Seeds - July 2016

®

SEEDS

July 2016 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Parker Dodson Catherine Frederick Jessica Sowards Stoney Stamper Heather Steadham James Stefiuk Kristen Triplett GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays PROOFREADER Charity Chambers

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PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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INSIDE

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16 34 40 44

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THE FOUR PRAYERS OF PATRICIA BROWN

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500 Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

Scott Frederick - 479.459.6672

Find out how four prayers Patricia Brown-Crowe prayed in 2012 changed her life, led her to a new purpose, and even set wedding bells chiming.

Scott@DoSouthMagazine.com

FREEDOM RINGS

Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com

This simple DIY wreath will show your true colors on Independence Day and every day after. Make one for yourself, and then make another to give to one of your best patriotic friends.

BREAKING BAD: THE STORY OF MY BACK Stoney Stamper fought an 11,000-pound horse trailer and won, but a trip to the doctor a few years later nearly caused the waterworks to start. Find out just how tough this cowboy is in his story, "Breaking Bad."

GRILLED WATERMELON SALAD Hot enough for you? Us too! That's why we're loving Grilled Watermelon Citrus Salad. Watermelon, goat cheese, quinoa, lettuce, kale, and a citrus vinaigrette.

The perfect summer dish!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116 ©2016 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South® 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® or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893 Cover Image: shakim888/Shutterstock

FOLLOW US 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.

I

letter from the editor

It happened during a routine visit to the

aging in my eyes, just getting taller. Funny

salon. My son wanted a haircut. Simple

how something as seemingly insignificant as a

enough, except this was no ordinary trim.

haircut can plummet you into a new reality. It

You see, he’d sported a long hairstyle (Justin

was such a change that, soon after the haircut,

Bieber-ish) since preschool and wanted

I walked right past him sitting in the stands at

it cut…off. He hated the way his damp

a basketball game without seeing him. And I

hair stuck to his head during and after his

had been specifically looking for him!

basketball games. Even knowing this, I procrastinated, in part because I'd hoped

Change is a funny thing. Sometimes it's

he’d surely come to his senses and change

something we yearn for, other times it's

his mind. I loved his hair; everyone loved his

something we fear. But we must let go and

hair. He had this move he’d make to get it

embrace what's to come. I was thinking about

in just the right place. A teacher friend of

this as we put together this issue.

mine would joke that he was going to give himself whiplash with that move.

There's the story of Patricia Brown, who understands change and embraces every day

But he did not change his mind. He didn't

she's given. And then there's Stoney Stamper's

hesitate. Even our stylist commented that

tale of growing older, something he fought

I was more worried about the haircut than

until his back gave out on him.

my son. She picked up the scissors and went to work. Clip by clip, my baby began to disappear. Evidently, under all of that

We're also taking you to the "Land of Rippling Water" to show

hair, there was a teenage-looking kid hiding. His hair was short,

you a great new vacation destination. And we're featuring a grilled

really short. For a brief moment, I wondered if we could glue it

watermelon salad that will have you jumping for joy!

back on, so my baby would return. And then, he smiled. A bright smile, with a face full of expression, that had been hidden for

Finally, my DIY this month is a patriotic wreath you'll be proud to

years behind long layers of locks. I could see his eyebrows! I held

display throughout the year. It will be on my front door this Fourth

back tears and fought the urge to scoop up some of his hair from

of July, as I celebrate with family and friends. I plan to cook out,

the floor and keep it, just as I had done so many years ago when

swim and watch fireworks, and to treasure every moment of it

he had his first haircut.

because time moves way too quickly. It just took a haircut for me to truly realize it.

As we left, I couldn't stop staring. I loved the new look, even though it seemed as if he'd aged five years. It dawned on me that since he'd had the same hairstyle since preschool, he wasn’t really

~Catherine

Follow Do South® Magazine

To reserve this free space for your charitable non-profit organization, email: Editors@DoSouthMagazine.com

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poetry

Bloodline LINEs Kristen Triplett

A descendent of Poseidon I long for the waves like a thirst that can't be quenched A Nordic soul Pulsing through my veins Beating Beating Like waves hitting the shore Sirens' songs pass through others like whispers, yet slam into my mind like a tsunami Calling Calling With their ravenous melodies Pulling Pulling Me back with the tide

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

entertainment

Big Little Lies

By Liane Moriarty | Penguin Publishing | 492 pages | $16 review Marla Cantrell

Start packing for your beach vacation

Madeline's teenage daughter is growing

because I found the perfect book for you to

distant and developing a deep relationship

take along. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

with her stepmom. To make matters worse,

is a brilliant mystery novel, darkly comic,

Madeline's ex and his second wife have a

that's set in a seaside town in Australia

daughter in the same kindergarten class as

where a group of moms connected by their

Madeline's youngest child.

kindergarten-aged kids finds out just how By the end of the first chapter we've learned

deadly lies can be.

that someone's been murdered, we just The story begins on the night of a

don't know who. The novel then backtracks,

fundraiser at Pirriwee Public School. It's

starting the story several months before that

a costume trivia party where all the men

deadly night. We're taken into the lives

dress as Elvis, and all the women dress

of these women, into their homes where

as Audrey Hepburn. The women use

nothing is as good as what they're posting on Facebook. And clue by clue, we try to

Breakfast at Tiffany's as their inspiration, and there are lots of black dresses, long black gloves, and pearl

piece together who's been killed, and who might have done it.

necklaces. The caterer fails to arrive, so the couples drink too much on empty stomachs, their tongues loosened by the alcohol,

The story is fast-paced, incredibly funny in places, and shows

and mayhem ensues.

how complex a woman's world is, and how hard we try to get everything right. And when we don't get it right, how hard we try

The party comes near the end of a tense school year for the Pirriwee

to cover our mistakes.

moms, who've had their share of arguments as the months rolled by. The catalyst for all this trouble is Jane who recently moved to

When the killer and the victim are revealed, every step of this story

town with her son, Ziggy. Jane is single, in her mid-twenties, and

makes perfect sense. And in the midst of the unfolding mystery,

holds the secret of her past as tightly as she can. When Ziggy's

we get to see how deep friendships run.

accused of bullying a classmate, Jane defends him, although she harbors fears that something could be amiss with her son.

This book has been picked up by HBO, and will be a seven-episode series. Already signed on are Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman,

Madeline steps in, befriending Jane and introducing her to

Shailene Woodley, Adam Scott, Alexander Skarsgard and Laura Dern.

Celeste, whose life seems picture-perfect. Of course, no one's life is. Celeste is the mom of twins, whose husband travels the world

While you wait for Big Little Lies to make its debut on the small

on business, bringing back expensive presents, and dark secrets.

screen, read the book. It may become one of your favorites. It certainly is mine.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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& Dr. Cody Friddle, DDS

UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

UP CLOSE PERSONAL

Friddle Dentistry 479-452-8800 5008 South U Street Fort Smith, AR

ABOUT FRIDDLE DENTISTRY Friddle Dentistry strives to provide the highest quality of care to our patients in a relaxed, friendly environment. We are there for our patients, when they need us, and make sure they're satisfied with

479-471-8131 1612 North 7th Street Van Buren, AR

the care they receive. We also have a state-of-the-art practice, and

thefriddlesmile.com

orthodontics, and full mouth rehabilitation dentistry. We are

are known for our excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Our team has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education in TMJ treatment, providers of Six Month Smiles, a clear braces system that has had great results with many of our adult patients.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

UPCLOSE&PERSONAL FAVORITE QUOTE

Like Kramer on Seinfeld said, "Don't be an anti-dentite."

3 PRODUCTS CODY CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Apple watch, pineapple Outshine popsicles, Papermate blue ink felt tip pens.

I can't live without my Apple watch.

MY FIRST JOB WAS

cleaning my dad's dental office.

IF CALORIES DIDN'T COUNT,

I'd eat jalapeno chips every day. ~

IF I COULD THANK MY PARENTS FOR JUST ONE THING,

it would be training me in my Christian faith.

MY BEST SUMMER VACATION WAS

I FEEL PATRIOTIC WHEN

I sing the "Star Spangled Banner" at a sporting event.

I'M INSPIRED BY

this summer. I took a road trip to Yosemite, Pismo Beach, CA, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, with my wife and our four kids. We put 4,200 miles on our van in ten days.

historical biographies.

IF I COULD CHOOSE AN ACTOR TO PLAY MY LIFE, IT WOULD BE

THE BEST THING ABOUT MY JOB IS

Bruce Willis. People say I remind them of John McClane in Die Hard.

improving someone's smile.

WHEN I WAS A KID, I WANTED TO GROW UP TO BE

an NBA player.

THE LAST TIME I DID SOMETHING THAT SCARED ME WAS

when I was trying to trap a skunk that had taken up residence under our house.

It wouldn't be the 4th of July without homemade ice cream.

I SOMETIMES DAYDREAM ABOUT

having a house on the beach.

I THINK FITBITS

are overrated.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS IS

Lake Ouachita.

MY FIRST CAR WAS

a 1977 Ford Bronco.

MY FAVORITE STATE PARK IS

Devil's Den. MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT

I drive a twelve-passenger van.

The most unusual thing in my fridge is way too much La Croix Sparkling Water.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

THE STRANGEST PLACE I EVER CALLED THE HOGS WAS

at The Galleria in Dallas.

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calendar

JULY

Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com 4th of July at the Historic Site July 4, 5-11pm National Historic Site Fort Smith

4

TH

The National Historic Site is another great place to watch the fireworks! Live music, familyfriendly program by park rangers, soft drinks, water, and patriotic items available for a small donation to the Friends of the Fort.

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TH

Mayor's 4th of July Celebration July 4, 7-11pm Harry E. Kelley Park Fort Smith Live music, food, and fireworks!

Music by Blue Fiddle, followed by the River Valley Community Band, and ending with Mr. Cabbage Head and the Screaming Radishes.

Concessions available. Fireworks begin around 9:30pm. Bring a lawn chair, and show up early!

Ales for Trails July 9 Harry E. Kelley Park Fort Smith alesfortrailsfs.com More than 250 craft beers from some of the River Valley's best craft breweries! There will be a Beer Fun Run, a Baggo tournament, great food, live music and drawings.

Proceeds support the continuation of trails in Fort Smith. 21 or older only!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Butterfly Count July 9, 9am-3pm Queen Wilhelmina State Park Mena queenwilhelmina.com Be part of something beautiful! Visitors gather to participate in the butterfly count - the data is used to determine their population and distribution. The results will be published in Butterfly World. All ages and levels of expertise are welcome!

21-23R D Johnson County Peach Festival July 21-23 The Court Square Clarksville 479.754.9152 Find them on Facebook Since 1938, Johnson County has been celebrating its peaches! Arts and crafts, great food, cook-offs, a peach pie eating contest, a street dance, a four-mile run, a fishing derby, a greased pig chase, as well as a horseshoe tournament! See Facebook for daily schedules.

calendar

THETOPTENTHETOPTEN 22-23

RD

Fill the Bus July 22-23 Area Walmart Supercenters

The Rogers Cycling Festival offers competitive USA Cycling sanctioned road cycling events, competitive mountain bike events, and familyfriendly rides. It's for riders of all ages and abilities. For pricing and registration, visit their website.

