Renew Wound Care Center provides evidence-based wound care, allowing patients suffering from wounds to receive treatment in a professional and supportive environment Our comprehensive care plan is centered on patients with complex, non-healing, or slow-to-heal wounds. We provide advanced wound care and therapies aiming for faster healing times, lower infection rates, and reduced readmissions.
Coordination of care, including advanced imaging and testing
Wound debridement/ advanced wound irrigation
Ultrasonic debridement
UltraMIST Therapy
V-254 UVC Lamp
Advanced wound dressings
Cellular/ tissue-based product application
Pressure off-loading devices
Negative pressure wound therapy
• NEW
• PRE-OWNED
• EV/H YBRID
• SPECIALS
• SERVICE
• F INANCE
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
Boho Honey Boutique: The Spring Collection
Fitness Rage with Kage
Sabrina L. Baker
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.
Rynn is a writer and designer based in the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina. She loves to share her ideas for adding simple beauty into hectic lifestyles. More than mere recipes, her mission is to offer practical shortcuts for food preparation along with visual tips for presentation. Rynn began her career in Aiken, SC, as a newspaper reporter writing feature articles about food, living, and the arts. For more about Rynn, even more recipes, decorating tips, and much more, visit thehouseofelynryn.com.
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.
Contributors
Madalyn Edwards
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 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.
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.
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.
Blake Johnson
Sheri Wren Haymore
Derina Pyles
Eddie Lowe
Rynn Hennings
Kevin Pyles
Carmen Long
Fresh, Fun, and Full of Confidence: Boho Honey Boutique’s Spring Vibe
Spring is blooming at Boho Honey Boutique, and with it comes a season of bold style, body positivity, and a little Western flair. Owner Susanne’s mission inspired the 2025 Spring Collection to help everyone feel pretty and “springy”—with size inclusivity playing a key role in the vision.
Described as “boho but classic, with a little Western,” the new line is full of bright florals, buttery yellows, and trendy details like men’s Rock N Roll Denim and Devil Dog Dungarees (an NC-based brand). This season’s must-haves include a fun selection of dresses, Very-G wedges, cute denim shorts, and comfortable graphic tees with batwing sleeves. Customers love flowy skirts, breezy dresses, and bold style statements that still stay true to Boho Honey’s roots.
Susanne keeps the boutique’s brand identity thriving with help from her younger staff, Maggie and Leia, who offer insight into the latest men’s and women’s trends and customer favorites. “What speaks to me is how I decide,” Susanne says about how she selects each season’s pieces.
To celebrate the new collection and the season of motherhood, Boho Honey is hosting Mom’s Night Out on Thursday, May 1st, a fun and stylish Mother’s Day-inspired event featuring permanent jewelry by Sassy Bee, delicious food, and fabulous giveaways. It is the perfect opportunity for moms and daughters to shop, bond, and treat themselves.
Susanne says, “I hope they feel beautiful, confident, and that they can do anything” when wearing something from this collection. Boho Honey is not just a boutique; it is a vibe.
By Sabrina Lee Baker
with Kevin Pyles
The distinction between Fatherhood and Fathering.
In the tapestry of human relationships, few roles carry as much weight—or as much potential for misinterpretation—as that of a father. The term “father” is often used interchangeably with “dad,” yet the two concepts diverge in ways that reveal profound truths about responsibility, love, and legacy. While any man can become a father through the biological act of conception, fathering a child— truly being a dad—requires a commitment that transcends genetics. It is a deliberate, ongoing choice to nurture, guide, and uplift, a distinction that separates mere fatherhood from the art of fathering.
At its core, fatherhood begins with a moment: a contribution of DNA that sparks life. This act, while significant, is a singular event, requiring no further investment beyond the physical. A man can father a child and remain detached—present or absent, involved, or indifferent. The world is full of such fathers, men who fulfill the technical definition but leave the deeper work undone. Statistics bear this out: according to the U.S. Census Bureau, millions of children grow up with fathers who are physically or emotionally unavailable. These men may claim the title, but they do not embody the role. Fatherhood, in this sense, is a fact—a starting point, not a destination.
Fathering, by contrast, is a craft. It is the intentional, day-today effort to shape a child’s life with presence, care, and purpose. A dad doesn’t merely exist in proximity to his children; he engages with them. He listens to their fears, celebrates their triumphs, and teaches them how to navigate a complex world. This is not a role defined by perfection—dads stumble, falter, and learn alongside their kids—but by persistence. Where a father might provide the seed, a dad tills the soil, waters it, and stands guard against the storms. It’s the difference between planting a tree and tending a forest.
