Bounty - November 2017

®

BOUNTY

November 2017 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / OWNER Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Amanda Grist CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Kimberly Blaker Marla Cantrell Joanne Craig Catherine Frederick Jade Graves Dwain Hebda Megan Lankford Susan O’Dell Jeromy Price Stoney Stamper James Stefiuk

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays PROOFREADER Charity Chambers PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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INSIDE

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CAUGHT IN THE STORM

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Amanda Grist - 479.719.7416 Amanda@DoSouthMagazine.com

On a cold December day, Craig Strickland kissed his mom goodbye and told her he loved her. That sweet exchange was the last she’d ever have with him. Read her hauntingly beautiful story of love and loss.

Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500

BREAKING BREAD

Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com

This Fort Smith family spends more time in the kitchen than you can imagine, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Find out how their love of baking led them to open Harvest Moon Bakery.

©2017 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

SWEET TURKEY Impress your guests this Thanksgiving with the cutest turkey cupcakes you've ever seen. Make these, and they'll be bragging on you until Christmas!

ROOTS AND WINGS This month, a time-honored festival gets underway in Stuttgart, celebrating duck hunting, duck calling, and dishes made from, you guessed it, duck!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116

Cover Image: Nyura

FOLLOW US Annual subscriptions are $36 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues are available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

I

letter from the editor

I am a bit overly excited for the holidays

of a Fort Smith family whose love for

this year, with good reason. Last year,

baking has led them to start Harvest

we were in the process of moving, and

Moon Bakery. In “Happy Holiday

my family was cooped up in a two-

Traditions,” on page 30, we’ve gath-

bedroom condo along with our three

ered tips on activities that will keep

pets. Sixteen years of our lives sitting

your family close, and we have several

in boxes. Our living situation was not

recipes that will delight those gath-

conducive to our annual hosting of the

ered around your table.

Thanksgiving feast. We knew a large gathering was impossible, so we threw

Looking for a fun getaway this

in the towel and, sadly, everyone made

month? In “Roots and Wings,” on page 42, we have everything you

other arrangements.

need to know about Stuttgart’s Wings Over the Prairie Festival, The arrangement for my immediate family of three was supposed

including details about their duck calling contest. Ready to

to be a very condensed Thanksgiving meal. However, our then

travel a little farther? Check out “This is Lubbock,” on page

eleven-year-old was appalled at my idea of a short menu. You

46, a travel guide to that iconic Texas city.

can’t have Thanksgiving without dressing and mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole and

And be sure to check out our Gift Guide beginning on page

homemade gravy and pumpkin and pecan pie! And what about

56, for a look at some great Christmas shopping ideas. I

the deviled eggs and rolls? And, as his mother, and a fellow

can’t wait to start buying and wrapping presents, listening to

lover of all those foods, who was I to argue? So, hubby and I

Christmas music, and decorating the tree. But I’m not going

whipped up a full Thanksgiving meal, cranberry sauce included,

to get ahead of myself. I’m going to enjoy every minute of

for the three of us. And it was delicious, but a key ingredient

Thanksgiving with my family. It’s such a precious time, filled

was missing. The other members of our tribe—our family.

with love, great food, and laughter.

Family is everything and oh, how I will miss my sweet daddy

From my family to yours, wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving

looking over my shoulder as I cook this year, but I know he is

filled with delicious food that warms your soul, family that lifts

celebrating with Jesus at a feast of Thanksgiving unlike we’ve

you up, and memories to last a lifetime. See you in December!

seen before. And I will cherish every minute of every holiday to come just a little more and hug my family a little tighter when it’s time for them to leave.

Family. It’s a theme that runs through this issue of Do South®.

~Catherine

Follow Do South® Magazine

In “Breaking Bread,” on page 22, we have the inspiring story

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

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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calendar

NOVEMBER 4

some images courtesy vendors and Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism

7-12

TH

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Christmas on the Mountain Winslow ozarkfolkcenter.com Your kids will spend four hours making ornaments, Christmas pendants, decorating cookies, and making homemade gifts. See website for pricing.

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Veterans Day Parade/Celebration Fort Smith chaffeecrossing.com Bring the family to the historic district of Chaffee Crossing to honor our veterans.

Parade starts at noon. Kids’ games, helicopter rides, live music, and the Barbershop Museum will be open all day.

Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com

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White Christmas Fayetteville waltonartscenter.org White Christmas comes to the stage at last, as a new Irving Berlin musical from Broadway. Don’t miss this holiday wonder!

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T.J. “Peaches” Cunningham Memorial Fort Smith 479.646.7861 A night of live music, great food and drink, an auction, all to benefit the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club. Call for pricing.

Mistletoe Market Van Buren vbclub.org

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DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Shop for clothing, gourmet foods, gifts, children’s items, jewelry and more, from 2-6PM, at the Van Buren Boys & Girls Club. Door prizes, a silent auction, and photos with Santa.

calendar

THETOPTENTHETOPTEN

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Mountain Rendezvous Morrilton petitjeanstatepark.com See how Arkansas pioneers survived all those years ago. Muzzle-loading, tomahawk throwing, and more at Petit Jean State Park! See website for details.

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29 T H Season’s Greetings Fort Smith uafs.universitytickets.com Live performances of your favorite holiday hits by UAFS symphonic band, choral ensembles, Jazz Catz, and other special guests. See website for pricing.

DECEMBER 4 T H Holiday Express Train Van Buren amrailroad.com What could get you in the holiday spirit better than a one-hour roundtrip train ride with Santa? See website for pricing.

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TH Martina McBride Fort Smith uafs.universitytickets.com Kick off the holiday season with Martina McBride’s “The Joy of Christmas” Tour, at the Fort Smith Convention Center.

See website for pricing.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Creekmore Holiday Express Fort Smith fortsmithparks.com Every year, Creekmore Park comes alive with Christmas lights, and the Holiday Express train runs. December 4th is the kickoff this year. Don’t miss the celebration!

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poetry

hillbilly haiku LINEs Susan O’Dell

molasses fingers

sticky in cottontop curls as mama spreads oleo

grits stick like dried pot likker a fond remembrance of simple bounty

ripe osage oranges

mellow in citrus fragrance under the bois d'arc

blue heron stands on one leg gracefully he waits

an old man shoots true

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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shop

We’re thankful for you, our loyal readers, of course, but Do South ® wouldn’t be possible without the support of our advertisers. Be sure and pay them a visit this Holiday Season, shop local, and and tell them Do South ® sent you!

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shop

words Marla Cantrell imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Fall Wreath and Decorative Bottle Décor

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH

Darty Ready to Drink Wine Specialty Cocktails in Peach Tea, Melon and Berry Lemonade

479.441.4221

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

Hearts On Fire Triplicity Fringe Earrings, 18kt White Gold, 3.95cts.

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

Franciscan Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay 2012, Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2013, Penner-Ash Pinot Noir 2014

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

Robert Marc Sunglasses

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020

479.783.8013

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

The Stars Are Fire

By Anita Shreve | Knopf | 241 pages | $26 review Marla Cantrell

Fall of 1947 was

Gene did not understand the magnitude of the inferno, the

devastating for

power of it rising up so high it seemed like a dragon come to

Maine. The state

destroy them all.

had endured a warm spring foll-

When Grace is rescued, she has to face a clutch of loses. Not

owed

everyone in her family survives, and her husband is missing. Her

by

108

consecutive days

house is gone. Her neighborhood. So much of what she loved.

without rain. By October, all the

In the months ahead, Grace reinvents herself. She gets a job,

elements were in

learns to drive, searches for and finds her mother. Still, no word

place for disaster. From October 13 through October 27, 200

of Gene and she suspects he is dead.

fires consumed a quarter of a million acres of forest and leveled nine towns. Often, the flames, after an attempt to extinguish

In the telling of the story, Shreve weaves heartache and resil-

them, would smolder underground, resurfacing days later.

ience, pain and the power of the human spirit.

When the toll was taken, nearly 1,300 houses were gone, and She also dives into the heart of Grace’s marriage, uncovering the

2,500 people were homeless.

inner workings of this couple, the effects of Gene’s time in the Even the USS Little Rock was brought in to help, its 1,000

military. The reader is left to wonder if Grace might be better off

servicemen fighting the fires so valiantly they saved two towns.

without him, if this fire that tore everything apart might be the

The U.S. Navy, Army, and General Electric dropped dry ice into

event that allows her to escape a life that was suffocating her.

the clouds, an experiment they hoped would bring rain.

While Grace soldiers on, she encounters great kindness, from the In The Stars Are Fire, Anita Shreve tells the fictional story of Grace

doctor who stays by her side all night, listening to her greatest

Holland, a twenty-four-year-old pregnant woman, who is running

fears, to a concert pianist who offers her the gift of music. And

from the blaze. She takes her two children, rushes to the ocean’s

then there’s Grace’s best friend, Rosie, who moves to Nova

edge, and covers her family with a blanket dipped in the water.

Scotia after the fire but never abandons her. Rosie writes Grace letters that help pull her through.

While Grace does all she can to save her children, her husband, Gene, is nowhere to be found. He has gone to fight the fire,

The Stars Are Fire is a masterpiece of historical fiction. You will feel

believing he and other volunteers can dig a trench big enough

as if you know Grace, as if you understand the complexities of that

to save the town.

era, and that is what great writing does. It connects us to times and places we might never know. It makes us kinder, better people.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

lifestyle

does it work?

Do South® Magazine Reviews Kools Food Chopper words Catherine Frederick images courtesy Kools Food Chopper

I love gadgets, especially the kitchen type. Anything that claims to save me time, or if I’m being honest, looks cool, I’m down to try it. After seeing this tool on television and then repeatedly on Facebook, I knew it was one I had to add to my collection.

