Spring 2024 | Magnolia and Moonshine by Magnolia and Moonshine

Spring 2024

DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 11, 2024

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Publishers: Katie Waldrep & Leslie Anne Jones Managing Editor: Cara D. Clark Content Editors: Leslie Anne Jones & Joan McLendon Budd Layout & Design: Denise DuBois Advertising Sales: Taylor White Ad Designer: Ashlyn Grantham Social Media: Ivey Evans Contributing Writers, Photographers, & Stylists Katie Waldrep Cara Clark Leslie Anne Jones Mary Dansak Marian Carcache Jennifer Kornegay Bryan Hendricks Sally Anne Sessitte Lee Hurley Lauren Finney Harden Morgan Duke Eliza Daffin Bob Farley Brit Huckabay Sean Fresh Chelsea Paige Photography

ach season has so many blessings to celebrate, but the arrival of Spring seems particularly special as the land comes alive with new life. That’s even more evident on the farm where the fields have been dulled to brown by the winter cold and suddenly show fresh shoots of green. The cedars and other evergreens have kept color in the landscape during the winter, but the tender new green of budding tree leaves feels like a fresh breath of air. And no matter their size, the animals have a more sprightly step or flutter — the chickens and birds are preening and the horses bound into gallops and high-spirited kicks with the brush of a fresh breeze and the warmth of nurturing sunlight. In this issue, we celebrate the beauties of Spring through a motherdaughter’s love of flowers and nature at Stone Hollow Farmstead in rural Alabama and the sense of community a shared love of art brings to a historic, art-filled home in Selma, Alabama. We see another mother-daughter team from Georgia who have taken nature’s treasures and turned them into valuable and treasured jewelry. And a Texas pastry chef talks about taking early lessons from her grandmother’s kitchen and turning them into incredible confections for weddings and other special occasions. It’s the season for wedding planning and joyous unions, prompting us to talk to an Atlanta florist about the special meaning of the flowers in a bride’s glorious bouquet. As the Spring brings movement from dormancy, we’re also seeing travelers looking for new destinations to explore and share ideas for chasing the waterfalls of North Carolina or the big billfish of the Florida Keys. For hunters who have been waiting for the buds of Spring to signal the opening of turkey season, and a South Carolina hunter with multiple Grand Slams to his credit shares his insight into taking the big five gobblers with a bow. This season brings something else … the celebration of Easter with bunnies and egg hunts and candy galore, but more importantly the reassurance of the resurrection of Jesus and an empty tomb. We feature the beauties of the Spring and one family’s celebration of Christian and Greek Orthodox Easter. We hope you’ll journey with us through these Southern stories of tradition and fresh ideas where the best of old and new meet and blossom with the dogwoods and daffodils in a season of joyous renewal.

Julia Glass

Spring 2024 • Volume 3, Number 1 Magnolia and Moonshine is a product of

Katie Waldrep & Leslie Anne Jones Publishers Magnolia and Moonshine MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

Magnolia Greene, Inc. in Seale, Alabama Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @magnoliaandmoonshine Email your story ideas to Contactus@MagnoliaAndMoonshine.com Join the mailing list by scanning the QR code.

On the Cover: Dahlias from Stone Hollow Farmstead. Photo by Bob Farley

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C ONTENT S 6

Byrdland: A Sanctuary for Creativity in Historic Selma

In Full Bloom: Bridal bouquet adds lasting meaning

Cascade Quest The delights of North Carolina include a multitude of waterfalls — inspiring off- the-beaten-path adventures

The Path to Lenora: A Georgia business woman reawakens elegance in sleepwear.

A Surprising Development in Marshallville: Small towns across the South are losing the charm of original architecture to the ravages of time — one Georgia town is turning the tide.

Sugarcane Jane: One band, one marriage, one family, performing through life

Spring Forecast: Showers, Sprinkles, & Luncheons

Lessons from Mother Nature inform Stone Hollow Farmstead team’s raison d’être.

Beguiling Bungalow: A century-old home is adorned with elegance.

A Movable Feast: A Greek tradition with ceremonial crimson eggs enriches a family’s Easter celebrations

Gifts from the natural world inspire jewelry designs: An Atlantabased mother and daughter team followed an eye for fashion and love of statement pieces into combining precious metals and natural materials into keepsake treasures.

Charleston entrepreneur perfects art of the ‘Slam’

A new generation of care for Native Americans

In Good Spirits: For a decade, St. Augustine Distillery, has brought a unique Florida spin to its creations..

Adesuwa Elaiho - How Sweet it is:: From Grandmother’s Kitchen to the Le Cordone Bleu

Under the Muscadine Vine: A Dance with the Daffodils

Islands in the Stream: Set your sundial and compass, and head way down south.

A guide to Southern Essentials

Mama Said, ‘She was a damn good dog.’

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hen Trés and Helene Taylor saw the historic mansion on the market in Selma, a move to South Alabama seemed inevitable. A herringbone path inside original iron gates leads to an inviting front porch where the beadboard ceiling, like many in the South, is painted pale haint blue. 6 | Spring 2024

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BYRDLAND: A SANCTUARY FOR CREATIVITY IN HISTORIC SELMA ´ and Helene An 1890s mansion finds new life and love with Tres Taylor, who celebrate art and avians in their home gallery. Story by Cara Clark, Photos by Brit Huckabay www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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hat began with a “Revolution of Joy” has developed into a deep and abiding sense of belonging. As surely as Spring brings birds to the nest to raise fledglings that fly away, the owners of a historic home in Selma, Alabama, known as Byrdland, will bring artists together in a collaborative environment to revel in life, talent, and the melding of minds. Before moving to Selma in 2020, self-taught artist Trés Taylor and wife Helene first visited the storied city in June 2019 when Trés, whose works have become widely collected, created a mural as a salute to the storied city’s mascot, the Eastern Swallowtail and in honor of Mallieve Breeding, an unsung hero in Selma. It was the prelude to a community project the couple envisioned, the “Revolution of Joy.” In partnership with a national nonprofit organization, Can’d Aid, they embarked on a mission to create murals in communities throughout the Black Belt, establishing a trail in hopes of bringing commerce to a region that has faced economic challenges over the years. The couple returned to Selma in 2020 to create a new mural, “Coming Together,” featuring the figure of Queen Selma clasping a magnolia flower. During that project the couple first saw the mansion that would become Byrdland in a nod to Trés’ signature monk and his faithful companion, Bird. Coincidentally, the property was originally owned by Judge William Byrd. “Just as I came to Selma with an open heart, I open the doors to Byrdland to artists, visitors, neighbors, and to lovers of peace and community,” Helene says. “As an artist in residence for 10-years at UAB, I know first-hand the healing power of art. Art can change the world.” Built in 1870, Byrdland is an example of Victorian architecture located in the Old Town neighborhood of Selma. With 14-foot ceilings, inlaid wood floors, original Waterford crystal gasoliers, a rotunda, 11 fireplaces, a vestibule, a porte co chère, and incredible hand-painted friezes, the house sits on an acre surrounded by the original iron fence in a traditional garden of magnolias, gardenias, camellias, and azaleas. Vibrant now with color and stories, the house seems to hum with the birdsong for which it is known. Figures of birds on the perch or in flight appear throughout, bringing with them the flutter of new and creative ideas. A stained glass window in the stairwell may well be credited to Selma

native and artist Clara Weaver Parrish, whose designs were created for Alabama churches and historic sites by Tiffany Studios. “The house was created by artisans,” Helene says. “Now I’ve filled it with art. When people come in, I say, do you want an art tour or an architecture tour? Most people want both. While the house is very traditional, the art is not. I’ve filled it with an art collection featuring Southern folk art, African tribal art, Oxacan art, and pieces from other parts of the world, including most recently East Indian art, as well as Trés’ work. I try to include an example of each kind of art in every room. Somehow it all comes together. I love the juxtaposition of the traditional, kind of fancy architecture, with the funky, folky, colorful, joyful art.” Most recently, a trip to India garnered a collection of artwork that expands the couple’s gallery in even more vivid ways through sculpture and paintings. Pieces from Bhutan express the area’s soulful Buddhism, complementing the presence of a muse developed by Trés, a fanciful wandering monk. The fictional figure,William Guadalupe — patron saint of birdsong, sunflowers, and the broken-hearted — traverses the world spreading flowers and joy in his wake. The character, whose rich backstory includes tales of his Irish-and-Spanish heritage, features in many of Trés’s works.

Birds of a feather The couple met on the common ground of collecting folk art. An Alabama native, Trés, inspired by a trip through the South to see

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ach room in Byrdland yields new surprises and a sense of joy. Above the wainscoting in the hall, Trés’s art tells stories of a joyful monk’s travels. In one room with a Cuban ambiance, Helene’s china cabinet is filled with beautiful pieces to serve guests her famous coffee. Friezes original to the home remain in beautiful condition and are the perfect foil for the antiques and art collection. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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acclaimed folk artists, met with the late R.A. Miller, who encouraged him to find his inner painter. His career shift from biochemist to artist soon began and a return to his home state of Alabama was imminent. “Being around this powerful art and being in the presence of these joyful people had a profound impact when I was in Alabama,” Trés says. “When I got back to California, I couldn’t stop thinking about the beauty and simplicity of their lives and my appreciation for their incredible work.” When the couple met, Trés had a car full of wet paintings, an appealing attribute for a fellow art aficionado. “When Trés came to my house, it was filled with Southern folk art, and it felt like we were kindred spirits,” Helene says. “What attracted us to Southern folk art was the passion to create, and with often little means, the artist makes art out of anything. We found this same passion in tribal art, where the works were created for ceremony or in celebration. We have also collected some traditional art from our travels. While I love when a village has a traditional style or medium, say ceramics for example, I also love finding contemporary art in the traditional medium, like it is with our collection from Oaxaca.” Helene, a Florida native, sees the same joy that she and Trés felt in Southern folk art in the pieces their collection comprises. Like Trés’ art, it has a deeper spiritual meaning, but it’s filled with emotion. “You can just enjoy it as beautiful, colorful, joyful imagery, but it can tell you a deeper story if you have that temperament,” Helene says. She likens the stories to those in the monk theme paintings that “We all are on a journey,” says Helene. “And these adventures can bring the community together to solve problems.” The journey that brought the Taylors to Selma from Birmingham, Alabama, has been one of joy — enough joy to overcome the strife of tornado damage a year ago. High winds assaulted the magnolias and blew out multiple windows, but the original stained glass and friezes remained. The landscape was damaged, but determined vegetation is growing again, and Spring sees early green tendrils and delicate blooms. “Just moving an hour and a half South is a totally different ecosystem,” Helene said. “We have palmettos; we have Spanish moss; we have azaleas galore. I told a friend I wasn’t an azalea person, and she said, ‘Oh, you are now.’” The couple wants Byrdland to be part of a story where art and catalysts of change can be discussed alongside love of music and the ways art can express all manner of emotion. The home’s eclectic style of art, antiques, and contemporary pieces includes many

“I’ve learned through this process that with creativity, we are like lanterns. We have the ability to turn on or off. Creativity is that light. If you open yourself to the signs around you, you allow the current to come through and turn that ´ Taylor creativity on.” — Tres acquired from Helene’s favorite Santa Fe dealer, which combining effortlessly with modern and traditional elements, including a room with a Southern Gothic Cuban flair. “We came to Selma to join a community — a community with serious poverty, pollution, violence, and separation,” Helene says. “We came to bring this community together through the arts. We followed our already established “Revolution of Joy” mural project, which is about bringing people together and to bring beauty and joy. Trés says William Guadalupe brings light to the village. We hope Byrdland holds light on our corner. We hope she is a light house in our village.” Hardwood floors creak beneath the footfall as if echoing treads from the past, and time-burnished wood warms the walls with wainscoting, stairwell, and doors. The couple’s unique collection seems to have settled seamlessly into this gallery where past and present, traditional and modern, meet treasured antiques and cultivate original ideas. “If you come to Selma to share your artistic gifts, be it music, dance, drama, art, writing, whatever your gifts are, you can stay with us,” Helene says. “We welcome all creatives to come and do just that, see Selma, share with Selma. We have hosted dancers, filmmakers, opera singers, photographers, activists, developers, art dealers, and artists friends. One amazing day, my table was seated with the directors of the National Endowment of the Arts, South Arts, and Alabama State Council of the Arts, as well as politicians, art administrators, volunteers, and artists that accompanied them.” Trés’ artwork is included throughout the home, a celebration of his blend of art, science, and the ever-evolving joy the couple has found together and seek to share. “We want visitors to come, see the home and our collection, but especially to see Trés’ work in a home setting that is for purchase,” Helene says. “I believe it is exciting to purchase art from the artist — especially in his home and studio. I’ve always got great coffee and am willing to talk about art and community.” Visits to Byrdland are by appointment only and can be made by contacting helene@Tréstaylor. com. For more information, visit trestaylor.com.

