LOCAL HOMESTEADER CLEMENTINE SMITH the
Barefoot Veggie Wagon
In a world that often glorifies hustle and ambition, the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 offer a refreshing and counter-cultural perspective: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” This scripture calls us to embrace simplicity, hard work, and a life of interdependence.
For Clementine Smith, living out this verse means finding fulfillment and purpose in the quiet rhythms of her home, garden, and barnyard. It’s a life where every plant, every animal, and every family member relies on one another and, ultimately, on God for growth and health.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO BECOME A HOMESTEADER?
Home is truly where my heart is, so I wanted a job that would allow me to stay there. I started taking over more of the garden work and selling excess veggies.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my curiosity which leads me to discover and accomplish things I’m passionate about. I know myself and trust myself enough to push through adversity and kind caution.
The first morning I ever milked my cow, I did it sitting in an open barn with her, not attached to anything. She was standing over a bowl of feed, which was unbelievable considering the morning before she had been in a commercial dairy.
My parents have been gardening for as long as I can remember. Helping to grow things was just part of my life.
When it comes to gardening, sometimes the production of the garden will fail for many years- but that’s just the nature of growing things. overcoming these challenges is never to get discouraged and quit. If tomatoes fail one
year, plant them again the next year; maybe they’ll make it. I’ve had so many instances where perseverance led to the best year of harvesting or owning an animal I’ll never forget.
One memorable day, we picked up a bull calf from the dairy for my cow to raise. She had never been a surrogate mother before, and we were planning on calf sharing, so we would have to take the calf away from her at night so there would be milk for us in the morning. We’d never successfully done that before. I was so nervous driving that calf home, wondering if we would get it there and if she would freak out and we’d end up bottle-raising this thing. The thing I learned in the process was to trust nature. We let that calf out, and my cow took to it immediately. She went on to raise another baby that wasn’t hers. Nature will usually work things out the way they are intended if I trust it and let it do its job.
“MY ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD BE “PURSUE THE THINGS THAT HELP YOU BECOME THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BE”.
by
Story
In a culture where most kids’ creativity is being stifled due to dwindling music and art programs, there are a select few young people who go against the grain and take the road less traveled. Taylor Hall seems to be one of them. She defines herself as “pleasantly weird” admitting that she isn’t into all the typical things other teenagers seem to be engrossed in. To put it simply, she traded social media for a paintbrush.
Taylor Hall is 14 years old and is a Freshman at Altha High School. Not only is she an artist, but she played middle school basketball and Varsity Basketball at Altha High. She is proud to tell that she is the mascot, Claw’d the Wildcat, for her school. She also boasts of being in Junior Beta Club where she serves as chaplain. She also won third place at State Convention for her Butterfly Painting and will go on to National Convention in Savannah, GA in June of 2024.
Othesr of her many achievements are:
•First place, State Level, in FCCLA for the “Repurpose and Redesign” division for making “Taylor’s Teeter Totter” for Altha School’s pre-K and kindergarten students. She advances to the National Competition as well in June, located in Seattle, WA.
•First place at the North Florida Fair with her Cow Painting, also through FCCLA.
•Elected Treasurer of Altha School’s Student Government Association.
•Member of AHS Art Club
•Boasts a 4.0 GPA!
Taylor’s life hasn’t been all paint brushes and canvases filled with beauti-
ful art. As with talented people, emotional pain is often the driving force behind the art. “One of my biggest challenges that I face is not having my best friend to paint and draw with anymore.” Taylor was blessed to not only have her artist grandfather as an influence who first exposed her to drawing and painting, but also her great-grandfather who was member of the artist guild in Marianna, Florida. She fondly recalls being as young as 4 years old and her grandfather teaching her how to draw from different pictures online. Her great-grandfather, J.C. Blanchette passed away In February 2017, but then in June, her main influence Bo Blanchette, the man she affectionately calls “Papa” died in a motorcycle accident. Taylor’s mother and grandmother decided not to let these tragedies stop Taylor from exploring her own budding talent, instead they supplied her with everything she needed to keep going.
