BE BOLD
Finding local adventure; Valerie’s House nurtures grieving children; IMPACT celebrates 20 years; Foo Foo turns 10; Marcie Rey Landreth’s fierce power; girls’ tea at The Creamery
ALSO INSIDE
Daring locals Rachel Ousley and Jules Kariher
Your road, your way.
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from the editor Jumping out of airplanes, diving to the depths of the sea, climbing up the side of a cliff – these things have never called me. I am a two-feet-onsolid-ground kind of a person. I take my adventures in the manner of Emily Dickinson, from within the pages of a book or the dark comfort of a theatre. But, oh, what great expeditions I’ve found in stories! I am drawn to the tales of those who have broken barriers and lived daring lives. I’m a vicarious adventurer, I suppose, happily cheering from the stands but never wanting to join the game myself. The truth is, we all need a little zing in our lives every now and then. We need to give ourselves a kick to get out of a rut. And sometimes, we must face our fears to move past them. For some, the adrenaline rush of an exciting feat is a true addiction. For me? I’m just thrilled when I find the right word at the right time. Don’t even get me started on good grammar and punctuation! I have had some thrilling moments, though. For example, I went to Space Camp with a big group of fifth graders. As if the fivehour bus ride and camping out in a dormitory with a bunch of kids wasn’t adventure enough, I tried out many of the astronaut training simulators (when in Rome and all that). The best (worst) of all was the Multi-Axis Trainer, which is the three-circle chair thing they strap you into that simulates what it’s like to tumble through space. What I learned is that if you fling me around in three different dimensions simultaneously at very high speeds, my natural reaction is to laugh so loud, and so uncontrollably, that everyone in the giant hangar with me stops in their tracks and stares. And fifth graders will from that moment on pretend they don’t know me. Maybe that’s my real obstacle to taking scary leaps into the unknown – that it will be laughable. However, Ruth P. Freedman spoke some truth when she wrote the lyric “Windy has wings to fly” in a famous song. We all have those wings, don’t we? We just need to spread them from time to time. Freedman also said, “Only those who dare, truly live.” So here’s to adventure! May we all be a bit bolder and more daring.
— Lisa Player
4 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 5
from the publisher There are so many things I love about November. First, the weather in the Pensacola area is just about perfect. In October, the heat finally broke and now as we move into November the temperatures are typically perfect (at least to me). The air becomes crisper, and the beaches aren’t as crowded. And as I have probably said many times in my column over the years, I love the Thanksgiving holiday. While the history of the holiday is more difficult than the myths surrounding it, I still focus on the gathering of family around the table while expressing gratitude. I also love the November issue of Bella each year because our theme is typically around bold, confident and adventurous women. And I really love having rock climbing on our cover this month! Back in my old life in Atlanta in my 20s and early 30s, I spent two nights a week at the local climbing gym, and then almost every weekend we would drive two hours to the many different outdoor climbing areas that surrounded Atlanta. It’s a time in my life I look back on very fondly. I loved that rock climbing had both physical and mental components that would keep me completely focused and in the moment. It was impossible to think about work or any other stressors in life. It’s been a long time since I’ve done any rock climbing, but I’ve always tried to stay in shape, with varying degrees of success. The last year has taken a toll on my physical health, though. I was dealing with an illness that kept me from exercising – at all. I am feeling better, though, and while it felt like I was really weak and starting at zero, I am back to working out. I had to begin very slowly with easy walks – having a dog in a condo is a great motivator to force you out multiple times a day! Next, I started back to some easy yoga classes at the Y in downtown and Gulf Breeze. It was really humbling when I could barely make it through a gentle yoga class. Really, really humbling. But, I stuck with it and kept building a foundation. Now, I am working out twice a week with Tiffany Bearden of Surf & Turf FITness (see her ad on page 59 of this issue). She is awesome! She did a detailed intake of my history and any physical limitations and now designs my workouts for me personally. We took things easy the first week and have been slowly ramping it up ever since. I cannot say enough good things about working out with Tiffany. She is great at what she does and makes it fun, too. Just last week we changed it up and went paddleboarding to get another type of full body workout. She has a fully stocked mobile gym that she brings to you. I’m loving it! I can already tell a difference with my strength and endurance. I sometimes – OK, oftentimes – think I can figure things out on my own. I can research something or do an online class. But we don’t always have to go it alone. Grabbing a friend or a local expert makes things way easier, more productive and definitely more fun.
— Kelly MacLeod
6 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
VOLUME 18 / ISSUE 11
Bella Staff PUBLISHER / Kelly MacLeod EDITOR / Lisa Player ART DIRECTOR / Elizabeth Meyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Liz Biggs, Alice Crann Good, Allison McCrory, Chelsea Owens, Lisa Player, Leah Seacrest, Magi Thomley Williams
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Toni Sparks, Kate Treick
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Bella is published the last week of each month and distributed free throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor.
RELAX | REJUVENATE | RENEW
MEDICAL SERVICES BODY CONTOURING CHEMICAL PEELS HAIR RESTORATION INJECTABLES INTIMACY BRIGHTENING LASER HAIR REMOVAL LASER TATTOO REMOVAL MEDICAL-GRADE SKIN CARE MICRONEEDLING VISIA SKIN ANALYSIS
SPA SERVICES FACIALS HOLISTIC BODY TREATMENTS MASSAGES WAXING MM17509
inside this issue
CAUSES 20 years of IMPACT
Page 26
PROFILE Rachel Ousley dives in
Page 32
LOCAL FARE “Fierce Feminina” Marcie Rey Landreth Page 50
10 SPEND OR SAVE 12 FASHION: Choose your vibe from sweater weather headliners 22 BEAUTY: Bold & bright holiday makeup 24 CAUSES: Valerie’s House brings hope to grieving children 28 COVER STORY: Three ways to find adventure in your own backyard 36 PROFILE: Jules Kariher’s adventurous spirit 38 LOCAL FARE: Foo Foo Fest turns 10 42 BODY & SOUL: Breaking fitness and nutrition comfort zones 44 WORTH THE TRIP: Let’s go to Lyon! 52 GNO: Tea at The Creamery is always a delight 56 OUT & ABOUT: Light Up Learning lights up Wahoos Stadium 60 OUT & ABOUT: IMPACT 100 celebrates 20 years 62 OUT & ABOUT: Ribbons of Hope Charity Ball 66 HER PERSPECTIVE: When I grow up, I want to be…
On the cover: Model Vianca Pitts climbs into fall fashion from The South Outfitters. Story on Page 13.
Photo by Kate Treick Photography
8 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
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2BD | 2.5 BA | 1,333 SF $815,000 ELLEN MIHEVE 850.982.5057
9680 ANGEL OAK DR., PENSACOLA 4BD | 2BA | 1,787 SF $320,000 MICHELLE CARLSON 850.686.6588
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spendorsave BY CHELSEA OWENS / BELLAMAGAZINE.COM / PHOTOS PROVIDED
David Koma sequin midi skirt, $1,010, bloomingdales.com
Sequined skirt, $67.99, hm.com Free People “Easy Street” stripe crop pullover, $98, belk.com
Celine “Marinière” boat neck sweater, $1,100, celine.com
Knee-high heeled boots, $74.99, hm.com
Christian Louboutin “Astrilarge Botta” red sole leather knee-high boots, $1,995, neimanmarcus.com
JW PEI “Tessa” crushed shoulder bag, $99, jwpei.com
Balenciaga “Le Cagole” lambskin shoulder bag,” $2,850, nordstrom.com
where to shop
Belk: Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 850-484-3300; belk.com H&M: Cordova Mall; 855-466-7467; hm.com
10 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
New Baptist Hospital Campus Now Open at Brent Lane and I-110
Our new hospital campus is unlike any you’ve ever experienced. Every design detail has been purposefully and thoughtfully selected to create the ultimate health care experience. If you currently use our services, you are going to be wowed by our amazing new Baptist Hospital campus. If you are not using our services, we’ve made Baptist the clear choice for your care. Features of our campus include: • Convenient access
• Retail pharmacy
• ER – Level II trauma center • Extensive hospital and outpatient services
• Panera Bread and the FPL Energy Café dining options
• Primary care and specialist physician offices
• Town Square with heritage oaks
• Beautiful environment
• And so much more
• Experienced, compassionate caregivers Our experienced, compassionate team continues to transform care – now and for generations to come. For more details about services, programs and more at your new Baptist Hospital campus, visit ebaptisthealthcare.org.
ebaptisthealthcare.org
12 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
Autumn fashion
Gulf Coast Style Choose your vibe from sweater weather headliners By Allison McCrory Photos by Kate Treick Photography
w
ider legs, closed-toe shoes, stacked bracelets, puffer jackets, jungle cats and velvet are among the current styles showcasing in 2023 autumn/winter forecasts. “For fall 2023, we are seeing warm neutrals and jewel tone colors like warm reds, fuchsia, yellow and emerald greens trending. We are also seeing metallics, earth tones and monochromatic looks trending as well,” noted April Cook, co-owner of The South Outfitters in Gulf Breeze proper. “Pants and denim are trending more toward a straight cut and wider leg. In footwear we are seeing classic sneakers, clogs, loafers and hiking shoes on trend,” said Cook, predicting that stacked bracelets will be popular into spring. “We always focus on bringing in apparel that is timeless and classic, which never goes out of style. These pieces can be worn and complimented with current trends,” Cook said. “We try to stock brands that can outfit our customers for anywhere their day takes them from outdoor adventures, work and special occasions.” Shopping list: Fashion is in love with jungle cats so
why not hop on the trend? Fate cheetah sweater, $58, teams beautifully with Renuar ankle pant, $69.95. November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 13
Shopping list:
Feminine, elegant and filled with fall’s rich vibrant jewel tones, this floral top is by Entro $43. Pair with Spanx twill crop wide leg pant in acorn brown, $128.