Thanks to Amazon Prime I had it within two days.

What’s the deal?

The Kools Food Chopper is a knife and cutting board all in one which operates like a pair of scissors.

What’s the claim?

It’s a food chopper with a built-in cutting board that can slice most food products.

It’s small and can replace separate knives, shears, and cutting boards along with veggie slicers and other kitchen equipment. Made of stainless steel, it cuts food quickly and easily just like cutting with scissors. It can cut greens, veggies, and fruit right into your pan or bowl. The tool can then be hand washed or tossed in the dishwasher. Great for a home kitchen or for camping.

What’s the cost?

Have a product you’d like us to review? Send your ideas to editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

I bought my Kools Food Chopper on Amazon for $11.99 and received free shipping with Prime. Similar tools are available locally and online, in a variety of price ranges.

What’s the verdict?

I love it! It’s extremely convenient and highly efficient. It works just as advertised, easily cutting veggies, fruit, even meat! I love that I can cut veggies right into the pan without having to bring out a separate cutting board or move the food from a cutting board to the pan. Recently, I cut carrots, potatoes, and onions right into the crock pot for a delicious roast. I haven’t found a food yet it hasn’t cut effectively! I haven’t had it long enough to gauge the durability of the cutting board or the knife, but I’ll be ordering another one as soon as this one wears out. It’s just that good!

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people

Craig Strickland

Caught in the Storm words Joanne Craig Images courtesy Joanne Craig and Marcus Romes, Marx Ro Photography

The weather was fierce in the days following Christmas, 2015, at Kaw Lake near Ponca City, Oklahoma. Rain fell, and then sleet and snow. The wind was brutal, with gusts up to forty-five miles per hour, forcing wind chills to plummet to fifteen below.

Caught in the storm were Craig Strickland and Chase Morland, close friends who’d gone duck hunting, leaving the evening of December 26. When Craig failed to check in on the morning of December 27, the family began calling the local game warden, and fear built as each hour passed. Tragically, Chase’s body was recovered on December 28, a day after their capsized boat was found.

Searchers continued to look for Craig, hoping for a miracle. But on January 4, 2016, his body was discovered in a grove of trees and brush, not far from the water.

The following essay was written by Craig’s mother as a tribute to her son, whose short life touched so many.

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people taste

It was the evening of December 27, 2015, when I received the call asking if I’d heard from my twenty-nine-year-old son Craig. I knew at that moment, Craig was in trouble. For the next seven days, I couldn’t process the headlines that I knew were broadcasting on TV sets throughout thousands of living rooms across the nation, “Search Continues for Missing Country Singer Craig Strickland.”

Craig was the lead singer for Backroad Anthem, a local country-rock band that was gaining widespread popularity. He was a TV personality on the Arkansas CW. But more than that, he was my son. The day after Christmas, I’d hugged him goodbye at my home in Greenwood, Arkansas.

He and his good friend, Chase Morland, were planning a duck hunting trip on Kaw Lake near Ponca City, Oklahoma. Unbeknownst to me at the time, they were also heading into what would become known as Winter Storm Goliath, the worst of the year.

I told Craig I loved him as he walked out the door. I never imagined it would be the last time I heard him say, “I love you too, Momma.”

News spread quickly that our boys were missing in the bitter cold. People around the world, who’d heard their story on TV and social media, began praying for their safe return. On December 28, Chase was located, and the shock that he had not survived was horrifying. There remained no sign of Craig. And so, the search continued.

Seven days later, on January 4, 2016, the search ended. Craig was found and had not survived. In one devastating moment, time stopped, and I no longer recognized this world. My husband and I returned home from Ponca City that evening, and I walked into our house without my son. I stood in the kitchen for what felt like hours, staring at his empty chair. I knew I was breathing; sausage gravy lingered in the air. He was just here.

Over the next fourteen months, my fear of living without Craig kept the rest of the world at a safe distance. Isolating meant not acknowledging that life, for everyone else, was continuing without my son. I didn’t have to make small talk about the rain, the petunias the sun had scorched, the graduation ceremonies that lasted too long, the biggest fireworks, the back-to-school bargains, and the cute trick-or-treaters. The only thing on my mind was the fact that an ice storm had taken my son.

All of that changed in February 2017. In a few days, I would be speaking at the inaugural fundraiser for the Craig Strickland Foundation in Newkirk, Oklahoma. For the first time since the accident, I would be facing the two communities who’d embraced our tragedy and had tirelessly searched for our boys in the fierce elements of the storm. I thought of the biblical story of DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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people

David standing before the giant Goliath with nothing more than Joanne Craig

a homemade slingshot and how I was nothing like him. David was brave. I was not. Was it possible to share memories of Craig without acknowledging that he was no longer here?

Lord, let my words make a difference for one, I prayed.

The night of the banquet, as the Sportsmen’s Wild Game Dinner commenced, I hoped the microphone wouldn’t pick up the noises in my stomach. Nerves were my excuse for not eating wild boar, the only good thing about my fear that night.

Breathe, I told myself, as I approached the stage, nauseated at the thought of referring to Craig in past tense. And then I began.

I told them about my first and last duck hunt, and how I kept yelling for Craig to turn over the plastic duck that hung in the water upside down. I remember Craig yelling back, “He’s supposed to be like that, mom—he’s diving!” Once the decoys were floating in place, Craig and I sat on the bank. “So, this is it?” I asked. “You just sit here?”

He did his best to explain why sitting in the cold by the side of the river and waiting for ducks was fun. But two hours and zero ducks later, I asked, “Could the ducks be lost?” And just like that, Craig, exasperated, I think, decided the hunt was over. As we packed the gear, I glanced up just in time to see the only duck of the day. When Craig tried to tell me that I didn’t know what a duck looked like, I pulled him toward me for a better view.

“I can’t believe it!” Craig said, shaking his head. “There’s one duck in the whole sky, and my mom spots it!”

I knew better than to laugh as I walked a little taller back to the truck, proud that I knew what a duck looked like, and relieved the upside-down duck had been rescued.

The air lightened when hunters all over the room laughed, identifying with Craig’s life, not just his tragedy. I took a breath.

I couldn’t resist telling them about Craig’s first guitar, a Christmas present I’d gotten him when he was a senior in high school. The acoustic guitar he’d wanted was shiny and blue, and I’d wrapped it in green and red plaid paper.

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people taste

I could hardly wait for him to open it, but moments after he did, he asked if he could exchange the guitar for clothes from Abercrombie. I said no. Maybe he would have become a worship leader and formed a country-rock band without that blue guitar, but I like thinking I had something to do with it.

Heads nodded and moms laughed.

Then I set the scene of a turning point in Craig’s life, a decision that impacted thousands. “It was around ten the night Craig called from his dorm at Ouachita Baptist University,” I began.

When I’d picked up the phone that night, Craig had said, “Mom, what are you doing?” Floating somewhere between awake and asleep. “I’m in bed, but that’s okay, what’s going on?”

“I think I want to transfer to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.”

My heart had sunk at the thought of him leaving the protected bubble that moms think exists on a Christian campus.

awkward situations stop him. I told them about the football

“Craig! No! Why?”

players he’d witnessed to in class, the students he’d led to the

“Everyone here is already a Christian. I need to go where people don’t know the Lord.” By the change in his tone, I realized he knew this was going to be a hard sell.

He’d paused for just a second. “Mom, when you go to a party at OBU, it’s BYOB, bring your own Bible!”

This sentence brought the biggest laugh of all that night, especially from the teenagers.

Lord at the gym, and about the lives he’d touched, young and old, when he’d shared the gospel through his love of baseball in the Dominican Republic.

As I spoke of Craig’s fearlessness to share his faith, I realized, my fear of living without him was keeping me from sharing mine.

As I’d prepared to speak to these communities, gathered to honor Craig and Chase, I’d asked God to use my words to help just one, and before the night ended, I realized the one He helped most

Once the laughter faded, I continued my talk. I told them how I’d remembered trying my best not to laugh on the phone. I was, after all, his mother, and I’d thought his idea was an awful one.

was me. God used memories of Craig’s life to fill me with the courage to live again.

I could feel Craig with me on the stage as I spoke of his zeal for life and passion to share his faith. God in His infinite wisdom,

“You just want to go to a party school, Craig.”

continues to teach me beautiful lessons through Craig’s life.

“No, that’s not it. I want to go where I can be a witness.”

A hush settled on the audience as I described the impact of Craig’s decision, of the argument I had lost. If a pin had dropped in the room of 225, I would have heard it.

Craig wasn’t afraid to tell others about Jesus and he didn’t let

That night, I learned that when we choose God over our fears, our Goliaths never win.

What looks like death in this physical world, is the true victory of life. Sometimes, it’s the thing we fear most that God uses to show His strength. Through His mercy, His grace is always sufficient for our sorrows.

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pets

A NEW HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! M

F

M

M

Audie

Cassie

F

Forrest

Cher

F

Lakota

Nikki

Almost Home Shelter and Rescue 3390 Pointer Trail East - Van Buren, AR | 479.462.3122 or 479.629.0056 | Almost Home Shelter and Rescue is a 501C-3 Non-Profit all volunteer staffed facility. They work in partnership with Van Buren Animal Control to find loving, forever homes for the dogs in their care. All dogs will be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccines when adopted. The shelter is newly formed and has very limited space. Please consider adopting or fostering one of their sweet pets.

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.

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taste pets

Holiday Pet Safety

What You Need to Know to Keep Them Safe The No-No List for Dogs & Cats 55Fatty foods.

