Voice Magazine for Women 0520

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Ideas to Make Mother’s Day Special Spring Into Action • Yard Clean-Up • Make a Victory Garden

Fashion Norm: Face Masks

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May 2020 | Volume 17 | Issue 5

May Hot Hunk Hunt!

The April “Hot Hunk” was Tom Hanks on page 28 in the Macaroni Kid ad.

Dr. Anthony Fauci Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!

Congratulations to: Belinda Blevins Damascus, VA as the winner in the April Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: July Hot Hunk Email:

The New Norm in Fashion 5

Make Mother’s Day Special

Ideas for a Victory Garden

Mother’s Day Ideas

VoiceMale

Secrets of a Centenarian

Being Humble

6

Hunt!

The April “Hot Hunk” was Robert Downey Jr. on page 31.

HOT HUNK LOCATION:

7

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is May 20, 2020.

PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD As the selected winner, you must contact Voice Magazine for Women at 423-926-9983 within 90 days to claim and receive your prize. After 90 days, winning becomes null and void and the prize cannot be claimed.

Pam Blair 8

Katina Rose 15

A Different Kind of Mother Deana Landers 9

SPECIAL OFFER

April Hensley 13

Ken Heath 14

Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

Mail this submission form to: Voice Magazine P.O. Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605

Yard Clean-Up

Sheila Wandell, State Farm 10

Route 66

Nancy Binder 16

Jan-Carol Publishing New Releases 18

Local Business Advertising Special Do you have a favorite local business you’re missing right now, during this time of social distancing? Want to show them that you’re thinking about their company and the joy they bring?

Gift your favorite business an ad in Voice Magazine for Women!

For the month of May, you can purchase an oversized business card ad for your favorite business to be featured in Voice Magazine for Women in June (or when they reopen)! This is a great way to help your favorite businesses maintain an audience during a time when they may be seeing little to no traffic. Gifting them with an ad is also a great way to show appreciation for your chosen business, business owners, and employees. By participating you are supporting two local businesses at the same time—your favorite magazine and your favorite business.

Purchase an ad for just $20.00 and we’ll notify your selected business of the gift they’ve been given! Email publisher@jancarolpublishing.com with questions or to purchase.

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JCP Featured Books 20

YW Cares 23

Peace Behind the Paw Cindy Sproles 26

Allergy/Asthma Awareness 25

Mother’s Day Recipes 27

Celebrating Moms and Teachers Amanda Hollifield 28

voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 3

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From the EDITOR

M

other’s Day this is year takes on a ‘new normal’ with the Covid-19 pandemic.

It may mean family time shared from a distance and afar. With mothers living in assisted living facilities and other medical quarantine environments, it is difficult to accept not being able to visit them. So, where does this leave us? It leaves us with being creative, determined, and finding hope in the unknown. Does that mean we take the risk by slowly opening up our country for business as usual?

Things may never be ‘as usual’ again. But ‘as usual’ we will continue to take risks every day. We just don’t concentrate on those risks; driving the car to work; getting on an airplane; going on vacation, and meeting different people. The common denominator for safety in all risk-taking is practicing common sense. This virus is a killer and is our enemy! It is a Russian Roulette game with our lives if we do not practice precaution. Think of yourself and others!

Many of you have asked about JCP and how we are doing. Thank you for asking! Business is almost ‘as usual.’ We are working mostly from home, and our work continues. Thanks to you, our readers and supporters, JCP book sales have increased. You can still shop and buy locally by purchasing JCP books online through www.jancarolpublishing.com, Amazon, KOBO, and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase through Amazon, be sure to share a review! Sign up to receive our newsletters each month offering select book specials and more. JCP offers children’s books, historical fiction, romance, cozy mysteries, and much more!

Voice Magazine for Women continues to be the best women’s magazine in the region with your support. Thank you! Our online readership continues to grow! As a small business helping other small businesses, we need your support to do this.

We are offering an opportunity for you to help local small businesses advertise in the magazine. See page 3 and find out you can support us and your favorite local business at the same time!

From all of us to all of you—Stay Healthy—Stay Safe—and Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for your never ending support!

Verse of the Month: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 King James Version (KJV) Thought of the month: “Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.” —Margaret Thatcher

“ every story needs a book”

voicemagazineforwomen.com • jancarolpublishing.com Serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia!

PUBLISHER Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 EDITOR Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com MAY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Nancy Binder Pam Blair

Ken Heath Amanda Hollifield Sheila Wandell

Katina Rose Deana Landers Jan Howery

TLC PUBLISHER/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nancy Williams nancywilliams@thelauruscompany.com SALES Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 OFFICE Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com Cheryl Allen - Typesetting Assistant Chanie Garner - Project Editor DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff JCP Internships Available PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 17, Issue 5)

Here’s wishing a very special Happy Mother’s Day to a very special lady–My Mother!

While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the published material, Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. / Voice Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions or facts provided by its authors, advertisers or agencies. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission. Agencies, Advertisers and other contributors will indemnify and hold the publisher harmless for any loss or expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism and/or copyright infringement. The views expressed in Voice Magazine for Women are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2020 EDITORIAL MISSION: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

Janie C. Jessee, Editor

4 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

The New Norm in Fashion

By Jan Howery

W

ith the coronavirus pandemic quickly spreading, U.S. health officials have changed their advice on face masks and now recommend people wear cloth masks in public areas where social distancing can be difficult, such as grocery stores. Some cities have gone as far as setting fines for failing to wear a mask. In Laredo, Texas, anyone over the age of five who walks into a store or takes public transit without their mouth and nose covered by a mask or bandana could now be fined up to $1,000. These new measures are designed to “flatten the curve,” or slow the spread of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.

The surgical masks that doctors and nurses typically wear are designed for one-time use, while cloth masks used by the general public would likely be washed, which raises another concern. A study from Nepal on cloth masks designed to protect wearers from larger particles, such as pollution or pollen, found that washing and drying practices deteriorate a mask’s efficiency because they damage the cloth material.

But, it is clear that urgent research is needed on the best material suitable for universal masks, their storage and care, or the creation of proper reusable masks for the public. It is a low-risk intervention to cover the mouth and nose that can assist in reducing the spread of this terrible illness. It could even remind people not to touch their faces after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.

So who is to say we can’t look good and have fun in practicing this preventive step?

How to make a no-sew mask: The first at-home, no-sew, coronavirus mask option utilizes a scarf as the main material. Take one of one of your scarves or bandanas, the preferred length is 18 passionatepennypincher.com inches by 18 inches (you can cut it if you have one that is bigger than that), and two hair ties or rubber bands—that’s it!

Gather up your materials and start by laying the scarf face down on a flat surface. Fold the top half down to the midline, and then fold the bottom half up to the midline, too. Flip it over, seams facing down. Fold the top half to the midline again so that the seams are down, then fold the bottom half up to the midline again. Flip it over so the seams are facing up.

Loop the hair ties over each end, then fold the outer sides to the middle. Flip it over and loop the hair ties over each of your ears. The mask should cover your mouth and nose entirely.

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www.lavellemanufacturing.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 5

M

other’s Day is a great time of year to honor mothers and attempt to give back just a portion of the tireless love and devotion moms offer their children.

Some children provide large gestures, while others feel it’s the little things that can help a mom to feel appreciated. For those needing a little inspiration on treating their mothers in special ways, consider these ideas.

• Make mom a breakfast in bed with her favorite morning treats.

• Enjoy a movie at home with mom. Let her pick the flick and share her favorite film with you.

• Agree to not bicker for the entire day, especially if you are prone to getting into arguments with siblings.

• Put together a collage of photos from moments you have shared with mom or your family.

• Cook a meal together and learn about everyone’s favorite recipes or the family history.

• Give her a locket with your photo inside and have a duplicate you can wear containing her photo.

• Customize a coffee mug, tote bag, or a blanket with a meaningful sentiment or photo.

• Treat mom to a day off from her chores. Tackle all of the jobs she normally does for the family.

• Bake a delicious dessert that mom will absolutely devour.

• Pamper mom with a gift card for her favorite nail salon or massage therapy location.

• Prepare a jar of mom’s favorite candies wrapped in pieces of paper that have loving sentiments written on them.

• Compile a playlist of songs and artists mom prefers and download them to her phone.

• Begin a charm bracelet tradition by purchasing a charm bracelet and a new charm each year that represents a meaningful memory you both shared.

• Write a new email each day with an inspirational quote or special words of love for mom.

6 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

• Tackle a task that she may not want to do herself, such as washing the exterior of her car and vacuuming the interior.

Mother’s Day gift ideas should come from the heart and can show mothers near and far how much they are appreciated and loved.

Mother’s Day Poem Contributed by Sheila Wandell

Mother’s Day Ideas for Moms from all Walks of Life

M

other’s Day is a celebration of women who devote so much of their effort and energy to their families. Celebrating Mom on Mother’s Day lets her know all of her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Mothers may perform similar tasks, but no two moms are the same. Finding ways to celebrate Mom’s uniqueness can make the day that much more meaningful and memorable.

The Crafter

Mothers who are avid crafters may enjoy a craft-themed Mother’s Day. A family crafting project can make for a fun afternoon and produce mementos that Mom will cherish for years to come. Dads and kids can plan the project in advance without Mom’s knowledge, arranging all of the materials ahead of time and setting up the crafting station the night before or while Mom is relaxing on Mother’s Day morning.

