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Boo!
October is here and that in itself is scary enough for me! Where has this year gone? Time to pick out your costumes and get your candy bowls stocked. You certainly don’t want to be thought of by your neighborhood kids as the house that gives out the crummy candy!
No one gave out better Halloween candy than the “Candy Lady” herself, my mother-in-law, Peggy Monger (aka Gigi to her grands and great grands). She always had a candy drawer in their family room and every child in her zip code knew exactly where it was. I remember when my husband and I were dating and would come up from Ole Miss, being amazed at the number of children who would flock to her house in packs to visit the famous candy drawer. I remember one little boy in particular, who would sometimes show up in nothing but cowboy boots and just walk right in, bare bottom and all, for his chocolate fix. I will spare his name but I will never forget that precious and innocent sight. His mom would be chasing behind him apologizing for him sneaking out and over to Peggy’s house. Of course, no judgments to this mom of four boys!
Halloween accelerated her love of candy pushing to an epic level. She put Ike’s on the map and I believe it went out of business because she discovered Target and started buying her candy there. Bags after bags of the good stuff and no cheap fillers ever! She would then stay up into the wee hours making very equally loaded candy bags for each trick or treater, making sure they all contained the exact same loot. I sometimes questioned if she received kickbacks from pediatric dentists. Halloween would come and go and another year of elevating the neighborhood kids’ A1C levels was in the books.
The Candy Lady, our Gigi, recently went home to her Lord and Savior, where she is no longer suffering and is reunited with so many loved ones. I like to think she is running the all-you-can-eat candy store in heaven!
Happy fall to you all! Maybe this Halloween in particular we might need to channel our inner Gigi and give out a little more candy. Heaven knows, we all could use a little more sweetness in the world right now.
- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
STORY BY CARA SIEVERS
DESIGN BY CITY HILL DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT PHOTOGRAPHY
Mountain Mood
Creating a Mountain Home in the Mid South
Havinga place in Blackberry Mountain in the mountains of East Tennessee is truly a blessing for this Germantown family. It’s a home away from home, a genuine retreat and a place of respite. When time came to update their primary home, they knew they wanted to incorporate that mountain living ambiance into their everyday abode.
The family enlisted sisters Katie Norrid and Amy Mobley of City Hill Design Co. to infuse the design with an updated, luxurious yet relaxed feel. Some rooms were overhauled, and some received only minor tweaks, but the City Hill team achieved its goal of a consistent, calming and comfortable flow.
The home’s very first impression is the epitome of a warm, Southern welcome – a spacious porch that
seems to greet visitors with arms outstretched and sweet tea at the ready. The family uses the porch as a front-yard living room of sorts, migrating there to socialize and gathering in the space to share a meal.
“The porch was already a beautiful space; it just needed a new configuration and some functional design elements,” says Norrid. “Adding a bistro dining set, refinishing the homeowners’ rocking chairs and installing a giant bed swing created multiple seating options while keeping the flow open and airy.”
Large cement planters flank the front door, and the foliage flows seamlessly into the exquisitely designed, tiered flower beds next to the porch. Landscape designer Camille McElroy created combinations of various greenery textures and pops of color that were pretty, but still hardy enough for the Tennessee sunshine.
Justinside the front door, the color-drenched foyer sets a warm and cozy mood. The grayish green hue is the perfect backdrop for one of the homeowners’ collected antique buffets and a unique 16-piece polyptych from Josh Young Design House in New York.
“Throughout the home, we carefully combined vintage pieces with more modern elements and artwork to create an eclectic look that could not be dated,” says Mobley. “Not only is this style virtually timeless, but it is reminiscent of the design of their mountain home, combining many different eras and aesthetics.”
The muted and moody foyer opens into a massive great room with soaring 21-foot vaulted ceilings covered in reclaimed barn wood. Rustic warmth exudes from a huge wood-burning fireplace encased in Tennessee limestone and crowned by a reclaimed timber mantle.
The floors, made from centuries-old dirty top pine, provide a gorgeously patinaed backdrop for the cozy family gathering space. Traditional olive green plaid wool upholstery—a subtle nod to the family’s Scottish heritage—meshes well with a gothic wrought-iron chandelier. A low, 70s-style coffee table and towering, eight-foot modern abstract painting by New York artist Keren Toledano keep the room’s atmosphere eclectic and vibrant.
