Leap- February 2016

速

LEAP

February 2016 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Mary Cervantes Don Lowe Catherine Frederick Dave Malone Jessica Sowards Stoney Stamper GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays PROOFREADER Charity Chambers

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ONLINE ASSISTANT Emma Sullins PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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INSIDE

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ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500 Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

STATE LOVE One of our great loves is Arkansas, and we're celebrating it by showing you how to make this gorgeous piece of art made with a few nails, string, and a simple piece of wood.

Scott Frederick - 479.459.6672

THE INSATIABLE SWEET TOOTH

Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com

Meet Mary, an Arkansas woman who makes some of the best desserts we've ever tasted. And she does it all from her own kitchen! Even better? She'll bake something just for you.

CHOC-IN-A-BOX

Scott@DoSouthMagazine.com

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116 息2016 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South速 are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South速 or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South速 reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

Surprise your Valentine with this scrumptious and impressive dessert, the Choc-in-a-Box. It looks complicated, but it's a snap to make!

Cover Image: Misunseo/Shutterstock

WILL TRAVEL FOR LOVE

Annual subscriptions are $30 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 7030 Taylor Avenue, Suite 5, Fort Smith, AR, 72916.

Single issues are available upon request for $7.

Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

Celebrate your special someone this Valentine's Day by heading out of town for a romantic weekend.

We've put together four fun trips, all in Arkansas, designed to make you fall in love all over again.

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letter from the editor

L

Last month I told you my New Year’s

Her house is still much the same. My dad

resolution to write down all of our

still lives there. The wood paneling has

family’s most loved recipes in one

been painted white, and the velour

book so I could hand it down to

couch with brown and green flowers

my son when he’s ready. I’ve

has been replaced by a leather

been collecting them and making

one. Gone are the metal rocking

mental notes to actually write

chairs from the front porch, but

down the ones that are in my

the clothesline still stands, though

head. I’m finding there are more

unused, in the backyard. Everything

recipes in my head than I have on

in her bedroom remains the same,

scraps of paper. I made chicken

as if she were still there.

and dumplings the other night, and I immediately thought, I need to write

That room feels like a metaphor.

this one down for the recipe book. There's

Mamaw always was there. There when I

only one problem. I don’t measure ingredients

walked through the door, asking me what I

when I make this dish. Just like my Mamaw didn’t.

wanted to eat and if I was ready to make some

When she cooked, it was a pinch here, a smidge there. A

mud pies out back. She loved to run the attic fan with no

handful of this and a splash of that. How her dishes turned out

A/C. She never missed church, Wednesday nights and twice on

downhome scrumptious each and every time still amazes me.

Sundays. She’d tickle my back when I couldn’t fall asleep. She cooked with cast iron everything. She loved The Andy Griffith

My mom and dad divorced when I was three, so I spent many

Show and I Love Lucy. And she loved me.

weekends at my Mamaw’s house. There was always food on the stove or on the table. Mamaw didn’t do drive-thru windows. She

There are times, like when I'm making one of her recipes,

cooked biscuits and gravy, and eggs and bacon, every morning.

when I miss her most. I'm certain I didn’t appreciate her then

I loved her mashed potatoes, and chicken and dumplings. She

in quite the way I do now. I wasn’t there when she passed and

made the best semi-runny fudge, and the best chocolate cake,

I missed her funeral. Truth is, I just couldn’t go. I wanted to

you ever did eat. I’ve never been able to duplicate either the

remember her just as I always had, and as I always will.

fudge or the cake recipes, no matter how hard I try.

I’m going to keep working on my recipe book and working My Mamaw’s real name was Hester. She was small, and short, I

on Mamaw’s recipes I’ve yet to master. I’m lucky enough to

guess. She’d just say she’d shrunk. Her hands and face were full

have her cast iron skillets, these tangible pieces of cookware

of folds, deep lines that ran this way and that. She didn’t wear a

that held her creations, and they make me feel as if someday

bit of makeup, and on most days she donned a muumuu, unless

I'll be able to recreate those unforgettable meals from my

we walked to the senior center to paint pottery or make quilts.

childhood. That's what I think, anyway, every time I step up

Mamaw didn’t drive, even though she kept an avocado green

to my stove to try.

station wagon with faux wood side panels in the carport. Every once in a while we’d catch a ride with her next-door neighbor, Inez, and go fishing. Mamaw would pack scrambled egg sandwiches, our poles, the stink bait, and lawn chairs so we’d have someplace to sit while the sun cooked us from the outside in.

~Catherine

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calendar

FEBRUARY Eagle Cruise Rogers 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29

Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com

Community Strikes Back Bowling Tournament Fort Smith February 6, 12:30pm - 5pm Feel like bowling for a good cause? Sign up for the Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter and Commissary Kiwanis Club's bowling tournament at Bowling World. There will also be prizes and a silent auction. See website for pricing. childrensemergencyshelter.org

Why not take a cruise on Beaver lake to see the bald eagles? You'll pass by gorgeous scenery, and learn all about the eagles. Bundle up (dress in layers!), and bring your binoculars. The eagle cruises start at 3pm at Hobbs State Park in Rogers and take only 20 passengers per tour. See website, or call, for pricing.

Book in advance.

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Mardi Gras Parade and Mayor's Ball Eureka Springs February 6, 2pm and 7pm

Beginning Beekeeping Class Fort Smith February 6 or 27, 8am-2pm Interested in raising bees? The Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Beekeepers Association is offering two introductory classes this month at the Janet Huckabee Nature Center in Fort Smith. Check your calendars to see which date works best for you. See website, or call, for pricing. waeoba.com or 479.208.9949

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friendsofhobbs.com or 479.789.5000

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ACCALive! Martin Taylor Fort Smith February 10, 7:30pm

Eureka Springs loves to celebrate Mardi Gras. Show up for the free parade in downtown Eureka Springs that begins at 2pm. Stay for the Mayor's Ball at Basin Park Hotel­. It begins at 7pm, and you're welcome to come in costume.

See website for pricing. Laissez les bon temps Rouler!

Dr. Martin Taylor, virtuoso guitarist, composer and Grammy® nominee, will perform at ACCALive! in downtown Fort Smith. Dr. Taylor dazzles audiences with his signature style. He's earned 14 British Jazz Awards, several Top 10 albums, and he's collaborated with musicians such as Bill Wyman, Chet Atkins and George Harrison. See website for pricing.

eurekamardigras.com

artistaudiencecommunitylive.com

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calendar

THETOPTENTHETOPTEN

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Songs of the Heart – An Evening with Jonathan Karrant Fort Smith February 13 Dinner at 6:30pm Concert at 8pm

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TH iTri Sparks Indoor Triathlon Fort Smith February 27, 7am

Fort Smith Marathon February 14, 8am Ready to run? The Fort Smith Marathon begins in downtown Fort Smith on Valentine's Day, and has something for everyone. You can enter the marathon, the half-marathon, or relays. See website for details and pricing.

Need a way to beat the winter blues?

Sign up for the 15th Annual iTri Sparks Indoor Triathlon, at Marvin Altman Fitness Center. Proceeds go to the Gregory Kistler Treatment Center. There are several events: a 500-yard swim, 8-mile stationary bike ride, and a 3-mile run on the track. Open to the first 100 who register and pay the entry fee. For costs, see their Facebook page.

Find them on Facebook/Fort Smith Triathlons or call 479.441.5496

fortsmithmarathon.com

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IC Spaghetti Supper Fort Smith February 28, 4pm-7pm Fort Smith Home Show Fort Smith February 19-21

Make this a Valentine's Day to rem-ember. Jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant will be performing at the Blue Lion in downtown Fort Smith.

Want to make the night even sweeter? Opt for a catered dinner provided by 21 West End. The concert is hosted by the Donald W. Reynolds Crisis Intervention Center.

See website for pricing.

Need some new ideas for sprucing up your home and property? Come to the Fort Smith Convention Center to get inspired and catch up on the latest trends. Vendors will be on hand to answer questions. See website for pricing.

fscic.org

fortsmithhomebuilders.com DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

The 46th Annual Immaculate Conception School Spaghetti Dinner, held at the Monsignor Galvin Parish Center, across the parking lot from IC Church, includes spaghetti with homemade meat sauce, a side dish of marinated mushrooms, house salad, dessert and mouthwatering rolls. Call to pre-order, or pay at the door. Take out is available.

Call for pricing or to reserve your spot.

479.783.6798

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poetry

Spring Dress LINEs Dave Malone From O: Love Poems from the Ozarks (A portion of “Spring Dress” aired on NPR’s Tell Me More, “Muses and Metaphors” on April 16, 2012.)

I love the unknown in you, the unfair, the shy backs of your knees, the colony of dimples that sleep in moon-shaped huts leaning toward your mouth.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

Dr. Steven Stiles Optometric Physician

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

WORDS TO LIVE BY: "You can always defend the truth.”

2401 South Waldron Road Fort Smith stileseyegroup.com 479.452.2020 ABOUT STILES EYE GROUP Our talented team sets the bar for a stellar patient experience. With our keen sense of style and technical know-how, we not only help people see their best and protect the health of their eyes, we also help them look their best with exceptional eyewear or contacts. It is no exaggeration that we offer the most exciting and innovative eyewear from around the world. We love it when we hear how much our patients enjoyed picking out their glasses, love wearing their glasses, or how many compliments they receive on their eyewear. At the end of the day, we want to make sure our patients see well, look fabulous, and feel great in their glasses, sunglasses, or contacts.