Kids can even get a head start on the day by making their own craft for Mom and giving it to her as a Mother’s Day present. Dads can keep the craft theme going at dinner and get a laugh out of Mom by pouring her a craft beer when dinner is served.

The Reader

Outdoor Foundation found that 46 percent of people who participated in outdoor activities were women. If Mom is a nature enthusiast, families can plan a Mother’s Day enjoying the great outdoors, even giving Mom a new fishing pole, hiking gear or other items that align with her favorite nature activity.

The Relaxation Specialist

Of course, some mothers may want to simply unwind with a relaxing morning at the spa on Mother’s Day. In fact, the 2018 U.S. Spa Industry Study found that the spa industry has enjoyed seven consecutive years of consistent growth, with more than 187 billion spa visits in 2017 alone. A relaxing morning at the spa can be the perfect way for moms to begin Mother’s Day before they enjoy a brunch of dinner out with their families.

Mother’s Day celebrations can be as unique as the women being celebrated.

A 2017 survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that women read more than men. Women read an average of 19.8 minutes per day, which can make a Mother’s Day focused on Mom’s love of books an ideal and unique way to spend the day. Kids can write Mom their own books, and Dad can help put them together. Dads can visit rare bookstores and look for original copies of Mom’s favorite books that she might not find elsewhere. Visit www.jancarolpublishing.com for books of all genres!

The Nature Lover

Fishing and other outdoor activities might have a reputation as predominantly male hobbies, but studies show that’s not really the case. A 2016 report from the voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 7

Secrets of a Centenarian Lessons my Grandmother Taught Me

By Pam Blair

A

ccording to a Forbes.com report, one in 26 baby boomers could live to be 100. My maternal grandmother lived to the astonishing age of 107. I like to mention her remarkable age in casual conversation about aging, as it usually amazes people. “Did you say 107?” Born in 1897, she lived in three centuries, an accomplishment that few can claim. What was her secret for longevity and how can we learn from her? When you have lived that long, there are secrets to be shared.

1. Have a positive outlook on life. When I have a cold or minor aches and pains, I think about a time when I called my grandmother and she was coughing and sniffling. “You sound like you have a cold, are you okay?” She replied, “Oh, it’s nothing, dear. Now tell me, what’s new?” We learned that she had a breast removed in her mid-50’s, but she didn’t know if it was cancerous or not, and never received any treatment or reconstruction.

The event didn’t seem to faze her. “I just stuff some tissue in [my bra] and I don’t even think about it.”

2. Turn the page. My siblings and I enjoyed upbeat conversations with her on a variety of topics, usually during a game of gin rummy, which she typically won. But if we ever spoke of something negative, she would think about it for a few moments and then shake her head slightly.

“Oh, let’s turn the page. There’s nothing we can do about it.” The lesson has lingered: handle what you can and don’t obsess about the rest.

3. Find strength in faith, family, and friends. I remember going to Catholic Mass with my grandmother when the service was still conducted in Latin. Her faith was rock-solid and family and friends were paramount in her life. We were lucky enough to meet one of her lifelong friends who told a story about a birthday party they had attended in 1905! My grandmother outlived her husband by decades and eventually all of her friends passed away, but she doted on her family and especially her grandchildren. If she was lonely we never knew it, although she did wish for “a nice gentleman friend with whom to share a meal.”

4. Let your inner child out to play. She had a great sense of humor and if something especially good happened, she would proclaim, “Hooray for us!” One evening as we cleared the supper dishes together, we chased peas that refused to go down the kitchen drain, laughing the whole time. She found mischief in unusual places, like giving a few mock karate chops to the hand dryer in a public restroom, turning her hands this way and that while giving the machine a fierce look.

8 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

8 Top Secrets for Longevity 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Have a positive outlook on life Turn the page Find strength in faith, family, and friends Let your inner child out to play Have a sense of purpose Keep moving Never discuss age, religion, or politics Take care of yourself

5. Have a sense of purpose. Many centenarians tend a garden or have pets who keep them company. My grandmother always had at least one cat and her favorite was a Siamese named Sam, who was very vocal and often spoke his mind. I would marvel at her African violets, which were lovingly tended and beautiful to behold. She loved to watch the news to keep up with current events and I can still see her sitting at her desk, reading the daily newspaper.

6. Keep moving. Early one morning on an overnight visit, I walked by her bedroom and saw her lying in bed, legs raised in the air and pedaling like she was riding a bicycle. She told me she also liked to stretch before getting out of bed. Her house was aged and worn, with a steep flight of stairs that would challenge the most physically fit, but she climbed them daily. She found other ways to keep moving by walking on her little patio as she watched the birds and admired the flowers that gave her great enjoyment each day.

7. Never discuss age, religion or politics. On her 100th birthday, my brother, sister and I took her out to lunch. She radiated with light and energy as she gave the waiter her order. “I’ll have a Manhattan, straight up, and nothing else.” My brother leaned in, “Oh, no, young lady. You’re eating something, because I can’t carry you out of here.” Fearing she might spill food on her snowy white blouse, she sipped her Manhattan with a cocktail straw and carefully nibbled her favorite fried clams. I was sitting next to her and she gave me a nudge.

“Do you know how old I am?” I smiled and told her I didn’t know.

“I’m 100 years old,” she whispered. In all the years we had known her, she had always declared, “I never discuss age, religion, or politics.” It was excellent, timeless advice. Still, we would often tease her by asking, “How old are you?” Until that day, her standard reply had always been the same. “Why, I’m 39, of course.”

8. Take care of yourself. As we finished her birthday meal, I noticed her reaching for something in her pocket. She pulled out a tiny lipstick and daintily dabbed at her lips. I marveled to myself; how sweet that vanity was still important to her. Now I dab a little lipstick on my lips after meals, and hope I’m still doing that when I am 100 years old. As Andy Rooney once said, “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.”

{

Pam Blair is a former medical librarian and communications manager who gets nervous when she doesn’t have something to read. She loves descriptive writing and has authored and edited a book and numerous other publications. Contact her at pblair919@aol.com.

A Different Kind of Mother

By Deana Landers, Morningcoffeebeans.com

R

osie knelt down, felt the pecans in the grass, and then crawled around on the ground collecting them and depositing them in her bucket. She was legally blind, and couldn’t see the nuts when she was standing. Her vision, which had been damaged by scar tissue as a child, was clear enough to make out objects, but she had to get very close to see the details.

When she held the pecans in her hand, she used her sense of touch to tell the difference between the good ones and the bad ones. She could feel if there was a tiny insect hole or if they were too tool light, indicating decay inside.

There were usually two buckets beside her: one for the Western Scheleys and the other for the Stuart Papershell variety that fell from the 11 pecan trees in our backyard.

When we came home from school, we all pitched in to help her. It was an important time of the year for us, because the money made from late October to December harvesting pecans bought Christmas for us.

Rosie was my sister-in-law. She and my oldest brother opened their home for my younger brother and me after our mother died. She was 26 and I was 13. She had three children ages 5 and under.

The first meal I had in her home was beef stew, macaroni and cheese with homemade biscuits, and banana pudding with sweet tea.

She listened to my problems, helped me with my homework, helped me overcome my shyness, and bought me new dresses to wear to school.

I was the typical teenager who didn’t help out enough around the house, but I helped her see. When someone spoke or waved to us from a distance, I would say, “Rosie, wave, it’s Mr. or Ms. whoever.” She would throw up her hand, look in the direction of the voice, and wave as though she could see them.

I learned to make cakes in her oven, remodeled an upstairs room for a home economics project, and graduated from high school with her and my brother proudly standing close by.

When I had a problem, I talked it over with her. When my brother picked out her gifts, I made sure he knew what she was hoping for.

She could have just been a sister-in-law tolerating her husband’s siblings for the sake of their marriage, but she was a friend and treated me as though I was a daughter. She understood why I cried on Mother’s Day and couldn’t help read the Mother’s Day cards she picked out for her own mother.

When it came time for my wedding, she and my brother applied for their first credit card so they could pay the expenses.

When we moved away and had our first child, she comforted my husband on the phone during the long labor.

Today her vision is much worse. She lives alone in the same big old southern plantation home that she and my brother bought when they first got married. He died a few years ago.

For a long time after her husband died she continued to get on her hands and knees to pick up pecans in the fall.

She would use the money to buy Christmas presents for the grandchildren and to keep the house fixed up.

I look for a special Mother’s Day card every year, one that says thank you for being there for me, for helping me to grow up, and for loving me, even today, the way a mother loves her children.

{

Deana Landers, a retired nurse and health educator, is Christian speaker who strives to educate and encourage. She may be contacted at dlanders1511@gmail. com or 276-780-7355. Visit her website at morningcoffeebeans.com.

We Asked our Facebook Fans:

Tell us Mom’s advice, what makes your mom special, or about a favorite memory.

Linda Stewart: My mom always told me “always do what you KNOW is right, even if others oppose you.

Don’t give in. It is the only way you will be able to sleep at night.”

