February 2026 Issue

February 2026

Connecting Business...

Uplifting Community FEATURING

When Love Begins Within

Why the love you give begins with the love you keep

For the Love of Family, Food and Fun A heartfelt look at how food brings families together

True Valentine What lasting love really looks like

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FEBRUARY 2026

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February 2026 Surry Living celebrates Surry County, its people, businesses, and attractions. Surry Living is a complimentary magazine published monthly and is available at many prime locations in Mount Airy, Elkin, Dobson, King, Pilot Mountain, Jonesville, Yadkinville and throughout the County.

Publisher: Kevin Pyles Executive Editor: Derina Pyles Director: Sabrina Lee Baker Associate Editor: Veronica Green-Gott Creative Director: Josh Snow Graphic Designer: Sabrina Lee Baker Contributors: Listed on Pages 4-5 Photographers: Sabrina Lee Baker, Natalie Snow & Sybil Slate Sales: ads@surryliving.com

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When Love Begins Within

For advertising information and rates, contact us today at (336) 416-0938 or by email at weaddvalue@surryliving.com Stay Connected

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For the Love of Family, Food and Fun

Contents

38

True Valentine

DEPARTMENTS 10 Between Rounds

FEATURE

SOUTHERN TASTE

6 When Love Begins Within

30 For the Love of Family, Food and Fun 32 Surry Eats

15 Love is in the Air 18 Blake’s Take 22 By Gosh! By Josh 23 Quote of the Month 24 Hometown Heroes

LIFESTYLE

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

27 Surry Seen

26 Fitness Rage with Kage

34 Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense

40 Events

28 Love

39 “Fur”ever Friends

36 The Language of Love: Flower Style 38 True Valentine

ON THE COVER When Love Begins Within: A reflection on self love and the ripple effect it has on families and communities.

Surry Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Surry Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Would you like your business on the front or back cover of Surry Living Magazine? It’s available!

Contact us at: WeAddValue@SurryLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2026

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Contributors

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Sabrina L. Baker

Madalyn Edwards

Sheri Wren Haymore

Sabrina hails from Tobaccoville, NC. The passion for arts led her to photography, where she carved her niche. She balances motherhood and her professional pursuits.

At 30 years of age, she embraced Jiu-Jitsu, proving there is no age barrier to personal growth. Sabrina is known for her creativity and commitment, her ability to embrace change, and her perseverance. She writes to inspire others to face challenges head-on and to craft their own paths to success.

Madalyn is from Mount Airy, NC, and is currently a junior at Appalachian State University. She is studying English with a concentration in professional writing and minoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. She writes for Surry Living and also works on the news desk for her university’s student news organization. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her two dogs.

Sheri, now happily retired, finds nothing more enjoyable than time spent with her husband of fifty years, her amazing daughter, and sweet elderly pup.

She authored two novels, A Higher Voice and A Deeper Cut (which also ran as a serial feature in Surry Living Magazine). Her play, No Ordinary Wine, written in collaboration with a fine producer/director, was well received, and a second play, Improbable Grace, awaits discovery.

Blake Johnson

Carmen Long

Eddie Lowe

Blake grew up in and around the outskirts of Winston-Salem. He and his wife, Angie, currently live in the small town of East Bend. Blake graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in psychology and loves finding ways to help others. He also enjoys reading the Bible, painting, and spending time outdoors.

Carmen is a NC Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.

Making quick, easy, healthy food that tastes great on a budget is a challenge.

Carmen and her husband have two grown children, both of whom were involved in sports from grade school through college. With busy careers and lots of time at sporting events, coming up with quick, healthy meals was a necessity. Carmen shares ideas and recipes to make this tough job easier.

Eddie lives in Copeland, NC. His column reflects his life experiences and stories that have been passed down to him.

He is an encourager and considers himself a cheerleader for daily life. Eddie builds custom-crafted furniture in his small business, New Venture Woodworx. He also turns wooden bowls on a lathe and sells those at art and craft shows.

Derina Pyles

Kage Pyles

Kevin Pyles

Derina is the executive editor and owner of Surry Living Magazine.

She is also a professional horsewoman with a passion for connecting horses, nature, and people. Derina lives on her ranch in Westfield, NC, with her husband, Kevin, son, Kage, and daughter, Kaleah. She enjoys horse riding, traveling, and attending church at Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian.

Kage Pyles, a professional Jiu Jitsu athlete from Westfield, NC, is known for his powerful presence on the mats and his dedication to strength training. With a relentless work ethic and disciplined mindset, Kage brings intensity and precision to every match. Off the mats, he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge to help others grow stronger, both physically and mentally.

