Creating an Outdoor Landcape That Reflects Wonder and Whimsy
A #Hashtag for Every Day of the Week | Women—Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them | Five Helpful Tips on Time Management | Training Your Pooch | Eat Your Greens! | Go Green—In Your Mug | Non-Toxic Solutions for a Healthier Clean | The Top Romantic Spots in Tallahassee | Trending Now
Style and Grace A Spring Fashion Wonderland
Healthy
Be the Queen of Your Heart
Tabitha Frazier Is Preserving Tallahassee’s History, One Tree at a Time
More Than a Tree: The Legacy of Laura Jepsen | We Love Our Veterans | Peter Boulware: A Man of Character | What Women Should Know
101
Note Gone Bad
View Tallahassee Woman YOUR WAY
Print...
Pick up a copy around town.
Digital...
The digital version of the magazine is posted online every issue on our website, TalWoman.com.
Page Interaction...
Watch the pages come to life USING YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET! Scan the page wherever you see this TWM icon using the LAYAR APP. Watch videos, view slideshows, connect to websites, blogs, social media sites and much more. (Data charges may apply.)
Get Social With Us...
ON FACEBOOK , TWITTER , PINTEREST, AND INSTAGRAM FOR EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT AND UPDATES, INCLUDING EVENTS, PHOTOS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MORE.
facebook.com/tallahasseewoman
twitter.com/talwomanmag
pinterest.com/talwomanmag
instagram.com/tallahasseewomanmagazine
It’s a “Wonder”ful
“Every adventure requires a first step.”
Life
–The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland
It’s so easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life—work, family, chores, and other obligations that just seem to be more of than there is time in a day. Although these things are truly important and deserve our attention, as women we often forget to take time to find—and revel in—the wonders of our life.
Like this issue’s theme of Alice in Wonderland, we often hesitate to go outside of our ordinary daily routine, for fear of the unknown—encountering possible chaos and having our orderly life turn into a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. But if we just take a chance to “go down the rabbit hole,” we may find experiences that will add wonder, excitement and challenges, to make us grow and become happier, more vibrant women. As Alice learned, not all who wonder and believe in impossible things are lost, and it’s in the wandering that you are sometimes found.
Such is the case with our cover woman, Lisa Phipps. With a love of nature and the skills of an artisan, Lisa took her wonder and love of the beauty of spalted wood and has turned it into a life-changing jewelry business. By taking that first step into the unknown, Lisa’s life has truly become a wonderland and every day an adventure.
So many women in our community are pursuing their own Wonderland, often taking risks and leaps into the unfamiliar, then finding out (and revealing to others) how truly remarkable they are. We want to hear about them and their accomplishments. If you know a remarkable “wonder” woman, nominate her for our annual Women Who Mean Business Awards. Last year’s nominees and winners showed the amazing caliber of businesswomen in our community, and we expect that we will be seeing much of the same this year. We look forward to shining a spotlight on these remarkable women who truly put the wonder in wonderful.
Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. Subscriptions are available for $15 for one year (six issues).
The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions.
For more information on advertising, call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com.
Tallah a ss e e Wom a n i s now acce p ting nomin ation s th ro u g h Ma rch 16 , 2 0 15, for recognition o f t he mos t ins p iring and in u ential busines s wo m en in ou r co m mu n ity. Nomin atio n forms and awa rd crit e ria ca n be acce ss ed a n d com p le t ed by going to t a lw o ma n. c o m or by calling (85 0 ) 8 93-9624 or e- m ai l WWMB@t a lw o ma n.co m to r e q u e s t a for m to b e m ai l ed to yo u.
A ll acc ep t e d nomin e es wi l l be sh ared in a fe at ur e se c t ion o f Ta l lah a sse e Wo m a n . No m i n ee s and gu e st s wi ll be ho nored at a lu nc h eon and awa rds p ro gram o n May 5th , w h e n t he winners wi ll be an no u nced . Winn e r s wi ll be recogniz e d i n a s pecial fe at ure i n th e Ju n e -Ju l y is su e o f Ta l lah a sse e Wo m a n .
Sp onsorship opportunity descri p tions and tic k e t in for m ation loc ated at talwoma n.co m. For f urthe r in form atio n or qu es t ions about s p onsorshi p op p ortu n ities, p l eas e call our o ce at ( 8 50) 89 3 -96 2 4 or e-mail WWMB@talw o ma n.co m.
GIRL TALK
WELLNESS | STYLE | KNOWLEDGE | TRENDS | SHOPPING
#mancrushmonday
#madsexyhatter
#fridaynight
#cowboytakemeaway
A #Hashtag for Every Day of the Week
By Keasi Smith
If you’re on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you know that hashtags blew up on the Internet last year. A hashtag, or a word or phrase prefixed with the hash character, is a media tag that allows an electronic search to return all messages that contain it. While hashtags can be used to promote products and events or used to add context to an image, they are also just plain fun.
Most of us know about #throwbackthursday, where you post an old picture of yourself on social media accompanied with the hashtag, but what you may not know is that there’s a hashtag for every day of the week. This trend has taken off, and many are excited to have a reason to post every day of the week. Here’s a list of the most popular hashtags.
Monday
Use #mancrushmonday to share your celebrity crush with your friends or #mondayblues when you’re having a tough time accepting there’s another five days till Friday.
Tuesday
Post a side-by-side picture of what you look like now and what you looked like years ago with #transformationtuesday and see how much you’ve changed. Or use #tuesdaytreat to share what delicious treat you’re eating today.
Wednesday
We all have our girl crushes and you can share yours with #womencrushwednesday. Or if you happen to be drinking wine and binging on your favorite TV show, you can share it using #winewednesday.
Thursday
To share an old picture of yourself, use #throwbackthursday, or if you’re enjoying a date night out with your loved one or girlfriends, there’s always #thursdate.
Friday
What are you up to this Friday night? Share it with #fridaynight, or if you missed Thursday’s throwback hashtag, share an old photo using #flashbackfriday.
Saturday
Got a cute picture of your furry friend? Share it with #caturday. If you’re being fabulous on a Saturday night, you’ve got #saturdayswag.
Sunday
If you’re looking good and you know it, then there’s #selfiesunday. If you’re enjoying the last free day before a new week begins, share your photo with #sundayfunday.
Women - Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them (LITERALLY)
By Sarah Burgess
As women seek to climb their way to the top of the workforce and are receiving more opportunities than ever before, some may think that women are becoming more like men. But in actuality, that isn’t true at all. Women are just asserting themselves in more ways and are still very much women. In fact, the difference between the genders is vast, specifically socially. Studies recently have revealed many benefits, particularly health, from having female friendships.
Women, unlike most men, like to share and support their burdens and hard times together. This is something that increases our output of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps us fight depression and just feel content. Having “girl time” and good
talks with friends has actually been proven to be as beneficial as exercising for the body. The natural inclination that women possess to have deep friendships, soul-soothing conversations and constant support for each other is known to reduce stress levels immensely. We live in a very high-stress environment, one that is actually the root of many sicknesses and diseases. Stress is one of the greatest onsets of depression and can cause major inflammation in the immune system.
Social health is just as important as physical. So the next time you’re having a heart-to-heart with your girlfriend, know that you are actually helping your body in many ways!
DON’T BE LATE FOR THAT VERY IMPORTANT DATE!
5 Helpful Tips on Time Management
It’s that time of year when the word “date” has an extra romantic meaning and there is more emphasis on our calendars with spring activities ramping up. However, it is easy to become forgetful due to schedules that are becoming even more complex, so here are a few ways to help you be on time, every time.
1. Use a calendar to write down all your activities for the week. It helps to sit down at the beginning of the week and plan out what you can manage—and what you can’t.
2. Be realistic and never over-schedule your time. You will wear yourself out and be absent to enjoy each moment. Instead, organize the things you wish to do in a priority list, and do the things that are the most important for you.
3. Block out distractions that are keeping you from getting work done or from spending quality time with someone you love. Eliminating distractions such as social
By Julia Marshall
media, phone rings and music can help you be more productive with the time you have allotted.
4. Keep your eye on the clock. Placing a large clock in front of you can help you keep track of time and provides a small amount of pressure to meet deadlines.
5. If you have a forgetful brain, set a reminder on your phone or computer to alert you before the event. Set it far enough in advance so you have time to prepare—you don’t want to be late for that important Valentine’s date!
Try My Bank >
LOCAL MORTGAGE DECISIONS. COMMITMENT TO GREAT SERVICE.
“I have built a business dedicated to exceptional service and relationships that last long after the real estate transaction. I count upon local relationships with the professionals at Prime Meridian Bank who will offer my clients the same commitment and service I do.
My clients want home mortgage decisions that are made locally, underwriting that occurs in-house, and closings that are seamless. When it comes to mortgages for my clients, I count on Prime Meridian.”
Training Your Pooch!
(AND YES, YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS)
By Julia Marshall
Haveyou ever been in the position where your child is looking at you with those puppy eyes begging you for a dog? The first thought that creeps into your mind might be, “No way. That is too much work!” While training a dog is a time-consuming challenge, it will ease your stress if you consider these suggestions on how to guide your pet to become a well-behaved canine.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY. When giving a command, you must be consistent with your words and tone. Don’t confuse your dog by saying one thing and having your family member say something different. Make sure to be on the same page with others who are around the dog so your dog doesn’t get confused on what is being asked of it.
TAKE THE LEAD. Young pups follow the lead of the independent or “alpha” of their pack. Being a strong consistent leader will help your dogs feel taken care of and they will eventually follow your lead.
NEVER ABUSE. Striking fear into your pet by hitting, yelling, or power-posing will leave your pup confused and will lead him or her to act against your commands. Puppies especially need love and patience during their training months.
Scan this page with your smartphone using the Layar app to see a dog training instructional video.
TAKE IT SLOW. Puppies are playful and fun, but don’t let their zealous attitudes fool you. While training, you want to introduce your dogs to a few new things slowly or else they will get uncomfortable and fearful. Try going slow for the first few weeks and maybe save going to the dog park for later.
PRAISE GOOD BEHAVIOR. Dogs never do anything intentionally harmful. They do whatever is best for them in the moment because they don’t have the same conscience as humans do. When your dog does something that you want it to, praise it! Give it a treat and show them lots of love. This strong positive response will make them repeat that good behavior again and again.
EAT YOUR GREENS!
By Sarah Burgess
Looking for ways to improve your diet and health? Going green is the best way to do it! Not only does enriching your diet with green fruits and vegetables increase certain mineral intake, it can also reduce the risk of cancer and help maintain strong bones, teeth and vision. Here are just five of the many green fruits and vegetables that can easily be incorporated into your daily meals but have a monumental impact on your health.
Our Board Certified Vascular Specialists invite you to determine if your troublesome varicose veins are more than just cosmetic.
Most insurance plans provide coverage for patients with venous disease.
Vascular Surgery Associates offers a full service line of both, non and minimally invasive treatment plans. Please call for a consultation.
Edamame is a Japanese soybean and a great source of protein. This is especially true for vegetarians and vegans, since this bean is a great replacement for fatty cholesterol-filled meats. Edamame is a very healthy option when needing protein and soy because it is completely whole and natural, as opposed to supplements.