14 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
Shopping list: There
are a few things that ooze a Thanksgiving vibe – turkey, cranberries and this velvet smocked dress in camel brown by Jodifi, $54, just to name a few!
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 15
Vianca Pitts Vianca Pitts is on an adventure, and it’s called parenthood! “Parenting is an adventure for me because my son is very athletic. He loves trying new things and I can’t let him do them alone. So we end up doing new adventures together,” said Pitts, a self-described introvert who loves relaxing at home with a movie when not on a new exploit with her son. “We never have boring days. We are always looking for new things to do,” said Pitts, who works for the Air Force at Hulburt Field while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. She holds an associate’s degree in Aviation Resource Management. Growing up in Dothan, Alabama, Pitts was surrounded by a large extended family. She participated in color guard as well as playing the clarinet. She also heeded her mom’s advice that looking good meant feeling good, which led to perfecting hair and makeup skills and eventually launching into modeling. Shopping list: Talk about versatile and timeless with
a touch of metallic trend! This cream metallic dress by TCEC, $56, can shine anywhere – with or without a jacket and tights. The neutral color leaves the door wide open for accessorizing.
16 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 17
Shopping list: Don this
Patagonia vest, $189, for your next cool weather adventure. It’s teamed here with Kut From the Kloth ankle jeans, $94, and a versatile Hello Nite crew in camel, $82.
About The Locations
• In Detail Interiors 1514 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola 850-437-0636; indetailinteriors.com • Weatherford’s 3009 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola 850-433-2822; weatherfords.net
Hair Compliments of
Michelle Pate Michel’le Studio 481 S. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville; 850-603-1452
Clothes Compliments of
The South Outfitters 848 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze; 850-916-1600
Model Compliments of
Izon Models & Talent LLC, 301 N. Barcelona St., Suite E, Pensacola; 850-433-2099; izonmodels.com
18 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 19
stylingtheshoot Photography: Kate Treick / Fashion styling: Allison McCrory Where to shop: The South Outfitters
Classic leather crossbody bag, $84.95
OTBT MoJo camel wedge sandals, $138.95
Hydroflask 24-ounce bottle, $45
OTBT Prog black shoes, $129.95
Gold hoop earrings, $16.95
Naked Feet Elect brown platform mules, $135
E Newton classic gold 6 mm bead bracelets, $95 each
Kavu interwoven rope bag, $84.95
Vasque Breeze LT NTX hiking boots, $179.99
20 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
Goodr sunglasses, $25
Newton signature cross navy bracelet, $36
Gold hoop earrings, $12.95
Animal earrings, $12.95
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 21
beauty
Bold & BRI G HT for the holidays Story and photos by Leslie Peck
This holiday season, master the art of monochromatic makeup with a bold lip. This look can easily contrast with an evergreen ensemble. All shades of pinks and purples will pop on eyes, cheeks and lips for a cheery, blushed face ready for all your upcoming parties and events. •
Shopping list: Green dress, $448, and pearl earrings, $34, Bluetique, Pensacola
eyes Start by filling in the brow to frame the face. Use a light pink shimmer all over the lid and up to the brow. Cut the crease with a dark plum and blend out the crease creating a smokey finish on the outer crease with a medium pink hue. Line the top lid with a classic, black wing. You can never go wrong with winged eyeliner. Add an off-white liner on the inner lower waterline to make the eyes look whiter, brighter and bigger. Take a small brush and add just a touch of the plum shadow under the middle of the lower lashes. Layer on lots of mascara to make your peepers pop!
22 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
face Begin with clean, hydrated skin. Next, layer a primer over the entire face to keep makeup in place throughout the day. Use concealer where needed and blend it into the skin with a foundation brush. For fuller coverage, add liquid foundation from the center of the face blended out. Be careful not to use too much foundation especially around the hairline and outer edge of the face. Finish with a mineral or setting powder to complete even skin.
cheeks
This look boasts a deep rose blush to accent the cheek bone with a pink shimmer highlight gently brushed from the temple and top of the apple of the cheek.
lips Line the lip and shade it in with a deep burgundy pencil. Carefully add your favorite bold lipstick, and make sure to take your lipstick and liner with you for touch ups.
Pensacola native Michaela Jacobs is currently pursuing a degree in communication at the University of West Florida while working for Pizzaz Personalized Gifts in Gulf Breeze and Bluetique in downtown Pensacola. When not in school or supporting her two favorite local businesses, she can be found rehearsing or volunteering at the Pensacola Little Theatre. Leslie Peck is a local makeup artist, aesthetician and lash artist with almost two decades of experience. She has worked 11 seasons of NYC Fashion Week as well as several beauty shoots while living in New York City. Leslie also has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles. She specializes in bridal makeup and skincare education and was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007.
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 23
causes
Valerie’s House Pensacola Nurturing hearts and fostering hope for grieving children By Magi Thomley Williams
Valerie’s House at The Chadbourne Foundation Home in Pensacola is shining a light on a sensitive subject, offering support, compassion and healing to children who have experienced the death of a loved one. Under the leadership of Crista Brandt and Jenni Elzweig, Valerie’s House is a sanctuary for grieving families, providing peer-to-peer support services that make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most. TURNING TRAGEDY INTO A GIFT Brandt, Northwest Florida regional director, understands the depths of grief all too well. She tragically lost her mother to cancer when Brandt was just 11 years old. However, rather than allowing this tragedy to define her, Brandt’s purpose is to turn her own pain into someone else’s gift. “I am here to help the ‘me’s’ of today, so they know they are not alone in their grief,” she said. Her dedication to launching the Valerie’s House Pensacola location stems from her commitment to helping children navigate the various stages of grief through healthy outlets. The peer-to-peer support model helps children connect and build bonds with others their age who are having similar experiences. The support groups provide children the opportunity to decrease isolation, recognize their normal feelings of grief and learn safe and effective ways to manage their difficult emotions. It’s a welcoming community where individuals can come together, share and mentor each other through their grief. IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTION Children experiencing grief need 24 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
Jenni Elzweig,program manager, and Crista Brandt, regional director, welcome visitors to Valerie’s House Pensacola located at The Chadbourne Foundation Home, where they offer support for grieving children in a warm, inviting setting.
to feel connected to others who understand their struggles and can relate to their unique challenges. Most children don’t have others in their immediate circle who have suffered the devastating loss of a parent, sibling or close family member. Valerie’s House provides a vital support network. “We serve the entire family,” said Brandt. Caregivers meet while the children participate in age-specific peer groups, offering mutual support and insight into understanding grief from a child’s perspective. Peer-to-peer support is a particularly helpful tool for anyone who struggles to express their emotions, which is essential for healthy grief processing.
“I like the fact that I can know and feel like I’m not alone or the only kid my age that has had a big loss like I have,” she said. “And we have super fun activities that help with trauma processing, and it doesn’t even feel like that’s what we are doing because we do it in a fun way.” Jenni Elzweig, program manager, is a former fine arts teacher who brings a unique blend of compassion and creativity to her role. Elzweig has a long history of helping those who are grieving. Her journey began as a hospice respite provider right out of high school, and she understands the profound impact of loss firsthand, having lost her father to a stroke when she was a young adult.
A PLACE FOR HEALING AND FUN Valerie’s House is more than just a place for healing; it’s a place for fun and celebration too. There, children engage in activities that help them process their trauma in a fun and engaging way. Emma, aged 12, shared how Valerie’s House helps her.
ALL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE Services are offered at no cost to the family, thanks to the generous support of grants and donations. The annual costs of approximately $2,500 for a family with one child cover essential resources, including grief books, peer-
CHILDHOOD GRIEF COSTS THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study
indicates the death of a sibling or parent as one of the most developmentally disruptive and traumatic experience a child can experience.
Over 30% of the children in Florida’s juvenile detention system suffered the loss of a parent or sibling to death as tracked by the Department of Juvenile Justice. Children who
have lost a parent, without the support of others and the tools to know how to grieve, are more susceptible to risk-taking and self-harming behaviors, drugs, criminal activity and other disorders to cope with their grief.
