses for us in very cold weather while a frigid breeze blew

off the river and I like to think that you can’t even tell. Thank you to everyone in this issue who let us take up some of their time to share their stories and the fun and unique things going on in their life.

In this issue you can read all about the wonderful yoga opportunities in the area led by Maikenzy Rose DeZarn and Leslie Eastland starting on page 31. On page 18, read all about the beautiful places to visit in The Hill Country to reconnect with nature and spirituality. Starting on page 10, get to know local personal trainers and the advice they have on those wanting to get fit in the new year.

I hope all the readers have great opportunities come their way in 2020. Thank you to everyone again and to my wonderful coworkers and managers who are always there for me and offer their guidance and support.

If you’re interested in keeping up with the magazine online, check out our Instagram page @txhillcountry_culture and Facebook at Texas Hill Country Culture.

Thanks again and happy reading!

— Parastoo Nikravesh

ON THE COVER Photos by Tom Holden Model: Leslie Eastland of Yoga with Leslie Read more about what Leslie and others have to say about the health benefits of practicing yoga on page 31.

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Contents 10

Features 31

REACH FOR HEALTH Enthusiasts share health benefits of yoga

34

NATURAL SKIN What should you do for healthy skin

Departments 8

EVENT PICKS January activities

10

GET TO KNOW Meet local personal trainers

36 JOURNALING

How writing regularly

improves life and health

18 TRAVEL

Great places to

find inner peace

38

24 WELLNESS

How to create

healthy habits

EMBRACE THE ARTS What local fine arts events to keep up with this year

18

31

26 MUSE

Local theater student

brightens her life 28 UNCORKED

Find out how wine

can be healthy 49

SWEET & SAVORY Nutritious recipes to keep you on track

54

OUT & ABOUT Schreiner University's Christmas tea

Your Home 42

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LIVING TINY How to live more with less

CONTRIBUTORS

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faces of 4

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Hill Country Culture

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Contributors Kathy Sears Hall - 1

Kathy Sears Hall is a Kerrville native and graduate of Tivy High School. She is a Cooper Institute Personal Trainer and is licensed to teach Pilates and Zumba. She holds an accounting degree from the University of Texas and spent 27 years in the energy industry. She now enjoys being back home and working with her father, husband and staff at The Center for Fitness, a business her mother started over 40 years ago.

Samuel Beaver -3

Samuel Beaver is a fifth- generation Kerrville native who has held a camera in his hand for over eight years. With a true passion for creating eye-catching images, he works as a contributing photographer with The Kerrville Daily Times.

Additionally, he works as a ranch and real estate photographer with Wingman Imagery out of Fredericksburg. You can find him on Facebook at Beaver’s Photography and on Instagram at beavers_photos. His work can be viewed at www. beaversphotos.com.

Jenna Carpenter - 5

Jenna Carpenter is the communications coordinator for Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly. Before going into public relations, she worked at several newspapers, including The Kerrville Daily Times, The Castroville News Bulletin and The Medina Valley Times, the Garden Island Newspaper, on the island of Kauai, in Hawaii, and The St. Augustine Record, in St. Augustine, Florida. She loves to travel and is planning a trip to Alaska in 2020.

Stacy Whittemore - 7

Stacy Whittemore is a health/cooking coach and certified master preserver in the Texas Hill Country. Her cooking blog, wayfaringspoon.com, is dedicated to smaller-sized recipes along with home canning inspiration. Her passion is teaching and sharing the art of home cooked meals.

Shari Snyder - 2

Shari Snyder, along with her husband, Todd, and teenage son, Andrew, are Tiny House Dwellers, Designers, and Builders.

They are passionate about building environmentally healthy communities for families to thrive in for years to come. Shari is an advocate for wellness, people, and community building.

As a lifestyle wellness coach, she focuses on holistic healing for body, soul, and spirit. As the Chief Hope Giver for Hill Country Tiny Houses, her mission is to help people trade space, stuff, and stress, for freedom, simplicity and adventure.

Mia Church - 4

Mia Church began her career in media at the Phoenix Newspaper in Boston, Massachusetts. Later, she was part of the team at Boston’s first country music station, WBCS, solidifying country into the northeast culture. She is an internationally published photographer and writer and runs her business, Mia Church Photography. She has two daughters and has lived in the Texas Hill Country for 15 years.

Leia Francisco - 6

Leia Francisco, M.A., is a Certified Journal Facilitator, teacher for the Therapeutic Writing Institute and Journalversity, creator of Writing Through Transitions and author of Writing Through Transitions: A Guide for Transforming Life Changes. You can reach her at lfrancisco@stx.rr.com.

Nancy Foster - 8

Nancy Foster has contributed to Texas Hill Country Culture since its beginning. She believes success is measured when readers tell her they’ve found another place to visit and enjoy. Nancy and her husband, Raymond, have lived in Kerrville for nine years. She heads Foster Tourism Marketing, a company that services clients in four states. She also is a writer for a national inflight magazine.

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GO AND DO

Fave 5 Events Enjoy January with these top Hill Country Events

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Saturday 11

Friday - Saturday 24 - 26

1 - 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, Riverside

10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Jan. 24 - 26, River

Oak Wilt & New Discoveries Workshop

Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St. Certified Arborist Karen Rockoff will host a workshop highlighting the latest information on Oak Wilt.

830-257-4837. www.riversidenaturecenter.org

Kerrville Renaissance Festival Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Dr. Open rain, shine or cold. Travel back in time to the middle ages; filled with adventure, music, romance and fun for the whole family. Play games of skill. Eat a turkey leg. Shop in the marketplace featuring over 40 artisans and enjoy headlining entertainers and musical

Saturday 11

Symphony of the Hills 'POPS- Out of this World'

7:30 p.m. Saturday Jan. 11, Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. A professional symphony orchestra performing concerts that blend classical and contemporary. A wine & cheese reception preceding each concert. 830-792-7469. www.symphonyofthehills.org

Saturday 18

Bird Walk and Talk

8 - 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St. Join Paul and Deloris Sellin on a leisurely stroll along the River Trail.

Bird enthusiasts of all ages and experience are welcome.

830-257-4837. www.riversidenaturecenter.org

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acts on seven stages.

214-632-5766. www.kerrvillerenfest.com

Saturday - Sunday 25 - 26

4th Annual Kerrville Winter Market

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jan. 25 - 26, Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Junction Hwy. Vendors from all over the state and beyond will be here to present their art, jewelry, gourmet food, gift items, and much more. 888-225-3427. www.texasmarketguide.com

If you visit these events, snap a picture and use the hashtag #CultureAdventures or tag us at @txhillcountry_culture on Instagram so we can share your Texas Hill Country adventures.

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GET TO KNOW

Kathy Andrews with her client Dr. Simone Bridges

K ATHY ANDREWS

Kathy Andrews of the Kerrville Kroc Fitness Center. Personal trainer for 25 years. Third month working at the Kroc center, but was formerly the Fitness Director and full-time trainer at the now closed Family Sports Center in Kerrville. Interview and photos by Parastoo Nikravesh.

1) What made you want to become a personal trainer?

I fell into it accidentally. I was a single mom and I came to the Family Sports Center and they hired me.

From there I grew, the owner and general manager at the time really believe in me and gave me an opportunity to develop my skill with courses. After all that time I diversified my knowledge and taught classes and got licensed as a trainer with The National Academy of Sports Medicine among other licenses.

2) What advice do you have for people who struggle to make going to the gym a habit?