21-23

Help United Way of Fort Smith Fill the Bus with school supplies at all area Walmart Supercenter locations! The supplies will be donated to deserving children in the six-county area. Help kids with their studies, and raise their self-esteem.

22-24 T H

Rogers Cycling Festival July 22-24 rogerscyclingfestival.com

RD

Peter and the Starcatcher July 21-23 King Opera House Van Buren weareyag.org The Young Actors Guild of Fort Smith will be performing Peter and the Starcatcher at the King Opera House in downtown Van Buren. July 21-23 at 7 pm, and July 22-23 at 2 pm. Ticket prices: $15 for adults/$10 for kids 12 and under.

28-31

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Singing in the Rain July 28-31 (more shows in August) 7-9pm Fort Smith Little Theatre fslt.org DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Fort Smith Little Theatre's Singing in the Rain is based on the famous movie. Enjoy a night out and support talented local artists. See website for times and pricing.

29-30

TH

Altus Grape Festival July 29-30 Altus City Park altusgrapefest.com Grapes, wine tastings for adults, wine making competitions, a grape stomp, live music, great food, dancing, and more! The Altus Grape Festival runs from 5-11pm on Friday and 9am-5:30pm on Saturday.

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pets

Adopt Love & Affection

M

F

M

F

Bobby

Dee Dee

M

Blondie

F

Sweet Marley

Mickey

Gracie

Charleston Dog Shelter Donations are always needed and greatly appreciated.

Charleston Dog Shelter | Charleston, AR 72933 | 479.965.3591 | Find us on Petfinder™ |

Each month, Do SouthÂŽ 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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shop

Shop What’s Hot! words and imageS Catherine Frederick

Delicious Assorted Cookie Cakes

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES 479.452.9999

Budweiser, Leadslingers Bourbon Whiskey, Smirnoff Red, White & Berry Vodka, 1800 Silver Tequila, The Great American Wine Company Zinfandel, Svedka Vodka, Koozie

Jay Strongwater 5” X 7” Orchid Frame

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

Power View Window Coverings by Hunter Douglas

D&D FLOOR COVERING 479.474.0533

Razorback Bellemonde Leather Travel Bags

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH 479.441.4221

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

shop

It’s hot outside, but don’t worry, we’ve gathered some cool products from a few of our favorite local advertisers, just for you! Support your friends and neighbors, keep cool, and keep it local!

Tom Ford Sunglasses and Frames

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020

Beso Del Sol Sangria Red and White, Stella Rosa Black and Platinum, My Epic Style Wine Picnic Backpack for Two with Accessories

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

Hooker Fabric Upholstered Poster Bed, True Vintage Dresser, True Vintage Arched Mirror

H3 HOME + DÉCOR 479.434.4920

Kate McRostie Floral Tote, Poolmaster Floating AM/FM Submarine Radio, Toland Wasp Traps (does not harm beneficial bees)

LUTHER STEM POOLS & SPAS 479.646.7772

All For Color Hairbrushes, Fit Kicks Lush Life Footwear, Mudpie Burlap & Sequin Totes

SUNSHINE SHOP AT MERCY FORT SMITH 479.314.6079

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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people

THE

Four Prayers of PATRICIA BROWN

words Marla Cantrell images Samantha Daniels, courtesy Patricia Brown-Crowe DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

I

people

It was a morning of bad beginnings for Patricia Brown-Crowe.

After waking, she says, she realized the HVAC unit at her Fort Smith, Arkansas home was on the fritz, which is no small thing in the South in the summer. And then, her husband Michael called to say his truck had broken down, and he was marooned across town with no way to get to work.

Patricia grins, conspiratorially, as if these two things, the airconditioning failing and the truck revolting, were destined to become part of a bigger story. "I jumped in my car and went to pick Michael up, and then I realized I'd left my wig at home!" She laughs, like a woman whose default setting is laughter. "I just kept on going, driving along with my bald head showing," she says. "What are you going to do?" she asks. "And get this. I got to bring him home, and we're spending the whole day together!"

Michael walks in as she's telling this story. He is blond, with square shoulders, and muscled arms that seem designed to protect. He squeezes her shoulder, and she leans into him, the two looking like the cover of some romance novel.

On the ring finger of Michael's left hand is a band so new it still gleams when light hits it. Patricia holds out her left hand, showing the diamond ring that would sparkle even on a starless night. Their marriage is new—the wedding was just weeks before in May—and

"

the two share that glow of great beginnings, of startling happiness.

For Patricia, Michael is the answer to a prayer she prayed in the summer of 2012, when the breast cancer she thought she'd beaten in 2005, returned in her right hip and in lymph nodes in her lungs.

While she grappled with the news, she also thought about the desires of her heart, and then she had a little talk with Jesus. Patricia asked for a man who would love her to the moon and back, and for that love to last beyond a season. Her other three prayers were

'She's the most positive, happiest person I've ever met in my life. She's never down.

Never gossips, never says a bad word about anybody.' And then he says, 'and look at her. She's gorgeous.' - Michael

"

for a Godly husband for her daughter Amanda; to become an internationally-known motivational speaker; and to write a book.

Patricia, at fifty-something, is strikingly beautiful, her eyes the Consider, for a moment, this turn of events. Patricia, who'd been

color of the bluest ocean. Her nails are painted blue and red.

storming through life (she has only one gear, and that gear is go),

She wears slender black slacks and a brightly colored top that

heard news that would cause even the most steady to stumble.

shows her pale shoulders. When she moves her hands, a pearl

And after she'd had a chance to process her new diagnosis, she

bracelet clinks against itself. Everything she says seems wise, in

still had the faith and grit to believe wonder and joy were just

part because she is wise, and in part because she is looking at

around the bend. "Those were not small prayers," she says and

life from a precipice. The cancer that returned in 2012 has since

touches the single pearl pendant that hangs from a thin chain

spread to her brain, and she's on a regimen of treatment she

around her neck. "But anything can happen if it's God's will."

describes as a "trial for one." Her oncologist, she says, is trying

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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people

the same combination of drugs that is being used in a clinical trial

Jason was born with Down syndrome, and it seemed to Patricia that

she was just a bit too late to join.

he loved everyone who crossed his path. She talked about seeing him again, one day, in heaven, her kid brother with that heart of

"If we hadn't tried this, I wouldn't see Christmas," she says, and

gold, with that divine light that shone so bright she could see it still.

then she turns the tables. "Is that hard for you to hear?" she asks, her concern for me unexpected, jolting, a rip in the veil that lets

If Michael had been infatuated before, he was bowled over now.

me witness her good heart.

This woman who had mesmerized him on the dance floor was deep and humble and infinitely kind. The two started spending

For the most part, she does not feel unwell. She has effects from

time together, and of course, Patricia vetted him intensely. But

years of treatment that dog her, like tiny slips in her memory and

every time she spoke to someone who knew him, they each said

less energy. She has pain in her jaw and mouth, a result of chemo.

the same thing: He's the nicest man I know.

"And I can't drink wine anymore!" She waves these complaints away, small distresses that don't add up to much, she says, when

And even though she'd prayed for three years for a man to love

you weigh them against getting to wake up every morning.

her to the moon and back, when it happened, she worried it was too late. I said, "I have cancer, and this could end badly. I could

Patricia has felt the hand of God on her since she was a child. And

hurt you, and I don't hurt people."

while she doesn't claim, or even want, to be called a saint ("I've lived life big!" she says), she is deeply devout. Which is why her

Patricia might as well have said those words in a windstorm, the

pastor, Phillip Blackburn, asked her to preach one Sunday morning

syllables being carried away as soon as she spoke them. Michael

at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, during Lent 2015.

didn't hear any of it. He wanted Patricia, whether it was for another hundred years or just one. And when he proposed, he

The sermon was scheduled just days after she'd met Michael

did it over a series of weeks, recreating moments from Patricia's

Crowe, on a Thursday night at Movie Lounge, where she was

favorite TV show, The Bachelor.

hanging out with her dear friend, Vonda Gardner, listening to local musician Larry B, who plays R&B and Jazz. Patricia was

She laughs. That season of the reality show was set in Mexico, and

dancing when Michael spotted her, and she seemed to radiate joy.

Michael even found a poncho to wear. He brought her two dozen

So he watched, this gorgeous woman who was leaving it all on

roses and asked her if she'd accept them. And then, for his finale,

the dance floor, and something in his heart opened.

he offered her a diamond ring that shone with the light of heaven.

Flirting is fun, and Patricia is particularly good at it. But she's also

The wedding took place at First Presbyterian, the church she loves

wickedly honest. When she and Michael talked, she told him she

so much. It was supposed to be a small affair, but the number of

had cancer, something she knew could stop the conversation and

guests rose as more and more of their close friends learned about

anything that might follow. But Michael wasn't budging, and as their

the wedding. They spent the next week in Hot Springs, where they

conversation continued, she told him about her upcoming sermon.

were so happy it felt like something from a movie.

When Patricia looked out at the congregation on that bright

As for Patricia's other three prayers, they've been answered as

Sunday morning, she saw the people she'd worshiped with for

well. She is an internationally-known speaker, having talked to

years, and then she spotted someone new. Michael was there, his

groups of oncologists from across the globe, sharing her story of

face beatific, waiting to hear what she had to say.

heartache and inspiration. Her daughter Amanda is now married to a Christian man Patricia adores. And Patricia has written a

In the next half hour, she talked about love and told the story of

memoir, which is yet to be published.

losing her brother, Jason, in a tragic accident when he was seven, and she was sixteen. On his headstone are these words: He taught

These days, she volunteers her time helping non-profits with their

us how to love.

marketing campaigns, drawing on her years as the CEO of the Make-A-WishÂŽ Foundation Mid-South, her former charity work DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

with PGA champion John Daily, and her time spent running the PGA Fort Smith Classic.

When she was in the golfing world, she learned a lot about event planning and hobnobbed with celebrities. And that's what she was thinking about a couple of years ago when it seemed as if she was at the end of the road. Her dad, George Redden, taught her how to maneuver life: Figure out what the plan is, he'd tell her, and then work the plan.

"Well,

we're

all

terminal,"

Patricia says. "It's just a matter of when." It seemed at that time that her plan was to tie up loose ends, and so she got

Patricia and Amanda

down to business.

"I decided I was going to have the biggest funeral this town had

The technician who's been working on Patricia's air-conditioning

ever seen. With music and speakers. I started making calls. I called

walks through her living room just then, assuring her that all is well.

my buddy John Daily and asked him to play his guitar and sing one

Michael comes in behind him and sits beside his new wife. I ask him

song. I think he thought I was crazy, but I said, 'You'll draw people

what he loves about her, and he puts his arm around her before

in!' And then I called Johnny Lee, who sang the country hit 'Looking

answering. "She's the most positive, happiest person I've ever met in

For Love In All The Wrong Places,' and I told him what I was after.

my life. She's never down. Never gossips, never says a bad word about

And he said, 'You want me to clear my schedule for a funeral?' And

anybody." And then he says, "and look at her. She's gorgeous."

I said, 'Johnny, I'll be up in heaven talking to the Good Lord about you, and you don't want me getting you in any trouble!'