A- Age: 62.

B- Biggest accomplishment: I’ve built a successful business with almost no formal business training. I’ve had some amazing mentors & colleagues who’ve shared their wisdom over the years.

C- Current time: 1:30 p.m.

D- Drink you last had: Soy latte.

E- Easiest person to talk to: My wife.

F- Favorite song: “Make Me Smile” by Chicago.

G- Gambler, yes or no: Definitely no.

H- Hit song when you were in high school: "Vehicle" by Ides of March.

I- In love with: Live music, especially a good band.

J- Jealous of: George Clooney (he's so suave). Or Blake Shelton (he's so clever).

K-Kayak or canoe: Kayak on Frog Bayou or the Mulberry.

L- Last time you cried: Tears of joy experiencing my children graduate from college.

M- Morning routine: Sleep as long as possible, quick shower, quick breakfast, go to work. I’m not a morning person.

N- Number of siblings: I'm an only child.

O- One wish: I wish we would get a Whole Foods in Fort Smith.

P- Person you last called: George's Restaurant for carry out.

Q- Question you're always asked: Will wearing glasses make my eyes worse?

3 THINGS DR. STILES CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Laptop Smartphone

R- Reason to get up in the morning: To experience life’s opportunities and challenges. I don’t want to miss anything.

S- Song on your playlist: “I’ve Got the Medicine” by Grace Potter.

T- Time you woke up today: 6:45 a.m.

U- Unplug: By playing golf, watching sports, or listening to music.

V- Vacation destination: Most recent Cancun, Mexico. Favorite, New York City.

W- Worst habit: OMG, there are so many.

X- X-rays you've had: On my teeth.

Golf Clubs

Y- Your favorite food: Lobster bisque.

Z- Zen (your moment of): Hitting golf balls on the range.

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pets

Adopt Some Love The Humane Society of the Ouachitas has more than 50 adoptable cats and dogs. Your best friend is waiting!

Call to learn about monthly adoption events in Fort Smith and Hot Springs.

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F

M

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Jack

JJ

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Lady Loo

O'Faith

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O'Floyd

Prissy

Humane Society of the Ouachitas Donations are always needed and greatly appreciated.

368 Polk County Road 50 | Mena, AR | 479.394.5682 | Tue. - Sat. 10am-2pm | www.hsomena.org | Each month, Do South® donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

The Beauty of Grace

Stories of God's Love From Today's Most Popular Writers

By Dawn Camp, Editor and Photographer | Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group | 192 pages | $17 review Marla Cantrell

In a world where instant connection is

His essay in this collection is about how

everything (texting, Facebook, Skype), it's

inundated we all are with texts and tweets

also a world filled with disconnection. The

and phone calls. Finding that quiet place,

busyness of everyday life keeps us bound

those few minutes of solitude, is difficult,

to our small cubicles at work, or on the

but something that's absolutely necessary if

move in our cars, hurrying from here to

we want to stay grounded.

there, or at home where there is always so much to be done. It can make us feel

Seth's wife, Amber, is also in this collection.

alone. It can make our problems seem

Her images of early morning are so vivid

extraordinary and isolating.

and so lovely, it feels as if she's crossed the boundary from essay to poetry.

But in this book, The Beauty of Grace, at

What's particularly helpful is that these

MyHomeSweetHomeOnline.net, finds a

essays are never more than two or three

way to circumvent those feelings. She's

pages long. You can work your way

gathered more than forty writers who

through the book from front to back, use

talk about their struggles and triumphs

them as devotionals, or you can go to the

editor

Dawn

Camp,

who

blogs

section of the book that fits your needs.

and dependence on God. Some share what it's like to feel defeated, to be humbled by circumstance.

The book is divided by topic: Purpose, The Big Picture, Surrender,

Like Amanda Williams, who found grace in a grocery store when

Trust, Lessons Learned, Hope and Encouragement, and Worship.

a young clerk paid her bill, on a day when her money and morale had run dry. Another writer, Sara Frankl (Gitz), writes about being

All along the way, Dawn shares her stellar photographs. She also

housebound, and what it feels like to see the beauty of life even

contributes to the collection. In her essay about losing her mother,

as it's fading away.

she frames the story with a simple act. She is wearing a shirt that belonged to her mother, shrouding herself in the clothes that bear

Other stories take you inside the lives of women dealing with issues

the memories of the woman who meant so much to her. The story

of home and family and aging and sleepless nights. Of love and

runs full-circle, from grief to acceptance to hope.

heartbreak and absolute joy. And bit by bit, you'll feel connected to these writers, and you'll feel as if you have a friend walking

If you're looking for a way to connect, to hear stories of love and

alongside you, experiencing what you have, and finding ways of

gratitude and overcoming obstacles both mundane and other-worldly,

learning from every event.

this is the book for you. It has had such a good reception, Dawn is about to release a second collection this month, titled The Gift of

There is only one male writer in the entourage, and he is Seth Haines,

Friendship. Either book would be a lovely Valentine gift for someone

author of Coming Clean, A Story of Faith, his first book which

you know who could use a community of likeminded people, figuring

he wrote about in the December issue of Do South速 Magazine.

out life and sharing their experiences in such an accepting way.

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people

HAPPINESS IS words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Dalton Person and Claire Humphrey, and Hudson Photography

Claire Humphrey and Dalton Person

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people

Claire Humphrey's first official date with Dalton Person was at her sister's wedding in 2011. It was a great day, full of promise, and fresh with new beginnings. Claire didn't know it at the time, but four years later Dalton would drop down on one knee on a beach in Alabama and ask her to marry him.

And, overjoyed, she would say yes.

Claire and Dalton met briefly in junior high at a church youth group. Later, at Southside High School, just as their sophomore year ended, Claire started dating Dalton's best friend, Taber Hunt. What Dalton remembers of that time is how much he liked Claire, just "not like that." And she didn't like him like that either. When Claire and Taber amicably ended their relationship, Dalton and Claire continued to see each other in and out of school. "We ran in the same circles," Claire says.

"Right before he went back to school, I asked him to go to my sister's wedding and that was our official first date."

An arc in that circle was the football team: Claire was the water girl and Dalton was an offensive lineman. On the football field on fall

"We had a long talk at the end of summer, to find out if we

nights, the two were only a few feet away, working toward victory.

wanted to give it a try, so far away from each other," Dalton says.

When it came time to think about college, Dalton visited the

"I was a little unsure. We'd just started dating," Claire says, and

University of Chicago and fell in love with the city. He wanted to

then Dalton, beaming, says, "But I convinced her."

see the world outside Fort Smith. He'd not traveled much except on vacations with his family, mostly to the beach. So the allure of

Claire traveled to Chicago during the fall break. Dalton came

Chicago was great. He signed on to play football as an offensive

home for Christmas. And then in January, Dalton was off to study

lineman, just as he had at Southside.

abroad in Paris. "Her mornings would be my nights, so it was hard to even find time to talk. One night she called me crying,"

This is where Claire and Dalton's story could have ended. Claire,

Dalton says, and then tells the story of a miscommunication

now at the University of Arkansas, 600 miles away, was busy

over a flight he was taking to Munich on March 5. He'd sent his

acclimating to college life. Then, during the summer after their

itinerary to Claire, and because Europeans put the day before

sophomore year, Claire contacted Dalton to see if he wanted to

the month, it read as if he was traveling on May 3, long after

get together with some of their mutual friends while he was at

she expected him to be home.

home. "My parents joke about it," Claire says, "because the group kept getting smaller and smaller until it was just the two of us."

The two can laugh at it now, but it was trying. To stay close they talked every single day. They wrote letters. They think it helped them

"It just kind of happened," Dalton says, and then he squeezes

focus on each other, learning things they might have overlooked had

Claire's shoulder. He is apple-cheeked, with broad shoulders. She

they been together. "That day we had the mix-up about when I'd be

is radiant, her light brown hair falling across her shoulders, her

back," Dalton says, "that's when I knew she really liked me.

eyes bright with happiness.

"After that first year, things got easier. I was looking at law Dalton continues. "I like the way it worked out because we became

schools," he says, "and someone wanted me closer to home, so

really good friends first."

after I graduated I started law school in Fayetteville. Before that, I DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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people

thought I wanted to shoot for an Ivy League school, but when I

fell ill in the early months of 2015 and her condition deteriorated

applied I only targeted about six schools in the South. I wanted

quickly. On Facebook, she would often comment on their photos,

to be as close to Claire as possible."

writing "happiness is," and Dalton printed a few of those out, preserving them in print.

For a year, while Claire studied accounting, the two were at U of A together. Dalton's decision to come back to Arkansas

There were also mementos from the events they'd attended during

sealed the deal for Claire. She

their courtship. There were

saw it as a glowing sign that

travel tickets from those trips

he was committed to her.

back and forth, movie stubs, concert tickets, cards and

This past summer, Dalton

letters they'd sent to each

worked at two law firms,

other, all in chronological

saving enough money to buy

order. And lots of photos,

Claire a ring, based on the

beginning with one from that

photos he'd spied on one

first summer home when he

of Claire's Pinterest pages.

and Claire decided they were

With the ring in hand, his

much more than friends.

next job was to ask Claire's family if they'd have him.