What makes them come back is the motivation that they get, the encouragement and accountability. Mostly that you make them feel successful. And you’re not patronizing them, you’re telling them the truth. I can still speak the truth in love and make them feel like they’re still succeeding.

for these people that are coming to you. You need to set an example. If you’re eating healthy, then they’re eating healthy. If you’re accountable, then they know they have to be accountable.

5) Is there anything else that you want people to know about what it means to be a personal trainer?

You need to stay on top of the industry as far as new information because it changes all the time. Secondly, you need to be giving yourself adequate care and rest for yourself and that you can follow up with your own personal workout. Third, love what you do. Love making people stronger, better, faster.

3) What is the best thing about your job?

The success. Seeing these people succeed. That makes my day. If they come in and say, ‘Man, that workout was awesome, I feel so good,” that makes my day. That makes me want to press in their even more.

4) What advice do you have for people wanting to become personal trainers?

It’s hard work. Especially a full-time trainer, if you’re going to make a living out of it. It is hard work, but you have to stay on top of following up with your clients.

You have got to follow up with them. You can’t leave them hanging and that’s almost a daily job with a large clientele. The second thing is don’t let yourself get burnt out. If you’re burnt out, if you fall off the wagon, you’re not going to be what you need to be

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KENMARSHALL

GET TO KNOW

Ken Marshall with his client Darlene Young

Ken Marshall of Center for Fitness is Certified personal trainer through the American Council of Exercise. He’s been a full-time for 10 years.

Marshall works all over and goes to several facilities and people’s homes.

Interview and photos by Parastoo Nikravesh.

1) What made you want to become a personal trainer?

Just my passion for fitness and health and the enjoyment of it. I think it’s the best medicine and … the lifestyle is addicting once you get used to it … definitely a better way of life for mental, spiritual, emotional and physical.

It helps everything.

way to train and working with people, and I found that you can’t do that. And when you’re working with people in different demographics from younger to very much senior in their 90s you have to custom tailor a program for them and their goals. My whole job is helping them meet their goals whether that is balance, mobility, strength, flexibility, aerobic, fat loss, the list goes on

2) What do people come to you struggling with the most?

3) What’s a tip you give people when they first get started into fitness?

Wanting to lose fat or gain mobility. Some people have trouble walking and with balance, and that’s typically the older population. A lot of the younger people under 65, come in wanting to get healthier. Regardless of what their goals are, they want to be healthier, and I try to custom tailor that approach for them because it’s not a cookie-cutter approach. A lot of trainers tend to have one

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

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You got to find something you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, it’s not going to be sustainable.If you don’t like to lift weights that might not be something for you to get involved in long term. It’s got to be something you enjoy. If you like to swim, if you like to bike, hike, whatever it is you need to find it because it’s a lifestyle change. That’s what I tell people the most that it is a lifestyle change and once you

get started on it everything changes for the most part and it’s just a whole new way of life and that’s why you need to find something you enjoy

4) What’s the best part of your job?

Seeing progress. People telling me their progress even if it is the littlest things like, ‘It’s easier for me to stand up out of a chair,’ like when they get up from a booth at a restaurant it’s easier or getting out of the bed they don’t have any more back pain or their knees don’t hurt anymore. Pain management is huge with exercise. In most cases it will actually help with joint pain and a lot of seniors don’t realize. Arthritis especially can be helped by exercise and it might make it harder at first because they’re stiff and sore but long term exercise is the best thing for arthritis.

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GET TO KNOW

JOSHUA

HIPPS

Joshua Hipps with his client Lillian Matthews

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Joshua Hipps is a certified personal trainer and certified sports nutrition specialist at Anytime Fitness in Kerrville and Fredericksburg. Interview and photos by Parastoo Nikravesh.

1) What’s the most common thing people come to you struggling with?

The two most common that I really have right now is injuries and rehab and weight loss.

2) What advice would you give people getting started on fitness?

Make a commitment and stick to it. It’s not a quick thing it’s not a destination, it’s a journey so just once you start that journey enjoy it and stick with it.

3) What mindset do people have to change once they start with you?

Generally, time frames for long term changes.

People want these magic diets, magic pills and none of it is long term. You get results fairly quick, but it doesn’t last. It’s trying to get them to realize it’s a process if you want long term, lasting change. So they need to get in that mindset that it’s going to take time and it will be gradual and consistent but it will become a part of their lifestyle.

4) What would you say is the best thing about your job The gym is my happy place and I spend every day of my life in the gym. I work with people and help them reach their goals.

5) What can they gain from working with you instead of doing it on their own

When you have somebody guiding and directing you it’s a lot easier to stay on track and to stay motivated. A lot of people working on their own get into a routine where they come to the gym and they do the same thing every day. It’s day after day after day doing the same routine and it gets monotonous and that’s when people generally stop. But, when you’re working with a trainer, it is constantly mixed up and things are constantly changing — you’re getting a new routine and you never know what to expect, so it keeps it interesting and it helps keep you motivated.

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

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Five Homegrown

Adventures

A GREAT ESCAPE COULD BE WAITING JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR 18 

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

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“N

1

Coming King Sculpture and Prayer Garden

ot all those who wander are lost.”

While this quote from JRR Tolkien, author of one of the most epic adventure trilogies, “The Lord of The Rings,” is decades old, it rings true in the hearts of people today.

Perhaps because it validates a call to get out and experience the world. Maybe it’s reassurance that not all journeys have a clear path and it’s okay to take detours on your way to understanding and meaning.

This quote is especially apropos doing the New Year.

Every Jan. 1, people make resolutions in an effort to inspire grow th and selfimprovement. It’s a time for people to take stock of where they are in life and focus on what they want to accomplish.

For some, that’s getting out in nature. For others, it’s connecting with God or simply finding peace in themselves.

But whatever that journey is and no matter how hard it can get, it’s important to remember you are never truly lost.

TRAVEL

“The Coming King” and “The Empty Cross” by Max Greiner

Coming King Sculpture and Prayer Garden is the perfect place for those who are looking for a quiet place to pray and reflect on God’s promises.

Located at 520 Benson Drive in Kerrville, it spans 24.5 acres on a hilltop that shares the same latitude of Israel.

Sculptures found in this garden were inspired by scenes from the Bible, including The Empty Cross, The Coming King, Mary, Mother of Jesus, Fisher of Men, It is Finished and Divine Servant.

In addition to the sculptures, there is also a rock garden where people can request to have their prayers written on rocks. These rocks are prayed over weekly.

Coming King Prayer Garden is open from 7 a.m. to midnight — admission is free.

The Texas Hill Country of fers dozens of choices for those on the journey to self-discovery and faith — take a tour of a small chapel in the Cowboy Capital, discover new hiking trails on a dome foraged from pink granite or meditate in a quiet spot in downtown Kerrville — the choice is yours.

Here are five places in the Hill Country that are bound to offer inspiration for your journey.

Story by Jenna Carpenter Photos by Tom Holden

“Fisher of Men” and “The Empty Cross”

by Max Greiner

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2

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

With its 11 miles of hiking trails, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers people a chance to connect with nature by serving up aweinspiring views of the Texas Hill Country.

It is aptly named, as it’s formed into a large dome by pink granite.

The park can be found at 16710 Ranch Road, eighteen miles north of Fredericksburg, and offers a wide array of activities, including hiking, biking, rock climbing and camping. Guests can also purchase a day pass to have a picnic, search for geocaches and stargaze.

While Enchanted Rock opened as a state park in 1978, people have camped in the area for 12,000 years.

And if you look closely, you’ll find evidence of these prehistoric people who pounded their food against the granite rock, leaving behind depressed rock, called bedrock mortars.