Consider the cultural archetypes: the absentee father who sends a check but misses the school play, versus the dad who kneels to tie a shoe, offering quiet lessons in resilience. One fulfills an obligation, the other builds a bond. Research underscores this divide. Studies from the National Fatherhood Initiative show that children with involved dads are more likely to excel academically, exhibit emotional stability, and avoid risky behaviors. Fathering, then, is not just a gift to the child—it’s a cornerstone of society.
What makes a man a dad isn’t wealth, status, or even flawless parenting. It’s the willingness to show up, even when it’s hard. It’s the late-night talks, the scraped knees bandaged, the unspoken promise to be there. Any man can father a child; biology ensures that. But to be a dad? That takes a special kind of courage—a choice to invest in a life beyond one’s own.
In the end, the difference lies in legacy. A father leaves a name; a dad leaves a mark. One is a title bestowed by circumstance, the other a role earned through love. And while every child deserves both, it’s the dads—the ones who father with heart—who truly change the world, one small act at a time.
Dear Blake,
Blake’s Take
BLAKE JOHNSON
I feel like I am stuck in a rut. Lately, I seem to be trapped in a ferocious routine where I struggle and struggle to get ahead but make no progress. How do I break the cycle and lead an exciting, meaningful life?
Thanks,
Anonymous Dear Anonymous,
KEVIN PYLES, PT
Thank you for writing and sharing your predicament. I think it helps to know that your situation is extremely common. Most, if not all, of us will find ourselves in a rut at some point. More than likely, it will happen more than once. You would think that, with our sophisticated problem-solving skills, feeling trapped would be rare and changing a routine would be easy. On the contrary, because we are also habitual creatures, escaping a nonproductive routine can require some effort. In severe cases, escape can even feel out of reach or hopeless.
There are a lot of reasons someone may find themselves stuck in a rut. For me, the most common contributors have been fear, apathy, and bad habits. Of the three, I think fear presents the broadest range of effects. Sometimes it’s easily controlled, and other times it’s utterly debilitating. For example, some children can overcome their fear of water simply by watching other kids splash and play around, while others get water up their nose and decide never to go near it
again. The first group of children was able to defeat their fear with a simple change of mindset. The second group may never change their mind. For them, a more intensive approach may be required. Treatments like cognitive behavioral and exposure therapy can be very effective. The important thing to note is that there are ways to conquer all levels of fear.
Apathy, or lack of motivation, can be just as debilitating but may be a little easier to overcome. Motivation keeps us moving forward in life. When we get stuck, it feels like a switch is turned off. To get it back on, we just need a small spark. Two things I have used to ignite motivation are setting small, achievable goals and looking around for inspiration. Setting small, achievable goals may seem tedious, but it helps build momentum. Momentum moves you toward accomplishments and accomplishments boost confidence. Confidence is very effective for maintaining motivation. Once you develop a new pattern, your ambitions will take off and accomplishing goals will become addictive. If at any time you need inspiration, just look
around. Find motivation in others or whatever is available around you. Surround yourself with problem-solving people and material. Before long, you will develop a mind that overcomes obstacles without even noticing them.
Last on the list is bad habits. Because we are habitual creatures, we have no problem creating habits; we just need to use them to our advantage. Habits usually evolve from a series of repetitive actions. I have often heard that to create a habit, you must repeat an action for at least 21 days. I believe this formula to be true and have used it successfully many times. The objective is to create habits that propel you toward your goals. For example, if your goal is to get in better shape, make a habit of exercising every day or several times a week. After 21 days, your mind and body will start to prefer exercise
over lounging around the house. Once you reach your goal or desired fitness, simply keep up the habit. Maintaining it is much easier than starting from scratch.
Knowing your vulnerabilities is crucial. If it is something other than fear, apathy, or habits, try to figure it out so you can find the right solution. Look on the Internet, talk to successful people, or find books related to the topic. At the very least, fixate on solutions, not the problem. I believe that by doing that and setting achievable goals, you will break the cycle and be well on your way to leading an exciting, meaningful life.
I hope some of this helps you find a way to move forward and avoid any future ruts.
Sincerely,
Blake
Quote of the Month:
“Nurture the roots, and the flowers will bloom.”