KIWIFRUIT
This fuzzy fruit is vibrant and packed full of vitamins and fibers. Not only does it contain more than the daily percentage of vitamin C and potassium needed (yes, more than oranges and bananas), it also is a tremendous source of dietary fiber, which helps keep your digestive tract healthy.
ARUGULA
Arugula is a leafy salad green that, like most dark greens, is very low in calories. In just one leaf, there are vital phytochemicals and antioxidants, along with considerable amounts of vitamin A, which helps protect against skin, lung, and oral cancers. It is also B, C, and K vitamin-heavy. This leafy green can have long-lasting healthy benefits if consumed regularly.
AVOCADO
Unlike most greens, the avocado is actually fairly high in fat. However, it is a healthy, cholesterol-lowering fat. It is known for having large amounts of lutein, which promotes eye health, and vitamin E. In some studies, it has been shown the vitamin E may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The avocado is a very resourceful fruit and can be used in many different forms, from Mexican food to sandwiches.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli is a dark-green vegetable that is filled with antioxidants that help fight cancer. It also contains potassium and folate, which help the body in preventing anemia. Broccoli is definitely a superfood and a must-have on your list of daily vegetables.
GO GREEN In Your Mug
By Valentina Rymar
If you’re not drinking green tea every day, you should be. Many doctors and researchers say that consuming green tea is one of the best things you can do for your body.
This antioxidant-rich drink is full of health benefits that range from relieving stress and tension to increasing the rate at which you burn fat. Because green tea is not overly processed, it contains large amounts of the powerful health agent epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which does a number of good things for your body. EGCG improves blood flow, which reduces the risk for heart attack and stroke, as well as lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. Furthermore, green tea is great for your brain. It stops the formation of plaque that leads to Alzheimer’s disease, in addition to lowering the risk for Parkinson’s disease. Studies have also shown that people who drink green tea have more activity in the working-memory part of their brains. As if all of that isn’t enough, green tea also fights obesity and type 2 diabetes, and it leads to increased dental health too.
drinkme
When it comes to specific products, tea bags and loose leaf tea are better than the kind that comes chilled in a can or bottle. As a bonus, add some lemon when brewing your own cup because vitamin C helps your body to absorb all of the tea’s nutrients. Avoid adding milk and sugar, as dairy makes it harder for your body to absorb the antioxidants and sugar cancels out the fat-burning element. As an alternative sweetener add a bit of honey to your tea. Another tip is to make your tea with hot—but not boiling—water. Boiling water is bad for all those healthy chemicals, so aim for a drink that is around 160 to 170 degrees.
JAYANTI STRIPE FABRIC Darien Headboard in Bleach from Anna French Linens Pillows in Jayanti Stripe & Novia Bedding in Juniper Ogee
A GREEN SPRING CLEAN
• The typical American home contains about three to ten gallons of toxic materials in the form of household cleaning products. Even “green” alternatives can contain harmful ingredients.
• Ingredients in common household cleaners and detergents that can create a toxic indoor environment include glycol ethers, phosphates, volatile organic compounds, phthalates, and more.
• Common household items such as white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and coconut oil can usually cut through dirt and sanitize just as well as their toxic counterparts.
• Coconut oil is a household staple that can replace countless commercial products. It’s particularly useful for cleaning, sanitizing, and conditioning wood, leather, and metal items.
Capital Regional Cardiology Associates offers a comprehensive range of cardiovascular treatments of patients in the Big Bend area, including diagnostic testing, interventional cardiac and vascular treatment, coronary balloon angioplasty/stents and more.
Centennial Blvd. - (850) 656-7265
Medical Blvd. - (850) 877-0320
- Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ernesto Umana, MD
Niraj Pandit, MD Ajay Mhatre, MD
Joseph Baker, Michelle Bachtel, Carey Dellock,
The TOP Most Romantic Spots in Tallahassee
By Keasi Smith
Whenit comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or enjoying a date with your loved one, the setting can make all the difference. Good food, candlelight, or even the natural beauty of the outdoors can turn a great date into a serene dream. Luckily, Tallahassee is lush with romantic locations for you and your significant other to bond.
Cascades Park
This 24-acre park located at the heart of downtown Tallahassee brings the romance with beautiful waterfalls and plenty of picture-perfect spots to sit and enjoy conversation. You can also enjoy entertainment at the parks amphitheater or attend the Imagination Fountain light show happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00, 8:30 and 9:00pm.
Lake Ella
At this romantic spot, you can grab coffee, lunch, or shop at an array of eclectic shops nearby. Take a stroll through the 12 acres of park dotted with wooden swings, beautiful trees, and of course, ducks. Nearby are picnic pavilions if you want to bring your own lunch.
Cascades Park
Level 8 Lounge at Hotel Duval
At this hip, yet sophisticated Tallahassee night spot you can take in rooftop views of Tallahassee. Enjoy exotic drinks inside the bar or out on the deck where they have sofas and chairs to sit and have lively a conversation with your date while admiring a sunset or the night lights of our capital city.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
This enchanting property displays 200 floral varieties, a reflection pool, and a secret garden. You can tour the home of Alfred B. Maclay, take a stroll, or find a nice spot to sit and take in the exquisite surroundings.
Miccosukee Greenway
One of the most beautiful open spaces in Tallahassee is this popular spot for runners, hikers, and occasionally horse riders. Forest trails open up to wide-open pastures that glow gold at sunset. Pick a quiet spot or use one of the picnic tables to enjoy lunch or an early dinner.
St. Marks
For an active, yet romantic date, take a drive to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. You can catch glimpses of alligators, birds, and butterflies as you take in the natural wonder on this preserved space. Take a break from hiking or fishing to visit the lighthouse or have a romantic picnic.
First Friday Gallery Hop
Music, art and food make a great recipe for a lovely evening. At First Friday, held the first Friday of every month at the lively Railroad Square, you can walk hand-in-hand as you drop in and out of a wide range of art galleries and artisan shops. Take a break from exploring to enjoy food and a drink while listening to live music.
Miccosukee Greenway
Giving Tallahassee a Reason to Smile
Richard J-P Bastien, DMD
By Keasi Smith
TRENDING NOW: FASHION
• ENTERTAINMENT • ONLINE • TECHNOLOGY
IT’S TWEETING CATS AND DOGS
Animals have been taking over the Internet for a long time with viral videos of sneezing baby pandas, peek-aboo-playing kittens and sleepwalking dogs. In the social media world, some animals have even acquired celebrity status. Many of these popular furry friends have their own Facebook page, Twitter and/or Instagram.
But your pet doesn’t have to have national fame to be a hit on social media. Many people create social media accounts on behalf of their personal pets to keep others updated on how they are doing or to have a place to post all the silly things their pets do. Sometimes the posts are in third person, from the animal’s perspective, or from the voice of the pet’s owner.
While exact numbers of social media accounts for pets are hard to come by, a quick scan on Facebook yields thousands of profiles for animals ranging from birds, hamsters, rabbits and even fish. There are even social media sites specifically for pets. Among them are Critterscorner.ning.com, Catster.com, Dogster.com and myDogspace.com.
FURRY FRIENDS TO FOLLOW:
This male Scottish Fold cat lives in Japan and has more than 400,000 followers with video views upwards to 20 million. Maru is an incredibly smart, but goofy feline who dives into boxes and fits himself into awkward objects.
Boo
A cute Pomeranian who enjoys wearing sunglasses, Boo has more than 16 million likes on Facebook and half a million followers on Instagram. His popularity probably has something to do with his resemblance to a stuffed animal and his ability to rock any outfit.
Grumpy Cat
Tardar Sauce, better known at “Grumpy Cat,” is known for her grumpy facial expression, which can actually be attributed to feline dwarfism. Grumpy Cat is famous for her memes, where she seems to be less than enthusiastic about…well, anything. Grumpy Cat has nearly 250,000 followers on Twitter and almost 7 million likes on Facebook.
Ruby
Ruby the Pitbull was born with a cleft lip and palate. Despite not looking like the other dogs, Ruby has over 30,000 likes on her Facebook page, “For the Love of Ruby,” where you can stay updated on how she’s doing and her adventures with her other four-legged friends.
Scan this page with your smartphone using the Layar app to view social media sites of these featured pets.
Maru
THE FANNY PACK IS BACK
Fergie, Nicole Richie and Sarah Jessica Parker are just a few celebrities who have been spotted wearing the accessory that used to be a staple of tourists and khaki-wearing dads—the fanny pack. Yes, the around-the-waist pouch made famous in the ‘80s is back and more fashionable than ever. Fanny packs were seen on 2014 runways such as Chanel, Alexander Wang and Rebecca Minkoff.
However, these aren’t your typical fanny packs. As a matter of fact, they’ve been given new names, such as “belt bag” or “hip bags.” These fanny packs are decorated with studs
Bring Glamour Back to The Beach
or belt clips. Thankfully they aren’t made from polyester but are more likely made from leather or even cotton.
Not only are they more fashionable than their late ‘80s look-alike, but they are equally functional. Many suggest that the fanny pack’s newfound popularity comes from the launch of the iPhone 6, since this new and larger iPhone doesn’t fit nicely in your tight pockets.
Stylists say these new fanny packs should be worn as close to the hip as possible to avoid the unflattering “pooch.” Depending on what fanny pack you purchase, they can be worn with your best dress or your casual daywear.
Kate Spade at Narcissus
Helmer Hipster Fannie Packs
A SPRING FASHION Wonderland
By Heather Thomas and Lynn Solomon
Photography by Mike Olivella
Quotes from Alice in Wonderland
“There is a place, like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it you need to be as mad as a hatter.”
The novel, Alice in Wonderland, evokes the fun, fanciful styles and colors of spring 2015. Taking the characters of the story for inspiration, a modern pose is struck at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, where fashion and wonder combine into an otherworldly adventure where nothing is impossible.
(Find out where to get these fashions on page 29.)
“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked. “Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cheshire Cat. “We’re all mad here.”
Alice
asked “How long is forever?”
“Sometimes, just one second,” answered the White Rabbit.
Blouse, Bohemian-style pants and hat from Cole Couture. Shoes, wrap watch and bracelets from Walter Green
Tory Burch sweater, winter white trousers from Narcissus Loafers and hat from Walter Green and Lollipop from Lofty Pursuits
“There is no use trying,” said Alice. “One can’t believe impossible things.”
“I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen of Hearts.
Blouse and skirt from Cole Couture Shoes and earrings from Walter Green Bracelet from Chic Verte Tiara from Narcissus
“This is impossible,” said Alice. “Only if you believe it is,” said the Mad Hatter.
Schedule a confidential breast enhancement consult with award-winning doctors, ben J. Kirbo, M.D., Laurence Z. Rosenberg, M.D. or chris DeRosier, M.D., to understand the options and techniques that are available today. they are dedicated to providing outstanding patient care, in a quiet, relaxing environment.
also, learn more about the latest innovation in breast implants –MEntoR® MemoryShape® breast Implants.
breast enhancement services include:
~ breast augmentation ~ breast Reduction breast Lift breast Revision Surgery
Visit our website at www.se-plasticsurgery.com to view before/after photos & for specials. call 850.219.2000 today for a consultation.
ben J. Kirbo, M.D. Laurence Z. Rosenberg, M.D. chris DeRosier, M.D.
cERtIfIED by thE aMERIcan boaRD of PLaStIc SURgERy
*not actual patient Outfit from Kevin’s Sporting Goods in Thomasville, Georgia
“She began to believe that very few things were indeed, impossible.”