The dining area holds a beautiful live-edge dining table made from a walnut tree that came from the property, but that’s just one way in which the City Hill designers brought the outdoors into the room. All of the south wall’s doors and windows open to the screened-in porch, creating a hybrid living space. The homeowner admits that they tend to “live” on this porch, enjoying the view and watching their dogs play in the backyard. An outdoor kitchen with a grill and blacktop griddle gets a lot of use, as does a dining table that converts to a billiard table.
Whilethe home’s indoor kitchen boasts brighter subway tile walls and white trim, pops of teal in the barstools and draperies, along with several warm, woodsy accents tie back into the antique wool rug and ground the space.
When they’re not gathered in the kitchen, the family is likely gathered in the bonus room upstairs. Though originally designed as a place for teenage kids to hang out, the whole family escapes to this colorful corner from time to time.
At first, the design team was asked to simply paint it; but the concept started to evolve, and the homeowners love the finished product. Serene, sage-tone walls are complemented by black-and-white curtains and pinstriped ottomans. Pops of color abound in a fun crowd of throw pillows, coordinating with the colorful artwork series behind the shuffleboard and foosball tables.
Whenthe kids gather in this bonus area, mom and dad can take refuge in the primary suite, complete with even more unique mountain-home touches. Perhaps a little tongue-in-cheek nod to Blackberry Mountain, the Craftsman-style mantle and built-ins are painted a rich blackberry hue, pulled straight from the palette provided by the antique 1920s rug.
Cozy swivel club chairs and a petite writing desk encapsulate a sitting area adjacent to the traditional, fourposter bed. One of the homeowners’ favorite elements, inspired by interior design at Blackberry Mountain, are the luxurious Sandra Jordan throws at the foot of every bed. With a silky sheen and soft hand, these footwarmers add a muted, luxe vibe and a blatant nod to their mountain home in every room.
Whether in the Great Smoky Mountains or their uniquely appointed Germantown residence, this family can enjoy the elemental, organic and natural feel of a mountain home. The design has an almost scrapbook-like aura—a collection of the family’s most loved pieces that have been amassed over the years. In a time in which many houses are designed with a single style washed across them in their entirety, it’s refreshing to see a home with such individuality and warmth. As refreshing, some might say, as mountain air.
Make Memories Together This Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
Holidays are for family, friends and making memories. Whether it’s bundling up and spending a day walking through a winter wonderland, zipping down an icy hill or singing Christmas carols while enjoying cookies and milk, you’ll find it at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Amid millions of holiday lights, elaborately decorated trees, seasonal cuisine and a sleighful of Christmas cheer, guests will experience a Christmas to remember.
CLOSE TO HOME, BUT WORLDS APART
Situated in the heart of Nashville is Gaylord Opryland Resort. Minutes from Music City’s legendary attractions including the Grand Ole Opry®, Ryman Auditorium®, and the General Jackson® Showboat, Gaylord Opryland is a perfect choice for families looking for a fun holiday getaway close to home.
From Nov. 8, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, the resort will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Millions of lights will twinkle, dozens of trees will sparkle, and hours of festive entertainment and activities will be offered for all ages.
And while Gaylord Opryland itself can’t be wrapped and placed under the tree – with nearly 3,000 guest rooms and suites it would be a tight fit – event and attraction tickets make great stocking stuffers. The gift of an overnight stay would certainly spread Christmas cheer!
ICE! FEATURING FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
The coolest attraction of all is ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman. This holiday spectacle, kept at 9 degrees and hand carved by artisans out of 2 million pounds of brightly colored ice, is back to dazzle and delight guests of all ages.
An immersive winter wonderland of ice sculptures, ice slides, and scenes from the beloved television special, ICE! is brought to life by a team of 40 expert artisans from Harbin, China.
Following a 300-page design book filled with sketches and blueprints to sculpt each individual piece – some as small as a coin and others nearly 30 feet tall – the artisans work for six weeks to create the 20,000-square-foot attraction. They use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders, and even chainsaws to bring the experience to life.
Journeying through the attraction, guests will see stunning ice carvings of familiar characters and scenes, including Frosty the Snowman, Karen, Professor Hinkle, Hocus Pocus, Santa Claus, and more.
