Find Breast Cancers Early
Early detection is a woman’s greatest weapon in the fight against breast cancer.
At AdventHealth Polk, our High-Risk Breast Cancer Prevention Clinic provides peace of mind to women at elevated risk of developing breast cancer through education, increased screening options, and risk-reduction.
Through improvements in the early detection breast cancer deaths have declined by 40% since 1989. At AdventHealth Polk, our cutting-edge 3D mammography can find up to 65% more invasive breast cancers and reduce false positives by about 40%. We aim to improve these statistics and support your journey to feel whole –body, mind, and spirit.
CONTRIBUTORS
Linda List, Writer and Photographer
Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.
Kirk Gollwitzer, Writer and Photographer
Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer, musician, photographer, videographer, and real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes and horse properties. A former key figure and co-founder of the Tryon International Film Festival, he has done several documentaries and has written two novels.
Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer
Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.
Pebbles, Writer
Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org
Jeff Allison Publisher
ON THE COVER
As the foothills welcome the crisp calm of November, we’re delighted to bring you this month’s edition of Life in Our Foothills. With the days growing shorter and the air carrying the familiar charm of autumn, this season invites us to slow down, reflect, and savor the many simple joys that make our community so special. It’s a time to pause, gather with friends and family, and appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty, creativity, and neighborly spirit that defines life in our region.
In this issue, we step inside the creative world of Missi & Co., where owner Missi Youngblood and her talented team continue to redefine what it means to create a home that is not only beautiful but also warm, functional, and inviting. This full-service interior design firm is making its mark by transforming spaces, focusing on elegance and comfort.
We also make our way to The Stubborn Mule Restaurant and Brewery in Landrum, where owners Kelly and Tom Quantrille share their story of turning a vision into a vibrant dining experience. Their passion for quality and craft shines through every dish and drink, making the restaurant a quickly growing favorite for locals and visitors alike.
This month, we also celebrate the annual Taste of the Market, an event that brings together the best of local flavors, creativity, and camaraderie at the Landrum Farmer’s Market. It’s a joyful reminder of the region’s abundance and the talented artisans who make our foothills so flavorful and memorable.
And of course, we catch up with our resident “spokespony,” Pebbles, for another heartwarming story from the HERD ranch—a tale that reminds us that blessings often arrive in the most unexpected ways.
We hope this November edition of Life in Our Foothills brings warmth, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for our vibrant community. As always, I encourage you to share your thoughts, story ideas, and local highlights with me at jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com.
Thanks for reading!
Jeff Allison Editor
(Story on page 22)
Story by Kirk Gollwitzer
Publisher and General Manager
Jeff Allison
Graphic Design
Zeal Kadhikhaye
Marketing
Lynn Cromer
Stacey Cullen
Distribution
Jamie Lewis
Alex Greene
FOOTHILLS life IN OUR STAFF
Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.
the life you love. Find out how at AboutActs.com/Foothills or call (866) 531-6613.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER 27
Morris Art Pop-Up Fundraiser and Karaoke
Nov. 27, 12 pm to 4 pm
Tryon Depot 22 Depot St.
14th Annual Tryon Beerfest
Nov. 1, 12-6pm 22 Depot St., Tryon Tryonbeerfest.com
Columbus Winter Market
Nov. 1 & 15, 10am – 1pm Iron Key Brewing 135 Locust St., Columbus
Saluda Winter Market
Nov. 7 & 22, 10am-1pm Saluda Center 64 Greenville St., Saluda
Gentleman’s Quartet
Nov. 7, 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon Tryonarts.org
Steps to Hope Golf Tournament
Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. Links O’Tryon Stepstohope.org
Music at the Market presents:
Soulified 7 Nov. 8, 7 pm
221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum Landrumfarmersmarket.com
Tryon Half Marathon & Fall for the Foothills 5K
Nov. 15, 8 am
Tryon International Equestrian Center Tboutreach.org
Dare to Dream - Opening Reception
Nov. 15, 5 - 7 pm
Tryon Painters and Sculptors 78 N. Trade St., Tryon 828-859-0141, Tryonpaintersandsculptors.com
The Game’s Afoot: Holmes for the Holidays
Nov. 16, 20, 22, 23, 3 pm Tryon Little Theater tltinfo.org
Tryon Concert Association presents Pacifica Quartet Nov. 18, 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon Tryonconcerts.org
The Voyage of the Viking and the Discovery of America Nov. 19, 1 p.m. Lanier Library thelanierlibrary.org
Free Family Concert with Marley’s Chain Nov. 23, 4 pm FENCE
3381 Hunting Country Rd fence.org
Landrum Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 28, 7 pm Market Square
221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum
Roastin’ on the Ridge Nov. 29, 12 pm
FENCE
3381 Hunting Country Rd fence.org
Story and Photography by
Storme Smith
Step over the threshold of Missi & Co. and the air of deliberate luxury is unmistakable. This artful enclave located in Tryon serves as a full-service interior design firm that has made its mark by transforming not just spaces, but the very experience of home. Under the seasoned leadership of Principal Designer and CEO Missi Youngblood, Missi & Co. offers a blend of polish, warmth, and
personal touch that’s hard to find elsewhere—a trait that’s propelled the firm through over 36 successful years in the world of high-end interiors.