The entrance fee for adults is $7, and children 12 and under are free.

Photos by Samuel Beavers

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TRAVEL

3

Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly Located on the headwaters of the Guadalupe River and spanning 500 acres, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly is the perfect place for those looking for time for reflection, prayer and rejuvenation.

From the Chapel on the Hill and Inspiration Point to kayaking along the river, Mo-Ranch serves up breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country.

Cell phone service is limited here, so take that quiet time to dive into your faith, learn about yourself or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.

Buy a day pass and spend the day at Mo — or spend a few days at one of several of Mo’s lodging options.

For more information, go to moranch.org.

Contributed photos 21

4

Polly’s Chapel

This centuries-old chapel is a perfect blend of spirituality and history.

Built 8.5 miles north of Bandera by Jose Policarpio ”Polly” Rodriguez in 1879, this chapel is just over 1,000 square feet and was built to accommodate 100 people.

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Rodriguez was well-known in the San Antonio and Bandera area because he served as a guide to US generals who were surveying the land that would later become major roads for commerce and transport in early Texas. He was also a Texas Ranger, Justice of the Peace and a rancher.

He went on to establish Polly, Texas, a small township that was

the home to 30 families.

It is believed that the chapel was planned, handcrafted and built mostly by Rodriguez himself.

In 1986, Polly’s Chapel was registered with the Texas Historical Commission and became an official Texas Historical Landmark.

Photo by Tom Holden

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TRAVEL St. Peter’s Labyrinth

If you’re looking to take time out of your day to meditate and focus on your faith journey, take a turn around the labyrinth at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Kerrville.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of a labyrinth is “a place constructed of or full of intricate passageways and blind alleys.”

For centuries, labyrinths have been used in meditation and prayer. Simply put, a labyrinth is a walking path to and from a central point. However, it is not a maze because there is no way to get lost.

According to emu.edu, a labyrinth has a clear path, but can take unexpected turns, much like the journey of life.

Three steps to pray in the labyrinth: 1. As you move to the center of the labyrinth, you focus on letting go of world attachments or coming to God with a question.

2. At the center, you focus on your relationship with God. 3. As you leave the labyrinth, focus on walking with Jesus and being renewed.

The labyrinth is at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter St.

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WELLNESS

Your path to getting fit in the new year may not look like everyone else’s

HOW TO TAKE THE

FIRST STEP

ADVICE FOR STARTING AND KEEPING A HEALTHY HABIT

By Kathy Sears Hall There’s something about a new year that feels like a fresh start. Christmas decorations get packed away, schedules slow down, and you can finally return to your routine. But is that old routine the right one for you? You know you ought to exercise more and many of your friends have been talking about their gyms.

Should you follow the trend and sign up? Here are some things to consider.

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

I JANUARY 2020

What type of exercise is best for you?

Check with your doctor to find out if you should exercise and, if so, what kind of exercise will help you the most. He or she might recommend a bike for knee issues, a warm pool for arthritis, or yoga for back pain. Any exercise is good for you, but some types may be better than others at this point in your life.

Should you join a gym?

If you have the home equipment that your doctor has recommended and you are disciplined enough to use it properly and regularly, a gym might not be the right answer. But, if you are like most people, you either don’t have a spare room for a treadmill or the one you have has become a clothes hanger. Residential exercise equipment sounds like a great solution, but are you confident you will use it? If not, a fitness center membership can help get you off the couch. You don’t want that monthly fee to go to waste, you’ll see your friends there, and the staff can help you get started.

How do you choose the right gym for you?

In a larger city with more traffic, location would be a key factor. But everything is relatively close by in

the Hill Country, and we are blessed to have a wide selection of gyms in our area. Find the one that suits your schedule by looking into their hours of operation. Do you need a 24-hour facility? Will you realistically go to work out at midnight? Are you most interested in a pool, the equipment, classes, and/or day care? Do they host social activities that you’d enjoy? These are some questions to ask yourself. Then, take a tour of the facilities that meet your criteria. Find out which ones make you feel comfortable and offer features that are important to you. Chat with the members, find out if the staff is well-trained and credentialed. Ask about the membership options. Is there a contract? Do you feel pressured to sign up on the spot? This is an important decision and it needs to be the right one for you, so be sure to take your time on this aspect of your plan.

How do you keep it up?

Speaking of routine, did you know that more than 40% of our daily activities are done habitually, meaning that they are behaviors that are repeated regularly and tend to occur subconsciously? Brushing your teeth, folding clothes, walking out to pick up the newspaper are all common examples. Wouldn’t it be great if your daily exercise could be a part of that routine? It is for many and it can be for you!

Develop a plan. Decide when you’re going to work out and what you’re going to do, then tell a friend. As simple as that sounds, you’re much more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down and share it with others.

How do you get started?

Remove the excuses. Pack your gym bag the night before. Schedule your workout on your calendar, just like any other appointment.

Find a workout buddy.

Take advantage of a new member orientation. You’ll not only learn proper equipment usage, but you’ll get better acquainted with the staff and the facility. Consider signing up for some personal training sessions and/or classes. Having a set schedule and knowing that someone else is expecting you to show up can go a long way to turning this new habit into a regular routine for you.

Take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it, otherwise you’re likely to take a few days off to ease the soreness and that can break the cycle. And, finally, reward yourself periodically as you accomplish your goal. Buy some new athletic gear, sign up for a fun run, or enjoy a cup of coffee with your workout partner. Your new habit should be recognized and celebrated!

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CHLOE YOUNG 26 

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INTO THE ACT

MUSE

SCHREINER UNIVERSITY FRESHMAN FINDS COMFORT, PRESENCE ONSTAGE

It

Story by Ariel Lutnesky, photo by Parastoo Nikravesh

was getting involved with theater while in middle school that helped Chloe Young start to overcome her mental health struggles.

“Being able to get up in front of an audience of people and be able to speak, it changes how you react in front of others,” said Young, a freshman at Schreiner University pursuing a theater degree. “It definitely built my confidence at a young and fragile age (and) shaped me into the more confident person I am today.”

❝

Hill Country community theater is that everybody knows everybody,” she said. “Now I have connections statewide. It was definitely something that drew me to Schreiner that I’d be able to stick with that giant web of supporters.”

Definitely the best way to relate to a character is to find something about them that you can find in yourself.

Young has grown up with theater, her parents having met during a theatrical production.

While stage managing is Young’s favorite role in a production, she hopes to someday open and run her own community theater company.

“Because it played such a big role in my younger life, I realized that I wanted to do theater for the rest of my life,” she said. “It was always the masterminds behind the scenes that actually put on the show (that grabbed my attention. Without them), you would just have actors shouting at each other in a dark room with no one there.”

Since Young started theater, it’s provided her with a great support system, especially being in the Hill Country community.

“Something

I’ve

noticed

with

From productions such as “The Fastest Woman Alive,” which is about Jackie Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier and started the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II, to “Zombie Prom,” Young has found theater a unique way to practice empathy.

“It’s like putting on a new jacket for every show, but on the closing night of the show, when the curtains close for the last time, you cut a piece of that jacket off and you put it in your pocket,” Young said.

One piece of advice she always relies on is something her high school theater teacher, Emily Huber of Bandera High School, taught her — never judge a character, always justify them. That’s a great philosophy that also applies to other areas of her life, too, she said.

“Definitely the best way to relate to a character is to find something

about them that you can find in yourself,” Young said. “I think the biggest allure ... is that it helps you understand people who have had experiences and have come from walks of life that you never had.”

But theater hasn’t just allowed Young to grow mentally and emotionally. It’s often a lot of physical work, she said, especially when it comes to moving sets.