— UNKNOWN
Memories of Mama
There are few bonds in life that compare to the bond of a mother and her child. There is no instruction manual for parenthood. For anyone who thinks it is an easy task, think again! However, a mother has a God-given instinct to rely on. My mother was no different. She knew when I was sad or hurt. She would know even when I hid it from others. Her golden words to me were, “What’s wrong with my boy?” No matter my age, I would pour my heart out, and it seemed she already knew.
• A Mother’s Struggle
It has been said that a woman comes closer to death while birthing a child than at any other point in her life. Motherhood starts out as a struggle. Immediately after conception, the struggle begins as her body changes to nurture. These changes to her body mean it will never be the same again.
Then there is the struggle of delivery. I was blessed to be at the bedside to see the birth of my children, and I’ve never felt more helpless. It was their mom who bore the pain and walked through the shadows of death to give them life.
As we read Genesis, chapter four, we see the ancestral mother of all begin her journey of motherhood. I’d advise you to read what happened in chapter three, and you’ll see the plight that Eve had just overcome. In chapter three, we see the first eviction notice served, with God himself issuing it. Adam and Eve were told to leave the Garden. Where they began their family, it seems, nobody knows.
I look at that from a parental perspective, and that scares me! Imagine the struggle of beginning a family after being evicted! If you read further in Genesis, chapter four, you’ll see that Eve’s first child wasn’t exactly a model child. Tragedy struck when their firstborn, Cain, killed their second child, Abel! Eve could truly say, “The struggle is real!”
• A Mother’s Strength
In Genesis 4:25, we see Eve’s strength. God blessed them with Seth, which means “appointed.” Eve essentially said, “God appointed me another child after Abel was killed.” Eve shows such underlying power and resilience. We witness her moving on from a tragedy and continuing motherhood.
My mom was a strong woman with a heart of gold. She could be firm, but she was also fair. As a child, I didn’t understand why she was tired all the time. In the evenings, she was there. At bedtime, she’d leave for work. When I got up, a sitter was there until around 4 p.m.
As I grew older, I realized she worked at one hosiery mill on the third shift and at another hosiery mill on the first shift. Not only was she working two jobs, but both involved boarding socks. To understand Mama’s strength, I’d ask you to look up that job in a hosiery mill. In later years, she’d tell me she did it all so we’d have a roof over our heads.
Meal Planning: Not Just a Job for Mom
Meal planning doesn’t have to be a stressful, daunting task reserved just for Mom. When planning meals, involve your family and turn it into an activity. Family meal planning ensures dietary needs are considered and reduces the likelihood that your food dollars will be wasted. Here are some ideas to get the entire family involved in the meal planning process:
1. Clip pictures of meals from grocery store advertisements, newspapers, or magazines. Collect the photos and create a “Meal Inspiration Vision Board” for current and future meals.
2. Center meal creation around pantry items, noodles, rice, or other staples, and brainstorm what can be created.
3. Assign categories of meals such as vegetarian, soup, pasta, quick preparation, etc. to days of the week and get creative!
4. Who can create the most appetizing meal while sticking to a certain dollar amount? This activity may involve using printed or online sale advertisements and calculators.
5. Assign each member one of the following: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack/dessert or a food group: protein, dairy, vegetables, fruit, and grains. Once complete, share and combine for your weekly menu!
More In My Basket offers a Versatile Pantry session that focuses on creating a stocked pantry, developing a three-day food supply, and creating meals from common pantry staples. To learn more about this opportunity, contact the Surry County Center of NC Cooperative Extension at 336-401-8025.
For questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or to receive application assistance, contact the More In My Basket staff:
Visit: morefood.org
English Toll Free: 1-855-240-1451
Spanish Toll Free: 1-888-382-7105
May brings Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, spring flowers and the start to our garden produce. One of my favorite things about May is strawberry season. There is nothing better than fresh strawberries - eaten just by themselves straight from the patch or used in some of our favorite recipes.
Strawberries not only taste good, they are also good for us. One half cup of strawberries provides 80 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C and 2 grams of dietary fiber. That is as much fiber as a slice of whole wheat bread. All of this for only 27 calories and 6 grams of total carbohydrates for ½ cup. (Source: USDA SNAP-Ed Harvest of the Month)
If you have access to more berries than what you and your family can eat at one time or while they are in season, why not freeze some for later use. Freezing is a quick and easy method of food preservation. Frozen berries are especially delicious in baked goods, smoothies, yogurt parfaits and fruit salsa.
How to Prepare Frozen Strawberries
1. Select fully ripe, firm berries with a deep color. Discard immature and defective fruit. Wash and remove caps if necessary and pat dry.