It is estimated that addiction costs the United States $120 billion annually in lost productivity. Children who experience a childhood loss of a loved one are five times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and five times more likely to struggle with addiction.
Local Schools feel the impact. Children who are
grieving are twice as likely to see their grades drop, lose memory and concentration, experience lower attendance as well as suffer from emotional or angry outbursts during the school day. Many of these incidents are seen as a discipline problem, rather than a byproduct of grief.
WANT TO HELP?
• What: Valerie’s House Pensacola • How: Donate or volunteer • More information: valerieshouse.org/pensacola
to-peer support group dinners, family events, volunteer training, supplies and related expenses. Valerie’s House is the first nonprofit in the region solely dedicated to helping children and families navigate the loss of a loved one together. With all programming and funds dedicated to this mission, the organization makes a profound impact on the lives of grieving families. Anyone interested in donating items, contributing funding, providing dinner or volunteering can visit valerieshouse.org/pensacola. Elzweig shared that they will soon introduce “Nourish,” unique salonstyle dinner events held at the house. Look for upcoming details on an extraordinary fundraising experience unique to the Pensacola community. Valerie’s House offers the vital reminder that no child needs to face loss alone. Their commitment to providing grief support services empowers children and families to navigate a world where grief can feel isolating.
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inherphysique.com November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 25
causes
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Women collectively giving back more than $16 million over 20 years By Magi Thomley Williams Photo by Kate Treick Photography
A remarkable group of women has worked tirelessly for 20 years to make a measurable difference in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. These dedicated women are the members of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. At the heart of IMPACT 100 is the commitment to collectively fund significant grants to nonprofit organizations. The community came together on Sept. 28 to celebrate the organization’s 20th year and the multimillion-dollar investment the members have made in the community. Fifty-seven women have maintained membership each and every year. Kristin Longley, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, and public affairs director for the Cox East Region, quoted Shirley Chisholm when she said, “‘Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.’” IMPACT 100 provides Longley and other women the opportunity to fulfill that purpose by serving their community. Joining IMPACT 100 or any philanthropic organization is a powerful way to give back. She emphasized that time, talent and treasure are valuable resources that can change lives. Longley embodies the spirit of community engagement. “I am so blessed to work for a family-owned company that is dedicated to making a difference in the communities that we serve,” she said. Longley’s affiliation with IMPACT 100 began when her friend Meri Asmar encouraged her to renew her 26 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
Kristin Longley, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, and public affairs director for Cox East Region.
commitment to community service. She quickly realized that IMPACT 100 was the ideal avenue for this, drawn to the concept of women joining
forces to make a transformative impact through grants. Regardless of her level of involvement each year, she found comfort in knowing her community
IMPACT 100 PENSACOLA BAY AREA MISSION • To know and serve the community; • To collectively fund significant grants to charitable initiatives; • To set an example of effective philanthropy.
investment was well spent. “Cox and my leaders have always encouraged me to be involved in the community both as part of my role in public affairs, but also in my leadership development. Serving on the IMPACT 100 board, an all-volunteer organization, as publicity chair and now as president, has most definitely stretched my ability to lead, influence and grow the organization,” she said. In 2023, Impact 100 Pensacola Bay Area boasts 1192 members, and continues to be the largest IMPACT in the world. What makes IMPACT 100 truly special is the incredible work its members do for the community year after year. Since its inception, the organization has awarded over $16 million to fund projects that enhance the community. These grants span five essential focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment & Recreation; Family; and Health & Wellness, ensuring a well-rounded approach to community support. Each year, each grant is for at least $100,000. Grants have gone to fill a multitude of needs including food insecurity, summer learning programs for students who are reading below grade level, upgrades to community theatres, vehicles for nonprofit transportation needs, land for affordable housing and so much more. Each October, members meet and vote for the grant recipients after a rigorous selection process including an extensive grant application review and a site visit by IMPACT members. On Oct. 22, eleven grants were awarded for a total of over $1.1 million to nonprofits serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. All nonprofits serving the two-county area are encouraged to apply for next year’s grants by visiting the website for deadlines and more
details. And IMPACT 100’s impact doesn’t stop at awarding grants. The organization takes effective philanthropy seriously. They invest in the capacity building of nonprofits in the region by offering training opportunities like their Nonprofit Workshops and Link & Learns, enabling nonprofit leaders to become more proficient at writing grants and other responsibilities. The training sessions are open to all nonprofit leaders even if they are not IMPACT grant applicants. The “impact of IMPACT” ripples throughout the community. The women of IMPACT go beyond their participation in the organization by supporting the nonprofit organizations that apply for IMPACT 100 grants. Members volunteer to serve on nonprofit boards, help with fundraising, provide items from the nonprofit organizations’ Wish Lists published on the IMPACT website and contribute directly to organizations that touch their hearts. One thing that sets IMPACT apart is its flexibility. Members can choose their level of involvement each year. Some participate in multiple grant review committees and social activities, while others may have constraints due to work, family or health commitments. The beauty lies in the collective effort of hundreds of women who ensure their giving has the greatest impact. Women interested in IMPACT are invited to attend Meet & Mingle events scheduled from November through February each year to learn more about IMPACT Membership and the grants award process. Membership is open to any woman, age 18 or over, who makes an annual tax-deductible donation (membership fee) of $1,000 by March 1 of any calendar year. The entire contribution is used to fund grants. To learn more about IMPACT membership or nonprofit grant opportunities, visit IMPACT100Pensacola.org or email info@IMPACT100Pensacola.org.
Groundbreaking
Mother Baby Care At our new Baptist Hospital campus – thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort and safety of mom, baby and family members during those precious first hours.
ebaptisthealthcare.org November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 27
Be Bold cover story
Three ways to find adventure in your own backyard
By Lisa Player
S
eeking adventure is innate for some women. It’s part of their daily focus and what drives them all the time. But for others, adventure is a little scary. Whichever you are, a little dose of adrenaline can be inspiring and a good way to jumpstart yourself if you need a boost of motivation. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find thrilling activities. And there are plenty of local women who can tell you all about them. ROCK CLIMBING FOR FITNESS AND FUN For a full-body workout along with varying degrees of risk, rock climbing is a great activity. Pensacola has the benefit of two indoor rockclimbing facilities: Weatherford’s and UWF (membership required). Gulf Breeze resident Rachael Rudzinski has climbed both, among a whole lot of other adventurous activities. Having grown up both in Gulf Breeze and Colorado, she’s not only a rock-climbing enthusiast, but has also been a competitive trail biker and loves to boat, camp, golf, surf and hike. “Both climbing walls are great in Pensacola. That being said, UWF’s climbing gym is my personal favorite with a big wall for both bouldering (which is climbing without a rope) and rope climbing,” she said. “At UWF you either have to buy a membership to the gym or go with a college student as a guest.” Weatherford’s is open to everyone for rock climbing, and Rudzinski likes its variety of routes for beginners and more advanced climbers. “Growing up I climbed a lot recreationally and competitively in Colorado,” she said. “I like the adrenaline rush that comes with climbing. Accomplishing a route after trying multiple times and failing is exhilarating. There’s even more to rock climbing for her. “I love overcoming my fears as well. It makes me feel like I can do anything. I am always up
28 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
for a new adventure where I can learn more about myself and grow,” Rudzinski shared. She has some good advice for first-time rock climbers. “Find a gym and go try it! You will most likely meet a group of awesome climbers who can show you the ropes literally and metaphorically,” she said. LEARN TO FLY! According to the Institute for Women of Aviation Worldwide, as of 2020, a mere 5.7% of American private and commercial pilots were women. However, more and more females are taking to the skies. This Blue Angels season was the first for Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee, who joined the team in September 2022, and she, among others, is inspiring a whole new generation of female pilots. Sarah Stillman of Gulf Breeze is one of those young aviators. At 16, when most people her age were just getting their drivers licenses, Stillman started working toward her private pilot license through Sky Warrior Flight Training in Pensacola. “I turned 16 in May and was flying with Sky Warrior in June. By September 20, 2022, after only 12.5 hours with my instructor, I completed my solo flight,” Stillman said. She continued her training through a United States Air Force Flight Academy Scholarship and earned her PPL in July of this year. Stillman said flying is “really fun and challenging,” although reading the manuals and understanding the technical terms can be difficult. “When I am up in the plane, it is so relaxing. Being able to see the world from another perspective is eye opening and a beautiful site to see,” she said. With her PPL under her belt, she plans to continue flying and hopes to fly for the Air Force one day. But for now, she must finish high school first.