Pam Rhea: We didn’t have too much growing up, we were farm kids. My mom had chickens and sold eggs each week. Instead of spending the egg money on herself, she would buy my brother and I something special like pizza, ice cream, or something for a special meal. Our mom gave so much to us and still does every day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 9

Spring Into Action With Yard Clean-Up Precautions and Safety Tips to Take When Cleaning the Yard

Contributed by Sheila Wandell CLU, Agent, State Farm

Yard Work Safety Tips

Blue skies, chirping birds, warming temperatures—April is prime time for getting home exteriors, yards, and gardens back into shape. A home maintenance routine can help your house operate more efficiently. Before you get started on your outdoor to-do list, make sure you take appropriate safety precautions.

Dress for Yard Cleaning

Wear protective footwear. Wear shoes or boots, not sandals, to protect your toes.

Wear properly fitting gloves. This improves your grip on tools and also help keeps skin safe from blisters, sunburn, bug bites, poisonous plants and chemicals.

Wear hearing protection when using loud equipment.

Wear safety glasses to keep flying objects out of your eyes.

Apply bug spray to keep pests away.

Shower after use to remove the chemicals from your skin. And while you’re at it, take a minute to look for ticks. If you find one, gently pull it out with tweezers.

Apply sunscreen or skin products with SPF to any exposed skin to prevent sunburn. Don’t be fooled by cloudy days; you can still get a sunburn.

Work Smart

Stretch your body. Take time to stretch and warm up before the work begins. Weeding, trimming and raking are repetitive motions—change your posture or stance every few minutes and switch activities every 30 minutes.

Lift things carefully and safely. Lift properly by bending at the knees and hips and using leg power rather than bending at the waist and putting the strain on your back. Instead of carrying heavy or unwieldy loads, employ a cart or wheelbarrow.

Drink water and take breaks in the shade. Even if it’s not hot or humid, yard work is exercise, and staying hydrated is important to avoid heat-related illness.

Don’t use power tools under the influence. The same rules that apply to vehicles apply to power tools, including lawn mowers. Say no to distractions and anything that might cloud judgment.

Ready the Tools

Familiarize yourself with power tools and how they work. Read owner’s manuals (many are available online) and know about various switches, modes, and required maintenance.

Check cords on tools and extension cords. Look for cuts, cracks, and frayed wires and do not use them if damaged.

10 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Also check the label to make sure you don’t use an indoor extension cord outside.

Make sure tools are in the “off” position before plugging them in or unplugging.

Use ladders safely. Set ladders on a firm, level surface; never stand on one of the top three rungs; and use a utility belt to hold tools so you can properly climb facing the ladder.

Call 811 before you dig. This notifies local utilities to check your property before you plant a tree, dig a trench, or set fence posts.

Protect Loved Ones

Watch out for children and pets. Be sure children and pets are inside (or well supervised if out) while you work.

Securely store tools and equipment.

Store sharp tools, weed killer, fertilizer and other dangerous items in a locked cabinet out of reach of curious hands and mouths.

Educate and supervise kids with equipment. Before allowing any child to operate a mower, sound judgment, strength, coordination, and maturity are necessary. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should have these characteristics and be at least 12 years old before operating any type of mower— and at least 16 years old to operate a riding mower.

Turn your New House into a Home

H

istorically low mortgage interest rates are helping to drive a new wave of home sales. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates roughly 14 percent of the population, or around 40 million people, move every year for various reasons.

People relocate for various reasons. After moving into a new house, it can take some effort to turn that house into a true home and feel comfortable in your new environs. These steps can help that process along.

• Create at least one complete and serene space.

Focus on setting up the bedroom so you can retreat at the end of the day. Invest in new furniture or get new bedding to give the room this comforting feeling.

• Create an organizational plan. It can be tempting to want to throw everything in closets and unpack quickly, but give yourself time to fully analyze where you want to store items, where you may need to paint or reconfigure spaces, as well as any home improvements you want to make before taking out all of your stuff. When you fully unpack, you can immediately enjoy your hard work.

• Hang artwork. Hang a few select pieces of artwork or family photos shortly after moving in. Surround yourself with things that make you feel good.

• Bring mementos. Your first home may bring about warm feelings. While you can’t recreate it entirely, you can use a piece of furniture or a few family heirlooms to make your new space feel homey.

• Rely on familiar scents. Break in the new space with familiar aromas, whether it’s preferential air fresheners, scented candles or baking your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Moving into a new home can be exciting. Certain touches can help make the new space feel more like home.

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Improve Soil Quality for a Better Lawn Remove thatch Aerate A

lush, green lawn can vastly improve a home’s curb appeal.

Thick, healthy grass indicates that homeowners care enough about their properties to invest the time, effort, and money to make them beautiful.

The quality of the soil is essential whether one is growing acres of grass, potted plants, or vegetable garden beds. No matter which type of soil a homeowner is working with, there are various ways to make it better.

Thatch is a tightly knotted layer of leaves, grass roots, stems, and other debris that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. Too much thatch can hinder the movement of water, air and nutrients into the soil A half-inch of thatch is normal. If thatch gets too thick, it will need to be removed. The home improvement resource DIY Network says dethatching can take place in the summer, fall and winter using a thatching rake.

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A lawn aerator will create holes in the soil. This can improve drainage and encourage worms and helpful microorganisms that require oxygen to thrive in the soil. The Briggs & Stratton Company says the best time to aerate a lawn is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in any holes, such as spring and fall. Aeration can help develop deeper grass roots for a healthier lawn.

Test and amend soil

A great lawn has loamy soil, which has a key ratio of clay, silt and sand.

The home improvement site BobVila. com says loamy soil should have equal parts sand and silt and half as much clay. If the lawn is not yet established, loamy soil can be created and then the grass seeds planted. For established soil, after removing thatch and aerating, top-dressing the lawn can help.

This involves adding a thin layer of soil over the lawn. It can improve the soil without killing the existing turf.

Ideally, it should be done in early fall or spring, as this gives the grass time to grow through three to four more mowings before severe heat or cold sets in.

Healthy soil is vital to a lush lawn.

It takes a little work, but improving soil can create vibrant, healthy, green grass.

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The size of your lawn and the frequency of mowing will dictate how often you should sharpen or replace your blade.

Take a look at a grass blade after mowing. If it’s shredded or frayed, it’s time to sharpen up.

Ideas for a Victory Garden

D

By April Hensley

uring this time in our world’s history we will always be remembered for how we handled this crisis. We put vulnerable people ahead of our own needs to protect their health.

Staying at home has become a rallying cry to defeat an invisible enemy. Shortages of food and toiletries have shown us how common products can quickly become luxuries. Eventually when this is over most lives will go back to normal, but hopefully, we will always show a new appreciation for simple things.

We may want to change to become more self-sufficient for our food supply also. During World War II there were Victory Gardens that helped the country sustain itself while food was being sent to the troops and our allies in need. Food was in short supply or rationed. Country and city folk alike planted fruits and vegetables to do their part and to provide for their families and neighbors. Lots of preserving was done to keep pantries stocked.

Due to subdivision restrictions and small lots, people living in certain areas may feel they don’t have a place to grow a garden. But there are lots of different types of gardening now for all types of circumstances. Read on for some ideas to create your own Victory Garden.

• Miniature versions of common plants like tomatoes and raspberries grow great in sturdy pots on your porch, patio, or deck and are colorful and decorative.

• Cabbage and pepper plants will add brilliant color to flower beds around your house.

• Raised growing beds help pack more plants into less growing space. If you are short on room, place beds out of the way near fences and property lines.

• If you have a physical disability that makes bending or kneeling difficult or impossible, there are raised growing beds made especially for you.

They can be placed in the yard or your outdoor living space. It also gives accessibility to those using walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs.

• Strawberries, beans, and leaf lettuce look lovely in hanging baskets in sunny spots. Red and yellow cherry tomatoes create a beautiful cascade from hanging baskets.

• Herbs are often more colorful and smell better than their flower cousins. Mix in with bulbs and

flowers in beds or reserve a growing spot near your kitchen just for herbs.

• Root vegetables like radishes and potatoes growing hidden away under the soil grow great in everything from pots to buckets to raised beds.

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April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer, and greenhouse hobbyist. April loves the outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached at aprils1105@embarqmail.com.

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Voicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

Wear Out “We must all either wear out or rust out, every one of us. My choice is to wear out.”

— Theodore Roosevelt

I

n one of my email blasts this Saturday morning, the author told the life story of one of my heroes, the ol’ Bull Moose himself, Teddy Roosevelt, and it started me thinking.

I’ve slowed down thanks to a worn out hip, torn meniscus, and ripped hamstring. But, like TR, I’m not down for the count. Not by a long shot.

“At the beginning of his life, few would have predicted that Theodore Roosevelt even had a choice in the matter. He was sickly and fragile, doted on by worried parents. Then, a conversation with his father sent him driven, almost maniacally in the other direction. “I will make my body,” he said, when told that he would not go far in this world with a brilliant mind in a frail body. What followed was a montage of boxing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, swimming, boldly charging enemy fire, and then a grueling work pace as one of the most prolific and admired presidents in Ameri-

14 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

can history. Again, this epigram was prophetic for Roosevelt, because at only 54 years old, his body began to wear out. An assassination attempt left a bullet lodged in his body and it hastened his rheumatoid arthritis. On his famous “River of Doubt” expedition he developed a tropical fever, and the toxins from an infection in his leg left him nearly dead. Back in America he contracted a severe throat infection and was later diagnosed with inflammatory rheumatism, which temporarily confined him to a wheelchair (saying famously, “All right! I can work that way too!”), and then he died at age 60.