Youngblood’s mantra, homes should be both supremely elegant and deeply comfortable, runs through every project. “Our holistic approach addresses the entire home so that every space flows seamlessly into the next,” Youngblood says. This means curated transitions from a welcoming living area bathed in sunlight to a tranquil bedroom, each room reflect-
ing the soul of the homeowner. Clients who work with Missi & Co. quickly realize that the process is about more than custom cabinetry or designer fabrics. During the initial consultation, Youngblood and her team dive deep into the client’s vision, needs, and day-to-day lifestyle. “Every solution is thoughtfully crafted to meet your specific requirements and unique preferences,” she explains. The journey unfolds through meticulous phases: discovery and concept development, material selection, fur-
Missi & Co. creates spaces that invite connection, creativity, and authentic living.
offers transformative updates with fresh furnishings, lighting, paint, wallpaper, and chic décor, all without the dust of demolition.
Another core tenet of the Missi & Co experience is partnership. From concept to final touches, the team becomes the “glue that holds everything together,” deftly managing timelines, vendors, and inevitable surprises. Clients appreciate a stress-minimized process, clear communication, and the assurance that no detail will be overlooked.
At the heart of the studio’s success is a dynamic, female-led team. Lead designer Jessica
We offer high quality cabinets at an affordable price, designed specifically for your project by our cabinet specialists. Cabinets will be shipped to you in as little as 4 ~ 5 weeks.
Fortunate Finds is the perfect spot to pick up a holiday gift.
Singer brings not only her design expertise but also a background in event management, marketing, and proficiency in modern technology. Business manager Besh Behrend orchestrates operations and client support with warmth and precision. Junior designer Kelsey Spratt brings technical prowess in AutoCAD and 3D rendering, while gallery manager Jacqueline Rent and features design pros such as Christy Ward
and Annslee Kilgore lead the Tryon studio. This collective expertise allows Missi & Co. to serve a diverse client base, from busy professionals and families to retired executives seeking sanctuary. The team’s portfolio spans waterfront makeovers on Florida’s Casey Key to refined farmhouse transformations in the North Carolina foothills. Regardless of location, each home is a testament to the firm’s mission: to create
Hailey Gimler is the founder of Marigold Collective, a line of cleaning products.
spaces that invite connection, creativity, and authentic living.
Introducing Fortunate Finds
With the recent grand opening of the Tryon studio, Missi & Co. unveiled an exciting new venture: Fortunate Finds. Curated by Youngblood herself, this antique and art gallery brings a new dimension to the area’s cultural landscape. Visitors can expect a striking collection of antiques, fine art, and one-of-akind tabletop accessories, each piece hand-picked to complement the firm’s thoughtful design ethos. “We can’t wait for everyone to see our antiques, art,
Fortunate Finds sells antiques and tabletop accessories.
and tabletop accessories,” Youngblood shared at the ribbon-cutting—an event that drew support from the local Tryon Downtown Development Association and Chamber of Commerce.
Fortunate Finds has already become a destination for locals and visitors alike who appreciate artistry, originality, and curated beauty. By integrating a gallery and design studio, Missi & Co. offers clients access to
exclusive pieces and inspiration, a true one-stop experience for those seeking to elevate their homes.