“We always joked that theater classes should count as a physical education credit just because there is so much heavy lifting, so much work with tools and making sure everything is exactly where it’s supposed to be,” Young said.

To those considering getting started in theater, Young recommends keeping an open mind to all the possibilities theater has to offer. She’s dabbled in every role — from acting and directing to stage tech — except lighting, and has concluded there’s a place for everyone.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, you can find something to latch onto and to love in the program,” she said. “You can go in with goals and expectations in mind, but you’ll surprise yourself by what you end up being good at.”

Overall, theater gives Young a sense of satisfaction, no matter the performance.

“While the process can be stressful, there’s always a pride that can be had with the end product,” Young said. “I’ve never walked off a stage and been ashamed for a performance that I had put on or anyone else had put on, even when I was in middle school. Theater has a way of sliding into home plate.”

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Heart S oul & UNCORKED

Wine:

A GLASS OF RED WINE COULD IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR SPIRITS

We toast our friends and family at celebrations.

Pour a glass of it while we make dinner or curl up on the couch to watch a favorite movie.

By Stacy Whittemore In the Hill Country we are fortunate to have many great wineries with an array of fabulous wines to choose from. What you may not know is research is proving a glass of wine can actually be good for you.

According to Medical News today, wine, and especially red wine, has been studied extensively with evidence suggesting that moderate consumption may help people live longer, protect against certain cancers, improve mental health and enhance heart health.

Our ancestors figured out the benefits long before modern science. Wine is the human’s oldest medicine. Its virtues recorded by the original wine scribes who were doctors described its use thousands of years ago. Wine was used treat various health conditions such as headaches, wounds and infections. Medieval monasteries were convinced that their monks lived longer than the rest of the population partly because of their moderate,

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regular consumption of wine. In recent years, science has indicated that this could be true.

Today when you hear about healthy living the popular Mediterranean diet comes up. This widespread way of eating advocates drinking moderate amounts of red wine. The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. At the core of that diet, beyond olive oil and vegetables, is wine. Other important elements of the Mediterranean diet are sharing meals with family and friends, as well as being physically active.

Why is red wine good for you? The grapes hold the key with Resveratrol which is a compound that some plants produce to fight off bacteria and fungi, and to protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Raspberries, cranberries and peanuts are also excellent sources of resveratrol.

Evidence suggests that in some forms, resveratrol may boost cardiovascular health, protect against cancer, and help treat acne, among others.

For those who prefer white wine, it also contains health benefits. Wine is full of antioxidants that attack free radicals which are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. When choosing wine for antioxidants, go with white. A study done by the University of Barcelona found that the phenols in white wine had equal, if not higher antioxidants, than those in red wine.

But with all good things the health benefits only apply to moderate drinking. What is the amount that is good for us? It can be hard to gauge what an appropriate pour size is given the varying sizes and shapes of wine glasses. While we may love our oversized wine glasses, the actual recommended amount is five ounces. Medical experts today say that a moderate amount of wine is one glass a day for women and two for men. Sorry to break the bad news ladies, but to all of you, enjoy life one glass at a time.

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Why Goals Are Better Than New Year’s Resolutions

GOALS ARE SPECIFIC WHILE RESOLUTIONS ARE BROAD AND VAGUE Act on them Choose 3 or 4 goals so you’re not overwhelmed Break each down into actionable steps Plan to review your progress each week 5 minutes is sufficient Make working on your goals a natural part of your day Consistency is the key to seeing results Hypnosis can help you focus on your goals.

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CULTURE

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Stretch

FEATURE

YOUR MIND

YOGA TIPS FOR

BEGINNERS 1. Find a good teacher.

2. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing.

3. Stay hydrated.

4. Respect your body’s strength and limits.

5. Be patient while you are learning and keep your sense of humor.

MaiKenzy DeZarn, owner of Kerrville Yoga, teaches a recent Pint and Pose yoga class at Pint & Plow Brewing Company in Kerrville. The class is $10 and is offered most Sundays at 10 a.m.

Yoga can improve physical, mental health at all levels Story by Jenna Carpenter / Photos by Parastoo Nikravesh

Whether you are on a path to self-discovery or just looking for new ways to get your body moving, the benefits of yoga are boundless.

Not only does yoga have positive health impacts — like a balanced metabolism, increased cardio health, injury prevention and increased flexibility and balance, it also teaches people how to live in the moment.

That’s according MaiKenzy DeZarn, a local yogi and owner of Kerrville Yoga.

“A lot of people tell me they want to get flexible, but that’s only part of it,” she said.

But other aspects of yoga like deep breathing and full-range motion are key, DeZarn said.

“Deep breathing helps you release stress, which is important,” she said. “In everyday life, we need that release.”

Yoga helps people escape the hustle and bustle of daily life by giving them a reason to focus on themselves, DeZarn added.

It can also increase mental health because not only does yoga alleviate stress, it also redirects nervous energy into something active, DeZarn said.

“You are in control,” she said.

COVER MODEL Leslie Eastland, a Hunt yoga instructor, said the practice has helped her be more present in everyday life. Learn more about the classes Eastland offers by visiting her Facebook page, Yoga with Leslie.

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DeZarn, who practices a type of yoga called vinyasa, has firsthand experience.

“I didn’t realize how bad my anxiety was until I started yoga,” DeZarn said. “It helped me get over a lot of my fears because I started focusing on myself.”

Leslie Eastland, who teaches yoga in Hunt, said yoga has helped her be more present in everyday life.

“Yoga allows me to be intentional about how I want my day to go and how I want to feel inside,” she said. “Although I love the poses, the most important benefit for me isthe practice of being intentional with life, with self and with God.” Once those aspects of yoga are met, the rest of it falls into place naturally, DeZarn said.

She discovered yoga in 2009 as a way to help with knee pain. She was hooked immediately.

“I knew I wanted to teach after my first class,” she said. “It was just so amazing, and I thought more people needed to experience it.”

FEATURE

Ten years later, DeZarn can be seen leading yoga classes at local gyms, the Kerrville Farmer’s Market and Pint and Plow. For her, the focus is on community and togetherness.

“Yoga means union, so I like to translate that into my lessons,” she said.

Eastland started practicing yoga as a way to heal from a knee injury.

“As a long-time runner, the slower pace was an uncomfortable adjustment, but the improvement in my mood and body awareness made it worth it,” she said.

Eastland teaches Vinyasa Flow on Mondays and Wednesdays and Yoga with Kids on Thursdays.

Her advice to beginners is simple.

“Remembers the poses are a practice,” she said. “Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to try new things and to laugh.”

Remember that it’s not a competition, DeZarn added.

“Just relax,” she said. “You’re here to have a good time and to connect your mind, body and spirit.”

For more information about DeZarn and the classes she offers, go to www.kerrvilleyoga.com.

To learn about Eastland’s classes, go to her Facebook page, Yoga with Leslie.

❝

Yoga allows me to be intentional about how I want my day to go and how I want to feel inside. Although I love the poses, the most important benefit for me is the practice of being intentional with life, with self and with God. –LESLIE EASTLAND, Hunt yoga instructor

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There are thousands of different skin care products, all with different combinations of ingredients. Most of us want to know we are doing the most healthy things for our bodies and skin. In this environment of health and wellness, how we exercise, what we eat and the products we use, the question often arises, “Does natural or organic mean better?”

kind skin

BE TO YOUR In the sea of moisturizers and cleansers, natural is not always the way to go

By Mia Church As humans, we have a bias to think things that are natural are good and things that are synthetic are bad.