As Claire looked through the

That's right, he had to ask

scrapbook, she felt a wave

them all. Claire's mom and

of love for Dalton. Here was

dad, her two older sisters

this man she'd known since

and her brothers-in-law. It's a

junior high, showing her how

Humphrey tradition.

dear she was to him.

At the end of July, Claire and Dalton headed to Orange Beach,

The wedding is set for June at St. Paul United Methodist in Fort

Alabama, with his mom and dad and brother for their annual

Smith. The reception will be at Hardscrabble Country Club. The

vacation. "I was going to propose while we were taking family

dress came from Danielle's Bridal in Clarksville. They're trying hard

pictures. And I'd invited Claire's family to come for the surprise.

to buy everything locally, as a tribute to this place they call home.

Her mom and her mom's friend and granddaughter were able to make it. They were watching from a distance. The weather

As a kind of full-circle moment, Claire's old boyfriend and Dalton's

turned and it was about to rain, and we were rushing to get

best friend, Taber Hunt, who's responsible for them getting to

everything done. I had no backup plan. I hopped down on

know each other, will be part of the wedding party and he'll be

my knee and she asked me what I was doing. I think it took

giving a toast at the reception. Dalton shakes his head. "That

her about five minutes to realize what was going on. I don't

should be something to hear," he says.

remember what I said. I know I said I loved her and wanted to spend my life with her."

Claire and Dalton are sitting side by side, leafing through the Happiness Is scrapbook. "We'll be adding to this," he says, and

"It was a blur," Claire says. "I think at one point I said, 'Seriously?'

the future seems to roll out in front of them for a second, bright and golden. "I can see us sitting down and looking at this, twenty

But once the reality of it set in, Claire was thrilled. After they

or thirty years from now, and seeing how we started."

returned to their room, Dalton handed her a wide scrapbook, with the theme "Happiness Is." The inspiration for the title was

The two lean in to one another, their shoulders touching. At

Claire's grandmother, who passed away just weeks before the

that moment, their happiness is a thing of its own, as strong as a

trip. Dalton had hoped to include her in the celebration, but she

diamond, as wide as the deep blue sea.

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diy

DIY State Love Woodworks words and images Catherine Frederick

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diy

• Piece of wood cut to size (we used precut 24” circle from Lowe’s) • Paint or stain (we used Minwax® Clear Tint stained red) • Primer (if using acrylic paint) • Paintbrush • State of Arkansas printout • Scissors • Masking tape • Small nails (we used 2 boxes of 1 ¼ X 16 wire nails) • String in color of choice (we used white No. 5 embroidery string) • Hammer • Pliers • Saw tooth hanger (optional)

If wood is not prefinished, sand to ensure smooth surface on all sides.

Paint or stain wood. If painting with acrylic paint, be sure to use a primer.

Tape printout to wood with masking tape. Hammer nails about ¼” apart

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diy

around the entire printout, leaving ž� of the nail sticking out of the wood.

Remove printout. Tape down a heart shape over the area you want to focus on. Hammer nails around heart shape, remove shape. Make sure nails are straight, if not, use pliers to straighten.

Using string, tie a knot around one nail in an upper or lower corner of the state outline.

Count the total number of nails around the state and divide by the number of nails around the heart (for every one nail around the state, we wrapped the string around a nail on the heart outline 6-7 times).

Run the string from the first nail on the state outline to the closet nail on the heart outline and then back to the next nail on the state outline, then back to the same nail on the heart.

Continue to thread the string back and forth between the state and heart outlines until you reach the original nail on the state outline. Tie another knot and trim any excess string. Tie new piece of string onto a nail, then weave the string in and out of the nails that outline the state. Once back to starting point, weave string in and out of the outline nails a second time, but on the alternate side of the nails, to give a finished, outlined look - it will appear as a zigzag.

Add saw tooth hanger to the back of the wood, if you'll will be hanging on a wall.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

LOVE!

NOTES

Sweets for your SWEETHEART Valentine’s day and every day!

CENTRAL MALL | Fort Smith, AR

479.452.9999

PROMENADE MALL | Rogers, AR

479.986.0700

Cookie Cakes | By the Slice | Cookie Trays | Individual Cookies

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shop

We Love Local. words and imageS Catherine Frederick

Valentine’s Day Cookie Cakes GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES 479.452.9999

“Love Bandit” Stuffed Raccoon, Hearts & Flowers Ceramic Mug, Shut Up and Kiss Me Wooden Décor JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH 479.441.4221

di Amore® Amaretto Gift Set, Moet & Chandon Rose Champagne, Lolita “Would You?” Hand Painted Wine Glass IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

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Arkansas State 24” Wooden String Art STATE LOVE WOODWORKS statelovewoodworks.com

shop

Share the love this Valentine’s Day! Visit our local shops and discover the perfect gift for the ones you love – and something just for you. We’re a little bit in love with a lot of great gift items from some of our favorite local vendors!

Perrier-Jouet Champagne, Opus One Nappa Valley Red, Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Champagne, Gerard Bertrand Clos d’Ora, Burly® Cabernet Sauvignon, Veuve Clicquot® La Grand Dame® Champagne SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

Bocca Frames by FaceAFace Paris DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020

Wooden Hand Painted Wall Décor, Giant Burlap Heart Door Hanging SUNSHINE SHOP AT MERCY FORT SMITH 479.314.6079 Hearts on Fire Commanding Grey Titanium Milgrain Inlay Dome Men’s Band .10cts JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

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people

LOVE & THE RODEO

words Stoney Stamper images courtesy April Stamper

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people

W

When I was going to Oklahoma State University, my sister helped me get a job at Stillwater Milling Company. I stacked thousands of sacks of feed onto semi-trucks. It was damn hard work, made even harder by the low pay and the spirited college nightlife I chose to live.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I worked from seven in the morning to two in the afternoon, and on Tuesday and Thursday, I worked from two in the afternoon to ten at night.

Neither of those shifts was pleasing to me. Getting up at six to be at work by seven was difficult considering I rarely got to bed before four in the morning. And if I worked the evening shift, I missed the first two hours of shenanigans at the bar with my friends. But, hey, the beer wasn’t going to pay for itself, so the job was a necessity.

Thankfully, college lasted only four years. Because if it were any longer, I'm not sure I would have survived. As I got older, life changed. I fell in love, became a family man, even signed a mortgage.

"Just the two of us. In Vegas. At the world’s most exciting rodeo.

I couldn't wait."

These days, my nights are mostly spent beside my beautiful bride April, and our three lovely daughters. And although my jobs up to

We landed and went straight to the Rio Hotel and Casino. To

this point required a great deal of my time, none require as much

celebrate our weekend of freedom, I sprung for a huge corner

as being a parent. It never stops. Parenting is not a full-time job.

suite, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the mountains on

It’s an ALL-the-time job.

one side and the famous Vegas Strip on the other. It was beautiful.

We dropped our bags and crashed onto the oversized, impossibly

And just like other jobs, parents deserve a day off now and then.

soft king-sized bed. The room was completely silent, and that's

Mom and dad need alone time to remember why they even

something we're not used to. We cuddled, I pulled her close, and

liked each other to begin with. To remember what it’s like to be

we kissed. I thought, Let’s start this vacation off right! She looked

around each other without a kid crying in the background, or

at me, and I was certain she was thinking the same thing. Then

wanting a ride somewhere, or needing help to climb onto the

she said, “We should call the kids.” What?! That was definitely

potty. So, April made an executive decision—we were going to

not what I was thinking. But, wanting to keep mama happy, we

spend a few days away.

called the kids. We said our I love you’s and then got dressed for our first night on the town.

The National Finals Rodeo was coming up in Las Vegas last December. We decided rather than watch it on ESPN, we’d watch

We had tickets to Ron White at The Mirage. The show didn’t start

it live. We reserved tickets to the final round of the NFR and we

until ten that night! As we sat waiting for the show to begin, I’m

were Vegas bound!

embarrassed to say I felt myself getting very tired. I looked at April and said, “I’m so sleepy.” She replied with a hearty laugh, “Oh

My parents came to spend the weekend with the girls. April had

my gosh, I’m exhausted.” It wasn’t even ten, and we were already

never been to the NFR before so she was excited. But I was more

tired. April said, “Good grief, we are getting old.”

excited to spend a few unadulterated days with my BFF (that’s “best friend forever” for those of you without school-aged

The show was over by twelve-thirty. Ten years ago, this would

children). Just the two of us. In Vegas. At the world’s most exciting

have been only the beginning of our night. We’d head to the

rodeo. I couldn't wait.

bar or the blackjack tables. But instead, we both agreed to head DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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back to the hotel. We were in bed by one,

Stoney & April

and unapologetically slept until nine the next morning without the slightest bit of guilt.

The next day we shopped and ate. Having nowhere to be until that night, it was rather early in the day when I decided a Pendleton Whiskey on the rocks sounded pretty tasty. Since Pendleton is the official whiskey of the NFR, they were selling doubles for a couple bucks more than a single. Never to be fiscally irresponsible, I felt it my duty to drink the double. And, they gave me a free T-shirt, so it was silly not to.