Hailey Gimler and Marigold Collective
No discussion of design innovation in the Carolinas would be complete without highlighting the work of Hailey Gimler, owner and lead designer at Marigold Collective. Based in Landrum and a graduate of Converse
University, Gimler represents the new wave of designers placing sustainability and wellness at the forefront of their work. She began making household cleaning products out of a need for transparency and safety, evolving it into a thriving business grounded in clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, and hand-crafted quality.
Marigold Collective stands as both an artisan marketplace and a design resource, offering handmade gifts, organic essentials, and eco-friendly decor that pairs beautifully with thoughtful interiors. Gimler’s design service is as client-cen -
Youngblood has handpicked the artist whose work appears in the gallery.
tered and stylish as it is mindful and intentional, a welcome addition to the elegant, personalized approach of Missi & Co. Together, these visionaries are redefining what it means to live beautifully and responsibly in the South.
A New Era of Design
As Missi & Co. expands its reach, the firm remains committed to its founding ideals: timeless beauty, practical luxury, and the profound impact of a
well-designed home. Whether you’re ready for a transformative renovation or seeking ways to refresh a single room, the team stands ready to help you tell your story— one space at a time. For consultations, inquiries, or to browse their latest portfolio and the treasures of Fortunate Finds, visit Missi & Co. at 75 S. Trade Street, Suite C, in Tryon. The firm can also be reached by calling 828-4401117 or via email at design@missiandcompany.com.
Gallery Manager Jaqueline Rent
Brewing Community in Landrum
The Stubborn Mule Restaurant and Brewery
Story by Kirk Gollwitzer
Kelly and Tom Quantrille never set out to create just another restaurant. Their vision for the Stubborn Mule Restaurant and Brewery was to give Landrum, South Carolina, a gathering place that felt like home from the day it opened. In just a few
short years, they’ve done exactly that.
The Stubborn Mule sits on North Howard Avenue in a building the couple purchased and rebuilt in 2022. Its barn-inspired interior mixes rustic wood with modern lines, anchored by a railroad track footrail at the bar. Outside, tables spill into a beer garden where live music and conversation carry into the evening. The design is
both practical and symbolic—a gathering space built to honor Landrum’s heritage while embracing its growth.
The Quantrilles brought different backgrounds to the venture. Tom spent 25 years in chemical plant management, while Kelly grew up in Hilton Head, where her family operated Fisherman’s Lagoon for three decades. In addition to running the restaurant, Kelly is also a licensed real estate
Photos courtesy of Stubborn Mule
broker in both North and South Carolina.
With their blended family of eight children and a horse farm in Campobello, the restaurant became an extension of their lifestyle. Even Rosie, their spirited rescue mule, found her way into the story—lending her name and attitude to the brand.
“She’s stubborn,” Kelly said of Rosie.
“That’s where the name came from. But she’s also sweet and memorable. That’s what we wanted the brewery to be—something that people don’t forget.”
Rosie is also the face of Rosie’s Red Ale, one of the brewery’s most popular beers. Each month, 10 percent of its sales are donated to a local nonprofit, with recent recipients including Guiding Reins, Red Bell Run, and Thermal Hugs. “It’s important that the brewery isn’t just about us,” Tom said. “It’s about Landrum, too.”
Brewmaster Chris Hession, Kat Wright, and Kelly Quantrille inside the Stubborn Mule brewhouse.
Inside the Stubborn Mule, rustic barn-inspired décor blends with a lively dining and bar scene.
If the brand is defined by Rosie, the menu is defined by its focus on “Fresh Handhelds and Sharables.”
The phrase has become a shorthand for the Mule’s culinary philosophy, one that prizes food meant to be passed around the table or eaten casually with one hand while holding a pint in the other.
Guests often start with Bavarian pretzels served with beer cheese made from Rosie’s Red Ale, fried green tomatoes topped with bacon-apple jam, or Low Country hummus with naan bread and seasonal crudité. Boiled peanuts, a Southern staple, add another approachable option. Pizzas baked in a 750-degree stone oven are the centerpiece of the sharable
The Stubborn Mule team has built a menu and beer program that celebrates community and sharing.
concept, ranging from Pretty Fly for a White Pie with ricotta and balsamic glaze to The Luau topped with Canadian bacon, pineapple, and onion. “We wanted the menu to be versatile,” Kelly said. “Families come in, groups come in, and everyone can find something they enjoy. It’s food you can share, and it works whether you’re inside at a table or outside listening to music.”