Rachael Rudzinski has always lived an adventurous life. She has been a competitive rock climber and mountain trail biker while also enjoying camping, boating and golfing. RIGHT: To Sarah Stillman, learning to fly a plane was as essential as learning to drive a car. Nothing will stop her from pursuing her dreams. Photos provided
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 29
SKYDIVING THRILLS If flying the plane isn’t your thing, maybe you’d rather jump out of it. Jennifer Joyner, a teacher from Navarre, decided that was just the thing to mark her 50th birthday in 2019. “Several former students had done it and they inspired me!” she explained. “I am a thrill seeker and don’t have many fears of trying new things.” Joyner did her skydive with Skydive the Gulf, based in Elberta, AL. They are the closest skydiving center to Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Mobile and Destin. So why would anyone want to “jump out of perfectly good airplane?” Owner Jacob Strain said people share many reasons. “Most of our customers are first time skydivers. We have people that come for the bucket list check mark, the adrenaline rush, but also more uncommon reasons like conquering the lifelong fear of heights,” he said. “We’ve done ‘ash dives’ with
30 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
customers that release the ash of a loved one that never had the chance to skydive. We have siblings, motherdaughter, father-son duos. All in all, skydiving is a unique experience that means something very deep and sometimes very personal to each individual. We love being the vehicle for people to have these extraordinary experiences,” Strain said. Joyner described her experience as being both thrilling and peaceful. “During the first few seconds after leaving the plane, we free fell. Meaning, no parachute. Total exhilaration and a rush. When the chute was pulled, there was total peace. I felt a sense of calm, the air was so crisp and cool with no sound other than the flutter of the chute. The cloud line below us was like a pillow and the sun was setting. I can only imagine that is what Heaven will feel like one day,” she said. Skydiving locally, where you know the terrain and feel a connection, is powerful.
“I could see the cloud line below me and spots of the Gulf and shoreline in between the clouds as we got closer to landing. The sunset was incredible,” Joyner said. “Taking off over land and landing on the beach, coming in over the Gulf, was exhilarating!” Strain shared some things first-timers need to think about before skydiving. “Dress code is athletic wear. Sneakers, shorts, t-shirts. We don’t advise to eat a three-course meal before skydiving, although a light meal is encouraged,” he said. “Lastly, don’t let yourself be too anxious before your skydive. Our tandem instructors and entire staff are excellent at making all our customers feel comfortable upon arrival as well as throughout the skydive.” No matter what your choice, take a bold step and add some adventure to your life. All it takes is a little courage. Or not. “Bravery is really 95% crazy,” according to Joyner.
“
When the chute was pulled, there was total peace. I felt a sense of calm, the air was so crisp and cool with no sound other than the flutter of the chute. The cloud line below us was like a pillow and the sun was setting. I can only imagine that is what Heaven will feel like one day.” — Jennifer Joyner
Jumping out of a plane was an adventure that Jennifer Joyner finally accomplished. She said she is a thrill seeker and isn’t afraid to try new things. Photo provided.
THRILLS GALORE IN AND AROUND TOWN ROCK CLIMBING Weatherford’s, 3009 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola; 850-433-2822; weatherfords.net. Open seven days a week, 3-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 12-6 p.m., Sunday. You must arrive at least two hours prior to closing to complete the required introductory course. $15 per person for new climbers (it takes two people to climb) includes climbing shoes, harness, chalk bag, 10- to 15-minute introductory course and 2 to 3 hours of climbing. $12 for experienced climbers with no gear included. UWF, 11000 University Pkwy., Pensacola; 850-474-2819; uwf.edu or email outdooradventure@uwf.
edu. Requires UWF HLS membership or guest pass with member. FLYING LESSONS
SkyWarrior Flight Training, 4141 Jerry L. Maygarden Rd., Pensacola; 850-433-6115;
skywarriorinc.com. Call or visit website for more information. SKYDIVING
Skydive the Gulf, 28502 Frank Rd., Elberta, AL; 850-543-8756; skydivethegulf.com. Prices range
from $259 per person for an ocean view dive with an airport landing to $495 per person for the all-inclusive sunset dive with ultimate media package.
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Rachel Ousley profile
Deep diving into adventure By Alice Crann Good Photo by Kate Treick Photography
I
t’s like witnessing a metamorphosis while listening to Rachel Ousley describe her favorite place on the planet to scuba dive – Bonaire, the Dutch island in the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Ousley’s quiet persona transforms from passive to effervescent, complete with sparkling blue eyes and immense smiles. “It’s stunning,” exclaimed the scuba instructor/divemaster at Dive Pros in Pensacola. “It’s all natural, colorful reefs of purples, oranges, blues and greens, and many tiny tropical fish.” Her second favorite scuba diving locale? “We love going to Jupiter, Florida, to dive with the sharks,” Ousley said. “When we go, we are not caged in. It’s called live boating where they simply drop you in the water for about 45 minutes, and you drift with the current. Dozens and dozens of sharks come in and up to you. Lemon sharks. Tiger sharks. You simply push them away with your hands. It’s very cool!” For Ousley, this is quite a feat. “I used to be afraid of sharks, and now I love sharks,” she said. This all seems leaps and bounds beyond adventurous when Ousley, 29, tells you she hails from “landlocked” West Plains, South Central Missouri, and grew up afraid of water. “We did have lakes and rivers, and I grew up going to the river often,” she said. “It will sound kind of strange, but 32 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 33
To feed her creativity and add excitement to her scuba diving adventures, Rachel Ousley takes along her SeaLife DC2000 digital waterproof camera. She says she’s hooked on underwater photography, taking dozens of photos each time she dives.
I have always been a little scared of water. That’s why I got into scuba diving to conquer the fear of the unknown.” So, when Ousley’s husband, Mason, decided to leave West Plains in 2012 to study marine biology at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, the couple packed up with no intentions of moving back, Ousley explained. “Marine biology and scuba diving go hand in hand,” Ousley said. “When Mason got into scuba diving, he told me how amazing it is and how life-changing it is.” Leaving her past unadventurous jobs at a restaurant, department store and kinetics plant farm where they belong, in the past, Ousley said she summoned her courage and submerged herself into a new life. “I decided to learn how to scuba dive to literally conquer 34 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
my fear of water and signed up for an open-water class in a pool at Dive Pros,” she said. “I had a wonderful and very patient instructor, Gary Toms. He was my open-water instructor and my instructor all the way up the ladder.” Ousley and her husband are PADI-certified scuba instructors working at Dive Pros. PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is the world’s largest ocean exploration and diver organization, operating in 186 countries and territories, with a global network of more than 6,600 dive centers and resorts and over 128,000 professional members worldwide, according to its website. “I worked hard for my PADI credentials, taking physical tests and written tests,” Ousley said. “I was a diver for seven years before I got certification in 2020 because I wanted to get a lot of experience before teaching students.” Today, while in Pensacola, you often find Ousley instructing or simply enjoying the sport of scuba diving at a vast array of Pensacola’s historic shipwrecks. “The shipwrecks are scattered everywhere, and you can only get to them by boat,” Ousley said. “We actually have the world’s largest artificial reef, the USS Oriskany.” It takes several hours to get to and from the largest vessel intentionally sunk to serve as a reef, Ousley said. “Before being sunk in 2006, the USS Oriskany was a U.S. Navy Essex-class carrier stretching over 900 feet in length,” according to ordinarytraveler.com. “In sinking, the ship remained upright, providing divers both the opportunity to explore the ship and to witness the reef taking hold in its presence. The USS Oriskany regularly makes top ten wreck diving site lists and boasts the nickname The Great Carrier Reef.” “The Oriskany is fantastic!” Ousley said. Divers get to see the massive wreck inside and out and abundant sea life including manta rays, whale sharks, goliath groupers, spade fish and amberjacks. To feed her creativity and add excitement to her scuba diving adventures, Ousley always takes along her SeaLife DC2000 digital waterproof camera. It’s SeaLife’s most advanced underwater camera, complete with RAW imaging capabilities. “I have taken a wild number of photos,” Ousley said, laughing. “My husband gives me a hard time because I will take 50 photos easily of each dive because I want to capture everything, such as seahorses! “This past summer in Pensacola was a good season for seahorses,” Ousley said. “They are so tiny. When you find them, it is like finding a treasure.” Ousley said her Missouri family supports her underwater love affair, and during one of their Pensacola visits she even got them into scuba diving gear for an open-water class at Dive Pros. “I tell people to try scuba diving because if I can do it, they can do it,” Ousley said. “It changed the whole course of my life.”