That first drink went down too easy. And since I had nothing else to do, I couldn’t think of a good reason not to get another. And then another. And then some more at dinner. April soon joined me, and it was soon clear we were beginning to feel the effects of the cocktails. We finally made it to

my feet, gave me some tough love, then made me walk all the

the rodeo. It was an awesome performance, and I can’t remember

way back to our hotel.

having more fun together. We were carefree. We had no stress, no bills, no children. I made jokes. She laughed. We met a friend

I won’t even try to sugarcoat it. The next day was terrible. And we

of ours from Oklahoma at a piano bar. And then we drank some

had a plane to catch. What I didn't expect was April to be hurting

more. Starting to see the pattern here?

worse than me. We were quite the sight, I'm sure. Leaning against one another at the airport, alternating trips to the bathroom, and

I needed to visit the little boys room, so I left April and our friend at

popping Excedrin Migraine® pills like Skittles®. It was an incredibly

the bar while I searched for the restroom. Forty-five minutes came

long, miserable trip home.

and went, and I had not returned. The girls set out to find me, along with their new friend, the cute male bartender. They looked all

Sure, it was our fault. But it’s nice to know I can still party like a rock

over the casino, but there was no sign of me anywhere. Finally, the

star. Unfortunately, I now recover like a middle-aged dad of three

bartender found me, all alone, sitting at a slot machine. Asleep—

with some lower back issues and male pattern baldness. If you’d have

or passed out, whichever you prefer, with five casino employees

asked me in the airport if I’d do it again, I would have said no. But

standing around me. Thankfully, my BFF stepped up, dragged me to

now that I’ve recovered, I know that as long as I have my foreverValentine, April, along for the ride, I’d do it all over again.

Stoney Stamper

is the author of the popular parenting blog, The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife April have three daughters: Abby, Emma and Gracee. Originally from northeast Oklahoma, the Stampers now live in Tyler, Texas. For your daily dose of The Daddy Diaries, visit Stoney on Facebook or on his website, thedaddydiaries.net.

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LOVE AT FIRST TASTE!

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The Insatiable Sweet Tooth

words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Mary Cervantes

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While studying economics at Stanford University, Mary was too busy to bake much. She did squeeze in time to make her first pecan pie and she gave it to her boyfriend, who was smart enough to marry her a few years later.

After graduating, when she was living in San Francisco and working in finance, she whipped up batch after batch of cookies for her co-workers. It was a happy time, and Mary, who grew up mostly in California, saw her future playing out in the Golden State. But she moved to North Carolina when she got married, and stayed a year while her husband finished his MBA degree at Duke. In 2012, he accepted a position at Walmart corporate offices in Bentonville, Arkansas.

By then, they had a two-month-old daughter. The following year, when Mary was pregnant with their second daughter, she started a baking business. It seemed like the perfect plan. She'd run it from her home, selling desserts online and at local events.

"I started off by letting the moms in my moms' group know that I was making cake pops and mini-cupcakes and French macarons," Mary says. "I would take desserts to the businesses in downtown Bentonville, and I'd tell them they could have some and pass the rest out to their customers, just to get my name out there."

Initially, she mostly made cake pops for kids' birthday parties.

S

Some of them were intricate affairs, including one design that looked like a vintage airplane, complete with the propeller. Soon,

Somebody needs to thank Mar y Cervantes' mama for having a sweet tooth. Because of that, Mar y grew up watching her make Russian tea cakes, and Mexican sweet empanadas and dozens of chocolate chip cookies. She loved ever ything about baking: the precise measurements, the science behind what made a recipe work, the joy of giving treats away to neighbors and friends. In high school, she bought her first cookbook and often coaxed her mom into buying the ingredients she needed to make more and more complicated desserts.

though, her French macarons (meringue cookies with buttercream filling) started catching on. Not only were people buying them, they were also interested in learning how to make them.

So Mary started teaching classes in 2014.

The trick to making these delicate cookies is not over-mixing the batter. "The stirring part is so important it has its own name: the macaronage. If you under-do it, the cookie will come out with peaks. If you overdo it, they'll crack. They're one of my pricier cookies, but if you ever take one of my classes, you'll understand why. It takes me about two to three hours to make a batch, if I've pre-measured everything ahead of time."

Mary is describing her baking process while sitting in her living room at her home in Bentonville. Her youngest daughter, who's a year old, dark-haired and dark-eyed and gorgeous, is sitting on

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For Valentine's Day she's offering Mini Tiramisus (2 for $15).

Contact her through her website for more information. her lap. The kids' playroom is visible from this spot, and the toys are in neat rows, with a playhouse not far away, and a play kitchen standing by, with all the bells and whistles.

On the coffee table, beside a book on prayer and one on cooking, are two small French apple cakes, warm from the oven. The cakes are so good, you could imagine fights breaking out over them.

"My idea starting out was to create elegant, beautiful desserts that really focus on flavors and the ingredients, versus a decorated cake. To me, a raspberry tart with only raspberries covering the top is so pretty to me."

Mary, whose husband calls her "The Insatiable Sweet Tooth," is always on the hunt for new ideas. She laughs and then says, "It's kind of embarrassing, but even on trips, I'm planning everything around the food. We went to Tulsa and I had all these places to try, but we did find a way to squeeze in the kids' trip to the zoo."

While living in San Francisco, she'd often buy chocolate pear bread from a bakery she loved. Just before she moved, she asked for the recipe, but they weren't sharing. It didn't stop her. "I've spent years perfecting that recipe," Mary says, "trying to figure out how they did it. I experimented with different cooking times, even different pans, and lots of ingredients. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to do a side-by-side testing of my bread and theirs."

In December of last year, Mary had a booth at The Little Craft Show in Fayetteville, a two-day shopping event filled with items made by artisans. She made everything from her chocolate pear bread to peppermint marshmallows to chocolate chip cookie shots (the cookie makes the shot glass, which holds the chocolate filling). She lined up rows and rows of her French macarons, in flavors like lavender and strawberry and salted caramel. Hers are crisp like an eggshell on the outside, DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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chewy on the inside, and took her a full year of experimenting to perfect.

Well before noon on the second day, she'd sold them all. "I didn't sleep the night before," Mary says, and then talks about how her husband stepped in, how he always steps in, to help. "He knows how much joy baking brings me," Mary says.

"I've had people say, 'I've not had a macaron this good since I was in Paris.' What a compliment. And I had an older man who had owned a restaurant at one time. He'd seen my airplane cake pops, and he said, 'I saw these cake pops and I knew the woman who made them knew her craft, loves what she does, and she'd be a very hard person to work for.'"

Mary shakes her head and smiles. Her littlest one is now playing with a pail filled with puppets: a king, a cow, a knight. She slips her tiny hand inside the cow and giggles. Mary dreams of the day her daughters bake with her. Already, she has a wooden contraption that looks a bit like a step stool, and allows a young child to safely stand at kitchen cabinet height. And already, they're seeing the mysterious ways of baking. How easily one thing can turn into another.

The conversation up to this point has been predominately about food. Now, she talks about her family, how she met her husband at a rosary class, how they both dreamed of the same things, and how incredible it is to have their three daughters. "I want them to enjoy baking with me, but more than that I want to raise good girls, loving, intelligent and kind. I've always wanted this. I always envisioned a big family, kind of chaotic, but everyone loving to be together."

Mary and her family

One day, Mary says, she might buy a food truck. In her "millionaire dreams," she imagines living in Paris, the city she loves, shopping at the markets every day and then coming home to cook. Her family would gather around a big wooden table and share stories of their day, and they would talk until the sun went down, until it was time to bring out dessert. Because in Mary's dreams, there is

To order desserts or sign up to take a French macaron baking class, visit maryslittlesweets.com. You can also follow Mary's Little Sweets on Facebook and Instagram, to keep up with her latest menu offerings.

always dessert.

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taste

Words, recipe and image Mary Cervantes, owner Mary's Little Sweets

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Chocolate Pot de Creme FOR VALENTINE'S DAY, MY MIND IMMEDIATELY GOES TO CHOCOLATE. ONE OF MY FAVORITE DESSERTS IS CHOCOLATE POT DE CREME. SILKY AND RICH, IT WILL IMPRESS YOUR VALENTINE AND IS EASIER TO MAKE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK!

PLUS, IT'S A GREAT WAY TO USE EXTRA

EGG YOLKS, WHICH I ALWAYS HAVE ON HAND SINCE I MAKE A LOT OF MACARONS FOR MARY'S LITTLE SWEETS, AND THEY ONLY REQUIRE EGG WHITES! P.S. I MIGHT BE KNOWN FOR MY BAKING, BUT THE IRONY IS THAT THIS DESSERT REQUIRES NONE!

Ingredients

Method

1½ cups heavy cream

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt, heavy cream and halfand-half. Over medium-low heat, stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of the spoon (8-12 minutes). Do not let the mixture simmer.

¾ cup half-and-half 5 egg yolks ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (I like to use Ghirardelli® 60%) 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

2. Pour the thickened mixture through a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl. Add in chocolate and let stand for 5 minutes, then whisk in vanilla until smooth.

3. Divide the custard into eight 4-5-ounce ramekins. Allow the Pots de Creme to cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days. Serve topped with whipped cream.

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garden

Geshas/Shutterstock

February in the Garden THE DIRT Now is the time to start seeds indoors and prepare your garden space for planting.