The handheld side of the menu features the Mule Smash! double burger, a buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich called The OG, and a grilled chicken sandwich for a lighter take. Seasonal salads bring in local produce, from peaches in the summer to roasted squash and apples in the fall. And
Fresh pizza bakes in the Mule’s signature stone oven, showcasing the “fresh handhelds” concept.
for diners seeking a taste of Southern comfort, Shrimp n’ Grits delivers with smoked gouda and creole mustard cream sauce.
Even dietary restrictions are considered within this framework.
Gluten-free buns are available for sandwiches, and the team continues to refine a gluten-free pizza crust that can withstand the high heat of their stone oven. “We want our gluten-free pizzas to taste just as good as the others,” Kelly said.
The brewery has become just as central as the kitchen. To launch it, the Quantrilles hired brewer Chris Hession, who relocated from Vero Beach, Florida, bringing experience and creativity. His fiancée, Kat Wright,
A custom-built 750-degree stone oven turns out the Mule’s artisan pies.
contributes her design skills, creating the artwork for labels and merchandise. Together, they’ve built a lineup that already includes Landrum Light, Hogback Haze IPA, and Trotoberfest, a seasonal nod to both Oktoberfest and the area’s equestrian culture. “Our beers have been really well received,” Tom said. “Beer lovers are finding us on Untappd and rating them highly, and people are driving in from Asheville and Hendersonville just to try them.”
Behind the bar, the brewery operates with a modern bag-in-tank system and underground lines. The system eliminates the need to switch kegs mid-shift and ensures a consistent pour. “It makes a huge difference,”
Here’s to serving the Foothills with pride − today and every day!
Owners Kelly and Tom Quantrille with family team members at the Stubborn Mule in Landrum.
Tom said. “It’s efficient, and the quality stays high.”
The restaurant accommodates about 75 guests indoors and another 80 outside. To handle peak crowds, the couple added a fulfillment hut, allowing beer garden patrons to place orders without table service. Guests receive buzzers to collect food and drinks when ready, keeping service quick and relaxed. The system has proven especially popular with groups who order pizzas, pretzels, and other sharables, spreading out across the lawn with their food and drinks.
“Some people want a full sit-down experience,” Kelly said. “Others just want to grab a pizza and a couple of beers under the stars. This gives them
A pepperoni artisan pie fresh from the Mule’s 750-degree stone oven.
both options.”
The Stubborn Mule has been busy from the start. Friday and Saturday nights draw live music, families, and groups of friends. The couple’s children often pitch in, filling roles from server to bartender. “It really is a family business,” Kelly said. “Everyone helps when we need it.”
For Landrum, the Mule has quickly become a reflection of the town’s transformation. Once a quiet foothills community, it is now drawing equestrians, weekend travelers, and day-trippers from across the region. “We’ve had people drive from Easley just for the brewery,” Tom said. “That tells us we’re doing something right.” Even with its early success, the couple
QI’ve been dealing with TMJ pain for a while and can’t seem to find lasting relief. Can acupuncture help? :
I’m tired of just managing my autoimmune symptoms. Is there a more holistic way to actually support my body’s healing?
That’s such an important question — and one I hear often in my practice. Many autoimmune sufferers feel like their bodies are stuck in a cycle of flare-ups and fatigue. This can wear on the emotions, compounding to take a mental toll as well. While modern medicine focuses on symptom control or immune suppression, acupuncture offers a way to gently rebalance the body and encourage healing from within.
Autoimmune disorders — like IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis — develop when the immune system becomes dysregulated and starts attacking the body’s own tissues. Acupuncture helps calm this internal imbalance by addressing the deeper systems that influence immunity, inflammation, and energy.