2. Spread a single layer of prepared fruit on shallow trays and freeze.
3. When frozen, promptly package in freezer bags or containers and return to the freezer.
4. The fruit pieces remain loose and can be poured from the container and the package re-closed and placed back in the freezer.
Tips:
1. A dry pack is good for small whole fruits, such as berries, which create a good quality product without added sugar.
2. A tray pack makes the fruit easier to remove from the container.
3. Be sure to package the fruit as soon as it is frozen, to prevent freezer burn.
For more information on Home Food Preservation, contact the Extension Office at 336-401-8025.
Visit the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension’s National Center for Home Food Preservation at https://nchfp.uga.edu for a wealth of on-line resources.
Fruit Salsa
Makes 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
1. 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries or 1 (10 oz.) package frozen strawberries
2. 1 apple, cored and chopped
3. 2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
4. ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
5. 2 Tablespoons pineapple juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Chop strawberries, apple and kiwi.
2. Add drained crushed pineapple and 2 Tablespoons pineapple juice to chopped fruit. Chill.
3. Serve with cinnamon graham crackers, honey grahams or make homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips.
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
INGREDIENTS
1. 4 (8 in) whole wheat tortillas
2. 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
3. 2 Tablespoons sugar
4. Cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Lay tortillas on a baking sheet. Lightly spray each tortilla with cooking spray.
3. Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over each tortilla.
4. Cut each tortilla into 8 pieces but leave pieces together in a circle. (A pizza cutter works great.)
5. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until lightly brown.
6. Remove from oven to cool. Serve with fruit salsa.
by CARMEN LONG
Ham & Cheese Chowder with Leftover Ham
Wondering what to do with leftover ham? This creamy ham and cheese chowder recipe is a perfect way to use it. It is easy to make and has a delicious flavor!
This thick and hearty soup is a delicious way to use leftover ham– and it is surprisingly easy to put together! It uses everyday pantry items and can be modified to suit your taste. Leftover chowder can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days; however, it doesn’t freeze well, so plan to eat leftovers, which are even better the next day!
The chowder is easy to change for your taste preferences. Add 2 heaping cups of precooked ham if you like ham in every bite. Reduce the cheese amount to 1 1/2 to 2 cups to reduce the fat in this recipe. Add more or less of the vegetables listed. Saute celery and jalapeno (or other peppers) with the carrots and onions to add more texture and spiciness. Finally, omit the rendered bacon fat and use olive oil to reduce the saturated fat.
Serve this creamy chowder piping hot with a sprinkling of crispy bacon and minced, fresh parsley. If you prefer a thinner soup, add equal amounts of chicken stock and milk, starting with 1/2 cup (1/4 cup each). If you prefer a thicker chowder, make a cornstarch slurry of 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch. Stir the slurry and whisk it into the chowder.
INGREDIENTS
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons rendered bacon fat
• 3 large carrots, sliced into coins
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ cups chicken stock
• 4 ½ cups whole milk
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• (1) 11-ounce can corn, drained
• 1 cup precooked ham, cubed
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, minced (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook the bacon until crispy in a nonstick skillet. Remove to a plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of bacon fat to a Dutch oven. Add the carrots and onions and cook until tender.
3. Add the flour and whisk to mix. Cook until the flour is lightly browned. (Add extra bacon fat if needed.)
4. Add the chicken stock and milk. Whisk until the flour is well mixed and dissolves.
5. Bring soup to a boil, stirring as it thickens.
6. Add the potatoes and corn and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
7. When the potatoes are cooked, stir in the ham. Then, remove the soup from the heat and add the cheese. Stir until melted.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle bacon on top of each bowl of soup and garnish with parsley.
Sweet & Savory Tips:
1. Thinning the Soup – You can change this soup to a thinner consistency by adding equal amounts of chicken stock and broth. Start by adding 1/4 cup each to the soup and stirring. You can rehydrate chilled soup by adding extra stock and milk (1:1 ratio).
2. Adjusting the Ham – Add 2 heaping cups of diced ham for extra flavor. If the ham has a heavy, sweet crust, cut it away or your chowder might end up with a sweet taste.
3. Cooking the Bacon – Cook the bacon in a non-stick pan so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the Dutch oven, which can sometimes cause the chowder to scorch.
farm,
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
by DERINA PYLES
“Hay-Woman, quick, get over here with my alfalfa. My belly button is starting to gnaw on my backbone.”