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elene never envisioned having a pink room in her home, but the color, combined with an original painted frieze and gasolier, came together with incredible tribal and East Indian art pieces. The room is one of the first visitors see upon entering Byrdland, and its impact sets the stage for a home filled with art and antiquities and the joy of celebrating community and sharing a passion for art.

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elene says: “Byrdland is more than just a home and gallery. It’s a sanctuary — a sanctuary for creativity and joy. It’s a sanctuary of light and beauty and life and renewal. A nest to hold birdsong. Or creative expression. Byrdland is a reflection of who we are as artists in the community. The home is another expression of joy, light, and beauty. “

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IN FULL BLOOM The bridal bouquet is one of the most impactful and important floral arrangements of a bride’s life. Current bouquet trends hark back to centuries-old traditions as brides seek ways to pay homage to the past while beginning a new future. Story by Lauren Finney Harden Weddings are rife with touchpoints honoring traditions: the symbolism of wedding veils, wedding cakes, and honeymoons date back hundreds of years. Newer trends aim to create modern traditions, such as signature cocktails and personalized cocktail napkins. No matter the theme or scale, a wedding day is a bride’s most memorable moment to shine. One avenue for brides to honor tradition, whether it be their particular family’s or the tradition of weddings in general, is through flowers, and in particular the bridal bouquet. In

recent years, sensibilities have shifted towards the traditional in every sense of the word, with modern bouquets reflecting cultural norms that go back centuries. Wedding bouquet origins can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when bouquets held symbolic significance for fertility and good fortune, as well as for warding off malevolent spirits. “Initial bouquets were comprised of herbs and sticks,” says Christy Hulsey of Atlanta-based Colonial House of Flowers.

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ne day will last a lifetime in memory, and flowers are an essential ingredient in the recipe for the perfect wedding. An Atlanta florist, Christy Hulsey, takes that knowledge seriously, knowing flowers and their meanings will be held close to the bride’s heart as is this garden-style bouquet of certified American-grown peonies, lavender clematis and purple roses. Some of the bride’s blooms were grown in her mother’s garden. Photo by Anna Shackelford. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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Christy embraces this historical connection in her work, incorporating elements such as rosemary, symbolizing love, or basil symbolizing protection, into her bouquets. She notes a trend among modern brides who are opting for more traditional styles over extravagant creations. Bouquets traditionally featured sentimental flowers like roses, symbolizing beauty and romance, and tulips, representing love. However, contemporary brides seek flowers with both meaning and a seasonal touch, aligning with the broader shift towards sustainability and organic choices. “There’s more respect for nature. I, of course, do roses and peonies and orchids still, which can be thought of as traditional, but I see brides being more accepting of the fact that I can’t get a peony every day of the year,” she says. “People are more open to celebrating nature and what’s in season.” That could mean including flowers such as Lily of the Valley, which represents happiness, or myrtle, which stands for hope. Southern brides in

ld, new, borrowed, and blue are among wedding traditions brides hold dear. The bouquet, a central focus for generations of betrothed couples on their way to the altar, are often adorned with ribbon to elevate a beautiful selection of flowers. At left, a garden style seasonal bouquet includes white peonies, white roses, silk ribbon, and double-sided satin ribbon. Above, butterfly ranunculus, campanula, scabiosa, hellebores, and silk ribbon combine artfully in a less formal but equally stunning bouquet. Left photo by Elizabeth Lanier Photography. Above photo by Savan Photography. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

particular often have magnolia flowers or leaves woven into their bouquets. These are abundant and easy to find, and the tree represents luck, strength, and stability. Many of the traditions held today were informed by the Victorian era, including engagement rings and white wedding gowns. . Another Victorian trend making a comeback with modern brides is the tussie mussie, or a small nosegay bouquet. Originally, it was necessary to create pleasant smells for the bride during a historical period that lacked personal hygiene. “Back when people practiced the language of flowers or floriology, tussie mussies would hold secret messages, decoded by the flowers used,” says Christy. Original tussie mussies were placed in metal holders (often trumpet shaped), but Christy has only seen these a few times in her work – always as family heirlooms. “They were packed with flowers and moss was used to keep the water and stems off of a bride’s dress,” she explains. Today, a tussie mussie can refer to a small bouquet, and they’re a popular choice among brides, especially with the current trend towards simplicity. The Princess of Wales’ bridal arrangement, which featured lily of the valley, sweet William, myrtle, lilacs, and hyacinth at her 2011 wedding, is often credited with reigniting this movement. Christy also sees brides going a step further by requesting a single-bloom bouquet. “I often do bouquets of hellebores (serenity and peace) and garden spray roses (love) and such,” she says. Tradition doesn’t end with the flowers, though — it can extend from the bouquet to the finishing elements. The phrase “tying the knot” goes back centuries, with many cultures representing the union of two people through the use of a knot. It is most widely associated with Celtic culture, where a couple’s hands were bound together with a knot during the ceremony. Christy sees brides honoring this tradition, whether knowingly or not, through ribbons tied to their bouquets. “I’m a ribbon connoisseur,” she says, noting that brides love them and she’s more than happy to oblige. She often uses fine ribbons of silk, velvet, or satin. “Ribbon is an exquisite way to elevate, distinguish, and add personality to the bouquet,” she says. And brides get creative with ribbon requests, which Christy loves. “Sometimes they’ll bring me ribbons from their mother’s bouquet, or heirloom ribbons they’ve found,” she says. She also honors requests to incorporate

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heirloom handkerchiefs, pins, brooches, and more as brides look to individualize their bouquets as much as possible by integrating meaningful family treasures and traditions, new and old. For Christy, the wedding bouquet is symbolic beyond the ceremony. “I feel a wedding bouquet needs to reflect who the couple is. It’s the most important work I do,” she says. She practices ikebana, or the Japanese tradition of flower arranging that allows for organic shapes and asymmetry, and wabi-sabi,

or the Japanese deference to imperfections. Her flower philosophy is one she hopes her brides see as a metaphor for life. “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful,” she says. She looks for brides who understand this because it reflects marriage. “It’s true in the bouquet, and it’s true in life, and it’s going to be true in a marriage,” she says. “The whole thing is beautiful.” Find Colonial House of Flowers at www.colonialhouse.net.

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rom vivid reds to pastel hues and ivories, bouquets are often an expression of brides dreams from childhood and hopes for the future. At left, peonies, ranunculus, and garden roses combine with seasonal greenery in a vivid bouquet. Photo by Justin Leon Brown. Above, Pink peonies, white peonies, white garden roses, white roses, seasonal flowers, and foraged flowers are pastel perfection. Photo by Sarah Lawless Photography. Below left: A garden-style arrangement includes roses from the Rosaprima farm in Ecuador, scabiosa, ranunculus, locally grown dahlias, and foraged material. Photo by Anne Marie Deale Photography. Below right: A joyful bouquet combines yellow garden roses, white peonies, white roses, blushing bride protea, fern, elaeagnus, and yarrow. Photo by Kim Branagan Photography.

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aired with a traditional white gown, flowers add color and symbolism on a bride’s most special day. At left, blushing bride protea, ranunculus, hellebores, butterfly ranunculus, and foraged material combine in a dreamy bridal arrangement. Photo by Anna Shackelford This page: pink peonies, white peonies, hydrangeas, and foraged material beautifully accompanied the bride in a wedding at Jekyll Island Club Hotel in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo by Sarah Lawless Photography.

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n the South, monogrammed presents are always welcome surprises for brides or babies. It shows the giver cared enough to order the perfect item from the registry well-ahead of the party to be sure the monogram is perfect. Photo by Shuler Studio: shulerstudio.com.

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Spring Forecast: Showers, Sprinkles, and Luncheons By Sally Anne Sessitte

Grab your inhaler and allergy pill of choice, it’s spring in the South, which means it’s sit-down party season. This season is really for the Mamas, Aunts, and Nanas. There will be silver, and there will be punch. They’ll all have the silver out, polished, and filled with chicken salad (mostly mayo), cucumber sandwiches (mayo or cream cheese), and sweet tea. Here are six tips to get you through the spring flurry of showers, sprinkles, and luncheons.

1. Shower: In the South, only the firstborn gets the fullblown baby shower, and it is really something. Southern culture centers on family and socializing, so it goes without saying that the shower is a mandatory rite of passage for all expecting couples. The silver will be out and polished, silver baby cups will be hanging from or displayed on every possible surface, and grandmas will be telling all the stories about how they fed your dad out of a baby bottle made of lead, and the pediatrician gave the baby Coca-Cola in the bottle at two months, and he turned out just fine. The aunts will be asking every girl over 13 if she has children and if not, why not. Bless the aunts - they don’t mean anything by it. 2. No boys allowed: Southern baby showers do not include men. If you’ve ever sat next to Nana and heard her graphic and detailed stories about the good, bad, and ugly of birthing her children, you will completely understand that men simply don’t have the sturdy constitution required of these situations. If you listen to Nana’s story, you will also understand more than first-year practicing Ob-Gyns. Beware who you sit next to — all rules of ladylike discretion disappear the instant that chicken salad hits the sideboard, and the birth story details flow freely. Dear readers, if you are a guest at a baby shower, this is not a time to be “forward thinking” with your own wardrobe choices or gift selection. Don’t wear a babydoll or empire-waisted anything, or you will — regardless of size — absolutely be asked a question that is hard to recover from. 3. Gifts: Don’t get creative. Stick to the registry. One guest — the wild, single, friend-of-the- friend-group breezed in from graduate school and thought she would ignore the registry and get the expecting mother something lovely and lacy and a little spicy to wear in the evening so that the whole thing “won’t just be about the baby.” The aunts and grandmothers are still talking about that to this day. 4. Monograms: There will be monograms. If you are not a monogram person, a Southern baby shower is not the place to share this detail from your personal bio. If you want all www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

the baby’s initials in the same size, the order is First Middle Last. If you want the second letter larger, the order of names is First Last Middle. No all-lower-case monograms. Don’t complicate things. When in doubt, look it up on the Leontine Linens website. When it comes to monograms, if Leontine is wrong, you don’t want to be right. If your friends are having a “theybe” and aren’t deciding on a name or gender, they’re probably not having a Traditional Southern baby shower, but Rule 3 above still applies: stick to the registry. Buy them all the gray baby clothing and items listed, and go on about your business. 5. Sprinkles: Spares born after the heir can absolutely be celebrated, but Southerners will keep these “sprinkles” simpler. Sprinkles can be close friends or family and can be lunch or dinner. The focus will be on the family, there will be no registry, and gifts will not be opened at the sprinkle. Some great choices for sprinkle gifts are a group gift of a professional photography session or a piece of art. 6. Luncheons: The menu will include every possible salad that includes mayo and does not include lettuce. These light salads will be served at 11:30 a.m. promptly. Just pretend it’s normal to have coffee with a side of mayo “salad.” Sweet tea is the default. Don’t ask for unsweet — just don’t. If there’s punch, it’ll include ginger ale, and if the hostesses are fun, a good bit of liquor. The tables will have tablecloths and be beautifully set, and there will be flowers. Do not write this off as a stuffy snooze — these luncheons (especially the ones with liquor in the punch) have been known to go well past carpool pickup and in the most fun cases, have even stretched to dinnertime and included opening a few bottles of whatever is handy. No matter who is being feted during this season of social gatherings, enjoy the opportunity for a good old-fashioned “do” with plenty of advice and some guaranteed chuckles. And if you have questions about what not to do, email SallyAnne@magnoliaandmoonshine.com.