But there is not a person on the planet who would say that he had not made a fair trade, that he had not worn his life well and not lived a full one in those 60 years.”

The choice is ours. The time is now. Are we to rust out or to wear out? Our crucible is here, my friends. Let us rise to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Let us be responsible.

Let us be compassionate. Let us be the tip of spear, leading the way into, through, and past this storm. Let us be diligent in our preparation, steadfast in our faith, and resilient in our recovery.

Let us wear out.

{

Ken Heath is a Marion, VA hometown boy who expresses his passions in his writings and through music. After his ‘real job’, Ken is owner of the legendary Cliffside Roadhouse, doggie dad to Miss Reagan and their rescue Scottie the Wonder Dog with his wonderful wife, and a professional mobile DJ with Bow Tie Pro Music and Sound. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

“Virginia's Most Awarded DJ Service”

(276) 759-1102 | www.kenheath.com

It’s Raining Again

By Jim Liebelt

“And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” Matthew 7:25 KJV Interpretation “The rains came down, the streams rose, the winds blew and beat against the house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 KJV

I

have a friend who I talk with on the phone regularly. He always reports in, “It’s 75 degrees and sunny here.” He lives in California and it’s always the same report. During my decade of living in Washington State, I would often reply, “It’s 50 and raining.

Again.” At the time I lived in Olympia, WA where annually the climate averages 164 days of rain, 229 predominantly cloudy days, and only 52 mostly sunny days each year. Ducks and fish

Being Humble

By Katina Rose

T

he word humble, or humbleness, keeps coming up in different aspects of my life, and I started thinking about what it looks like in various environments around me. A few definitions of humble are “having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance” or “not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive.”

Even though it’s challenging to be humble in this self-proclaiming world, I believe this time period of changed routines and keeping a distance from others has brought to light our humanity in humbleness, and possibly made us more aware of our similarities in being stronger together.

Do you know anyone who exhibits the trait of humbleness? When was the last time you felt you took a humble approach to a situation or with those around you? Over the years, I’ve met a few people who come to mind when I think about this definition. In my experience, they have a quiet confidence about them. They are positive and uplifting in words, and usually get the job done successfully without drawing attention to their part of the contribution. In my opinion, it’s refreshing to meet people who can consistently maintain humble attributes while striving ahead in their career field, hobbies, or while showcasing their natural

seemed happy there, but my mood often matched the cloudy and damp weather.

I am reminded that somewhere, everywhere, people are experiencing rainy seasons not made of weather, but of life and soul.

Life isn’t working out the way they had hoped. The storms of life have poured pain and despair, and the forecast isn’t changing.

Prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, unheeded.

Jesus implies that the storms of life are inevitable. We all experience these seasons. While we can’t change the “weather,” we can be prepared to handle the rainy seasons of the heart that come our way.

Jesus said that we weather the storms of life by listening to what He commands and by obeying Him. He likened this to a house being built on a rock instead of on sand. He said that those who follow Him in this way are wise. By contrast, those who do not, Jesus calls foolish. This is simple, and yet profound. It is Christ-following 101.

Further, even if we aren’t the ones being rained on, we can come alongside those who are through our prayer, encouragement, and support. We can make a difference in their lives through our involvement. It may not seem like much, but to those who are struggling; it’s like giving the gift of sunshine on a rainy day, to know that they do not face hardships alone.

Today, wherever you find yourself, remember that for someone, it’s raining again. Your response to Jesus and to others can bring a ray of sunshine into the face of the storm.

artistic abilities. While it’s wonderful to celebrate with others and share in their highlights, it’s also refreshing to sit with someone and have a modest, casual conversation, only to realize they have a humble heart to serve others in the middle of accomplishments and successes.

Another question for thought around this word is how do we teach our children to be humble? Our society loves to shout out every praise, and as a parent I’m completely guilty for exclaiming and pointing out my children’s accomplishments. We cheer with our children and want to encourage them to achieve and succeed, but when is that line crossed and we start creating a boastful, overly confident young adult? In reality, I think staying humble can become a struggle for many young adults, and it’s even harder to paint a picture of how that definition exactly looks for our children and relate it in a biblical sense.

These are all questions to think about, and while it may look different to different people, I believe that being aware of our humbleness can open up our eyes to the emotional level other people are on, or help peel away the layers to better understand the people we come into contact with on a daily basis. It seems that being humble can be an extension of love to people around us. I believe in our humbleness we can exalt others to reach their potential by being real and authentic in sharing grace and experiences. How can you share the spirit of humbleness today?

{

Katina Rose is a mother and a fan of traveling, food, fitness, and good books.

Rose lives by faith, hope, and prayer. She is the Program Development and Tech Manager at Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency. Contact her at katinarose71@gmail.com. voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 15

The Mother Road Article and Photographs

By Nancy Binder

R

oute 66 has always had an allure of freedom and excitement. Commissioned in 1926, it became the first paved road to connect Chicago and Los Angeles. It served the country well until the 1950s when President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law the bill that created the interstate highway system, creating four lane superhighways for high speed traffic and bypassing towns. Some of Route 66 was paved over incorporating it into the interstate and other parts were left to local traffic and deteriorated. It was decommissioned as a U.S. Highway in 1985.

Route 66 received its moniker, “The Mother Road” from John Steinbeck who used that term in his 1939 novel, The Grapes of Wrath. People fleeing the dustbowl used Route 66 to take them to California, where they hoped to find a better life.

Nat King Cole had a hit record in the 1940s, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” The lyrics enumerate some of the towns along the route and suggest that you will have a great time traveling the 2400+ miles on it. In the early 1960s, there was a hit TV show called “Route 66” where two handsome and adventurous young men driving a blue Corvette convertible traveled along 66, encountering interesting people and exciting situations. All of this prompted my desire for an adventure on the mother road. In the late 1960s we made our first foray along the road.

Following the road at that time was not difficult as it was still a national road. Today it is not quite as easy. Many of the states have put up historical Route 66 signs, but deterioration and theft of the signs has made it more of a challenge. There are many guide books available which make it easier.

Route 66 passes through 8 states with Kansas having only Historic Route 66 Sign, 13 miles of highway but the best Missouri

16 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, AZ

marked road. There are many sights to see, some of them quirky and others outstanding landscapes. I have made a number of trips on various parts of Route 66 and here are some of the fun places to stop.

In Foyil, Oklahoma Ed Galloway created a Totem Pole Park on his property. His masterpiece is a 90 foot tall concrete totem pole with about 200 bas-relief images of Native American animal figures and symbols, which he constructed between 1937 and 1948. At its base the totem pole is 30 feet wide and sits on the back of a turtle which refers to a Native American creation story. Many other smaller totems are located in the park. Mr. Galloway died in 1962 and the park fell into disrepair.

In the 1990s extensive restoration was done. continued on next page

Blue Whale, Catoosa, OK

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX

Not far from there in Catoosa, OK is Hugh In Holbrook, Arizona the distinctive Davis’ surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, WigWam Motel was built in 1950 by Chester who collected whale figurines. A large blue whale Lewis. He first saw the original WigWam Village was built on a spring-fed pond in the early 1970s as built and patented by Frank Redford in 1938 in a family swimming hole. Soon locals were coming Cave City, Kentucky. Mr. Lewis purchased the to swim in the pond and the Davis family made a rights to the design and built the 15 tepee steel sand beach, installed picnic tables, hired lifeguards, and concrete structures on three sides of a square and opened it to the public. By 1988 the Davises with the office being the fourth side. The motel could no longer manage it, so it was closed. After operated until 1974 when Interstate 40 bypassed their deaths it fell into disrepair. Later local people Holbrook. After Chester Lewis’ death in 1986, his and employees of a local motel initiated a fundtwo sons and daughter renovated the motel and raiser. The blue whale was restored and painted to re-opened it in 1988. The original restored hickory the original bright blue. furniture decorates the tiny rooms. Air-conditionCadillac Ranch west of Amarillo, Texas was ing and televisions have been added. Vintage cars created in 1974 by The Ant Farm, an art group. are strategically placed around the property.

They approached Stanley Marsh III, an eccentric Stretches of old Route 66 are very desolate millionaire, about installing ten Cadillacs nose but re-created red and white Burma Shave signs down on his property, and are 1949 to 1963 vintage. add to the enjoyment. One that you might see They were originally in a hay field, but as Amarillo near Seligman, Arizona is “You Can Drive – A encroached on it they were moved to a cow pasture Galloway Totem Pole Mile A Minute – But There Is – No Future In on old Route 66 in 1997, which is a frontage road It – Burma Shave.”

Park, Foyil, OK to I-40. Over the years people have removed parts as souvenirs and used spray paint to add their own graffiti to the cars. The field is open to the public. Bring your own spray paint to temporarily leave your mark on the exhibit.