They can lead to dangerous conditions such as pancreatitis.

55Dressing/stuffing.

It contains onions, which

are toxic.

55Tomatoes. They are toxic.

55Chocolate. The darker, the

worse it is. In the worst cases, it can cause cardiac arrhythmia which can lead to death.

55Grapes and raisins.

They can cause kidney

failure.

55strings. Especially that hold the turkey together.

The pop-up thermometer can also cause problems if ingested.

55alcoholic beverages. Keep out of reach.

55bones. No bones, especially poultry.

55Spicy foods. They are especially bad, and cats are sensitive to sage.

Other Hazards Household plants. They can be toxic, especially ornamental and bulb plants. This includes plants you bring into your home for the holidays, and outdoor plants that you bring indoors during winter.

Human medications. Drugs accidentally dropped on the floor can be eaten by pets and are toxic.

Toxic Materials & Household Cleaners.

Cats can walk through toxic materials outdoors or in garages and get it on their paws. When they bathe themselves, they ingest the toxic materials. Household cleaners are also hazards.

Small Objects. Cats tend to be attracted to small objects such as strings, ribbon and tinsel, and small decorations. These can be ingested and become lodged in their digestive system.

55aluminum foil. Dispose of it, as well as plastic

wrap and waxed paper. Cats can ingest pieces while licking.

55Leftovers.

NO leftovers, especially those that have been in the refrigerator for an extended period of time.

Golden rule. If you won’t eat it (expired food, fat, bones) don’t feed it to your pet.

What To Watch For 55Lethargy 55Vomiting 55Diarrhea

Leaving for the Holidays?

55Change in level of play or activity

If boarding your pet, be sure to reserve a spot at your favorite kennel or vet’s office early as they fill up quickly.

If your pet prefers the comforts of home, ask a family member or neighbor to care for them in your absence or inquire about local pet sitting services.

Pet Emergency?

The Emergency Animal Clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas is open from 6pm until 7am, seven days a week, including holidays. Call 479.649.3100. Contact your veterinarian for your local emergency clinic.

If your pet is vomiting, try withholding food and water for a few hours, up to half a day, depending on the size of your pet. Gradually reintroduce small amounts of water and if they can keep it down, slowly add in bland foods. If they continue to vomit and/or have diarrhea, consult your veterinarian immediately to avoid dehydration and further complications. If your pet cannot hold down water, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.

Special thanks to Eastside Veterinary Hospital in Fort Smith for providing some of our pet safety tips.

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garden

Words Megan Lankford, Lead Gardener, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

November in the Garden THE DIRT: Planting perennials, trees, and shrubs is best done when the plants are dormant. This is

because during the winter they put all their energy into new roots rather than roots, shoots, and leaves. The most important part of planting any plant is soil preparation. If you haven’t already had your soil tested by your local Cooperative Extension Service office, I highly suggest it. Once you have the results, you’ll have a better idea how to proceed.

TIPS:

Soil texture is made up of various percentages of sand, clay, and silt. The type of soil you have can greatly affect what plants will do well in your yard, and which ones will not. You can amend your soil up to a certain point with sand, gravel, and compost, but make sure to speak to your extension office agent before doing so. It can be difficult to change soil texture in an area large enough for your new plants to flourish.

Once you’re ready to go, dig a hole that is at least two to three times the diameter of the root ball. The depth of the hole should be about 6” to 12” deeper than the height of the root ball. Back fill with compost and soil mixed together. Make sure the top of the root ball is parallel to the ground before planting. There are a few exceptions to this rule, most notably azaleas. Fill in the hole with the compost, soil, and other amendments as needed. Mulch around the base of the plant out to the drip line, but do not allow the mulch to touch the base of the plant. Wait until spring to fertilize.

Water the plants well. If they have leaves, be sure to water every other day for the first two weeks. After that, once a month or so throughout winter is adequate, and skip if it rains at least half an inch in a given month.

YOU CAN PLANT: All trees, shrubs, and perennials.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

diy

21

PLACE AT THE TABLE WORDS Catherine Frederick image Jeromy Price

I love the rustic look and feel of burlap. These placemats can be easily personalized for any occasion and are a cinch to make.

Burlap (two yards will make six 14” X 20” mats, with extra for potential mistakes) Chipboard letters Magnum Black Sharpie® Fine Point Sharpie® Scissors Dritz® Fray-Check

1

Measure and mark a 15” X 21” rectangle on the burlap. The extra inch is to allow for the fraying on the edges. Cut out the shape and repeat for the number of placemats you need.

2

Starting at one corner, pull one string of burlap away from the mat to fray the edge. Continue to pull single strands until the desired amount of fray is reached. I pulled 5-6 strands from each edge.

3

Make a list of words you want to spell on each mat. I chose words such as Eat, Chow, Dine. But you may prefer the names of your family, or words such as Thanks, Grace, Love.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

4

Place several sheets of newspaper or card stock under each mat so the Sharpie® will not bleed through to your table. Place the chipboard letters on the burlap in the location of your choice.

Using a fine point Sharpie®, trace around each letter.

5

Using the Magnum Sharpie®, fill in each letter.

6

Line the inner edges with Fray-Check to keep the mat from fraying any further.

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people

Breaking

Bread

Words Marla Cantrell Images courtesy Harvest Moon Bakery

Desirae, Aaron, Sarah

S

arah and Aaron Mastropaolo, a brother and sister duo, grew up happily with their two older sisters in a vine-covered house in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their family is Italian, the

kind of loud, passionate, in each other’s business stereotype you’ve long heard about. If trouble came to any one of them the rest of the family would jump in to save the day.

As kids, their home was the gathering place, in part because of the food, and both their parents cooked, their dishes calling cards for the neighborhood.

“And our friends came over all the time,” Aaron says.

One of those friends was Desirae, the now-wife of Aaron and the best friend of Sarah. “My mom was actually their mom’s midwife,” Desirae says.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people people taste

“We moved to the West Coast after that but when I was sixteen,

Desirae smiles as Sarah speaks. “We wanted to create something

we came back to Fort Smith, and Mom took me around to intro-

like that here. And while we didn’t yet have a brick-and-mortar

duce me to some of her friends, and that’s when my path crossed

store, we knew that we could deliver our goods to customers

with Aaron and Sarah.”

and get to know them.”

“I remember Desirae had blue hair, and I was this homeschooled

Aaron says, “And I have a love of bread making. We’d been to San

kid, and I thought she was so cool!” Sarah says.

Francisco, where sourdough is king. The famous Tartine Bakery there is small, but customers will wait there for as long as it takes.

The two girls became inseparable, and Aaron, just two years older than Desirae, saw what drew his sister to this free-spirited girl. He

“Sourdough is another Old World invention, having been around

later dated Desirae, and when she was twenty-one, they married.

for millennia. And I was making these crusty, delicious loaves of bread, really artisan breads, and it was amazing to me.”

Life took predictable turns after that. Sarah spent fourteen years as a manager of a local Chick-fil-A, where she learned the

Many of us are familiar with sourdough starter that’s made from

importance of customer service. Aaron eventually landed in the

a fermented mixture of flour and water. Flour naturally contains

IT department at a successful company.

yeast, and the starter pulls additional yeast from the air as it’s fermenting. There’s a theory that the yeast in San Francisco is

What never changed was the feelings all three had about food

particularly wonderful, which is why their bread is world-famous.

and the role it played in the Mastropaolo family.

While Aaron acknowledges that, he also thinks the air in Fort Which led them to consider opening their own bakery. They

Smith has its own merits, and there are other things, such as

knew they didn’t have the capital for a big operation, but they

timing and the quality of ingredients, that determine the finished

could start a delivery service. Two years ago, after much prayer

product. “Fort Smith sourdough is pretty spectacular,” he says.

and planning, they started Harvest Moon Bakery.

Aaron’s a member of a local brew club, and he says the chem“I started making pies and cakes when I was eight or so,” Sarah

istry he learned there helped when he started breadmaking.

says. “And I had been selling my pies and pastries as a sideline

His glasses have slipped a bit and he rights them before saying,

business for a long time. Desirae and I had been to France—

“Also, after sixteen years in IT, it’s nice to have this opportunity

her mother’s from France—and I’d experienced croissants and

to do something with my hands.”

French bread, and I loved the Old World feel of it. They buy bread knowing it will last only five days because it’s not been made

The conversation turns to the complexity of baking, to the things

with preservatives. Every morning, people line up at bakeries for

that go in it that can’t be put on a recipe card. “In the past,

pastries. It’s just a lovely way to live.”

we’ve overbooked ourselves at times, stressing to get all the DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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people

baking done and the butter just isn’t happy; the outcome isn’t

“We’ve been working on it for a while,” Aaron says. “But we’re

nearly as good,” Sarah says. “We don’t do that anymore.”

being careful, doing this as debt free as possible. And we want to give back, to help this community.”

Desirae is watching her best friend and sister-in-law, her eyes bright. “We have people who are regulars, signing up on our

They have several ideas on how to do that, from giving away

website for weekly deliveries in Fort Smith, and when we deliver,

any leftover inventory at the end of the day to letting customers

you can see their faces light up. Who doesn’t like to have food

donate a nominal fee that would be used to buy ingredients for

brought to them? We had a booth at the River Valley Artisan

bread they would have available for would-be customers who

Market downtown in Fort Smith, and we’d have samples. People

would not have the money to pay.

would taste our macarons or pies or bread and they would tell us what they tasted was nostalgia.”