Blouse, skirt, tights and headband from Francesca’s Key necklace from Cole Couture
About the fashion and items featured in Style & Grace:
Cheshire Cat
Black and white striped dress, shoes and pink jelly necklace from Walter Green. Fur cuffs and hat from the private collection of Lisa Phipps.
Queen of Hearts
Red silk blouse and black skirt with netting from Cole Couture. Rose-bottomed shoes and red chandelier earrings from Walter Green. Tiara from Narcissus.
Alice Blouse, skirt, headband, tights, all from Francesca’s.
Mad Hatter
Crimson velvet jacket, blouse, leggings, boots, scarf and hat from Kevin’s Sporting Goods in Thomasville, Georgia.
Dormouse
Blush dress and shoes from Walter Green. Hat from private collection of Lisa Phipps.
Models makeup by Siteria Gregory, LoLade Cosmetics. Hair by Ivey Whiddon, Studio 5 Salon.
Tea Party Tabletop:
Mackenzie-Childs plates, sweet stand, teapots, cream and sugar, tea cups and saucers by Juliska, and topiary all from My Favorite Things. Tablecloth fabric and small clock from Chrysalis Fine Fabrics and Furnishings. Candy jars courtesy of Cole Couture.
BE THE QUEEN OF YOUR HEART: Heart Attack Prevention
By Keasi Smith
The publicity of a disease can help fight an illness by increasing public knowledge. “As a society, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on breast cancer, which is a horrible disease, but it’s hard to convince women that heart disease takes more lives than breast cancer,” says Jeneane Nuzzo, regional director for the American Heart Association’s Greater Georgia and North Florida region. Many don’t know that heart disease is responsible for more deaths to women in the United States than all cancers combined.
Though public knowledge is growing, women are still dying. It hits home when you think about women such as Wendy Hansen, a Tallahassee local who passed away suddenly January 13, 2014, at the age of 44 of a heart attack. A lawyer, loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, Wendy also served on the Board of the Big Bend Hospice, was active in fundraising for the Florida Lung Association and was a member of the Florida State Bar Association. “I believe she was a very healthy woman with no history of heart disease or stroke in her family,” says Jeneane, who mentions that Wendy had been experiencing chronic digestion problems, “These symptoms may have been put aside, or she may have been displaying different signs.”
We all know the “Hollywood heart attack”—where a man clutches his chest and falls to the floor—but more often than not the symptoms are less obvious. Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath; light-headedness; indigestion; nausea; pain in arms, neck, jaw or stomach; overwhelming fatigue and cold sweats. These symptoms are often misread or understated. “Women are classic for confusing a heart attack with heartburn or indigestion,” says Jeneane. And because the first symptom for women is often sudden death, prevention is especially crucial. There are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk, including getting
your blood pressure checked and your cholesterol lowered, exercising and doing what you can to reduce stress.
In a surprising statistic, 35 percent of women don’t call 9-1-1 even if they believe they are actively having a heart attack. Jeneane advises that “women have to stop and put our body first when we feel these symptoms coming on. We all have parental and family responsibilities, but if we’re not here, then we can’t take care of our family.” Those Wendy left behind have used her loss to raise public awareness about heart disease. “We’re not going to lie down and take her death as one more death of heart disease. We are going to utilize her life to save other women in Tallahassee,” says Jeneane. Such utilization will take place at events such as the Heart Ball on March 6, 2015, where stories like Wendy’s will be told.
Heart disease is completely preventable, but you must know the symptoms and refuse to downplay them. If you believe you are having a heart attack or stroke, get help and call 9-1-1. Be your own best advocate—be the queen of your heart.
For more information on how to get healthy and prevent heart disease, visit heart.org.
RED HILLS INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS
A Sporting Success
By Heather Thomas
Manyresidents in town quite understandably equate the local sporting scene to football, basketball, soccer and a host of others. However, the Red Hills International Horse Trials, a United States Eventing Association Area III event, has high-jumped Tallahassee to an elite status of equestrian sport happenings. Olympic hopefuls, championship and Olympic riders and horse enthusiasts come to the annual March event from all over the world. For many attending the 3-day family affair, it is an amazing opportunity to witness some of the finest horsemanship around and is a testament to the community partnerships and to the volunteers that help to make it such a success, year after year.
When Sallie Ausley, Sylvia Ochs, Jane Barron and others from the first executive committee first dreamed up the event, now in its seventeenth year, they were initially inspired by Colin Phipps’ new cross-country course, designed by a world famous course designer. “After we toured the course at his invitation, I offered to help organize a horse trials on his property, if he indeed wanted to have it used for competition. He liked the idea, and we got to work. An executive committee was formed to research the idea of initiating this project, as well as the funding necessary, and our group met back with Colin with the potential plans. We requested some seed money from him to help get us started, and he generously agreed to that. We formed a 501(c)(3) status and went forward with the planning of the structure of the event, as well as our big fundraising efforts.”
As the event planning evolved, Sallie said, “We wanted to create something special not only for the competitors, but for the community and spectators. Our desire was to educate the public to this most exciting sport, to create good will and promote harmony among horse enthusiasts, to provide entertainment and fun to families and to promote the concept of resource protection, land and green space preservation and land management. We also wanted to showcase the natural beauty of our area and to demonstrate our enthusiastic community spirit!”
After the first successful years, the event had outgrown its space on the Phipps’ property and was moved to the Northwest Florida Water Management District property, adjacent to the Elinor Klapp Phipps Park on Meridian Road. “We are most grateful to the city of Tallahassee, the county governments, and the Northwest Florida Water Management. Their incredible support is unprecedented and has solidified a partnership which is extremely unique,” said Sallie. From the beginning, the Red Hills Horse Trials team has been committed to the goal of emphasizing a whole-community approach and giving back to the land that sustains it.
This year’s event has even more to boast about. Entries from across the United States and other countries are
WATCH THE WORLD’S BEST COMPETE FROM THE SIDELINES!
MARCH 6•7•8
Elinor Klapp Phipps Park
RHHT.ORG
expected to compete in the Red Hills CIC (Concours International Combine) event. Top-level, CIC***(3-star) competitors will be vying for inclusion on the U.S. Equestrian Team, which will compete in the World Equestrian Games, to be held in Normandy, France, in August. The capital of Florida has become a capital place to welcome the world to its Red Hills wonders and is a model for community-building partnerships.
“Because of the magnanimous support of the entire community coming together, the Red Hills Horse Trials is internationally recognized and is flourishing far beyond any of our expectations.”
ENTER THE WORLD OF EVENTING
What is eventing?
Eventing is one of the fastest-growing equestrian pursuits in the world. Riders of all ages and abilities can compete. Developed from cavalry competitions during the early 1900s, it is the ultimate challenge for horse and rider. It tests
their partnership and athletic prowess in three disciplines: the grace and harmony of dressage, the rigors and thrills of cross-country jumping and the power and pageantry of stadium jumping.
What is a horse trial?
A horse trial takes place over one, two or three days and involves three distinct phases or tests with varying degrees of difficulty, depending on the competitive level. Taken as a whole, these phases portray the ability, versatility and preparedness of horse and rider. Penalty points are recorded and then totaled for the three tests, resulting in a combined score for the whole trial— thus eventing’s synonym, combined training. The lowest score wins.
What are the tests and when are they at the Red Hills event?
Dressage, March 6
The first test of horse and rider involves a series of prescribed classical movements performed on the flat in an enclosed arena. The judges look for a supple,
balanced and lively yet relaxed ride. As in figure skating, both precision of individual movements and overall impression enter into the scoring formula.
Cross-Country, March 7
This second test is the heart of the sport. Horse and rider gallop over natural terrain, jumping a variety of fixed obstacles along the way. The rider may inspect the course beforehand, but the horse leaves the starting box not knowing what lies ahead. This demands absolute trust between horse and rider. This year, Red Hills will feature an exciting new 3,611-meter course designed to rival any in the nation.
Stadium Jumping, March 8
In this phase, horse and rider jump a series of painted fences in an enclosed arena. Stadium jumping tests the obedience and suppleness of the horse and demonstrates that sufficient stamina and fitness still remain after the strenuous demands of cross-country.
For more information about the event, visit rhht.org.
FIVE
WARMHEARTED
WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR MARRIAGE
By Summer Brooke Gómez
IT’S LOVE
Happily married women, rejoice! It’s healthy to acknowledge it when your plus one is a plus. With spring around the corner and the silhouette of cupid fresh on your mind, it’s time to revisit the role of real-world romance in your life. Take stock, and then take advantage! If your marriage is going well and things seem to be in balance, then you are ideally positioned to put in some extra work to keep things moving in the right direction.
BE MINE
It’s a virtuous cycle. The more your spouse feels wanted, valued and appreciated, the more he will work to make sure that you do. It’s the kind of fulfillment many of us dream of, and every one of us absolutely deserves it. If you are fortunate enough to be in that position right this moment, here’s how to make the best of an already great situation:
Yes, Dear. At least once a day, focus on gratitude and your overall great fortune at having such an invested partner. Nobody’s perfect, but did you thank your spouse today for taking out the garbage or putting up with that stressful social situation when you know he would rather speak his mind? These are everyday gifts. Acknowledging them openly may mean more than you’d imagine.
Tell Me. So you’ve mastered the art of dividing and conquering? Great! But don’t forget to stay excited about telling each other what’s going on. Create a ritual for catching up as well as expressing investment in each other’s daily frustrations and victories. Remember the golden rule and never underestimate the value of compassion when your spouse has bad news.
Hot Stuff. It should go without saying to insist on making time for physical affection, but how does that work if you’re not connecting emotionally in other contexts? Make a point of creating an atmosphere of unique emotional availability and connection, even when things get hectic.
You Rock. If you’ve ever overheard your spouse singing your praises, you already know how valuable it can be. What would it take to resolve to speak almost exclusively kind words about your partner to others and to make sure he gets a chance to hear you occasionally gushing about him?
I Wonder. The risk of conceptualizing a person we have chosen to marry as our other half is that we can forget that they are always their own person first. Check in. Explore new ambitions and spiritual needs together. Find ways to nourish, acknowledge and fall in love with each other’s evolving separate identities.
LET’S TALK
The occasional magic and even the simple everyday contentment that you’ve come to rely upon are generally the product of some degree of work. However, everybody has their moments. If one day there is trouble in what is usually paradise, there is no reason to panic, but there is also no reason to wait. Do not hesitate to reach out to spiritual leaders, mental health professionals, couples you admire and even people you respect who’ve approached life differently than you have when you’re stuck. Like any other injury, catching a problem in your marriage early may make the healing process go much more smoothly.