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profile
Jules Kariher hiked Pikes Peak in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Range with son Dylan. They slept in hammocks at base camp at an elevation of 10,000 feet and then hiked 13.1 miles to the summit the next day. Photo provided After restoring their 33-foot Cape Dory sailboat, “Julie Rose,” Jules Kariher, along with her husband, three sons and two dogs, set sail for the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas, going island to island for a month. Photo by Kate Treick Photography
36 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
JULES KARIHER
Making adventure a family affair By Alice Crann Good
O
nce upon a time in Fort Lauderdale, Jules Kariher was walking her beloved Jasmine, a Lab/ Weimaraner mix, by a New River marina when she stopped dead in her tracks. She spotted a “really cute” shirtless man with long hair on a sailboat. As the story goes, the fateful meeting with her future husband unfurled. “Christopher was living aboard a 25-foot sailboat,” Kariher recalled. “I told him I had always wanted to learn to sail. He offered to teach me. The rest is history.” The couple has been married 23 years and have three sons – Cole, 21, Dylan, 18, and Fisher, 16. Kariher is chief advocacy officer for Ascension Florida in Pensacola, and her husband is a Pensacola architect. Reflecting on her marriage, Kariher completely credits her husband for pushing her out of her “comfort zone.” Before getting married and honeymooning on the couple’s sailboat “Nautical Mystic” in the Florida Keys, Kariher taught aerobics and was into rigorous fitness-oriented activities such as the AIDS Ride – a challenging three-day bike ride. But her life quickly became more adventurous, Kariher said. “Christopher and I vowed to never stop adventuring when having kids; we were determined not to stop what we were doing,” she said. “We wanted our lifestyle to continue and to take our kids along for the ride. This has turned them into adventurers, too. “My oldest, Cole, teethed on the wooden tiller of our sailboat and learned to sail at the age of 5. Dylan learned to sail around the same age and bought himself a 25-foot Cape Dory sailboat at age 13.” As years moved on, the adventures multiplied. “When the boys were young, I dabbled in triathlons,” Kariher said. “I completed about eight Half Ironman Triathlons, two Ironmans and a lot of marathons, including completing the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon in 2009.” Then, life suddenly changed. “Around 2012, I had a serious bike accident on the Garcon Point Bridge,” Kariher said. “I was riding a triathlon bike going about 20 miles an hour and hit a divot in the road. It was a bad wreck, and by the grace of God, no cars were involved.” Speaking softly, Kariher added, “I had an awakening; I felt God was telling me something, that I needed to spend more time with my family. I believed God was telling me to stop, and that’s
when I stopped riding and running, and we shifted gears.” Kariher said this life change didn’t mean forgetting promises to live an adventurous life with their children. In 2015, while looking for a different sailboat, Kariher’s husband discovered a 33-foot Cape Dory sailboat that had good bones but needed some TLC. While inspecting the vessel, he saw the boat’s name, Julie Rose. “My real name is Julie Ann,” Kariher said. “It was destiny.” Thanks to family effort, the time to take destiny for a sail finally arrived. “In 2016, after spending nine months completely restoring Julie Rose, the five of us and our two dogs set sail for the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas,” Kariher said. “We spent a month sailing from island to island, in and out of storms, alongside sea turtles and dolphins, and witnessing stars like we have never seen before. It was an amazing trip.” The future with Julie Rose includes another 30-day Bahama cruise and finally “living our dream to retire” on the beloved classic-looking sloop, Kariher said. But hold on! Life for the Karihers includes so much more than sailing. “With our whole family and friends starting in Blue Ridge, we hiked 30-plus miles of the Appalachian Trail over a long weekend with just our backpacks,” Kariher said. “We slept in hammocks and averaged 13 miles a day.” And, for gosh sakes, let’s not leave out Pikes Peak – one of Colorado’s “54 fourteeners, mountains more than 14,000 feet above sea level.” “The latest adventure was with my son Dylan, who left for college this year,” Kariher said. “We hiked Pikes Peak in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Range. Dylan and I slept in our hammocks at base camp, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, and then hiked 13.1 miles to the summit with our packs on the following day.” Kariher said that after reaching the top, they hiked back down all 13 miles, which isn’t something many do. “It was an amazing hike and very tough,” Kariher said. “At the beginning, I told Dylan I didn’t think I could do it. But he looked at me and said, ‘Mom. You did Ironman.’” No, no, no. This story isn’t finished yet. “That same trip, we mountain biked in Boulder along Boulder Creek and in the surrounding mountains,” Kariher said. “We also white-water rafted down the Arkansas River.” Of course, you did, Jules Kariher. You are an adventurer. November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 37
local fare
Happy Birthday Foo Foo Fest
YOU ARE 10! By Allison McCrory • Photos compliments of Foo Foo Festival
When visionaries gathered more than a decade ago to create an Escambia County arts festival showcasing the area’s theater, visual arts, music and more, they mulled over a potential name. Creatives that they were, “Foo Foo Fest” emerged as the winner! “A foo foo is a musical performance that the sailors used to do on the ships,” explained Foo Foo Fest curator Nicole Stacey. “So how wild and convenient that we’re here at the Port of Pensacola right on Escambia Bay... that’s kind of how the name came to the top.” Ten years later, the event that began with area residents asking, “What the heck is Foo Foo Fest?” is now a go-to favorite for visitors, locals and creatives alike. The 12-day event, held in Pensacola’s prime weather season, offers grant-funded headliners plus a whole lot more. “The big theme for this year is Bigger, Funner, Artier,” Stacey said. “Everything is bigger for the 10 years. We had about $500,000 in grant funds to give away. So we were able to fund sixteen events, which is huge for us.” There is so much to savor this year. “I love the diversity of the events because I think there’s something for everyone. Some of them are free, some of them are minimal cost, some of them are higher-priced ticketed items. But it really allows for any individual to come and enjoy,” Stacey said. While the Gulf Coast attracts big summer buzz, locals have a secret: November Gulf Coast weather is typically magical. Hotel prices are reduced. Lines are shorter. Translation: It’s the perfect time to get your Foo Foo on! “It’s a great time of year when people can get out and enjoy the fall weather with or without kids, with or without parents and grandparents. You can just come and find something fun to do,” said Stacey. “It’s a huge 38 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
series around live music, theater, art, really and truly anything that you can think of that celebrates art. Our focus is to be a welcoming community to all.” FRIENDS OF FOO Besides the 16 grant-funded events, a host of other entertainment takes place during the 12-day duration. Called Friends of Foo, they include they include the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, EggFest, the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, the Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival and more. If your non-profit or for-profit has a performance or offering that would fit at Foo Foo Fest as well as a designated location, simply register it by Oct. 13 under “Friends of Foo” at foofoofest.com. It’s an opportunity Stacey hopes will showcase area talent not funded by a Foo Foo Fest grant – with top-notch marketing of their performance covered. “We want people to kind of help us fill in any of the gaps that our grant-funded events aren’t serving,” said Stacey, explaining that visitors for a long weekend might seek out headliner events but want to fill in with other entertainment offerings. “That’s really where the Friends of Foo events fall in place. And it’s free marketing for those businesses,” Stacey said. “They truly don’t have to do anything but… sign up and then let us take over and help and really facilitate that message that you’re another event in town to go and enjoy.” She explained that they can help any “really fun, cool events” by promoting them this way. A MAGIC CARPET SKY In 2017, we saw an umbrella sky – if not in person on Intendencia Street, then in the thousands of social media pictures capturing the novel colorful canopy compliments of the Friends of Downtown.
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 39
WANT TO GO?
• What: Foo Foo Fest 10th Anniversary • When: November 2-13 • Where: various Pensacola locations • Information: foofoofest.com
Then there was Fire and Rain, a suspended billowing sea of holographic strands, also over Intendencia. Last year, Pensacola Bubble Alley filled the sky on the heavilywalked section of Intendencia outside Angelena’s and the YMCA. This year’s festival introduces Magic Carpet, a 10,000 square foot mosaic taking flight over Museum Plaza. Featuring 48,000 translucent rectangles in vivid colors stitched together with wire filament, the overhead eye candy is sure to once again add an extra wow factor to Foo Foo Fest. The creation, designed by ImpactPlan Art Productions, will serve as a stunning ceiling to many of the festival’s offerings including live music, dining, fitness events, theatrical events and more. WIN-WIN FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY Unlike many communities of equal size, Escambia County has a bustling arts scene boasting the “Big Five,” Stacey explained. We are home to a ballet, a symphony, art museums, theater and an orchestra. Typically, there
are many more entertainment options each weekend than there is time to participate. So why not showcase that? “Now is really the time that we bring everyone together and we say, ‘We want to celebrate the arts. We want to celebrate our culture, our entertainment,’’ she said. “We’ve had more money to fund the grants and that results in Tourist Development Tax money, that results in more visitors, that results in more people staying in paid accommodations in Escambia County,” said Stacey. “We’re always trying to save money for the resident and bring more money in.” Check out Foo Foo’s new website – jazzed up to celebrate the 10th anniversary. “Everything can be found at foofoofest.com. The website has all been revamped and it looks really cool,” Stacey said. In fact, the website is the best go-to for event information. “Foo Foo Festival is a grant. It’s really an umbrella of all these events and more. Go to the website to learn all about the events that are happening during the 12 days. Those events are clickable so you can reach out to those event organizers for ticket information, for volunteer opportunities, for vendor information.”