Starting in May 2025, readers can catch his insights in each issue of Surry Living magazine.

Kevin is a Christian business owner who loves serving Mount Airy and its citizens.

In addition to being the publisher and owner of Surry Living Magazine, he is also a physical therapist, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and published author.

His passion is to help others find their way to health, success, and happiness through his areas of expertise.

Kevin has assembled a first-rate team of therapists dedicated to keeping Surry County residents out of pain and in motion. He has an unstoppable, positive attitude that is contagious, and we hope you catch it through his column.

Surry Living Magazine

Contributors Joanna Radford

Josh Snow

Larry VanHoose

Joanna is the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County as well as the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. Joanna began her career with NC Cooperative Extension in Stokes County in 1995 as a 4-H Agent, later switching to Field Crops and Pesticide Education in Surry County. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.

J​ osh Snow, from King, NC, is known for his big personality and love for adventure.

An avid fisherman, he finds peace on the water. At 41, Josh took on the challenge of jiu-jitsu, proving it’s never too late for new beginnings. He cherishes spending time with family and friends, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every gathering.

Larry is the Executive Director for the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central North Carolina. Some of you may know him as the former co-owner of SLM. He has more than 30 years of experience as a writer, graphic designer, photographer, and book and magazine publisher. Larry and his wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children and live on a small farm just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.

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FEATURE

When Love Begins Within February has a way of turning our attention outward. We talk about romance, partnership, and the people we hold close.

Yet the most enduring form of love, the kind that quietly shapes families, friendships, and communities, often begins in a more personal place.

It begins with how we treat ourselves.

Self love is often misunderstood. It is not indulgence or ego, and it has nothing to do with perfection. At its core, it is care.

It is the willingness to listen when something feels off, to rest when rest is needed, and to extend patience inward rather than reserving it only for others. It is choosing to respond to yourself with honesty instead of criticism.

This kind of care is not always comfortable. Loving yourself means paying attention. It means acknowledging when something no longer fits, when a pace is unsustainable, or when expectations need to be adjusted. It asks for responsibility rather than avoidance, and for grace rather than judgment.

When that kind of love is practiced, something subtle but powerful happens. It moves outward.

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Surry Living Magazine

People notice when someone carries themselves with steadiness instead of self doubt. They notice when confidence is quiet, when kindness is sincere, and when boundaries are clear without being harsh. Loving yourself creates permission. It becomes an unspoken example that allows others to do the same.

Within families, this influence is often felt first. A parent who models self respect teaches children how to value themselves without ever having to explain it. Children learn what care looks like not through instruction, but through observation. A partner who tends to their own well being brings greater presence and patience into a relationship. Love becomes less about fixing and more about understanding.

Even friendships begin to change when one person decides they are worthy of care. Conversations deepen. Expectations become healthier. There is less room for resentment to grow when people show up whole rather than depleted.

FEATURE

The truth is simple. You cannot give what you do not have.

When we are exhausted or disconnected from ourselves, love comes out strained. It becomes conditional, hurried, or transactional. We offer what is left instead of what is true. When we are grounded in self acceptance, love becomes more generous.

It shows up as listening without fixing, supporting without controlling, and giving without keeping score. It feels steadier. It lasts longer.

This kind of love does not demand attention. It does not announce itself. It appears in quiet, consistent ways. In the way we speak to ourselves on hard days. In the grace we allow when we fall short. In the confidence that grows when we stop measuring our worth against someone else’s.

Loving yourself also changes how you move through the world. Decisions become clearer. Boundaries feel less like walls and more like guidance. There is less urgency to prove and more freedom to be present. From that place, love is no longer something we chase. It is something we carry.

From there, love leads.

It leads into our homes, shaping the tone of daily life and the way we gather around tables and conversations. It leads into our workplaces, influencing how we treat colleagues, customers, and even ourselves on long days. It leads into our communities, where people feel safer, more valued, and more willing to show up fully.

In a place like Surry County, where connection still matters and relationships are often built over time, these choices add up. One person choosing to love themselves well can change the atmosphere of a room. Sometimes, it can shift an entire community.

This February, as we celebrate love in all its forms, perhaps the most meaningful place to begin is within. Because when love is rooted there, it does not stop with us.

It leads.

by Sabrina Lee Baker

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Surry Living Magazine

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with Kevin Pyles

Where Success Begins Success is often talked about in terms of effort, strategy, and discipline. Those things matter, but they are not the starting point.

The first step to any lasting success is love.

Love gives direction to effort. Without it, discipline becomes empty and ambition becomes restless. When love is present, the work has purpose.