Prayer is a funny thing. Sometimes we think we shouldn't bother God unless we have a problem worth mentioning. Cancer is

Talking about that time, she says, "But of course I didn't die. I had

one of those problems. An empty bank account is another. But

a prayer warrior from Memphis call me to say that my prognosis

four years ago, Patricia knew God was listening as she told Him

was wrong, and lo and behold, it was." Patricia smiles. "I've had

she needed a man to love her to the moon and back. And she

a front-row seat for miracles. If I die tomorrow, I'm good. I've said

believes He sent her Michael, the man who gave her two dozen

thank-you, and I love you to the people who need to hear it. I've

roses and a promise, who gave her a ring that held the light of

asked forgiveness when I needed to. I've lived life large. I'm happy

heaven, knowing even that light couldn't compete with just one

for the life that was given to me. Did I make a lot of mistakes?

of Patricia's smiles.

Yes, I did. Have I always been pure and moral and right? No. But I've always gotten back on track, and I've forgiven myself. I think people don't forgive themselves, and then they're caught in this evil place of guilt and shame, and that's ridiculous. That's Satan.

Follow Patricia on Facebook, at Prayers For Patricia Brown.

Let it go. Let it go. Shake it off."

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

John Jeter

Joshua Bell

Twenty Years of Epic Music! words and images courtesy Fort Smith Symphony

school programs such as Symphony-in-the-Schools and the free Earquake!TM school concerts, the Symphony has touched the

20 lives of over 80,000 students. John likes to mention anecdotes

and statistics that show the large numbers of students who

have decided to enroll in school music programs as a result of attending a symphony educational event. “We are making a

The upcoming 2016-2017 concert season of the Fort Smith

remarkable, positive impact on the students’ future, and that is

Symphony marks John Jeter’s twentieth year as music director.

very important to us,” John said.

Over the past two decades, regional music lovers have witnessed

the transformation of a modest community orchestra into a

The Symphony credits its success to the tremendous financial

large fully professional regional orchestra featuring some of the

support of countless individuals, businesses, companies, and

most famous guest soloists in the world. John attributes this

organizations for so many years. John cites this support as a

stellar achievement to the immensely supportive community and

significant reason for dedicating his efforts to the Symphony

dedicated people involved in and with the Fort Smith Symphony

and the Fort Smith community for two decades. The orchestra

over many years.

receives a level of continued support that rivals ensembles in much larger cities. The Symphony has produced internationally

The orchestra will be celebrating John's twentieth season with

acclaimed recordings; has presented national orchestra original

wonderful concerts, including a special season opening concert

performances, such as the Symphony’s “History of Rock and

on September 11, featuring Joshua Bell. Joshua is the most

Roll” concert; has performed ‘big’ city symphony concerts from

famous violinist in the world today and one of classical music’s

Wagner to Mahler, and has featured the finest Pops artists such

top two or three guest artists, period! His visit is a huge event for

as the Canadian Brass and Byron Stripling. There’s no question

the Fort Smith, Arkansas, area.

that the first twenty years in Fort Smith has been a great ride for

John Jeter. He has many future seasons already planned, so it

John's goal this upcoming season is not only to present great

sounds like he will be here for years to come!

music but also to let people know, if they don’t already, that

the symphony is a treasure to the community. In addition to exciting concerts, the symphony’s growing educational

For details about the upcoming 2016-2017 season,

programs have made a significant and measurable impact on

visit fortsmithsymphony.org.

students throughout the River Valley. Since the creation of in-

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entertainment

PETROPOLITAN VII

for Kitties and Kanines words and images courtesy Kitties and Kanines

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O

entertainment

On August 12, at six in the evening, one of the best parties

River Valley Animal Welfare Coalition, which is located in

you'll ever attend in Fort Smith, Arkansas, will just be getting

the Quarry Shopping Center in Fort Smith, offers low-cost

underway. Petropolitan VII is a fundraiser for Kitties and

spaying and neutering for dogs and cats, as well as vaccines.

Kanines Veterinarian Clinic, held at Golden Living. Get ready for great music by After 5 Jazz, a Mexican fiesta themed

Since 2009, the clinic has performed more than 31,400

dinner, beer, wine, margaritas, and lots of laughter. Daren

sterilizations, which translates to fewer unwanted dogs and

Bobb, from 5 News, will be the master of ceremonies.

cats, many of which would end up homeless on the streets or in shelters that are already bursting at the seams.

Part of the fun for the evening will be the two auctions, one live and one silent. You'll be able to bid on things like four

Kitties and Kanines understands that the number one reason

club seats and tickets to Luke Bryan's Kill the Lights tour in

someone doesn't get a pet spayed or neutered is because

Dallas, coming up in October. Opening acts will be Little Big

of the cost. Since that's the case, they offer services to low-

Town, Chris Stapleton, and Dustin Lynch.

income families, and local animal shelters. They also provide a program that allows volunteers to trap feral cats, bring them

If football's more your cup of tea, there will be four suite

to the clinic to be spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. All

tickets to the Arkansas-Texas A&M game up for grabs. Four

these things help our community and these animals so in need.

suite tickets with parking for a Dallas Cowboys game are also You can help by attending Petropolitan VII on August 12! It's

on the bidding block, so go prepared.

a great way to support a worthy cause and have a night on The money raised by Petropolitan is critical to the work that

the town. We call that a win/win!

Kitties and Kanines does. The clinic, a non-profit run by the

Petropolitan VII August 12 | Golden Living, Fort Smith | $50 Call 479.648.8000 for tickets, or buy them at the door.

For more information, visit rvawc.org or the Kitties and Kanines Facebook page.

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lifestyle

Capturing The Natural State words and images Parker Dodson

My desire to become a photographer began when I took my

central area of Arkansas is a hidden gem, and it’s closer than

first hike to Devil's Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas.

you think! I hope my photos inspire you to get outside and

I fell in love with the beauty of the natural world, and I felt

enjoy the beauty Arkansas has to offer. And, while Photoshop

a desire to capture the power of the landscape around

may allow for some amazing images to be created, I strive to

me. Borrowing my mom’s camera, I set out to teach myself

take photos that capture the raw, organic beauty of a place,

everything I could about photography, and I bet I've taken

using minimal editing so that when you visit the site, you can

thousands of photos to develop my skills. I believe the north-

recognize it instantly. Here are just a few of my favorites!

Starry Night on the Buffalo National River - Ponca, AR

Ledge Walk on Big Bluff / Goat Trail - Compton, AR

Golden Sunrise over Hawksbill Crag / Whittaker Point - Boxley, AR

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lifestyle

25

Snowy Retreat - Upper Buffalo Wilderness, AR

Focused at Devil's Den State Park - west fork, AR

Fall Colors on Hawksbill Crag / Whittaker Point - Boxley, AR

Mossy Falls - Triple Falls, AR

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lifestyle

Upper Buffalo Wilderness - Compton, AR

Spring at Hawksbill Crag / Whittaker Point - Boxley, AR

Find Parker's work on Instagram at pdodsonphoto or on Facebook at Parker Dodson Photography.

Sam's Throne - Mt. Judea, AR

Eden Falls at Lost Valley - Ponca, AR

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people

words and images Jessica Sowards

I didn’t realize that I was living in the shadow of uncommonly beautiful love, completely used to its unusual nature until a few weeks ago when my eyes were opened in a moment.

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people

I

It’s funny how we humans are able to get used to extraordinary

them hit my fingers. The cart girl stopped and said “Are you OK?”

things. When I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, I attended a regular

to which I responded, “They make me think of angels.”

playgroup with my boys in neighboring Pigeon Forge. There was a point in the forty-minute drive where my car made a turn and

Sure, it's peculiar. Wonder is rarely refined. It isn’t described as

there before me was the most breathtaking mountain view. Every

childlike due to the measure of dignity it carries. But I don’t care. Let

time, every single time I made that turn, it hit me. I could physically

me be the crazy lady in the parking lot being moved by tree seeds if

feel the awe it inspired.

it means I don’t grow blind to all the beauty this life has to offer. It

seems like a decent tradeoff to me.

I would call my grandmother. Because she understood my heart and she encouraged my childlike wonder. And she never grew

I am wildly passionate about Creation. I am ever awed and deeply

tired of her granddaughter, a grown woman with children of her

wooed by nature and babies and beautiful views. I am enraptured

own, calling her and ecstatically describing the mountains. “It’s

by the way the garden grows and the way my children learn. I could

unbelievable,” I’d say. "I don’t understand how people live their

write for days and weeks about beauty and power and wonder.

lives in the shadow of snow-capped peaks without a constant

That’s not why I’m writing this, though. I know I have cultivated a

sense of awe. I don’t understand how they go to their doctors’

deep appreciation for beauty, but I have allowed myself to take the

appointments and soccer practices without stopping to gawk.”

most important thing for granted. This is a confession.

And she would always say the same thing, “They are just used to

When a blade requires sharpening, it must be unsheathed and

it. It’s just normal to them. If you don’t want to lose the wonder,

then run over the rod. It must first expose its dullness before the

don’t treat it like it's just normal.”

sharpening can happen. So here I am confessing. I have gotten busy and allowed myself to grow altogether dull to love.

It’s just normal. Oh, that was such a tragedy to me. I’d petition God when I hung up the phone, “Please, don’t let me ever see the

Every day, I wake up in bed with a man that loves me wildly. He’s the

extraordinary as normal.”

kind of man that pulls over so I can see the fireflies. He is spending his life with a woman who has a romance with beauty he can’t

I have been blessed with a life full of wonders. When we pray

always see, but he always tries. And I’ve found that more often than

for patience, God gives us the opportunities to practice patience.

not when I am being swept away by some everyday, extraordinary

In the same fashion, I truly believe He heard my prayer for never

thing, my sweet husband is not looking at the view or the baby or

dulling wonderment and so He set me on a road of great and

the firefly, he is looking at me. And I have taken it for granted.

extraordinary experiences. Through ministry and photography, I have endeavored down an unbeaten path and on it, I have

This morning I woke up in a big, old house. Just two years ago, I was

strived to maintain an ever-growing reverence for the power and

praying for hours a day that God would give me that house, and He

beauty of God.

did. We moved in with our six children, and we had so much space, and the need arose, so we moved two of Jeremiah’s brothers and

I’ll never forget the moment I saw the Rocky Mountains for the first

his sister in as well. Now we live here all together, a big cramped

time and realized that East Tennessee’s Smokies were mere hills in

mess of people who love each other more deeply that I can explain.

comparison to these monstrous miracles. I’ll never forget the first

And every morning I wake up in my big, old house and meet my big,

time I photographed a baby being born, feeling the hefty impact of

loving family in the kitchen. We eat breakfast and make plans for the

a life starting, weigh on my heart. It’s not just the big things either.

day. We pray and go about our routines.

Just a few nights ago, as my husband, Jeremiah, and I drove down country roads surrounding our property, I shouted, “Slow down!”

And many mornings, I leave my big, old house and go about the

So we did slow, and I gaped at the thousands of lightning bugs that

business of ministry. I attend meetings and plan events. I make phone

dotted the cow pastures. Or this spring, when fluffy white clumps

calls, and I pray and study. I am so familiar with the love of God, and I

of seeds fell from trees by the heaps and floated through the air, I

see it echoed so much in my church family that I'm afraid I've gotten

stopped in the grocery store parking lot and raised my hands to feel

used to it. This tribe of mine has gone through struggles and trials

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people

me, my prayers and my concerns and my desires being called out by people who barely know my loved-ones. All they knew was that these names belonged to people I love unexplainably, and that was enough for these names to matter to them.