Shaking my head, I turned toward my dappled grey friend. “Traveler, you don’t have a belly button so that’s not even theoretically possible.”
“Well, if I did have one, I’m sure it would feel like my stomach does right now.” We both giggled as I served up his usual portion. I lingered in his stall, enjoying the sound of him munching on the sweet hay.
“Did you see that new roan horse that your neighbor has in for training?” he asked between bites. “She looks handier than a shirt pocket. And what about that other bay horse of his? He knows more about a cow than a bull does.”
“Oh geez, Traveler, you have obviously been spending way too much time around those cowboys next door. How many more one-liners ya got? Go ahead and get them all out.”
“I think that’s all for now,” he said proudly. He abruptly changed the subject, knowing I would limit his turnout time in the pasture that boarded my neighbor’s ranch if the one-liners kept coming. “Remember a few years ago when your neighbor had that nice cutting mare?”
“I do remember, she was a beautiful, talented horse. She won a lot of money in the show pen.”
“Do you remember she foaled a filly one spring that looked just like her? I loved seeing them together frolicking in the pasture.” Travelers eyes softened. “That little filly would just kick up her heels at that mama, jump on her, run around her all day long. You know, I never saw the mama get angry with her. She would just gently nudge her away. The only time I ever saw her get riled up at that baby was when she was too close to the electric fence. That baby couldn’t resist the sweet grass on the other side. I wanted to warn that little filly, but heard your voice in my head telling me not to stick my nose in. One day, after about a week of trying to keep her away from the fence, I saw that mama simply watch as she pranced over and stuck her head, once again, under the fence. Well, wouldn’t you know it, she got too close and BAM! She got shocked She must have
jumped twenty feet sideways, hollering the whole time, till she got back to her mama. The mama stood there and wrapped her head around that baby until she settled back down. I never knew why that mama let her hurt herself, but I never saw her do it again. Funny, about a month later, the filly was gone. I’ve always wondered what happened. Do you think it was because of that accident?”
Somewhat surprised at this memory, I carefully explained. “Oh no, Traveler, not at all. That filly went off to train to be a show horse herself. That’s why she left the ranch. I’m sure it was hard on the mama, and she didn’t want her baby to be hurt, but after being warned time and again, she had to let her figure it out herself. Unfortunately, that meant a lesson with a few tears. That mare was an excellent mother, nurturing her child without coddling her.”
“That is such a relief Hay-Woman.” Pondering his next question carefully, he said, “Do you think Jesus was taught lessons like this by his mother, Mary?”
“When I think of Mary, I always remember the verse Luke 2:19, ‘But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.’ I believe all mothers worry if they are making the right decisions for their children. The only path is to keep Jesus’ teachings in mind and follow our hearts.”
He looked content and lowered his head to the ground. Sticking out his lips, he began to search for any scraps of hay he may have missed earlier.
“I always enjoy our heart-to-hearts, Traveler…and it beats listening to anymore of your cowboy one-liners.”
Garden Home, &
A Miracle in the Seed
by Larry VanHoose
My Momma loved her garden. To her, a home-grown vegetable was a true treasure. Unfortunately, she rarely had the time to tend to it. Long shifts on her feet as a nurse at the state hospital, followed by caring for a trio of spoiled kids— and their equally spoiled father— left her with little energy for much else.
That’s where I came in.
Without any real planning or fanfare, my yearly gift to my Momma became the labor of love I poured into that garden plot behind our little suburban home. Every spring, I’d borrow the neighbor’s rototiller and begin the ritual. After tilling, I’d walk the rows with a bow rake, breaking up the clods until we had a smooth, ready soil bed, about twelve by twenty feet. Then came the manure, mixed in until the earth was rich and welcoming, eager for tomato, potato, carrot, green bean, and watermelon plants (my personal favorite). We’d even line the garden with marigolds to keep the rabbits at bay. It was hard work for a young boy, but I was fascinated by the “miracle in the seed,” as Momma called it. And most years, I tackled it with heart. Most years.
Baseball was my big distraction. Like my older brother before me, I was utterly obsessed with that stitched white hardball. We played everywhere: on our street, in empty lots, cow pastures, Little League fields, and in our own yard, where the short chain-link fence turned every would-be home run into an automatic out. I watched games, listened to them on the radio, and collected “priceless” baseball cards featuring my heroes. The boys of summer, especially The Big Red Machine of the ‘70s from nearby Cincinnati, were my beautiful obsession.
And the cost of that obsession? Well, it was Momma’s garden that paid the price.