Here’s how it does it:
1. Restores Immune Balance
Absolutely! TMJ pain—whether it’s jaw tightness, clicking, headaches, ear pain, or just a constant ache, can be exhausting. Caused by tension, inflammation, or misalignment of the jaw joint, TMJ can be incredibly uncomfortable—making it hard to talk, eat, or even relax. Many people struggle for months or years before finding a solution. Acupuncture is an effective, drug-free way to manage this challenging condition. Finding relief for my own TMJ pain is what first led me to acupuncture. The difference it made in my life was so profound that it inspired me to become an acupuncturist and help others find the same kind of healing.
Instead of suppressing immune function, acupuncture helps to regulate it. By bringing the body back into equilibrium, acupuncture can reduce overactive immune responses while strengthening the body’s natural defenses — encouraging the immune system to function more harmoniously.
Here’s how it works:
2. Reduces Inflammation
4. Supports Gut Health and Digestion
•Boosts Blood Flow – Increased circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area, speeding healing and reducing pain.
Because much of the immune system resides in the gut, improving digestive health can make a remarkable difference. Acupuncture helps calm gut inflammation, regulate motility, and support a healthy microbiome — this is key!
5. Restores Energy and Vitality
•Calms the Nervous System – Stress is a major trigger for jaw clenching and grinding. Acupuncture helps balance the nervous system, reducing stress and preventing flare-ups.
Autoimmune conditions often leave people feeling exhausted and depleted. Acupuncture enhances circulation, supports oxygen flow, and promotes energy.
•Supports Long-Term Relief – Unlike temporary fixes like pain medication or mouth guards, regular acupuncture sessions address the root causes of TMJ pain, helping prevent recurrences and improving overall jaw health.
In my practice, I often combine acupuncture with customized herbal formulas, gentle dietary guidance, and stress-reducing practices to support each person’s unique healing process. The goal isn’t to fight your body, it’s to help it find balance again, so it can begin to heal itself.
When approached with patience and consistency, acupuncture becomes a powerful ally in supporting long-term wellness and helping to move beyond symptom management, and toward genuine, lasting wellness.
If you’re seeking a natural, non-invasive solution, acupuncture offers a holistic, evidence-based solution for TMJ pain.
•Reduces Inflammation – By stimulating specific points, acupuncture helps trigger anti-inflammatory responses in the body, reducing swelling and easing joint irritation.
Chronic inflammation is one of the most common drivers of autoimmune discomfort. Acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s own anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving chemicals, helping to ease stiffness, swelling, and joint or muscle pain in a natural, sustainable way.
3. Calms the Stress Response
Stress plays a major role in triggering autoimmune flare-ups. Acupuncture has a deeply calming effect on the nervous system, shifting the body from a constant state of “fight-orflight” into a “rest-and-repair” mode, allowing inflammation to subside.
•Calms Jaw Muscle Tension – Tight jaw, neck, and facial muscles often drive TMJ pain. Acupuncture targets these trigger points, helping muscles relax and restoring natural jaw movement.
Bags of malt and grains stacked in the brewhouse highlight the brewery’s small-batch process.
Graze-and-share favorites like charcuterie, boiled peanuts, and craft beer anchor the menu.
continues to look ahead. They’ve cleared adjoining property for potential expansion, considering options from event spaces to additional brewing capacity. “The vision is always to grow with the town,” Tom said.
For now, the focus remains on consistency: well-crafted beer, food that feels both familiar and fresh, and a space where locals and visitors alike feel welcome. With Rosie the mule leading the way, the Stubborn Mule has become more than a restaurant. It is a landmark built on community, persistence, and a menu designed for sharing—proving that sometimes the simplest idea, fresh handhelds and sharables, can become the heart of a town’s dining culture.
Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.
Thank you to our community for choosing us to be your 2025 Favorite Insurance Agency & Favorite Insurance Agent in the Foothills!
We are proud to serve both SC & NC.
Tiffany Freel Agent
702 E Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356-1721 Bus: 864-457-2021 • www.tiffanyfreel.com
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State Farm Bloomington, IL
An Annual Tradition
Third Annual Taste of the Market Brings Culinary Delights to Community
Story and Photography by Storme Smith
On Saturday, October 11, the Landrum Farmers Market transformed into a culinary festival as over 500 community members gathered for the Third Annual Taste of the Market, an event that celebrates local flavors and community spirit. Featuring two local restaurants and 23 other participants, this year’s event highlighted the talent and creativity of our local farmers and artisans, with 46 market vendors providing the ingredients for an unforgettable evening. Guests were treated to a diverse tasting menu that showcased some of the most delicious offerings from the participating vendors. Among the standout dishes
AnAnnual Tradition
The Sunny Roll shows off their Apple Cider Donuts
Market Co-Manager JoAnn James and Juila Weisner.