Everybody’s life has ups and downs. In an ideal world, any crisis or intervention would rest upon a healthy foundation. Your strong marriage is an opportunity. If the sun is shining today, investing in it now will pay dividends on a darker day. Besides, who wouldn’t want more of a wonderful thing? Here’s to your happily ever-after!
Summer Brooke Gómez, Ph.D., is a mental health professional in Tallahassee. She can be reached at (850) 421-1260.
Massage 101
By Tina Rymar
Thereis never a bad time to relieve stress or get pampered, so there is never a bad time to get a massage. This ancient practice has multiple health and relaxation benefits, and massage has been used for thousands of years to treat a number of problems. Different types of massage have different effects, but ultimately all will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Swedish massage therapy is the most common type of massage. The massage therapist will use lotion or oil along with long smooth strokes, kneading and circular motion to target the superficial layers of muscle. This is a good massage to try if it is your first time getting one.
Stone massage uses smooth, water-heated stones, placed on the back to reduce muscle tension. The heat from the stone penetrates the muscle and allows any tightness to loosen up. The massage therapist might also hold the stone to apply gentle pressure. This method is good for someone who prefers a lighter massage.
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils extracted from plants. These scented oils can relax you, energize you, reduce stress or provide other benefits, depending on the oils selected.
Deep-tissue massage can be used to help alleviate pain from repetitive muscle strain, chronic pain and muscle tightness and problems relating to posture or injury recovery. This method uses
slower strokes and friction techniques to work on deeper layers of muscle.
Reflexology is a foot massage that not only treats tired and aching feet but also affects other body parts and systems through reflex.
When getting a massage, remember that communication is key. Tell your massage therapist if he or she is using too much pressure or not enough. Ask your massage therapist or the person at the front desk if you have any questions or concerns. During your massage, you can make conversation or stay quiet—some people even fall asleep! The point is to feel relaxed, so don’t worry about doing “the right thing” and speak up when you are confused or concerned.
Having a Heart of Wonder
By Heather Thomas
Feeling quite like Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole, Lisa Phipps of Chic Verte jewelry lives in awe and appreciation of her natural surroundings. She uses this wonder of the local ecosystem to reveal the hidden, precious treasures that are strewn across her life’s path, reminding her of the redeeming love and healing power of family and of the land.
Beinga part of a family with the name of Phipps certainly took some getting used to for Lisa Phipps, a jewelry artisan and wife to Gavin and a mother to three boys under the age of 14. The Phipps family tree is rooted deeply in local, national and international history when it comes to land ownership and conservation, horses and community endowments. What also took some getting used to was having a grounded environment and a sense of security that she had not known before marrying Gavin 20 years ago. “When you grow up with instability like I did, I think you crave security, and a place to call home,” says Lisa, whose family moved around constantly in her formative years.
Because Lisa was painfully shy and was always the new kid, she found it difficult to make new friends. Her home life grew increasingly turbulent, and because of that, “I put up a lot of
emotional walls and threw myself into school and books.” She and her only sibling, her younger sister Susan, “who was the one friend that was constant in my life,” were both voracious readers of books such as Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie and others where young girls went on adventures but always found their way home again. A hyper-awareness of the outside world expressed itself when Lisa would bring home rocks and other natural treasures wherever she lived.
Always very tactile, Lisa has been thinking about how important the sense of touch is for crafting jewelry and for her life. “I realized recently how hands are like memories for me and symbolic of my life and its layers—I was extremely close with my grandmothers, who were always working and creating things with their hands. My mother did needlepoint, and I was always doing something crafty because of them.
by
Photography
Blake Greene
I look at my hands now, after years of jewelry making and now working with wood, and I hardly recognize them. With all the nicks and calluses, they aren’t very pretty on the outside, but they are so much stronger now and have allowed me to create beauty.”
Becoming a jewelry artisan happened a few years after Lisa and Gavin first met. Their romance began when they first met on a trip to Australia for a Rollins College study-abroad program. She remembers eyeing “this gorgeous guy at the LAX airport” and didn’t realize until later that Gavin had noticed her also. They spent that time in Australia together and came home on the airplane holding hands.
Falling down the rabbit hole for Lisa began when she met Gavin’s family for the first time. Gavin had not shared much about his family, and she had never been in the South before. When they arrived at Ayavalla Plantation to have lunch with Gavin’s grandmother, Elinor Klapp Phipps, or “Clippy,” as she was lovingly referred to by family, Lisa felt like she had entered into another world. “We jumped into his old jeep with no doors or roof with his dog, and we started driving and driving. I’m thinking, ‘Where’s he taking me?’ I didn’t even know what a hunting plantation was, and then we turned the corner and I saw this house that is something out of Gone with the Wind. We walked in, and over a dozen guests— relatives visiting from Scotland and England who were there for quail hunting—were having cocktails before lunch. Someone rang a gong and we went downstairs and sat at this long dining table. Clippy rang a bell, and the food started coming out on silver platters. Here I was, 20 years old and so shy, wearing jeans, and looking at this cooked quail with about two bites of meat on there, and I’m thinking, ‘How am I supposed to eat this?’ Clippy gave me quaileating hints in a gracious way that just endeared her to me.”
“I didn’t even know what a hunting plantation was, and then we turned the corner and I saw this house that is something out of GonewiththeWind.”
From then on, Lisa’s bonds with Gavin’s family took root, and Gavin and Lisa were married in March of 1995 at Ayavalla Plantation. Lisa says, “I knew he had a big family, but I just had no idea of the scope of the family I had married into and the historical significance. Gavin’s father, Colin, helped show me a whole new world, literally, by taking us on trips to different countries, and those experiences forever changed me.”
Soon after they were married, Lisa and Gavin settled in London, England, for a year while Gavin went to a French culinary school. Then they moved to Key Largo, Florida, so Gavin could work as a chef at an Ocean Reef Club restaurant. Lisa managed a friend’s jewelry store and learned about jewelry artisanship. When there
was a fire in the kitchen at the restaurant, Gavin was laid off due to reconstruction of the restaurant. Lisa hired him to help her at the jewelry store and says, “We found that we really loved working together and started designing pieces that were selling well.” They decided to move back to Tallahassee to open their own jewelry business and started Phipps Jewelry in 1997, with the quail as its symbol. The gold, platinum and silver pieces were all nature-inspired— with quails, acorns and the pomegranate proving to be some of their more popular designs that were even featured in national magazines. During this time they had three boys—Holden and two twin boys, Austin and Landon.
Because traveling for their business took her too often from home, Lisa took a sabbatical from Phipps Jewelry in 2005 to focus more on the boys, who were four and one at the time. She began to struggle with anxiety and sleep issues and was diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and narcolepsy in 2013. Her doctor requested that she devote an hour a day to art therapy as part of her treatment plan. “It was a low time for me, and I was struggling to find my way home again.”
Working with spalted wood became her artistic outlet, and it gave her a sense of peace that she had not known before. Spalting is wood coloration caused by fungi that create
patterns only seen by carving the rotted wood away by hand. It’s hard for Lisa to explain how important the first piece of spalted wood she worked with—a piece of red oak she calls her “Genesis” piece—is to her. The tree had fallen on the property and had been lying there for a year, waiting for Lisa to discover its beautiful, spalted heart. “I worked with the wood by scraping away the rotted part that was soft and icky and started finding all of this amazing wood underneath. The boys joke that it’s my ‘precious,’ and it is! I’m still amazed by it.”
From that piece, she began to discover the beauty in other types of wood on Phipps properties—from pecan, oak, dogwood,
Photography by Mike Olivella
WINTERIZE
Chemical Peel
Botox and Fillers
Eye Lash Extensions
Information and online booking at www.advdermal.com
“...I was always camouflaging myself and not wanting to draw attention, while on the inside it was a battle. But as I started on this journey, I had to start sharing what was on the inside.”
Photography by Blake Greene
cedar, and sweet gum. Every tree gives its own interpretation of the spalted process, and it speaks of her own journey.
“What I love about spalted wood is how it comes from a limb or a log that looks like nothing special on the outside and is often covered in fungus. The different fungi are at war with each other inside that wood, and that’s what creates the colors and patterns. I can relate in that I was always camouflaging myself and not wanting to draw attention, while on the inside it was a battle. But as I started on this journey, I had to start sharing what was on the inside.”
As she was discovering the beauty in the wood, she was discovering it in herself also. Her confidence grew when she began transforming the finished pieces of wood into jewelry and accessories. She included other Phipps property elements to her growing number of jewelry pieces, such as quail feathers, horse hair, shells, and antler sheds. After experiencing enthusiastic feedback from family and friends, she decided to officially begin selling them. Because she wanted to make a distinction between Phipps Jewelry and what she was doing now, she called her business Chic Verte, or Fashionably Green in French, due in part to all of her pieces being ethically harvested. “It was scary at first to go out on my own and being judged solely on the work and not on a name. When people ask what I do, it’s hard for me to explain it because working with fungi wood is unusual and you don’t understand it without seeing it or touching it. It’s taken me a lot of years to be confident enough to put my ideas out there.”
However, Lisa still has Gavin working right by her side, encouraging her every step of the way. “He cuts the wood for me and we find the trees together, so this is still very much a team effort. Who else can I count on to get as excited as me to see a fallen tree in the woods? He’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met. He recently acquired an old card catalog for my studio to store all of my found treasures in.” In March, Lisa and Gavin will be celebrating their 20-year anniversary. “I met him when I was 19, so it’s crazy to me that Holden is 14—we really raised each other but evolved together. We’ve changed,
“My hope is that my story will inspire others to see the wonder in the Red Hills region’s natural beauty and perhaps find healing as I did..”
but we’re still that same in-love couple that spent the time in Australia together. One of us will grow and then the other will grow, and we give each other space to do that.”
This past year, Lisa was awarded the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award for the Environment category. “Other than the birth of my children, this distinction was the most rewarding experience I have ever had. My hope is that my story will inspire others to see the wonder in the Red Hills region’s natural beauty and perhaps find healing as I did. I saw the treasure in the wood and felt like it needed to be expressed as a jewel. If nature is seen as an actual jewel then it will be cherished that way. There’s continuous wonder in the beauty and the history of the property. We feel like it’s a responsibility to be caretakers of it and are teaching our children about its history and value. We truly fell in love with the land after working with its trees. Every piece of wood is different. It’s like asking, ‘Why would you want to watch another sunset?’ They are all remarkable.”
Lisa’s story—the evolution of her jewelry and that of the Phipps family legacy—is a unique blend of the two histories. “I’m a survivor and that’s very figurative of my jewelry. The beauty of spalted wood is not readily apparent, and there is a lot of work, patience and love in the process of bringing that to the surface. Most people would look at my childhood or my other challenges and wonder how I got this far. Chic Verte has changed my life, and every day has become an adventure. It has allowed me to see the treasures to be found in the land and in the heart of my family.”
(Individual photos of Lisa Phipps by Blake Greene Photography. Hair by Ivey Whiddon of Studio 5 Salon. Makeup by Melissa Peters. Jewelry from Chic Verte.)
CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Tabitha Frazier Is Preserving Tallahassee’s History, One Tree at a Time
By Amy J. Hartman
The landscape of Tallahassee is one of its many draws, with its rolling hills, numerous parks and canopy roads. But as our urban landscape changes, how do we ensure the history of our community is maintained?