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MOTHER EARTH Lessons from Mother Nature inform Stone Hollow Farmstead mother-daughter duo’s raison d’etre v

Story by Cara Clark, Photos by Bob Farley

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heltered by a canopy of outstretched limbs and leaves, a ribbon of dirt road coils through rural Alabama, crunching under tires that kick up plumes of dust, obscuring the road in the rearview and promising discoveries ahead. At the turnoff to Stone Hollow Farmstead, the landscape transitions to open pasture, and the sun’s rays seem to take on a benevolent warmth as they reach out to the plants and creatures inhabiting these acres. Operated by Deborah Stone and daughter Alexandra Stone Flowers, Stone Hollow was founded in 1999, in part as a tribute to Deborah’s family farm upbringing and as an appreciation of the natural world and the importance of embracing a holistic approach to self care. With yin-yang super powers, the two complement one another’s skills as they pour love and life into the constantly evolving and growing agricultural enterprise with multiple strengths — flower grower, apothecary, cannery, workshop, curator of farm and gift boxes, and trusted community leader. Thrice tapped for Oprah’s favorite things, Stone Hollow’s Blissful Breakfast Gift Box was chosen in 2023, and its Movie Night Trio gift box hit the list in 2022. In 2021, the Heirloom Popcorn Gift Box began the superstar actress and talk show host`s appreciation for these Southern favorites. Specialty gift boxes include products such as permissions preserves, ladyfinger popcorn, poultry brine, chocolate mint syrup, luxurious spa treatments, and more. Turmeric Lemongrass, Strawberry Rose, and Blueberry Rose Geranium drinking vinegars are among Alex and Deborah’s award-winning products, and an array of other flavored vinegars such as chive and dill add an extra piquant punch to fresh salads and gourmet dishes. These culinary delights, along with freshly canned okra, carrots, and syrups, are crafted in a small commercial kitchen near the raised beds of herbs and plants behind the barn.

Delight in the Dahlia Over the years, the farm has raised Hanoverian equine competitors, made its own delectable goat cheeses, honeys, and other tasty offerings. The constant has been producing sublime products and sharing the earth’s wholesome foods. Surrounded by horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, guineas, turkeys, and more, Stone Hollow is now centered on producing flowers and skincare products as its primary products.

hile the plants and flowers are taking on a starring role at Stone Hollow Farmstead, the property is a haven for the creatures who inhabit its acres — among them several varieties of sheep. All are watched over by Great Pyrenees dogs who protect the flocks from Alabama predators. Spring brings vulnerable new life to the farm with a brood of chicks who have left their eggshells behind to explore the world.

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utline

Now dahlia development is coming into the sharpest focus at the farm. Alex and Deborah traveled far and wide to take courses from expert growers to learn the ins and outs of pampering tubers, then brought the ideas back to the farm to grow their own showy blooms whether solid, speckled, or striped — in all shapes, sizes, and hues. “We had to figure out what works in our climate,” Alex says. “Our seasons — our sun and humidity — are very different. It’s a learning curve. As Mother Nature will do, she teaches us new things each season. We’ve had to refine and adjust and are constantly pivoting.” Alex inherited a workaholic attribute from her mother, and together they are applying themselves to growing the perfect dahlia. Already they’ve produced their own glorious pink bloom (a color somewhere between light fuchsia and cerise) — named in honor of the farm where it was propagated. It’s sure to be the first of the dahlias hallmarked by Stone Hollow Farmstead. “It’s been wonderful,” Alex says. “We had our first few growing seasons and then started learning more and more about seedlings. We are thrilled to share that we officially have our first Stone Hollow Dahlia. “It’s so rewarding watching mom — I am so proud of her achievements, and this one just adds to the www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

list. It just speaks to me that she’s such a little mad scientist. I love seeing the way she thinks. She goes all in, and she’s taught me to do the same!” That heart and mind commitment is another trait the mother and daughter share. They watch the flowers and herbs change each day, pushing their way through the soil and stretching to the sun before unfurling leaves and petals that will lighten the hearts of those whose lives they touch. As their expertise has grown, Deborah and Alex now offer dahlia workshops, sharing their appreciation for the many varieties of tubers along with how to plant and successfully grow them.

Community Collaboration

Along with the burgeoning dahlia business and skin care, the farmstead participates in a prosperous CSA operation (Community Supported Agriculture), which is a beautiful way of sharing with the community and supporting growers. The 10-week program, beginning in mid-March, offers box sales in advance to fund the efforts of local farmers sharing their crops. It’s an inside look into the risks and rewards of farming — a buy-in through which the participants reap the benefits of plentiful crops or may have slightly more sparse baskets during the leaner times.

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Each box is curated by Stone Hollow Farmstead to insure the finest. The excitement is engendered by the surprises in each box — sometimes weekly rainbow eggs and freshly baked breads or salad greens, fresh fruits, herbs, and edible flowers. There’s an option to include fresh bouquets each week to bring the beauty of the outdoors into the home. “In our CSA, we grow a lot of it, but we also love to support other local makers and farmers — people that we know by name and believe in their growing practices,” Alex explains. “They care deeply about what they’re producing, which makes them good partners. It helps the agricultural community as a whole.” This year when the box buy-in begins, Stone Hollow will contribute strawberries, raspberries, baby beets, carrots, parsnips, radishes, arugula, kale, chicories, broccolis, cauliflowers, cabbages, lettuces, microgreens, pea tendrils, dill, chive, parsley, cilantro, celery, nasturtiums, and wild violets. A blog on the Stone Hollow Farmstead, Savoring the South, offers insight on how to use the CSA box ingredients with recipes and tips for the fresh ingredients inside. “It’s a fun thing to be part of as a consumer,” Alex says. “It’s a unique community, and we love having this touch point with other farmers in our community.” Centrally located on the property, a pitchedroof barn, wood aged by the heat it was designed to withstand, blends into the surrounds where livestock in some areas graze benignly on nutritious grasses and, in others, poultry scratch and pluck with enthusiasm, searching the insect-rich soil for tasty finds. Below the wide eaves, ducks wander in and out of the shade, as they casually follow where this day this particular day takes them. Before the barn’s design was chosen, extensive research was undertaken on the type of barns that fare best in hot climates. It’s an idyllic area for hanging and drying blooms and becomes a makeshift farm sale stand on days when the farm opens its gates for guests to peruse and buy products or take workshops. The farm’s plants are its lifeblood. Amidst raised beds of herbs and flowers, a copper still, seasoned to a dark hue from exposure to the elements, is used to heat

ith each turn, new treasures are unveiled on the farm. In one room in the barn, bunches of flowers hang from the eaves to dry, creating muted, lasting beauty from the gardens at Stone Hollow Farmstead. 30 | Spring 2024

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the plants to collect the essential oils and hydrosols used in the Botaniko skincare developed by Deborah.

Origin story Far ahead of her time in creating an eponymous spa in 1989 in Birmingham, Alabama, among the first of its kind in the South, Deborah was also early in going all-natural in her approach to skincare. And when she couldn’t find suitable products on the market, Deborah set about making her own. She knew preserving the essence of the plant is the key to ensuring its ingredients work most effectively. From extensive research and studies, over the years she has created multiple products that have received awards and recognition. The Botaniko Skincare line’s papaya enzyme product has been a perennial performer in skin renewal. Skincare is something Alex, who has taken the lead at the farm, knows well. With her mother’s love of helping women feel beautiful, after high school, Alex explored an early dream job as a movie makeup artist in 2007, working on films with famed makeup artist Tina Earnshaw, including Spider Man and Mama Mia. The 24/7 nature of the industry made her nostalgic for the pace of home in the South. “I had seen my mother’s journey and watched her grow,” Alex says. “She has always been my best friend. It was pretty hard for me to leave, but I wanted to explore and experience freedom, but it wasn’t going to be the fun I had hoped.” With Alex returning to her first love, celebrating nature with her mother and taking the lead at Stone Hollow in branding and more, the farm continues producing products that bring joy and healing. With her 2-year-old daughter, Monroe, frequenting the farm, a new generation is being nurtured by nature on the idyllic farm. And she has an especially close mother-daughter relationship to witness as Alex and Deborah share ideas, develop new tubers, and strike the perfect balance. “I didn’t realize how rare our relationship was until I went away and then came back,” Alex says. “We have a yin and yang situation and communication. I think it’s because we’re so close and because we know the other’s inner workings so well. We know when to push and pull. It’s really been fun as adults as we have gotten to know each other as women as opposed to just a mother and daughter. What we have is a really great working relationship and a really great friendship.”

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rom flowers dried in the barn to fresh snapdragons, sunflowers, and herbs, Mother Nature is celebrated by Deborah Stone and daughter Alex Stone Flowers. The two embrace their kinship, friendship, and working relationship and have turned their attention to growing and perfecting tubers. They have already produced their own namesake dahlia bloom as they prepare to make their mark in that arena. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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Beguiling Bungalow A century-old home is adorned with elegance Photos by Morgan Duke

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cozy seating area in the parlor combines accents of gold and bronze with an Old World blue, highlighting the Palladian doors original to the Roaring ’20’s era bungalow in Georgia. Gold-tone sconces accent the oil portrait above the fireplace and complement the gilded chandelier, which is centered over the circular glass coffee table. Original hardware on the doors adds to the character-laden home’s charms.

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xhuberant shades of blue brings a sense of joie de vivre to the light-filled sunroom in the bungalow. Designed by architectural firm Hickman & Morgan and built in 1923, the English-style bungalow combines a sense of coziness with elegant appointments. While the sunroom’s airy lightness is perfect for a relaxing afternoon idyll, the den and its warm, more muted tones are the perfect setting for a family’s evening gathering.

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he bungalow seems to have been built long ago with a young family in mind. In a little boy’s room, soft blues are a backdrop for whimsical creatures from the African savanna and a wooden choo choo crafted with building blocks. At left, a heavenly blush pink little girl’s room is blooming with joys to inspire a childish imagination. The bungalow’s kitchen and butler’s pantry celebrate original hardwoods and offer a gathering place for entertaining. The charming, tiled front porch, a characteristic of the traditional bungalow, beckons guests to sit and enjoy a refreshing ice tea. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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n elegant arrangement of Asiatic lilies, blush pink tulips, pittosporun, plunosus, spray roses, chocolate lace, mini green hydrangea, hypericum, lisianthus, peonies, scabiosa, snaps and stock pairs perfectly with the finest Spring celebration. Styling by Bromberg’s Jewelers in Birmingham, Alabama. 40 | Spring 2024

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A MOVABLE FEAST

A Greek tradition with ceremonial crimson eggs enriches a family’s Easter celebrations Story by Cara Clark, Photos by Sean Fresh The holiest of holidays on the Christian calendar, a movable feast, brings rejoice into houses of worship and homes to celebrate the miracle of a savior’s promise of eternal life. No matter where in the world it is recognized, Easter’s meaning and traditions resonate differently among a devoted flock. Each year, the season of rebirth and renewal is twice celebrated at the Mountain Brook home of Dr. Dennis and Kellie Pappas. Dennis, an ENT whose father is Greek and his mother Irish-Hungarian, was raised to celebrate Greek Orthodox Easter, which this year falls on May 5. Blending their heritages, the Pappases and their children also recognize Christian Easter, which lands on March 31 on the calendar, blending their traditions in the best of both worlds. For Greek Orthodox Easter, the family includes red eggs in honor of an age-old Greek tradition. The red hue represents the blood of Christ, while the egg represents the resurrection of Jesus just as in Christian tradition, eggs signify the son of God’s emergence from the tomb and resurrection. Along with the eggs comes another Greek tradition, tsougrisma or a battle among family members to attempt to crack the other’s egg in oneon-one battles, a skill Dennis’s father, also an ENT, has mastered, with a unique grasp on the egg. The person holding an uncracked egg at the game’s end is said to be blessed with luck for the year. With in-laws who have long collected and gifted

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the couple with exquisite hand-painted Herend pieces, the table in their home is resplendent for the holy holidays, bringing together heirloom glassware with modern flatware and the traditional Herend Rothschild Bird porcelain. Kellie’s mother-in-law’s part Hungarian background might account for her love of the beautifully painted porcelain that heralds from that country. She also shares her fondness for birds with Kellie through gifts and tokens. The enduring Rothschild Bird porcelain pattern illustrates a story in 12 different bird motifs on its plates, each featuring a pair of colorful birds with a necklace draped in branches. First created in 1860 for the Rothschild family of Europe, the classic designs convey the story of the 19th century Baroness Rothschild’s lost pearl necklace, which was later discovered in her Vienna garden in the grasp of mischievous birds. But perhaps those birds, even as they admire the shiny necklace, are simply trying to return it to its rightful owner — it’s a delight to interpret the tales told on an exquisite canvas of porcelain. The Pappases have been known to grill a full lamb on a spit in the backyard as they celebrate Greek Easter tidings with dishes, such as spanakopita, that reflect the Mediterranean heritage. With heirloom finery and pieces they have collected, the setting for any occasion is as meaningful and memorable as it is a delight to the culinary enthusiasts enjoying Easter treats.

