SMUDGE STICK

Burning herbs for their smoke is a common practice called smudging. This trend originated with the Indigenous People of North America and has grown in popularity in the last few years. Smudging is intended for different purposes - such as cleansing the energy around you or sparking creativity. We take you through the process of making your own smudge stick.

SUPPLIES: Dried herbs of your choice Twine or 100% cotton thread

DIRECTIONS: Gather ingredients (we used rosemary and sage, but you can combine lavender, rose petals or completely dried rosebuds). Layer herbs. Cut a piece of twine four times longer than bundle. Make a loose knot at the base of one end. Wrap the twine tightly all the way up the bundle and back down again, securing the string to the original knot. Allow the smudge sticks to dry completely in a sunny spot before burning. Light one end with a match, fan smoke and let burn with windows and doors open.

Isomehow managed to make it through a graduate degree in English without ever having been assigned Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, a fictional story of New York City’s elite class during the Gilded Age. I delayed too long, or just long enough, as a period piece feels most appropriate when the world gets heavy. Wharton’s whimsical portrayal of the efforts of those at the top of the social hierarchy to retain their status, along with the language of the time period, and the oddly formal nature of human interaction cement the novel as a literary relic of a much different America.

Newland Archer’s engagement to the seemingly naive and adoringly beautiful May Welland is the backdrop for Wharton’s subtle critique of social standards in the 1870s. When May’s cousin Countess Ellen Olenska arrives in town under the veil of scandal, May’s family calls on Newland to secure her social and financial future in the wake of her soon-to-be-announced divorce, an unfathomable decision for a woman of her background and standing. Countess Olenska’s vivacious personality and daring refusal to conform to societal norms intrigues Newland who can’t help comparing the talk of the town to his future bride. As a product of the social class he now questions, Newland must decide if the predetermined future society demands is even worth it.

Wharton explores themes of social class, wealth, and gender politics. Though told from Newland’s perspective, the dynamic female characters are the catalysts for Newland’s emotional evolution. May Welland’s strength is in her innocence, her willingness to play a role in society deemed most appropriate. Ellen Olenska’s strength is in her defiance of those social norms, her willingness to reject social conventions and expectations for personal freedom. Wharton highlights the far-too-often forced binary placed upon women of that era, while men were free to seek self-expression at any cost. The book is also about love, how life makes what should be simple more complicated. Newland once exclaims in exasperation, “You gave me my first glimpse of a real life, and at the same moment you asked me to go on with a sham one. It’s beyond human endurance - that’s all.” Wharton’s use of language, character development, and an impending ending that keeps pages turning is a stunning achievement. No wonder people still read Wharton inside and outside of academic spaces. The Age of Innocence won the 1921 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making Wharton the first woman in history to receive the honor. Director Martin Scorsese adapted the 1993 film production starring Daniel Day Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder.

“Do you know - I hardly remembered you. Each time you happen to me all over again.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

This intergenerational novel explores the ties between women, culture, and identity. Told from two perspectives, the story weaves between 1855, when Josephine was a young girl enslaved on the plantation, to 1924, when Jospehine is free and facing the threat of the Ku Klux Klan. Her great-granddaughter Ava’s struggles in 2017 mirror the family history, where race is the root of contention. Each chapter shifts in time, showing the consistent heartbeat of racial strife against America’s evolving historical contexts.

The story opens in New Orleans with Ava and her only son considering moving in with Ava’s white grandmother Martha, a wealthy woman who wants Ava to care for her. Faced with financial insecurity since her divorce, Ava takes the leap, leaving her low-paying job and moving her son to a new school.Ava is forced to confront old demons, namely the generational conflict resulting from her black mother and white father’s union years ago and the existent animosity between Ava’s mother and Martha.

Josephine’s story is woven into Ava’s narrative, unfolding the backdrop of family history that enriches the current plot. When young Josephine’s family decides to flee the bondage of slavery, Jospehine’s whole world is rocked. Knowing only confinement, the promise of freedom threatens the only reality she knows. The novel then leaps sixty years forward, as Josephine, now a widow, has grown accustomed to freedom in a country that still harbors racial resentment. When Josephine befriends her white neighbor Charlotte, racial tensions resurface that threaten the family’s survival. I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book in the first few chapters. I felt Wilkerson dove so deep into each character, that the point-of-view shifts seemed abrupt. As I kept reading, I became more curious about how these stories would intersect, where and how the connection would evolve. I am so glad I didn’t give up, because the ending is so beautiful and vivid. Wilkerson shows us the fabric of family history, that who we are is directly tied to our ancestry, that the stories we are told affect the people we become. She pays particular attention to female bonds in this novel, that the struggles of black women makes them even more reliant on each other for survival.