It begins with love for God. Faith provides an anchor when progress feels slow and outcomes are uncertain. Loving God is not about perfection. It is about trust.

It is about recognizing that your gifts, your opportunities, and your time are not accidental.

When you start from that place, decisions become clearer and humility becomes strength rather than weakness.

From there, love must extend inward. Loving yourself is not ego or self indulgence. It is responsibility. It means caring for your body, guarding your mind, and being honest about where you are and where you need to grow. When you respect yourself, you stop accepting standards that do not serve you.

You begin to train, work, and live with intention rather than reaction.

Love for others follows naturally. When you are grounded in faith and self respect, you show up differently for the people around you. You listen more. You compete less. You support without keeping score. Strong relationships are not built through control or expectation. They are built through consistency, integrity, and care.

Success also requires love for your time. Time is the one resource that never replenishes. Loving your time means protecting it. It means understanding that every yes is also a no to something else. When you value your time, you begin to choose your commitments carefully. You train with purpose. You work with focus. You rest without guilt.

Finally, there is love for nature. Time outdoors has a way of restoring perspective. It reminds us that growth is seasonal, that strength develops gradually, and that stillness has value. Nature teaches patience. It teaches balance. When you spend time outside, you reconnect with rhythm rather than rush.

Together, these forms of love create alignment. Faith provides direction. Self respect builds discipline. Care for others strengthens connection. Respect for time sharpens focus. Appreciation for nature restores clarity.

This is where success begins.

Not in hustle alone. Not in constant motion. But in a life ordered by love and guided by purpose.

Between rounds, when the noise settles and the pace slows, these are the things that matter. The work will always be there.

The question is whether the foundation is strong enough to support it.

Love first.

The rest follows.

Kevin Pyles

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Surry Living Magazine

Calling All Chocolate Lovers—Again!

SPARTA, NC Last year was sweet—but this year will be even sweeter! Join us on Saturday, February 14 for Sparta’s 2nd Annual Chocolate Crawl, featuring even more merchants, more flavors, and more chances to indulge. Make it a full getaway and enjoy a chocolate-filled weekend in Sparta, February 13–15.

Now Available

30minute rejuvinaang massage of your choosing from 9a-2p

FEBRUARY

14

“Celebrating 86 YEARS OF SERVICE in the Area!”

Stroll through town and sample decadent treats, creative chocolate-themed surprises, and exclusive shopping specials from our participating merchants.

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1901 S. Main St • Mt. Airy • (336) 786-7082

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Bring your friends, bring your lover, bring your sweet tooth, and celebrate the season with this deliciously unique Sparta tradition.

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Is in the Air <3

Submit a photo of the one you love and we may use it here.

Email: Info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Love is in the Air

FEBRUARY 2026

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Blake’s Take BLAKE JOHNSON

Dear Blake, I feel like I am stuck in a monochrome painting. I crave adventure, passion, and purpose, but progression feels like tripping over uninspired feet. How do I break through a grayscale existence and into a bold, vibrant, colorful life.

Thanks, Yearning K E Vfor IN a P YVivid L E S , PLife T Dear Yearning for a Vivid Life, Thank you for writing in and trusting me to share some insight on your situation. It is not uncommon to experience lulls from time to time. In fact, low periods of motivation are natural and can even be rejuvenating. These moments offer an opportunity to explore alternate ways to be productive and to make plans for changing routines in pursuit of a more colorful life. The key is learning how to unwind without getting stuck.

Although I love adventure and trying new things, I can relate to what you are experiencing. The older I get, the more complacent I can become. I often find myself reflecting on earlier days when my wife and I would spontaneously take on a new activity or take off somewhere with little notice or planning. With age and responsibility, it seems we spend more time contemplating action than actually acting. That can be good when it comes to responsibility, but if we are not careful, life can become dull and regrets can take root.

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Surry Living Magazine

At my age, the balance has already shifted.

I have more regret for the chances I did not take and the things I did not do than for the ones I did. After all, none of us know how much time we have, so we should never let a moment pass without seeking a sense of fulfillment.

I believe the key to living a colorful life is learning how to step outside your comfort zone. When I say that, I do not mean trying something new once and then returning to the same routine. If you are dissatisfied with your existence, you must commit to changing habits and acting with intention. Otherwise, nothing will truly change.

If I were in your position, I would start by choosing an activity that genuinely intrigues you and begin making plans immediately.

Break your goal down into small, manageable steps. First, research the activity to become familiar with it. Read articles, find a local place that offers it, and talk to people you know who have experience. Next, take a

tangible step toward completing it. Sign up if necessary, begin acquiring equipment or supplies, or start making travel plans. These actions help your mind move toward something new.