“We never set out to get rich,” Desirae says. “We want to support our families, of course, and we want to be a part of this

Sarah’s hair is braided, and her fingers touch the cord of hair

community we love. We’ve all traveled a lot, and every time we

above her ear, “We call that the taste of tradition. You’re tasting

come back to Fort Smith, we say, ‘Now we’re home.’”

real food, everything from scratch. I made blueberry pies recently, and the blueberries were ones Desirae and I and our kids (they

Sarah says, “It goes back to that Old World feel, where things

each have two) picked from my dad’s farm. I think people like

aren’t as hurried, and people know one another. You know your

knowing where their food comes from.”

baker. You line up outside a bakery and wait for not just the food but the experience, and the food is affordable. I can imagine the

Right now, Harvest Moon Bakery is getting ready for Thanks-

smell of fresh-baked bread, or my apple pies, rolling out the door

giving. They’ll be offering apple, pecan, and pumpkin pies,

and onto Garrison Avenue. I can’t wait.”

artisan breads and rolls, including their Heavenly Challah Bread, and croissants. In the midst of all that baking, they’ll be gearing

The three speak again of all that praying that led them here.

up for their own family dinner. “We do Thanksgiving big,” Sarah

Everything seems to have worked out in its own perfect time. It

says. “Sometimes we even have a turkey cookoff, to see who

must have been providence, they agree. The divine is at work,

cooks the best turkey.”

they believe, in every loaf of bread, in every pie and every croissant. That’s what keeps them baking. That’s what keeps them

While Thanksgiving is taking up much of their energy, they’re

dreaming of what’s still to come.

also working on a retail space at 115 North Tenth Street in downtown Fort Smith, where Tammy’s Tamales used to be. Early next year, they hope to open their brick-and-mortar bakery and serve breakfast and lunch.

To learn more about Harvest Moon Bakery, visit their Facebook page or fortsmithbread.com.

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Don’t Feed the Llamas WORDS Stoney Stamper IMAGES courtesy Stoney and April Stamper

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C

hange is inevitable. Sometimes, change is easy, and other times it is very, very hard. It was in 2011 that my wife, April, and I decided to spend the rest of our

lives together, to combine our families and become one. She had two daughters, and although I loved them, and they loved me (mostly), it was still a hard adjustment for all of us to make.

And then, shortly thereafter, I had a great job opportunity offered to me. The only problem was, the opportunity was in Texas. After a lot of discussion, worry and debate, we decided that the job was the best thing for our family. So, that spring I moved by myself to Tyler, Texas and got the house ready. The girls finished out their school year in Oklahoma, and then April, Abby and Emma, fairly reluctantly, became citizens of the state As we approached the llama area in my brand new truck, they

of Texas, in May.

quickly perked up, looking in our direction, and then all three of It was a traumatic thing, moving them away from their home,

them came hurriedly towards us at a high lope. The girls oohed

their school, their friends and family. And not just for the girls.

and awed over the cute little llamas. “Oh look at them! They're

April had quite a bit of adjusting to do as well. To top it all off, we

so cute! Look at their ears, they’re so big! Look how long their

had just learned that she was pregnant. To say that there was a

eyelashes are! Oh, I’m gonna feed them!"

lot of tension and stress flowing through our little home would I've always been pretty good at doing different, funny voices,

be quite an understatement.

so I began talking the way I thought a llama would, just saying To try and make the move as easy as possible, I was pretty much

silly things that would make the girls laugh. And man, they were

willing to do anything or go anywhere, if I thought they might

laughing. I felt great. They're having such a fun time, I thought.

enjoy it. So when I saw the sign for a nearby safari park, I knew

They're so happy, I thought. Way to go, Stone, I said to myself.

that it was something that all my animal loving girls would like.

As the girls began to feed them, it was easy to see that there So one hot, muggy Saturday afternoon, we made the thirty mile

was definitely an alpha in the pack. He made a funny hissing

drive to this drive-through zoo. I’d been to one of those before,

noise that the girls thought was so cute. He pinned his ears

but not since I was a little kid. And frankly, there were a few

back, and would stick his head through the window to get the

traumatizing events that happened then, too. So, I’m not sure what

food. Having been around horses all my life, I could tell a ticked

it was that made me think that this time would be any different.

off animal when I saw one. And he definitely was. I told the girls to be careful. I told them he was about to get ignorant. But no

However, I was so happy that the girls were finally with me in

one listens to me. I’m just their chauffeur. And arm candy.

Texas, and I wanted to see them laugh and be happy. So, we checked in at the office. I paid for our tickets, bought us each a

I rolled my window up when he came around to my side,

bag of food for the animals, and we made our merry way into

because I’m smart. Even with their heckling (mainly April’s) I

the happy land of goats, deer, deer, goats, a few cows, some

would not roll it down.“Girls," I said, "he’s not playing. I’m telling

ill-tempered Sicilian donkeys, goats, deer, buffalo, and maybe a

you, he’s getting ready to throw a fit.” To which April replied,

few pigs. And some goats and deer. Seriously, like, it was mostly

“Oh, quit being such a baby!" She paid for that silly remark.

goats and deer. Ok, you get it.

Unfortunately, we all had to pay for it with her.

Anyhoo, there were also some llamas. Some stupid, sorry,

This big llama began to butt his head against my closed window,

no-count llamas. And llamas are jerks, you guys. Huge jerks.

yet still no one heeded my warnings. He went around to April’s

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people side, and hissed. Then she gave him some food. He took it, and

wanted to cry. But she also knew that this was pretty funny. Her

hissed again. I said “Roll your window up!" To which she replied,

hair was just mangled in this stuff that came out of the llama.

“He’s just playing!"

And the truck looked like a bomb went off inside of it.

And that’s when it happened. He unleashed the most wretched

Well, here was our main problem. We couldn’t get out o! I’ve

combination of bodily functions that have ever been combined

never had to fight the urge to jump out of my truck so bad.

on this earth. It was a massive conglomeration of a gassy,

But we're surrounded by llamas. Ticked off llamas. I began to

belching cough that was filled with puke, and slimy green goo,

drive away, and they followed us. They kept coming and they

and he topped it off with a hair-raising scream at the end. All of

wouldn’t leave us alone. I drove faster. They ran faster. We were

this, no more than three inches from April’s face.

bouncing around the cab as I drove forty miles an hour across a pasture. I felt like I should be singing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

In an instant, we’d gone from having a blast to one of the worst days of my life. There was awful green stuff all over everything.

But we finally get rid of them. We were free! I bailed out of

April had her hands over her slime-covered face, and had yet

the truck, wiping this awful mess off of my body. I don’t think I

to make a sound. I blacked out. I do not know what I said, but I

could've felt dirtier if I’d been that guy that fell in the state park

expect it wasn’t PG. I didn’t know if April was laughing, or crying.

port-a-potty, trying to get his wallet. It was awful. The girls were

And frankly, I don’t think she knew.

still laughing. April was still getting her wits about her, trying to decide just exactly how upset she actually was. My new truck

The smell was, simply put, unbearable. This horrible green

had been defiled. And I was already making plans in my head

substance was all over the inside of my windshield, on my dash,

to trade it off.

covering my rear view mirror to the point that you could not see anything in it. My GPS screen, yep, covered. Steering wheel,

So, as we were leaving, we noticed another car pulling into the

check. Sun visors, check. My plaid khaki golf shorts? Slimed. My

llama area. We watched those crazy animals take advantage of

face, my neck, my ears. Everywhere.

another unsuspecting family. And then we laughed and laughed.

It was such a long drive home. The smell was something I’ll

All this time, April had yet to look out from her hands. The girls

never ever get out of my head.

were in the backseat, laughing as if they have just witnessed the funniest thing that has ever happened, and the cab of the

And that's the story of our first Family Day. Starting out, I wanted

truck could not have smelled worse even if the llama had done

a fun, memorable day that the girls would never forget. And I

what he had done inside the cab. April uncovered her face,

promise you, none of us ever will.

and I couldn't really get a grasp of her emotions. She definitely

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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lifestyle

Happy Holiday Traditions words Kimberly Blaker

Holiday traditions are a fun way for families to bond and create fond memories. The traditions you and your family choose are limited only by your imagination in the way you carry them out.

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CUSTOMS FOR GATHERINGS

FOR TWOSOMES OR THE WHOLE BROOD

Choose a theme such as ‘my most memorable holiday season’ or

Escape the holiday hustle and bustle, and enjoy a holiday retreat.

‘the best thing that happened this year,’ and ask each person to

Try a cozy cabin in the woods or other scenic setting. Then enjoy

share a memory. Record the storytelling on video or audio, then

your togetherness near a roasting fire, flipping through family

play it in future years as part of your memory sharing tradition.

photo albums, enjoying holiday music, doing crafts, and other relaxing activities.

Hold a holiday poetry reading. Ask each person to bring copies of favorite seasonal or holiday poems to pass out and read aloud

Start a holiday countdown. Take a 3” by 3’ strip of ribbon and

at the gathering.

cut 24-paired slits from top to bottom. Thread each pair with narrow ribbon and tie a sucker in each. Beginning December 1,

Rather than exchanging gifts or doing a drawing for a gift

remove a lollipop each day through Christmas Eve, or the eve of

exchange, hold a ‘white elephant.’ Each person brings a wrapped

the holiday you’ll celebrate.

gift anyone can use. Have guests draw a numbered slip from “1” through the number of people participating. Each guest then

Couples often forget to take time for each other during the busy

chooses and opens a gift in numerical order. Participants may

holiday season. Plan an evening for two and reserve a table near

choose either a wrapped gift or take an unwrapped gift from

a fireplace or other romantic setting. When you return home,

another participant. If a player loses their gift, they choose from

light some candles and your tree, listen to holiday or soft music,

either another wrapped gift or take a gift from someone else.

and exchange a special gift with each other. Then spend the

For complete rules and variations, visit a white elephant gift

evening reminiscing and sharing your dreams for the future.

exchange website such as whiteelephantrules.com.