I’ll never forget the way it hit me. It was the same feeling that would cause me to pull over when I first saw the mountains around the bend in Tennessee. It was the same feeling that stirs in me every time I hear a baby cry for the first time. As I sat at the altar, my tear-streaked face hidden by my hair, a deeper awe and wonder than I think I’ve ever felt washed over me and I thought, “Oh, God, I am so loved.” I realized how much they all really loved me, and that it was just a reflection of Him. And some fathoms-deep place in my soul woke up, and I had a new revelation of how fiercely my God loves me.

I’ve been missing it. While I waged war against becoming dull to beauty, I allowed myself to become dull to love, and it made me indifferent to people. Sure, I’ve loved the people that I'm close to.

I’ve loved the people I have ministered to. But I have been living the kind of life where I slowed down for fireflies and pretty views but walked past the broken lady in the grocery store because my list was long and my mind was full. hand in hand. We have felt our souls knit together and endured

I realized how tragically I had taken for granted this extraordinary

pain together. We run the race together. It is truly extraordinary.

thing, and so, I repositioned my heart. I have prayed for so many

But here I am confessing, I have gotten busy, and my to-do list has

strangers in the last few weeks, just random people in public. I’ve

captured my focus. And I have grown dull.

stopped and asked people questions about how they are doing, and surprisingly, many have answered honestly. I’ve looked at

I didn’t realize it. I didn’t realize that I was living in the shadow of

people in the eyes. I haven’t been in such a rush to move on. I’ve

uncommonly beautiful love, completely used to its unusual nature

been thankful for my family. I’ve enjoyed my kids more. My heart

until a few weeks ago when my eyes were opened in a moment.

has been set with a fresh fire.

It was during a worship service, and I was kneeling at the altar in

So can I challenge you? Can I urge you to find the love in your

prayer. I felt tired. I don’t know why, I just felt really tired, run down

life and step back and marvel at it for a while? Let it stir you up

by my beautiful but busy life. And my big tribe of family and friends

and spur you on to spread it. Don’t live in the shadow of some

were all around. We were singing and praying, and my pastor took

beautiful thing like this and treat it like it isn’t breathtaking.

the microphone and said, “I want us to call out the names of the people we have been praying for. Just lift them up to God right

It isn’t just normal. You are extraordinarily loved. So stop, and

now.” At that moment, the overwhelming exhaustion from being so

awe. Be washed over with wonder. Then don’t let it ever feel just

busy felt like five thousand pounds on my shoulders.

normal again. It isn’t. It’s extraordinary.

Then I heard someone call out a name. Jewel, my little sister. Then I heard someone else call out another. Drew, my brother. Then I heard

Follow Jessica on her blog

my husband call out the name of my mom. I heard a friend of mine

@thehodgepodgedarling.blogspot.com

call out the name of my dad. And it started to resound all around DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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garden

July in the Garden THE DIRT

It’s hot! Make sure you water deeply, and less often, to prevent stress from drought. Consider mulching to prevent weeds and conserve moisture. Watch for insects and disease and treat as needed. Remove harvested plants that are no longer producing before they draw insects or disease. If vacationing, make sure you have someone who can harvest and water while you're away.

TIPS:

Plan your fall vegetable garden! If growing from seed, make sure the plants have enough time to mature before the first freeze date. Look at the back of your seed packets to determine the number of days until harvest so you'll know what to plant and when. Now is the time to plant your pumpkins for Halloween!

YOU CAN PLANT: Basil

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Cabbage

Southern Peas

Pumpkins

Collards

Sweet Corn

Squash

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diy

Inspired by homecraftsbali.com words and image Catherine Frederick

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diy

We adore this DIY! While perfect for the Fourth of July, we think it can adorn doors 365 days a year. Wire wreaths, like the one we used, come in all sizes and shapes. Have fun customizing

MATERIALS •

18” Wire Wreath Frame (HL)

•

Clothespins (I used 100) (WM)

•

Wooden Stars, Assorted Sizes (HL)

•

Spray Paint (Red, White, Blue, Black) (WM)

•

Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

•

Door Hanger (WM)

•

Clear Acrylic Waterproof Spray Paint, Gloss

one you pick for yourself, or one to give away. This would

*Materials purchased from Hobby Lobby(HL), Lowe’s(L) or Walmart(WM) unless I had them on hand

make an amazing gift for a military spouse or family!

METHOD Paint the wire frame black (mine was green). Paint all sides of 42 clothespins in red, 22 in blue, and 36 in white. Paint the stars white as well. Let dry.

Attach all of the blue clothespins first. Start by skipping the outside wire, and attach a clothespin to the second wire and third wire. The next clothespin should be attached to the third and fourth (inside) wire. Alternate the rest of the blue clothespins on the frame. Now, using the same method, add six red clothespins, then six white, continuing this pattern until you have circled the frame.

Hot glue the wooden stars to the blue clothespins in a random pattern of your choice. Spray entire wreath with a coat of clear acrylic waterproof paint. Once dry, hang and enjoy!

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pets

PUP

POPS Inspired by Pinterest words and image Catherine Frederick

INGREDIENTS >

1 banana

>

17 oz. Greek yogurt, plain, unsweetened

>

2 Tablespoons peanut butter (make sure it does NOT contain Xylitol)

>

dog biscuits

METHOD Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into ice tray, muffin tin or plastic cups (customize the size based on the breed of your dog). Insert dog biscuits in centers. Place in freezer until frozen solid.

Remove, pop out a single serving and serve to your pup! This is a treat best served outside as it can be messy!

TIPS Change up the recipe by adding another banana, more peanut butter, or replace the banana with pumpkin puree. Be sure the yogurt does not contain any artificial sweeteners or sugars, and, if using peanut butter, make sure it does not contain Xylitol, which can all be harmful to pets.

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taste

Shark Attack! inspired by Pinterest words and image Catherine Frederick

Materials Method

- (2) Jolly Rancher Berry Blue Jell-O - Clear Plastic Spoons

- Gray Cardstock

- Scissors

- Cool Whip

- Hot Glue and Glue Gun

- Shark Fin Template (Google)

- Clear Cups, 9oz.

Prepare Jell-O according to package directions. Pour into cups, place in refrigerator to set. Trace shark fin shape on card stock, cut out, glue fin on top of spoon. (You may have to cut the spoon handle down a bit.) Once Jell-O is set, place spoon in center of Jell-O. Add Cool Whip around spoon, covering the Jell-O. Use back of spoon to create a wave-look with the Cool Whip. Makes 5 servings.

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people

Breaking Bad:

The Story of My Back words Stoney Stamper images courtesy April Stamper

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people

M

y back hurts. My back

disc and that not only had it herniated, but it had fragmented,

has

for

about

so there was a random piece of my disc floating around loose

months

now,

in my spinal canal. Although it was a relief to find out what

and after my doctor's visit last

was wrong, having back problems of this magnitude was a

week, it doesn’t look like that

very scary thing. I mean, I know I'm getting older, but I'm not

will

exactly ready to hang up my spurs just yet. The best parts of

I've

hurt

seven

change had

back

anytime

soon.

problems

for

my days aren’t spent inside. My favorite thing to do is work

more than fifteen years now,

outside on our property. Building fence, cutting brush, working

following a pretty bad accident

horses, mowing, weed-eating. Anything outside is where I find

I had in 2000. An 11,000-pound

my happy place.

horse trailer fell on top of me, literally. It’s a long story for

So, as my wife April and I sat in the surgeon's office listening to

another day, but it left its mark

him tell me the seriousness of my back issues, a huge dose of

on my body. Normally, a visit

reality came crashing down on me, just like that 11,000-pound

to the chiropractor, and maybe

horse trailer had. He told me, “You’ll never be one hundred

a cortisone shot or two, helps,

percent again. You’ve got a lot of damage in there, but we can

and I can get back to normal, or

make you better. However, you are going to have to slow down.

at least what I consider normal.

You aren’t going to be as strong as you once were.” Maybe I'm a little bit slow, but it wasn’t until he said those words to me that

But

this

last

November,

on

I realized exactly what was happening to me. I was getting old.

Thanksgiving, I woke up with a backache. Nothing out of the

Getting old… I had always heard my parents and grandparents

ordinary, so I limped around my

talk about it, but had never knowingly felt it firsthand. All of

mother-in-law’s house all day,

my life, I have pushed myself to the limit in just about anything

took some Advil and moved around as slowly as possible.

A week later I went to the chiropractor and got twisted, popped and cracked, but still I was having a really hard time. The steroid shots that generally got me over the hump did absolutely nothing. The pain in my back and

...if I didn’t do all those stupid things when I was young, then I wouldn’t have any funny stories to tell when I'm old. And there’s nothing I enjoy more than telling funny stories.

the pain that shot down my right leg was different than it had been in the past and was excruciating.

The doctor decided that I should get some x-rays and an MRI, so I did. After the MRI, they said they’d call me the following week with the results. However, before I even got home from the MRI, they had called me to tell me that I had a severely herniated L4-L5 DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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that I've ever done. I’ve broken bones. I've had concussions.

I've pulled muscles and gotten stitches. I had wrestled, played baseball, football, and run track. As an adult, before I married April and had kids, I lived hard. I spent too much time in saloons, late nights, with little to no sleep. And as they always do, people would tell me I needed to slow down. My parents and siblings worried about me, but I would always laugh and shrug off their advice as nonsense. I knew what my body could handle better than they did, right? One of my coworkers once said about me, “Stoney doesn’t burn the candle at both ends. Stoney just throws the whole candle into a bonfire.” We all laughed.

But now, as I sit here typing this, I can feel my hip aching. It’s a dull ache that stems from that same horse trailer accident nearly sixteen years ago, and I think to myself, It’s going to rain today.

My joints are aching. And then I know it’s true. I am getting old.

to, even if it wasn’t always smart. Besides, if I didn’t do all

The life expectancy of an American male is seventy-eight years,

those stupid things when I was young, then I wouldn’t have any

and by those numbers, I'm almost exactly middle-aged. My best

funny stories to tell when I'm old. And there’s nothing I enjoy

days are behind me. Now, I know that I’m not really old. But by

more than telling funny stories.

the same token, I know that I’ll never again be quite as strong as I once was. I know that I can’t work eighteen hours out in the sun,

So yesterday, as I watched my crazy little daughter Gracee as she

hauling thousands upon thousands of bales of hay, like I once

ran a hundred miles an hour around the backyard, as a responsible

did. And if I get bucked off a horse, I don’t bounce back quite as

adult, I said, “You need to slow down!” And when she climbed

quickly as I used to. Of course, this hurts my cowboy pride. It’s

on top of the patio furniture, I knew that there was about a ninety

hard to admit that I am not the man I was ten years ago.

percent chance that she would fall off. So I said to her, “You better get down from there. You're going to hurt yourself!” And

And then I think back to all of the times that I was told to slow

she ignored me, just like I ignored my parents. Then I grinned and

down, or to be careful, or that I was going to regret that when

watched as she jumped around like the little monkey that she is,

I was older. And sure, I can see how that may have been a

until the inevitable happened and she fell to the ground.

good idea, judging from the scars and aches and pains that I have. But, I wouldn’t change a single thing. I cannot imagine

I limped my beaten up body over to her, dusted her off and

a life where I was more careful. I cannot fathom a younger me

gave her a kiss and said, “You’ve got to be careful. You’ll wish

slowing down or playing it safe. It’s who I am at my core, and

you’d listened to me someday.” Because apparently, that’s

I wouldn’t change that for a million dollars because I know I

what you’re supposed to say when you get old. But something

have been true to myself and lived my life exactly how I wanted

tells me, she’s probably not going to listen. Just a hunch.