Unfortunately a lot of natural brands take advantage of this bias to make their products sound better.

In stores, lining the shelves there are hundreds of “natural” or “organic” labeled skin care products interspersed among the synthetic. We are inundated with advertising and marketing for what we should be using, what is the most pure, and what will not cause our bodies or skin harm.

“Nat ura l” implies improved health, less illness, better skin, less redness, less irritating ingredients etc.

There are even promises of better future for our planet and our children.

The truth is everything is a “chemical,” the food you eat, the air you breathe and the water you drink.

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FEATURE

WHICH INGREDIENTS TO AVOID { Parabens { Artificial Fragrance/Parfum { Diethanolamine { Triclosan { Toluene { Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) { Phthalates { Formaldehyde { Oxybenzone { Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate Even a piece of fruit contains thousands of chemicals.

Initially it seems logical that a natural product would be superior to a man made one, but the realit y is much more complicated.

Safety and health are not based on whether something comes from nature or a lab. However, w ith creative and sometimes misleading advertising we are encouraged to believe that.

Scientists can replicate the exact molecular structure of a natural chemical.

For example, we can make a water molecule in a lab or retrieve one from the most beautiful glacial lake, and even a chemist would not be able to decipher between the two.

So, where something comes from does not tell us much.

A nother misleading idea is that if you can’t pronounce something, don’t put it on your face.

In fact, the chemicals in healthy things are hard to say, too. The word structure does not indicate danger, in foods, makeup or skin care.

The number of chemicals you are exposed to doesn’t matter. You will encounter scary statistics, such as “women apply an average of 179 chemicals to their skin every day.”

S o it ’s i ntere s t i ng to know that natural

❝

Initially it seems logical that a natural product would be superior to a man-made one, but the reality is much more complicated.

things actually contain more chemicals than man-made. The number of chemicals doesn’t matter.

What does matter is the toxicity, the dose and the route of exposure.

There is no shortcut or rule that we can use to determine which products are healthier or less harmful. Even though going natural may be appealing on a gut level the reality is far more complicated. We have to look at each ingredient and decide based on its own merits. Both natural and synthetic can be safe, and both can be dangerous.

For example, oatmeal is natural and healthy for the skin while poison ivy is natural and the exact opposite. Vitamin C in beauty products is usually synthetic but great for skin, but sodium lauryl sulfate is a known natural irritant.

Sometimes even the same ingredient is safer from synthesis rather than nature. For example, iron oxide pigments are found in nature but they have to

be synthetically produced to be used in beauty products because the natural contain high levels of toxic heav y metals. Natural does not equal safer and synthetic does not equal toxic.

Brands promoting natural could be fine, but it is still necessary to look at the chemistry and its effect on our skin.

Synthetic or man-made makeup and skin care is usually very precisely developed by chemists, microbiologists and chemical engineers. There is no reason to avoid these products.

NATURAL CHOICES FOR GLOWING SKIN { Beta Carotene: protects against sun damage { Green tea extract: anti-inflammatory properties { Licorice: relieves redness { Oats: soothes eczema and dryness

{ Soy: brightens complexion { Vitamin C: fights aging and boosts immune system

{ Willow herb/raw honey: both have anti-microbial and antiseptic properties { Witch hazel: controls oil, fights acne and hydrates

DIY FACE MASK Combine ½ cup hot water with 1/ 3 cup oats. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then mix in 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt, 2 Tbsp. honey and 1 egg white. Apply to face and wait 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

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Discover the power of Journaling There are few things more freeing than putting pen to paper and fingers to a keyboard. Leia

Francisco takes note of

the mental and emotional benefits of journaling.

J

ournaling is a source of pleasure. It is also a powerful tool. Journaling records human experience and the external events of life, organizes thoughts, and improves decision making. Beyond that, a journal offers an accessible form of self-discovery and, as research has shown, promotes both physical and emotional healing. In other words, your journal is a mirror reflecting both your outer and inner worlds.

As your guide, a journal does not judge what you write or how you write it. And to benefit from journaling, you don’t need to write every day. It works fine to write what you want when you want, using an electronic device or pen and paper. Any type of journal you choose will be exactly right.

There are simply no rules in journaling.

I am trained in expressive writing that promotes growth and healing, often in lying in subconscious thoughts. Neuroscience tells us this type of journaling can create new neural pathways that pull us out of our rut thinking and expand creativity. Research since the 1980s has shown a link between journaling and recovering from grief and trauma, healing more rapidly from

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surgery, and increasing hope and confidence for cancer patients. The medical field has begun to use expressive writing as part of integrative medicine.

In a two-years test program conducted by the Mayo Clinic, 96% of cancer patients and survivors were highly satisfied with the results of expressive writing, including reduced stress.

Of course, journaling can serve practical needs.

Schools and universities are using journals for student development and writing enrichment. A new trend now is the bullet journal, which uses bulleting to organize tasks and goals. Journals are the perfect context for setting goals, which can then be transformed into action. Studies confirm that if we write down goals, we are more likely to reach them.

A journal becomes a creative fountain for those who want to write fiction, essays, and poetry. In fact, many successful memoirs today first took root in a personal journal.

Journaling is a great way to start your new year and bring it to a close. You might start with your goals for the year, what you aspire to do and

Journaling benefits • Access to parts of the brain not readily accessible

• Giving concrete shape to abstract ideas

• Reduced stress

• New perspectives on a problem

• Improved immune system during illness or emotional turmoil

• Patterns and ideas that are otherwise missed

• A container that “holds” difficult thoughts and feelings

• Turning choices into actions

be, and at year’s end, review the highlights and challenges in achieving those goals.

A variety of writing techniques will help you address your needs. Start your journaling session with a quiet space for your thoughts, date the entry, and protect your journal privacy. Try writing with some regularity, but not necessarily every day or every week. In general, short writes, lists, and concrete writing prompts will help you contain your feelings and stay grounded in the concrete world. What you think of a stream-ofconsciousness writing or flow writing is good for abstract, intuitive expression to explore a wider universe.

For contained journaling, you might complete this sentence, “The things I most want in the new year are…” Or try a list like, “Here is my top-ten list of goals for this year…” Or you might answer a writing prompt like, “What would I do if I knew I could not fail?” One terrific technique is the five-minute write, journaling non-stop until time is up. You’ll be surprised at what comes up in a tiny amount of time. I encourage journalers to keep a stand-by writing prompt like, “What is

going on with me right now?” And don’t forget about dreams. Writing about your dreams, even little slivers, can deliver a treasure of clues about your life.

Whatever journaling technique you use, take a moment to read what you have written and make a quick note about what you observe. For example, you might note, “My list tells me that I want to focus on growing my business,” or, “I am struggling to take care of my kids and my dad at the same time,” or, “ I need to grow spiritually.”

Of course, it’s fine to make doodles, draw pictures, or add mementos to a journal. The combination of words and visuals is energizing.

Your journal is a friend and a reminder that you are the author of your life. If you read only one book about journaling, I recommend, Journal to the Self: Twenty-Two Paths to Personal Growth, by Kathleen Adams, an iconic leader in the journaling world. She has written many books, but this is her signature work on journaling techniques.

In this next year, may you find power and wisdom in your journal. Keep it handy all year long.

IMMERSED IN THE ARTS

The Hill Country is known for its big city arts with a small town feel.

Nancy Foster shines a spotlight on upcoming creative pursuits.