Cut your own tree. Take the whole family to a tree farm and make a day of it. Look for the tree that compliments your home or fits your family’s taste.

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Pick up a book on holiday

Make your own wrapping paper. Cut holiday shapes out of

customs around the world.

sponges, dip in holiday colored paint, and stamp the shapes on

Each year, choose a different

brown Kraft paper. Use glitter and glue to add to the festive look.

culture or nationality for your theme. Then decorate, and try new customs accordingly.

TRADITION TIPS

Make a shopping date with

Don’t continue holiday traditions that have lost their appeal

your partner, and assist each

and usefulness, or that create too much stress. Talk to your

other in selecting your holiday

family or friends who normally share in the tradition, explain

attire. Decide in advance on

your feelings, and ask for input. They may feel the same. If they

the formality so you’ll choose

don’t feel the same way, try to reach a compromise that meets

complimentary

outfits

and

everyone’s needs.

so your shopping trip together Don’t overdo it. It’s easy to get carried away with customs. Be

remains agreeable.

selective and choose those that mean the most to you and your family. Most traditions require some investment of time, energy,

JUST FOR YOU

or money. Taking on too many can cause stress and lead traditions to lose their appeal.

Create a new tradition by scheduling time to pamper yourself.

Decorate the bathroom in holiday candles, fragrance, and holly.

When you select traditions, divide the responsibilities. Women

Enjoy a long bubble bath while giving yourself a full salon treat-

often take sole responsibility for holiday activities and become

ment. Include a manicure, pedicure, deep hair conditioning,

overwhelmed. Then they're unable to enjoy the season. Try

facial mask, and body buffing. Don’t forget to turn on holiday or

not to strive for perfection, and allow men and children to

other relaxing music.

help in the preparation.

So keep these tips in mind, and enjoy

TRADITIONS FOR ALL

your holiday traditions for years to come.

Fill stockings for your partner, parents, or grandparents to discover. Stuff them with treats, beauty products, postage stamps, lottery tickets and other inexpensive or usable items.

Help a needy family. Deliver a box of groceries, or supply a family with gloves and hats. Ask your children to make room for their own new gifts by donating good but unwanted toys.

Offer the toys to the needy family to leave from Santa, or wrap them yourself and leave them on the doorstep.

Take a horse drawn carriage ride. Don’t forget blankets and your favorite hot beverage.

Purchase a new tree ornament each year that signifies something important such as your baby’s first Christmas or solstice. If it’s your first season in a new home, find an ornament that represents it.

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Whatcha Got Cookin’? wordS Catherine Frederick

Busy days. Cool nights. What could be better than coming home to a warm, delicious meal you didn’t have to spend hours cooking? We’ve gathered up some of our favorite crock pot recipes you and your family are sure to love!

Lasagna 1 lb. ground beef 1- 26 ounce jar of pasta sauce 1 cup water 1- 15 ounce container ricotta cheese

BBQ Pork

8 ounces shredded mozzarella

1 pork loin

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 can Coca Cola

1 egg

Salt, pepper to taste

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1 teaspoon pepper

Salt and pepper pork loin. Place in crock pot. Pour Coca Cola

No boil Lasagna noodles (uncooked)

in crock pot. Cook on high for 7 hours. Remove pork loin from broth. Shred pork. Coat with favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on your

Brown meat, drain fat. Add sauce and water. In bowl combine

favorite roll or bun.

ricotta, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg, pepper and parsley. Add 1 cup meat sauce to bottom of crock pot. Top with a double layer of noodles, break to fit. Top meat

French Dip Sandwiches

sauce with cheese mixture. Alternate noodle, meat sauce, and

Chuck roast (sized to feed your family)

cheese layers, ending with the meat sauce. Cook on low 4 to 5

2 - 14.5 ounce cans Swanson® 100% Natural Beef Broth

hours, do not overcook. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Cook

1 package Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Recipe Soup and Dip Mix

10 more minutes or until cheese is melted.

®

1 package raw white mushrooms, sliced (optional) 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)

Chicken Fajitas

1 onion, sliced (optional)

¼ cup butter

Salt, pepper to taste

3 to 4 chicken breasts

Hoagie rolls

2 cups onion, sliced

Provolone cheese, thin sliced

2 cups peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)

Place roast, beef broth, salt, pepper, and soup mix in crock pot.

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours. Add peppers, onion and mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking. Serve on hoagie rolls with provolone cheese.

1 packet dry fajita seasoning ¼3 cup salsa Add butter, then onion, peppers, then chicken to bottom of crock pot. Sprinkle fajita packet over chicken. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Shred chicken. Serve with favorite toppings and tortillas.

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Cheese Tortellini Soup

Hambone Beans

1 - 19 ounce bag frozen or fresh cheese tortellini

1 bag pinto beans, rinsed thoroughly

1 small bag of baby spinach

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

2 - 14.5 ounce cans of Italian style diced tomatoes, drained

½ cup salsa

1 - 8 ounce block cream cheese, chunked

1 ham hock

3 to 4 cups of chicken broth (start with 3, add 1 more if needed)

Salt, pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to crock pot. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 2 to 4 hours.

Cornstarch (optional) Rinse beans thoroughly. Place beans in crock pot. Add garlic, salt, pepper, salsa and ham hock along with enough water to reach about an inch below the top of your crock pot. Stir to combine.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Cook on high for 6 to 8 hours or until beans are tender. Remove

4 carrots, chopped

and discard ham hock. To thicken beans, mix 1 Tablespoon

4 celery stalks, chopped

cornstarch with warm water. Add to beans. Stir to combine.

1 - 32 ounce carton of chicken stock

Cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until thickened. Top with

1 ½ cans cream of chicken soup

shredded cheese (optional). Serve with corn bread.

1 ½ cups water 1 cup milk

Perfect Roast

Salt, pepper to taste

Chuck roast

1 ½ Tablespoons dried onion flakes

1 package baby carrots

1 Tablespoon dried basil flakes 3 to 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used 3 large for my family of 4)

Small Yukon gold potatoes (whole) 1 yellow onion, sliced 1 package sliced mushrooms

1 bag egg noodles

1 packet Lipton® Onion Soup

Place soup, broth, water, milk, and seasonings in crock pot.

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Stir. Add chicken breasts. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add

Salt, pepper to taste

vegetables during last 2 hours. Cook egg noodles on stovetop

Water

during last 45 minutes. Rinse, drain, add quantity of noodles desired to crock pot. During last 30 minutes, remove chicken,

Salt and pepper roast. Place roast in bottom of crock pot. Surround

shred, return to soup. Cook additional 10 to 15 minutes.

roast with carrots, potatoes and onions. Top roast with sliced mushrooms, Lipton Onion Soup mix and mushroom soup. Add water to cover vegetables. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

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How amazing would these be on your table for Thanksgiving? Perhaps next to a place card? Imagine the surprise when everyone discovers they aren’t just for looks. They are 100% edible cupcakes!

My inspiration for these adorable turkey cupcakes came from the ingenious minds wordS and images Catherine Frederick

of Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, creators of the books, Hello Cupcake, What’s New Cupcake, and the latest, Cupcakes, Cookies and Pie, Oh My! You’ll find easy to follow, step-by-step directions so you can whip up some mind blowing sweet treats!

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Ingredients 12 vanilla cupcakes baked in orange paper liners

1 can (16 oz.) plus ½ cup vanilla frosting

Green and yellow food coloring

1 cup cornflakes

72 soft caramels (Kraft), unwrapped 12 wheat sticks (Wheat Thins brand) ½ cup crushed corn flakes or 1 granola bar, crumbled

2 Tablespoons green nonpareils or green sprinkles

These are not difficult to make, but assembly will be much quicker if you prep the pieces in advance. Let's break this project down into workable pieces.

Making the lettuce Baking the cupcakes

Spoon ¼ cup of vanilla frosting into a Ziplock bag, seal and

Bake them ahead of time, even the day before. I use box cake

set aside. Tint another ¼ cup of the vanilla frosting with

mix, which works well, just avoid any with pudding in the mix

the green and yellow food coloring. Heat the tinted frosting

or angel food mixes, since cupcakes require a firm cake.

for a few seconds in the microwave (until the consistency of lightly whipped cream). Pour the tinted frosting over the

I replace the number of eggs called for with 4, and replace the

corn flakes and gently stir to coat. Pour the coated flakes

water with 1 cup of buttermilk. Add the amount of vegetable

onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper to dry. Use your

oil called for on the box.

fingers to separate.

To make them come out level, fill the liners 2/3 full (the cake

Making the turkey skins { Part 1 }

should not be higher than the liner when baked). I also place

Soften 4 caramels at a time in the microwave. You want

my batter in a Ziplock bag to fill the liners. Here’s how. Place

them to be soft, not runny. Press the caramels together and

a 1 quart freezer-weight Ziplock bag in a plastic or glass

with your hands roll them into a ball. Place the ball onto

container. I use a tall glass and fold the opening of the bag

wax paper and then cover with another piece of wax paper.

over the container’s edge. Pour half of your batter into the

Roll the ball of caramel into a 3 ½" circle. Each circle repre-

bag, lift up from the container, press out the excess air and zip

sents one turkey, so repeat this process until you have the

shut. Snip off a 1/4"corner from the bottom of the bag and fill

number you need. Place the circles in the refrigerator for a

the liners two-thirds full. Bake as directed.

few minutes to firm up the caramel, making it easier to cut.