Start seeds in: - Egg cartons or egg shells - Paper towel or toilet paper tubes - Avacado or citrus rinds - Used Keurig 速 K-cups - Single-serve yogurt containers - Milk cartons (cut top off) Prepare garden space by: - Removing weeds and mixing in lots of compost - Covering soil with black plastic to keep it dry and warm Consider doing this: - Build raised beds now to garden with fewer weeds and quick drainage

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words Don Lowe images courtesy Mark Martin Museum

Photo Credit Curtis Bolt DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Former NASCAR driver Mark Martin, the fifty-seven-year-old from

When he first turned onto retirement road, for a little while he didn’t

Batesville, Arkansas, and father of five, enjoyed a phenomenal

do much and really didn’t even know what life would be like after

career that saw him compete at his sport’s highest level for more

racing. “I haven’t been to a (NASCAR) race since,” he says. “I do go

than three decades (1981-2013).

to some dirt track and late model races in Arkansas with my friend Lance Landers. His son is in racing.

It all started when Mark persuaded his father, Julian, to build him a racecar in 1973. At the tender age of fifteen, on April 12, 1974,

“I do watch the races, but it doesn’t kill me to miss them. I keep up

Mark drove that racecar in his first stock car race at a small dirt

with it on Twitter. But, now I’m just doing a lot of family things, the

track in Locust Grove, Arkansas.

kinds of things I wasn’t able to do for forty years.”

Mark finished his first season by winning the most significant race

While he insists he doesn’t miss racing at all, Batesville’s native son

in his division, the Arkansas State Championship, which was held

says throughout his storied career there wasn’t anything more

at the Benton Speed Bowl.

satisfying than seeing his car’s number at the top of the electronic scoreboard. "Fortunately for me, I was able to win a few races,” Mark

Seven years later, Mark made it to NASCAR series racing. The first

says. “They are all hard to win, so they’re all special in their own way.

few years there were many ups and downs, but he held his own

I just don’t pick favorites.”

and then some on NASCAR venues nationwide, while taking the checkered flag forty times. He navigated through incredibly high

Mark’s first-ever NASCAR victory was in 1989 at the AC Delco 500

speeds reaching as high as 200mph in racecars powered by V8

in Rockingham. His final victory was twenty years later in 2009 at the

engines, and amassed 453 Top 10 finishes.

Sylvania 300 in New Hampshire. Both races are sure to be among those he describes as "special in their own way."

Now, just a couple of years after running his final lap in NASCAR, Mark keeps busy in his hometown and motor-homing around the

Perhaps the best example of just how consistent Mark was during his

country with his wife, Arlene. “I’m helping keep up with things

entire NASCAR career is his five, second-place finishes in the overall

around the house," Mark says of how he spends time at his home

final season standings (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2009).

in Batesville, a city of about 10,000 residents that is located eighty miles northeast of Little Rock. "I do things like take the trash out

Mark is humbled at being fortunate enough to live a dream. And the

and keep my cars clean. I stay really busy.”

famous racecar driver with his roots still deeply embedded in north

Mark and Arlene Martin

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many of his fierce competitors time and time again, over the course of a truly remarkable run, when he claimed four championships on the American Speed Association tour, zoomed to victory in five International Race of Champions events and recorded sixteen Top 10 finishes in the overall final season standings from 1988-2006.

All the incredible memories of a lifetime aside, he insists he couldn’t be any happier than he is right now.

In retirement, Mark is grateful he can share his many accomplishments in racing with fans across the country. He is able to bring it all to life right in his hometown and invites everyone to make Batesville a destination for the Mark Martin Museum, which offers free admission.

His state-of-the-art museum, which is open Monday through Friday from eight to six and Saturday from nine to five, features central Arkansas says he was fortunate to work with a lot of smart

several of his past cars, including the No. 6 Viagra Coca-Cola 600

and good people, with sponsors who allowed him to compete on

race winning car, 1990 Folgers Thunderbird, No. 60 Winn Dixie

that level. “I gave it everything I had, I kept blinders on and worked

Busch vehicle that he drove to victory in his record fifth IROC title

tirelessly. When I decided to retire, I was ready to quit racing.”

and 1989 Stroh’s Thunderbird.

One of Mark’s long-time peers, Jeff Gordon, officially retired from

A variety of memorabilia is also on display, including several of

NASCAR racing at the end of 2015. Mark had nothing but high

Mark's race helmets and fire suits, along with personal photo

praise for Jeff, saying he changed NASCAR racing forever. Mark

albums, as well as thousands of pictures and newspaper articles

adds, “He was tremendous for the sport and had amazing success

that showcase his climb to NASCAR legendary status.

all the way through.”

Mark is extremely proud of the museum. He’s also proud of all Another former fellow NASCAR driver, Kyle Busch, overcame a

that he and his racing team were able to accomplish.

devastating leg injury last year to win the overall championship in 2015. “After what happened to him and then to see him fight to

For more on the Mark Martin Museum, visit markmartinmuseum.com

come back is an amazing story,” says Mark.

When it comes to putting on his prognosticator’s cap and speculating who might be the next Gordon or six-time champion Jimmy Johnson of NASCAR, Mark politely declines. Instead he indicates that it’s hard to say because the sport is full of so much tremendous talent, adding that everybody is capable of achieving great success from a driver’s standpoint and suggests it’s fickle who has success and doesn’t from one year to the next. Mark says, “I’m a guy who doesn’t talk in philosophy. I’d just really have to

FAST FACTS: Retired NASCAR Driver Mark Martin NASCAR Spring Cup Series Career: 31 years, 882 races, 40 wins NASCAR Xfinity Series Career: 23 years, 236 races, 49 wins

say success at that level is hard to predict and judge.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Career: 5 years, 25 races, 7 wins

“Somehow or another it’s hard to outwork the other guy, so you

Hall of Fame: 2015 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Inductee

have to outthink them.” Mark managed to outthink and outwork

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where am i? words and images Jessica Sowards

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"Our comfort zone was never on the list of things He promised us. He instead calls us out on the waves and gives us His spirit to comfort us as we walk there."

I

I was born in south Arkansas and have spent the great majority

The day we moved onto our little farm, the day we unloaded the

of my thirty years living within the state. My life has not led to

U-Haul® into the old house on the four acres and I saw my dream

many travel opportunities. Partially because I did not seek them,

of homesteading become reality, a tornado ripped our community

largely because I could not afford them. Even still, when I talk

apart. It killed my friend April Smith's sons, Tyler and Cameron,

with well-traveled people, I want to assure them that if not all

and would have wrecked our world, but Jesus. Just a week after

who wander are lost, not all who stay put are stuck.

that storm on April 27, 2014, millions of people heard the story of April’s faith from a viral blogpost I wrote from my kitchen table. I

There is a place in this big, scary world that is carved out just

was nursing my son Ezra when I wrote it. And when I watched the

for me. It’s a old house on a handful of acres. There are five

page views climb at a mind-boggling rate, with dozens of numbers

boys inside, chickens in the yard, a kitchen full of cast iron and

added per second, my mind reeled. It is incredible what God will

a beautiful man of God on an orange tractor. I know who I am.

do when you choose to be content where He has placed you.

I know what I want. I have found my tribe and my niche and live in great thankfulness for it.

Now, almost two years later, I tap away on my Mac® book from 20,000 feet in the air, returning to my boys and my farm from

But then, Jesus. He does like to call us out of our comfort zones,

the other side of the country where April and I just shared hope

doesn’t He?

with a congregation reeling from their own unexpected loss.

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They had scheduled us for this event several months ago. The

And though I knew my exact geographical location, I couldn’t help

women’s pastor even took a little flack for bringing in a story about

but ask Him, “Where am I? How did I get here?”

hope in the face of death to an event titled “Joy.” But she had felt the urging of God. She saw that joy was not circumstantial and held tight

I’ll never forget that, standing there looking at the Pacific Ocean for

to that unction she felt when she first heard our story.

the first time and realizing that truly, I could not have taken myself there. I am only an Arkansas girl: born, raised and content to stay put.

Less than two weeks before our arrival, when the tickets were bought

I have no great wealth. I couldn’t even drive the rental car because

and the hotel was booked, the sweet church family awaiting us

I learned upon picking it up that my driver’s license had expired

suffered the unexpected loss of their thirty-nine-year-old children’s

without me realizing. Truly, God carried me to that beach.

pastor. And just like that, it all made sense.

It’s a humbling thing, to live a life of doing His business. I am After spending Friday night speaking about the kind of joy the Holy

altogether unworthy to do anything at all for Him. But, Jesus. To be

Spirit gives and seeing God move in a mighty way in the hearts of His

honest, I never asked for this. Taking up this role has required trust

people, April and I had the whole of Saturday to explore California.

and obedience I could only find in Him, and even still, I often find

I woke up early, four a.m. by Fresno’s time. And I knew that 1,772

myself surveying my life and feeling a great sense of awe that it looks

miles away (I Googled it), my boys and my chickens and my sweet

the way it does. It often feels completely foreign.

husband were waking up too. I sat up in bed and began to search the internet for a rental car. It was the strangest feeling when I realized I had no grasp of where we were in the city. So I typed it in the search

“I ask Him regularly, “How did I get here? Why me?”

bar, “Where am I?”

And I feel like He’s answered. He called Peter out of

We drove to Yosemite first. Up the winding roads, past the kind of

the boat to walk on the waves. He called him out to

scenery I had only ever seen in movies. We stopped in a mountain town I’ve forgotten the name of and began debating what hole-inthe-wall we would choose for lunch. Reading reviews, and checking for distance, I realized again, I didn’t actually know where we were.