One of my favorite things to do along old Route 66 is to allow my car tires to play “America the Beautiful.” This musical roadway is east of Albuquerque, New Mexico and west of Tijeras, NM on what is now NM 333. It was a joint project between the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the National Long lonely stretch Route 66, California Geographic Society in 2014. Between mile markers 4 and 5, driving eastbound at exactly 45 miles an hour, your car tires Nancy Binder is a retired application software developer turned freelance writer combining her love of travel with her desire to share her experiences. She is will play this patriotic tune. It takes a full quarter mile of exactly passionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African placed rumble strips to play the melody. We usually turn around safari bug,” now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or travel questions at nancybinder@sbcglobal.net. and do it a second time.

{

voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 17

“Ann El-Nemr captures your attention on the very first page as she describes Marcia escaping life with a one way ticket to Paris. Her plan to rebuild a life that will make her proud is unexpectedly knocked off course. Secrets in Paris is a suspenseful and engaging story that delves into the power of love, acceptance, and self-forgiveness.” —Jenn Sadai, author of Her Beauty Burns

“Secrets in Paris is a sizzling mix of imperfection and beauty, of holding on and letting go, and of pain and passion. Ann El-Nemr creates a fascinating plot demanding attention in every page. The key ingredient is the magic woven between the main characters. The readers will find this novel is built on human emotion, the struggles of survival, and brilliant displays of passion. It will clutch the hearts of millions.” —Kristine Cabot, author of Soaring Passion in Eagle Hills

arcia had to learn how to survive. To do so, she was introduced to the life of the escort service. After escaping that line of work, she decides to spend a year in Paris to rebuild her life. She meets Stephane, heir to a wealthy family fortune and falls in love with him, but to her horror she discovers that Stephane’s sister, Etienne, is engaged to marry Mason, a former dysfunctional client. Will he expose her past life? Or should she confess to Stephane and chance losing him to protect Etienne?

Ann El-Nemr resides in Shrewsbury,

Massachusetts. She loves to hear feedback from

her fans and their opinions about her books. She

can be reached at www.annelnemr.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

COPYRIGHT 2019 COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

The Safety Deposit Box Shock Your Secrets Will Find You Out

The Untold Story of Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D.

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan

ANN EL-NEMR

Written by Ann-El Nemr Marcia had to learn how to survive. To do so, she was introduced to the life of the escort service. After escaping that line of work, she decides to spend a year in Paris to rebuild her life. M She meets Stephane, heir to a wealthy family fortune and falls in love with him, but to her horror she discovers that Stephane’s sister, Etienne, is engaged to marry Mason, a former dysfunctional client. Will he expose her past life? Or should she confess to Stephane and chance losing him to protect Etienne?

SECRETS in PARIS

oyles-Jernigan’s professional ears as an administrator at Florida Community College orida), Florida State Universiorth Florida. She received her M.Ed., and advanced studies orida. In her retirement, she FL, Christian Women’s Job n lives in Blountville, TN.

Secrets in Paris

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan

yan Patterson, Ph.D.

NEW RELEASES

OUT NOW

The Safety Deposit BOX Shock

love with the senior versity of Kansas with e girl who thought her er father lay deep at the s is a biography—a true Bryan Patterson, Ph.D., y’s genealogy, his life at d life, his secret, and the

“every story needs a book”

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is a small independent publishing press with a motivated force of authors. Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, DigiStyle, Broken Crow Ridge, Fiery Night, Skippy Creek, and RoseHeart Publishing are all imprints of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Three’s a Crew

SECRETS in PARIS

Each family has its unique foibles, in Three’s a Crew the author shares hers.

COPYRIGHT 2019 JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

By

Charlotte S. Snead

Illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson

Written by Charlotte S. Snead Illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson Each family has its unique foibles and in this wonderfully illustrated book, Three’s a Crew, the author shares a family story and how they work together as a family. Written in an easy to read rhyme, the family of two boys began a family with three boys, and this is the beginning of the story.

ANN EL-NEMR

The Safety Deposit Box Shock: Your Secrets Will Find You Out

Written by Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan A sophomore track star falling in love with the senior campus sweetheart rocked the University of Kansas with scandal. Their love produced a little girl who thought her father was dead, but secrets about her father lay deep at the bottom of a safety deposit box.

This is a biography—a true story of the life of my father, Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D., and his legacy. It explores his family’s genealogy, his life at the University of Kansas, his married life, his secret, and the tragedies

Where are the Goats?

An old man in Oklahoma remembers with pleasure the dust bowl days with his mother and father as they looked for a place to live, took care of goats, and those goats tried to burn down the world.

Written by Dennis W. Brown Illustrated by Kenneth Perkins An old man in Oklahoma remembers with pleasure the dust bowl days with his mother and father as they looked for a place to live, took care of goats, and those goats tried to burn down the world.

that colored his life.

Dennis Brown was born and grew to adulthood in Oklahoma City during the time of the Great Depression. He lived this story as a child. He later lived for many years in New England where he was a City Planner.

COPYRIGHT 2020 JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

Written by Jenn Sadai Women Ready to Rise tells the unique stories of how twenty-two women turned tragedies into remarkable triumphs. It is real life evidence that women, and all human beings, have the ability to rise from anything that attempts to knock them down.

WOMEN

Ready to

“Mile Markers by Doreen Oberg is an intimate account of the author’s spiritual journey, captivating the reader with emotional soul-searching and irresistible humor. As she rejects her strict religious upbringing, a multitude of questions permeate the tapestry of her everyday life. This deeply inspiring story brims with warmth, forgiveness, and a huge dose —Susan Noe Harmon, of insight.”

RISE

Author of To Hide the Truth

The following story is the author’s account of leaving the Nazarene religion. Rote answers from the Bible could not change the turmoil that erupted within Oberg or her family. Leaving her religious roots was anxiety evoking, but Oberg’s story includes more comical moments than horrible. The experiences of becoming a mental health therapist, getting married, and learning how to motorcycle two-up have brought Oberg the greatest surprises in life.

Jenn Sadai

COPYRIGHT 2020 COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE FRONT COVER TOP PHOTO: GARY L. QUAY / ADOBE STOCK FRONT COVER BOTTOM PHOTO: GINETTIGINO / ADOBE STOCK AUTHOR PHOTO: PETE MECOZZI JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

a novel

Written by Joy Ruble Kathy is a small-town girl in the 1980s who is desperately seeking to escape her dismal life. As she comes of age, she learns that escaping one set of problems only leads to new ones. Her journey to discovering herself takes her down an unlikely path that will keep you laughing and cheering for her along the way.

Doreen J. Oberg

DOREEN J. OBERG resides in Sierra Vista, AZ and teaches music and piano part time at a local community college. She holds a Master’s in music from Southern Methodist University. In addition, she holds a Master’s in education from Northwest Nazarene University and has obtained licensure as a professional counselor in both Oregon and Arizona. Oberg’s first fiction novel, Skyland: The Mars Colony is available through Brighton Publishing LLC. Also, her first motorcycle magazine article is available online at the BMW ON September 2017 edition.

Rich Girl

Mile Markers: A Memoir

Women Ready to Rise

Mile Markers A Memoir

Doreen J. Oberg

Mile Markers: A Memoir

Written by Doreen J. Oberg The following story is the author’s account of leaving the Nazarene religion. Rote answers from the Bible could not change the turmoil that erupted within Oberg or her family. Leaving her religious roots was anxiety evoking, but Oberg’s story includes more comical moments than horrible. The experiences of becoming a mental health therapist, getting married, and learning how to motorcycle two-up have brought Oberg the greatest surprises in life.

find us: www.jancarolpublishing.com /JanCarolPublishingInc @jancarolbooks

Joy Ruble 18 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

jancarolpublishing

Sophie

NEW RELEASE BY KATHLEEN M. JACOBS When Sophie’s family moves from New York City to West Virginia, she not only has to leave her friends and the city and library she loves so much, but she has to figure out what will happen when she discovers that there is no library in her new town. But when she discovers something called a bookmobile and other new treasures, all is right with the world.

& the Bookmobile

FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK’S OPENING PAGES.

Chapter 1 W

hat did you say?” Sophie Hunter asked as her mother filled and taped the last box of books from Sophie’s room. She labeled it SH: BOOKS with a hunter green marker, Sophie’s favorite color. Sophie stopped in her tracks, frozen as if she had just been hypnotized; she refused to believe not only what her mother had said, but that it had any truth to it at all. It reminded her of the time her best friend, Pepper (who called Sophie “Salt” all the time), told her that her new best friend was a boy. A boy?! Sophie couldn’t believe what Pepper had said, any more than she could believe what she thought she had just heard her mother say.

And so, Sophie asked again, “What did you say?”

“Now, Sophie,” her mother said, “there really is no need to be so alarmed.”

“What? No need to be alarmed? Are you kidding me? I mean, really Mom! I need to make sure that what I think I heard was actually what you said.” Sophie was jerked back in motion as if someone had switched her lever to the on position. She quickly sat down on the wooden floor after falling back against the wall: the one with the painted mural of shelf after shelf of books, which her mother had painted for her the year before, on her ninth birthday. Sophie wished she

could peel off the mural and take it with her, but knew that was impossible. Her mother had promised her that she would paint it again, on a wall in her bedroom of the new house, in the new town where they were moving, though. Knowing that made Sophie a bit more accepting of this “new adventure,” as her parents called it. Yet with this new revelation, Sophie felt as if she might faint once again.

“I wanted to tell you earlier,” her mother said, “but I knew you would be upset, and there really is no need to be alarmed.”