She sees her art as a way of “zoning out” and allowing her mind to rest. “Painting and drawing has been a type of therapy for me. I absolutely see it as a way to stay connected to my grandfathers and deal with hard times.” During that same time she changed schools and for a young child that can be a hard transition however, she speaks fondly of the change. “I never realized how much Altha Schools would help shape me into the person I am today. Every teacher and staff member has been so encouraging and they praise me every time I create something! Winning with my paintings is like a thank you to them because I am my own worst critic. They are the ones, along with my family that encourage me to keep painting because they can
see beauty in my work that sometimes I don’t see.”
Where entering contests and winning them is a driving factor for Taylor now, she still has a hard time believing when she wins a contest or creates something she thought was impossible. Taylor’s mom tells the story of placing 3rd in the State Beta Competition and it really is a testament to her creativity. “When she walked into the venue and saw the other artists’ entries, she took hers back to the hotel and the night before the contest, she recreated her painting by pulling elements of it that she loved and expanding them. She was still hard at work at 2 am and the result was a third place win to allow her to go compete in Savannah, GA at the national level.” Taylor says winning and bringing something to life that only exists in her mind leaves her in a state of disbelief most of the time. “Most of the time when I see it all come to life, I stand back and look at a piece and think, ‘Wow! I can’t believe I just did that!’”
When I asked Taylor what her insights were about her craft and any advice she would offer to other young artists, her response was simple and quite profound all at the same time. “Just have fun and know that there is a place for your artwork out there. I am slowly learning to not be so hard on myself when I look at what I have drawn or painted, but to just have fun and enjoy it!” She also helps the younger artists through involvement with Pre-K kids through her art club. She also donates some of her paintings to help raise money
through her art club which benefits younger children coming along behind her. When asked why that was important to her, she passionately spoke about the arts, “Without the arts, we have no animation in the future. If other kids don’t find enjoyment in it and learn about art, we lose things like Disney, comic books, and imagination.”
What part do you see art playing in your future? Will it be something you pursue as a career, maybe in art education, or do you see it more as a hobby? “I definitely intend to keep painting and win more spots at state and national competitions. I like to do festivals and my mom and I do those to show off my work. Selling pieces helps me to buy my supplies. I do plan to go to college, but I don’t want to go into art education as it stands now.” “What would you really like to do? What would be the ultimate dream come true for you?”, I asked her. She didn’t hesitate to tell me, “Disney! I would love to work for Disney!”
On top of all your other accomplishments, you are now in a magazine! What do you think about that? “Being featured in Pines and River is so exciting! Just knowing my art could reach lots of readers is incredible but knowing it could reach other kids my age or maybe even younger is pretty awesome! An article like this could show younger kids that other people may love what they do and it is worth taking the chance and putting yourself out there.”
Taylor is 14 and holds herself with grace and understanding for who she is trying to become. She has a lot of wonderful people in her corner and a great support system who believes in her when she may not believe in herself. She is wise beyond her years and just like she thinks that reaching younger artists is “pretty awesome”, we at Pines and River think she’s pretty awesome, too!
Sometimes when writing about local culture, an article will take on a life of its own. Such is the case with this article. As the food and entertainment editor, it is my privilege to inform you, our readers, about local hangouts, up and coming restaurants, the time-honored favorite places, and how they bring our communities together in special ways. What if the place of interest being covered in the writing encompasses all those things? What if the owner of the establishment has a fantastic and inspiring story to go with it? That is when an article basically writes itself.