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he astonishing finesse illustrated in each hand-painted Herend Rothschild Bird piece is a delight to the eye on the exquisitely set table with placemats and napkins are from Crown Linen Designs, pale pink beverage glasses made by Fostoria and the pattern is Versailles, wine glasses from Edgar Berebi and Sterling flatware is French Provincial. Herend figurines add a special Easter surprise to the setting. At right, the Greek tradition of dying eggs red and cracking them together in a game is honored in the Pappas home.

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ach place setting in the Herend Rothschild Bird collection, which includes 12 themes, tells the stories of birds finding the lost necklace of a titled lady in her Vienna garden. Those stories extend to egg cups and a tea service in the Pappas home. Varying pairs of birds toy with the gilded strands tangled in the tree branches. The table settings interspersed with exquisite hand-painted Herend figurines. Behind the glorious table setting, a china cabinet is set in an alcove and holds an extensive Herend figurine collection — some family gifts and some collected by the couple. Each figurine represents the skilled attention to detail of Herend artists who paint the signature fishent patterns on the menagerie of animals.

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arah Carter Hovis Olsen and Sally Carter Evans Hovis combine natural stones, such as turquoise, with diamonds and genuine gold to create dramatic statement pieces such as her Squash Blossom necklace. The inspiration for the jewelry line was a faux tusk and cold necklace — beloved but allergy inducing. By using pure materials, the two created on their own line with an emphasis on drama and elegance. 46 | Spring 2024

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GIFTS FROM THE NATURAL WORLD INSPIRE JEWELRY DESIGNS An Atlanta-based mother and daughter team followed an eye for fashion and love of statement pieces into combining precious metals and natural materials into keepsake treasures. Story by Cara Clark www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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hen two fashion-forward females combine an eye for “what works” with inspiration from their extensive travels and the natural world, the result will be memorable — even enviable — which is why S. Carter Designs pieces resonate with a growing audience. Sarah Carter Hovis Olsen remembers precisely when and how she was inspired to design jewelry with her mother, Sally Carter Evans Hovis. It all began with a necklace by designer Kenneth Jay Lane, whose high-end fake jewelry line began in the 1960s and makes such a dramatic statement, icons and college kids alike felt like trendsetters when wearing his styles. Sarah’s friend owned one of his designs, a tusk piece, crafted from resin and hanging oh-so stylishly on a plated gold-tone chain. While Sarah was working in retail at the time, she kept abreast of the latest fashion trends, but this piece felt eternal, and it became Sarah’s favorite thing. It turns out, she was in good company. After all Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Lady Gaga have worn the designer’s styles — even Princess Diana is said to have been a fan of the highimpact jewelry. Like the iconic figures who wore Lane’s styles, Sarah paired that loaner tusk piece with outfits from casual to black-tie — it was the sort of style that made her feel “pulled together,” no matter the occasion. “I loved wearing it,” she says. “I wore it so often, I finally became allergic, and my neck would break out like crazy. I thought, ‘I still love it and want to wear it,’ so I got the materials and made my own using leather. We wrapped the tusks and put them on long braided leather, and that was our first piece.” Those necklaces had the desired effect, admirers would approach Sarah and ask to buy the adornment from around her neck. That’s when she knew she had a product that virtually sold itself. Sarah and Sally went to work fashioning the leather tusk jewelry — eliminating the faux gold allergy element and making the pieces in different lengths, colors, and styles. “In the beginning, we were braiding leather and knotting beads,” Sarah says. “Since then, we’ve changed the direction of the line a lot, but my mother was with me every single day doing the manual labor part.” As mother and daughter began determining how to set up shop, Sarah began working at Rebecca Boutique in Atlanta, where she was asked if she wanted to begin selling her jewelry. “So that was our first store, but the whole business idea started because I was allergic to my friend’s necklace that I loved to wear,” Sarah says with a hint of nostalgia for the piece and for the 2009 start of their business. As an international business and Spanish

double major, Sarah’s was an unexpected foray into entrepreneurship, and as she describes it, an organic path. The natural evolution of her style led to using the most organic elements — feathers, shells, gemstones, tusks — pairing unexpected elemental pieces with the purest metals and pristine diamonds. A shark’s shed tooth or baby conch, enhanced with a gemstone and 14-karat gold, becomes a treasure that elevates an outfit to the next level with a quick snap of the clasp.

Sought after styles Now that the business has expanded with manufacturers in India and Turkey, the international business background has definitely come into play. Sarah and Sally’s sense of timelessness, willingness to go bold, and knowledge of the evolution of fashion makes each piece a lasting treasure. While the S. Carter line accents elements such as turquoise, sliced diamonds, and Tahitian pearls, most recently, Sarah says her designs have been trending with seashells. “I think that’s probably because I’ve been at the beach with my family a lot,” Sarah says. “The last two years we’ve just started collecting our own and adding diamonds and gold with all different kinds of gold chains. I love all of the natural pieces, and then we mix in the diamonds with them to try to elevate those natural pieces.” With a list of shops across the country and a

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nowing the importance of having just the right statement piece, Sarah assists a bride with finishing touches on her wedding day. At left, gifts from the sea become eternal treasures when combined with precious metals and gemstones in a timeless setting by S. Carter Designs. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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website filled with beautiful pieces, it’s not difficult to find S. Carter Designs. The mother-daughter team has learned their pieces are especially popular in stores in vacation destinations such as Vail, Telluride, and Aspen. As tried-and-true travelers, the owners understand that such breaks from the norm are perfect shopping times for their customers, just as some of their best finds have been discovered on their own journeys. Mom and daughter still travel together to gem shows and work together on ideas, though Sally is less involved in the day-to-day operations. “We are very close, and it is really special to have gotten to do this with her because we’ve spent so much time together over the past 12 years, going to shows and being on the same page about things, or maybe she sees something one way, and I see it differently. Then her way sells, and I know that we both have our vision, and both work. “My mother has a more keen eye for pearls and things that kind of hit her age group, and I run everything past her. And she goes to all her gem shows and looks at all designs. I like to sketch ideas or take the stones I find that I love and lay them out how I would put them in a piece. I figure out what metal to use and play with all of the notes and sketches.” Sarah says it’s difficult to believe how much the line has grown, from streamlining ordering to inventory systems. It wasn’t so long ago that they were jotting down notes and shipping items to stores without a system of checks and balances. “We’ve evolved so much with our products, but also on the back-end of the business side,” Sarah says. “We’ve changed so much in six years.” But the designer, combing the beaches with her children for shells and sharks’ teeth, doesn’t want to grow much more. “I want to keep things small,” she explains. “I get to have my passion, and it’s fun for me to do. I love

my work, but I also get to be focused on my kids. I like that balance. I love being in the stores we are in because we have some really strong partners.” It’s also rewarding for Sarah and Sally to know that even when designs are similar, no two pieces will ever be identical. The turquoise, larimar, opal, bone, feather, tusks, and colored gems, each have differing characteristics from hues to shape and size. “Once those stones are gone, they’re gone, but there will be another piece just as special with a different stone,” she says. With pieces such as enamel feather earrings and cowrie shell earrings and necklaces constantly selling out, it’s often difficult to keep up with demand. “We went away from some designs, but we’ve come back to them,” Sarah says. “The horn collars are one of our biggest sellers, and each one is different. We’ll have customers who ask for the very lightest or want the creamier color or want one with more variation. And even though it’s one product, there’s so much variety.” Looking back on the many styles from motherof-pearl Native American headdress necklaces to feather and mesh chain collars, Sarah remembers each piece and style with fondness that makes it impossible to choose a favorite. “It’s like not having a favorite child,” she says. “I know I should pick one, but right now, I really love our gold squash blossoms. I look at what I take on vacation with me, and I feel like I tend to pick my favorites.” On a trip from Atlanta to New York with her in-laws, Sarah saw someone wearing one of her necklaces — a moment that was exciting and affirming. Maybe that necklace meant to her fellow passenger what the old Kenneth Jay Lane piece felt like to her — a bit of an obsession and something that just makes a girl feel like she’s dressed to impress.

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ith inspiration from nature, mother and daughter’s S. Carter Designs jewelry makes a statement from cowrie shells, which are a favorite among customers, to the gorgeous horn collars. Like snowflakes, no two are alike due to variations in color, shape, and size of nature’s materials. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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Photos by Dawn Elizabeth Studios 52 | Spring 2024

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HOW SWEET IT IS: FROM GRANDMOTHER’S KITCHEN TO LE CORDON BLEU Story by Lee M. Hurley -

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desuwa Elaiho has become a confection sensation in San Antonio in recent years with her exceptional wedding cakes and pastries, garnering a devoted following and a place in the spotlight. Her journey from local pastry chef to national recognition reached an apogee when joining the cast of the Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship, a multi-episode series premiering last September and still available to watch online. Growing up, Adesuwa didn’t exactly know all along that she wanted to become a pastry chef, but she knew she wanted to have culinary skills. Her love of cooking began with her grandmother who made chicken and dumplings and peach cobbler. “I was her shadow in the kitchen,” Adesuwa once wrote, “sucking my thumb and following her around.” And so, she pursued her love for food and cooking with determination and eventually found herself studying Food Science at Colorado State University. Next up, Adesuwa took a significant leap in her culinary journey by enrolling at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Remarkably, she became the first student to complete all three culinary degrees offered at Le Cordon Bleu. That experience found her learning under Michelinrated chefs with high expectations but who “treated her kindly” albeit through a translator. “When I messed something up, their attitude was, ‘There are no problems in pastry only solutions.’ And I knew I had the skill to fix those problems,” she says. Upon graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Adesuwa spent the next five years working with national restaurant brands, including the likes of Hard Rock Café and Longhorn Steakhouse. This experience allowed her to hone her culinary skills and gain valuable insights into the restaurant industry. However, her true calling lay in the world of pastries so she allowed her head to follow where her heart had already gone.

Asukar is Born

This dedication to cakes, pastries, and other confections led to the creation of Asukar (derived from the Spanish word), a growing custom order business in San Antonio. Adesuwa experiments with shape and form, drawing inspiration from the art that surrounds her, and from her customer’s lives and ideas. In her efforts to create pieces that reflect her clients’ special days — from birthdays to anniversaries and weddings — Adesuwa created a Pallet Night (bluebonnet wedding cake) made with ganache instead of buttercream, a confection that won several awards. Adesuwa has a talented

reating masterpiece cakes for special occasions is a labor of love for Adesuwa. The rewards are sweet when she listens to a client’s vision for the confection of their dreams. Turning that into reality is a task she takes to heart. Photos

by Ana Isabel Photography

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team at Asukar to help her turn vision into reality. She enjoys working with students who bring fresh ideas into the kitchen while she in turn provides mentoring to the next generation of pastry chefs. Giving back to the community that gives to her is proof that Adesuwa’s dedication to her craft extends beyond the kitchen. She actively serves on boards like the Texas Restaurant Association, helping support black female-owned businesses. “I feel like in San Antonio we are a big, small city and it’s important to be involved in the community,” she says. In 2021 she became president of the Alamo Area Hospitality Association, a position she still holds. Chris Koval, previous board president says, “Leading and running an association during COVID was not easy. It took a lot of effort especially given the hospitality industry and environment fell into complete disarray. Adesuwa is a strong woman who is determined to excel and succeed.” While her designs are often floral and feminine, depending on the celebrant, she took a different festive turn during the ninth season of the Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship which featured Adesuwa and a diverse group of bakers competing in various challenges, all with a Halloween twist. The road to the Halloween Baking Championship was no cakewalk either. She dedicated weeks to preparing for the series, anticipating the judges’ unpredictable challenges. Not only do contestants have to create spooky treats like pumpkin carrot cake and eyeball donuts, but they have to do so with a sense of humor. Interestingly Adesuwa was not alone in representing San Antonio on the Food Network show. She was joined by Mandi Tel Toro, another talented female baker, putting San Antonio on a national platform. Adesuwa describes the experience as “validating, showing me I belong in this arena. It was a competition but we walked away as friends and better bakers.” Adesuwa has carved a niche for herself as one of San Antonio’s leading culinary artists — not to mention an important role in the philanthropic leadership of the community and someone who mentors others. These character traits are being passed along to 11-year-old daughter Chiara who is already showing promise in drawing and cake decorating. It’s an occupation that’s 1 cup of fun and 3 cups of hard work. “It’s fun but demanding! We work when everyone else is off (holidays), and we’re doing our best work when others are not working. Yet, I find it so rewarding to be a part of making memories for people.” The people concur. Find this talented chef at myasukar.com.