There it was again: that word, alarmed.

The more Sophie’s mother let it slip from her tongue, the more alarmed Sophie became.

“If there is no need, as you say, to be alarmed, then why have you used the word twice already?”

“Sophie, I believe you are a bit more dramatic than is necessary,” her mother replied, dodging the question. Sophie’s pure white cat, Snowball, tilted her head, seemingly confused, as she and Sophie looked at each other. Sophie tilted her head as well, in complete agreement with Snowball.

“Well,” Sophie said, “Snowball and I would both have to disagree. As a matter of fact, we’re both more than just a little concerned that you are not alarmed enough.”

Suddenly, as if on cue, Snowball and Sophie straightened their gazes and nodded in complete agreement. She and Snowball had always had this affect on one another.

Sophie picked up Snowball and hugged her

close to her heart.

Sophie felt that because her mother kept saying there was no need to be alarmed that there was, in fact, every reason to be alarmed. And as Sophie’s mother repeatedly looked around her room to make sure that she had packed everything, Sophie was certain that her mother was equally alarmed, even as she tried to appear otherwise. The only things that remained in Sophie’s room that hadn’t been packed away in cardboard boxes were Sophie, her mother, Snowball, and the book that Sophie had just started reading that morning, Missing May. She clutched the novel close to her heart as she held Snowball, afraid that if she released her hold on either that they too would end up in a taped box on their way to their new home, in a place where everything is completely different from what she’d always known.

Purchase the book at the following online retailers:

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

www.Jancarolpublishing.com

www.Amazon.com

www.Barnesandnoble.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 19

This Month’s Featured Books NOT BROKEN n Hoagl —Linda Hudso

THE

THE VOICE

away from his a Voice. He runs is controlled by eveled, injured, Roger, a poet, homeless. Dish high ds, and is now

by Cathy, his family and frien is discovered ny, the ER, Roger a nurse. Tiffa to ght and ied brou and marr s to wrest rt, who is now s voice that help school sweethea r keeps r, has a melodiou Roge siste way ger the youn g Alon Cathy’s Roger’s mind. on grip e’s s. the Voic vivid poem tribulations in describing his to the a immigrated , Reynald Altem since.

Born in Haiti been living here age 16 and has over te practice for United States at and was in a priva has been doing He is a physician , he the past 15 years Central America, 30 years; for bean, Sea in the Carib The Boy by the volunteer work shed publi a d a. Altem breaks new groun and even Afric His second novel ing of genres by four years ago. blend an ambitious and veers into poetry. and prose g linkin

usal Abuse My Story of Lifetime Spo l and Recovery viva Sur of d and the Long Roa

Tawana J Campbell 5 U.S. $29.9 0 CAN $39.5

2018 COPYRIGHT TARA SIZEMORE COVER DESIGN: G, INC L PUBLISHIN JAN-CARO PUBLISHING.COM JANCAROL

Tawana J. Campbell

VOICE

TEMA REYNALD AL

Judi Light Hopson

TAWANA J CAMPBELL

2014 MARTIN COPYRIGHT GRAPH: JOY RE AUTHOR PHOTO : TARA SIZEMO INC COVER DESIGN PUBLISHING, JAN-CAROL BLISHING.COM JANCAROLPU CAN $13.95 U.S. $9.95 •

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May is Mental Health Month

Raising awareness about mental health and eliminating the stigma is important.

Here are a few featured books that can not only help us understand or sympathize, but can also help us talk about difficult topics.

Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman

Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman follows the author on her journey from a drug-addicted thief who felt trapped in an abusive relationship to a confident and capable marathon-runner. It is filled with intense drama, troubled romance, and all sorts of dirty little secrets.

Cooling Stress Tips

Shattered But Not Broken

The Voice: A Novel

This self-help guide to reducing stress covers 12 major areas of life.

Easy-to-implement strategies help the reader take charge of time, money, relationships, self-care, and more.

This commonsense guide to lifestyle changes is enhanced by scenarios of how others cooled their stress with simple, positive steps. Studies have shown stress is rising annually in the U.S. for most individuals. My goal is to help readers reduce their personal stress levels by at least 50%.

Tawana Campbell’s wake-up call in a life of spousal abuse was just that—a phone call from her husband’s daughter. A 19-year-old daughter from an affair Campbell hadn’t even suspected. In Shattered But Not Broken, Campbell chronicles the life of lies that culminated in this heart-shattering event—and her ultimate healing.

Roger, a poet, is controlled by a Voice.

He runs away from his family and friends, and is now homeless. Disheveled, injured, and brought to the ER, Roger is discovered by Cathy, his high school sweetheart, who is now married and a nurse. Tiffany, Cathy’s younger sister, has a melodious voice that helps to wrest the Voice’s grip on Roger’s mind. Along the way Roger keeps describing his tribulations in vivid poems.

Gardening with God: One Sense at a Time

Connie Clark-Thompson

The poverty of our senses both physical and spiritual is in ourselves not our surroundings. No matter where you call home, the heavens by night or day are as beautiful over your home as another. The lifestyle that we become immersed in decay our senses and cheat us of many treasures beyond price. The author takes the reader into the love of nature and God’s Word and showing there are always new discoveries on every path. The reader will be immersed in their senses being delighted or sharpened.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

www.Jancarolpublishing.com 20 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

www.Amazon.com

Order this book directly from JCP — $ 10.00 with FREE shipping!

Call 423-926-9983 or mail check to P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN 37605.

(Sale Ends May. 31, 2020)

www.Barnesandnoble.com

Call for Submissions! “every story needs a book”

Get Your Manuscript Published

NEW

Cookbook!

Submit Your Favorite Family Recipe!

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. and Voice Magazine for Women are now accepting submissions for our 2020 cookbook!

Do you have family dishes you’d love to share with the world? Are you an artist or inventor in the kitchen and ready to spread the joy that accompanies your tasty creations? Send your recipes to us for a chance to be published in our upcoming cookbook, Voice Magazine for Women Presents: Taste of Appalachia.

Categories in the cookbook include: • Appetizers • Soups & Salads • Main Courses • Desserts • Breakfast or Brunch Submit recipes via email to communications@jancarolpublishing.com or by mail to P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605. Please limit all submissions to two pages or less. Submissions must include the sender’s name, email, city, state, and intended category.

Recipes should be original to sender.

Accompanying photos are welcome!

Don’t have an on hand recipe but still want to participate? Don’t worry!

Submissions don’t end until May 2020, so you have time to craft something really special!

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, is proud to announce that submissions are open for the 2020 Believe and Achieve Novel Award!

The Believe and Achieve contest is a chance for aspiring authors to break into the market by submitting their novel to Jan-Carol Publishing. One novel will be chosen for a publishing contract. That contract will include book cover design, professional editing, and a three-year publishing contract for paperback and e-book editions of the winning novel.

To submit authors must be a U.S. Citizen age 21 or older. The manuscript must be a minimum of 45,000 words but no more than 60,000 words. Manuscript submissions must include a cover page with the author’s name, phone number, email address, the title of the manuscript, the word count, and the genre of the novel.

JCP is Now Accepting Submissions for These Haunted Hills Book Two Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, is now accepting submissions for the second edition of These Haunted Hills: A Collection of Short Stories.

These Haunted Hills is JCP’s 2017 fall anthology, filled with stories that indulge readers’ curiosity for the supernatural from an array of accomplished authors.

These Haunted Hills boasts rave reviews, and JCP is set to publish a second edition in autumn 2020.

To submit a novel, authors must pay a non-refundable reading fee of $20. Multiple entries are allowed, but must be submitted separately. Entries must follow the Jan-Carol Publishing manuscript format, which can be found at jancarolpublishing.com/believe-and-achieve-award.html, along with more information about the contest.

The deadline for entries is May 31, 2020. Current Jan-Carol Publishing authors are ineligible to enter. Email entries to the Believe and Achieve Novel Award to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

Previous Believe and Achieve winners include Melissa Sneed Wilson in 2018 for Growing Up and Going Back, Sylvia Weiss Sinclair in 2017 for her novel, Fledermama’s Son, 2016 winner Charlotte S. Snead, author of Always My Son, and the 2015 Believe and Achieve winner, Willie E. Dalton for Three Witches in a Small Town.

Stories submitted to the second edition of JCP’s autumn anthology, These Haunted Hills Book Two: Supernatural Stories from Appalachia, should follow the theme of haunting or supernatural stories set in the Appalachian region.

Stories must be fiction. The submission fee per story is $10. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605.

Stories must have a minimum of 1500 words and a maximum of 3500 words per story. The deadline for submissions is May 31st 2020. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com

voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 21

HERITAGE TV

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Secrets in Paris A novel by Ann El-Nemr

Marcia had to learn how to survive. To do so, she was introduced to the life of the escort service. After escaping that line of work, she decides to spend a year in Paris to rebuild her life. She meets Stephane, heir to a wealthy family fortune and falls in love with him, but to her horror she discovers that Stephane’s sister, Etienne, is engaged to marry Mason, a former dysfunctional client. Will he expose her past life? Or should she confess to Stephane and chance losing him to protect Etienne?

Q:

Call:

423.743.9052

Judi, IEm need ailto : create judoffice ihopsoarea n@ear a small atthl home ink.net to write my novel. I’ve tried the family room, the kitchen, and my sunroom.