When Tabitha Frazier attended a meeting to discuss how to move Tallahassee toward a more sustainable future, she did so out of a love of the environment and a concern for the city and as a means to reconnect with peers. But the evening took a surprising turn when at the meeting’s end, then Leon County Commissioner Cliff Thaell and University of Florida Professor Will Sheftall approached Tabitha about the thoughts she’d shared. Clearly impressed, they discussed ways of getting Tabitha, a full-time stay-at-home mother, more involved in the community while still enabling her to focus on her family.
In 2011, when one of the five elected Leon Soil and Water Conservation Supervisors was stepping down, Tabitha, who has a master’s degree in environmental engineering, applied for the interim appointment. Though she’d never dreamed of entering politics, it was a perfect fit, and Tabitha ran for and was elected to a full four-year term beginning in 2012. Though it’s an elected position, it is also unpaid, essentially making it a volunteer position with the extra hoops of running for public office.
Tabitha was also appointed to the Canopy Roads Citizens Committee, which, according to the Leon County website, “make[s] recommendations to the City and County Commissions on matters related to Canopy Road preservation.” Tabitha says the word “recommendations” is key. “Many of the protections the Committee provides don’t have any teeth. They’re only recommendations and can be just as easily ignored.” It was at these advisory meetings that Tabitha had an opportunity to examine our county and local tree ordinances in detail. It was there that
she first heard the term “patriarch oak,” which refers to a tree determined to be in existence in 1824, when Tallahassee and Leon County were founded. Tabitha began wondering where these trees were located and whether they’d ever been mapped or even marked. It turned out that, aside from a list of about one hundred patriarch oak trees, compiled in 1974, there is no record. As far as current law is concerned, only patriarch oaks are officially protected in Leon County. Tabitha became concerned that the rich history of our community, manifest in our trees, was being lost.
Last spring, Tabitha, now a full-fledged community activist, participated in the Club of Honest Citizens, a three-part citizen engagement series held by the Village Square. Of 26 presenters, each with an idea for improving or enhancing our community, Tabitha made the final top 5, winning a $500 grant with which to implement her idea. Leon Trees and the Great Tree Challenge were born.
The goal of the Great Tree Challenge is: “Linking the history of our community to the landscape that makes Tallahassee and Leon County one of the most attractive cities in the South.” Members of the public can submit trees in any of three categories: Historically Significant Tree, Superior Species, and Neighborhood. The first submission period ended January 20th with resounding success, but Tabitha plans to continue the Challenge and highlight Leon County’s greatest trees on an annual basis. A side benefit of the Challenge is that the trees submitted are finally being mapped, via an interactive map included on the website. The site also contains information on each tree, including one of Tallahassee’s two “Moon Trees,” recently rediscovered through a citizen submission, which was sprouted from a seed that traveled on the Apollo 14 space mission in 1971.
In the hope of following the lead of organizations such as the widely successful Trees Atlanta, Tabitha is establishing Leon Trees as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Through Leon Trees, she wants to encourage the planting of larger native trees, like live oaks and magnolias, over smaller ornamentals. “Ultimately, I would love to see Leon Trees host team-building exercises sponsored by local businesses or other organizations.” She also hopes to influence lawmakers, encouraging them to establish an ordinance protecting any tree over four feet in diameter. But, for now, Tabitha’s primary goal is awareness. “Let’s gather information so our county officials can see how much the people in our community care about our trees.” Tabitha concedes that our urban forest is always evolving, but she also believes in the importance of protecting the history of Tallahassee and Leon County, one tree at a time.
For more information about Leon Trees and the Great Tree Challenge, visit LeonTrees.org.
Amy J. Hartman is a mother, wife, mentor, ardent volunteer, freelance writer and substitute teacher. She has lived in Tallahassee since 1995.
STEP INTO SPRING ON BEAUTIFUL NEW FLOORS
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
A look at the events, organizations, businesses and people that make Tallahassee a great place to live—and love.
MORE THAN A TREE: The Legacy of Laura Jepsen
By Valentina Rymar Photography by Mike Olivella
Many Tallahassee residents are unaware that they have probably driven past a historical monument many times. They may not know that hidden
away on High Road is a beautiful work of nature that is centuries old. This ancient oak tree is part of Lichgate, the former home of Laura Pauline Jepsen.
Jepsen was an English professor at Florida State University from 1946 to 1978. She fell in love with this oak tree, describing it as “a tree to inspire poets.” She purchased
the surrounding three acres, both to protect the tree and to build her home on that piece of land. The home Jepsen built was an English-style Tudor cottage that resembles something out of a fairytale. The cottage is made from tidewater red cypress, cedar, and redwood, with white-pine floor boards that came from a frame house in Vermont, built in 1762. Jepsen wanted to escape reality through Lichgate. She successfully created a place where one could go back in time or even seem to exist outside of time while still being in the middle of civilization.
A lichgate is the area between a church and a burial ground. It is where mourners can find rest while saying goodbye. For Jepsen, it was the transition between the dead, who could still “paradoxically... be alive and living,” and a place of solace where she found life. She was comforted by the rest and the inspiration that her home allowed her.
After Jepsen’s death in 1955, a group of her former students and colleagues founded the Laura Jepsen Institute, and this organization purchased the property to protect it from being sold for commercial development. One of the goals of the Institute was to get Lichgate on the National Register of Historic Places, and they succeeded in 2006. Today, the group maintains the property and keeps it open to the public from dawn until dusk, and the magnificent oak and gardens are the backdrop for weddings, parties and showers. Lichgate also attracts visitors from other cities, states and even countries and continues to impress all who experience the hard work and dedication of Laura Jepsen.
We Love Our Veterans
By Valentina Rymar
Valentine’s Day is a day for showing love. Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in date night ideas and flower deliveries, or to feel down about being single on a “holiday created by the greeting card companies,” but it’s important that we remember those who really need some love. So whether you’re single or taken, make sure to share your love with the community. The week of February 9–15 is National Salute to Veterans Patients, and it’s easy and fun to show your appreciation to those who have served our country.
All over the country, people are using this week to raise awareness of the Veterans Affairs medical center, visit veterans to express their gratitude, pay tribute to their service and volunteer with organizations that work to help those who are or have been in the military. There are countless ways that you can make a difference in the life of a veteran during this time.
An excellent way is to make Valentine’s Day cards for veterans. This is a great activity that can be done with parents and children, teachers and students or friends or even by yourself. Have fun with it and have a Valentinemaking party—with veterans in care centers across the country, you can never make too many Valentines! There are templates for cards that are found online, or you can get creative and design your own. Make sure to include your gratitude and well-wishes, and then drop the Valentines off at the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army will then deliver the cards to local veterans in Tallahassee.
If you wish to give the cards out yourself and visit a vet, you can do so at the Tallahassee Vet Center or the Tallahassee Outpatient Clinic. You don’t have to limit yourself to just Valentine’s cards. Many people make care packages filled with goodies to give to veterans. Do whatever you can to extend love and gratitude to those who really need it.
For more information, visit volunteer.va.gov.
INTRODUCING:
A Man of Character—A man that is leading the way in positively impacting the Tallahassee Woman community, encouraging others to believe in their own limitless potential.
PETER BOULWARE– A FOUNDATION OF CHARACTER
By Heather Thomas
“This community has poured out so much to me, and now it’s my time to be able to give back.”
Amanwho could live just about anywhere, Peter Boulware feels that Tallahassee is the only place he wants to call home. “This community has poured out so much to me, and now it’s my time to be able to give back.” A father of five and husband to Kensy, Peter is the Director of Community Leadership Academy, a K-8 Christian school that combines classroom and at-home learning. He is also the vice president of Legacy Toyota in Tallahassee. As a father, businessman and as a leader of a school he co-founded, Peter is always asking, “How can I help others,
particularly children, to be successful? My desire for them is to be well-educated, but not just academically. I want them to learn great morals, values and leadership skills.”
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Peter grew up in a household with parents he thought were, “strict,” at the time, but now he’s forever grateful for his first models of leadership. “My mom and dad gave me a strong Christian foundation, a hard work ethic, and a respect for adults and elders. I’m incredibly thankful for them.” Peter’s leadership abilities were further honed in Tallahassee when he was a student at Florida State University and the starting defensive end for Florida State’s football team. He gained local fame being a key component of Florida State winning the National Championship in 1993. “From men of character, such as Bobby Bowden and Mickey Andrews, I learned the value of working hard now and reaping the benefits later, and the importance of doing things the right way. I feel very fortunate to have had such leaders speak in my life, which helped to shape and mold me into who I am today.”
After graduating FSU in 1997, he was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens as the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft. During his nine-year career with the Ravens, he was selected to 4 Pro Bowls, was the 1997 Rookie of the Year, and played in and won Super Bowl XXXV.
During his football career, he married Kensy, his college sweetheart, and they spent his off-seasons in Tallahassee. Permanently settling here after retiring from the NFL to raise their children, Peter and Kensy sought for a way to continue their at-home education for them, but also connect with other families in a classroom setting. Six years ago they started the nonprofit Community Leadership Academy (CLA), located on Thomasville Road, with 30 students enrolled. Now with 150 students, CLA is an embodiment of Peter’s passion for education advocacy and positively impacting the next generation. “I feel blessed that I’ve been able to live my dreams and I believe that I have a responsibility to help other people to see their dreams, and their children’s dreams, come true. To help families thrive is what it’s all about.”
Being in the spotlight for most of his adult life, it is never lost on Peter that high standards must be modeled. “I want my children and the children at CLA to do the right thing even when it’s hard and not popular. This is what develops character. I have to live that out myself and stand on my convictions in such a way that I’ve modeled how they can successfully navigate the hard things.” When asked where his motivation to give back to the community comes from, Peter answered, “My faith is the foundation of what I do and why I do it—it is my guiding light. It helps me to be the man I want to be.”
Is there a Man of Character that you would like to see recognized?
Our homes are the backdrops of our lives. They hold memories and prized possessions and remain steady and comforting entities in a hectic world. Our homes reflect who we are and what kind of life we want to lead. So it’s no wonder so much effort goes into creating and finding our forever homes. But often we lack experience, time and know-how to create the space we’ve only imagined. It’s important that, whether following trends or decorating to the beat of your own drum, you trust your gut and stay true to your vision. If you’re buying a home or modifying your current dwellings, we talked to local experts for tips on how you can make the home you’ve always imagined come to life.
Designing Your Dream Home
Juli Summer (Design with a Purpose)
“Getting organized and staying organized is a vital part of cultivating a calm, serene
Seeing Your Vision Through: Expert Tips on How to Create Your Dream Home
By Keasi Smith
feeling in one’s home. Make a space for backpacks, shoes and jackets to land after school every day. Clean out the home office—put things in files, get goodlooking storage bins, pare down your bookcase items. Declutter your kitchen cabinets. It is amazing the things you stick in your cabinets that you rarely use or even remember you have. Get rid of it! Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone with color! Research the mood behind color choices. Want a soothing, reflective, intellectual environment? Choose a blue. Black is timeless and glamorous. Gold represents richness and authority. Choose colors that fit your personality!