“I think about what my mama has said, that there are versions of ourselves, there are versions of ourselves within ourselves.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group

THE MEDICAL SPA IS RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH our New Year, New You promotions throughout the entire month of January! We would love to help you look and feel your best going into 2022, so during January, you can receive 25% off new treatments and 20% off new skincare regimens. If you’ve been considering laser hair removal, body tightening, or maybe even our Geneo facial, there is no better time than now! Juvederm and Kybella will be included in these specials: purchase 1 syringe of Juvederm (1ml) to receive $75 off and $100 off each vial when purchasing Kybella. If you’re unsure what treatment or skincare options to choose, call us to schedule your complimentary consultation to discuss available options.

Who doesn’t love a good loyalty program? The Medical Spa’s success this year is due to our fantastic clientele. To show our appreciation, we want to reward you for purchases made at the spa. Start earning points now when services and retail products are purchased. These points will earn you money to go towards future treatments. Additional ways to earn points and discounts while visiting The Medical Spa are available through Alle and Obagi Premier Points. Alle is an Allergan loyalty program and rewards you with points when you receive treatments with Allergan brands such as Botox, Juvederm, and Kybella. Points accrued from Alle loyalty program can be used towards purchases of Allergan products (Botox, Juvederm, and Kybella) and eligibility towards special discounts and promotions. Obagi Premier Points can be earned when making Obagi purchases at The Medical Spa. These points are redeemable and can be used towards free products. Points can also be earned when you receive other medical spa treatments like laser hair removal, micro-needling, and more! Contact the Medical Spa to find out more information on all of these loyalty programs.

Sensitive skin can be difficult to care for especially in the everchanging Louisiana weather. If you have sensitive skin, you may tend to have more redness, irritation, and be more reactive to certain ingredients. People can develop sensitivity at any age and irritants vary from each person but knowing what products to avoid can help when building your skincare routine. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to use products that are fragrance-free and free of other irritants such as alcohol. The Medical Spa offers a variety of products for all skin types. Below are just a few products we recommend whether you’re looking for a cleanser, corrective cream, or masque.

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser: Soap-free cleanser for sensitive skin, containing a high-concentration blend of botanical extracts.

Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser: Mild facial cleansers which leave your skin feeling soft, clean, and with a fresh complexion.

SkinCeuticals Phyto +: Soothing and hydrating gel with arbutin and kojic acid to help the appearance of discoloration.

Obagi Vitamin C 10%: antioxidant serum with 10% pure L-ascorbic acid gentle enough for dry or sensitive skin.

Obagi Retivance: Complex containing retinaldehyde and antioxidant Vitamin C and Vitamin E to improve the texture and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This product is dermatologist tested as well as paraben and fragrance-free.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel: Soothing gel serum containing cucumber, thyme, and hyaluronic acid which helps to calm, hydrate, and reduce redness.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque: A calming botanical masque that helps soothe temporarily reactive skin containing a blend of cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts.

Stop by The Medical Spa this month to take advantage of our specials, events, and to find out more about the medical-grade skincare products and treatments offered. We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont Street, Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. This location offers access to plenty of parking, privacy, and easy access for clients. Also, be certain to follow us on St. Francis Medical Center Facebook page and Instagram so you can be up to date on all the new and exciting things happening here at The Medical Spa!

THE NEW YEAR MEANS A NEW YOU, A FRESH START TO to think about your body. When jotting down your New Year’s resolutions, take a minute to think about how that goal can affect your body’s health and function. Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions involve being healthier and that can look different to so many people. The best resolutions focus on long term practices to improve your mind, body and soul. Because chiropratic care focuses on the whole body wellness, visiting Coleman Chiropratic Clinic can help you prepare for those New Year’s resolutions. Fostering new growth, a healthy mindset, improving change and self-improvement are all factors to consider. Whether it’s for self care, to assist with weight loss, to help chronic pain, or to just improve your overall health, there are many ways chiropratic care can act as that missing component you’ve needed to maintain long term wellness.

The main objective of our chiropractors along with delivering healthy treatments, is to help the nervous system communicate freely with the entire body. As you adjust to the new year, considering a chiropractic adjustment can help you start off your health and wellness journey with less pain. The chiropractic team at Coleman Chiropractic can help you keep your body in tune to achieve those goals. Dr. Brian Coleman has been keeping families healthy by providing chiropractic care along with health and nutrition programs for the entire family. As an experienced chiropractor, he is committed to promoting healthy living and a life drug free. Being established as a practicing chiropractor of almost 40 years, Dr. Brian Coleman is teaming up with his son, Dr. Beaux Coleman to bring chiropractic care to our community. Each doctor sincerely believes in both drug-free and non-invasive care. Chiropratic care is widely recognized as one of the safest forms of health care.

A new year is a time where we can focus on how we want the next year to go, what can be done for your body’s health, a family member or a friend. A healthy diet, proper hydration, and weight loss are all common goals set for the new year. All of these goals accompanied with chiropractic care have been shown to create a stronger immune system for an overall healthier way of life. Let our chiropractors educate and execute proper care for you today. Even with a restored, functioning nervous and immune system, maintaining healthy habits is the cornerstone to keeping to your New Years resolutions. By visiting our clinic regularly, you will have a team to keep you accountable, answer questions, and prolong the success of your health journey by keeping you on track.