Nothing works. My family is coming into my space!

—Teresa W., Houston TX

A:

Teresa, I hear you. Writers have a tough time finding a quiet area.

I suggest you put a small desk in your bedroom to write. Make the bed and neaten every day, so you’ll feel organized. Make a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign for the door. Vow to spend at least 30 minutes twice each day inside that sacred space.

–Judi Light Hopson

Available: Jan-Carol Publishing • Amazon • Barnes and Noble

Purchase Jan-Carol Publishing Books at the Harvest Table! “every story needs a book”

13180 Meadowview Square • Meadowview, VA • (276) 944-5140 22 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

YW Cares: Providing Essential Services During the Pandemic B

ecause crime does not slow Megan Parks, the program coordown for holidays or other dinator for YW Cares, along with her occurrences, when COVID-19 coworkers, came up with innovative We all understand that this is arrived in the tri-cities, YWCA ways to provide services and shift most a temporary change to get through Northeast Tennessee and Southof their work online. Typically the YW this time. We don’t want people to west Virginia had to determine Cares staff would visit the victims of fall through the cracks if we’re how to provide advocacy services crime at the hospital after an injury or unprepared, and so we will be for young victims of crime. New an assault, but since hospitals are not prepared.” —Megan Parks procedures had to be quickly allowing visitors, this service had to be developed to maintain the quality put on hold and a new method estabof assistance for clients while prolished. After some research, the staff tecting the health of employees. These clients still need help and found an appropriate meeting platform and a document sharing support to navigate the process and recover from being a crime program to provide assistance to victims without meeting them victim. This type of assistance is especially needed for the young in person. They were also able to offer self-care classes online for adults, ages 17 to 24, that this program is designed to serve. clients to take advantage of remotely. All of these components During times of stress and upheaval the volume of calls and are key to the recovery of the crime victim. requests for services typically increases. Shelter-in–place orders While the staff of YW Cares is happy to be able to serve and the loss of jobs create more turmoil in homes and within crime victims using online and remote methods, this is a temfamilies, and allows for no outlets to escape stress in the home. porary way of operating. When this crisis has passed they will YW Cares has already served 40 survivors of domestic violence go back to assisting crime victims with a more “hands-on” during the pandemic, and they continue to see an increase in approach. domestic violence reports to police in the area.

For more information about YW Cares contact the program coordinator, Megan Parks, at 423-956-2300.

Spark More Family Communication T

he benefits of effective home communication are numerous.

According to Hearing and Speech-Language Services, regular and intentional communication with a child is one of the most effective tools parents and caregivers can use to foster healthy development, paving the way for the child to be an effective communicator as he or she grows and interacts with others. In addition, regular communication can foster a strong sense of self-esteem, improve problem-solving abilities, decrease problem behaviors, and prepare kids for voicing their opinion on important issues.

No topics are off limits when it comes to stimulating family conversation. In fact, the more creative, funny and adventurous

the ideas, the more apt children and adults may be to engage in the discussion. These talking points can help get the conversation flowing and require specific answers instead of vague generalities.

• What has been the best part of the week so far?

• Tell me something interesting you learned at school (work) today.

• What is the funniest joke you have ever heard?

• If you could be anyone or anything in the world, what would you be and why?

• If you won a lot of money, what would you spend it on?

• What do you do when you see someone being teased?

• Name a quality of yours that you are most proud of.

• If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?

• What is your favorite childhood memory?

• Where in the world would you like to live most?

• Are there things that scare you? If so, what?

• What would your superhero power be?

• If you could fly for a day, where would you go?

These are a handful of interesting conversation starters that can get creative conversation juices flowing at home. Families can customize the questions or turn them into a regular game that everyone can enjoy throughout the week. voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 23

Peace Behind the Paw

By Cindy Sproles

T

he peace behind the paw is a growing trend for aging seniors. More and more nursing homes and assisted living facilities have welcomed pet therapy into their complexes.

Psychological research has proven pet therapy significantly lowers blood pressure, eases anxiety, and increases fingertip temperatures in seniors—a clear sign of stress relief.

The gentle unconditional love of a pet makes a difference.

Simply touching the soft fur of a cat or scrubbing the ears of docile dog draws a deep emotional response. Nursing home staffs find the presence of a dog in family gathering rooms stimulates a smile and opens responses to those who have been withdrawn or depressed.

Humans need interaction and for many of our elderly, the feelings of brokenness and lack of attention lessen their quality of life. Pets revive that inner desire to love and be loved.

Despite the obvious benefits of pets, there are also issues to be considered before bringing a pet into an aging parent’s home.

Every year thousands of pets are sent to shelters, turned out onto the street, or euthanized because well-meaning friends and family felt their parents needed companionship.

Before a pet is introduced into a senior’s home, ask yourself these questions: • Is my parent physically able to care for a pet? Can they continually make trips outside to walk a dog? Are they stable enough to use a leash for their dog without worry of being dragged down?

• Does my parent enjoy pets? Many folks love to visit with a pet but have no desire to own one. It’s important to respect that desire. Are there allergies or fears of pets?

• Is my parent’s home/apartment or room a suitable place for a pet? Is there a place to walk a dog or are parents able to bend well enough to clean a litter box?

These are important things to consider.

If these issues can be addressed appropriately, introducing a pet into an aging parent’s life is advisable. Many seniors will grasp hold of a pet’s comfort and companionship in their presence.

Pets have been known to sense disease, heart attacks, and seizures in their owners long before they occur and many are recognized as service animals, helping their owners with daily living skills such as opening doors, moving, or retrieving objects and assisting in guidance.

If a pet is something your family sees as a benefit to your aging parent, discuss the matter first. Never surprise a senior with a pet they may not want. Decide the type of animal and the ability of your senior to manage the care. Perhaps a cat is best, or a bird, or maybe a young, docile dog.

Most veterinarians recommend a young dog who has been trained over a rambunctious puppy and a cat that is mild mannered and lovable over a playful kitten. Use wisdom and common sense when making a decision of pet choices.

Weigh the pros and cons of adding a pet into the life of a senior, and should it fit, you will find a wonderful change in your senior.

For more information on pet therapy visit your local veterinarian, humane society, or www.powerofpaws.com.

“Keeping the Comforts of Home” • Alzheimer's Care • Dementia Care • Hospital to Home

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24 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

This entry was posted on July 10, 2012, in Blog and tagged Cindy Sproles, elderly, interaction, nursing home, pet therapy, pets, unconditional love.

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Cindy K. Sproles is a novelist, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.

Allergy Season is a Risky Time of Year for Asthma Patients

A

llergies and asthma happen to share a lot of traits. Unfortunately, they also happen to occur together frequently, says the Mayo Clinic. The same substances that cause allergies, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander, also may cause asthma to rear it’s dangerous head.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says people who have allergies also often have asthma. People who seemingly think that wheezing is a product of pollen may actually have asthma and are advised to see an allergist to get to the root of the problem.

Allergic asthma, where allergies trigger asthma symptoms, is the most common type of asthma, advises ACAAI.

Children who have allergies and also have asthma make up 80 percent of those affected. The rates are 75 percent of young adults (age 20–40) and 65 percent of those aged 55 and older who have at least one allergy and asthma.

Anyone who is experiencing allergic reactions and/or asthma symptoms should heed this advice.

• Speak with an allergist. He or she can check out symptoms and prescribe the right treatments.

Drugs such as montelukast, which is a leukotriene modifier, can help control immune system chemicals released during an allergic reaction. It also may help alleviate asthma symptoms.

• Consider immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves allergy shots that can reduce sensitivity to the allergens over time. It might even help prevent the development of asthma in some people with seasonal allergies, states ACAAI. • Avoid allergy triggers. Knowing pollen counts, cleaning a home and preventing dust mites and pet dander from accumulating, and avoiding going outside or having the windows open when counts are high can help. Showering and laundering clothing after being outside can limit allergens brought into the house.

• Try anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy. The Mayo Clinic says with an allergy, the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific substance as something harmful and releases IgE antibodies to fight the allergen. The next time the IgE antibodies sense an allergen they will release a chemical called histamine into the bloodstream.

IgE-targeted medications block these reactions and interfere with IgE. Allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. Treating symptoms and avoiding triggers can help immensely.

Life Care Center of Gray We are a perfect choice for:

• Short-Term Rehabilitation • Long-Term Care • Post-Operative Recovery

Life Care Center of Gray focuses on inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation with 24-hour skilled nursing care.

Stop by today for a tour!

791 Old Gray Station Rd • Gray, TN 423.477.7146 • lifecarecenterofgraytn.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 25

MAY IS

SKIN CANCER Awareness Month

How to be Safe in the Sun

A

ccording to the American Cancer Society, most skin cancers are the result of exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight. UV rays are a type of radiation that do not have enough energy to penetrate deeply into the body. As a result, they primarily affect the skin. Overexposure to these rays can lead to skin cancer.

Protection from UV rays The ACS notes that there are no safe UV rays, so it’s imperative that people take UV protection seriously. The following are some of the many ways to protect yourself while still enjoying sunny days outdoors.

• Go out at the right times of day. The ACS notes that UV rays are at their strongest in the middle of the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so staying inside during these hours can protect your skin.