Photos courtesy of Boerne Performing Arts

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FEATURE

C

ould there be a way to enhance your life, bring you joy, reduce stress and awaken selfdiscovery? Yes — ­ these attributes can be credited to cultural experiences, and enthusiasm for culture is growing, as documented by the 2017 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts, according to the National Endowment of the Arts. Findings of this study report that adults who attended visual or performing arts activities grew by 3.6 percentage points to 132.3 million people in 2017, representing nearly 54% of the U.S. adult population.

Keeping all that in mind, residents and visitors to the Hill Country are very fortunate. Cultural opportunities are in abundance and provide yearround enjoyment for all ages, from plays, touring productions and musicals to exceptional art exhibits.

You can stay busy year-round, enriching your life.

Boerne Performing Arts

Committed to bringing the world of professional performing arts to Boerne and the Hill Country is Boerne Performing Arts. The state-of-the-art facility, located less than a five-mile drive from the I-10 exit 537, is housed in the Chancellor Auditorium of Boerne Champion High School. The theater seats 1,015.

“Our purpose is to provide exceptional entertainment that will broaden the world for adults as well as youngsters,” says Board Chair Carol Schultz.

“Our attendees consistently praise the high caliber of our internationally-renowned shows. They are always enthralled by seeing something totally new and different.”

Boerne Performing Arts also believes in leaving a cultural footprint for the youth by motivating Kendall County students through a partnership with the school district to develop a passion for performing arts. Student programs, master classes and the introduction to globally-acclaimed professional artists have inspired thousands of young people to enjoy, appreciate and further develop their love of visual arts.

“It is heartwarming to see their excitement as they enjoy a live performance,” says Schultz.

These initiatives were instrumental in Boerne ISD being honored as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the U.S. Visit www.boerneperformingarts.com for details of these very dynamic productions brought to you by

Boerne Performing Arts.

Jan. 30, 2020: VOCTAVE! — This 11-member a cappella vocal ensemble from Central Florida have played scores of cities throughout the world and been viewed on YouTube by 100 million people. The group’s artists have all been employed with Walt Disney Entertainment and joined together to create Voctave out of their sheer passion for music. Audiences will enjoy timeless classics of Broadway and Disney in “The Corner of Broadway and Main Street.”

March 17, 2020: THE TAP PACK – This is a modern twist on the classic Rat Pack era, created and performed by a talented team from Australia.

This group dazzles audiences with fast-paced entertainment that “Infuses tap dance with swing music, witty banter and smooth vocals.”

April 7, 2020: MOMIX – The magic of the riveting multimedia production Viva Momix focuses not only on “the beauty of the human form but also the beauty of nature, music, scenography and life itself.” The ensemble of dancer illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton has delighted audiences worldwide at performances highlighted with unique costumes, artfully creative lighting and diverse musical scores.

Kerr County Cultural Lineup

Numerous opportunities to enjoy a cultural experience can also be found in Kerr County. On the calendar for the next few months are art exhibitions, concerts and plays.

• Jan. 9 – Feb. 16 - Kerr Arts and Cultural Center- 21st Annual Images Show • Jan. 10 – March 28 - Museum of Western Art - “The West in Winter: An Exhibition of Art from the Collection of Betsy and George Matthews” • Jan.10 – Feb. 7 - Hill Country Arts Foundation - Annual HCAF members show, “Artists Without Limits” • Jan. 11 – Symphony of the Hills - “Out of this World” • Jan. 12 – Cailloux Theater - Grand Old Opry superstar Bill Anderson • Jan. 25 – Cailloux Theater - The New Buddy Holly Band presents “Buddy, The Beatles and Beyond” Area galleries also showcase the talents of local and national artists year-round.

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Why do we advertise in Texas Hill Country Culture?

Texas Hill Country Culture reaches the audience we want to attract.

“They are creative and professional. Kerrville Daily Times was with us from the very beginning.”

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YOUR HOME

MINIMALIST

What would it be like to live tiny? According to the Snyders, the owners of Hill Country Tiny Houses, “live more by owning less. Less stuff equates less stress — plain and simple.”

Shari Snyder gives us the inside look of what its like to live minimally.

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Photos: Parastoo Nikravesh

From left, Todd, Shari and Andrew Snyder are the family behind Hill Country Tiny Houses.

T

wo years ago, our family designed and built 384 square feet of tiny luxury on wheels to replace our four-bedroom, two-bath forever home. Our “why” was to realize our family values and mission: living in a real house without a 30-year mortgage haunting us. We didn’t want to be slaves to debt. We had no idea how heavy the burden of financial debt was until it was gone. Being debt-free and mortgage-free cannot be underestimated or understood until one experiences it. To kiss our debt goodbye after 23 years of marriage is priceless. Having two children leave the nest and a 12-year-old still at home, experience told us you can never go back. Relationships produce the greatest joy in life. As pioneers and business owners in the tiny house movement, our journey has not been easy, but we can honestly say the adventure, simplicity, freedom and family closeness that tiny living has brought us are worth it.

tiny home. Doing the things that awaken passion and make you feel alive is an adventure worth pursuing.

We traded unused space in our big house for more time and freedom. We have the power to choose where we want to live, what we want to do and how we want to spend our increased free time. Every day is a new adventure, full of new choices — including our career paths. We are passionate about building environmentally healthy tiny home communities for families to thrive in. We are on a mission to pay it forward and to help others discover adventure, freedom and simplicity through tiny house living. Our motto is, “Shrink your house, not your dreams.”

TRADING SPACE FOR FREEDOM

Clutter in my physical environment created chaos in my mental state. A lifestyle of minimalism began to replace the stress and anxiety with more clarity and focus, resulting in more peace. Having a place for everything and everything in its place simply helps you function at your best. We have found so much joy in living with less.

We don’t collect things that don’t add value to our lives.

When I was downsizing, instead of asking, “What can I

Since becoming minimalists, we have found many unexpected joys and adventures. We have found the joy of collecting memories, not stuff. Why not go on an adventure, take a risk and try something new? We have launched two companies; been featured on HGTV, Daily Mail, The Sun and New Atlas; and traveled the country in our

TOTAL WELLNESS

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THE

BEAUTIFUL

LIFE

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE CELEBRATING THE UNIQUE AND COLORFUL STYLE OF LIVING IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

a publication of The Kerrville

Daily Times

www.RandyPurswell.com Office:830.496.1041 Cell:713.817.9786

Randy@ForePremierProperties.com OVER 42,000 READERS PER ISSUE SCHEDULED PUBLICATION DATES

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| GUARANTEED DELIVERY | BUDGET FRIENDLY PRICING

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Ray Rothwell REALTOR®

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Manufactured Home Resale Specialist “My services will exceed your expectations”

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Each office is independently owned and operated

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45

live without?” I began to ask, “What do I need to live?” The mindset of simplicity transformed our shopping habits and carried over into every area of our lives, including how we operate our companies.

As a wellness lifestyle coach for 17 years, I have helped hundreds of clients improve their physical, env ironmental, f inancial and personal health. My passion to achieve total wellness — which includes environmental, physical, financial and personal wellness — was a perfect fit to embrace minimalism and tiny living. The weight of all our possessions was keeping us from a life of true freedom. Instead of spending 3½ hours cleaning, we are done in 30

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minutes. We don’t have to maintain a big yard, clean the pool or fix things around the house. We have reclaimed our weekends for hobbies, fun and family adventures.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Of course, the actual building process uses less material and helps reduce our carbon footprint, but the choice of materials we build with also promotes environmental health.

For example, we use Rockwool insulation, a wool-like material that is mildew- and fire-resistant, has an R value of 15, is very economical and also deadens sound.