As much as I loved planting and watching things grow, the slow pace of gardening couldn’t quite compete with the action of baseball. Each spring I began with the best intentions, wanting her garden to burst with life and make her proud. But to an outsider, it probably looked like I just loved baseball a little bit more. After a strong, enthusiastic start, the garden often succumbed to weeds and neglect by midsummer, producing only a fraction of what it could have. My passion for baseball, on the other hand, thrived.
For a time, it even looked like I might earn a scholarship, maybe even go pro. But a rare and severe case of shingles in my early teens changed everything. The nerve damage to my pitching shoulder ended that dream. Crushed, I never returned to the ballfield or to my Momma’s garden. What followed were some dark, wandering years. But eventually, I found purpose again… in a different kind of garden.
Truth be told, I still love the feel of a baseball in my hands. I’ll roll one around in my palm, massaging it, almost like a caress. My office desk is mostly uncluttered, but there in the right front corner sits a prized possession: a baseball signed by the great Johnny Bench.
And as for the garden? It’s been years since I tended more than a few tomato plants, some cucumbers and a small patch of watermelons. But this spring, once again, the soil is calling to me. It’s asking me to put aside fruitless distractions and to return to the joy of watching seeds become fruit, slowly, steadily, wonderfully.
I know my Momma is smiling down on me, just like she used to.
“There’s a miracle in the seed,” she’d say. “A miracle in the seed.”
Years later, I have to wonder– was Momma talking about the vegetables, the garden, or something else entirely?
“And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest” (Luke 8:15, NLT)
by JOANNA RADFORD
GiftingFlowers toMothers
Creating personalized floral arrangements for the special women in your life— whether it’s your mother, your motherin-law, your grandmother, or your girlfriend’s mother– is a heartfelt gesture that can truly make them feel cherished. You will most certainly see a twinkle in their eye, a huge smile, or possibly even a bear hug as you hand over that special package..
Knowing where to get these special flowers can be tricky. While it is convenient to stop in the grocery store, it gives extra meaning to create the bouquet yourself. Try stopping at the local farmers’ market and exploring the flower vendor options. They will have beautiful, fresh, seasonal flowers that align with your special mother’s favorite colors or flower types. For an added touch, ask the market vendor for a decorative vase or wrapping for those beautiful flowers. You never know what they may have up their sleeve or behind their table. It just might be an adorable ribbon that will give the blooms an extra special touch.
By handpicking flowers and collaborating with local farmers’ market vendors to craft unique bouquets, you not only offer a thoughtful gift but also support local agriculture. In Surry County, there are several farmers’ markets to explore. The following markets are available this year.
Elkin Farmers’ Market
• Location: 226 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621
• Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Season: April 5 through November
• The Elkin Farmers’ Market offers a variety of fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. Visiting this market allows you to select blooms that resonate with your sentiments. For more information, contact Market Manager, Kevin Campbell at campbellfamilynursery@gmail.com or 704-775-2425.
Mount Airy Farmers’ Market
• Location: 138 Virginia Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
• Hours: Fridays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Season: April 25 through October
Situated in the heart of Mount Airy, this market features local vendors offering fresh flowers among other products. It’s an ideal spot to find the perfect stems for your arrangements. For details, reach out to Market Manager, Mary Nay at marynay94@gmail.com or 336-575-1462.
Dobson Farmers’ Market
• Location: 903 East Atkins Street, Dobson, NC 27017
• Hours: Fridays, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Season: May 9 through September
The Dobson Farmers’ Market provides a selection of fresh flowers and other local products. It’s a convenient option for sourcing blooms while supporting the community. For more information, contact Market Manager, Lisa Slawter at slawter. marklisa@gmail.com or 336-366-3111.
Pilot Mountain Farmers’ Market
• Location: 300 South Key Street, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
• Hours: Saturdays, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Season: April 26 through October
Pilot Mountain’s market is a great place to find fresh flowers and other local goods. Visiting this market allows you to select blooms that will make your floral arrangements truly special. For details, contact Market Manager, David Shirley at info@hollyoaksfarm.com or 336-401-6795.
More information about Surry County Farmers’ Markets can be found at surrycountyfarmersmarket.com. Keep in mind that items at the markets may vary depending on the vendors, season, and weather.
By visiting these Surry County farmers’ markets and thoughtfully selecting flowers, you can create memorable and personalized gifts that will undoubtedly make the mothers in your life feel special. This approach not only conveys your affection but also fosters a deeper connection to the local community.