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Photo by Mickey Elaiho Photography

CHAMPAGNE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE Ingredients: For the Shortcakes: • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes • 2/3 cup whole milk • 1/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the Champagne-Infused Strawberries: • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced • 1/2 tsp champagne vinegar • Lemon zest • 1/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine • 2 tablespoons sugar For the Champagne Whipped Cream: • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar • 2 tablespoons Champagne or sparkling wine Instructions: For the Shortcakes: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 3. Add cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

4. In a separate bowl, mix together milk, Champagne, and vanilla extract. 5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. 6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes. 7. Place the shortcakes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely. For the Champagne-Infused Strawberries: 1. In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with Champagne, lemon zest, champagne vinegar and sugar. Toss gently to coat the strawberries and let them macerate for at least 30 minutes. For the Champagne Whipped Cream: 1. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. 2. Add powdered sugar and Champagne, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Assembling: 1. Slice the cooled shortcakes in half horizontally. 2. Spoon a generous dollop of Champagne whipped cream onto the bottom half of each shortcake. 3. Top the whipped cream with a spoonful of Champagne-infused strawberries. 4. Place the other half of the shortcake on top and garnish with additional Champagne-infused strawberries. 5. Finish with a drizzle of the Champagne syrup from the macerated strawberries.

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ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Set your sundial and compass, and head way down south. Story by Cara Clark Spring inspires a sense of restlessness, and the time is ripe for travel with school breaks and the mercury edging up the thermometer. Destination possibilities are as many and varied as the tastes of the traveler. But if the sea and sun appeal, an excursion to the deepest South needs a spot on your list. Hop in a car or board a plane with the compass pointed as far South as it is possible to go in the continental U.S. Destination: the Florida Keys — literally the most Southern point in the U.S. and a place of history and legendary sunsets. Crowds gather as the sun concludes its diurnal journey to the West and emblazons shades of pink, tangerine, lilac, and periwinkle across the deepening blue sky, hovering just above seemingly darkening seas before the brilliant orb settles with an inaudible sizzle into the sea, drifting below the horizon. It sets the stage for the sort of adventure made legend in Earnest Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea in which an epic battle between man and nature plays out on gleaming turquoise waters. Though the story was inspired by a village in Cuba, Hemingway’s Key

West house, where he spent a fortune on an in-ground pool cut into the coral-based grounds, remains open for tours, offering a glimpse into the life of the late literary giant. Just off the coast, sailfish and Marlin, known for their speed and agility in the water, easily out swim even Mako sharks looking for an easy meal, and sportsman cast their lines into the mysterious blue hoping a bite will beget a memorable fight with a billed blue behemoth. Islamorada in the Keys, long a playground for stars and sports fishermen, is set in an area that has earned the moniker, “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” This key is known for the challenge of catching sailfish, which are found in usually shallow waters, and one resort on the island, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, is a favorite among anglers and those who enjoy more leisurely seaside sojourns. The 27-acre resort boasts 1,200 feet of pristine beach for the sun seekers and the longest pier in the Keys — 525 feet — for adventure-minded anglers, particularly those who want to enjoy the fruits of their labors with chefs on site that will actually cook your catch for you. Watersports run the gamut from snorkeling, family fishing trips, eco tours, sunset cruises, kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards, while the spa is set to indulge. For the unapologetic heliophile, the resort offers a zero-entry, 1,100-square-foot pool boasting uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean alongside Cheeca’s foot palm-lined private beach. Surrounding the oceanfront pool, which includes more than 40 lounge chairs, seven newly outfitted cabanas allow that exclusive feeling of privacy, and a spot for guests to order meal and beverage service if they wish. Cheeca has two additional pools, including a family pool and an adults-only pool located at The Spa at Cheeca Lodge. The scenic lodge and landscape have been an allure for film crews and the site of the Netflix series, Bloodline, as well as Cruisin’ the Keyes with Bobby Flay and more.

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he Florida Keys also include Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of protected islands, and Fort Jefferson, where Dr. Samuel Mudd, was imprisoned for his part in aiding Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, who broke his leg during the murder in the theatre. His cell in the six-sided red brick fort is part of a tour of the national park. At left, Earnest Hemingway’s Key West home offers a unique glimpse into the acclaimed author’s quiet life by the sea. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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heeca Lodge & Spa, entrenched in the keys since 1946, offers a getaway for action-packed adventures or leisure-time luxury. With guestrooms and Casitas, the resort has the longest pier in the keys, an ideal spot for avid anglers to cast a line or for keen observers to watch the sun sink into the ocean. It’s a proven spot to land the hard-fighting billfish as evidenced by the results earlier this year as 84 anglers caught and released 42 sailfish during the 34th annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, a two-day event. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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CASCADE QUEST The delights of North Carolina include a multitude of falls — inspiring off-the-beaten-path adventures Story by Jennifer Kornegay

here’s something inherently soothing about waterfalls. Whether rapidly roaring or gently flowing in diamond-like drops, moving water speaks to our souls. Sitting high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains and tucked into the Nantahala National Forest, the HighlandsCashiers Plateau in western North Carolina boasts a wealth of natural wonders, including numerous waterfalls just waiting to envelop you in their clear, rushing calm. Thanks to ample rainfall and the rocky terrain, cascades of all sizes are abundant, ranging from thundering torrents to smaller, sparkling spills. While a handful require a bit of huffing and puffing to access, many are easy to find and explore. The Spring melt brings exceptional views for visitors to the area. Below we share a few of our favorites to check out, and the season of new starts and travel breaks is the ideal time to do it.

Near Highlands Glenn Falls: This glittering gush of water is easy to access from a trail off Highway 106. A good glimpse is just a short downhill trek away, but if you’re energetic, you should continue the trail to the bottom where you’ll be rewarded with a pictureperfect view of the tumbling cataract in its full glory. Just remember, what goes down must hike back up. (Pictured on this page.) Cullasaja Falls: Rolling along Highway 64, the Cullasaja River is sheltered in mountain laurel shade before being hurled over this multi-layered waterfall that bubbles and bounces for 250 feet over a series of ragged outcrops.

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Bridal Veil Falls: Sliding down the mountainside along Highway 64, this 45-foot fall drops water in delicate, shimmering sheets that suggest a bride’s lacy veil and is visible without even leaving your car. Dry Falls: Get a behind-the-scenes view of one of Mother Nature’s fountains here. With its location right on Highway 64 and ample parking, it’s a “mustsee.” A flood of foam rushes over a craggy rock outcrop that stretches far from the hill supporting it, creating a space behind the waterfall large enough to walk through without getting wet (hence the name). Watch your feet, and hold tight to the railing as you descend the metal steps to the falls ; they’re steep and can get slippery. Secret Falls: A path less-traveled leads to aptly named Secret Falls, a 50-foot cascade pouring over a ledge. The serenity of the deep pool below this hidden gem may tempt you for a dip, but be warned. The water remains teeth-chattering cold all year long. Bust Your Butt Falls: On Highway 64 between Highlands and Franklin, this tiered fall turns the Cullasaja River into a narrow chute running through massive boulders. Some brave souls ride the resulting slide, but it’s much safer to simply take a seat on an exposed rock and bask in its beauty or splash around in its picture-perfect swimming hole.

Near Cashiers Silver Run Falls: Stroll down a quiet, level path under a canopy of trees to discover this tranquil waterfall off Highway 107. It casts a soft spray before plunging into a clear, peaceful pool that’s perfect for a quick (but cool!) swim. Whitewater Falls: This majestic 411-foot waterfall off Highway 281 plummets in roaring ribbons of whitewater to create the highest fall east of the Rockies. A paved walkway leads to a breathtaking look at the falls, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike all the way down and marvel at its size from a more humbling perspective. But take your time on your way to this waterfall. Stop to gaze at the wildflowers (and butterflies they attract) scattered along the edge of the path. Sliding Rock: The moderate slope of this waterfall invites you to immerse yourself in the action. The swath of crystal stream flowing across wide, mosscovered rocks creates a natural waterslide that — in summer — begs kids of all ages to smile and glide.

Near Sapphire & Toxaway Turtle Back Falls: Leading from a trail off the Grassy Ridge parking area in Gorges State Park, this small, 20-foot fall deep in the forest rumbles over a rock resembling a giant turtle shell. Rainbow Falls: Accessed by the same trail that leads to Turtle Back Falls, this 150-foot waterfall is one of the area’s most magical beauties, named

for the multiple arcs of color that float in the mist surrounding it. The entire creek seems to disappear around a bend only to be thrown over the top of the waterfall’s precipice. Toxaway Falls: Steeped in historic lore, this spider-web of a waterfall (near the top) is purported to be the burial place of a Cherokee leader named Toxaway.

Eat & Stay Time spent trekking in the fresh mountain air might lull you into serenity, but it also works up an appetite. And you’ll need a place to stay to fully experience and appreciate the area. But no worries; dining and lodging options are many and varied. In Highlands, power up for an active day with a stack of banana-bread French toast drizzled with sticky praline sauce at Blue Bike Café. For lunch, try Mountain Fresh Grocery, serving deli favorites, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh-baked, flaky pastries. Slake your thirst at the Ugly Dog Pub, a locals’ favorite watering hole serving North Carolina brews and casual pub grub. Come dinnertime, Ristorante Paoletti offers old-world atmosphere with its thoughtful interpretations of northern Italian cuisine. Pair your pick with a bottle pulled from the wine wall, a visual representation of its WineSpectator-lauded list. In Cashiers, start your morning with a light bite and some caffeine-laden concoction at Buck’s Coffee. Enjoy a hearty midday meal at On the Side BBQ, a walk-up joint attached to the Cashiers Farmers Market, known for tender pulled pork doused in a pungent mustard-based sauce. Snag some local craft beer and a slice of The Duke pizza (a meaty mouthful piled with sausage, pepperoni, bacon and creamy ricotta) at Slab Town. Or make a reservation at Canyon Kitchen. Located at the edge of a meadow in the shadow of Laurel Knob, it offers a scenic backdrop for savoring delights like deviled eggs studded with Iberico ham and apple-cider brined pork chops. When it’s time to rest your head, consider four-diamond Old Edwards Inn in Highlands. Consistently garnering media accolades and loyal repeat guests, the stalwart delivers stellar service and elegant yet comfortable rooms, as do its parent company’s other properties: Half-Mile Farm, a few miles out of town and cozied up to a quiet lake; and casually chic 200 Main, just down the street from the Inn and loaded with Old Edwards-luxury “bang for a lot less buck”. Originally built in 1929, the chic and comfy Skyline Lodge is another Highlands option. It was recently reimagined and reopened and now boasts a sleek mid-century modern look, plus a tantalizing onsite restaurant, Oak Steakhouse, where smokedtrout rillettes warm you up for juicy beef tenderloin and truffle fries.