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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taste

&

Grilled Watermelon Citrus Salad recipe adapted from Food Network image James Stefiuk

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taste

Ingredients.........................................................

FOR SALAD

FOR CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

» Grilled watermelon

» ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

» Goat cheese crumbles

» ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

» 1-2 cloves minced garlic

(2 Tablespoons per salad, more or less to taste)

» Cooked quinoa (3-4 Tablespoons per salad)

» Salt & coarsely ground black pepper to taste

» Chopped romaine lettuce » Chopped kale » Balsamic glaze » Honey

Method..................................................................

Add vinaigrette ingredients to small bowl, whisk to combine. Set aside. Rub grill grates with canola oil to avoid sticking. Cut watermelon into 1” thick sections – remove rind. Brush sections with a coating

of honey. Cook watermelon on grill for 15-20 seconds, on one side only. Remove from grill, cut into cubes, or serve whole. Mix together kale and romaine in a large bowl. Toss with citrus dressing.

Place salad mixture onto plate. Sprinkle 3-4 Tablespoons of quinoa and 2 Tablespoons goat cheese on top. Add grilled watermelon. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

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taste

Recipe adapted from Food & Wine image James Stefiuk

-

Makes 4 servings 3 Tablespoons water 3 Tablespoons agave nectar 8 cups diced seedless watermelon Âź cup fresh lime juice 2 cups blueberries 1 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus 8 sprigs for garnish 1 Âź cups silver tequila Ice

Puree watermelon in blender.

Strain through fine mesh, press to extract liquid. Discard pulp.

Add blueberries & mint leaves to serving pitcher, muddle lightly.

Add agave & lime juice, stir. Add watermelon juice, & tequila, stir.

Refrigerate until chilled. Fill glasses with ice, pour watermelon mixture over top, garnish with mint sprigs. Enjoy!

Always drink responsibly.

Never drink and drive.

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entertainment

works by Picasso, as well as Renoir, André Derain, Georges Braque, Joan Miró, and Amedeo Modigliani.

But the focus is on Matisse, one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who was born on the last day of 1869, in northern France, and died on November 3, 1954. He is often called the greatest colorist of the twentieth century. The brilliant colors, along with his use of exaggerated forms, earned Matisse a great following. He once said,"I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me."

Years ago, when I was decorating my first house and had little money to do so, I ordered a poster of Matisse's "Goldfish." The original painting is filled with color, pinks and black and bluegreen and orange, but the eye goes directly to the fish. Even in the mass-produced poster, you could feel the emotion Matisse talks about. I read later that he painted the original in 1912, after a trip to Morocco where he'd seen the locals staring for hours at goldfish bowls.

That poster started my obsession with Matisse. I've even been to the Centre Pompidou in Paris, during the trip of a lifetime, and I am going to Oklahoma City to see Matisse's work again. While

Matisse in OKC words Marla Cantrell image L’Algérienne, 1909. Oil on canvas. Centre Pompidou, Paris. Musée national d’art moderne – Centre de création industrielle, AM 2009-214. ©2015 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society (ARS), N Y

that poster I bought years ago captured some of what is best about Matisse, there is nothing like seeing his work in person.

This opportunity to see these masterpieces is worth the drive. I would advise you to visit the museum's website, however, and order your tickets in advance, so you don't miss out. Your ticket will also allow you to see the Oklahoma City Museum of Art's permanent collection, which includes drawings and glasswork

by Dale Chihuly.

In Oklahoma City, not quite 200 miles from Fort Smith, Arkansas, nearly fifty of Henri Matisse's paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints are on display through September 18. This exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is one of only three international venues to host the exhibition, and is the only one outside Europe.

The exhibit was organized by the Centre Pompidou in Paris,

Matisse in His Time at Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Drive Oklahoma City 405.236.3100 okcmoa.com

Europe’s leading museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, in collaboration with OKCMOA. You'll see the full scope of Matisse’s extraordinary career, dating from the late nineteenth century to after World War II. In addition to these treasures, Matisse in His Time: Masterworks of Modernism from the Centre Pompidou, Paris, also features fifty additional major pieces, including iconic

Tickets (Book in advance to make sure you don't miss out.)

Adults $12 Seniors, and children 6-8, $10 5 and younger, Free Exhibit runs through September 18.

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people

HOW A HOUSE BUILT A FAMILY words Heather Steadham images courtesy Cara Brookins

T

This may be the first time you’ve heard of Cara Brookins, but

to her at the time. “Computers do what you tell them to,” she

you can be certain it won’t be the last. With eight novels already

explains. “They’re totally logical. How cool is that?” And for the

published, more than a quarter of a million Twitter followers,

last fifteen years, she’s been writing code for the state’s capital by

and her latest book, a memoir titled Rise: How a House Built a

day and working hard as an author by night.

Family, selling to St. Martin’s Press for six figures, she’s sure to be While writing had never been Cara’s vocation, she’d been telling

a household name sooner than later.

stories ever since she was a little girl. Growing up in the country in

Cara didn’t always know the writing life was for her. More

Wisconsin, Cara would play make-believe with her brother and narrate

than fifteen years ago, she was studying psychology at Harding

their adventures, but would never write those stories down because

University in Searcy, Arkansas. But after escaping with three

she had (and still has) “atrocious and embarrassing handwriting” as

kids from an abusive marriage, Cara had an epiphany. “One

well as difficulties with spelling. But once word processing programs

day I decided, you know what?” Cara says, her blond, curly

became prolific on the very computers she worked with day in and

hair framing her petite face and her mega-watt smile positively

day out, Cara no longer had an excuse to put off writing down the

sparkling. “I really don’t want to do this!”

tales that had been swirling in her head since her childhood days.

Instead, she took a job with the City of Little Rock as a computer

So what to write first? When she was growing up, Cara asked

programmer in January of 2001, a decision that made total sense

her parents over and over again to tell her stories about their

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people

childhoods. She was especially drawn to her grandmother’s tales of surviving the Great Depression. “But her history was sort of ugly,” Cara explains. “Way back then, her parents were divorced, and her mom had an affair with this bum who taught them to bootleg liquor— that’s how they really got through the Depression. But I wanted to tell my kids these stories about how to survive, and I wanted to tell it all clean and wholesome.” So clean it up she did, and Doris Free, a historical novel based on Cara’s grandmother, was born. It was Cara’s first attempt at writing anything at all.

But here’s where Cara’s story becomes stranger than fiction: Having no experience whatsoever in publishing, Cara was clueless about how to properly seek a publication outlet for her new venture. While most authors go through a time-consuming and heartbreaking process of seeking an agent with hopes of one day securing a book deal in a publishing landscape where the odds are seriously stacked against them, Cara just picked a book off her bookshelf, wrote the address on an envelope, and sent her manuscript straight to a publisher.

Luckily for Cara, her way of approaching things worked just fine. “They called me, like, ‘Hey we like your book! We’d like to buy it. Here’s the royalty rate.’ I was like, ‘Oh, that sounds great.’ I didn’t even celebrate like I should’ve because I didn’t know it was supposed to be hard. I just thought Oh, okay. I’ll write another one. If I’d known going in the process you were supposed to go through, and the high rate of failure, I never in my life would’ve written a book and sent it in. Never. I would’ve been too afraid of that. If it wouldn’t have been for that accidental success, I don’t know if I’d ever have written a book.”

Thank goodness she did. And she didn’t stop. Soon came Gadget Geeks, another children’s book, this one a modern story of two unlikely friends and their robot, as well as a second Doris Free book.

Cara began seeking out other authors to connect to and conferences to attend so she could improve her craft as well as network in the wide world of publishing. But it’s Cara’s outgoing personality, her endless reserve of ideas, and her amazing ability to seize opportunities that elevate her natural writing ability to true star potential. One time, while at the Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference, Cara was in line to pitch her newest project, Little Boy Blu, a thriller about a reality show featuring an Appalachian family with a genetic abnormality that causes blue skin. But the line was long, and at another table, Cara saw a different publisher sitting with no wait at all. “What are you looking for?” she asked the publisher.

“Young adult,” the publisher answered. “Got anything?”

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people

She did, sort of. For several years, Cara had shelved a project—a young

adult

series

about

a

teenage boy who travels through time to ensure the survival of the human race. Cara couldn’t even remember how old the protagonist in Timeshifters was or what his last name was, but by gosh she charmed the publisher and Buzz Books published a trilogy of the young adult action series.

She ended up selling the thriller eventually, too.

But there was one story that Cara never thought she’d publish— her own. Having gone through difficult marriages, Cara looked to process her life story the way she had processed her grandmother’s: through fictionalizing

You don’t have to go further than Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth

the experience.

Gilbert or Wild by Cheryl Strayed to see how memoirs can resonate so effectively that they become cultural phenomena.

At first, in order to tell the story but lessen the pain, Cara

But with Rise: How a House Built a Family, Cara’s got

changed all the names and wrote her story as a novel. Her

something different—something that so many can relate

mentor, David Morrell (best known for the Rambo series),

to on an even deeper level: a family accompanying her on

liked the book so much he referred her to his agent, who

her journey. “The reality is that most of us don’t go through

immediately wanted to sign her—and wanted her to rewrite

trauma all alone,” Cara explains. “Most of us have kids. So

it as a memoir. “No!” Cara responded. “David said this was

how do you pull a family through? You have to find something

okay.” And it was okay, the agent assured Cara. She told her

that you can all do together. It doesn’t have to be building

it was a perfectly fine story written as fiction, and that Cara

a house, but in my opinion, it has to be something that you

would still be able to talk about domestic violence and make

see as impossible. Something that is so big it changes the way

some sort of impact. But, the agent pointed out, wasn't the

you see yourself. That you are so determined, and you will

whole point to be truthful? And didn't Cara want other women

accomplish it, and then you’ll never see yourself that same

to be truthful about domestic violence as well?

way again. You change the person you are. Your perception of yourself, and each other.”

It was a point Cara couldn’t argue. She rewrote the book as a memoir, telling the story of how she and her children built Inkwell Manor, their 3,500-square-foot-home, from the ground up after leaving the damaging relationships, and ultimately rebuilt their family after years of trauma.

Rise: How a House Built a Family will be released by St. Martin’s Press on January 24, 2017. Preorders are available online now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and IndieBound.

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travel

IN THE LAND OF

Rippling Water Words Marla Cantrell images Courtesy Adventure Road and Marla Cantrell

The morning my friend, Elaine, and I left Fort Smith, Arkansas, for a three-day trip to Sulphur, Oklahoma, the sun was golden, casting light across the newly mown lawns in the city. We drove for nearly three-and-a-half hours, stopping only for lunch at the Golden Pony Casino in Clearview, Oklahoma, where, inside at the diner, three tacos and a drink cost only three dollars.

Back on the road, we marveled at this land of wide open spaces. Up ahead, windmills, as tall as giants, spun on the horizon.