Like the cupcakes, the skins can be made a day or more in advance—just store in the refrigerator.

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Adding the turkey legs Lightly brush the caramel on each side of the stuffing with a drop of water. Attach a turkey leg to each side of the opening (see photo for placement). Repeat for remaining turkeys. Snip a small corner from the bag with the vanilla frosting. Put a few dots of frosting at the end of each wheat stick to look like the end of the leg bone.

Making the turkey legs Cut the wheat sticks into 2" lengths. Soften a caramel in the microwave. For the turkey leg, press the caramel around 1" of the wheat stick and form it into a drumstick shape. Repeat this process until you have enough legs for all your turkeys.

Adding the lettuce Add the green cereal as lettuce around the edge of the turkey.

Use dots of frosting to secure it if needed.

Gobble gobble, it’s dinner time! Or is it dessert? No matter

Making the turkey skins { Part 2 }

when you choose to unveil your creations, they’re sure to elicit

Remove the caramels from the refrigerator. Place the turkey

laughs and will have guests asking, “How’d you do that?” I

skin template over the wax paper and lightly press around

also recommend having some “regular” cupcakes on hand as

the template to create a guideline for cutting (I used a pizza

many guests will find these too cute to eat.

cutter). Repeat until you have the number of skins you need.

Spoon a big dollop of frosting on the tops of the cupcakes to make a mound. Place a caramel turkey skin on top of each cupcake. Tuck the edge of the caramel in ¼" from the edge of the cupcake. Using a small knife or mini spatula, push the caramel into the frosting, making the turkey body appear nice and plump. Pinch the ends of the caramel at the opening.

Some of the frosting will squeeze out of the opening. Press the crushed cereal or crumbled granola into the frosting to look like stuffing and add the green sprinkles to look like herbs.

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Turkey Template Use the template below to construct the skin of your turkey cupcake.

Turkey Template Use the template to the right to construct the body for your turkey cupcakes.

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Caramel Apple Bar

We’ve got a fun twist on the traditional caramel apple. Grab your favorite toppings and see which combination turns out to be your favorite.

Keep apples from browning by dipping in lemon-lime soda after slicing. words and image Catherine Frederick

The Turtle - Melted milk chocolate, chopped pecans, and melted caramel Rocky Apple Road - Mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and melted caramel Apple Cheesecake - Mini marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and melted white chocolate Apple Pie - Melted white chocolate, melted caramel, cinnamon/ brown sugar mix The 5th Element - Melted white chocolate, melted dark chocolate, chopped pecans, toffee bits and melted caramel Do South Special - Melted chocolate, toffee bits, mini marshmallows DOSOUTHMAGAZINE

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Russian Pumpkin The

Image James Stefiuk

INGREDIENTS • • • • •

(Makes 1)

¾ to 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 3 oz. heavy cream 3 oz. vodka 3 oz. Kahlua Whipped cream & chocolate syrup (optional)

*The ratio of heavy cream, vodka and Kahlua is 1 to 1, so alter those in accordance with your glass size. Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste.

METHOD Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker, shake to combine. Pour over ice. Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup if desired.

Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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travel

Roots and Wings

42

words Dwain Hebda images Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

taste travel

S

Stuttgart, Arkansas, a farming community in the middle of the state's breadbasket, boasts a picturesque Main Street lined with local shops, a gorgeous events center on the local community college campus and the impressive Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie.

Arrive for a visit February through October, and you'll enjoy the friendliness of the people, the oyster po-boy at La Petite Cajun Bistro and the wide-open Delta sky.

But, when November arrives and with it, duck season, a multimillion-dollar industry in these parts takes center stage.

Hunters by the score make their way to Arkansas' famed duck hunting grounds, considered the finest to be had on the planet and none more so than in the rice fields and flooded timber stands around Stuttgart, the Duck and Rice Capital of the World.

A cultural and economic event of duck hunting's stature doesn't properly start with just a whistle, and the word “go,” however. For the past eighty-two years, the only suitable way to mark Arkansas' favorite season is in the grand style of the Wings Over the Prairie Festival.

"It was started as a celebration of duck season and kind of the kickoff of tourism season for us here in Stuttgart," said Bethany Hildebrand, executive director of the local chamber of commerce, which sponsors the event. "So that’s kind of the reason that it was started."

The centerpiece of the Wings Over the Prairie Festival—known before that as the Arkansas Rice Carnival—is the World's

By any measure, Wings Over the Prairie ranks among the very

Championship Duck Calling Contest. The competition annually

best community festivals Arkansas has to offer. The oldest

draws the best duck callers from around America and several

festival in the state according to organizers, it's only grown

foreign countries, each of whom has won one of seventy-two

more popular with time. This year's celebration, spread out

sanctioned regional contests for the right to appear in Stutt-

over the week of November 18-25, is expected to attract

gart. "We want the best of the best to compete on the world

between 30,000 and 40,000 people, roughly three to four

stage," Bethany said. "It’s important to us to not just have

times the normal population.

anybody that wants to get on the stage and blow to be there.

It’s important to the guys. They’ve worked hard and practiced

"We did a study probably ten years ago," Bethany said. "Back

hours and hours and hours to get here."

then, the economic impact was about a million dollars a day during duck season as a whole. I would say the economic

Sanctioned qualifying events are scheduled in most states as

impact has only gone up from there. We’re set to do another

well as Canada and New Zealand. While not all seventy-two

study to give us a better idea, but certainly, the economic

cardholders make it to the final event in any given year, over

impact of the festival is huge for our local community."

time, all have sent representatives, including the Kiwis. "Funny story; duck hunting is actually pretty big in New Zealand,"

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Bethany said. "We were contacted probably seven or eight years

was in 1981; it was held at the Grand Prairie War Memorial

ago by an organization that was running a calling contest down

Auditorium and seemed like there were thirty-five or thirty-

there. They wanted to know what it would take for them to get

six teams," he said. "I want to say ninety-nine percent of the

a sanction card. Well, for us that was an exciting opportunity.

teams were local. It was just in its infancy."

"I think it was 2010 when they first came and that’s quite a

Over time the party grew to include music and increasingly elabo-

trek for them to even come up here and get to see it. But it’s

rate booths, which in turn attracted more spectators. The event

fun for us for it to truly be a world contest."

outgrew the indoor digs, graduating to a circus tent pitched in the parking lot of a local rice mill in 2004. "We’ve got fifty-five teams

The idea for the championship arose when Stuttgart city

now, and we’ve got about forty teams on a waiting list," Curt

leader Thad McCollum noticed how heated the debate was

said. "It’s become just an absolutely unbelievably popular event."

among local hunters over who was the best caller. He, along with Dr. H.V. Glenn and Arthur Shoemaker, comprised the

One reason for such a wait list is there's simply no room to

Duck Calling Committee for the first event, held November

add more competitors. Another reason is once a crew gets

24, 1936, sponsored by American Legion Post No. 48.

in, they rarely give up their spot. One team is on its second generation, having appeared in all thirty-seven events.

A total of seventeen callers made up the first field, competing for bragging rights and a hunting coat valued at $6.60. Missis-

"We’ve got them from south Louisiana. We’ve got them from

sippian Thomas E. Walsh made history that year as the winner

South Carolina. We’ve got them out of Memphis. One out of

of the inaugural event and as the first of only two contestants

Alabama, Texarkana, Texas," Curt said. "But still, the lion’s

in history to win without the use of a manufactured duck call,

share, I want to say sixty percent of the teams, are still local.

depending on their vocal chords alone to make the sounds.

Some of the teams will their spots to their children, so they stay in the family. It’s such a coveted event to have a spot in the

The modern event hosts various levels and categories of

World Championship Duck Gumbo Cook-off, some of the spots

competition in addition to the world championship division,

have been grandfathered in."

starting with callers as young as eleven. Regardless of age or division, Arkansans are formidable competition.

Prizes are awarded to the best gumbo, which by rule must be assembled on site and utilize duck as fifty percent of its meat

"Arkansas is at the top. We breed some of the best of the best

used, as well as for the best booth. Curt's brew never placed

I would say," said Bethany. "The southern states are definitely

in the money, but he said Arkansans are always among the

highly represented, we’ve had quite a few from Tennessee,

favorites to claim the title.

Missouri, Louisiana, some of those places. But just glancing at the list, Arkansas is at the top as far as sending the most

"About half the people make really good gumbo and the other

people. For the last seven years, we’ve had somebody from

half of the people make really bad gumbo. They’re just there to

Arkansas win [the world title]."

be there, you know?" Curt said. "If you’ve never been, everybody needs to go at least once. Some people may not like it, some

Arkansans also dominate at the festival's other signature

people gonna love it, but you’ve got to experience it."

event, the World Championship Duck Gumbo Cook-off. Now in its thirty-seventh year, the cook-off is one of the best parties in the state that, even with a capacity for thousands of spectators, is one of the year's hardest tickets to get.

Wings Over the Prairie Festival November 18-25, 2017

Curt Ahrens has been directly involved with nineteen of those

Stuttgart, Arkansas

contests, competing in four of the first five and serving the past

stuttgartarkansas.org/duck-festival

fifteen years as chairman of the event. "The first gumbo event DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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46

travel

THIS IS

Lubbock words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Visit Lubbock

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travel taste

The land in and around Lubbock is golden, offering gifts of grapes and cotton, cattle and corn. For the people rooted to this section of the High Plains, there’s no place like it on earth.

And for the six million who visit each year, it is a city filled with history, art, music, and more than a few coddled prairie dogs.