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or waterfall chasers, Silver Run Falls near cashiers cascades into a pool that’s perfect for a quick dip on a hot spring day. The sound of the rushing water creates a sense of tranquility amidst the greenery. Photo by Nick Breedlove, courtesy of Jackson County Tourism Development. www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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The Path to Lenora A Georgia business woman reawakens elegance in sleepwear Story by Mary Dansak

here may be something to be said for the cozy familiarity of an old T-shirt and a pair of boxers, but Claudia Garrard, entrepreneur and business owner, asks us to imagine a different scenario as we unwind at the end of the day. Why not feel pretty in our lounge and nightwear? Why not embrace our femininity in elegant comfort? Why not indulge? “After all, it’s how we spend the majority of our time, at least eight to 10 hours a day,” Claudia suggests. Not only should time be a factor in selecting our sleepwear, but intimacy as well. It’s in our pajamas and gowns that we greet new days with warm coffee or tea, tend to our children and pets, relax with our movies and books, and sleep. Claudia never intended to become a champion for classic undergarments, satin sleep shirts, infants’ day gowns, and other fine intimate apparel. “My background was in whatever there was, wherever it was. I just needed a job. I happened to have a friend who worked at AmericasMart in Atlanta, and I ended up there. I didn’t mean to start there,” she laughs. While Claudia enjoyed her work at AmericasMart, Atlanta’s wholesale marketplace, where she was recognized as an excellent worker and given a coveted spot in the gift market, marriage and motherhood led her away from Atlanta and from her first job. Claudia eventually opened a booth at the

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omen and children first could well be a motto for Lenora’s comfortable and beautiful designs that demonstrate lounge and sleep wear doesn’t have to be slouchy or drab. Her elegant designs are available in 28 states and cater to kids and moms who want to sleep in style. At right, Claudia Garrard’s christening gowns are instant keepsakes while her pajamas and robes are as comfy as they are stylish. 68 | Spring 2024

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Galleria, a mall in Columbus, Georgia, just to keep her foot in the door. This hobby job allowed her to continue to visit the market in Atlanta, and to maintain relationships with some of the vendors and other people she’d met. In her booth, she primarily sold bedding and ladies’ nightwear. One of her favorite lines was designed, manufactured, and sold by a Vietnamese American woman, Dina Yang. While Claudia loved Dina’s products and was impressed by the quality and the styles, she recognized the need for Dina to offer photographs, marketing materials, and other customer support. “I decided to lend her a hand,” Claudia recalls, “and ended up buying her business.” Claudia named her new business Lenora after her mother-in-law and her daughter. Claudia and Dina continue to work hand in hand, with Claudia designing products, Dina’s sewers manufacturing the prototypes in their sewing room www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

in Vietnam, Claudia tweaking those models, and so on until they have the perfect product. Of note, the workers in the Vietnamese sewing room receive benefits including health insurance, maternity coverage, holiday bonuses, overtime pay, and more. Recently, Claudia has expanded her enterprise to include a sewing room in India, where she traveled last fall to make arrangements. “I didn’t expect to fall in love with the country, but I did,” Claudia says. Having been unsure at the outset that the people who usually manufacture the gorgeous bold block prints we associate with India would be able to create her more refined designs, Claudia quickly learned that the manufacturers in India can make anything you want. “The people I met are kind, hard-working, appreciative for the business, and above all, talented.” From lending a helping hand to running a successful business, Claudia’s hard work and tenacity paid off. Lenora’s products are represented

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in retail stores in 28 states, the West Indies, and the Dominican Republic. While a number of stores across the country carry Lenora products, the sweet spot is the south, especially Texas and Alabama. “The products aren’t necessarily designed to appeal to southerners,” Claudia explains, “but they do have a timelessness about them, an old school charm, that southerners in particular seem to appreciate.” Asked about the challenges of running this business, Claudia is quick to respond. “It’s hard,” she laughs, with a lilt in her voice as if she’d surprised even herself with the creation and running of Lenora. “Finding beautiful, high-quality fabrics has been a real challenge. You have to wear a lot of hats. I have a new respect for all people who run their own businesses.” Another challenge for Claudia is the ongoing attempt to design products that meet a wide variety of demands. “Everyone is different, and they all have strong opinions,” she says. “Some women like pajamas. Some like robes. Some like sleeveless and others like sleeves. Let’s just say our customers are very particular.” Rather than trying to be all things to all people, Claudia has chosen to focus on what Lenora does best: supply women’s nightwear and layette pieces

in fine fabrics and traditional cuts. The designs hearken back to a classic elegance, a far cry from the fast-fashion, polyester, bold print pajamas that assault our senses when we shop. As for Claudia, her favorite is the Julia Cotton Tank Nightgown, though she leans towards pieces in the washable satin as well. All the products, from the 100 percent cotton to the satin blends, are soft, comfortable, and require little special care. “Even the 100 percent cotton items don’t need ironing if you let them drip dry,” Claudia assures. “They may be a little stiff, but after wearing them for a just a few minutes they soften right up.” What comes next for Lenora? With pent-up customers returning to traveling after a long period of isolation, many women are now interested in fine travel accessories including jewelry pouches, make-up bags, and general travel bags, as well as loungewear that can be worn outside the house. Claudia intends to explore, and in the case of travel accessories, expand these products. The journey to Lenora so far has been one of unexpected twists and turns for Claudia Garrard. The calm sense of peace presented by her clothing belies the grit and determination needed to keep the business running. And that, surely, is by design. To learn more about Lenora, visit ShopLenora. com.

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rom festive bridal parties to quiet relaxation at home, Lenora’s styles embrace femininity and classic colors and designs. Her partnership with expert manufacturers meets exacting standards.

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A SURPRISING DEVELOPMENT IN MARSHALLVILLE Small towns across the South are losing the charm of original architecture to the ravages of time — one Georgia town is turning the tide. Story by Mary Dansak, Photos by Eliza Daffin 72 | Spring 2024

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omething is going on in Marshallville, Georgia. A story is taking shape in this small town of 1,335 residents, located about 37 miles from Macon, Georgia. At first glance, you might not notice, but slow down a bit and you can feel it — a new vibe in the old downtown. Standing in Turner’s Antiques and Collectibles, 101 East Main Street, surrounded by clusters of Imari porcelain, vintage tumblers, and a whirlwind of other European collectibles, a gaze out the front window and across the street lands one’s eye on a rustic brick store, long empty. Its cracked glass and boarded-up front window stand in stark contrast to the liveliness of the antique store it faces. The old red brick building is the heart of this story, one that begins in tragedy and ends in resurrection and hope. “That old store once sold everything from plow points to women’s undergarments,” says Shelley Turner, owner of Turner’s Antiques and Collectibles. The store, originally named H.W. Taylor, was built in 1894 by Shelley’s husband Tom’s great-grandfather and passed down to each successive generation. Although Tom Turner enjoyed spending time in his grandfather’s store as a boy, he certainly did not expect to become its owner at the youthful age of 18. On the eve of Tom’s high school graduation, his parents, Louise and Bob Turner, died in an airplane crash that claimed the lives of 115 Georgians who were returning from Paris after a tour designed to expose members of the Atlanta Art Association to the exquisite art and museums of Europe. Known as the Orly Field plane crash, having occurred just after takeoff from Orly Field in Paris, the incident brought the city of Atlanta to its knees with the loss of many artists, patrons of the arts, and other prominent figures in Atlanta’s art scene. The small town of Marshallville reeled in collective sadness for the loss of their own local artist, Louise Taylor Turner, a celebrated watercolorist who painted glorious, realistic renditions of camellias as well as portraits of the everyday citizens of Marshallville — young, old, black, and white. Her family retains 300 original pieces of her art. Tom and his brother R.P., 18 and 19 years old respectively, found themselves the new owners of the family’s general store, which they rented out to local businesses. After college, both young men returned to the family farm in Marshallville, which Tom still manages today. Over time, R.P. could no longer farm due to a decline in his health. He returned to the family mercantile, transforming it into an antique store. Tragedy struck the Turner family again with R.P.’s untimely death in 1998. “We lost our heart for that building,” Shelley says. “We locked the door and walked away. That’s been 25 years. Still, every time I passed by, I would think about the treasures still in that store.” Many stories of small-town downtown areas are tinged with sadness, as faded murals, crumbling bricks, and empty sidewalks paint a desolate picture of the abandonment of once-thriving centers of commercial and social activity. Revitalization of downtown areas requires creative vision, a considerable capital investment, and

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a commitment to fostering community. Some of these factors began falling into place in 2018 when Shelley was able to purchase the old Massee appliance store right across the street from the general store. The original neon Frigidaire Appliance sign still hangs outside, under cheerful green awnings. “I wanted to take that down,” Shelley laughs. “My husband asked me to please wait until he died. I’ll just leave it up.” After a year of renovation which included a new roof, a new floor stained to look like the original floor, and chipping off cracked plaster to reveal the original brick walls, all the old treasures that were still intact from the old store were moved across the street, including three long display counters, a walking cane display case, several pine worktables, and a fabulous 16-foot work table. A section of the heart pine shelves which had originally lined the east and west walls of H.W. Taylor was moved across the street as well. Some of the boards were 16 feet long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick with deep crown molding. “Once all the treasures were moved over, I had a clean, dry, empty building,” Shelley says. “I decided to open an antiques store and named it Turner’s Antiques. People started coming in to see the store and the original fixtures, and to reminisce about the old Taylor store. It had a commissary and a walk-in vault large enough for 20 people to fit in! Stories of buying shoes, hats, fabric, and thread were shared as well as tales of who had worked there. My husband tells of coming to the store every day at Christmastime to see what the train delivered, hoping for a new bike.” Turner’s Antiques began to attract visitors from surrounding areas, and soon Shelley was able to open every Saturday. She began hearing comments, like, “What will happen to the old store across the street? I wish it could be renovated.”

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Shelley agreed but knew that only God could accomplish that dream. “I already had a taste of the cost of renovating a turn-of-the-century building, and the Taylor building with two stories and a mezzanine was in a lot worse shape than the one I had just renovated.” “Lesson learned,” Shelley adds, “never underestimate God.” Before long, three people came along who were willing to take on the dream of restoration: Larry Walker, a Perry attorney and long-time Georgia legislator; Charlie Griffis, a commercial contractor who had recently moved his family of six to Marshallville; and Emeline Loughlin, whose husband Edward has deep roots in Marshallville and Macon County. “We four share the desire to preserve these old buildings, the hope for her return to prosperity, and the love of God who brought us together.” In 2020, this group of four, now known as Marshallville Project, LLC, purchased the seven contiguous properties on East Main Street next to Turner’s Antiques, as well as the grand old H.W. Taylor building, with the mission of restoring these properties and selling them for retail and restaurants. Turner’s Antiques and Collectibles occupies the first in this row of buildings which dominates East Main Street. The second building houses an interior design store, Orchard Home, and the third is home to Elberta Market which holds eight separate businesses within its walls. These three buildings retain their historic charm, inside and out. Where possible, original floors and walls have been restored, and brick walls exposed by chipping away the peeling plaster. Gleaming with fresh paint, restored interiors, and stylish trimmings within, you can feel the past and the present fusing in an

energetic and fashionable merger. The remaining crumbling structures once housed businesses ranging from a blacksmith’s shop, his stable, a bowling alley, and machine shops. An alley separating them will be converted into a walk-through passage from the street to the parking lot behind the row of buildings. Plans for this area pay homage to Samuel Henry Rumph, propagator of the Elberta peach, and inventor of the refrigerated box car which brought the precious peach fruit safely to northern markets. At one time, the Elberta Peach was the most widely planted of any peach variety in the world. Another famous Marshallville peach, the Georgia Belle, a delicious white flesh variety, was propagated here as well by Samuel’s uncle, Lewis A. Rumph. Through the Marshallville Project’s creative and innovative lens, it is thrilling to imagine a future in which all these buildings and the surrounding outdoor spaces bustle with life and vitality. And so, this story unravels through time, across generations, in and out of tragedy and celebration. The investment in and revitalization of downtown Marshallville is a hopeful resting point in what promises to be a bright road ahead. But what of the old general store, still vacant, still locked tight, and awaiting renovation? “We don’t yet know what’s in store for her, but we know it will be grand,” Shelley says. “One of our partners, Charlie Griffis, said that she would probably be last in renovation because she is the Bell of the Ball. I told him he had just named the building. She will be called the Georgia Belle!” For more information on this ongoing project, contact Shelley Turner at 478-235-1020.

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n 2008, a dedicated group of citizens purchased eight contiguous buildings in Marshallville, began restoring them to their former glory, and gave them new identities while retaining as much of the original architectural charm. While much is still to be done, the revitalization effort gave a boost to the entire community.

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arshallville, home of the Alberta peach, is moving into the future with bright prospects while saluting the town’s heritage. Shelly Turner is one of the movers and shakers ensuring the bright future of what was once a town of fading buildings. At right, Turner’s Antiques is located on a prime corner spot in the town and celebrates old and new in its eclectic offerings. 76 | Spring 2024

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SUGARCANE JANE One band, one marriage, one family, performing through life Story by Lee Hurley

nthony Crawford sounds a little hoarse on the phone, but having a cold doesn’t get you a day off in Sugarcane Jane, the married musical duo of Anthony and Savana Lee. They are packing their Ford Expedition to head to Pensacola to tape a show, then it’s on to the Red Fish Taco in Santa Rosa Beach. A fairly typical weekend for a band that plays more than 80 gigs a year as well as produces, manages, and records other musicians in their Admiral Bean Studio. But to understand the band one must see the parts of its sum.