Not far from I-35, at the intersection of U.S. 177 and State Highway 7, was the town of Sulphur, population just barely exceeding 5,000. We were approximately midway between Oklahoma City and Dallas, in the Arbuckle Mountains.

This town is called the "City of Springs," because of its many mineral and freshwater springs. In the late 1800s, stories about the springs' healing power brought crowds of white settlers to this part of the Chickasaw Nation. Not long after, the first general store and a post office opened. Today it is an eclectic town, with garden shops, antiques, mom and pop eateries, and even a winery. But the crowning glory is the four-story Artesian Hotel, with its domed towers and arched windows.

Here's a peek inside how we spent our three days.

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travel taste

Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa

Room at the Artesian

DAY 1

Sole'renity Spa at the Artesian

President William Howard Taft, and later, John Wayne, who could, at times, be found dancing in the ballroom.

THE ARTESIAN HOTEL, CASINO AND SPA 1001 West First Street 855.455.5255 artesianhotel.com The Artesian Hotel, owned by the Chickasaw Nation, was designed to resemble the original Artesian that was built in 1906, and burned to the ground in January 1962. It has Old World charm and up-to-the-minute luxury. There are eighty-one suites, a massive hot tub with its own fountain, an indoor-outdoor pool, an award-winning full-service spa, boutique shops, a fitness center, fine and casual dining, a bar, a ballroom, and a casino with a separate entrance, so that none of the smoke or noise enters the hotel.

In the hotel's lobby, fresh flowers seemed to be everywhere: at the check-in counters, and on a table holding fruitinfused water and a coffee bar, atop a polished piano. And our rooms were gorgeous, with natural stone showers, deep soaking tubs, plush beds with crisp white linens, and window seats where you could lounge while keeping an eye on the town below. Each day, the cleaning staff left two bottles of the hotel's signature water and two pieces of BedrĂŠ mint chocolate. (More on BedrĂŠ a bit later.)

It is easy to imagine the original Artesian, which got its name when the builders struck a large well during construction.

When it was first built, it was dubbed "The Citadel of Frontier Gentility," and drew guests like Carrie Nation,

This new version tips its hat to the Artesian of years gone by, making sure its long history and grand reputation are preserved. The service is impeccable, the staff friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere elegant but not fussy.

SOLE'RENITY SPA AT THE ARTESIAN HOTEL 580.622.8128 solerenityspa.com Hours: 10am-7pm, Closed Tuesdays We arrived at Sole'renity shortly after we'd settled in our rooms. As soon as we stepped off the elevator, we started to relax. It is a beautiful space, with soft lighting and even softer music. For one hour, in separate rooms, we each had a massage. Our therapists addressed any issues we were having. Apparently, writing for a living isn't great for your neck, and mine was particularly tight. But for the rest of the evening, and for the following couple of weeks, I felt new again.

There's also a unisex whirlpool, dry sauna, and eucalyptus steam sauna, facials, manicures and pedicures, and several massages to choose from, including couples and prenatal. If I could do it over, I'd stay a bit longer and take advantage of the sauna and whirlpool.

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taste travel

Springs at the Artesian

Poor Girls Cafe

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

SPRINGS AT THE ARTESIAN 580.622.8104 Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 7am-10pm.

Friday & Saturday, 7am-11pm.

Breakfast served daily from 7-10:30am.

CHICKASAW VISITOR CENTER/CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA 901 West First Street, Sulphur 580.622.7234 nps.gov

Springs at the Artesian is a beautiful restaurant with lots of dark wood and shimmering lights. The food was delicious.

We had Shrimp and Asparagus Capellini, and Chicken Fried Chicken. Each entree was $15, and the portions were large. Since we were on a girls' trip, we splurged and got the Turtle Cheesecake. The food was so good we booked a reservation for the next night.

The Chickasaw Visitor Center is on the south side of the Artesian Hotel. There are bikes for rent, and the center also houses the National Park Service. We asked about the mineral spring water that's abundant in this town, and while there's no official word on its health benefits, we were told that locals love it. One woman who is nearly a century old drinks it every day. If you don't like the sulfur smell, let it sit for a day and the odor disappears.

And yes, after dinner we checked out the casino. One of us won, and one of us didn't, (OK, I didn't) but we both had a great time.

POOR GIRLS CAFÉ 905 West Broadway, Sulphur 580.622.3785 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 5am-9pm. Sunday, 5am-8pm.

Just across the street is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, with many easy walking trails that lead to rushing water and gentle streams. Those who come to swim head for Little Niagara and Rock Creek. Anglers head for Veterans Lake while skiers and boaters gather at Lake of the Arbuckles. Five million gallons of freshwater flow daily from Antelope Springs and Buffalo Springs. Also, there are three mineral springs: Black Sulphur, Hillside, and Pavilion.

A short drive from the Artesian is Poor Girls CafĂŠ. The food here is big: pancakes that cover a dinner plate, biscuits and gravy, and their popular Loaded Biscuits with bacon, cheese, hash browns, eggs and gravy. At lunch, their Chicken Fries are popular, as are their burgers.

Be sure to stop at the Travertine Nature Center, where you can sign up for nature walks, history talks, and see animals native to this area. If you decide you need more time here, bring a picnic, or plan to camp. There's even an enclosed preserve where buffalo roam.

DAY 2

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travel taste

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Rusty Nail Winery

There is an art gallery on the campus, the hall of fame honor garden, a theatre, a genealogical research library, and the Aaimpa' CafĂŠ, where we had a buffalo burger, and Indian tacos with pishofa, a traditional Chickasaw corn soup, and grape dumplings, a classic dessert. The food was delicious!

CHICKASAW CULTURAL CENTER 867 Cooper Memorial Drive, Sulphur 580.622.7130 chickasawculturalcenter.com See website for hours and pricing We were greeted at the award-winning Chickasaw Cultural Center by Candice Blevins, who's the special events manager. Flowers were blooming, fountains flowed, and the buildings, made of native wood and stone and copper, shown in the noonday sun.

We walked to the historically accurate replica of a Chickasaw village where re-enactors demonstrate what life was like then. "They'd build their village at a spot where the hills rolled a certain way, and they'd clear the trees around them so they could see forever," Candice said. In that way, they were able to see enemies from miles away. (Be sure to visit the Sky Pavilion for a bird'seye view of the village.)

Not far away in the amphitheater, the stomp dance began.

Four men and four women held hands and danced, moving in a circle. The song was sung by the men only, and the leader set the rhythm using a turtle-shell rattle.

The women wore shakers, made from box-turtle shells.

The dance has roots in the Green Corn Ceremony that celebrates harvest, redemption and forgiveness.

RUSTY NAIL WINERY 218 West Muskogee Avenue, Sulphur 580.622.8466 rustynailwinery.com Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday.

Tuesday through Saturday, Noon to 8pm.

The Rusty Nail Winery, Bistro and Gift Shop is within walking distance of the Artesian Hotel, and is owned by Debra Alexander and her daughters Leah and Melissa.

They make their wines on site, and offer wine tastings.

Owner Debra, a registered nurse, said she first started making wine at home and loved the process. When she found this downtown building, which was a hardware store when it opened in 1906, she knew it was perfect.

Her favorite wine is Dorothy's Ruby Red Chianti (cranberry). We liked it as well, but we were over the moon for the Southern Belle Sangria and the Peep Toe Chardonnay (peach).

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travel

Arbuckle Mountain Original Fried Pies

Turner Falls Park

DAY 3 ARBUCKLE MOUNTAIN ORIGINAL FRIED PIES Just off I-35 at Exit 51, Davis 580.369.7830 arbucklemountainpies.com Hours: Every day from 7am-8pm Arbuckle Mountain Original Fried Pies, just a short drive from Sulphur, was hard to miss. When we arrived, cars were lining up to find a parking space around the greenroofed building where the pies are made. Once inside, we waited in line, with some customers ordering by the dozens. We couldn't imagine what all the fuss was about.

And then we tried them. Oh, my word! Delicious! And one pie could easily serve two people. The crust was flaky, tender, and still warm. We had the coconut cream and the pecan and took home an apricot, and a cherry pie. There are also sugar-free options.

TURNER FALLS PARK 1-35 and Highway 77, Davis 580.369.2988 turnerfallspark.com Call for pricing Not far from Arbuckle Original Fried Pies is Turner Falls Park, home of the state's largest waterfall, at seventy-seven feet.

It was magnificent to see and has been drawing visitors since 1868. At the base of the falls is a natural swimming pool. There are five caves, miles of hiking trails, camping,

Bedré Fine Chocolate

picnic areas, cabins, bath houses, an RV area, and a trading post where you can buy souvenirs or supplies. The 1,500acre area around the falls has been compared to the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills because it offers a geological look at the past. In the summer, try to plan your trip midweek to avoid crowds. Kids twelve and under must wear flotation devices, and no pets are allowed. Call ahead, since the park sometimes closes due to weather.

BEDRÉ FINE CHOCOLATE 37 North Colbert Road, Davis bedrechocolates.com Hours: Every day, 9am-6pm You'll want Bedré Fine Chocolate to be your final stop on your adventure so that you can take your treats home in your air-conditioned car. Glenda, who loves working at the gourmet chocolate shop and factory owned by the Chickasaw Nation, showed us around. You can watch while the chocolate is made—there is floor to ceiling glass dividing you and the production—and you'll be offered samples. Bedré sells their products locally and at Neiman Marcus. Hard Rock Hotel puts Bedré's chocolate guitars on each guest's pillow. Glenda's favorite treat is White Pecan Bark. We tried White Fudge Twists and Dark Chocolate Crisps, which tasted like Pringles covered in chocolate. They were glorious! They also sell chocolate soda, and Bedré milk and dark chocolate coffee. We left with several Meltaways (think truffles) in mint and raspberry, chocolate bars with caramel, and pecan clusters. If you can't make it to Bedré, order online.

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southern fiction

I Met a Man FICTION Marla Cantrell

What Blondie has seen in Olivia, from the day her granddaughter was born, is a light

A Greyhound bus stopped right in front of me, and the first passenger out was a man wearing a Fedora, and he tipped his hat at me.

I looked at him but didn't smile.

that seeps from her skin, that whips across her face when she's laughing, that radiates when Olivia's deep in thought. Blondie understands that she alone sees this. She tried to explain it to her sister, Molene, once when they were having dinner at Cracker Barrel, the two of them eating off the children's menu—they had both been on diets (again)— but Molene had taken a child-sized bite of her child-sized burger, and had said, "You used to say Jelly Bean glowed, Blondie. And Jelly Bean was just a regular old hound dog, and Olivia is just a regular old girl, no lighter or brighter than the rest of us."

Blondie had said, "Oh, Mo. Don't say that," and her sister had shrugged suddenly, the way she had a thousand other times, dismissing Blondie with that one sharp movement. When Blondie had left the restaurant, she'd stopped at Braum's and ordered a hot fudge sundae and a root beer float.

Blondie is thinking about that conversation as she drives to pick up Olivia. The girl is sixteen years old, so close to adulthood it makes Blondie's heart buckle.