So again, I asked Google, “Where am I?”

a place that he had to keep His eyes on Jesus or else sink. Our comfort zone was never on the list of things He promised us. He instead calls us out on the waves

The Sierra Nevada mountain range is a thing to behold. We pulled over at the first sight of snow, got out and slipped around in suede

and gives us His spirit to comfort us as we walk there."

shoes with no coats. April hit me in the head with a snowball and I inhaled the mulchy mountain air in such deep gulps that I became a

My comfort zone is home. It’s Arkansas. It’s a farm and motherhood

little lightheaded. We drove past a frozen pond, which I can tell you

and chickens. And the only reason I have any of that is because of Him.

doesn’t really happen in Arkansas. And when we’d had our fill, we

Because when I make His business my priority, He makes the desires

got back into the car and asked our GPS to take us on the four-hour

of my heart His. He called me into this completely uncomfortable life

trek to Monterey Bay.

and gives me the grace to live it. So I get out of the boat. I step off of the farm and onto the plane.

By the time we reached the sea, I’d had to search our whereabouts at least three more times. We got to see California, from her big

I may have to ask Him regularly, “Where am I?” but the answer is

sky and snow-capped peaks to her dried-up rivers and severely low

always the same. He always assures me, deep down in my heart,

reservoirs. We reached the bay thirty minutes before sunset. The

“Daughter, you are in my hand.”

fog was rolling in and the whole place seemed muted, almost like a dream. We ran down the shore, the cold saltwater licking our heels. We wrote Tyler and Cameron’s names in the sand and took selfies with waves. Then we prayed.

Follow Jessica on her blog @ thehodgepodgedarling.blogspot.com

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OPEN HOUSE DATES Saturday, Feb. 6 10am-noon Tuesday, Feb. 23 9am-1pm Thursday, Feb 25 5pm-7pm

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unioneagles.org 479.783.7327 4201 Windsor Drive Fort Smith, AR

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WHAT A RUSH words Don Lowe images courtesy The Morning Rush

It’s six o’clock on a Monday morning, and The Morning Rush Sports Talk Radio Show is just getting started. The three hosts: Tommy Craft, Derek Ruscin and former Razorback quarterback Tyler Wilson are talking about anything and everything involving University of Arkansas athletics, including football, basketball, baseball and a whole lot more.

Tommy and Derek, both of whom developed an interest in broadcasting when they were young boys, have been cohosting The Morning Rush Sports Talk Radio Show for nearly a decade. The show airs from Fort Smith on weekday mornings from six to nine on stations across Arkansas, including 95.3 in Fort Smith and 99.5FM/1290AM in northwest Arkansas, as well as online at espnarkansas.net.

Tyler joined Tommy and Derek about a year ago to make it a trio. And Tommy believes that Tyler's expertise as a former standout UA athlete has only served to enhance the dynamics.

Tommy and Derek, along with Tyler, appreciate being in this line of work. What Derek enjoys most is the conversations and getting a bunch of different opinions and perspectives on different topics, centered mostly on UA sports.

Tommy kiddingly says that he gets his greatest pleasure in being right. He quickly adds that unfortunately being right all the time is not reality. He goes on to say that the fun part is having a strong opinion on a topic, such as who should be Arkansas’ starting quarterback, backed up with facts, and then making your point, especially when your co-host says you’re an idiot.

While this terrific threesome of fast talkers does have a lot of fun bantering throughout their mornings together, there are some tougher aspects to it and Derek says it's not necessarily easy handling controversy, such as whether a particular coach should be fired.

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Tommy elaborates further in saying that challenging aspects

is easier when the team is struggling because everyone has a

for him are trying to read everything you feel you have to read

solution on how to fix it.

these days to stay on top of things, especially as it relates to the Razorbacks, and not let people’s opinions become your opinion.

“We love when the Hogs win, too, because at the end of the day we are fans as well and want to see success,” Derek adds.

“In today’s social media world there are so many articles,

“For the show, though, just because the team isn’t winning all

opinion columns, blogs, feeds, etc., and you want to read all of

the time doesn’t mean the show isn’t as good.”

them so you don’t miss anything,” Tommy says. “But, you also want to have your own opinion on the matter and being on at six a.m. every day gives us the chance to have the first take on a lot of things that happen at night and over the weekends.”

The passion of a statewide fan base that’s so rabid about their Razorbacks is a plus and Tommy explains that the unique characteristic about having a sports talk show like this in Arkansas is that there is no real divide, meaning The Morning Rush doesn’t have to split its time with multiple schools, or a professional team. So they're able to discuss nearly every facet of the program.

But, you also want to have your own opinion on the matter and being on at six a.m. every day gives us the chance to have the first take on a lot of things that happen at night and over the weekends.

Derek says that because Arkansas fans are so incredibly passionate he does enjoy getting into the office after a big win or a controversial loss that everyone is talking about.

Tommy's sentiments are much the same as Derek's and he explains that if the team (Razorbacks) is 11-1, everyone’s

Interestingly, Derek says that a successful show doesn’t hinge

opinion is the same, ‘this team is great’. That’s pretty boring

on the Razorbacks doing extraordinarily well, and the show

talk radio if everyone agrees.

Derek Ruscin

Tommy Craft

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Tyler Wilson

47

48

people

But, Tommy continues, if a team is 6-6, everyone has a different

While the listeners and frenetic Razorback faithful are a

perspective as to why it played out this way, what it will take

charged-up bunch, this talkative trio brings excitement, energy

to fix it, which coach needs to be fired, why the quarterback

and enthusiasm as well. Tommy keeps coming back day after

is good or no good, and on and on. When Arkansas’ football

day because it’s fun and no two shows are alike. Every day

team started out 1-3 last fall, Tommy, Derek and Tyler had

something different happens. Some days it’s not a big deal, but

plenty of callers sharing their ideas on how to ‘fix’ things.

every now and then you are there when major news happens, like a coach resigning or being fired, and you get to moderate

An analogy Tommy shares for comparison is to imagine the

the conversation with fans. That is an awesome responsibility.

break room at a company and the conversations that go on in there. Figuratively speaking, how many times do people

Derek admits he’s addicted to the conversations. He also likes

gather around to praise the boss and talk about how wonderful

the idea that topics will come up that The Morning Rush team

company policies are? Tommy answers his hypothetical question

doesn’t have all the answers to and they get to talk about it

saying it never happens.

live on the air. “I like that it’s not scripted and that it’s flawed and not always going to be perfect.” He finds it particularly

Conversely, in his break room scene he suspects that if just

refreshing the way people in the audience connect with radio

one person starts complaining about the most trivial detail,

shows differently than any other form of media.

everyone starts joining in on it because that’s human nature.

“We are all more drawn to conversation where people are

And with that, let the talking begin.

offering a variety of opinions and not all of them are going to be positive,” Tommy says.

Regardless of whether the chatter is positive or negative, Derek believes that keys to a successful sports talk radio show are to have hosts with opinions and an understanding that you have to have calls, but they don’t need to drive every segment.

He also advises that you have to know your audience and know what they want to hear about. That may not be what you most want to talk about that particular day. He adds that, “You have to have thought-provoking topics, not just talk about the news of the day, and there is a difference.”

Tommy contends that the key to success is promoting relevant content, particularly UA sports such as football and men’s and women’s basketball. He also insists that having an identity, as a show, is a big deal. “By that I mean it shouldn’t take a listener a month to figure out what your show is all about,” he says. “So, be consistent with what you do and what the listeners expect.”

Tommy is adamant that in our state especially, “If it’s the Razorbacks, be all over it, make sure your audience knows that if they invest their drive to work with you, or an hour at their desk with you, they will know what is going on with their team

FAST FACTS The Morning Rush Sports Talk Radio with Tyler Wilson, Tommy Craft, and Derek Ruscin Tenure: Tommy Craft- 10 years; Derek Ruscin- 7 years; Tyler Wilson- 1 year Prior to The Morning Rush: Derek worked in television for five years; Tommy has been involved in radio in Fort Smith since 1991 and hosting shows since 1995. Tyler graduated from Arkansas in 2012 and spent about a year and a half in the NFL.

and be educated fans.”

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lifestyle

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

lifestyle

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52

taste

Choc-in -the -Box

Words and images Catherine Frederick

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

taste

We’re completely in love with this show-

INGREDIENTS

stopper of a Valentine dessert. An edible

7 oz. Baker’s dipping chocolate,

chocolate box piped full of chocolate

real milk chocolate

mousse and topped with a chocolate-

4 strawberries, fresh

covered strawberry. Be still my heart. Be

5 Hershey’s® milk chocolate bars

mine choc-in-the-box, be mine!