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40 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
FOO FOO FEST HEADLINERS Artisans are transforming $500,000 in Foo Foo Fest grant money into 16 creative endeavors that will be showcased throughout Escambia County Nov. 2-13. “If you’re new to the arts scene, it introduces you, but if you’re frequent to the arts scene, it reminds you of just the caliber that is here in Pensacola ... so you can come and enjoy them while also enjoying our beautiful beaches while also enjoying everything else that this community has to offer,” said Foo Foo Festival curator Nicole Stacey, who directs patrons to the clickable website for details and tickets. Nov. 2-13: Magic Carpet, UWF Museum Plaza, free Magic Carpet 2023 is a vibrant 10,000 square foot mosaic of 48,000 translucent rectangles displaying over Museum Plaza for the duration of Foo Foo Fest.
Nov. 9: Songs Down South, 5 p.m. food, 7:30 concert, $75 (concert only) or $125 for both The Pensacola Opera will perform blues, show tunes, opera and more; specialty drinks and elevated Southern food will be included, all hosted by a nationally recognized drag artist.
Nov. 2-30: Poseidon’s Garden, Maritime Park, free More than 300 mouth-blown spikes and orbs created by First City artisans will rise from the tidal basin by Maritime Park in tribute to our area’s rich waterways.
Nov. 9, 5-7 p.m.: “The Living Museum: A Trip through Pensacola’s History,” Pensacola Museum of History, free An interactive experience will feature diverse characters from Pensacola’s history, beginning in 1559 with the discovery of Pensacola by Don Tristan de Luna and continuing through today. Costumed actors will incorporate relics from the museum in this interactive performance.
Nov. 2, 6 p.m.: Singing in the Street, Pensacola Museum of History, free Presented by Choral Society of Pensacola and Pensacola Children’s Chorus. Sing along in this super-charged production merging Disney, Broadway and a flash mob. Nov. 2, 7-10 p.m.: Xanadu Kick-Off Party, REX Theater, free A musical review sampling starring members of the cast and crew of Xanadu followed by a meet & greet and talk back session. Nov. 3, 8-11 p.m. and Nov. 4, noon - 11 p.m.: Night Moves Music Fest, multiple locations, VIP & general admission The umbrella organization Night Moves presents 10-12 alternative/indie acts at an open-air festival Nov. 4 preceded by a VIP pre-show at The Handlebar Nov. 3. Additional performances listed on foofoofest.com. Nov. 4, 2-5 p.m.: Week in the Park kickoff with Music in the Park, Veterans Memorial Park, $10 donation/$40 VIP access Black Bird Anthem and Josh Davis kick off a week of events honoring veterans. Click on the event via foofoofest.com for more information and tickets. Nov. 7 & 8: Rhythm & Canvas, Pensacola State College, music event is ticketed Visual artist Scott Andresen’s works will be on display for the entirety of Foo Foo Festival; Andresen lectures, followed by a reception, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. Grammy-winning Adonis Rose, whose music is a tool to promote social justice, will perform twice on Nov. 8. Nov. 8 at 5, 6 & 6:30 p.m.: POP Odyssey Tour, downtown Pensacola, tickets required A trolley tour with curated stops at each Pensacola Outdoor Project mural. Nov. 8-12 (various times): Singeasy, Pensacola Little Theatre, tickets required A speakeasy-inspired event featuring a blend of musical genres in a candlelit black box theater.
Nov. 9-12, various times: Desperate Measures, The Gordon Community Art Center, $18 tickets Based on Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, Desperate Measures is an entertaining, witty, and fast-paced Wild West musical by PenArts. Nov 10-12 (various times): Xanadu, presented by Dixon School of Arts and Sciences at the University of West Florida, tickets required Xanadu will serve as an educational and fundraising tool for students at Dixon School of Arts & Sciences. Nov. 11, 4 - 11:59 p.m.: 309 Punk Project in Old East Hill Area, free & ticketed events A DIY street parade from 813 E. LaRua Street in Old East Hill to From the Ground Up Community Garden, 501 N Hayne St., kicks off this event. A Night on the Tracks block party with interactive games from the MESS Hall followed by free and ticketed musical events, visual arts and film screenings. Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.: On Broadway, Pensacola Saenger Theatre, tickets required The Pensacola Civic Band and Broadway performer Megan Hilty team up for an evening of show tunes and musical theater.
TOP: Megan Hilty and the Pensacola Civic Band will transport patrons to Broadway Nov. 11 at the historic Saenger Theatre. BOTTOM: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Mac McAnally raises tunes and funds for Veterans Memorial Park Nov. 11 at First Baptist Church’s Chipley Hall.
Nov. 11, 1 p.m.: Homecoming: A Musical Celebration of History, National Naval Aviation Museum, free The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, featuring an ensemble of 12 brass and percussion musicians, honors members of the Armed Forces in a Veteran’s Day concert. Nov. 12, 1-5 p.m.: Jazz for Justice, Museum Plaza, free & ticketed options Legal Services of North Florida once again presents a lineup of high-caliber New Orleansstyle music. VIP experiences at Voices of Pensacola Museum available. November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 41
body and soul
BREAKING FITNESS AND NUTRITION comfort zones Destination: a revitalized YOU By Leah Seacrest • Photo by Getty Images
42 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
B
reaking out of our comfort zones is oftentimes daunting and a bit scary! Embarking on a wellness journey requires more than just a few tweaks to our daily routine; it often involves stepping into uncharted territory. However, by stretching our boundaries in fitness and nutrition, we not only optimize our physical health but also can reveal a brandnew reservoir of strength, heightened commitment and resilience. If you feel like your fitness has stalled and your diet has gotten stale, it’s time to consider ways to reinvigorate your journey. EXPANDING YOUR BOUNDARIES IN FITNESS 1. Try a new sport or fitness class: Whether it’s aerial yoga, dance fitness or pickle ball, there’s a world of options that might be very different from your usual cardio or strength routine. Look up what’s currently being offered by local gyms and studios. Time to try something you’ve never done before. You just might discover muscles – physical and mental – you haven’t exercised in a while. 2. Join a local sports league: Engaging in team sports like tennis, bowling or ultimate frisbee can be a way to challenge yourself and foster community connections. Being a part of a team boasts a host of benefits including accountability and camaraderie along with the perks of being active. 3. Set a challenging fitness goal: Whether it’s running a marathon, mastering a particular yoga pose or hiking a challenging trail, setting a tangible goal can motivate you to push beyond your current limits. Seek out beginner clinics and workshops to set you up on a training path to success! REVOLUTIONIZING YOUR NUTRITION 1. Experiment with different diets: Explore plant-based, Mediterranean
or even intermittent fasting to see how different eating patterns might benefit your body. Always do so under the guidance of a nutritionist or health expert. You just might find a new way to ensure you are properly fueling your current lifestyle. 2. Cook a new cuisine every month: Whether it’s Thai, Ethiopian, Peruvian – there are so many to choose from – trying out new cuisines can expand your palate and introduce you to beneficial nutrients and cooking methods. Cruising the web, food channels and borrowing recipes from friends are great ways to widen your culinary repertoire. 3. Take a nutrition workshop or class: Learn about fermentation, sprouting or even holistic nutrition through local workshops or online classes. You can even find workshops teaching new skills such as making your own sushi or pasta. 4. Go on a field trip: Head to your local farmers market and challenge yourself to create a true farm-to-table meal with locally sourced ingredients. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy produce in their prime, peak season while supporting local farmers.
… by “stretching our
boundaries in fitness and nutrition, we not only optimize our physical health but also can reveal a brandnew reservoir of strength, heightened commitment and resilience.”