• Employ the shadow test when going outside. It may not seem especially scientific, but the shadow test is a simple way for anyone to gauge how strong UV rays from the sun are at any given moment.

According to the ACS, if your shadow is shorter than you, that means the sun’s rays are at their strongest. This simple test can help people immediately determine how strong the sun’s rays are, compelling them to be extra cautious if necessary.

• Apply sunscreen early and reapply often. The ACS recommends using sunscreens with broad spectrum protection that protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and applying them before leaving the house and reapplying often while outdoors. When choosing a sunscreen, choose one with a minimum sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30.

• Wear a hat. Hats with a brim that is at least two to three inches all around protects vulnerable areas such as the eyes, forehead, nose, ears, and scalp.

Choose a hat with a dark, non-reflective underside, as such a hat can lower the amount of UV rays that reach the face from reflective surfaces such as water.

Sun protection is important year-round, and especially so during spring and summer.

Prevent and Treat Chapped Lips The health and wellness resource Healthline.com says that, because the lips do not contain oil glands like other areas of the skin, they are more prone to drying out. Therefore, people need to take extra steps to keep their lips moist.

26 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

• Stop licking your lips.

• Rely on sunscreen.

• Protect your lips with a lubricating lip cream or balm before heading outdoors.

• Use gentle skin care products.

• Drink more fluids.

The Mayo Clinic recommends speaking with a doctor if chapped lips are chronic and not easily remedied, as this may be a symptom of an underlying condition.

Blueberry Waffles Surprise mom with breakfast in bed!

Yields 4 waffles 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 large egg 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1 1/4 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1 recipe Quick Blueberry Sauce, for serving Greek yogurt, Homemade Whipped Cream, or Yogurt Whipped Cream, for serving (optional) 1. Preheat the waffle iron to the high heat setting.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. In another bowl, whisk the egg. Then stir in the melted butter, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Stir in the blueberries.

3. Immediately, add the batter into the center of the waffle iron and let it spread it to within 1/2-inch of the sides, then cook according to the waffle iron’s instructions. Remove the cooked waffles and place them on a baking sheet without stacking. Make the waffles to order, or place cooked waffles in a 300°F oven to keep warm.

4. Cooked waffles can be frozen; place them in a plastic bag and remove the remaining air with a straw before sealing. To reheat, remove from the freezer and lightly toast in a toaster.

Strawberry Tiramisu Trifle

Give mom something as sweet as she is!

Source: www.acouplecooks.com/favorite-blueberry-waffles

Serves 12

Bloody Mary

Treat mom to a little excitement with this Bloody Mary recipe!

Yields 4 servings 1 lemon 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 8 ice cubes 1 tablespoon finely grated horseradish 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (plus additional for garnish) 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 clove garlic 3/4 cup vodka Celery, for garnish Pickles, olives, and wooden skewer, for garnish 1. Juice 1 lemon. Place all ingredients except the vodka and garnishes in a blender and blend until smooth. Then add the vodka and blend again.

2. To serve, place Old Bay seasoning on a plate; wet the rim of each glass and dip it into the seasoning to rim the glass. Pour in the Bloody Mary and garnish with a celery stalk and a wooden skewer speared with pickles and

1 quart fresh strawberries (4 cups) 1 1/2 cups milk cold 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (1 package) 8 oz mascarpone cheese 2 cups instant coffee or brewed coffee, room temperature 2 cups cool whip or whipped cream 3 oz ladyfingers 6 oz bittersweet chocolate grated or shaved 1. Set aside one strawberry for garnish; slice the remaining strawberries, stems removed.

2. In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Refrigerate for 2 minutes.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth; gradually beat in 2 tablespoons coffee. Beat in pudding. Fold in cool whip.

4. Dip lady fingers in coffee on both sides, as you’re layering, don’t dip ahead of time. Line the bottom of a 3-qt. trifle or glass serving bowl with a third of the ladyfingers. Top with a third of the sliced strawberries, grated chocolate and mascarpone mixture.

5. Repeat, creating 3 layers of each, finishing off with the mascarpone cream and shaved chocolate.

6. Garnish with a strawberry on top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Source: www.jocooks.com/recipes/strawberry-tiramisu-trifle

olives.

Source: www.acouplecooks.com/detox-bloody-mary

voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 27

Time to Celebrate Moms and Teachers

M

By Amanda Hollifield

ay is here and it’s time to celebrate the moms and teachers in our lives! I want to give a shout out to all those mamas out there (don’t worry dads, you are coming up in June)! Dads and kiddos let’s get real, this Mother’s Day more than ever the mom or mother-figure in your life has earned a spectacular gift. Notice I didn’t say expensive, but spectacular, for me, is meaningful. This is definitely the year to go ALL OUT for that mother figure in your life. Yes, now in the middle of quarantine and COVID19, it is the best time to celebrate and show love to the mom in your life. She has probably earned it and more this Mother’s Day. So, save the date for Sunday, May 10 and get planning and creating!

In May, the Macaroni Kid Tri-Cities newsletter will give you unique ideas for mom, but also ideas for your teacher! I usually am a BIG advocate for DIY gifts, but, this Mother’s Day I want to encourage you to also think about our local shops that may have amazing gifts to partner with your beautiful homemade creation, or a local shop that may offer you a kit that you can DIY. Shop local and give mom a beautiful Mother’s Day gift and that amazing teacher a special, one-of-akind end of the year gift! That’s a win-win-win!

So let’s start with shopping local. I would encourage you to start with your Downtown or Main Street Facebook pages.

They have been incredible resources for families this past month, helping us identify who is still open, online, delivery, and curbside. There are amazing, creative business owners right here in our community that can help you create a one-of-a-kind gift this year! Make sure you follow @MacaroniKidTriCities on Facebook as I will be sharing some great ideas in the coming weeks for the perfect gift! Also, just because they may not be open now does not mean you cannot purchase a gift card for future use.

Think self-care options like salons, spas, etc. I know one mama bear (me) that cannot wait to book my first post-quarantine spa visit. I have birthday gift cards that have been burning holes to be used!

For some amazing DIY ideas, visit tricities.macaronikid.com and to find at least 10 easy but creative ideas your kids can create.

From upcycling tin cans into photo mod podge containers to painting terra cotta planters and filling them with beautiful flowers or succulents from a local nursery, there are ideas fit for any mom. Here is a succulent and terra cotta pot we purchased from Evergreen in Johnson City. Jackson painted the pot and created some fingerprint art!

Celebrating birthday parties have looked different and could during May too. Check out our Selfie Virtual Scavenger Hunt Birthday Party in Macaroni Kid for some great ideas!

Are you a Macaroni Kid Tri insider? Don’t miss out on these ideas and more including our May Fun Days Calendar, End of Year Teacher Gifts, and more #mackiquarantine2020 resources.

It’s FREE to sign-up and it’s delivered right to your email inbox each week. Visit tricities.macaronikid.com/subscribe today!

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28 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Amanda Hollifield is a Johnson City hometown girl who, like many women, wears many hats, but her favorite is Mom! After her ‘real job’, Amanda enjoys being the Publisher Mom for the local Macaroni Kid Tri-Cities TN/VA newsletter, helping local families find their family fun, and being a mom to Grace (12) and Jackson (8) and wife to her Duke Blue Devil lovin’ husband, Brooks. Follow her on Facebook @MacaroniKidTriCities and Instagram @mackidtricities or email her at amandah@macaronikid.com.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | May 2020 | 29

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

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30 | May 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

CLUES ACROSS 1. It’s now called Experian 4. You can draw it 7. Very fast aircraft 10. Go quickly 11. Fifth note of a major scale 12. Biochemical abbreviation 13. Make somebody laugh 15. Returned material authorization (abbr.)

16. City in NE Morocco 19. Colorless gas 21. NE football player 23. A snake is one 24. Small spot 25. Inform 26. Republic of Ireland 27. Large statues 30. Documents about an individual 34. Helps little firms 35. Namibia’s former name 36. Large insects 41. Thirsty 45. A well-defined track or path 46. One who utilizes 47. Plant-eating mammals 50. Not in tip-top shape 54. Alternate names 55. A part of a broadcast serial 56. City in central Italy 57. LOTR actor McKellen 59. Trees provide it 60. Men’s fashion accessory 61. Type of screen 62. Snakelike fish 63. Possesses 64. When you aim to get there 65. Tooth caregiver

CLUES DOWN 1. Hit heavily 2. Italian rice dish 3. Some are cocktail 4. A citizen of Israel 5. Read-only memory 6. Passed by 7. Northern diving ducks 8. References 9. Iranian language 13. Swiss river 14. Woman (French) 17. Gov’t department (abbr.)

18. Consumed 20. Ailments 22. Balkan Jewish appetizer 27. Reciprocal of a sine 28. Skywalker mentor __-Wan 29. Resinous secretion of insects 31. Similar 32. Female sheep 33. Cool!

37. Borders the Adriatic Sea 38. Flowers 39. It’s sometimes upped 40. Immobile 41. Female body parts 42. Common request 43. Made a second thrust 44. Fell into deep sleep 47. Subway resident 48. Brew 49. The event of being born 51. Aspirations 52. Doctor of Education 53. Punk musician __ Dee Ramone 58. A subdivision of a play

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