Sometimes when clients first approach me about their space, they have no idea where to start. I usually tell them to find an ‘inspiration piece.’ It can be an accessory, a rug, a family photo or a cool piece of driftwood. Find something that you love or that tells a part of your story. Build your room around it. For example, if you choose a rug as your inspiration piece, pull colors from the rug for the
walls, furniture and accent pieces. Finding an inspiration piece does not have to be trying. It could be colors from your favorite outfit or a plate in your china cabinet. Inspiration is possibly all around you!”
Rose Marie Brabec (Design & More)
“Sometimes our clients have too much. We advise them to simplify and have stronger accent pieces. Less is more.
Choose one to three colors and then work it through the entire room, or even the entire house.
If there’s an empty space, it’s nice to have a big plant. It gives life to the room and makes it feel more comfortable. We also like to activate the senses with clocks, plants, lighting, etc.
To have a dream home, have a master plan. We also consider the outside as much as the inside. It matters when your eye travels out the window to have a beautiful patio, back deck and landscaping.”
Nicki Bowden (Art of Arrangement)
“When designing and/or building your dream home, make sure you do your research to figure out your own personal style. What do you want your home to reflect about you? Get to know your home decorating styles, colors you are drawn to and like, etc. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get the right color/color combination. Mixing styles and colors is an important part of creating a home that is cohesive.
Also, fight the urge to have all your furniture match. It can make your home have a generic look and feel very flat. You want it to look effortless, but pulled together. The top priority should be the proportion, scale and balance of your furniture in each room. You want it to reflect your own personal style.
I also love to incorporate personal collections of things in your space. You can display them in very creative ways, depending on the objects. They can be treasures you have collected from your travels, etc. Again, it’s your home and your space, so you want it to reflect you!”
Purchasing Your Dream Home
Nicole Kessler (Kessler Construction)
“Building materials essentially cost the same no matter what builder you choose to build your home, remodel, or create an addition. The important factors are what you can’t put a price tag on: What kind of warranty, if any, does the builder provide? Does the builder have a good reputation with current and past clients? Do you feel comfortable that the builder and workers will put your best interests first and treat your home as if it was their own? These factors must be considered to have a happy and successful construction experience.”
Calynne Hill (Hill Spooner & Elliott, Inc. Real Estate)
Study the market and the comps. Don’t buy the biggest house in the neighborhood. Shop your interest rate and see what deals the banks are offering.
There are always “tradeoffs,” or compromises when buying a home. For example, you have it set in your mind that you want a four-bedroom house on 2 acres with a large kitchen. But you find a house that you just love that’s in the right school zone and has everything else you want, but it’s on 3/4 of an acre and the bedrooms are a bit small. I think you need to prioritize your “wish list” in order of importance.
Lindsay Elliott, Realtor /Partner, SFR, (Hill Spooner & Elliott, Inc.
Real Estate)
When buying your dream home be sure to consider your long-term needs and look for
rooms/space that can evolve with you and your family over time. What works when you have young children will function differently when they are teenagers.
Put yourself in a position to be a “ready” buyer. You may need time to find the right home, but you also may need to be poised to “pounce” if your dream home becomes available. Sell your existing home if needed, and meet with a lender to get pre-qualified. Be ready to buy!
Don’t limit yourself based on what you imagine is the ideal home. Unless you build it, there will likely be compromises. Be open to looking at many options. We often find that a home “just” outside of your ideal parameters ends up being the right choice.
We live up to our name!
haute HAPPENINGS
Red Hills Horse Trials
March 6–8, 2015
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park
The beautiful landscape of the “red hills” of North Florida and South Georgia provide the setting of the Red Hills Horse Trials (RHHT). Lasting for three days, the RHHT will feature exciting events in dressage, cross-country and show jumping. There will also be a variety of places to shop, educational exhibits and food trucks. For more information, call (850) 580-4020 or visit rhht.org.
First Friday at Railroad Square
February 7, 2015, and March 7, 2015
Railroad Square Art Park
First Fridays at Railroad Square are a great opportunity to see what Tallahassee artists are creating. Visitors can walk through all of the galleries, purchase from local artists, eat a variety of delicious foods and hear live music. This event happens once a month from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit railroadsquare.com
41st Annual Tallahassee Marathon
February 8, 2015
Florida State University
Ragtime
February 13 – March 1, 2015
Florida State University School of Theater
Come take part in an annual tradition that has been happening in Tallahassee since 1975. The marathon and half marathon will start on Chieftan Way on Florida State University’s campus at 7:30 a.m. Both race courses go through the St. Marks Trail and are paved and essentially flat. Wheelchair participants must register at least two weeks before the race. For more information, visit tallahasseemarathon.com.
Whale of a Sale
February 7–8, 2015
Old Harvey’s Building (5010 West Tennessee Street)
Whale of a Sale is Junior League of Tallahassee’s (JLT) largest fundraiser since 1974, featuring gently used merchandise at low prices. All proceeds from the Whale of a Sale go directly back into the community through Junior League projects benefiting children and families in Tallahassee. This is a great opportunity to purchase items at affordable prices. For more information, visit jltallahassee.org.
Come see the FSU School of Theater perform a play that will take you on an “emotional and lavish musical journey” with Ragtime, the story of three families’ struggles in New York City. They experience love, loss and courage and give hope for the future. More information, including show times and ticket prices, can be found at theater.fsu.edu.
LeMoyne Art & Soul Celebration
February 26, 2015
FSU University Center Club
This event, benefiting the LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts, will include a costume contest, a performance from the FSU AcaBelles, live entertainment, live and silent auctions, a DJ, a bar, fine art and a pop art photo booth. Cocktail hour and preview are from 6 to 7 p.m. and the main event is from 7 to 10 p.m. Register at lemoyne.org.
Infectious Diseases Consultations
• Clinic visits
• Hospital consults
IV Antibiotic Infusion Program
• Licensed and Inspected Pharmacy
• Infusion Clinic is open seven (7) days/week
Travel/Tropical Medicine
• Vaccinations (typhoid, yellow fever and more)
• Preventive medicines
TALLAHASSEE, FL 850-942-2299
Beautiful Smiles for Life
When
Thomasville Antiques Show & Sale
February 26 – March 1, 2015
Exchange Club Fairgrounds, Thomasville, Georgia
Now in its 26th year, the Thomasville Antiques Show brings together more than 30 of the most respected antique dealers in America, who showcase their finest pieces, including furniture, jewelry, paintings, silver and much more. The show is also accompanied by several highly acclaimed speakers and a Preview Party held on Thursday evening prior to the show. The Thomasville Antiques Show is presented each year by the Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation to benefit quality children’s programs of Thomas County. To purchase a ticket, visit thomasvilleantiquesshow.com.
Downtown Marketplace
Saturdays in March
115 East Park Avenue
Every Saturday, downtown Tallahassee hosts local farmers, gardeners, artists, crafters, food vendors and musicians. Come see and purchase local produce, flowers and art. There are many events and crafts for children as well. For more information, visit downtownmarket.com.
Orient Express
March 7, 2015
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
At 8 p.m., the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra will be presenting Orient Express. Featuring Amit Peled on the cello, the music will take you on a journey through the Balkans, with music from Blagojević, Bruch and Popper. Ticket prices and other information can be found at tallahasseesymphony.org.
Lisa C. Graganella Golf Classic
for the Tallahassee Ballet
March 9, 2015
Southwood Golf Club
The Tallahassee Ballet’s largest fundraiser of the year is held at the Southwood Golf Club, an upscale 18-hole course designed by PGA professional golfer Fred Couples. Participants enjoy first-class golf and a chance to win top prizes, as well as chances to win door prizes and silent auction items. These prizes range from cruises to jewelry to gift certificates. At the end of the day, there is an awards banquet for all to enjoy. Registration and more information can be found at tallahasseeballet.org.
M.D. Tameka Funny, D.O.
Springtime Tallahassee
March 28, 2015
Downtown Tallahassee
One of the largest parades in the Southeast, Springtime Tallahassee will be a fun event for the whole family. Along with the parade are a Children’s Park, food vendors, local entertainment stages and national entertainment acts. For more information, visit springtimetallahassee.com.
For more Haute Happenings in Tallahassee, check out COCA’s MoreThanYouThought.com
AROUND TOWN
Events • Benefits • Activities
FAR(M) OUTSIDE...
Held at The Space at Feather Oaks this Sunday Fun(day) event included music by Nashville’s Farewell Angelina, food, beer tasting and a book signing by Prissy Elrod, author of Far Outside the Ordinary. Funds raised at the event will go to Fresh New Start, an organization that helps young cancer widows.
1. Grady Campbell, Sidney Campbell, Sarah Britton Jacobs, Matt Jacobs
6. Harry Graham, Nancy Gavalas, Scott Shalley, Stacey Chick
7. Kristen Gardner, Brittney Mayfield, Paige McKee
BIG BEND HOSPICE‘S “A FALL AFFAIR”
Guests of this event enjoyed good food, good wine and good company. A Fall Affair included both a silent and live auction where items included hot air balloon rides, skybox tickets to an FSU game, and even a New York City guide tour. Proceeds from the event went to support Big Bend Hospice.
1. Paula Burn, Harry Burn, Sophia Williams, Marcus Williams
2. Alicia Crew, Blucher Lines, Margaret Lines, Beverly Frick
3. Cathy Adkison, Connie Palmer
4. Lynn Baggett, Cassie Frazee, Lisa Lang-Hannah
5. Abi Moon, Cricket Mannheimer, Rob Moon
6. Mary Visconti, Margie Tedrick
advocates created a hometown hospice in 1983. Local leaders continue the legacy.
TALLAHASSEE WOMEN LAWYERS’
32ND ANNUAL JUDICIAL RECEPTION
Tallahassee Women Lawyers celebrated its 32nd Annual Judicial Reception at Florida’s Historic Capitol. A favorite Tallahassee event each year that honors the Judiciary for the public service they provide, this year’s Judicial Reception was attended by more than 400 members of Tallahassee’s legal and professional community. (Photos courtesy of Field & Marsh Productions)
3.
4. Christi Gray, Hon. Jessica E. Varn
5. Rob Telfer, Hon. John G. Van Laningham, Jackie Van Laningham, Heather Telfer
6. Shannon Novey, Christian Cutillo, Jerome Novey, Christin Gonzalez
Rosa Kasweek, Dana Brooks, Mark Phelps, Katherine Viker
WOMEN WE ADMIRE
ELIZABETH EKK
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND FAMILY
By Keasi Smith
There are some women who can conquer the world with their infectious energy. Elizabeth Ekk is such a woman. Bubbly and full of drive, Elizabeth has an unyielding passion to make Tallahassee a better place for future generations. Before falling in love with Tallahassee, Elizabeth began her journey in Canada where her parents migrated from the Philippines with only $500 and a suitcase.
In Canada, she thrived professionally, working in marketing management as a Senior Sales Manager for Fairmont Hotels. But when a job opportunity opened up for her husband in Tallahassee, Elizabeth was happy to let her husband shine, and so they made the big move. Unfortunately, complications with her immigration papers made moving difficult. “I could not work. We weren’t around family, and we only had one salary.” As a self-proclaimed workaholic, not having a job to focus on was difficult for Elizabeth.