Be sure to celebrate each step along the way.

This helps maintain excitement throughout the process. The more steps you take, the more motivated you become, and the more motivated you become, the easier it is to keep moving forward. I have practiced this myself, and sometimes all it takes is that first step to spark a new adventure.

Another important piece is accountability.

Share your plans with those close to you. Talk about each step and how you intend to reach your goal. They can help keep you on track and encourage you to stay the course.

Finally, to break through a grayscale existence once and for all, when you conquer or complete one goal, immediately begin looking toward the next. The lull is the time to plan. The satisfaction of completion combined with the high of achievement can leave you vulnerable to complacency. It is important to keep looking ahead and never stop imagining what comes next.

Once you begin implementing these steps, it will not take long before seeking, planning, and living out adventure becomes a habit. When it becomes a habit, progression follows naturally, and you will be well on your way to a bold, colorful life.

I hope this advice helps. Follow those cravings, and never give up.

Sincerely,

Blake

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surry.net

Delivering local, reliable and trusted connectivity solutions in the communities we call home.

By Gosh!

BY JOSH

Mount Airy By gosh, did you know that Mount Airy, North Carolina, holds a history that reaches far beyond its quiet streets and friendly greetings. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Airy offers a clear example of how geography, industry, and community spirit work together to shape a town’s identity. Its story is not one of sudden fame, but of steady growth and enduring values.

Long before Mount Airy appeared on a map, Indigenous peoples, including the Saura, lived on and cared for this land.

European settlers began arriving in the mid eighteenth century, drawn by fertile soil and a strategic location along a stagecoach route between what are now Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Galax, Virginia. By the seventeen fifties, the settlement had become a recognized stopping point, quietly positioning itself for future development.

The town’s name, often misunderstood, did not come from mountain breezes, but from a nearby plantation named after an Irish estate. In eighteen eighty five, Mount Airy was officially incorporated, marking its transition from a rural settlement to an organized community.

The late nineteenth century brought dramatic change. The arrival of the railroad in eighteen eighty seven connected Mount Airy to regional and national markets. Just two years later, the North Carolina Granite Corporation was founded. The massive open face granite quarry, one of the largest in the world, earned Mount Airy the nickname The Granite City and supplied stone for national landmarks, including memorials in Washington, D C. Textile mills soon followed, providing stable employment and shaping the rhythms of daily life for generations of local families.

These industries strengthened not only the local economy but also a deep sense of pride and resilience.

Mount Airy’s cultural influence expanded in the twentieth century through native son Andy Griffith, whose portrayal of small town life reflected the values he learned growing up here.

In nineteen ninety four, the town was named an All American City, a recognition of its civic engagement and strong community spirit.

Today, Mount Airy’s history serves as a reminder that meaningful stories are often found in places where people choose to invest in one another. It is a town shaped not by chance, but by commitment, perseverance, and a shared sense of home.

by Josh Snow

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Surry Living Magazine

Quote of the Month:

“The way we love ourselves quietly teaches others how to love, too.”

— Unknown

FEBRUARY 2026

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Hometown Heroes

HeroEs don’t always wear capes. they come in all shapes and sizes.

Submit your hometown hero’s photo along with 1-2 paragraphs on why he or she is a hero and we may use it here.

Email: Info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Hometown Hero

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Surry Living Magazine

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LIFESTYLE

The Holistic Path to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit Let us clear something up right away.

Taking care of your health is not about vanity. It is not about punishment. And it is not about chasing someone else’s standard.

It is about respect.

If you truly love yourself, you take responsibility for your health. Not perfectly. Not obsessively. Consistently.

Most people say they want to feel better. Fewer are willing to do what that actually requires. They look for motivation, quick fixes, or someone to blame. But health does not respond to excuses. It responds to action.

Loving your health starts with a mindset shift. You stop seeing movement as something you have to do and start seeing it as something you get to do. You stop treating food like a reward or a coping mechanism and start treating it like fuel.

You stop waiting for the perfect time and start showing up with what you have.

This is where real change begins.

When you care for your body, you change how you move through the world. You think more clearly. You carry yourself differently. Your energy improves. Your patience improves.

Even your confidence changes, not because you look different, but because you know you are keeping promises to yourself.

That matters.

Training does not have to be extreme to be effective. It has to be intentional. Consistency beats intensity every time.

Small habits done daily will outperform big efforts done occasionally. Walking, lifting, stretching, breathing, resting. These things add up when they are treated as non negotiable.