(1.55 oz. each) ½ cup white chocolate chips ½ cup milk ¼ cup chocolate instant pudding mix 1¼ cups Cool Whip© Wilton® 12-inch disposable decorating bag & pastry tip (or large Ziplock® bag with ¼” end snipped at angle)

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taste

METHOD In a small bowl, combine milk and instant pudding mix

dipping chocolate and adhere it to the side of another

and whisk for 2-3 minutes. Let stand until soft-set. Add

bar section. Place on wax paper, hold for a few seconds

in Cool Whip©, place in refrigerator.

until chocolate begins to set. This will form two walls of your box. Dip one side of another bar section, adhere to

Remove wrappers from candy bars and discard. Cut bars

a free edge of the two-sided box. Repeat to complete

in half lengthwise. Place sections, Hershey’s® imprint

the box. Repeat these steps to form your second box.

side down, on baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Save remaining bar sections for later (these form the box top). Place strawberries and boxes in refrigerator

Melt Baker’s dipping chocolate according to directions

until chocolate is set – about 10-15 minutes.

on package. Dip bottom of strawberries in chocolate, place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Remove boxes from refrigerator, place on serving dish. Place chocolate mousse into decorating bag and

Melt white chips in microwave in 5-10 second intervals

pipe into prepared boxes. Place strawberry on top of

until melted completely. Stir after each interval. Once

mousse. Dip bottom of remaining bar sections into

melted, lightly drizzle over chocolate bar sections. Place

dipping chocolate (melt again if necessary). Adhere to

in refrigerator until set.

the top, back section of each box at an angle to form your opened lid. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes. Remove

If cut edges of bars are jagged, use a vegetable peeler to

and enjoy with a rosé Champagne or a red zinfandel!

make smooth. Dip the side of one bar section in melted

Variations: Try raspberry mousse instead of chocolate; drizzle the outside of the box with mint chocolate instead of white; dip strawberries in white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate.

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taste

Love Bug Words and image Catherine Frederick

Ingredients .5 oz. Chambord 2 oz. vanilla vodka 4 oz. cranberry juice Juice ½ lime 2 strawberries (garnish) Dusting sugar (optional for rim)

Method Cut small “v” to remove stem from strawberry (this will create a heart shape), then cut vertically into slices. Rim martini glass with lime wedge and twist in a plate of dusting sugar.

Combine Chambord, vodka, lime and cranberry juice in shaker with ice. Shake and strain into martini glass. Garnish with strawberry heart slices.

Drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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travel

Will Travel for Love Words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, venues listed, and Catherine Frederick

FEBRUARY. THE MONTH OF LOVE WITH VALENTINE'S DAY POSITIONED SMACK-

Bentonville Two things you'll find in this bustling Northwest Arkansas town are delectable food and incredible art. Celebrate Valentine's Day enjoying both. Your special day is bound to be a masterpiece.

DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. IT FALLS ON A SUNDAY THIS YEAR, MAKING IT THE PERFECT TIME FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A NEW WAY TO CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE,

EAT: TUSK & TROTTER Award-winning Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie is housed in the building that used to be the general office and warehouse of Walmart's founder, Sam Walton. House-infused cocktails, like the Walnut Manhattan and the Mango Habanera Margarita, set the tone. And entrees like their second-to-none Chicken and Waffles

WE HAVE A FEW IDEAS, ALL IN ARKANSAS,

and Sweet Potato Gnocchi make for lots of return customers. There's

THIS STATE WE LOVE SO MUCH.

even The Deer Hunter, which is marinated and grilled venison flank steak, white bean & smoked ham hock, pickled shiitake mushrooms, tomato confit, grilled scallions and Mountain Bird “red eye” demiglace. Hungry? See website for hours and reservations.

Tusk & Trotter: 110 SE A Street, tuskandtrotter.com, 479.268.4494

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travel taste

Eureka Springs Arkansas' "Little Switzerland" is the go-to place for romance.

Unique hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, great food, and some of the prettiest scenery in Arkansas.

EAT: GROTTO WOOD FIRED GRILL AND WINE CAVE, CRYSTAL DINING ROOM, DEVITO'S The Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave is getting rave reviews for its artisan preparation of meats, fish and vegetables on a wood fire. The grilled shrimp is excellent, and one of the other stars on the menu, created by Chef Slane, a graduate of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Le Cordon Bleu, is Quail Poppers, which is three pepper-spiked quail breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, finished with a decadent

PLAY: CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

pan Asian glaze over spiced arugula. All this, while sitting in the

Your love is one of a kind. Celebrate it in the company of

grotto where a natural spring covers the back wall.

masterpieces by Norman Rockwell, John Singer Sargent, and Andy Warhol, to name just a few. At the heart of Crystal Bridges is Eleven Restaurant, which serves High South cuisine, including shrimp and grits. Want a burger? The bun comes garnished with a perfect spear of okra. There are also nature trails, and a Frank Lloyd Wright house that was moved here from New Jersey. The museum is free of charge; however, do reserve your spot to tour the FLW house. Crystal Bridges is closed on Tuesdays. See website for hours.

Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave

Crystal Bridges: 600 Museum Way, crystalbridges.org, 479.418.5700

A few of the town's standards are the Crystal Dining Room, offering their signature steaks, chops, and fresh fish and

STAY: 21C MUSEUM HOTEL

seafood. DeVito's uses family recipes, and serves fresh trout

In 2015, CondĂŠ Nast Traveler readers voted 21c Museum Hotel

from their trout farm.

in Bentonville one of the Top 10 hotels in the South. The 104room boutique hotel and contemporary art museum (open

Tip: Check websites for days and hours of operation.

free to the public twenty-four hours a day), is home to The

Reservations recommended. Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine

Hive restaurant, featuring dinner options such as Pan-Roasted

Cave has been taking a winter break and will re-open the

Swordfish with roasted turnips, garlicky greens, and pepper

weekend of Valentine's Day.

sofrito. There is also a full bar. One of their signature drinks is Hey, Girl!, which contains rye 'n Gosling's.

Grotto: 10 Center Street, grottoeureka.com, 479.363.6431

21c Museum Hotel: 200 NE A Street,

Crystal Dining Room: 75 Prospect Ave.,

21cmuseumhotels.com, 479.286.6500

crystaldiningroom.com, 479.253.9652 DeVito’s: 5 Center Street, devitosrestaurant.com, 479.253.6807

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taste travel

that scamper in nearby trees. Enjoy the sparkling night sky, or watch the sun as it rises. Down below, you might see wildlife like white-tailed deer. Amenities include Jacuzzi tubs surrounded by glass, high vaulted ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. What a perfect place to fall in love all over again.

Tree House Cottages: 165 West Van Buren, treehousecottages.com, 479.253.8667 Tip: If the Tree House Cottages are booked, consider the historic Brownstone Inn at 75 Hillside Avenue. thebrownstoneinn.com, 479.253.7505.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue

PLAY: TURPENTINE CREEK WILDLIFE RESCUE Wild at heart? Turpentine Creek is the perfect place to see exotic animals such as tigers, African servals, ligers, lions, leopards and cougars. All have been rescued from across the

Little Rock

Heading to Little Rock is a capital idea. Arts and culture, a

U.S. and brought to this 450-acre refuge. Not only can you see

robust nightlife, and the River District make this a great place

these magnificent animals, you can take a guided tour with a

to spend a romantic getaway.

member of the staff who can tell you everything you want to know about the big cats. Not ready to leave? You can stay in the tree house bungalow, safari lodges, suites, or even your RV. Turpentine Creek: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, turpentinecreek.org, 479.253.5841

South on Main

River Market District

EAT: SOUTH ON MAIN We love a place where you can try every delicious thing from Cauliflower Popcorn with Aioli to Duck Breast with Nellie Mae's Cornbread Dressing, Granny Beans & Giblet Gravy. In the mood for a cocktail? South on Main has signature drinks like the Covington Yam Surprise: Sweet Potato Vodka, Candied Yam Syrup, Homemade Sour Apple Marshmallow, and Cranberry Sauce. The eatery offers the best of Southern cuisine, and is a

Tree House Cottages

project by the Oxford American. They also hold literary readings, film screening, and musical performances here. What's not to

STAY: THE ORIGINAL TREE HOUSE COTTAGES

love? See website for hours of operation.

Spend a night in the clouds in these stunning tree house cottages that are surrounded by the forest. These one-of-a-kind treasures let

South on Main: 1304 South Main Street,

you come eye to eye with sparrows, hawks, and even the squirrels

southonmain.com, 501.244.9660

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taste travel

restaurants, bars, art galleries, museums and entertainment,

Hot Springs

it's the must-see spot in Little Rock. Park your car and ride the

Fall in love with the only city in America nestled inside a national

River Rail Electric Street Car. Looking for a lunch spot second to

park. Here, a million gallons of hot water, reaching 143째F, flow

none? Try The Root Cafe, an eatery that serves locally sourced

from forty-seven nearby springs. Now that's a steamy love story!

PLAY: RIVER MARKET DISTRICT You are going to love the River Market District. Home to shops,

food. The Toasted Chicken Curry Salad Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries is a favorite. Once you're finished, you can stop by the Clinton Presidential Library to see an exact replica of the Oval Office. Visit the Old State House, the Historic Arkansas Museum, and even Heifer International. rivermarket.info

Back Porch Grill

EAT: BACK PORCH GRILL, FAT BOTTOMED GIRL'S CUPCAKES, CAFE 1217 Once you arrive, you'll likely want to settle in and then get something to eat. Head to the Back Porch Grill, a restaurant offering Angus beef grilled on an open pit, seafood, chicken, and pasta. Relax while enjoying a view of Lake Hamilton. The next morning, you and your honey have to try Fat Bottomed Girl's cupcakes. This little shop offers exquisite cupcakes in The Empress Hotel

flavors like Lemon Lavender, Ooey Gooey Buttercake (my favorite), and Salted Caramel. If you're looking for a great

STAY: THE EMPRESS OF LITTLE ROCK

lunch spot, try Cafe 1217. The menu changes monthly, and it's

Love Downton Abbey? Then The Empress is the right

spectacular. See websites for days and hours of operation for

place for you. The Gothic Queen Anne-style building was

each of these eateries.

originally the Hornibrook Mansion, completed in 1888, and built exclusively with Arkansas materials. It has a

Back Porch Grill: 4810 Central Avenue,

divided stairway, three-and-a-half story corner tower,

backporchgrill.com, 501.525.0885

stained glass skylight, and octagonal shaped rooms.