To preserve the frozen sculptures, Gaylord Opryland maintains a state-of-the-art chilling system, but there’s no need to pack coats (scarves, gloves, and extra apparel are suggested for those who tend to get cold). Even though it’s cool inside, the resort provides parkas to keep guests warm as they zoom down ice slides, marvel at larger-than-life displays, and wander through the arctic attraction.
FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL
With signature events like ICE! and the “A Country Christmas Dinner Show” starring Terri Clark or The Frontmen, classic holiday activities including photos with Santa, and thrilling experiences like ice tubing and Snowball Build & Blast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during So Much Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort.
For the thrill seekers:
• Hop on a tube and r ace friends down an ice-covered hill.
• Ge t a rush sliding, spinning, and bumping friends and family in Bumper Cars.
• Enjo y a yuletide glide on an outdoor ice-skating rink.
• Build and t oss real snowballs at Snowball Build & Blast.
For the chill seekers:
• Le t your Christmas creativity run wild at the Gingerbread Decorating Corner.
• Put y our sleuthing skills to the test at the resort-wide Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt.
• Take a festive riverboat ride on a quarter-mile-long river that winds through the resort's Delta Atrium.
• Expe rience a private horse-drawn carriage ride to enjoy the resort’s outdoor decorations and lights.
SOUNDWAVES WATER EXPERIENCE
For those looking for different kinds of thrills and chills, there’s SoundWaves. This unique four-acre, three-level upscale water attraction features dedicated recreation zones for adults, young children, and families.
Kept at a comfortable 84 degrees indoors year-round, SoundWaves features energetic rides, winding wave pools, immersive music, and an extraordinary modern oasis for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Its unique roof also allows guests to sunbathe indoors – even in wintertime!
WINTER WELLNESS AT RELÂCHE SPA
For those looking to chill out in a different way, there’s Relâche Spa. Drift into a state of tranquility this holiday season while enjoying a massage, facial, pedicure, or another relaxing and rejuvenating treatments at Nashville’s premier spa and fitness center.
SO MUCH CHRISTMAS
After a fun, festive day of memory making, unwind with a meal at Old Hickory Steakhouse, Ravello, Cascades, Solario Cantina, or set sail on the General Jackson Showboat for a dinner cruise and live holiday show before seeing the night sky light up at the Delta Atrium Light and Fountain Show. This breathtaking synchronization of light, water, and holiday music is a not-to-be missed show all ages will love.
Make lasting memories together this season at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Learn more and book packages at ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com.
FINLAND
TEXT AND PHOTOS
COURTESY OF BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS
A NORDIC GEM OF NATURAL WONDERS AND UNIQUE CULTURE
Finland, a Nordic gem nestled in Northern Europe, is a mesmerizing blend of serene, natural beauty and vibrant city life. Revered as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” this enchanting country actually boasts around 187,888 lakes, creating picturesque landscapes that capture the hearts of nature enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
UNVEILING HELSINKI: THE CAPITAL OF INNOVATION AND TRADITION
At the heart of Finland lies its dynamic capital, Helsinki. This urbane metropolis seamlessly marries modern innovation with traditional charm, offering an intriguing blend of contemporary architecture and historical allure. Walk through its streets and you’ll find sleek, minimalist designs coexisting with storied landmarks that whisper tales of bygone eras.
Stroll around the vibrant Market Square and soak in the sights of colorful produce and hand-made crafts. Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic Uspenski Cathedral, an awe-inspiring architectural marvel that stands as a testament to Finland’s rich cultural heritage.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS: FINLAND’S ETHEREAL CROWN JEWEL
One of Finland’s most enchanting natural wonders is the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. From September to March, the night skies come alive with stunning displays of vibrant greens, pinks and violets dancing across the horizon. Witnessing this celestial phenomenon is a bucket-list experience.
FOR PRIME VIEWING, HEAD TO:
• Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, where you can enjoy not only the Northern Lights but also a host of winter activities.
• Saariselkä, offering thrilling Northern Light safaris via snowmobile and husky tours.
• Le vi, a renowned ski resort that combines winter sports with aurora hunting.
• Kakslauttanen, famous for its glass igloos where guests can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of a cozy bed.
• Inari, providing a tranquil, pollution-free retreat ideal for immersing in the pristine wilderness while chasing the auroras.
PRO TIP: Consider staying in an aurora cabin or glass igloo to view the lights in warm comfort.
LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: Historically, the Northern Lights were believed to be the souls of the departed, fox fires, or even divine messages, according to various local legends.