Annual Tradition
Cothran’s Farm scooped up Peach Cobbler and Ice Cream.
was Southside Smokehouse's delectable Pork Cushion with Peach Chutney, a dish that perfectly captured the essence of local flavor. Side Street Pizza also impressed attendees with its Crispy Sausage and Pumpkin Polenta.
JoAnn James, Market Co-Manager, encapsulated the spirit of the event.
“A Taste of the Market is a true celebration of what makes the Landrum Farmers Market so special—fresh, local products, creative talent, and a strong sense of community,” she said. “It takes an incredible amount of hard work and heart from everyone involved, from our 25 participants and vendor volunteers to the FFA volunteers from Landrum Middle and High Schools, led by Eddie Williams and Jessica Hyder. They are a shining example of the future of farming in America.”
AnAnnual Tradition
Looking Glass Creamery dished out BLT Bites
Annual Tradition
Eat the Leaf made Pork Sliders.
This year’s event featured an impressive variety of other delicious dishes, including Blueberry Lemonade Cake from Dria's Southern Cakes, Market Quiche from Ellie's Scents, and Pork Sliders with Amethyst Basil Pesto from Eat the Leaf. The Egg Roll Lady delighted attendees with her flavorful Market Egg Rolls, while Cinch Spice Blends showcased their Taco Cups, adding a unique twist to the festival. Dickens Bees offered succulent Fried Chicken drizzled with their signature honey, and Estella's Empanadas filled the air with the enticing aroma of Chicken and Beef Empanadas. Kristin Johnson, Market Co-Manager, shared her excitement about the turnout and the community support.
“Seeing more than 500 people come out to sample 25 dishes made from our own market ingredients was incredible,” Johnson
Annual Tradition
Mary Gray leading her friendly ghost, Casper
A Blessing in Disguise
By Pebbles
Life is full of surprises. Most of us fantasize about our future endeavors. Then someone or something interferes, throwing us a curveball that derails our best-laid plans. Take me, for example. I had visions of being a champion driving pony. I would look amazing in a polished black leather harness festooned with brass ornamentation while pulling a lovely cart; throw in some gold tassels or plumage feathers for added appeal. Instead, my first owner sent me off to a livestock auction with my younger sister. Because of my beauty and regal ways, from the tip of my dainty ears to my delicate toes, I was purchased and landed in Campobello, SC. My palomino sister was not so lucky. I will never know how much longer she lived once she disappeared on that livestock truck headed to Mexico. I know firsthand what it feels like to be blessed and to be haunted by the unknown. I am not a driving pony superstar. However, I am a gifted storyteller and represent the nonprofit, HERD, as the “Spokespony.” This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, something that at first seems bad or unlucky, but results in something good happening later. Best of all, I never have to leave the comforts of home to shine in my career.
This leads me to share a story about a pretty overo paint horse named Emily. We called her Peaches & Cream in our rescue. Saved from a kill pen at the age of eight, she was slim with outstanding, colorful markings. Peaches possessed a pretty head with one blue eye and one brown eye. The livestock yard said she accepted a rider but was a bit rusty in her training level. She needed help quickly, or she would be slaughter-bound. We purchased her
TRYON PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS
and brought her to our rescue in North Carolina. After recovering from her ordeal, she spent one month in quarantine and then began training under saddle. Rider Marcus Smith was helping us at the time, and he began conditioning her before she headed to Beth Harrill to finish her training to be a nice mount for trails and pleasure riding. Along came a lovely woman from Atlanta, Georgia, named Mary Gary. She was looking for a horse to fox hunt and
trail ride. She and her sister, Elizabeth Tatum, are both avid equestrians. Mary decided to make this horse her new partner and named her Emily in January 2021. Off to the “Peach” state of Georgia, they headed together for new adventures. Emily did get to hunt that first season, while Mary boarded her at a nice farm. Then on August 3, which is Mary’s birthday, she got a call at 9:30 a.m. that she needed to come to the farm quickly. This was an
Newborn Casper with his mother, Emily
immediate emergency. The farm owner was not amused by the situation at hand. “Mary, your mare had a foal!”