Today, it houses an award-winning bed and breakfast with

Fat Bottomed Girl's: 124 Central Avenue,

spa suites that have hydro-massage showers with steam

fbgcupcakes.com, 501.318.0997

and aromatherapy and double Jacuzzis. The Empress even has its own bow-tied butler.

Cafe 1217: 1217 Malvern Avenue, cafe1217.net, 501.318.1094

The Empress: 2120 Louisiana Street, theempress.com, 501.374.7966

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travel

quapawbaths.com, 501.609.9822

STAY: MOUNTAIN HARBOR RESORT PLAY: BATH HOUSE ROW

If your idea of romance is a lovely cabin away from the hustle

Play the ponies, (live horseracing continues through mid-April

and bustle, ask for one of the cabins at Mountain Harbor Resort

at Oaklawn Park), but make sure you carve out enough time to

in Mount Ida. Just twenty-five miles west of Hot Springs, it sits

visit Bath House Row, with all its beautiful old buildings. The

on Lake Ouachita and has been in the same family for more

old Fordyce Bath House is home to the Hot Spring's visitors

than five decades. The cabins are just the beginning. (Check

center. You can watch a film that explains the long history of

their website for Valentine's Day specials.) You can go hiking,

the naturally-heated springs. Take a stroll to the Buckstaff Bath

biking, or just sit back and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

House, where you can take a thermal bath, schedule a massage

The resort has a restaurant and Turtle Cove Spa, offering a

or many other spa and beauty treatments. (Note: Buckstaff is

trove of services, including massages for two and a full line of

closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays in February.) The

salon services.

historic Quapaw Baths and Spa offers three thermal pools, massages, and spa and beauty treatments. You can even get a

Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa: 994 Mountain Harbor Road,

couple's massage. (Note: Quapaw is closed on Tuesdays.)

Mount Ida, mountainharborresort.com, 870.867.2191

Buckstaff Bath House: 509 Central Avenue, buckstaffbaths.com, 501.623.2308 Quapaw: 413 Central Avenue, quapawbaths.com, 501.609.9822

THERE YOU HAVE IT, FOUR ARKANSAS TOWNS FILLED WITH ROMANCE, FOR YOU AND THE ONE YOU LOVE.

Happy Valentine's Day! DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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southern fiction Lightpoet/Shutterstock

Sometimes You Forget FICTION Marla Cantrell

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

southern fiction

I

I wake alone this morning, my husband Gabe already off to

Arkansas, question me about my politics. I felt like I was in training

work, his note on my nightstand telling me so. Gabe works as

for something grand. We came this close to making it last. But

a dispatcher at Haul Y'all Trucking, and someone called in sick,

love is not a classroom. And even if it were, I am a poor student.

so he left our bed while I was dreaming of my old boyfriend. In

He had this way of looking at me, if I ordered beer at dinner, for

my dream I was saying, “I do love you. I'll always love you. I just

example. If I did, he would blink hard and smile at the waiter as if

can’t be with you anymore.”

he needed to apologize. I started to feel camouflaged when I was with him. Or maybe invisible. It took its toll.

Which is almost an exact transcription of our actual breakup When I broke up with Roman, I had to take off the engagement

almost four years ago.

ring he'd given me, the biggest diamond I had ever owned.

I am tangled in the bedclothes now, the blue sheets and the white

I slipped it into his hand, and he would not close his fingers

comforter, and when I get up our two schnauzers are waiting for

around it. He looked astounded, his forehead creased, his black

me, their stub tails wagging like tiny windshield wipers.

hair shiny as he shook his head in disbelief. He was the far better catch than I would ever be, and I think we both knew it.

Outside, the chickens wait. Ulysses, Gilead, Velta, Madge and Honey. They call to me from inside their house, anxious little

There are whole days when I don't think about him. Some

birds, and when I open their miniature door and they stumble

nights, though, as my husband sleeps, I imagine what it would

down the walkway that leads to their freedom, they look like

be like to have two lives. One in the here and now, sitting as

drunken pirates on a gangplank.

I am on the porch swing as the chickens run by, wondering what my husband is doing at this very moment. And one where

The sky has gone pink, off to the west, and hawks are in the

I know how to pair wine with food, where I'd been to Paris,

hayfield that adjoins our yard, swooping so low they cast a shadow

where I knew enough to surprise Roman a time or two.

over me. I used to love the hawks, before I got chicks, and now I only think: chicken killer, chicken killer, chicken killer.

This is not fair to my husband. I think we can all agree.

There is a rhythm to mornings that I love. I feed the dogs. I feed

The phone is ringing, and so I rise to get it. My husband is calling

the chickens. And then I make tea and toast. But this morning,

to make sure I let the chickens out. "Sometimes you forget," he

the dream is troubling me. The man I broke up with, his name

says, and I think how my problem is the opposite of forgetting.

was Roman. He was a head taller than me. He had gray eyes.

He had this mouth, well, you'd just have to see it.

What makes a good wife good? My husband's clothes are clean. Supper's on the table at six o'clock sharp every evening.

He used to cook for me on Friday nights, complicated dishes

I let him go hunting all he wants. Last night, he said, "You

that took thought and planning, and he’d pour wine for me,

know what hillbillies call a seven-course meal?" And when I

and he played Schubert from an old record player he’d restored

said no, he slapped his knee and said, "A six pack of Bud and a

bit by bit. He hummed while he cooked.

possum," and I laughed like I meant it.

Roman had a way about him, a kind of introspection that made you

Well, maybe I did.

stop and look at your own life. And when I looked at mine, it seemed lacking, and so for a while I tried to change. I read what he read,

I am making pork tenderloin tonight. I am making deviled eggs and

dusty books from used bookstores. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle

vegetable whip, a recipe my mother-in-law gave me when Gabe

Maintenance stands out. The Will to Doubt. The Sot-Weed Factor.

and I got married. Carrots, potatoes, onion, an apple. In the kitchen, our dogs, Sugar Baby and Mr. Wigglesworth, are begging for treats,

We went to piano bars. We listened to NPR. Even on hikes, he'd

their bodies jiggly with excitement. I get out two milk bones and

teach me the names of flowers, tell me the complicated history of

make them shake and then roll over before I dole them out.

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southern fiction

There are candles in the cabinet above the sink, and I am

described here, we are back in the kitchen, hungry again, and

standing on a stool trying to reach them. The thought of

so we eat, side by side and holding hands, like two people who

candlelight came to me in a flash, a kind of penance for my

know what a good thing is when they've got it. Which, I believe

divided heart, and I open the doors and rummage until I find

I can say with some authority, is the primary key to happiness.

them. In the cabinet is also a black notebook, plain as notebooks go, but one I've never seen until now. I take it down and sit at the kitchen table as I leaf through the pages.

It is filled with my husband's lists. Things like the names of paint

Vegetable Whip

colors we've used on walls, estimates for the sun porch we've been talking about building, dates he's changed the oil in my car. There is a tab sticking out, and on it he's written "2016

INGREDIENTS

Goals." I flip the page. He wants to save a thousand dollars this

4 medium potatoes, cubed

year, get a new crossbow, and visit his mother more. There are

4 medium carrots, sliced

steps to each goal, even the visits to his mom. (Take her to lunch every payday.) I turn the page again, and then I read, "Make Jeannie happy." There are no steps listed. Just a question mark.

I close the book. The day he asked me to marry him, he didn't

1 small onion, chopped 1 tart apple, pared and sliced 1 cup boiling water

have a ring. "I want you to get what you want," he said,

1 Tablespoon olive oil

after I'd said yes. That night we went to the mall, and he was

1 teaspoon salt

holding my hand so tight it hurt. He was smiling like a kid does.

That open smile that sees nothing but good coming down the

4 Tablespoons cream

road, even when the road twists and turns so much you can't see the end of it.

METHOD

The timer on the oven sounds, a sharp beep that makes

Combine vegetables, apple, water, olive oil and

me jump. I shut it off, and then I sit at the table. In thirty

salt and cover and simmer until tender. Remove

minutes or so, Gabe will be home. My White Sultan chicken,

cover and stir until water has evaporated. Mash.

Madge, climbs up on the deck and cranes her neck to look

Add cream. Beat until light and fluffy.

through the low window. Gabe drove all the way to Blue Eye, Missouri, to buy me that girl.

When Gabe pulls up, I run outside to meet him. He gets out of his pickup, and I put my hands around his waist. "What's going on?" he asks. And I say, "Can't a woman love her husband without being questioned?"

Marla Cantrell will be reading her fiction at the Fort Smith

He smiles then, not quite as big as he did on the day he proposed, but close enough. Later, after things happen that cannot be

Miller Branch Library on February 18, beginning at 6:30pm, as part of That Thursday Night Thing.

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“If my groom doesn’t start crying when he sees me walking down the aisle, I’m turning around and doing it again.” ~ Unknown

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