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southern fiction

They are going to Eureka Springs, just the two of them. Blondie

one I see." Her sister Molene usually says, "Let me get you a mirror."

saved up for it, nickel by nickel from her job at the dog shelter, and then her income tax return came back, all twelve-hundred

Blondie drives the rambling roads to Eureka, through cities that

dollars of it, and she let out a whoop as she opened the check

give way to small towns, that give way to miles where there is

by her mailbox in front of her house on Prospect Avenue.

breathing room between houses, long stretches where the eye roams from green grass to green hills to blue sky with clouds

When Blondie honks, Olivia comes out the back door of her blue

that look like bearded old men lounging.

house, her overnight bag slung over her shoulder, her long brown hair lifting as she runs toward the car. Olivia is jiggy with light, and

It is weeks past Easter, but there's a fat concrete bunny, five feet

Blondie raises her hand above her brow to block the shine of her.

tall, in one of the yards they pass. It is standing upright, wearing pink shorts and an orange polka-dot shirt. It is smiling the way

When Olivia tells a story, she always starts toward the middle. "So,

clowns do, as if it might rip you in two if it got the chance. The

you know about Kevin," she says, and Blondie nods her head yes

bunny has been here for all long as Blondie can remember, for

even though she doesn't remember ever hearing his name before.

fifty years at least, and she realizes today that someone must be

"Well he's in trouble because Mr. Miller turned on him, you know?

repainting the thing, over and over, since the colors are always

Just got all up in his face last Tuesday over absolutely nothing, in my

bright. She wonders why. After a minute, she says, "I have no

opinion, and what could Kevin do? What could Kevin do but get right

idea why anybody does any dang thing. No idea at all."

back at him? But he didn't punch Mr. Miller or anything, just told him to back off, which is what I would have done, just so you know, and

And instead of Olivia asking what she's talking about, the girl

anyway, Kevin might get kicked out of his AP classes, which would

says, "Neither do I."

be awful since I'm in love with him and I sit beside him in AP World History. I just keep thinking there must be something I can do."

The old Impala shimmies as it climbs the final hill into Eureka Springs. They check into their room—Blondie has splurged this

Blondie hasn't a clue what AP is, but she doesn't let on. And she

time, buying tickets to see a magic show, booking a suite at the

doesn't know what to say to Olivia, who's already smarter than

Crescent. She likes all that dark wood, all that velvet furniture, the

she is. She feels the tension grow in her shoulders, in her neck,

balconies that overlook the glory of the city. When she leaves in

and then says, "I feel like God's own fool about half the time,

two days, her income tax money will be gone, all those nickels and

honey, so I don't know if I can help. But I do know that sassing a

dimes she saved gone. "That's all right," she says, and Olivia looks

teacher is not the right thing to do. Sometimes you got to respect

up from her Smartphone, from its small screen that connects her

the office even when you don't respect the politician holding it."

to, well, everything, and says, "It's more than all right."

Olivia frowns and Blondie wishes she could take every word back.

After dinner, they drive the few blocks to town. Blondie maneuvers

She doesn't like disagreeing with her granddaughter, who seems

the Impala into a tight space, parallel parking, something she's

to her a thing made of gossamer and spun sugar, so ethereal she

proud she can do. She and Olivia get out, start walking up the

appears out of place here in the hills of Arkansas, like a movie

steep streets. Blondie's knees hurt, so she keeps stopping, as if

star dropped unexpectedly behind the counter at Mickey D's.

she's overcome by the view: a Victorian house with a good porch, a man with red hair that is a waterfall across his shoulders, the

"I think you're mixing your metaphors, Gigi," she says. "Teachers

daffodils and tulips that seem to be blooming everywhere.

aren't elected. Nobody would elect Mr. Miller to anything."

When she was the age Olivia is now, she met a man. That's the Blondie is thinking of Donald Trump, who started out as a joke and

way every one of her stories start, she thinks. I met a man. He'd

now has the White House in his sights. She is not a Republican, the

stepped off the bus and tipped his hat. Olivia felt singled out by

only one in her family who is not. At Sunday dinners, they ask her

that move, sanctified, chosen. "Men don't wear hats like they

what the liberals think. She tells them every time, "I'll ask the first

used to," Blondie says, and Olivia stops texting long enough to

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southern fiction

say, "Kevin wears a driving cap," and Blondie smiles before she

time, and I started missing school to do it. He was staying at a

says, "It's not the same thing."

hotel downtown, and I'd meet him in the lobby. We ended up in a bar once, me drinking for the first time, me getting sick from it

The man's name was Cade. He was a dozen years older than

for the first time.

Blondie. He had a dimple that showed when he smiled. He had storm clouds that formed in his gray eyes when he got mad. He

"I would have married him if he'd have asked me too. But he

didn't believe in much, he told her, but he believed she was the

didn't want marriage. He'd already gotten what he wanted,"

one who would change his luck.

Blondie says, and then waits for this to register. Olivia's skin is darker than Blondie's—she always looks as if she's come from a

Cade's luck did not change, no matter what Blondie did. She

day at the beach—but still Blondie can see her blush.

remembers the back of his coat when he hopped another bus, this one to Culver City, California, two months later. There was a

"Gigi!" she says.

tear along the seam of that overcoat. There was a stain along the hem. He kept his hat on as he turned to look at her one last time.

"It was so long ago; I can't even remember the name of the bar we went to. But, sometimes, when I'm working at the shelter,

"Gigi!" Olivia says, suddenly. "Hello!" And Blondie realizes her

when there's a dog that can't be calmed down, I remember

granddaughter's been watching. "Are you OK?" she asks, and

how I felt when that Greyhound bus pulled away with Cade on

Blondie reaches out to touch Olivia's silky hair.

it. I know how those unlucky dogs feel, afraid and alone and maybe a little bit mad they ended up where they did."

"Fell into a rabbit hole," Blondie says. "I seem to do that more and more these days."

Blondie and Olivia have made it to Basin Spring Park by then, the downtown treasure with a bandstand, with benches where a least

"Tell me where you were," Olivia says, and then taps her temple

a dozen people are sitting. Blondie plops down, her legs and heart

with one slender finger. "I mean, up there, in your head."

equally tired, and watches as three teenage boys stare openly at Olivia. The sight makes her want to shoo them away. The sight of

And Blondie says, "I was in Fort Smith, down on Garrison

them makes her feel every one of her sixty-seven years.

Avenue in front of Hunt's Department Store, and I was wearing a purple dress with a neat waist, and my hair was pinned up.

Olivia sits beside Blondie. She is twisting her long hair into a

I was your age, but I looked twenty, or at least eighteen."

braid, something she does, Blondie knows, when she's nervous.

Blondie smiles then. "I had on black heels, and I had a pack of

"I don't know why I told you all that," she says, and Olivia

cigarettes in my purse that I'd never opened and never would.

reaches over and touches Blondie's hand.

"A Greyhound bus stopped right in front of me, and the first

"You told me because you and me are alike," Olivia says.

passenger out was a man wearing a Fedora, and he tipped his hat at me. I looked at him but didn't smile. I was practicing being what

"Do you really love Kevin?" Blondie asks, and Olivia says, "I'm

my friends called sultry, and I think that's what made him come over

afraid I do."

to me. Smiles he got every day, I suspect. But I was something else."

Blondie sighs. Love is a crapshoot at best, but Olivia doesn't A trolley comes by just as Blondie is saying this, and the driver

know it yet. The girl is shimmering beside her, her light a thing

blows the whistle, but Olivia waves him on. "And then what

of wonder. Blondie reaches out to catch some of it, to put it in

happened?" she asks.

her pocketbook to keep forever. But light is not a thing you can capture. Blondie should know this by now, but still she tries,

Blondie considers candy-coating the whole thing but then she

over and over again, and the sun sets low in the sky, and all the

decides to tell the truth. "We started seeing each other all the

lovely flowers turn to silhouettes.

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In the following pages, you'll meet the people who own and operate businesses where you live. The shopkeepers and professionals might go to church with you, or have kids on the same Little League teams as yours, or live in the same neighborhood.

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who work hard every day to serve you!

say how well their ads are working for them. We couldn’t be more grateful!

source: IndependentWeStand.org. Based on Civic Economics Andersonville Study of Retail Economics: When you spend $100 at an independent business,

we get to see how great our hometown is, and

$68 returns to the local economy versus $43 when

how kind and creative and good the people

spent with a national chain. Based on U.S. Census

who live here are. That's the touchy-feely part

projection of 115 million households.

of our story. But we also know that as a locallyowned business, we have to have sponsors who

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That's what we love about Do South®. Every day,

LOCALLY OWNED DO SOUTH MAGAZINE

Alert Alarm Systems, Inc.

Allison Sales Flooring

AlertAlarmSys.com

allisonsalesonline.com

Owners - Pat Nolte & Steve Nolte

Owner - Vincent Allison

Locally Owned Since 1976

Locally Owned Since 1925

We love that we know our customers, and they know us,

The best part about being a locally-owned business is being

due to super low employee turnover and awesome customer

able to see our work throughout town and being able to give

retention. It’s common for a customer to call our local

back locally as well.

monitoring station to tell us about an upcoming trip (so we’ll know what to do if an alarm signal is received), and then call back afterward to share what they did/saw on the trip.

LOCALLY OWNED

Atchley Air

The Barn by Two Brothers & L Designs

479.689.4161

thebarnbytwobrothers.com / LDesignsbyLisa.com

Owners - Michael & Jennifer Atchley

Owner -Lisa Neumeier Bobel Hearn

Locally Owned Since 1958

Locally Owned Since 2015 / 2008

I love knowing that I can make a difference in the River Valley,

Having been brought up at a local family business (Neumeier

where I've spent nearly all of my life, by providing great jobs

Nursery & Florist), I learned quickly about hard work! A locally-

to nearly fifty local citizens. I always prefer to invest locally,

owned business is able to connect with customers giving them

knowing that as I support the local economy, I'm a part of the

a custom, creative product and full service. L Designs studio is

continued growth and improvement of my hometown.

located next to The Barn By Two Brothers event venue and is ready to help you create a one-of-a-kind event!

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LOCALLY OWNED

LOCALLY OWNED

Bruce Terri Drive in & Catering Vein Clinics of Arkansas and Basinger Aesthetics

479.452.8171

Veinclinicsofarkansas.com / basingeraesthetics.com

Owners - Chuck, Terri, Chip, and Kyrk Peacock

Owner - Norma Basinger, MD

Locally Owned 1961

Locally Owned Since 2011 Our patients appreciate that we are a locally-owned independent practice that provides advanced specialty care.

We are owned, led, and staffed entirely by women.

Being a family restaurant, we feel our employees don't just work for us, they're family, and our customers aren't just customers, they're friends. Being locally owned, we feel our customers know they'll get great service every time they come and will be treated like family. We thank God that He has helped us to be able to serve many, many people over the last fifty-five years and look forward to serving many more.

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LOCALLY OWNED

LOCALLY OWNED

Center for Hearing, Ltd.

ClueMasters Escape Room

centerforhearing.net

Cluemasters.com

Owner - Kelley Linton, AuD

Owners - Chad Summerhill, Devin Kuhl, Shane

Locally Owned 1998

Jennings, Jeremy May

Locally Owned Since 2015

I have control over important decisions that directly affect my

We are proud and excited to be a part of the new energy

employees and our patients. For our patients, it allows us to choose only cutting-edge technology in the hearing industry based on the person's specific needs, not based on a national sales average. For my employees, it allows us to sit together, pray together and resolve problems with collaborative input where everyone feels valued.

around downtown Fort Smith. We love providing a unique and exciting form of entertainment that encourages families to be a part of downtown as well as a venue that corporations can use for team building within their organizations.