In fitness and in nutrition, stepping outside of our comfort zone can lead to personal growth, unexpected wins and tangible health benefits. It’s not always about the most significant changes but rather the willingness to experiment, learn and adapt. By doing so, we not only revitalize our physical well-being but also stimulate our minds and enrich our lives. Exploring new workouts and cuisines can rekindle our passion for wellness, making the journey as exciting as the destination. Leah Seacrest is a seasoned fitness industry veteran with 26 years of experience teaching individual and group fitness. Leah is passionate about inspiring people to move and she contributes as a writer for Bella Magazine, co-owns REGYMEN Fitness Pensacola and is corporate vice president of REGYMEN Fitness. November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 43
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worth the trip
Let’s go TO LYON! Story and photos by Liz Biggs
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rance’s third-largest city, Lyon, straddles the Rhône and Saône rivers. After Paris, it is considered the country’s most significant cultural center. The city offers a generous cityscape of red-roofed buildings, tree-lined boulevards and riverside promenades. There is nothing like losing yourself among the cobblestone streets of Old Lyon, a rich collection of Renaissance architecture and intimate traboules, unique passageways through buildings that connect adjacent streets, all of it overlooked by the grand basilica atop Fourvière Hill. (That view!) French cuisine is sublime here, with chefs like Paul Bocuse enjoying celebrity status. A salade lyonnaise with a glass of Beaujolais makes the perfect lunch. My sister and I recently had the good fortune to travel to Lyon. Here are some of my favorite things. LES HALLES Recognized the world over as France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon boasts a culinary heritage long cherished by locals and visitors alike. Here the very essence of food is celebrated. And because the ingredients you use can make all the difference, Lyon offers a wonderful selection of indoor and outdoor markets selling fresh local produce, cheeses, meats, bread and other delicacies. Among its most noteworthy is the historic Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, consistently listed among the city’s top markets. Les Halles’ original building, completed in 1859, served as the city’s first indoor market and it proved highly popular. However, little more than a century later, it reached its capacity and was torn down to make way for a larger space. In the new structure, the market reached new heights of success, emboldening the city to renovate once again in the early 2000s. The result is the current three-story building bearing the name of the late Michelin-starred chef Paul Bocuse, widely regarded as the “Pope of Gastronomy.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Centre Nautique Tony Bertrand, Lyon’s public swimming pool; the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviere; Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse; Lyon’s Flower Tree, a colorful piece of contemporary art. November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 45
ABOVE: Modern apartment buildings in La Confluence district. RIGHT: Delicious food in Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
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Today, Les Halles is home to more than fifty vendors, restaurants and bars dedicated to providing only the best, whether it is truffles, nuts, fish or cheese. This is paradise for any food lover. Before I left the states, I did my homework and watched Anthony Bourdain’s episode on Lyon. I made notes to try the local specialty – quenelles de brochet Nantua (poached fish cakes in lobster sauce.) They looked so delicious on TV. Gross! They were nasty. I also had notes to try the Saint-Marcellin soft French cheese made from cow’s milk. (I don’t like goat cheese.) It was almost liquid by the time we walked back to our hotel from Les Halles in the heat. But, oh so delicious with a freshly baked baguette. THE PARC DE LA TÊTE D’OR Similar to New York’s Central Park, it is so huge (290 acres!) that you can’t possibly walk through all of it in a day. If you ever visit Lyon in the spring or fall, when the park is at its peak beauty, be sure to rent a paddle-bike-for-two or a boat to enjoy all the vistas the park has to offer. There is a large botanical garden, a lake, as well as a zoo that houses animals from around the world. THE PAINTED WALLS While painting on walls is as old as time, Lyon has taken the art of modern urban wall painting to new heights with nearly 60 outdoor murals. Some are breathtaking flights of fancy; others are marvelous examples of trompe l’oeil, depictions of everyday life so realistic you could almost walk into them. According to France Today, in the early 1970s, a group of local students got to discussing the closed nature of the art world, concluding that art was a form or expression largely confined to galleries and museums. Murals, they decided, would bring art to ordinary people. A group of ten students went to study modern wall painting in Mexico, where Diego Rivera had launched a new artistic tradition in the 1920s with a series of powerful, storytelling techniques to convey modern political messages. CitéCréation, their student cooperative movement, was born. The murals are spread out throughout the city and are a bit tricky to find. We only managed to find three. If I ever visit Lyon when it is cooler (August is hot!), I will book a Painted Walls bike tour, because the ones we saw were fantastic. LA CONFLUENCE Off the beaten path, my sister obligingly agreed to this long walk to the southern tip of Lyon. If, like me, you are a fan of modern architecture, this area is not to be missed. “Once a landscape of empty warehouses and urban blight, the newly dubbed Confluence is a district of cuttingedge architecture and innovative redesign. After years of construction and investment, the urban-renewal project has brought new shops, restaurants, high-end lodging and one groundbreaking new museum (reminiscent of the Bilbao Guggenheim) to a formerly abandoned part of the city,” as per lonelyplanet.com. November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 47
Vineyards in the Côtes du Rhône and Beaujolais regions.
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We marveled at the futuristic buildings and wished we had time to experience the fantastic Musée des Confluences, which resembles a floating crystal cloud of stainless steel and glass. VINEYARD TOURS AND WINE TASTINGS Although Lyon is a wonderful city with plenty to do, one of my favorite things is its proximity to the important Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône wine regions. We booked two tours in advance and thoroughly enjoyed both. Plan about an hour-long winding drive up into the mountains to get to the vineyards. Lucky for us, our visit was just before harvest, so the grapes were plump and ready to be picked. We learned that all grapes must be picked by hand and no irrigation is allowed. So many rules – no wonder French wines are so good! Cooking classes are very popular in Lyon too. We wanted to book one at Plum Lyon Teaching Kitchen but ran out of time. If you ever get the chance to visit Lyon, you should go! There are so many things to see and do. It is only a two-hour train ride from Paris – definitely worth the trip.
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local fare
Marcie Rey Landreth “Fierce Feminina” empowering women to embrace their strength and beauty By Magi Thomley Williams • Photos by Kate Treick Photography
I
n a world that often demands us to be strong, resilient and beautiful, the journey of Marcie Rey Landreth is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Landreth’s story of creating the newsletter “Fierce Feminina” is a testament to the power of embracing one’s true self, regardless of societal expectations. Landreth’s transformational journey began unexpectedly at the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance Conference, where she attended a session on sabbaticals. Little did she know that this session would trigger a profound realization within her. “I just started crying as she’s talking about taking a sabbatical,” Landreth recalled. It was at that moment that she realized she needed a break from the relentless cycle of work and self-neglect. Retreating to a cabin for a few days, Landreth delved into introspection, armed only with her journal and a single book. She reflected on her life and the person she had become – a dedicated worker in the nonprofit sector, tirelessly focused on serving others but forgetting to serve herself. Her cup had run empty, and it was time for a change. Out of this self-reflection emerged the concept of “Fierce Feminina.” Landreth wanted to create a platform where women could boldly embrace both their strength and femininity. “I am fierce, and I am feminine. I can absolutely be both,” she said. This was a powerful revelation that challenged conventional stereotypes and embraced the idea that beauty could be bold and powerful. The name “Fierce Feminina” also carried cultural significance for Landreth. She added the “A” to “Feminina” to reflect her Hispanic heritage, making it a name that resonated with her on a personal level. As Landreth returned to her daily life, the idea of a newsletter dedicated to the “Fierce Feminina” took shape. It was a platform where Landreth could celebrate women who embodied these qualities. “I was able to look around and see other women who are also Fierce Feminina. And it’s like you’re able to see these characteristics in other women that are just like you,” she explained. This platform became her means of connecting women
and inspiring them to embrace their own unique blend of fierceness and femininity. Landreth also harbors a deep desire to be a representative for women who may not see themselves represented often enough. She recalls her excitement watching the movie “Selena” with her daughters, seeing someone who looked like her achieve greatness. Landreth wants to be that representation for other women, inspiring them to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. Each week, Landreth curates articles that align with the core values of “Fierce Feminina” – embracing both fierceness and femininity, inspiration, heartfelt connections, and meaningful causes. Her purpose is clear: To ignite and empower women to “Be Fierce” and boldly live their passions, creating profound change in their communities and wholeheartedly embodying lives of unwavering purpose. Landreth’s love for nonprofits shines through as she features various nonprofits in her newsletter, emphasizing the importance of giving back. She also created a 30-day self-care journal called “A Guide to a Heart Centered Life,” designed to promote healing guidance and kindness. A portion of sales proceeds goes to Set Free Refuge where she is executive director and cofounder. “We help sexually exploited and human trafficked women through mental health treatment and support services. I want to inspire and inform the larger community about what we’re doing,” Landreth said. “Fierce Feminina” is not confined by geographical boundaries. Landreth envisions a global platform that connects women from diverse backgrounds. She believes that seeing and being inspired by women who look like us is a powerful motivator. “It’s not that you’re asking for permission, but you’re seeing that it’s possible,” Landreth asserted. Landreth’s journey to creating “Fierce Feminina” is a story of self-discovery, empowerment, and the profound impact of representation. Her platform is not just a newsletter; it’s a movement that encourages women to unapologetically embrace their fierceness and femininity while making a meaningful difference in the world. To join the “Fierce Feminina” community find them on Facebook and Instagram. November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 51
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girls night out
Afternoon tea at
The Olde English Creamery By Kelly MacLeod Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Looking for something different for your next gathering with the girls? Grab your fascinator, dress up for afternoon tea and head to The Olde English Creamery on Zaragoza Street in downtown Pensacola. Most of us in my group didn’t have fascinators lying around, so we donned our most elaborate and festive hats for our reservation at the delightful bistro that is an homage to one of Britain’s favorite pastimes – afternoon tea. Turns out, they sell fascinators there, so you can purchase one at the Creamery. We had the traditional afternoon tea that, in addition to the famous hot beverage, comes with a tiered platter full of finger sandwiches, scones, mini-sausage rolls, clotted cream, jam and other sweet treats. We had fun trying some of the different teas: Yummy Berry Herbal (wild currant and fruity tasting blend), Buckingham Palace Blend (signature tea is a popular blend which boasts jasmine and hints of bergamot and is served annually at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in London) and Lady Blue (a unique black tea taste with passionfruit, grapefruit, orange and grenadine flavors). Even those of us that don’t typically drink tea found something tasty to sip on. The eats were delicious and even though it was teatime, don’t let the name fool you – there’s also wine on the menu! The Olde English Creamery is a cozy restaurant that celebrates the joy of coming together over tea. It’s about taking time to be together and spend time talking. It was a full house the day my group was there with many families or groups of friends getting into the spirit of the English afternoon tea.