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Surry Living Magazine

Your health is not separate from your life. It affects how you show up at work. How you handle stress. How you care for the people around you. When you neglect your health, the cost is not just physical. It shows up in your mood, your relationships, and your ability to handle pressure.

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Loving your health also means listening to your body. It means knowing when to push and when to recover. Rest is not weakness. Recovery is not quitting. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is responsible.

There is nothing soft about discipline. There is nothing weak about choosing to take care of yourself. In fact, it takes far more strength to commit to your health long term than it does to stay stuck in the same patterns.

No one is coming to save you.

No program works unless you do.

No one can care about your health more than you do.

And that is empowering.

When you love your health, you stop chasing motivation and start building standards. You do not ask how you feel before you act. You act because it is who you are becoming.

So start where you are. Do what you can. Show up again tomorrow.

Love your health enough to protect it.

Love your health enough to train it.

Love your health enough to stay consistent.

Because the strongest version of you is built one decision at a time.

by Kage Pyles

SURRY SEEN SUBMIT A SELFIE OR A PHOTO OF A FRIEND HOLDING UP SURRY LIVING MAGAZINE AND WE MAY USE IT HERE. EMAIL: INFO@SURRYLIVING.COM SUBJECT LINE: SURRY SEEN

LIFESTYLE

Love

by Eddie Lowe

I once heard someone say, “My hip goes out more than I do.” While that may be a humorous way to approach relationships, for some it feels all too true. It seems that Prince Charming has gotten lost along the way. One lady joked, “So many frogs, but still no prince,” referencing the familiar fairy tale. Even in our modern, tech savvy era, love seems to elude many.

With countless dating sites available, it would seem easy to find the elusive love of our life. It should be just a click away.

Sadly, for many, what once looked promising eventually loses its luster.

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Surry Living Magazine

As a fan of the older generation, I have always enjoyed hearing the stories they pass down. What surprises me most is that they were not necessarily looking for love. It often seemed that love found them. Take my own parents, for example. To their surprise, both of their mothers had visited one another’s homes when they were children. This fact was only revealed years later through a chance conversation.

In our modern television era, the script often plays out the same way. A successful man or woman returns to their childhood home to settle an estate, only to find a struggling love interest who needs rescuing. We all know how the story ends.

They live happily ever after, and the credits roll up the screen. It seems so easy when Hollywood gets involved, but the truth is that real, genuine love is worth the wait.

I find it interesting what the Bible says about the first couple, Adam and Eve. Genesis chapter two, verse eighteen, records a first in Scripture. God said, “It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a helper suitable for him.”

It is important to note that God had already made heaven and earth and declared it “very good.” In the original Hebrew, tov me’od means that God had everything just the way He wanted it. God said this at the end of the sixth day of creation, just before the Sabbath rest. At the completion of the other days, He said it was good. At the end of the sixth, He said it was very good. That, too, is another first in the Bible.

As I look back at my nineteen year old self, I remember how that phrase “not good” jumped out at me. I almost read it back to God, as if He had forgotten about me.

In summary, God’s time is not our time.

His ways are far above ours, and He knows the end as well as the beginning.

Blessings to you all.

EMERGENCY

STROKE CARE

FEBRUARY 2026

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southern

taste

Love

For the

of

Family, Food, and Fun Some of my favorite memories involve food. From special meals shared with family and friends, to holidays, vacations, and time spent in the kitchen learning how to prepare family recipes or teaching our children, Kelsey and Carson, how to cook, the kitchen has always been a special place in our home.

Both kids began helping in the kitchen at a very young age, measuring, mixing, and pouring whenever they could.

Those early moments created not just meals, but memories.

One of our favorite kitchen stories comes from a birthday many years ago, when Kelsey was helping Brent make me a cake from scratch. She was probably about three years old, standing on a stool pulled up to the counter near the sink. Out of the corner of his eye, and before he could stop her, Brent saw Kelsey pour a measuring cup of soapy dishwater she had scooped from the sink directly into the mixing bowl of cake batter.

They had already started over once due to a previous mishap. With limited time and perhaps limited patience, they stirred in the soapy water, poured the batter into the cake pans, and put it in the oven. I remember thinking it was strange how closely they watched as I took the first bite. They did not tell me what had happened until I assured them the cake was delicious and incredibly moist.

Thankfully, there was no trace of dish soap in the flavor.

The cake and the laughter were enjoyed by all, and Brent learned an important lesson about keeping Kelsey away from the sink while cooking.