In a tucked-away corner of East Jackson County is a little town called Grand Ridge. Situated a little west of Lake Seminole and Sneads, Florida, it is home to a small but
proud farming community. Once upon a time, it was a bustling place before the interstate came through. Here in Grand Ridge, you will find people full of hometown pride that are eager to bring back some of the luster lost to innovation years ago. Susan Durden is one of those people. A native of the area, she is determined to help stimulate the local economy in Grand Ridge. The town has not had a major restaurant in decades, and she has decided to change that. As irony would have it, the location where she decided to launch this new venture was not only the site of the once incredibly popular Bay’s Restaurant in Grand Ridge, but also the place where she worked as young woman in her
teens and later for a second job as an adult while working for the state. Susan Durden started out learning the value of service at her grandparents’ table. “My passion for cooking began in childhood. I frequently helped my mother and grandparents in the kitchen and by the age of eight, I could make perfect cathead biscuits! Cooking became second nature to me.” She recalls her grandparents having huge gardens full of fresh vegetables, milk cows for homemade butter and ice cream, and laying hens for fresh eggs. Those times as a young child helping her family work set the path to success she experiences today. As she became older, she began waitressing at the age of 13 at a small restaurant on St. George Island, beginning her career in food service.
H: Susan, why here at the old Bay’s location and why now?
S: It’s home. It’s just home. The Childs family has been more than supportive in opening this new venture in their location. They have always treated me like family, and I intend to keep their family tradition alive by creating a space where you can sit down, enjoy a wonderful meal, and be treated like family.
“In southern culture, nothIng says “I love you” lIke a good meal cooked wIth the best of IntentIons comIng straIght from the heart.”
Susan has a long, extensive history in food service and running businesses in the hospitality industry. It is a history that goes back to her early days working at the old Bay’s restaurant and juggling a state job to boot. During that time, she launched her catering and event planning business which she has been involved in for 23 years now. She has been known to have her hands not only in food service, but event preparation and coordination through her business, Sweet Leaf. For the last 17 years, she has been a leader in catering in
the area. When it became difficult to provide quality food products at venues that did not have full kitchens, she thought outside of the box and invested in a food truck. She will be the first to tell you that it was never her intention to be a “food trucker”, but instead to have a portable kitchen to be able to serve our rural area better. “The food truck served as a commissary for places that didn’t have one. However, if there were festivals in the area, it was a no brainer to get involved and do some cooking at those events. It got my name out there and people began to associate me with Sweet Leaf. It was just good for business.”
H: Did you have concerns about quality in making the transition from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant?
S. Reaching this point has been no small task. All my experiences have culminated in the opening of my own restaurant. A change in food quality has not been as much of a concern as keeping up with the full restaurant concept. There are a lot of things to think about and make sure to take care of.
The restaurant will be known under a different name. Affectionately called “Ridge House” the cuisine is a little
coastal, a little southern, and a little Cajun all on one menu. Steaks, shrimp, and burgers with all the trimmings and a few yummy twists are all staples to the food choices. The ingredients, especially tomatoes, come fresh off the local farms in Jackson County, further stimulating the local economy.
H: How do you feel about competition? Do you feel Jackson County has enough business to go around to support both you and others or do you feel as if there is only enough for a few businesses like yours?
S:There is more than enough to go around to serve the area, and for many people to be profitable as far as other restaurants if they learn what they need to about regulations, food safety, and good cooking! Competition drives the market and gives people choices. When I know there is a place for food trucks at a festival or community gathering, I need to be there, but so do others. It gets the names out there and the businesses grow. I would love to see more businesses come into the Grand Ridge/ Sneads area. It is so good for our local economy. Competition not only benefits the consumers by
providing diverse options, but it also fosters innovation and improvement among businesses. By having a variety of businesses, we can attract more visitors and stimulate further economic growth in Jackson County.
H: I think I know the answer to this question, but what are the advantages to a female stepping out of their comfort zone and becoming their own boss in the entrepreneurial world?