TOP: Catherine Hedden, Kelly MacLeod, Alicia Ahern, Cheryl Kelsch, Lisa Sharp, Victoria Mullet and Christine Battistella enjoyed an afternoon tea. ABOVE: Jasmine Brown, Audrey Brown, Phyllis Johnson, Jackie Allen and Sally Johnson are four generations enjoying a family outing.
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 53
The Olde English “Creamery is a cozy
restaurant that celebrates the joy of coming together over tea. It’s about taking time to be together and spend time talking. It was a full house the day my group was there with many families or groups of friends getting into the spirit of the English afternoon tea.”
TANIA HENSON
Tania Henson opened The Olde English Creamery in March of 2019. Originally from London, she has lived in the Pensacola area since 2008. “I’ve watched downtown be revamped since about 2010 and then it really kicked in around 2013,” Henson said. “I always used to come downtown, and I always thought that there’s not enough of a tea place and I’ve always loved tea. It felt like it would be a good fit for Pensacola because it’s also a historical city.” It was immediately well received, and they quickly developed a strong following, which helped keep them going through COVID and the bay bridge being closed. Many groups of friends and families make it a tradition to return to the Creamery for afternoon tea. “We have a lot of solid repeat business September through May with all of the locals, and then in the summer we have visitors that come back every year. Once they visit, they love it.” The work is labor intensive, and the china has to be hand-washed, but it is worth it for the charm and experience that people love. There are two to three seatings a day and they are open Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are needed but keep an eye on the Facebook page for possible availability for same day walk-ins. They also host parties such as showers and birthdays and have special events throughout the year. Look for St. Nick-themed parties in December.
WANT TO GO? • • • •
What: The Olde English Creamery Where: 221 E. Zaragosa St., downtown Pensacola When: Seatings are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays; 12 p.m. and 2 p.m on Sundays Contact and More Information: Call 850-542-7969 for reservations; visit facebook.com/ theoldeenglishcreamery for more information.
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out&about Light Up Learning
Light Up Learning, the signature fundraiser for Studer Community Institute’s early brain development initiatives, was held on Sept. 7 at Wahoos Stadium and hosted by board member Josh Sitton. The event is critical to SCI’s mission of building babies’ brains, giving every child the opportunity to be the best they can be, and making Pensacola America’s first Early Learning City. The festive event, held annually at Wahoos Stadium in September, provides inspiration and appreciation for sponsors. Photos by Toni Sparks
Bethanne Edwards, Kelly St. Meyer, Heidy Munoz and Francesca Lupo with five members of the Blue Angels team
56 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
Carol Ann & Jeff Rogers
David Hoffenberg, Brandy Edwards, Christa Allen, Kendrick Dodge, Micheline Walker
Stephanie & Donald Shelton
Sharon Hackett, Elsa Sapp, Shirley Henderson, Bria Bass, Arnesha Nuniss, Krispin Dunlap
Jody King, Madrina Ciano
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 57
58 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
Christie Saffold, Jenni Perkins
Heidy Munoz, Francesca Lupo
Garrett Brooks, Kristin Ales
Buddy Sea, Myriah Greiner
Kathleen & Tim Shoop
Zach & Karli Brothers
Mitchell Legree, Erica Legree, Neal Croom, Brittney Croom, Justina Royster, Antonio Royster, Reshonda Watson, James Watson Classes designed to introduce the Indo Board as a fitness tool. Benefits are endless, such as build insane leg and core strenth, as well as improve balance and coordination. Originally created for surfer training, now used for anyone wanting to improve their athletic performance. Try it!
Book a private or group balance board workout on Surf & Turf’s Facebook or contact Tiffany at (850) 207-9844.
Stephanie Edwards, Von Edwards
Erin Spainhour, Catherine Koveleski, Noel Koveleski
Mark Ciano, Emory Smith, Fred Robbins, Von Edwards, Donte Sheppard
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 59
out&about IMPACT 100
On Sept. 28, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area celebrated its 20th anniversary with an evening full of inspiration. Entertainment was provided by the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, Pensacola Ballet and the Pensacola Opera, all of whom have received grants over the past 20 years. The mission of this group of women is to know and serve the community, to collectively fund significant grants to charitable initiatives and to set an example of effective philanthropy. Over the past 20 years the group has awarded 153 grants, giving over $16 million back to our local community. Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Pensacola Ballet wowed the crowd at the 20th anniversary celebration
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Dave & Mary Hoxeng, Melissa McCrae, Brent & Angela Lane
Amanda & Craig Hindsman, Connie Bookman
Patricia Russo, Kathy Holsworth
April Davidson, Katy Hendry, Jennifer Ash, Rianna Jorgenson, Meredith Yeager
Meri Asmar, Karen Kellams, Victoria Mullet
Debbie Ritchie, Maria Goldberg
Brigette Brooks, Jennifer Weber
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 61
out&about Ribbons of Hope Charity Ball
The Pensacola Breast Cancer Association held its13th Ribbons of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Ball on Oct. 7 at the Pensacola Yacht Club. Attendees celebrated the organization making a difference through education, screening and diagnosis for those in need throughout the Florida Panhandle. Music, dancing and a silent auction helped create a festive evening. Photos by Toni Sparks
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Reggie Dogma, Dr. George Smith, Danielle Nettles, Chandra Smiley, Sonia Castillo, Jackson Turner, Taylor Estes
Allan Mandel, Willa Lichata, Glenn Mcduffy
Tina Lightel, Meredith Bell, Sidney Hubley
Abby Davis, Aubrey Gatlin
Barbara Dean, Lillian Johnson, Tammy Copley, Carolyn Grawl
Sarina Young, Samya Nettles, Quentyn Sellers
November 2023 • Bella Magazine • 63
Craig & Beth Clark
Brynn Ammon
64 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
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her perspective
When I grow up, I want to be… According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-tolate 20s. The part of the brain behind the forehead, called the pre-frontal cortex, is one of the last parts to mature. This area is responsible for skills like planning, prioritizing and making good decisions. Then why oh why do we expect 18-yearolds to declare a major and know what they want to be when they grow up? I have a friend who graduated from law school but hated being a lawyer. He now owns a title company. Another friend got a degree in building construction but hated the field; he is now a financial planner. My tennis pro/instructor is now a high school English teacher. When I was 18, I majored in accounting. For two years I took every accounting course my college offered. What did I learn? That I hated accounting! (I hate puzzles and Wordle too, go figure.) Graduating with a degree in business, I ended up with a career in corporate sales and guess what I learned? That I hate sales! I loved the travel and the cool, shoulder-padded business suits. I just hated selling clients more than they needed so I could make quota and win that trip to Acapulco. Lucky for me, I eventually found a job that I love – being a mom. Our oldest son wanted to be a doctor. He graduated college with honors, did well on the MCAT – and was crushed when he didn’t get into med school. He was accepted into Emory University’s anesthesia assistant program and is now an anesthetist. How many kids grow up thinking, “Yay, I want to put people to sleep for a living – stick tubes down their throats and needles in their veins!” Yet, he absolutely loves his work. Who knew crushed dreams could result in dreams coming true? If failure leads you to the right path, then maybe failure is a blessing. Son number two wanted to be an engineer. He was
accepted into UF’s school of engineering and had an internship at a firm. But the day came that he realized that was not the right path for him. Trying to ease the pressure he felt, I handed him the UF course catalog listing all the possible majors and jokingly said, “Pick one, any one,” as if it was a game of cards. But it’s not like picking a card; what you choose sets the course for your life. He graduated with a degree in construction management and is building a water reclamation facility for a Nestle factory in Arizona. His construction sites are so vast that he gets to use a drone to inspect and manage progress. He always loved Legos and remote-controlled toys as a child, so he gets to do what he loves! Son number three graduated from UF with a biology degree and was accepted into PharmD school. Barely 21, he decided to defer his acceptance and take a gap year. (To be a pharmacist now, a four-year doctorate is required – the same amount of debt as med school.) He drove his rickety 2005 Ford Explorer across the U.S. and got a job at Zion National Park. That led to a better job at Sequoia National Park. Now he is a NPS Ranger at Big Cypress National Preserve. Will he decide to keep his spot at UF PharmD school next fall? Or will he decide to forge a lifelong career with the National Park Service? Who knows? If there’s anything I’ve learned as a parent, it’s to sit in the back seat and keep your mouth shut. It’s not your life, it’s theirs. When they fail and their dreams are crushed, I say, “I love you.” When they succeed and their dreams come true, I say, “I love you.” I was a college cheerleader. Pretty much the only thing I learned in college that paid off is my cheerleading skills. As a parent, win or lose, I spend a lot of time cheering from the sidelines.
Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.
66 • Bella Magazine • November 2023
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