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Today, as adults, both kids still enjoy being creative in the kitchen. Carson takes after his dad and enjoys cooking on the grill, but the holidays just would not feel the same if he did not stir up a batch of peanut butter balls with his Mamaw Alice or make chicken and dumplings from his great grandmother Green’s recipe.

Kelsey’s recipes often reflect the many places she has traveled. She did not even know she liked tomatoes until spending time in Greece, where she discovered and loved Greek salads. Now tomatoes and oregano are staples in her kitchen. Living for a year in a home without a microwave encouraged her to prepare meals from scratch rather than rely on convenience or prepackaged foods. It would have been easy to buy a small microwave, but it became a personal challenge to see if she could manage without one. With a little extra planning, she did just fine.

During that same time, Kelsey lived in a home that was thirty minutes from the nearest town and grocery store.

That experience taught her the value of keeping a well stocked pantry.

Recently, Kelsey called and said, “Mom, I just made the best thing I have ever made. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili. And I had all the ingredients without even going to the store.” We have made a mixed bean chili for many years, but adding fresh sweet potatoes made it even more delicious and nutritious.

February is Sweet Potato Month, and February twenty seventh is Chili Day, making it the perfect time to give this recipe a try.

SOUTHERN TASTE

Kelsey’s Sweet Potato Chili

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS

1.

• • •

2.

• • • • • • • •

• • • •

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ninety percent lean ground beef 1 small yellow onion, diced, or two teaspoons onion powder 3 cloves garlic, minced, or one half teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon paprika 1 half teaspoon dried oregano 1 quarter teaspoon ground red pepper 1 and one half to two cups diced sweet potatoes, approximately one large or two medium sweet potatoes 2 cups beef broth 1 fifteen ounce can diced tomatoes 1 fifteen ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 fifteen ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

3.

4.

5.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Add the garlic, onion, salt, and spices to the beef and cook until the onion becomes tender.

Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and beans until well combined.

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for twenty to thirty minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, avocado, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeno, or cilantro.

by CARMEN LONG

FEBRUARY 2026

31

SOUTHERN TASTE

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Surry Living Magazine

FEBRUARY 2026

33

Home,

Navigating Life

& Garden

with a Horse,

farm,

Faith, and Common Sense I was concerned. Traveler had scarcely touched his alfalfa hay and sweet grain for two days. He had also refused to go out and exercise in the pasture, one of his favorite things to do. I had a suspicion about what was bothering him.

Now it was time to have a heart-to-heart.

“Traveler, are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?

Or do I need to have the vet out to look at you?”

“The vet?!” He raised his head in a flash. Uttering that three-letter word, V-E-T, to a horse could prove they have the fastest reaction time of all domesticated animals.

“Well, if you’re going to continue to mope around this barn and not eat, I’m going to call the vet. Or you can tell me what is going on?”

I didn’t want to seem unsympathetic, but with Traveler, being direct was best. His habit of holding in his feelings could easily cause an ulcer. I didn’t want to waste any time finding the cause of the problem because ulcers can lead to a potentially life-threatening issue called colic. Colic is a word that no horse owner ever wants to hear.

Traveler hung his head and whispered, “I miss my friend.”

I walked around to his side and put my arm over his withers. This always comforts Traveler, and he calls it his “side hug.”

“Traveler, we talked about Ranger going to his new home and why that was best, remember?”

“I remember, but now that he is gone, I’m sad and lonely.

He was here in the stall next to me for a year, Hay-Woman.

We went everywhere together, talked about our goals and dreams, you know—BFFs.” Ranger had come to me for training. He had a wonderful disposition, and his training went smoothly. He was willing, sweet, and gentle. I fell in love with him too. There is a cheeky saying in the horse world that holds a lot of truth, “horses are like potato chips, it’s hard to have just one.” But

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Surry Living Magazine

when a father contacted me wanting a safe, reliable mount for his teenage daughter, I knew Ranger had found his new home.

Making the right decision can be difficult even if you know its best. I admit I wiped more than a few tears when he left.

Still hugging Traveler, I knew he needed comforting more than a lot of rationalizing. We stood in silence. In God’s ever-perfect timing, my phone buzzed an incoming text.

“Look Traveler, the dad just sent this picture.” The photo showed his daughter sitting bareback on Ranger. She was leaning over hugging him around the neck. Both wore smiles as big as Texas.

Traveler looked intently at the picture.

“Hay-Woman, I feel selfish and ashamed. Making this all about me and not giving a thought to that young girl or Ranger. They needed each other. Just like you and me.”

“No reason to feel bad about your feelings, Traveler. We should all keep focused on God’s love for us every day and trust his plans. Even when they aren’t always what we’d choose, his plans are best.”