In the midst of all this uneasiness, Elizabeth took a mission trip to the Philippines. It was on this trip that her perspective began to shift outwardly. “I saw my family in the Philippines duck-taping their flip-flops, and I came home and realized I need to be thankful.” It was also in the Philippines that Elizabeth experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage. When she returned home, she and her husband were more focused than ever on starting a family, and had three beautiful children. “I became the best stayat-home mom I could be,” said Elizabeth.
Still, the need within her to work, meet people and create change was still there. From home, she created My Little Girl, a company that created custom hair bows. It was an online business that was also featured in three local stores. Within a year, Elizabeth sold the business and was looking for a new career path. It was her parents and husband who encouraged her to go into real estate. In 2013, Elizabeth joined forces with broker Tiffany Hamilton to form Ekk & Hamilton Realty.
“Our real estate firm’s foundation is built on helping people grow. We want people to grow, because that’s how we’re going to build the community.”
“Through real estate, I’ve been able to meet and connect with people,” said Elizabeth. As a licensed Florida realtor with the boutique brokerage firm Ekk & Hamilton Realty, she has found a way to combine her love for work and her passion for community. It is this ability to combine community and business that makes Elizabeth so admirable. “Our real estate firm’s foundation is built on helping people grow. We want people to grow, because that’s how we’re going to build the community.”
Going far and beyond helping others find their dream home, Ekk & Hamilton Realty supports organizations such as Boys Town and the YMCA. “The YMCA supports hundreds of families and they never turn down anyone. Our big push is to help them service our community and for women to have a daycare for their kids while they go to work.” Her involvement with the YMCA is also for her own children. “I would love for when my kids are in high school to have this community center to help them learn and grow.”
Ekk & Hamilton Realty also created Connecting Kids2Kids, an open house where families could bring their kids to do artwork, play and connect with organizations that help children find forever homes. “I wanted my children to meet with other kids who may not have what they do and to also allow families to interact with childrenbased organizations that they could get involved with as a family.”
In addition, they give support to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend Kiwanis, Children’s Home Society, Florida Baptist Children’s Home and Child Evangelism Foundation and sponsor Tallahassee Woman magazine’s Women Who Mean Business Awards. “I want to help young women and men grow and get to the next level of whatever their goal is.” This generosity and hard work has many wondering how Elizabeth balances it all with three children and a husband at home. “I don’t balance well,” she admits. “There is no way I would be able to do what I do if I did not have the support of God, my husband and kids and the people in my life.”
At the core of it all, Elizabeth wants to give back to her community and enjoy the company of the wonderful people that encompass it. “If we all learn to be happy and not look at what other people have and learn to make the best out of every situation while being happy for others—that’s huge,” says Elizabeth. She hopes to take her children to the Philippines one day to help reaffirm this lesson in them. In the meantime, she will continue to be an unstoppable force determined to build Tallahassee up by encouraging growth and togetherness.
WOMEN TO WATCH
Dawn Yvonne Matthews was chosen to represent the Sunshine State as Miss Black Florida USA 2015 and compete for the title of Miss Black USA at the national competition held annually in Washington, DC. Dawn received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia State University and is currently a Florida State University employee and part-time student.
Dana Cummins recently joined Fidelity Bank Mortgage as Senior Mortgage Banker. Dana has been involved with the Mortgage Bankers Association and is also a director for Mortgage Bankers Association of Florida. She was recently elected affiliate director for the Tallahassee Board of Realtors teaching first time homebuyer classes for the community.
Ramona Powell Poole has published her first book In The Morning When I Rise, 31 Days of Inspirational Reading. Ramona has been writing and delivering inspirational messages since the early ’80s and decided it was time to put it in writing.
Lyndsey Cruley has been promoted to senior vice president at Bascom Communications. As Bascom’s lead communications consultant, she has served in top communications roles in the Florida Legislature, as well as for candidates across the state of Florida, private sector companies and trade organizations.
Ann Mock was pleased to earn the highest rating of five stars from the highly regarded Readers’ Favorite for her first novel, The Union of the North and the South. Her Southern historical romance novel is an inspirational story that explores the challenges of overcoming loss and the importance of embracing the value of forgiveness.
Marlo Braxton Moody has joined A Piece of Cake Event Planning. An FSU graduate of the Dedman School of Hospitality, Marlo has twelve years of private club and event planning. Marlo offers a unique touch and exciting twist to the A Piece of Cake Event planning team and their clients.
Patricia B. McCray is celebrating a year in business of Butterfly Life Journeys, Inc. She was recently awarded the Emerging Leader of the Year award by the Leadership Academy of North Florida. A CEO of her own business, she is also a minister, a motivational speaker and a life coach.
Michelle Dahnke was recently appointed as Deputy CFO of the Florida Department of Financial Services. Michelle was most recently Deputy Communications Director for the Executive Office of Florida Governor Rick Scott, where she was responsible for providing direction and consultation to Governor Scott and the Governor’s cabinet agencies.
Kimberly Dixon was recently promoted to vice president of local financial investment firm, AMB. Kimberly is a general securities representative and a registered investment advisor representative. She also serves as the chairman of the Economic Club of Florida,
Phyllis Kalifeh, Ed.D., President and CEO of the Children’s Forum, was a recipient of the FSU College of Education (COE) Distinguished Alumni Awards in the Business and Industry category. Each year, recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by an esteemed committee of COE Emeritus Faculty.
Kathy Geddings is the new Professional Relations Liaison for Big Bend Hospice (BBH). Kathy will work to cultivate relationships with physicians, hospitals and assisted and skilled nursing facilities, to promote BBH services in Gadsden, Liberty and Leon Counties. Kathy is a 20-year resident of Tallahassee and has 7 years of previous experience with Big Bend Hospice.
Wanda Kane-Harris was awarded an EBV Foundation grant for successfully submitting a completed business plan. As a U.S. Army veteran, vetpreneur and CEO of edifyME, llc, Wanda operates a coaching company that educates, equips and empowers veteran/military families and woman business owners providing professional development workshops and resource connections.
Self-Publishing 101
By Noanne Gwynn
Since Random House and Penguin merged in 2013, there are now only five major publishing firms. Times are tough, so they no longer spend the big bucks on client promotion or up-front payments, and hand-holding is kept to a minimum. It may be encouraging for aspiring writers to know that Faulkner, Kipling, Louisa May Alcott and John Le Carré all suffered multiple disappointments at the hands of the publishers of their day, but they had few options available. Thank goodness they and other excellent writers had persistence on their side or we would never have read Lord of the Flies, Gone With the Wind or The Diary of Ann Frank. Marcel Proust had to pay to get his work published and Beatrix Potter got fed up and self-published The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Because the average, first-time writer doesn’t want to spend years of his or her life waiting for the possible (probable) rejection slips to pile up, they, like Potter, have taken publishing into their own hands, so to speak.
By self-publishing, new and seasoned writers have gained a way to control their own work and publishing speed, and to make more money per single book sale than they might ever make through traditional publishing. If they are smart about it, they’ll hire a good
editor for content and line editing, and a professional to create the perfect cover. No agent, no middlemen, no waiting for someone else to see the value in a manuscript and no pile of rejection slips.
But wait—that sounds a bit too good to be true. It’s true all right, but that’s not the whole story. The one particular thing that the traditional publishers have that has not been available to the self-publisher is a perfect distribution channel. If you publish through CreateSpace (Amazon), you will not be on the shelves of the big bookstores, and unless you are just lucky, only the local or perhaps regional independent book shops will carry your book. It’s a matter of space and the fact that they are not at all fond of having to purchase your book through Amazon, the big bad wolf of the bookseller’s world.
While an author can personally supply books to the indie shops, that leads to the consideration of shipping expenses and help with maintaining inventory. Some bookstores will only do consignment which is not ideal. If they buy the books outright, the price split between author and shop generally varies from 60/40 to 70/30 percent. Even so, the good news here is that an author still makes money.
Bookbaby has come forward to offer wider distribution as a self-publishing firm, but it charges to participate. Smashwords is another to consider. Because of the quickly changing publishing scene, it is important to take time to investigate all the currently available options for publishing, distribution and costs as well as potential earnings.
Know too, that the minute your book is self-published and available to the public, you have spawned a business that will take marketing skills, time for social media and book signings. You may discover that writing was the most enjoyable part of your venture. Whether telling the story is your main objective or making money through your craft, self-publishing might still be the way to go. Selling even a few copies of your book can be exhilarating and it’s extra money in your pocket. While a best seller and overnight success story is rare, if your book is well written and popular and your marketing successful, your experience might well be the exception, not the rule.
The author’s collection of short stories, Mother’s Day by Virginia Gwynn, received the Florida Authors and Publishers 2014 President’s Gold Medal award for short fiction.
BITCOIN Currency of the Future
By Nikki Clifton
Doyou remember the rectangular, clunky cell phone of the ’80s that had that thick antenna attached on the top? Can you now imagine that paper money may also go the way of the dinosaur cell phone beginnings and disappear like your favorite WHAM! cassette tape?
Bitcoin is a form of digital currency that is created and stored electronically. Bitcoin isn’t printed like euros and dollars—they are produced by people running computers all over the world with software that solves mathematical problems. It’s the first example of a growing category of money known as crypto currency. Bitcoin’s most interesting characteristic and the thing that makes it different from conventional money, is that it’s decentralized—no single bank, institution or person controls the Bitcoin network. Instead, Bitcoin is created by a community of people that anyone can join. That’s right—it’s a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. The network also processes its own transactions, making Bitcoin its own payment network. Transactions are sent from and to an electronic “wallet,” which exists either in the cloud or on a user’s computer. So, Bitcoin is like a virtual “bank account” that allows users to send or receive Bitcoin, pay for goods or save their money. Transactions are digitally signed for security.
People can send Bitcoin to each other using mobile apps or their computers, similar to sending cash digitally. International payments are easy and cheap because they are not tied to any country or subject to regulation. Small businesses like Bitcoin because there are no credit card fees.
Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator is Satoshi Nakamoto—a person or a group of persons who developed the reference software. Nakamoto is said to have continued to contribute to his Bitcoin software release with other developers until contact with his team and the community gradually began to fade in mid-2010.
To date, one Bitcoin is worth $317.13 U.S. dollars, and the currency is extremely volatile. It might keep going up, but it could also lose 90 percent of its value next week. In other words, you should only jump on the bandwagon if you have a strong stomach.
Since Bitcoin purchases rely heavily on QR codes, there are thousands of Bitcoin merchants online who will sell you everything from jewelry to electronics. You can also spend Bitcoins in “real life.” To spend them in person, you need a Bitcoin mobile app. Generally, the store you’re buying from will show you a QR code representing the Bitcoin transaction. You then scan that QR code with your phone, and the mobile app will send the required number of Bitcoins to the store. Then you walk out the door with your purchases.
So how might Bitcoin change the future of your shopping spree?
Considering that Bitcoin is as easily accessible as making a call on your cell phone, you could actually spend less time in line and more time untangling your WHAM! cassette tape with a pencil instead.