EMBRACE THE MIDNIGHT SUN
During the summer months, especially in northern Finland, experience the enigmatic midnight sun. This natural phenomenon during which the sun doesn’t fully set for weeks, offers endless daylight for adventures. Imagine playing golf under the midnight
sun on Levi's beautiful 18-hole course, open 24 hours during the summer.
Above the Arctic Circle in Lapland, winter travelers experience polar night; the sun doesn’t rise for up to 51 days. This is the converse experience from summer’s two months of midnight sun.
EXPLORE FINLAND’S NATIONAL PARKS
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Finland’s national parks, which are havens of rich wildlife and stunning landscapes.
• N uuksio National Park, located a short distance from Helsinki, is home to flying squirrels and a variety of bird species. It’s an ideal setting for activities like hiking, cycling, canoeing and bird watching.
• Urho Kekkonen National Park in Finnish Lapland features extensive trails for hiking and skiing, serene lakes perfect for canoeing and fishing, and wildlife including reindeer and arctic birds.
• Koli National Park in North Karelia offers breathtaking views over Lake Pielinen, with opportunities for hiking scenic trails, canoeing, cycling and bird watching.
Other notable parks like Repovesi, with its rugged cliffs, and Pallas-Yllästunturi, known for scenic falls, provide activities such as rock climbing, kayaking and winter sports. Across all parks, visitors can indulge in hiking, trekking, cycling, canoeing, bird watching and photography while respecting nature and benefiting from guided tours for enhanced experiences.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
THE FINNISH SAUNA: No visit to Finland is complete without indulging in a traditional sauna. With an estimated three million saunas in the country, nearly one for every two people, there’s always an opportunity to detox and unwind. Saunas aren’t just places to get warm; they’re sanctuaries for relaxation, rejuvenation and socializing.
One of the most renowned saunas is Löyly in Helsinki. Situated on the pristine waterfront in the Hernesaari district, it offers breathtaking water views and a chance to plunge into the Baltic Sea. The building itself is a work of art, featuring a distinctive wooden structure that has garnered various architectural accolades.
VISIT SANTA CLAUS: Many know that Santa comes from Finland, but may not realize that Rovaniemi is the official hometown of St. Nick! Santa Claus Village is an enchanting destination that captivates youngsters and kids at heart with its festive spirit year-round. From meeting Santa in his quaint office to sending postcards with a unique Arctic Circle postmark, this magical village offers a host of delightful activities.
DOG SLEDDING: During winter, a visit to the Arctic Circle Husky Park offers a thrilling canine sledding adventure. Learn about the life and training of Siberian Huskies while sledding through snowy trails. For a glimpse of Sami culture, a visit to a local reindeer farm is a must. Guided by expert herders, visitors learn about the significant role reindeer play in Sami lifestyle. Enchanting reindeer rides through snow-covered landscapes are always a highlight.
Guided snowmobile tours to explore Rovaniemi's stunning landscapes are popular during winter months, especially appealing to adventure seekers who wish to experience the Arctic wilderness.
WEATHER IN FINLAND
Finland is a year-round destination. Winters offer abundant outdoor activities like downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, skating and ice-swimming. Spring and autumn are the best times to see the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. Late summer and autumn are perfect for foraging and enjoying the colorful foliage.
The best skiing in Lapland is in spring (until early May), while in the south, snow will be gone by this time. Summer months across Finland are known for their white nights, and in Lapland, for the period when the sun never sets. Big cities offer interesting activities all year, and in Finland, it’s always sauna season.
PACKING TIPS: Light layers are perfect for summer days, with a sweater for the cooler evenings. Heavy, warm snow/rain gear is a must in the winter, and waterproof outerwear is essential yearround. Finland’s weather is constantly changing, so it’s best to be prepared for anything.
GETTING AROUND FINLAND
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is the main international airport, located just 20 km north of Helsinki, and is well-connected to numerous major cities worldwide. Smaller cities like Turku (TKU) and Tampere (TMP) also have international flights, although with fewer connections. Traveling by ferry from neighboring countries like Sweden or Germany is a scenic and relaxing option, however, Finland is accessible by car from Sweden and Norway, with excellent road networks and scenic routes for a beautiful road trip.
Once in Finland, getting around is smooth and can be part of the adventure. The country boasts an efficient public transport system.
• T rains: Prompt and comfortable, connecting major cities and regions.