“Wow, God does have perfect plans, doesn’t he?”

“That’s the truth, my friend.”

by D E R I N A P Y L E S

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

Three Locaaons to Serve You!

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Serving Surry, Stokes, and the surrounding counties.

145 Industrial Drive King, NC 27021 336.985.8222

Special Event Rentals 660 West Lebanon St. Mt Airy, NC 27030

825 W Lebanon Street Mt Airy, NC 27030 336.789.5068

FEBRUARY 2026

35

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

The Language of Love

by J O A N N A R A D F O R D

Flower Style Love, in its many forms, often finds its most eloquent expression through the timeless beauty of flowers. From a grand gesture to a quiet sentiment, a thoughtfully chosen bloom can speak volumes, carrying messages that words alone sometimes struggle to convey. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the search for the perfect floral offering becomes a journey that, much like love itself, often leads us to discover deeper meanings and traditions.

The art of conveying emotion through flowers, known as floriography, has a rich history. While it gained popularity during the Victorian era, the practice dates back much further, with roots in ancient cultures. The symbolic meanings attached to various flowers are often shaped by cultural narratives, botanical characteristics, and historical associations. Understanding this language can transform a simple bouquet into a meaningful declaration.

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Surry Living Magazine

Of course, the undisputed queen of romantic gestures is the red rose. Its vibrant hue and delicate petals have long been associated with passionate love, desire, and deep affection. “The color red is often linked to strong emotion, and in the context of roses, it clearly signifies love,” notes horticultural expert Dr. Emily Carter. A single red rose can symbolize love at first sight or a lasting devotion, while a bouquet speaks of ardent affection. Different shades of red carry subtle distinctions. A deep burgundy rose can suggest unconscious beauty, while a brighter red boldly declares love.

Beyond the iconic rose, a wide world of floral possibilities awaits the thoughtful giver. For a more youthful or gentle expression of love, consider the pink rose. These blooms represent admiration, happiness, gratitude, and tenderness.

A light pink rose often signifies grace and joy, making it an ideal choice for a growing romance or a gesture of appreciation in a long-standing affection.

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

If your love is rooted in friendship, joy, and new beginnings, the yellow rose may be an unexpected yet fitting choice. While once associated with jealousy, modern interpretations emphasize warmth, happiness, and companionship. “The yellow rose has evolved in its symbolism,” explains cultural botanist Dr. Alan Peterson. “Today, it is often used to express joy and deep friendship, which are foundational elements of many loving relationships.” It is especially fitting for a partner who is also a close friend.

For those who appreciate understated elegance, lilies offer a refined alternative. White lilies traditionally symbolize purity and virtue, while their colorful counterparts convey different sentiments. Orange lilies express passion and pride, while pink lilies signify prosperity and abundance.

It is worth noting that lilies are known for their strong fragrance, which may not appeal to everyone.

For a distinctive and exotic declaration, orchids provide a striking choice. These intricate flowers symbolize beauty, strength, luxury, and love. Their long-lasting blooms make them a meaningful gift, representing enduring affection.

Color adds another layer of expression. Purple orchids suggest admiration and dignity, while pink orchids convey grace and femininity.

Finally, for a love that feels bright and uplifting, sunflowers offer a joyful message. They symbolize adoration, longevity, and positivity. “The sunflower’s natural tendency to turn toward the sun makes it a powerful metaphor for devotion and following one’s heart,” says botanist Dr. Sarah Jennings. Sunflowers are an ideal choice for someone who brings warmth and light into your life.

Ultimately, where love leads in the language of flowers is a personal journey. Whether you choose the timeless passion of a red rose, the cheerful warmth of a sunflower, or the refined beauty of an orchid, the most important element is the thought behind the gesture. By understanding the language of flowers, a beautiful bouquet becomes something more. It becomes a heartfelt message, quietly expressing love in its purest form.

FEBRUARY 2026

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HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

by Larry Van Hoose

True Valentine When I think of Valentine’s Day, I confess I get a bit uncomfortable, even squirmish. I love my wife and do not shy away from spoiling her when I can, but I have never been completely at ease with the way our culture celebrates the day. Chocolates, flowers, heartfelt notes, and fancy dinners are fine. I have given them and received them. Still, something in me always feels like there is more to love than a red box of candy and a Hallmark card.

That is why Valentine’s Day often becomes a moment of reflection for me. Beneath the roses and ribbon, it offers an opportunity to consider the deeper essence of love. Not just the romantic kind, but the kind that echoes the selfless, sacrificial love of God. John 15:13 captures this beautifully: “No greater love has any man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

When Jesus spoke those words, He was not talking about buying gifts or writing poems. He was pointing to the cross. He defined love not as a fleeting emotion or a grand romantic gesture, but as sacrifice. That is the part we often forget.