I arrived in town as a guest of Visit Lubbock, not knowing much about this vibrant city. When I’d thought of Lubbock, it was as the hometown of music legend, Buddy Holly, or as the site of Texas Tech. Before I left, I knew a lot more about this Western city’s past, the people who live there, and their pride they have

Cast Iron Grill

in what they do.

620 19th Street castirongrilllubbock.com

C H OW D OW N !

Be sure to stop by Montelongo’s for authentic Mexican food. If you’re there for breakfast, make sure you try the Migas, which is scrambled eggs with peppers, onions, cheese and fried strips of corn tortillas! At Cast Iron Skillet near the Buddy Holly Center, say hello to owner Teresa Stephens. Her pies are so good, they sell out fast. Plan to get there before 11AM to make sure you get a slice. Try the Jack Daniels Pecan, and Blueberry Banana Split!

Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque, just outside Lubbock, has some of the best barbeque you’ll ever have. Be sure to try the Green Chile

Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque

Cheese Grits, and Texas Sheet Cake. There’s no better place for a

217 Highway 62

steak and a beer than at Triple J Chophouse and Brew Company.

Wolfforth, Texas

Wine lovers have to try The Funky Door, which offers more than

eviemaebbq.com

500 wines and 200 specialty beers, a full menu and fondue.

At the Italian Garden, order anything with the pink sauce. I tried the Shrimp Tortellini (divine!), and the Chicken Milanese. For fine dining, nothing compares to West Table Kitchen and Bar, whose menu changes often. The Pork Porterhouse was heavenly!

All these places are owned by locals who love Lubbock, and want you to love it as well.

Italian Garden

The Funky Door Wine & Bistro

1215 Avenue J #102 | Italiangardenlubbock.com

6801 Milwaukee Avenue thefunkydoor.com

Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant 3021 Clovis Road | montelongosrestaurant.com

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Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co.

plane, one of only three in existence. Local connection? The

1807 Buddy Holly Avenue

Porterfield Aircraft Company (formerly the Ward Furniture

triplejchophouseandbrewco.com

Manufacturing Company) in Fort Smith, constructed seven CG-4A gliders before stopping production in 1945.

At the Museum of Texas Tech University, visit the Moody Planetarium, with daily laser and star shows. More than 7 million objects are housed in the museum, from dinosaurs to artwork by some of the greats, including N.C. Wyeth.

The kids will love the Science Spectrum & Omni Theatre, with interactive exhibits and live shows. Head to the Lubbock Lake Landmark, a spot Smithsonian Magazine called one of the top five destinations to see evidence of the first Americans.

West Table Kitchen and Bar

Stay for the night hikes through Yellow House Canyon. For a

1204 Broadway Street

look at how life used to be, visit National Ranching Heritage

thewesttable.com

Center with restored buildings dating from 1780 to 1950 arranged in chronological order, and a train depot. Take the tram ride and listen as the guide describes life on the range.

E X P LO R E !

Inside the Center, you’ll see wagons, artwork, and exhibits

Lubbock’s favorite son, Buddy Holly (“Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be

that highlight the Old West. In December, don’t miss Candle-

the Day”), was only twenty-two when he died on February 3,

light at the Ranch, and in April, there’s Ranch Day, complete

1959, in a plane crash that also killed the pilot, Ritchie Valens

with an authentic chuck wagon dinner.

and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Holly had twenty-five hit records in his short life, and his musical influence endures today.

Architecture buffs can’t miss the Robert Bruno Steel House,

At the Buddy Holly Center in the heart of the Depot Entertain-

which stands on four hollow legs and weighs 110 tons.

ment District, you can see the memorabilia that chronicles his

Bruno started working on the 2,200 square-foot house,

life, including his iconic heavy-rimmed glasses and Stratocaster

about fifteen miles east of Lubbock, in 1973 and continued

guitar. Continue your tribute with a trip to Holly’s grave in the

until his death in 2008.

City of Lubbock Cemetery at 31st and Teak Avenue.

The Lubbock area is home to some great wineries and Once your tour has ended, check out 4ORE!, a 52,000

grows ninety percent of the wine grapes for the state. The

square-foot, high-tech golf and entertainment center. Sixty

weather is a big contributor. The highs and lows mimic

tee boxes feature four golf-simulated games, some designed

those in Napa Valley. At Trilogy Cellars, try their award-

especially for kids. Doppler-based technology tracks the

winning wines, and talk to the owners, who will regale you

flight of each ball and sends feedback to the player. There’s

with stories of learning the grape business. Try the Malbec

a full-service grille and bar, and an outdoor terrace with

and the sweeter Gewürztraminer.

games and live entertainment.

Whatever you do, make sure you stop by Prairie Dog Town, in For the history buff, you can’t beat Silent Wings Museum. From

operation since 1935, when Mr. and Mrs. K.N. Klapp rounded

1942 to 1944, Lubbock was home to most of the American

up two pairs of these critters to make sure the breed would

glider pilots as they trained to fight in World War II. In every

survive. Today, hundreds of prairie dogs can be seen at Mack-

major Allied operation, combat gliders delivered infantry,

enzie Park, and if you listen closely, you can hear them chirp!

ammo, weapons, and medical supplies. See the Waco GC-4A

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travel taste

4ORE! Golf

Lubbock Lake Landmark

6909 Marsha Sharp Freeway

2401 Landmark Drive

4oregolf.com

depts.ttu.edu

Robert Bruno Steel House

Museum of Texas Tech University

85 East Canyon View Drive

3301 4th Street

Ransom Canyon

depts.ttu.edu

robertbruno.com

Buddy Holly Center

National Ranching Heritage Center

1801 Crickets Avenue

3121 4th Street

mylubbock.us

depts.ttu.edu/ranchhc

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Prairie Dog Town at Mackenzie Park

Silent Wings Museum

Off 4th Street and Interstate 27

6202 Interstate 27 Service Road

mylubbock.us

silentwingsmuseum.com Trilogy Cellars 618 Avenue H, Levelland triologycellars.com

Hollyhocks

Lubbock is a great family getaway, without a lot of traffic, and tons to do. Looking for a locally owned hotel? Arbor Hotel and Conference Center at 6401 62nd Street is a great option, with beautifully appointed rooms and helpful staff. Nearby shopping highlights include Hollyhocks, Chrome, and Juxtaposh.

Science Spectrum & Omni Theatre 2579 South Loo 289 #250

Don’t forget to stop and watch the sun set. Sunsets over the

sciencespectrum.org

High Plains are memories that won’t cost a cent but will stay with you for a long, long time.

For more vacation ideas, check out VisitLubbock.org.

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52

southern fiction

Layla has been making Thanksgiving dinner since she was in her late teens. The first time was the year her mother died. The death had taken place in March, on a day so windy, the newly blossomed trees had shaken with wonder, and Layla’s wrap dress had

Landslide FICTION Marla Cantrell

blown open on her walk into the hospital.

She thinks of it now, shudders. She’d rambled on once she’d gotten to her mother’s room, about the wind, the price of gasoline, the gossip she’d heard at the beauty salon. And then she looked up, and she saw her dad holding her mother’s limp hand and the preacher holding his Bible sitting in the only chair.

The lights were out, the machines unplugged. How could she have missed all that?

On the way out into a world, so stark it seemed as empty as the tundra, an older woman in the elevator told Layla what lovely skin she had, and Layla smiled weakly.

Her dad told her, in the days that followed, he’d often end up at the hospital, his car seeming to have a mind of its own. “The old Camaro is like a lost dog looking for home,” he’d said, and then his voice had caught.

That first year, Layla had made place cards, had carefully written out her guests’ names. She’d ordered flowers that came in an honest-to-gosh pumpkin. She’d bought a proper tablecloth and matching napkins.

Before everyone had sat down properly, her dad had rolled the TV into the dining room and turned on a college football game. Layla had gone outside to pull herself together.

She’s gotten Thanksgiving down to a science now. Paper plates, canned drinks cooling in the washing machine she fills with ice, a stack of plastic containers ready for leftovers. She still uses her mother’s recipes, and every Thanksgiving morning she feels her mother with her, feels the years of her

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southern fiction

childhood when she woke to a house smelling like cornbread

It’s a lie, but lately, most everything Layla says is a lie. You get

dressing, yeast rolls, cherry pie.

to be a certain age, life doesn’t turn out, and you start to distort the truth. Just last Saturday, she told the checker at the market

On those mornings, her mother’s fruit salad, made the night

that she works out five days a week. The girl looked at Layla’s

before, would be waiting in the refrigerator. It was pink from

waistline, crossed her arms and said, “Which gym?” and Layla

the juice of the maraschino cherries. It was bolstered by the sour

hauled you-know-what out of there.

cream and whipping cream, the miniature marshmallows, the cans of Mandarin orange slices and pineapple chunks. The pecans

When her dad arrives on Thanksgiving, he’s carrying two pies

came from the trees you could see from their kitchen window.

from a café where he eats breakfast most mornings. Louise

Until Layla moved away, she’d never considered those pecan

doesn’t cook much, another thing Layla doesn’t understand.

trees at all, and now she sees what a gift they were, towering

He kisses Layla on the forehead, and she sighs so loud she

above everything else, dropping the nuts in rough green pods

startles herself.

that stained your fingers when you opened them.

“Anything wrong?” he asks, and she shakes her head no.

Layla makes the fruit salad every year, even though none of her

Another lie.

three kids will touch it. Her daughter Abigail, sixteen years old and filled with enough anger to start a war, asked just last week,

“Where’s Will?” he asks, and she points toward the patio door,

“What part of that mess is a salad?” and Layla felt the blood rise

where she can see Will talking on his phone, the other hand in

to her face. Layla is seeing a therapist now, and she turned to her

his pocket. He’s rocking on his feet, a habit he’s had for as long

cellphone and jotted down this note for the next session, “Are

as she’s known him.

mothers allowed to dislike their own children?”