• Buses: Ex tensive routes covering urban and rural areas.
• City Transportation: Comprehensive networks in cities like Helsinki.
• Taxis/Car Rentals: Widely available, ideal for flexibility.
• Unique Modes: In winter, experience reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiles or icebreaker cruises in the Baltic Sea.
FUN FACTS ABOUT FINLAND:
Happiest Country: Finland consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world, thanks to its superior quality of life, excellent public services and a deep connection to nature.
Icebreakers: Finland has a fleet of icebreakers that ensure its ports can operate year-round, even in heavy ice conditions. Taking an icebreaker cruise is a truly unique experience.
Coffee Culture: Finns are serious about their coffee. Finland has one of the highest per capita coffee consumption rates in the world.
Whether wandering the charming streets of Helsinki, hiking through endless forests and lakes, or standing in awe beneath the Northern Lights, travelers to Finland find a diverse and enriching experience. It’s a place that seamlessly blends tranquility and adventure, historical richness and modern simplicity, making it a perfect destination for any adventurer looking to explore the lesstrodden paths of Europe.
Travel Leaders, owned by Barbara May, has been in the industry for over 38 years and specializes in all types of travel. May recently received the 2023/24 Person of the Year award from the Collierville Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on Finland or to plan your next vacation, contact Travel Leaders at 901.377.6600 or 901.853.6200, or visit www.gotravelleaders.com. Offices are located at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, Memphis, and 155 N. Main St., Ste. 101A, Collierville, and are open by appointment only.
Chillingly Delicious & Easy Chili
RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF ANITA HARRIS
CHILLINGLY DELICIOUS AND EASY CHILI
INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs. ground chuck, fresh or frozen
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 package of Williams Original Chili Seasoning for 2 pounds of meat. (They make 4-pound packages also.)
3 10.75-oz. cans Campbell’s Tomato Soup
1 15-oz. can Hunt’s Petite Diced Tomatoes
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 16-oz. can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
DIRECTIONS:
Put ground chuck in a large pot and add water to almost cover all the meat. Add garlic. Cook on high, constantly breaking up the meat. The meat is done when the liquid is gone. Drain cooked meat in a colander then put it back in the pot and stir in the Williams Chili Seasoning over low heat. Next, add the tomato soup and diced tomatoes. If the mixture is too thick, add some water. Stir in sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently stir in kidney beans. Enjoy! Freezes well.
*This is my mother’s chili recipe, and she always browned her meat using this technique. It tenderizes the meat and cooks out the grease. I use this method on other recipes that call for browned meat, such as tacos or lasagna. Meat can be prepared this way whether it is fresh or frozen.
A SHOCKING TREAT!
Use this chili to make a frighteningly easy appetizer! Spread a block of softened cream cheese evenly to cover the bottom of an oven-safe dish. Cover the cream cheese with chili and grated cheddar cheese. Microwave or heat in the oven on a low temperature (300˚) until the cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips.
For this and more recipes and entertaining ideas, follow Anita Harris on Instagram @adaywithanitaharris.
Safety Begins at Home!
STORY BY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC ABUSE: TYPES, SIGNS, AND STEPS FOR SEEKING HELP
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic abuse is a complex and deeply harmful cycle that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s crucial to recognize that abuse takes many forms beyond just the physical. It can be emotional, psychological and financial, all of which leave lasting scars. Domestic abuse isn’t confined to one type of relationship. It can occur between spouses, intimate partners or even between parents and children.
Abuse is about power and control, and each form manifests in different ways to trap victims in a cycle of fear and manipulation.
TYPES OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND THEIR SIGNS
Physical abuse is the most visible form of domestic violence and often the easiest to recognize. However, physical abuse isn’t always just about bruises and injuries; it can include various forms of harm or the threat of harm. Signs of physical abuse include being grabbed, shoved, hit, restrained or being denied medical care after an injury.
Emotional/Psychological abuse is more subtle but can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It wears down a person’s sense of self-worth and confidence, leaving them feeling trapped and powerless. Signs of emotional/psychological abuse include constant criticism or belittling, public and/or private humiliation, using words or comments meant to make a person feel inadequate or worthless, threats of physical harm, and gaslighting (a psychological tactic meant to make a victim doubt their reality). Emotional/ psychological abuse involves manipulative
behaviors designed to instill, fear, anxiety or confusion in the victim.