I once heard a story about a husband who woke up at four thirty every morning to make coffee and breakfast for his wife before she headed to work. He did not do it for recognition or to post about it online. He did it simply because he loved her. Another friend told me about his mother who slept in a chair beside his hospital bed for three nights in a row, refusing to leave until she knew he was safe. I think of a neighbor who quietly drives an elderly widow to her appointments every week, never asking for gas money and never making a big deal of it.

Those moments may not look like Valentine’s Day romance, but they are the truest expressions of love. Sacrifice in the small things.

This article is adapted from my new devotional, Forged: 52 Weeks of Grit, Growth, and Grace for Men Who Don’t Like to Read—a book shaped by over eight years of writing for Surry Living Magazine. Many of the weekly chapters grew out of the same stories, lessons, and real-life moments first shared in these pages.

Forged is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at bookstores across the country by special order.

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Surry Living Magazine

Paul writes in First Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Notice how he does not mention flowers, chocolates, or candlelit dinners. Not that those things are bad. They can be wonderful. But they are not the test of love. True love is revealed when it costs us something. Our time. Our pride.

Our comfort. Sometimes even our dreams.

That is why I think it is worth remembering the origins of Valentine’s Day. Long before it became a holiday centered on romance, it honored a man named Valentine, a Christian priest in Rome during the third century. When Emperor Claudius outlawed marriage for young soldiers, believing single men fought better, Valentine defied the decree and secretly married couples in the church. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested and eventually executed. His Valentine gift was not roses. It was his life, laid down for his faith and for love.

And here is the connection that matters most. Jesus did the same for us. He gave up the glory of heaven, lived humbly, and willingly laid down His life so that we might live. That is the love that never fails.

So this Valentine’s Day, I will still buy a card for my wife and probably sneak some chocolate her way. I will still take her out to dinner or try to do something special. But more importantly, I will remember that love is not about what I can get. It is about what I am willing to give.

And I will ask myself the same question I will ask you.

Am I showing the kind of love that reflects the heart of Christ. Not just in February. Not just in romance. But in daily sacrifice. The coffee made. The child comforted. The neighbor helped. The friend encouraged.

Because when it is all said and done, true Valentine love is not measured in gifts. It is measured in giving.

Growth: How can you express a deeper, more sacrificial love to someone in your life this week.

Grace: True love is measured not by what we receive, but by what we are willing to give.

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN

Send us a photo of your pet and we may use it here.

Email: info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Furever Friends

FEBRUARY 2026

39

FEBRUARY EVENTS 40

MOUNT AIRY

6 NC A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:00 pm Andy Griffith Playhouse 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

7 WPAQ 78th Birthday Celebration

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 5:30 pm Historic Earle Theatre and Old Time Music Heritage Hall 142 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

20 Disney’s Descendants The Musical

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm Andy Griffith Playhouse 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

21 Disney’s Descendants The Musical

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 3:00 pm Andy Griffith Playhouse 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

21 Heart of a Child Ball

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 6:00 pm Cross Creek Country Club Mount Airy, NC 27030

27 Surry Arts Ball

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 6:00 pm Cross Creek Country Club Mount Airy, NC 27030

28 Tommy Jarrell Birthday Celebration

Surry Living Magazine

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am Historic Earle Theatre Mount Airy, NC 27030

ELKIN

7 Big Elkin Brrrfest

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 am Coley Hall 222 East Main Street, Elkin, NC 28621 GALAX

3 Writers Group

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 2:00 pm Galax Public Library 610 West Stuart Drive, Galax, VA 24333

3 A Novel Bunch Book Club

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:00 pm Galax Public Library 610 West Stuart Drive, Galax, VA 24333

5 In the Loop Fiber Friends Meeting

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm Galax Public Library 610 West Stuart Drive, Galax, VA 24333

10 In the Loop Fiber Friends Meeting

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm Galax Public Library 610 West Stuart Drive, Galax, VA 24333

Nestled in the rolling hills of Asbury in Mt. Airy is a unique country church filled with love.

Bring us your troubles and find a shoulder to lean on.

Bring us your fear and find your brave.

Bring us your anxiety and find your peace.

Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian Church 1084 Flippen Rd. • Mt. Airy, NC 27030 336-351-4040 • asburyEPC@gmail.com BestChurchInWestfield.com

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4 Surry Living Magazine WWW.RENEWWOUNDCARECENTER.COM

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