S: Being my own boss, making my own rules both personally and professionally, I am able to say “yes” or say “no”, child care was never an issue for me and it probably all really comes down to time freedom. My husband has been a constant support and works right alongside me while working his own full-time job. I am immensely proud of my children who have grown up in our family business working right along with us. They are well-mannered productive young adults who have learned the value of hard work and a dollar well earned. I just feel completely blessed that the Lord has guided me on this path. Being my own boss also means embracing challenges, making decisions that align with my values, and setting a positive example for my children. It has been incredibly em-
powering to build something from the ground up and see it flourish. I feel completely blessed that the Lord has guided me on this path, allowing me to achieve a balance between professional success and family life.
H: Tell our readers about the civic organizations you are involved in and what some of your passions and interests are.
S: I am deeply passionate about making a difference in this community. This involves engaging in charity work, organizing community events (such as Seminole Lake Fest on June 29) and rallies, assisting during disasters, and providing support where it is most needed. I have served on several boards in different capacities, including my current role as Vice President of the First Ladies of Sneads. We are a nonprofit group that aims to provide support to those in need within Sneads, FL and surrounding areas. In addition, I am dedicated to supporting the Lupus Foundation because I am a lupus sufferer. It is my goal to raise awareness and aid those affected by the debilitating immune disorder. I have managed to navigate the challenges of living
with lupus and prioritized self-care to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. It is important to note that lupus is not something you can catch; it is a condition one is born with.
H: What are some of your biggest challenges and obstacles and how are you overcoming them?
S: Balance has been and still is, my biggest challenge. Putting the phone, computer, and notepad down is hard. I really want to respond immediately to clients. My career path is not for the faint of heart. It is extremely demanding. I wake up answering texts, calls, and emails and go to bed doing the same thing. In between all of that are equally demanding tasks like buying supplies, planning, calculating, ensuring adequate help and staffing, and managing time. Sometimes I must turn it all off, spend time with family, or take a vacation. My family is my biggest supporter, but I know it takes a toll on them as well. They understand my passion and commend me for my dedication!
lebrities that may be in the tristate area. This opportunity has included providing sit-down dinners, lunch, and even dinner out of the food truck while filming and also in-flight catering! The highlight of all of that was having our names and business featured in the credits of the movie “Roadkill”, which was released this year. We were honored to attend the movie premiere and “walk the red carpet”. We have been able to make lifelong friends and celebrate every time we see them in a new role on the big screen.
H: What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
S: I would say being put on the short list to cater for movie stars and ce-
H: What do you hope to see in the future regarding Ridge House?
S: We look forward to expanding even more. The permanent kitchen is well underway and that will be operational sooner rather than later. People are genuinely curious about my journey and where I’m headed and I’m ready to talk about that now. My goal is to make Ridge House the #1 spot for miles around and eventually earn a Michelin Star with my culinary skills. This would involve major changes to create more of a fine dining experience at The Ridge House, and I hope this vision will be welcomed. To achieve this, I plan to hire the best culinary artists in the area and collaborate with experienced professionals. I also want to offer a full oyster bar, serving oysters on the half shell and baked oysters. I live just a little piece away from Ridge House. Every Thursday – Saturday the parking lot is packed with people who are socializing, eating, seeing old friends, and hanging out at the park across the street as a reward for little ones who made “happy plates”. To see this area begin to thrive again after Hurricane Michael and a global pandemic has just been great for my soul and I’m not the only one.
“It is nice to see some growth in our
small-town area and look forward to seeing The Ridge House thrive and become a place for the community to enjoy catching up with friends while enjoying great food.”, remarked Grand Ridge resident Christie Maphis.
In southern culture, nothing says “I love you” like a good meal cooked with the best of intentions coming straight from the heart. The Ridge House feels like home, and it is surrounded with people who share the same vision for this community as Susan Durden. I personally cannot think of a better way to incorporate philanthropy and love for community than sharing common meals and common spaces to eat together with people we don’t get to see often enough. Susan is creating such an environment by bringing together old friends and new faces. We just get to sit, eat, catch up on new tales and old legends while she’s doing it.
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