In addition, we use and promote a line of eco-friendly cleaning products

that are up to 12X concentrated. This saves an enormous amount of space inside, as well as decreasing plastic in the environment, and makes the air inside the tiny house free of outgassing and pollution.

In an unprecedented study, PhD student Maria Saxton looked at 80 people who downsized to tiny homes to quantify whether their environmental footprints really got smaller. She reports an 86% positive effect on environment and a reduction of 45% in each carbon footprint. For more information on the Tiny living and Hill Country Tiny Home communities check out my blog www.sharisnyder.wordpress.com.

❝

You don’t realize how much space you need and how much space you use. And most of the rest of is just used to store stuff that you have to take care of that you don’t really care about.

- Todd Snyder

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SWEET & SAVORY

HEALTHY

START FRESH AND START

J

Stacy Whittemore whips up the best tips and goals for those wanting a better diet in the new year.

anuary first rings in the new year! We have finally taken a breath after the rush of the holiday, house guests and last-minute shopping. Unfortunately, most of us feel the pressure at our waistbands from too much holiday cheer. As we start fresh in the New Year, we begin the tradition of making resolutions with exercise and diet rising to the top. If you made those same resolutions last year, ask yourself, did they work? If not, you are not alone. According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. We get impatient, it gets hard, and we lose focus on the goal. Here are five tips to stay on track and keep it simple but sustainable.

Success Tip: Your plate should be comprised of half vegeta-

1) Begin with the why. Thinking you want to lose

it a routine and over time it will be second nature. It takes just a couple of hours on the weekend to put together food for the week.

Remember to plan for healthy snacks as well as meals. Use on-line shopping with curbside pick-up to help avoid the tempting displays of junk food at the store.

twenty pounds is a great goal, but to engage and stay on track, write down why eating healthy and losing weight is important to you. Perhaps it’s a vacation coming up in a few months that you want to prepare for, or your doctor is concerned about any health issues you may have. It can be as simple as wanting to change your eating habits to less processed foods and more veggies to increase your energy levels. As you write your why think to the future and picture how great you will look and feel after losing those twenty pounds. When you reach for something that isn’t good for you, say “I choose healthy” and remember that steady weight loss will keep you healthy. It’s important to come back to your ‘why’ list frequently to keep you feeling positive and on track.

2) What do you want to eat? There are thousands of diet plans to choose from and part of the reason people fail is that many diet plans are strict. To set yourself up for success, try to keep things simple. Eating a healthier diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories; think of your diet in terms of color, variety, and freshness.

Focus on avoiding packaged and processed foods, opting for fresh ingredients whenever possible. A professor once told me something that has always rang true for me. Eating healthy can be a little more expensive, but it saves on medical costs down the road.

bles and fruit; ¼ protein like chicken, lean beef, fish or pork; ¼ healthy grain such as whole wheat, barley, wheat berries, quinoa, oats or brown rice.

3) Prepare your own meals. Cooking more meals at home can help you take charge of what you’re eating and better monitor exactly what goes into your food. You’ll eat fewer calories and avoid the chemical additives, added sugar, and unhealthy fats in packaged and takeout foods.

Success Tip: Schedule meal planning and prep time. Make

4) Read food labels. It’s important to be aware of what’s in your food as manufacturers often hide large amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats in packaged food, even in food claiming to be healthy.

Success Tip: Low fat claims can sometimes hide higher sugar or salt content to add flavor.

5) Drink plenty of water. Drink like a mermaid. Water is a key component of feeling good. It helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins. Dehydration causes tiredness, low energy, and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices.

Success Tip: Not a fan of water? Infuse it with fresh lemon, lime, or berries to add flavor.

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SAVORY

Recipes and Photos Stacy Whittemore

Strawberry Salsa 6-8 servings. Top your favorite meat with this tangy salsa.

Directions: In a large bowl, stir together strawberries, onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime juice and zest. Season with salt. Let sit for 10 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve over salmon, pork or beef.

Ingredients: 3 c. fresh strawberries, chopped

Juice of 2 limes

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

Zest of 1 lime

1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeded

Pinch of salt

if you prefer less heat) 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro

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SWEET & SAVORY

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa 4 - 1/2 cup servings. This is a great low-calorie dessert or breakfast. Directions: Melt butter in a medium low heat. Add brown sugar, apple, maple syrup, dried cranberries and cinnamon. Cook stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in nuts, if desired. Serve quinoa topped with more apple if desired.

Ingredients:

1 small apple cored and diced

1 bag Success Tri-color Quinoa or 2 cups

1 tablespoon maple syrup

cooked Quinoa

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or to taste

1 tablespoon brown sugar or you can use

1/4 cup chopped pecans-optional

stevia. Note: If you are cutting back on sugar

Prepare quinoa according to

you can omit.

package directions.

SWEET

BOOK REVIEW

R

NEW YEAR NEW BOOKS

eading connects people to another time, another place and, of course, another world.

Whether you favor mystery novels, biographies of historical figures or romantic dramas, reading books lowers stress, increases your vocabulary and can improve your memory and focus. In a fast paced world, there’s nothing that will feel more like a vacation than opening up a book and disappearing for a while.

For your new year’s resolution, try to find more time to read. Below we have suggestions from the Kerrville Daily Times’ staff and from Wolfmueller’s Books, located 229 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville. We hope that you find something enjoyable to read below or venture out to create a list of your own. Let’s make 2020 the year of reading.

KDT Publisher, Carlina Villapalndo’s Book “Rhythms of Renewal” - By Rebekah Lyons.

So often we start the year with a list of goals and things we want to improve, but those things can also be a burden and bring added stress.This year, I’m adding rest and balance to the top of my goals. “Rhythms of Renewal” has helped me prioritize rest, not as something that needs to be earned or fit in only if there’s time, but as a crucial piece to living a life of purpose, joy and meaning. This book offers great practical helps for eliminating stress and cultivating a life of peace.

Culture editor Parastoo Nikravesh’s Book

“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” - By Cheryl Strayed With little experience, 26-year old Cheryl Strayed hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California to Washington State. After the death of her mother and the destruction of her marriage she began the pieces of putting life back together alone on the trail. “Wild” is devastating, funny and has a way of staying with you long after finishing the story.

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KDT Managing editor Louis Amestoy’s Book “The British Are Coming” - By Rick Atkinson.

The Pulitzer Prize winning author, who wrote “An Army at Dawn,” is now tackling the Revolutionary War. For those who read his harrowing account of America’s entry into World War II via the North African campaign, you will understand the power of Atkinson’s storytelling.

Recommendations from Sandy Wolfmueller of Wolfmueller’s Books “The Overstory: A Novel” - By Richard Powers Amazon: “The Overstory,” winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, is a sweeping, impassioned work of activism and resistance that is also a stunning evocation of and paean tothe natural world. From the roots to the crown and back to the seeds, Richard Powers’s twelfth novel unfolds in concentric rings of interlocking fables that range from antebellum New York to the late twentieth-century Timber Wars of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. There is a world alongside ours vast, slow, interconnected, resourceful, magnificently inventive, and almost invisible to us. This is the story of a handful of people who learn how to see that world and who are drawn up into its unfolding catastrophe.

“Me: Elton John Official Autobiography” - By Elton John Amazon: In Me, Elton writes powerfully about getting clean and changing his life, about finding love with David Furnish and becoming a father. In a voice that is warm, humble, and open, this is Elton on his music and his relationships, his passions and his mistakes. This is a story that will stay with you by a living legend.