No Ticky Ticky If you hit the right buttons on Google search you can find an obscure set of videos called On the Road with a Rock Star. It’s a low tech, funny behind the scenes account of Anthony Crawford’s tour through Italy as a backup musician with Neil Young. It pokes a little fun at the “glamorous” life of a rock star, and the rumor is Neil was not that amused when he saw it. But it was light hearted satire and Crawford pokes as much fun at himself as he does Young. It would be fair though to characterize

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Anthony as, well, irreverent. Vince Gill laughingly once said, “Anthony ain’t wrapped too tight.” The Mountain Brook, Alabama, native skipped college in the ’70s to go straight to Nashville hoping to get discovered. And discovered he was, as a side man and backup singer performing “I’ll Fly Away” with Roy Acuff at the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on television’s Hee Haw, and The Ralph Emery Show. His ability to play anything with strings; guitar, bass, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, pedal steel, dobro, tennis racquet, along with his high tenor harmony made him a sought after musician both in the studio and on the road. The Neil Young connection took him all over the world and placed him in rare air, showing Bruce Springsteen the chords to a Neil song (Down by the River), backing Sir Paul McCartney on A Day in the Life, hanging with Joe Walsh … the kind of experiences very few musicians ever get to have. The artists he’s recorded with and toured in support of are too numerous to name but the gold and platinum records help tell the story: Lorrie Morgan, Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill, Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Rosanne Cash. Along the way Anthony also became a prolific writer with songs recorded by Steve Winwood, Kenny Rogers, Lee Greenwood, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Anthony’s solo career did not take off in Nashville but perhaps that’s because something else was missing from his life?

Got to Be More The daughter of a school principal and a counselor in Robertsdale, Alabama, Savana Lee started taking piano lessons at 5, later playing coronet in the school band which gave her the musical foundation to follow her bliss as a guitarist and singer songwriter first in New Orleans and later in Nashville. Performing at the famous Bluebird Café and other venues in Nashville, Lee was following the well-worn trail of up and coming writers/performers hoping to break into a writing or record deal. Lee’s songs caught the ear of Loretta Lynn’s sound engineer who produced and recorded her tunes for a future album. Yet the ever ambitious Lee next found herself as the manager and co-owner of an analog studio (Deepfield) which had recorded Lucinda Williams, Rodney Crowell, Bruce Cockburn and more. One day Anthony came in to record his own tracks and, spoiler alert: backup vocals turned into a friendship which turned into kinship which turned into love, a band, a marriage, three musical children, and a house and recording studio on a farm in Loxley, Alabama.

sugarcane and voila, Sugarcane Jane. Settling down in Loxley, Anthony and Savana got married, built a house and studio on her family’s farm, and began touring up and down the gulf coast as an acoustic duo creating a following over the next decade through energetic, melodic and eclectic live shows, playing drums one night, bass the next, forging the kind of connection with their fans that caused at least two people to get Sugarcane Jane tattoos. Every year or so they released a new album. Ten in all. New songs came into and out of rotation, and a few covers became locally famous, like their rendition of Mrs. Robinson.

Tortoise and the Hare Like all musicians Covid took its toll on Anthony and Savana both spiritually and financially. “Sometimes you feel like your career has hit a wall,” Savana offers. “Especially these last few years. A bit of a feeling of hopelessness crept in and then, seemingly out of the blue, we are working more today than we ever have. Our dear friends who come to our shows are the most incredible happy people you could ever ask for.” Playing gigs up and down the gulf coast from Panama City to Gulfport with Anthony’s lifelong multi-instrumentalist friend Pete Nice and drummer Preston Stanfill, the band has a renewed energy and purpose. They’ve also joined forces with singer songwriter Lolly Lee who fronted a hugely popular regional band called the Mortals in the ’80s. A Sugarcane Jane and Lolly Lee double album release party is in the works, all of which leads to a line from Anthony’s song How do you know: “I’m losing my power of resistance, and I’m seeking again. All the answers are out there in the distance, and I’m reeling them in.”

Sugarcane Jane Anthony and Savana left Nashville in 2009 heading south for something new. They wanted three things, each other, a band name, and a home. “We were driving past my grandparents’ home,” Savana says, “and I recalled a memory of my grandad Jim Stapleton growing sugarcane. He had four sons and two daughters, one of them being my mom of course. They would all sit in a semi-circle around him as he peeled the stalk, cut and flicked them a block of the sugarcane. At Halloween he used to give it out to the kids instead of candy. It was so sweet and juicy.” For Anthony reasons, the word Jane was added to www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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CHARLESTON ENTREPRENEUR PERFECTS ART OF THE ‘SLAM’ Story by Bryan Hendricks, Photos by Chelsea Paige Photography

hilly dew evaporates slowly on a spring morning in the South Carolina woods, and a crisp sense of anticipation heightens colors, scents, and sounds. John Sloan is poised and utterly calm as only a seasoned hunter can be – and as still as the old oaks and pines stretching trusty roosting limbs above the clearing where he’s seen turkey signs. He sits back to call them in — his fingers and shoulders ready to respond to muscle memory and notch an arrow for swift and true flight. Sloan, a visionary in the healthcare imaging industry, is the picture of business success, but some of his proudest moments involve turkey hunting. A longtime Charleston, South Carolina, resident and a Cherokee tribe member, in 1987 John founded CMS Imaging, which provides medical imaging sales and service in 12 states. In 2001, the savvy entrepreneur purchased Avreo, Inc., which provides customers with state-of-the-art software to read, manage, and store their digital images and reports. John works hard, but he plays hard, too, and he plays hardest at turkey hunting. Turkey hunting is hard work, mentally, physically, and emotionally. There is no such thing as a casual turkey hunter. It’s “all in” or nothing. John’s passion for turkey hunting takes him all over North America and Central America in pursuit of the three major Slams recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation. The Grand Slam entails bagging the four major turkey subspecies indigenous to the Lower 48 — the Eastern, the Rio Grande, the Osceola, and the Merriam’s. The Eastern subspecies inhabits the area between the Atlantic Ocean and roughly to the western edge of the Ozark Plateau. The Rio

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Grande inhabits the southwestern United States into California. The Merriam’s inhabits the Rocky Mountain region and its foothills. The Osceola inhabits a small portion of South Florida. The next level up is the Royal Slam, which requires bagging a Gould’s gobbler in addition to the other four. The Gould’s inhabits the mountainous areas of northern Mexico and some areas of the Southwestern U.S. The ultimate level is the World Slam, which requires bagging all five North American subspecies as well as the Oscellated turkey, which inhabits southern Mexico and portions of Central America. It is the most colorful of the wild turkeys. Most turkey hunters would be happy to register one Grand Slam. Sloan has registered seven Grand Slams, two Royal Slams, and Two World Slams. If that’s not enough, Sloan has earned all but one of his Slams with archery equipment. He uses modern compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows. “I do make my own arrows but not my bow (yet),” John says. “It kind of gets you back to when they (Native Americans) were the original stewards of the land, doing it the way they did a thousand years ago.” Another weapon in John’s turkey hunting arsenal is a handmade longbow made by Richard Longbow of the Omaha nation and crafted specially for John. When he started turkey hunting 26 years ago, John initially used a shotgun, but the thrill of calling a turkey close made him transition to archery equipment. “The shotgun got kind of boring, so I went to the bow,” John says. “When I started, I stalked them.” Over time, John adopted a stationary style of hunting predicated on waiting out reticent gobblers. He gets the most satisfaction from the gobblers that take a long time to commit to a call. Hunting from a ground blind enables him to sit in one place for as

long as it takes. “Hunting out of a blind is one of my favorite things to do,” John says. “There are so-called ‘purists’ that say hunting out of a blind is cheating. I don’t see it that way. It means I’ve scouted and found a good spot. I make a commitment to that spot and can’t move that blind during a hunt. I think it makes you a better caller. It makes you think more about strategy.” Sometimes John hunts in the open using a leafy suit for concealment. “One of the best days of my life was when I figured out a turkey doesn’t know what a chair is,” John says, laughing. “I sit in a regular folding chair in the wide open. I wear a leafy suit, and I sit next to a tree. The turkeys don’t care if you’re sitting in a chair or on the ground, so I sit in a chair. My thought is if I’m comfortable, I can sit still longer.” Again, calling a gobbler close is John’s objective. “I put my decoys at 11 steps,” John explains. “When they circle my decoy, they’re at eight steps. I video them. Sometimes I don’t even shoot, just watch and learn.” Experience brings higher standards and expectations, but John has never lost the thrill that comes from working a gobbler close. “It’s just seeing them coming and strutting,” John says. “I’ve never shot long distance at them. I love the excitement of how close you can get them. Sometimes they’ll come running in at you. Sometimes you have to finesse them. Sometimes they just won’t do it. The animal has a survival instinct that’s second to none.” Having taken his share of wild turkeys, John feels compelled to give back to the bird that has brought him so much joy. He is heavily involved with the National Wild Turkey Federation, but he also provides turkey habitat on his own property. “I have a deep appreciation for the habitat,” John says. “I have managed my property for turkey for the last 15 or 20 years. I have more turkey than ever. I make sure they have food year-round.” Despite a landowner’s best preparations, wet weather during the springtime can obliterate a year’s turkey reproduction. “We’ve had dry springs the last four years, and we’ve had incredible hatches,” John says. “Last month, I counted 90 longbeards.” Also, John loves to introduce new hunters to the wild turkey, and taking youngsters is especially rewarding. “I have some pretty special hunts doing that,” John says. “I’ve got one of those houses that all the kids grew up in, you know? All the neighborhood kids were always at my house. I took them all hunting and fishing. Now they’re bringing their kids by, and I get to take them hunting too!” A new spring is coming, and you can bet that John will be chasing Osceola gobblers in Florida at the first opportunity.

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ohn Sloan is as committed to conservation as he is to turkey hunting, which he has perfected with bow and arrow. He also enjoys introducing new hunters to the challenge of bagging a gobbler. On is property in South Carolina, he searches the early Spring wood for turkey signs www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

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ohn Sloan and Michell Hicks, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, travel to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of the pressing needs of Native Americans.

A NEW GENERATION OF CARE FOR NATIVE AMERICANS Healthcare industry entrepreneur John Sloan earned an Associate of Science degree in X-Ray Engineering from the University of North Florida’s School of Radiologic Technology before buying his first company in 1987. As a member of the Cherokee tribe, John is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to Native American communities. To that end, he founded Gen 7 Healthcare, which serves Native Americans living in rural areas. “Some of worst health care in the USA is on reservations,” John says. “Then the next, poorest delivery of health care is in rural areas. This

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country was built on the back of rural America, and now they’re being forgotten.” “Gen7 Healthcare is Native American owned and operates in partnership with the Centers of Excellence,” John says. Gen7 Healthcare hospitals’ performance are based on the highest level of treatment outcomes. “Every one of our hospitals has the same level of quality care,” John says. “They use the same procedures, the same protocols. Everything must be followed the same way. Every Gen7 hospital has leading technology.”

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IN GOOD SPIRITS For a decade, St. Augustine Distillery has brought a unique Florida spin to its creations Story by Lauren Finney Harden

t. Augustine, America’s oldest city, is known for its Spanish moss-draped trees and its stunning architecture. Visitors come to learn about the city’s centuries-old history. Now, they also come to visit St. Augustine Distillery, which celebrates 10 years in business this spring. Founded by Michael Diaz and Philip McDaniel, St. Augustine Distillery set out to prove that good spirits can be found outside the traditional American spots like the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It’s most definitely mission accomplished for the pair — today, St. Augustine Distillery sees 160,000 visitors annually. Will Hensler, the chief operating officer, says that the appeal of the distillery comes down to its commitment to excellence and its commitment to Florida. “We represent our home state, crafting products that are representative of Florida,” he says.