Her dad says, “He looks busy. I’ll not bother him.”

Her two sons, Evan and Abe, twelve and fourteen, are opposed to the pinkness of the salad, the thing Layla loves the most, although

Layla supposes she shouldn’t resent her husband for not helping.

when they were younger, it didn’t bother them at all.

She supposes she shouldn’t resent her father for calling her husband busy when she is the only one busy in this house. She

In two days, her dad will show up with his wife, Louise.

pushes a damp lock of hair off her forehead and checks the oven

They’ve been together nine years now, and still it shocks Layla

where the dressing is baking, nearly perfectly golden.

to see her, the shiny ring on her finger, the way she leans against Layla’s dad’s shoulder when they sit on the couch.

At the dinner table, Layla’s dad says grace. His voice is smaller

Louise seems like an interloper, a place holder, the credits that

than it used to be, and she opens her eyes to watch him pray.

roll after a movie when almost everyone is walking out of the Platters go round the table. Layla is as good a cook as her

theater. She won’t touch the salad either.

mother was, although she’ll never own up to it. Midway The day before Thanksgiving, Layla is making the fruit salad. She’d

through the meal, she remembers the fruit salad in the refrig-

forgotten to divide her mother’s recipe, and she realizes how

erator. This year she used the extra cherries to make a happy

much of it will go to waste. Layla’s husband, Will, walks through

“L” on the surface, a tribute to her own name.

the kitchen, glances up, and says, “Why’d you make all that?”

Her daughter Abigail shakes her head when Layla sets the Layla doesn’t cry much, but she feels the burn in her nose, the

salad on the table, and Layla watches the smirk that threatens

closing of her throat, the fire in her eyes. If she says what she’s

to unravel her. “Some people actually LIKE this dish!” Layla

thinking, she could start a blaze that might take down her whole

says, her shoulders shaking, and Abigail says, “I’d like to see a

marriage, so instead, she says, “Dad wanted me to make enough

show of hands on that.”

for him to take home.”

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southern fiction

Evan and Abe laugh, but then they take a second look at their

“Stop me if I’ve told this story before,” Louise says, “but I was

mom and grow quiet.

only twelve when my mother died. Mama loved buttermilk with cornbread crumbled up in it. She’d eat it for supper on

Will asks, “What’s the ‘L’ for?” and Layla’s dad answers, “Why,

scorching summer days.”

Louise, of course.”

The boys groan, and Louise wrinkles her nose at them. “I For a second or two, Layla doesn’t recognize her own laughter.

know,” she says. “I hated the stuff myself, but in the months

It is too high-pitched, too hysterical to belong to her, but there

that followed her death, I craved it. I eat it sometimes still,

it is. “Actually, it’s for Layla, Dad. For me. A kind of thank-you

when I’m feeling considerably lonely.”

for keeping tradition alive.”

Layla’s dad clears his throat. “Your mother cut that recipe out Layla is weeping now, and Abigail is sitting up straight. Louise

of the Courier newspaper one year. It was all the rage with

seems especially interested in her napkin, and her cheeks bloom

ladies’ groups. She thought it was mighty cosmopolitan. That’s

red. Layla sweeps her hand through the air. “All of this, Mom’s

the word she used, cosmopolitan. When she served it that first

dressing, her rolls, the salad, I do it to keep her with us.” Layla

year, I went on and on about it.” He cleared his throat again. “I

touches the spot on her chest just above her heart. “I do it to

loved making your mother happy.”

keep her here.”

Layla remembers that Thanksgiving. She’d still been a kid.

Layla’s therapist calls her mother’s death The Big Trauma. It

Nothing earth-shattering had happened to her yet. Her biggest

short-wired something inside Layla, caused her to become a

worry was whether she’d ever have a boyfriend, if she’d ever be

cautious, suspicious, precise person. The therapist uses kinder

as pretty as her mom.

words, but that’s how Layla sees it.

Will pulls out Layla’s chair, pats the seat of it. “Sit,” he says, When her mother got sick, Layla was behaving badly. She grew

and when she does, he says, “Great dinner, babe,” and while

to believe her mother’s illness was God’s way of punishing Layla

Layla wishes he’d say something more profound, she decides

for her various sins. And even though she believed she held her

it’s enough.

mother’s life in her hands, she couldn’t stop. The guy’s name was Reggie, twelve years older, smooth-talking, sly. She’d come

And then Abigail says, “Hey, Grandpa, tell us what Mom was

from his house the morning her mother died. If she’d stayed

like when she was a kid. Did she ever ditch school or sneak out

home, she’d have gotten her dad’s call. She would have been

at night?” and Layla’s dad says, “Did she ever!”

there for the last moments of her mother’s life.

Evan and Abe laugh, and Layla’s dad starts a story that will save She has yet to tell this part of her story to the therapist, or to

Thanksgiving, that will start to put this family back together.

anybody else for that matter. She feels as if saying this out loud

And right then, Louise lays her hand atop Layla’s for just a

will open a cavern in her, will swallow her up from the inside out,

second, for exactly long enough for two motherless girls to see

but at this moment, she realizes the landslide has already begun.

inside each other, right down to the space where their shattered hearts connect.

Abigail is the first to take the bowl and scoop out a spoonful of fruit salad. She passes the bowl to Evan and Abe, who each take helpings. Will is next. His plate is half-full of the stuff when he’s finished dishing it out. Louise takes a helping, the pink fluff bright against the white plate, and then dumps even more onto Layla’s dad’s plate.

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Sneak Peek

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017 Enjoy this sneak peek into Holiday Gifts for 2017, then check back in December for more local gift ideas from some of our favorite merchants!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Beauty through Health 8500 South 36th Terrace, Fort Smith 479.648.1800 BeautyThroughHealth.com The holidays are rapidly approaching, and we have become increasingly busy. How do we get it all done and find the gifts that will mean something? At Beauty Through Health, we have recently added a new nutritional program, ThermiTight, and ping be a burden, give the gift of beauty and health. They will feel amazing, and you will get to enjoy those you love longer! Giving the gift of health is truly the best gift you can ever give. Call us for information on our gift certificates and special holiday packages.

We live in a noisy world. As a result, hearing loss in every generation is increasing at an alarming rate. The doctors of audiology at Center for Hearing urge everyone to be conscious of the sounds around them. It’s a good idea to carry some form of ear protection for those unexpected situations when sound levels are extreme. We keep foam earplugs and hand them out FREE to anyone who drops by, and we encourage everyone to protect their hearing. For the concert goers, hunters and gun enthusiasts, we offer custom, stateof-the-art hearing protection. Some even have automatic impulse noise protection and enhanced wind noise reduction.

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of course, the amazing Silhouette InstaLift. Don't let shop-

4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 15, Fort Smith 479.785.3277 centerforhearing.net

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Did you know Farmers Coop is your one-stop shop for all

you a

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Farmers Coop 479.474.6622 todayscoop.com your holiday gift-giving needs? We're much more than just farm supplies and equipment! Farmers Coop carries fun toys for the little ones, and even a large selection of food, toys, and unique items to keep your furry, four-legged friends warm and content. For those on your list who love the outdoors, check out our selection of Muck boots, Noble Equine gloves, Boker knives, and Yeti products. We even have gifts for sports fans, bird-watchers, and gardeners.

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63 South 6th Street, Fort Smith 817.676.4104 fortsmithpopcorn.com At Fort Smith Popcorn Co., we are professional popcorn delivery experts. This Christmas season, we will deliver in elf costumes! It will be super fun! Have our Christmas elf delivery driver hand deliver your corporate holiday gift tins this year!

Our tins include free delivery! 2 gallons - $20; 3.5 gallons $30; 6.5 gallons - $40. Message us on Facebook

5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 479.452.2140 johnmaysjewelers.com It’s almost holiday time, and that means it’s time to sparkle and shine. What better way to show off that new outfit or hairstyle this season than to accent your perfect look with “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond” from Hearts On Fire, from John Mays Jewelers! Stacking modern bangles and contemporary bracelets are all the rage. Try something new this season with a funky new ring or pendant. Sometimes different is good, and everyone likes to be a trendsetter.

Whether it’s white or yellow gold, make a statement and

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9220 Highway 71 South, Suite 5, Fort Smith 479.755.6656 mkosmo.com We’re passionate about the services we offer and their ability to help people become the best version of themselves. This season, give a friend or loved one the gift of self-esteem with a gift certificate to M-Kosmo. Whether it’s the concerning hair loss, their aging appearance, or a few extra pounds they’ve mentioned, a gift certificate to M-Kosmo says “I heard you.” Or, why not gift yourself this year and finally make that appointment for a no pressure free consultation with our specialty trained MD. All

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5401 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith 479.783.8013 sodiesliquor.com Sodie’s Wine & Spirits is a gift-giving slam dunk! Swing by to shop the largest selection of wine, beer and spirits (plus accessories) in the area. Whether you’re looking for a nice bottle of wine, a mix-and-match six-pack of beer, or a holiday gift set that pairs favorite spirits with mugs, glasses or tumblers, we’re confident you’ll find the gifts they’ll love. And don’t worry, if you just can’t choose from all our wonderful products, we have gift cards too! Stop by Sodie’s off I-540 & Leigh Avenue, for the best shopping experience you’ll have all season.

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Read Chair Publishing, LLC 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110 Fort Smith, AR 72903