“Big Wonderful Thing: A History of Texas” - By Stephen Harrigan Amazon: “Big Wonderful Thing” invites us to walk in the footsteps of ancient as well as modern people along the path of Texas’s evolution. Blending action and atmosphere with impeccable research, New York Timesbest-selling author Stephen Harrigan brings to life with novelistic immediacy the generations of driven men and women who shaped Texas, including Spanish explorers, American filibusters, Comanche warriors, wildcatters, Tejano activists, and spellbinding artists—all of them taking their part in the creation of a place that became not just a nation, not just a state, but an indelible idea.

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OUT & ABOUT Schreiner University’s Christmas Tea, Dec. 4, 2019 Photos by Parastoo Nikravesh

1

2

3

4

5

1) Nathalya Snell, student speaker 2) Claudia Richner, Freddie Richner, Herb Galloway, Margaret Galloway 3 University president Charlie McCormick 4) Bill Muse 5) Kim Corbitt, Terri Danz

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OUT & ABOUT 7 6

9

8 10

11 12

6) Amber Harris, student speaker 7) Lisa Turner, Ann Turner, the younger Turner and Don Turner 8) Susan Carver, Cathy Scozzari, Laura Yeck 9) Mark Tuschak, Bill Raleigh 10) L. Beth Johnson, Darlene Bannister 11) Adrien Wingard and Aleksandra Zapata 12) Cecelia Lockerd and family

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JANUARY EVENTS Hill Country. “Spacial Images & Emotional Expressions,” artwork by Hardy Lewis & Company. “Monday Artists,” small painting by the local Monday artists group. Artists reception: Jan. 11, 2 - 4 p.m. 830-895-2911. www. kacckerrville.com

10 - 16 Annual Hill Country Cowboy Breakfast

6 - 8 a.m. Jan. 10 - 16, Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy. 27. Fun family festivities and free breakfast served by our local 4-H and FFA Kids, to kick start the Hill Country District Jr. Livestock Show. 830-7923535. www.kerrvilletexascvb.com

1 Polar Bear Challenge

12 p.m. Wednesday Jan.1, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, 2229 FM 1340, Hunt. Each year, on New Year’s Day, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly hosts a Polar Bear Challenge. Polar Bear Challenge participants brave the icy waters of the Guadalupe River as they slide down a 35-foot-high, 116-foot-long, water slide at Mo-Ranch to raise funds for a good cause. 800-460-4401. www.moranch. org

1 - 5 Eisbahn - Ice Skating Rink

Visit Eisbahn (“ice rink” in German) to ice skate in Texas at Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg 126 W Main St, Fredericksburg. $15 per day (includes skate rental) $10 Tuesday. SkateinFred.com

10 - February 7 AWOL “Artists Without Limits” HCAF Art Exhibit 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Jan 10 - Feb. 7, Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Rd., Ingram. An exhibit of work by HCAF retreat artists from across the state and New Mexico. 830-367-5121. www. hcaf.com

10 - March 28 “The West in Winter” Art Exhibit 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jan. 10 - March 28, Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy. An exhibition of art from the collection of Betsy and George Matthews. 830-896-2553. www.museumofwesternart.com

11 Oak Wilt & New Discoveries Workshop

1 - 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St. Certified Arborist Karen Rockoff will host a workshop highlighting the latest information on Oak Wilt. 830-257-4837. www.riversidenaturecenter.org

11 The Knights Dance

5 - 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, Dietert Center, 451 Guadalupe St. First Annual Mother and Son dance. Come dance and eat with that special mother or mother figure in your life.

There will be food, music and more. 830-257-7300. www. kerrvilletx.gov

4 Camerata San Antonio String Quartet – “Unabashed”

3 p.m. Saturday Jan. 4, Schreiner University, Rodman Steele Recital Hall, 2100 Memorial Blvd. Camerata San Antonio presents chamber music to our many and diverse classical music-loving audiences, we are equally committed to providing educational concerts and musical enrichments to San Antonio’s public school students. 210-492-9519. www.cameratasa.org

9- February 15 KACC Art Exhibits

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jan. 9 - Feb. 15, Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St. “Images,” annual juried members’ show, which includes the latest work in a wide range of media by artists living and working in the Texas

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11 Symphony of the Hills – “POPS – Out of this World”

7:30 p.m. Saturday Jan. 11, Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. A professional symphony orchestra performing concerts that blend classical and contemporary. A wine & cheese

reception preceding each concert. 830-792-7469. www. symphonyofthehills.org

12 Bill Anderson Concert

to right the wrongs of evil, Sheriff Robert of Nottingham.

In this funny retelling of the classic tale, anything can happen. 830-367-5121. www.hcaf.com

3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. An afternoon of songs and stories about songs provided by one of the best-loved artists in Country Music.830-896-9393. www.caillouxtheater.com

12 - 18 76th Annual Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show

All day Jan. 12 - Jan. 18, Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy. 27. Enjoy the fun and excitement at the 5th largest Jr. livestock show in Texas. 830-792-4102. www.hcdjls.org

24 - 26 Kerrville Renaissance Festival

10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Jan. 24 - 26, River Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Dr. Open rain, shine or cold. Travel back in time to the middle ages; filled with adventure, music, romance and fun for the whole family. Play games of skill.

Eat a turkey leg. Shop in the marketplace featuring over 40 artisans and enjoy headlining entertainers and musical acts on seven stages. 214-632-5766. www.kerrvillerenfest.com

18 Bird Walk and Talk

8 - 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St. Join Paul and Deloris Sellin on a leisurely stroll along the River Trail. Bird enthusiasts of all ages and experience are welcome. 830-257-4837. www. riversidenaturecenter.org

25 The New Buddy Holly Band

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St Celebrate the music of the 50’s & 60’s with an energetic and fun live performance. 830-896-9393. www. caillouxtheater.com

18 Playhouse 2000 Annual Earnest T. Player Awards

6 - 9 p.m. Saturday Jan. 18, Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. Traditional potluck meal together and then celebrate the amazing season that was 2019. 830-896-9393. www. caillouxtheater.com

18 Scots of the Texas Hill Country “Burns Supper”

5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, Silent auction, live music featuring Celtic Comfort, Bee’s Buzzers and San Antonio Pipes & Drums, and social hour, 6 p.m. supper. www.facebook.com/scotsofthetexashillcountry/; burnsdinnersotthc@gmail.com

21 NEd Talk

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 150 Francisco Lemos St. Nature Education Talk, subject TBA. Riverside Nature Center. 830-257-4837. www.riversidenaturecenter.org

23 - 26 “Robin Hood: A Tale From Days of Yore”

7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Jan. 23 - 26, Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Rd., Ingram. Playground at the Point. This new, children’s theatre offering will focus on theatre arts education for young people 5-18 years old.

The intrepid hero, Robin Hood, leads his band in an effort

25 - 26 4th Annual Kerrville Winter Market

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jan. 25 - 26, Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Junction Hwy. Vendors from all over the state and beyond will be here to present their art, jewelry, gourmet food, gift items, and much more. 888-225-3427. www. texasmarketguide.com

31 - February 16 “Sylvia”

Friday - Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday Feb.9 and Feb. 16 2:30 p.m. Playhouse 2000 VK Garage Theater, 305 Washington St. A play by A.R. Gurney. The subject is “Sylvia”, a dog, the couple who adopts her, and the comedy that results.

830-896-9393. www.playhouse2000.com

Weddings & Events

at Comanche Trace

W

ith our pristinely manicured golf course, hill country views that stretch for miles in all directions, experienced staff committed to exceptional service, we are sure to make your special day one you will always cherish at Comanche Trace.

TM

www.comanchetrace.com info@comanchetrace.com 830-895-8500 ext. 236