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To me, local ownership of a private practice clinic ensures that

LOCALLY OWNED

ARKA

LAND THAT WE LOVE There are

47,800

farms in the state.

The average size of an Arkansas farm is

282 acres.

Agriculture accounts for

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1 out of every 6 jobs in the state and approximately 25% of Arkansas' economy.

Arkansas has

18.9 million acres of forest.

LOCALLY OWNED

NSAS, LAND OF PLENTY We're in the top 25 states in the production of these farm products:

Grain Sorghum Grapes Honey Oats Peaches Pecans

source Farm Bureau, Arkansas

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Baitfish Beef Cows Blueberries Broilers Catfish Chicken Eggs Corn Cotton Cottonseed

Pigs Rice Softwood Lumber Soybeans Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Turf Grass Turkeys Watermelons Wheat

LOCALLY OWNED

D&D Floor Covering

Expressions Flowers

DDFloorCovering.com / DDWindowCovering.com Owners - Donnie & Wendy Dean

Locally Owned Since 1996 We love being a locally-owned business because it gives us the ability to accommodate our customers' needs without corporate rules or restrictions. We can customize clients' desires according to their specific wants. We treat our customers as new-found friends rather than a number, and we want them

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to get exactly what they expect in service and quality.

479.783.3210 Owners - Robert & David Robertson

Locally Owned Since 1993 We love to be a part of your family's celebrations of life, love and being there for your loved ones’ last wishes. We consider our staff part of our family, and our customers are some of our best friends. We love what we do and haven't worked a day since we opened!

LOCALLY OWNED

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LOCALLY OWNED

LOCALLY OWNED

Great American Cookies Friddle Dentistry

greatamericancookies.com

thefriddlesmile.com

Owners - Mark, Shelly, Elaine

Owners - Dr. Cody and Dr. Carl R. Friddle

and Leroy Van Herpen

Locally Owned Since 1976

Locally Owned Since 2002

We love this town and the people in it. People know that they

The best part about being a locally-owned company are our

can trust that we'll be there for them and their dental needs!

customers. We truly love sharing the fun of cookies! We appreciate our customers trusting us to make their celebrations sweet with our fresh baked cookies, brownies, and cookie cakes.

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LOCALLY OWNED

H3 Home + Décor 479.434.4920 Owners - Charlie Hambuchen, Richie Hambuchen, David Hambuchen

Locally Owned Since 1931

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As owners, we love being involved in our business every day.

Hanger Management 479.522.0512 Owner - Natalie Hedrick

Locally Owned Since 2013

We are in our stores to oversee every aspect of our business

I was born and raised here, and I absolutely love this

– from service, to sale, to delivery. We love that those we

community. I have always believed in giving back and

serve are not only our customers but our friends, people we

supporting our neighbors, and now I am part of that. I believe

see outside the store, whether it’s shopping, dining out, at

in growing this community and building positive relationships

church or socially.

that will last a lifetime!

LOCALLY OWNED

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TOP 10 REASONS TO BE LOYAL TO LOCAL It Strengthens Local Economy Keeps Jobs Local Invests in Our Community Let's You Buy What You Need, Not the Hype Puts Your Taxes to Good Use Encourages Local Prosperity Promotes Local Products Raises Hometown Pride Helps Social Connections Boosts Entrepreneurship

LOCALLY OWNED

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LOCALLY OWNED

Johnson Dermatology

Dr. James E. Kelly III, Western Arkansas Plastic,

johnsondermatology.com

Hand and Reconstructive Surgery Center

Owners - Dr. Brad and Dr. Sandy Johnson

jameskelly3md.com

Locally Owned Since 2006

Owner - James E. Kelly III, M.D.

I think our mission statement that we have lived by for the past ten years says it best: Johnson Dermatology strives to deliver efficient, quality, compassionate, comprehensive, patient-

As an independently-owned surgical practice, I am afforded

centered skin care. We endeavor to provide a team oriented,

the ability to provide the highest quality of care to my clients,

productive work environment. We strive to be a responsible

while at the same time servicing all area hospitals and insurance

corporate citizen and contributing member of the community

panels. Thus, patients are not limited in their choice of care.

through education and service.

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Locally Owned Since 1999

LOCALLY OWNED

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LOCALLY OWNED

Locally-owned, independent businesses are...

Operated by your neighbors and friends. They live in your community and care about the community's well-being.

Among the first in the community to lend a helping hand.

Small businesses donate about twice as much per employee to charitable organizations as large businesses.*

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Making your community unique, charming, and inviting.

Smaller shops often carry items you won't find in chain stores. Sometimes that's because the profit margin isn’t high enough for the big guys to stock.

Helping the environment because their products often require less packaging and don’t travel as far.

Source: IndependentWeStand.org and *Small Business Administration

Luther Stem Pools & Spas

M&M Farms

lutherstem.com

479.474.4505

Owners - Luther N. Stem III, Wendell W. Stem,

Owners - Tom & Sue Moore

Luther N. Stem IV (Nathan)

Locally Owned Since 1962 We’re proud to say we're the oldest swimming pool company in the state of Arkansas, known for building quality, custom, concrete and in-ground pools. We focus on quality, service and

LOCALLY OWNED

m&m FARMS

Locally Owned Since 2010 We are farm to table, which gives our locally-owned operation a personal interaction with our customers. We are always excited when they ask about our Certified Grassfed Farm and how to prepare our very healthy meat.

products made in the USA!

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Kendall Roberts, DDS / New Health Dental newhealthdental.com

The Paint Store of Arkansas, Inc.

Owners - Kendall & Krista Roberts

479.474.4505

Locally Owned 1987

Owners - Tom and Sue Moore

I love the fact that we’ve become a regional dental practice and are able to serve our friends and neighbors throughout the River Valley and beyond. I have numerous patients that have been with me since I started my dental career, and they feel like family. Being locally owned means we stay in touch with our patients’ needs while appreciating our historic past and embracing our bright future!

Locally Owned Since 1988 Our twenty-eight years of experience puts us at the top of the list when it comes to service, and expert advice. The locally owned hat we wear enables us to make special and customized purchases for our customers. You just can't get that at the big box/company stores.

LOCALLY OWNED

FINE STATIONERY•GIFTS•INVITATIONS

Paperwerk

Riverpointe Wine & Spirits

479.648.0558

riverpointewineandspirits.com

Owner - Kaci Singer

Owners - Doug and Kim Pinkerton

Locally Owned Since 2014

Locally Owned Since 2015

Where we shop, where we eat and where we have fun—all of it makes our community home; but, without the support from our community, our businesses wouldn't thrive. It's the community that backs us, the people who keep walking through our doors. They keep the passion alive.

Being locally owned and operated allows us to have more of a personal relationship with our customers and community.

Providing them with the products and services they expect and deserve, helps us to achieve our ultimate goal, which is customer satisfaction.

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LOCALLY OWNED

LOCALLY OWNED

Southwest Resources Group, Inc. (The Reserve Apartments) southwestresources.com

Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden

Owner - Jim Meadows

ribroom.com

Locally Owned Since 1984

Owner - William (Bill) Neumeier, Jr.

It’s very rewarding to be involved with a company that’s been

Locally Owned Since 1988

in business in Fort Smith for over thirty years. We have an awesome group of employees who are dedicated to managing

I love giving the locals, and our visitors, a taste of Fort Smith,

and maintaining our properties in Fort Smith, Greenwood, Van

especially with the "unique" way we serve our award-winning

Buren, Russellville, Arkadelphia, Beebe, and Searcy. Providing

dry ribs! And it’s really cool being a part of our downtown’s

housing for residents, whether it’s for short-term or long-term,

landscape, and a small part of its rich history!

is also rewarding.

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LOCALLY OWNED

89% of consumers agree that independent businesses contribute positively to local economies.

Residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district gained, on average, 50% more in home values than their citywide markets.

$

Spending $100 at an independent business = $68 in local economic activity, versus only $48 from a big box retailer.

3X

Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.

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Small businesses accounted for 65% of all net new jobs over the past 17 years.

LOCALLY OWNED

Local, independent makers are much more likely to recycle materials.

Local business generates 70% more local economic activity per sq. ft. than big box retail.

Small businesses employ 77 million Americans.

If every family in the U.S. spent an extra $10 a month at a locally-owned, independent business instead of a national chain, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy.

From independentwestand.org. Sources: Small Business Administration; Intuit Small Business Innovation Study; American Express OPEN Independent Retail Index; Civic Economics/American Booksellers Assoc., U.S. Dept. of Labor, statisticbrain. com, itrcweb.com, census.gov.

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Money spent at a local business generates 3.5X more wealth for the local economy compared to money spent at a chain-owned business.

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LOCALLY OWNED

LOCALLY OWNED

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The Sound Room Sodie’s Wine & Spirits

thesoundroomfs.com

479.783.8013

Owners - James E. Kelly III, MD, Pamela G. Kelly,

Owners - Scott & Deborah Clark

Johnny D. Fisher

Locally Owned Since 2012

Locally Owned Since 2016

Having a locally-owned business affords us the opportunity

Locally-owned businesses recognize the importance of Fort

to reciprocate with those that have done business with

Smith's economic infrastructure, as well as the vitality of our

our other local family ventures for many years. A sense of

city. We will bring additional life to the downtown district,

community where one might drive that extra mile to buy

provide guests with pleasant experiences, generate tax revenue

locally is what creates a vibrant community by keeping tax

for our city, and promote job growth internally, thus growing

dollars here in Fort Smith.

the city overall.

LOCALLY OWNED

T. Glasco Designs

Udouj Orthodontics

tglascodesigns.com

479.782.3021

Owners - Chris & Terri Glasco

Owners - Dr. Henry Udouj Jr.

Locally Owned Since 1995

and Dr. Henry Udouj III

The best decision we ever made, for our business and our graciously supported us through our retail store and design business for the past twenty years. We are thankful for our customers and love every design challenge we have ever been given and hope to continue to do so for many years to come.

We love our hometown and have four generations of the Udouj family rooted in Fort Smith! Our patients love that we have often treated their parents and even their grandparents, so we've established trusting relationships. As a locallyowned business, we are deeply involved in the success of our community and strive to offer our time, treasure and talents to see that "Life IS worth living in Fort Smith, Arkansas!"

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family, was to move to Fort Smith. The people in this area have

Locally Owned Since 1972

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LOCALLY OWNED

LOCALLY OWNED

Ward Brothers Roofing, LLC 479.806.9148 Owners - Chris Ward, Josh Ward

Locally Owned Since 2014 We love being a locally-owned business because we get to see

The Woodsman Company 479.452.3559 Owners - Bryan and Lydia Dobbins

Locally Owned Since 1985

the impact we have on our community. Whether it's through

Over the last thirty-one years, we have been blessed with the

volunteer work or strengthening our network from sales, we

opportunity to build relationships with our customers and their

have a direct impact in Fort Smith by keeping our money local

families. It has been a privilege to share in all the experiences

as well as doing our best to support other local businesses.

and adventures that so many of our customers have had. We

We have grown a reputation of being a dependable and

look forward to continuing to serve the Fort Smith region.

trustworthy roofing company, and we are so blessed!

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Read Chair Publishing, LLC 7030 Taylor Avenue, Suite 5 Fort Smith, AR 72916