Spirited spirits. The distillery originally began with the idea of making a Florida-based bourbon. While there isn’t a requirement for how long a bourbon whiskey needs to age, most are at least two years old to achieve the depth of flavor associated with the spirit. Using sugarcane byproduct produced in South Florida, the distillery began with two clear spirits - vodka, and ginwhile waiting for the bourbon to age. St. Augustine Distillery’s Florida Cane Vodka and New World Gin, which has a citrus- and floral-forward

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profile, got the distillery on its feet. “The gin is a great representation of citrus forward ‘Florida style’ gin, and we find it to be approachable enough to be the first gin many of our visitors actually enjoy,” says Will. Additionally, there’s The Pot Distilled Rum. Barrel-aged in barrels previously used to make bourbon, it carries on Florida’s rum tradition. Bourbon, however, is the distillery’s specialty — and worth the years-long wait. Made from primarily corn grain with wheat and malted barley, core bourbon offerings include: Florida Straight Bourbon (small-batch and aged at least three years); Port Finished Bourbon (initially aged in specially selected casks, then finished in port wine barrels for unique characteristics from neighboring San Sebastian Winery); and the exclusive The Saint Bourbon, a selection of the distillery’s best available barrels (finished in casks used to create the brand’s Old Fashioned mix). It’s produced in extremely limited batches and bottled at barrel strength. What makes them unique is the distillery’s Florida take. Will says that it starts with the recipe. “It’s purpose-built to age in Florida’s unique

climate,” he says. “We’ve been working around Florida and not the other way around.” That means no climate-controlled warehouses to mimic the environs of Kentucky, for example, but rather changing the barrel wood and distillation processes to attain a product that will age well in North Florida’s unique climate.

Aged and preserved. The spirits are the focus at St. Augustine Distillery, but also of note is the company’s painstaking commitment to preservation and sustainability. “From the beginning, the founders knew they wanted to create an experience,” explains Will. Things have always been done with the highest of integrity at St. Augustine Distillery, making the entity stand out since day one. “We wanted to make our story the story of St. Augustine,” says Will. The 100-year-old ice plant began as a power plant and then was converted into Florida’s first ice manufacturing plant. It thrived until refrigeration

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became commonplace and then sat unused until the distillery took over. A dedication to intentionality was present from day one, with Will citing one of the company’s fondest achievements - an award for preservation from the Urban Land Institute early in the distillery’s 10-year history.

Innovation, Florida style. Will emphasizes that the distillery’s commitment to education is always at the forefront. “We want to teach people about our processes,” he says. “Many of our visitors have never been to a distillery, so it’s an opportunity to educate, specifically about bourbon. Yes, you can make it outside of Kentucky! We’re an open book and will share any part of our process. We believe in transparency in what we’re making and how we do it.” Additionally, the distillers take pride in innovation. “We’ve operated for a decade with one grain recipe, and our team has been able to make half a dozen bourbons from that recipe by making use of single barrel selections, innovative finishing, and secondary maturation practices,” he says. The distillers work with partners across the world to find unique barrels from Curacao to Australia to give their specialty bourbons their unique flavor. The third pillar that drives the distillery is sustainability. “Distilleries inherently produce a lot of waste,” Will says. After the first distillation run where the alcohol is removed, the distillery partners with a local farm to remove its mash. “The mash contains a lot of grain and usable protein that can be used for cattle feed,” Will explains. The farm comes three times a week to pick up spent grain. The distillery also pioneered a wastewater reclamation system by which water can be reused in the distillation process instead of being wasted. There’s even a focus on expanding the reach of spirits, with the distillery focused on making the industry more inclusive to women and people of color, partnering with organizations such as Bourbon Women to accomplish these goals. Will and the team are proud of the positive impact the distillery has had on St. Augustine, as well as the role it played in allowing people to understand how spirits are made and how they can be produced with intention. “We’re proud to say the products we make help put our city on the map,” he says. staugustinedistillery.com. 90 | Spring 2024

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Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash

Grapefruit Hibiscus Daiquiri

1.5oz St. Augustine Florida Cane Vodka .75oz fresh lemon juice .75oz simple syrup 6 blueberries 5-6 mint sprigs

2oz St. Augustine Distillery Stone’s Throw Rum 1 ½ oz St. Augustine Distillery Grapefruit Hibiscus Mixer St. Augustine Distillery Bourbon Barrel Aged Honey, for Honey Syrup

Combine Florida Cane Vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with mint, blueberries and lemon peel. Enjoy! Our take: With fruit and mint notes, this refreshing beverage highlights the sweetness of cane and the joys of springtime and the promise of abundant summer fruit.

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Make the Honey Syrup by mixing 1 part St. Augustine Distillery Bourbon Barrel Aged Honey with 1 part water over heat until honey is melted. Allow to cool. Combine Stone’s Throw Rum, Grapefruit Hibiscus Mixer and Honey Syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a stemmed glass. Garnish with grapefruit or mint. Enjoy! Our take: The Grapefruit Hibiscus Daiquiri is balanced with a touch of honey to capture springtime sweetness in a glass.

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Under the Muscadine Vine: A Dance with the Daffodils Story by Marian Carcache My second-grade teacher required our class to memorize poetry, awakening in me a lifelong appreciation for literature. Many decades later, I still find myself silently reciting some of those poems inside my head. Each spring, for example, when the first shows of green start to appear, “The Daffodils” plays in my mind. I distinctly remember sitting in our den on the slipcovered sofa, committing Wordsworth’s words to memory, realizing that the experience was more than a school assignment. That particular poem was personal to me because, when I was seven years old, the roadside in front of our property was filled with healthy clumps of bulbs. In early March, the blooms appeared, a stunning herald of spring. Wordsworth’s poem was inspired by a grand show of daffodils he and his sister came across on a walk in 1802 in Cumbria’s Eden Valley. But when I recited his poem, Cumbria and Jernigan did not seem too far apart. When the poet described the “never-ending line” of

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daffodils he encountered on the stroll to be as “continuous as the stars that shine and twinkle on the Milky Way,” I was certain in my child’s mind that he would love our Jernigan ditch if only he could see it. Sadly, a road crew sprayed the ditch one year with weed poison, killing all the beautiful bulbs. Collateral damage, they call it. Mama called it something else entirely, instilling in me a strong distaste for chemical warfare of any kind. Like my grandmother before her, my mama loved flowers. Starting in late Winter, she poured over her Ferry-Morse and Burpee seed catalogs in much the same way I obsessed over the Sear’s Christmas toy catalog as a child, marking favorite selections and dog-earing pages. I remember her larkspurs, snapdragons, hollyhocks, zinnias, and “old-timey” petunias, as well as all manner of bulbs and wild violets. One year her stand of red poppies drew the attention of a sheriff’s deputy. He eventually decided the law on growing them in the flower garden was ambiguous, so they remained. But it’s the daffodils, one of the first signs of spring, representing hope and new beginnings, that summon some of the most special memories.

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Southern Essentials

Our discerning team shares its Spring finds.

Brakefield’s After Party Earrings are lightweight, but they carry a weighty impact on the eye when they accessorize any outfit that needs a splash of verve. These fun, fashionable earrings come in an array of festive colors to add a pop of color to your favorite look and with the option of posts, clip-on or fishhook to meet dexterity and sensory needs. shopbrakefields.com

Condor Chocolates brings the tastes of Ecuador to the South with a flavor profile that tantalizes the tastebuds and creates a craving for more. The 72% Dark Chocolate + Smoked Sea Salt, a feast for the senses, is crafted from Rainforest Alliance certified cacao beans from Palo Santo, a family farm on the border of Guayas and Santa Elena provinces. Smoked sea salt comes from Bulls Bay Saltworks in South Carolina. It’s a match made in heaven. Condorchocolates.com

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Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit will get you in the right head space for that Spring cleaning that feels so fabulous once it’s done. And the brand relieves the worries of chemical effects on people and pets. The brand was begun to help people toss the toxins and live healthy lives. The founders got back to basics to rediscover the power of pure. tossthetoxins.branchbasics.com

Sissy Light’s Cabana Hat has your complexion and style profile covered with a classic wide-brim design in an easy-going weave with 50+ UPF. Pair the moss color hat with a canary yellow, pink, or natural Carry-On Hat Tote to protect the hat and more. The extremely lightweight, handwoven tote makes it a go-to for traveling. It fits easily in the overhead bin, and it’s the perfect way to stash all your favorite hats. sissylight. com

True’s Gourmet Original Hot Mustard gives a Southern kick to marinades, sandwiches, and so much more. It brings together sweet, tangy, and a hint of heat that makes a dish sing with flavor. The recipe has been in founder Mary Clayton’s family for generations, and she generously shares its flavors with others. truesgourmet.com

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The Bitty Green bag in Amagansett green with a fanciful travel pattern is the ultimate organizer for your little ones when on-the-go. With six clear plastic pockets that make it easy for any parent, helper, or big kid to find what’s inside, it holds up to 20 outfits, including hanging items, tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, and accessories. It comes with 22 labels to help you organize by day, clothing type, or activity. bittygreen.co

Lila + Hayes Riley Women’s Pima cotton pajama short set in “Cheers to Champagne: is just the thing to convince you that you’ll want to live in100 % Peruvian cotton. With easy, comfortable elastic, these pajamas are ultra comfy with a pattern celebrating the many special events that Spring brings. Settle in for a night of ZZZs, time with that great book you’ve been meaning to read, or a movie binge. lilaandhayes.com

Oka-B Mira Slide Sandals combine the Georgia-based company’s ultracomfy, spa-inspired shoe most popular Grace Slide Sandals with exclusive bow designs. The bows can also mix and match and can be swapped out with additional scarf sets to change up your look. The company partnered with Atlanta-based CB Grey Founder/ Designer Courtney Buchanan to marry her luxury scarves with their fabulous shoes. oka-b.com www.MagnoliaandMoonshine.com

A Garland Bags clutch in a versatile light and dark blue grasscloth from Thibaut brings the textures of the lightweight season to your wardrobe. With a gold bamboo stem making a statement, the piece pairs with casual or elegant attire and is perfect for those days when striking but subtle is just the thing. The clutch is constructed with accordion sides to more easily accommodate your necessities. garlandbags.com

A Renee Fabrikant Chamuel Oyster Shell Round Tray is handmade from oyster shells from the low country by the artist. With the season for dining al fresco upon us, it’s the tray perfect for serving wine for sunset sips on the patio or deck. Renee grew up on Tybee Island, Georgia, inspiring her love of beautiful shells. shellmeaboutit.com

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Mama Said, ‘She was a damn good dog’ Story by Leslie Anne Jones Never could I have imagined it would be this hard. I’d known the day was coming for some time. We’d tried all sorts of medications and treatments. She was 14 after all. That’s 98 in human years. Lucy had been with me since I graduated college and moved back to my hometown. She was a graduation present from my thenboyfriend (now husband) from a farm in Hamilton, Georgia, — a black Labrador retriever just like my beloved childhood dog, Hersey, but a little on the smaller side. She and I started our new life together in a tiny apartment at the end of Lakebottom Park. And she was by my side through it all. New jobs, new houses, law school, marriage … and then the babies came. But she would always be my firstborn. We were two independent ladies taking on the world, side-by-side. When my babies came, she loved them like her own. Lucy was patient, gentle, and loving — even when the children didn’t reciprocate the treatment. But her age began to show, and it was harder for her to get around. From the time she was a pup, she was always scared of loud

noises, and it was the Fourth of July, 2021 that really did her in. That summer, the teenagers across the street decided it was a good idea to shoot fireworks off in the middle of a busy street in the middle of the day. Lucy took off running. My constant and devoted companion was suddenly gone. We spent hours combing the neighborhood for her, calling her name, and interrogating every person we passed. No sign of her. The next morning at 6 a.m., we got a call from a cyclist who had found her wandering the streets, panting and shaking. My husband brought her home, but she was never the same after that. That experience aged her overnight. Her black face turned gray. Her anxiety went through the roof, and she developed Cushing’s disease. Also, a new strange behavior began to develop. She began to run away. She had never done this before. This dog never wanted to leave my side, and now we couldn’t let her in the backyard without her taking off. We were so perplexed, was it dementia? Had she lost her hearing and couldn’t hear us calling? In retrospect, now I know the answer. She was trying to tell us it was her time to go. In nature, dogs will go off when it is their time. That’s how it was with my beloved Hersey when we were growing up in the country. And now I know, that’s what Lucy was trying to do, too. But we weren’t ready to admit that. It was just too painful. So we spent a year and a half with vet visits and medications as we sought any way we could to have more time with our Lucy girl. In the end though, it was her time. And that last weekend when I laid on the floor holding her because she was unable to stand, we made the difficult decision that it was time to call the vet. The next morning he came to our home, and I held her in my lap as she drifted off to sleep. The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. It’s been a year and a half now since we lost our Lucy girl. And my daughter and I still pray for her in heaven. It doesn’t get easier, but I find peace in knowing one day I will see her again, with a pink bandanna on, all sassy after a fresh bath, ready for me to throw the tennis ball and ready to welcome me home.

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@councilstudio 211 13th Street, Suite 107 Columbus, GA 31901 706.987.9486