The veterinarian was summoned as Emily was ridden during her pregnancy because no one knew she was bred. She possessed a grass belly, so everyone thought. No extra supplements or vitamins had been given to her for the extra nutrition to support a baby. Emily had not bagged up with milk or shown any signs of preparing to foal.
Alarmingly, she had also been grazing on fescue grass, which can be deadly for pregnant mares before foaling. Only Mary’s mother, who is not an experienced horsewoman, thought Emily looked pregnant when she saw the mare for the first time. This new set of circumstances was certainly shocking. Happily, the foal was alive and nursing, which was a miracle. It was certainly an eventful birthday surprise for Mary. The
11/12 at The Meeting Place in 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC at 2:30 p.m.
Casper
timing was so important for this fast curveball. Something awful had recently happened just three weeks before the foal’s unexpected arrival. Mary’s partner had died suddenly. This left a huge hole in her life. This baby’s mysterious entrance provided a new path forward beyond the hauntingly tragic loss in her life. Mary had to change her focus to concentrate on finding the next best steps on that August morning. She had to plan for her mare and
this new surprise foal. Mary arrived at the barn to find a white colt at Emily’s side. An appaloosa pattern of large spots blanketed his rump. He was diminutive, gentle, with a pink muzzle and long, slim legs. A friend of Mary’s referred to him as her friendly ghost. The name Casper was deemed the perfect fit. Emily and Casper had to be moved within a week to another farm that was better equipped to care for them. All the mares at the new barn fell in love
Jacksons Grove UMC
Mary Gray and company gathered for fox hunting on Emily
The day we found Peaches & Cream, preparing to be shipped to Mexico for slaughter
TRYON ANTIQUE MALL & MARKETPLACE
TRYON ANTIQUE MALL & MARKETPLACE
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
1005 South Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782
1005 South Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782
OVER 26,000 SQ FT, LARGE PARKING LOT, & WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
OVER 26,000 SQ FT, LARGE PARKING LOT, & WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
With over 500 rented spaces, the Tryon Antique Mall & Marketplace makes the perfect shopping experience. We are a one stop shop for all!
We offer vintage, antique, and primitive items, and much more! Some of the retailers available in the mall include Wet-It, Danica Designs, RADA, Umgee, Smoky Mountain Roasters, and Skinny Syrups, along with many more!
with Casper. His sweet but independent nature secured many fans. Once, he escaped from his pasture to enter another mare’s field. Emily was frantic and pacing the fence in distress. The mare he visited fell in love with him and called repeatedly for his return once he was placed back with his mother. Eventually, Casper was gelded, and later weaned so Emily could return to work with some horse shows in the schedule. Mary now had two horses to board, so she decided once Casper was old enough to start under saddle, that she would find an easy life for Emily out of the hunting field and showring. The mare now lives with Brandi and Cole Faulkner
as a beloved family trail horse. Emily has a pampered, easy life with Mary visiting frequently. Casper was the easiest young gelding to start under saddle. A friend backed him for Mary when he turned three years old. Within two months, Mary was trail riding him in English tack.
Casper is indeed the friendly ghost. He loads happily into the horse trailer for adventure seeking and rides out across the open fields. Casper is not startled by barking hounds or commotion in the hunt field. In short, he is saintly, acting far more mature than his age. He is a special young horse, a true blessing in disguise.
QUICK BITES
These dessert bars are peachy keen
There’s no shortage of holiday traditions, but few rival the popularity of baking. For many, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the aroma of freshly baked treats filling the kitchen. Family baking sessions not only produce a bounty of delicious goodies, but they also offer a fun and meaningful way to spend time together during a special time of year.
Baking together has become a cherished tradition in countless households. This holiday season, home bakers can add something new to their lineup with this recipe for Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies from Lines+Angles.
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Makes 16 to 18 cookies
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 small eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
Directions
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, pour into a large bowl and add brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
• Add eggs and vanilla; continue mixing until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and oats. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well. Stir in cranberries until evenly distributed.
• Drop scant tablespoons of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing them apart. Press down slightly in the center of each cookie.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden and set. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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