Financial abuse is a tactic abusers use to control victims by limiting their access to money or resources, making it difficult for them to leave the relationship. Signs of financial abuse include control of all the household income, giving the victim a strict allowance, or denying them access to financial information, sabotaging employment to prevent the victim from working or attending job interviews, or sabotaging their performance at work. Financial abuse can also involve the abuser stealing money from the victim, ruining their credit or manipulating joint accounts to ensure the victim is dependent.
SEEKING HELP AND LEAVING AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
Leaving an abusive relationship is incredibly difficult, not only because of the emotional bonds and manipulation involved but also because of the practical and physical dangers it can entail. However, it is important to know that help is available, and leaving is possible.
FOLLOWING ARE SOME STEPS AND RESOURCES THAT CAN BE LIFESAVING:
Create a Safety Plan, a personalized, practical plan that can help you avoid dangerous situations and know the best way to react when you’re in danger. This can include preparing an emergency bag, knowing where you can go if you need to leave quickly, and keeping important documents and emergency contact numbers accessible or in a safe location away from the abuser.
Seek support by reaching out to trusted friends, family, or organizations that that
specialize in helping victims of domestic abuse. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1.800.799.SAFE) can offer confidential assistance for locations in local areas. Shelters and advocacy groups can provide safe spaces, legal assistance and emotional support.
Contact Authorities. Depending on your situation, contacting law enforcement can be an essential step, especially if you are in immediate danger. Police officers can help with protection orders or removing an abusive partner from the home.
3 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN LEAVING
It’s not your fault. Many victims blame themselves for the abuse, but it is never the victim’s fault. The abuser is entirely responsible for their actions. Understanding this can be an important step in healing and finding the strength to leave.
It’s important to have a support system. Leaving an abusive relationship is often safer and more manageable with a support system. Friends, family and professional organizations can offer practical help, such as providing a place to stay or helping with legal paperwork.
Legal protection is available . Many states offer legal protections for victims of domestic abuse. This can include restraining orders, custody of children and even financial support. It’s important to consult with a lawyer or legal advocate familiar with domestic abuse cases to understand your rights and options.
Recognizing the signs is the first step toward helping someone break free from the cycle of abuse. Victims may frequently have bruises, cuts or broken bones they try to hide or explain away as accidents. The abuser may isolate the victim from family and friends, discouraging or preventing them from maintaining outside relationships. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, reach out for help. People and resources are available to support you in leaving the relationship and finding safety and healing. No one deserves to be mistreated, and there is hope for a future free from abuse. Your home should be the safest place you know!
Special ThanksMichelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
IN THE KITCHEN
Special Thanks -
Anita Harris @adaywithanitaharris
ON A GOOD NOTE
Special Thanks901 Pop 901pop.org
THE POWER OF A FLOWER
The room was dark. The sun was bright outside, but in this small space, the lights were off. It was quiet. And then a stranger and a child appeared at the door. In the child’s hands was a bouquet of beautifully arranged flowers. “These are for you,” said the child with a smile. “Why?” asked the recipient. “Because we wanted to bring you a little joy,” the child’s mother responded. And slowly, as the three briefly chatted, the recipient began to smile too.
That’s the power of a 901 POP flower.
Another room. Another day. A 901 POP volunteer handed flowers to a woman sitting quietly in a wheelchair. The recipient, surprised, inquired about the color of the flowers. Realizing the woman was blind, the volunteer invited her to smell and feel the blossoms as she described them in detail. As the volunteer left the room, she experienced an unexpected moment of connection and cheer.
That’s the power of a 901 POP flower.
It is joy, beauty, connection and care—for not only the recipients, but for the volunteers and floral donors, as well. 901 POP’s (Petals of Purpose) mission is to spread joy and inspire kindness in our community through the repurposing of flowers and the sharing of personal experiences. Volunteers arrange flowers from weddings and other events into smaller bouquets to share with individuals in senior living communities, emergency shelters and grief groups, as well as with foster mothers, breast cancer warriors and many others. Each arrangement includes a hand-written note of encouragement.
The organization celebrated five years of flower power in September. Since 2019, 901 POP has delivered nearly 23,000 floral arrangements to individuals in our community.
“What a surprise and lift for my spirits,” shared one floral recipient. “Flowers are magic that way. But then you know that.”
That’s the power of a 901 POP flower.
To learn more about 901 POP, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.901pop.org.