Search the website bitcoinvalues.net for a list of merchants who are now accepting Bitcoin.
CREATING AN OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE THAT REFLECTS
Wonder and Whimsy
By Heather Thomas
Photography by Keasi Smith on location at the home of Colin and Anne Phipps
“Every adventure requires a first step.” –Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland
“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.” —Francis Hodgson Burnett from The Secret Garden
Two beloved novels—The Secret Garden and Alice in Wonderland —both evoke the delight one can find in discovering hidden, outdoor treasures and adventures. Maybe your flowers can’t actually talk, or your yard isn’t hidden by a locked door, but you can still create a fairy tale view with a few fanciful details. The key to creating a garden of whimsy is to hide surprises for the viewer that will inspire you to slow down, take that meandering path and discover one whimsical wonder at a time.
Kimodo Dragon Sculpture
The Komodo Dragon by W. Stanley Proctor, is a popular resident in the garden, and is large enough to inspire brave visitors to perch on its back in the warm sun.
Overalls Sculpture
“T. H. Smith 2001” by Susan P. Cochran is illustrative of the whimsical aspect to this landscape and inspires speculation and wonder about its “floating” effect.
Turtle Pathway
The turtle stepping stones in the pathway lead through the ornate gate, inspiring a traveler to explore and wonder about the tree of bottles, whose colors sparkle in the sunlight.
Turtle Sculpture
The Turtle by W. Stanley Proctor is situated by the porch steps in order to give everyone a warm welcome and a smile.
Bird Bath
A bird bath—nothing is more inviting to birds and to the visitors who love to watch them in whimsical motion.
Quail Accent in a Potted Plant
The quail is part of the Phipps family legacy and is a reminder of how the little details can speak of what makes you, and your garden, uniquely whimsical.
Scan with your smartphone using the Layar app to check out more whimsical garden ideas on our Pinterest board.
A Perfect Pair
By Michelle R. Nickens | Photgraphy by Keasi Smith
There’s nothing better than time with the one you love—surrounded by flickering candles and relaxing music, engaged in thought-provoking conversation, nibbling on delectable cheeses and sipping tantalizing wines. Maybe a picnic by the lake or a visit to a beachside retreat is your ideal romantic get-a-way. Regardless of where you choose, including a variety of cheeses and wines in your plan can stimulate your palate while bringing you closer.
Melted, sliced or topped on a baguette—cheese is ideal for sharing. White, red, sparkling or dessert— wines enhance flavors and memorialize moments. Together, wine and cheese are a perfect pair.
Although there are no formal rules of cheese and wine pairing, there are guidelines. Online resources and local experts can provide tips on which wines and cheeses to pair, based on what you love to eat and drink. However, generally when pairing wines and cheeses, it is important that one does not overpower the other. Finding the right balance is important. Some things to consider include intensity, texture, savory versus sweet, hard versus soft, terroir or location (often cheeses and wines made in the same region marry well), body, tannins, and acidity. It is also exciting to experiment with different flavors and discover new tastes that you and your partner can enjoy together.
Creating a romantic evening can be as simple as a couple of different cheeses on a cutting board and a bottle of wine. Or, it can be as elaborate as a five-course meal, each with a complementary wine. These three recipes and suggested wine pairings are examples of how different cheeses and wines enhance the complexity of one another. They are simple to prepare, seduce your senses and tempt your taste buds.
Additional information and pictures are available at Michelle’s blog, WineKnows—Pour, Explore & More, accessible at michellenickens.com.
Gouda and White Cheddar Truffle Mac & Cheese paired with a 2012 St. Clement Chardonnay from California ($14 at the Wine Warehouse). This rich and creamy dish blends well with this Chardonnay’s light butter and caramel flavors and elevates the subtle truffle flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz. dry rigatoni (or pasta of your choice)
1 T. olive oil
2 T. arrowroot (or flour)
½ c. reduced-fat milk (recommend having an additional ½ c. in reserve)
1 c. shredded white cheddar (used Trader Joe’s 6-year aged cheddar cheese $5.79)
Grate the Gouda and white cheddar (may need to break into small chunks). Reserve in bowl. Add 1 T. arrowroot or flour to cheese mixture. Coat cheese to avoid sticking. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Slowly add the remaining arrowroot or flour, stirring constantly with a whisk to create a roux (about 1 minute). Add the milk, stirring constantly. Add the salt, truffle salt and pepper. Add the cheese mixture (reserve ½. c.) and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and smooth (some chunks of the cheddar are fine to leave). Use reserved milk, if needed, to create a smooth mixture. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Add the Greek yogurt. Whisk until smooth. Add the cooked pasta and mix until well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and panko bread crumbs.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. For the last minute or so, broil to create a golden crust on top. Watch this carefully to ensure it does not burn. Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4–6.
FIRST Choice Wellness Care
• Weight Loss Treatment
• Family Practice
• Work, School, Sports Physicals
• Botox Injections
• SpiderVein Injection
• Male/Female Hormone Treatment
• Mole and Skin Tag Removal
• Laser Tattoo Removal
• Immigration Health Exam (I-693)
12 Years Experience Walk-ins Welcome
Mon., Tues., 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., including lunch Wed., Thurs., 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., closed 12-2 for lunch Fri., 7:00–noon
David L. Browne, MSN, ARNP
Member of American Society of Bariatric Physicians & American Sexual Society
1324 N. Magnolia Dr. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 671-3800
www.firstchoicewellnessscare.com
Baked Camembert With Fig Preserves and Almond Slices paired with a 2012 Ridge Three Valleys Zinfandel from California ($21 at the Wine Warehouse). This fruity Zinfandel contains depth that enhances the fig while balancing the tartness of the cheese. For a twist, change the Camembert to Brie, the fig to cranberry and the almonds to pistachios. Use a heart cutout to make shapes on top to give it a romantic touch. The Camembert is a great melting cheese and oozes out when you cut through this golden brown crust.
Chocolate Stout Cheese
With Balsamic Glaze paired with a 10-year Rozes Infanta Isabel Port from Portugal ($24 at the Wine Warehouse). This semisoft cheese was aged in chocolate for six months and stout for six months and balances with this intense fruity port, savory balsamic and toasted pecans. Serve with Asian pear slices.
Ingredients
Chocolate Stout Cheese
(8-oz. portions available at 319 Wine and Cheese, $12)
Balsamic glaze
½ c. pecan halves
1 Stevia packet (or other sweetener)
1 T. olive oil
Ingredients
1 8-oz. Camembert (used Sweet Grass Dairy, $14 at 319 Wine and Cheese)
1 8-oz. Pillsbury Crescent
Rolls, Original
1 4-oz. Pillsbury Crescent
Rolls, Original (optional)
¼ c. fig preserves
2 T. almond slivers
Cooking spray
Wax or parchment paper
Baguette
2 T. olive oil
Directions
Lay a piece of wax or parchment paper on a cutting board. Unfold half of the 8-oz. crescent rolls. Lay flat on the paper and press the seams together. Use arrowroot or flour, if needed, to avoid sticking.
Place the Camembert in the middle of the dough. Spread the preserves on top of the cheese. Add the almonds. Mold the dough around and over the top of the cheese. The dough should come up over the cheese but will not meet. Lay the remaining half of the crescent rolls
Asian pears (sliced)
Juice from half a lemon
Directions
Cut the cheese into slices. (For this recipe, only 4 oz. of the cheeses was used. More or less can be used based on your serving size.) Set aside. Spread pecans on greased cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle stevia over pecans. Set aside. Slice pears. Sprinkle lemon juice on pears. Set aside.
Prepare your serving dish by spreading the balsamic glaze on the bottom. Arrange the cheese on top of the glaze. Add additional glaze to each piece of cheese. Arrange the pecans and pears on the platter. Decorate with mint sprigs.
on the paper, roll out flat and pinch the seams (as with the first half). Lay the second piece of dough over the top of the cheese and wrap it over and under. Mold the entire piece until all the cheese is covered and the seams are smooth. Use water on your fingertips, if needed, to help seal the seams.
If you want to decorate the top with cutouts, unfold the remaining 4-oz. crescent rolls. Prepare decorations and place on top. Be careful to watch and cover with tin foil, if needed, to avoid burning. When placing the cutouts, apply slight pressure to ensure they adhere to the dough.
Place Camembert on greased pie pan. Using a pie pan will ensure that if a break in the dough occurs during cooking, the cheese is contained. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Serve with toasted baguettes, fruit or your favorite crackers. For the baguettes. Cut equal size portions. Lay on greased cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil on top of pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.
SoFunnyGirl.
Love Note Gone Bad
by Kelly Swanson
my husband’s been encouraging me to take more initiative in matters of the hanky-panky persuasion (sounds like an old country song). And since I’m a motivational speaker and am always rambling on about coming out of your comfort zone, I decided to take my own advice and just jump. So I decided to send my husband a love note. Not just any love note with flowery words and bouncing hearts across the bottom, but a “Shades of Gray” love note (or at least my whip-free version of it).
It took me an hour to plan the e-mail. I wanted to strike just the right balance between sexy and promising things I knew I wouldn’t deliver. It was an e-mail filled with sweet nothings, naughtiness and suggestions for future endeavors. I was particularly proud that I worked chocolate into it (for selfish reasons of course). And I thought the fact that one of my suggestions required the purchase of a new pair of heels was even more brilliant.
The e-mail was a small gesture that I knew would benefit our relationship in a big way. So, yeah, I was proud of myself. It was perfect. I quickly hit Send before I lost my nerve and waited for his reply. An hour later, I still hadn’t heard anything. Two hours, and still nothing. I started to wonder if maybe the e-mail offended him in some way. Maybe he was sitting on a couch in a therapist’s office right now, trying to get the image of me covered in chocolate out of his head. Maybe this wasn’t what he meant by showing initiative.
Maybe I should have just shaved my legs.
Finally, I couldn’t stand it any longer so I called him. “Did you get my e-mail?” I envisioned all sorts of responses that weren’t pleasant, but none of them as bad as his.
“What e-mail?”
Suddenly, I had one of those slow-motion world-collapsing-around-you moments where you see with sudden clarity exactly where you went wrong. I was hoping it wasn’t true. But it had happened so many times before. I’m sending an e-mail. I’m in a hurry. I start to type in the letters of the name, it recognizes it and finishes it for me and I hit send. All in an instant, never stopping to see if it pulled up the right name.
The blood drained from my face as I realized that my naughty e-mail had not gone to but to another Bill. Shame on me for not marrying a man named Percy. Oh, please let it be Bill from the bank. Or Bill who taught that comedy class I took online. Or Bill the cartoonist. But no, the e-mail went to Pastor Bill—sweet, humble Pastor Bill, who was now reading my e-mail spelling out
Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, and author of “Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale?” When she’s not out making the world laugh, she’s a frazzled wife and mother trying to convince her family that chocolate is a food group. For more about Kelly go to kellyswanson.net. EzineArticles.com
all the things I wanted to do to him. You could hear my screams three counties over.
My husband thought it was hilarious. Really hilarious. He couldn’t stop laughing. No shades of gray for him. I am now initiating the silent treatment.
I sent Pastor Bill a message explaining myself. He didn’t reply. Now I have to find a new church.