Now is a great time to start thinking about how to make meaningful changes to your life, and it’s a fresh start for everyone. For many, this can be the beginning of your journey to a better you. With chiropractic care, you may find that it is easier and a more effective approach than hitting the gym. Our Chiropractors can help you with treatment to be more alert, have better focus and have better clarity by correcting misalignments in your body. And one of the best parts is that for many people, the results can be instantaneous. Rather than quick fixes or unsustainable goals, our team at Coleman Chiropratic want to encourage holistic wellness and mindfulness alongside your New Year’s resolutions. With the expert guidance of our doctors, you can hold true to your goals all year long.

Many things can happen in a lifetime; sports injuries, stiff neck from work, auto accidents or just everyday aches and pains; Coleman Chiropractic Clinic treats it all. A healthy spine gives rise to a healthy body and everyone can benefit from quality chiropractic care from infants to the elderly. We offer other services and products to keep you in shape including custom orthotics, supplements and foot detoxes. We are also proud to exclusively offer the Piezo Wave 2 to our region. If you would like to add chiropractic care to your routine, check us out at Coleman Chiropractic Clinic. Getting treatment is easier than ever before. Our friendly office staff will help you conveniently schedule your appointment, one that works for you. There are plenty of times and availability to get the care you want, hassle free. Get a head start on your health and well being in 2022, beginning with a quick trip to Coleman Chiropratic Clinic as soon as today. Because improving your quality of life by shifting your perspective is the greatest thing you can do for yourself.

Coleman Chiropractic Clinic 2501 Ferrand Street, Monroe 318.388.2215 | www.colemanchiropractic.net Find us on Facebook @ColemanChiropractic2501

This vibrant bowl is full of our favorite, healthy ingredients: marinated tuna, seaweed, radishes, cucumber, avocado, cabbage, over steamed rice and topped with a umami-packed sauce. It’s an easy and nutritious meal to add to your New Year recipes.

I REMEMBER, as I look back over the many years of my life, that none of those years was as challenging as was this past year, 2021. I can recall previous years that were marked by difficulties such as problems in school or at work, disappointing relationships, family struggles -- including the scare of polio that threatened my older sister, and a war (World War II) that could be devastating to the whole world. But 2021 had all of these and more!

Perhaps the most difficult and most testing trial was that produced by the Covid pandemic which impacted us all in multiple ways. In addition to the deaths associated with this virus and the painful battles many endured in fighting this disease, there were the shut-downs that affected our schools, businesses, and churches, plus the various mandates that we had to endure. This made for a long year and many restless nights and was a severe test of our faith.

Several members of our family “caught” Covid, but none had much difficulty due to their light cases. However, we were confronted with a pandemic that caused concern worldwide.

The most serious happening for me in 2021 was when my family members were faced with the task of watching as a loved one – wife, mother, and grandmother – battled cancer. What made the situation harder for me and my family was that our struggle resembled a ride on a roller coaster. We would receive a positive report concerning her condition, and not a long time afterward, there would be unwelcome news. This pattern continued through the months of her illness, raising our hopes and then snatching them away – over and over again.

So, 2021 was not the best of years for our clan. However, we were able to cope with the various negative experiences because of One who is unchanging, always the same. And we were reminded of His faithfulness by friends, by Christian teachers on TV, by our churches, but especially through our personal devotional times. One of my

almost-daily prayers was, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” And He did! He was always present when we were dealing with doubt, and, as He promises, His grace was sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9) I suspect that many of you were affected by the things that happened to us in 2021, and that you also survived by His grace. With Him beside us, the hills are not so steep and the path is not too long. This is so encouraging as we face the new year, because WITH HIM BESIDE US, THE HILLS ARE whatever difficulties arise, He is with us. My hope and my prayer is

NOT SO STEEP AND THE PATH that 2022 will be filled with “good”

IS NOT TOO LONG. things and that it will not have the negative things that were such a major part of our lives in the prior year. But if we have trials that are reminders of what we experienced in 2021, we can best endure and survive those ordeals if we don’t try to manage them all by ourselves. Those are indeed fortunate who have family and friends who can help shoulder their load. I trust that all of us have a loving family to support us, and I would suggest that a good place to find friends who will stick by us is a church. Of course, the search for a friend who will never forsake us will lead us to Jesus. He loves us with a love from which we can never be separated (Romans 8:39). In addition to that, He knows everything that will happen to us in the New Year, so He is never surprised by those happenings. Furthermore, He has the power to perform all that He has promised us. He has His children and the year 2022 in His omnipotent hands! With His unconditional love, His unlimited wisdom, and His sovereign power in action on our behalf, we can face 2022 with hope, expectation, and confidence. So let each one of us seek a close relationship with the Lord through prayer, reading His word, and fellowship with like-minded friends, both in regular worship and in our every-day lives, and may God richly bless you with His favor in the New Year.

article by PAUL LIPE

opinion expressed is that of the writer

MAKE A RESOLUTION TO SMILE MORE OR ENJOY EATING your favorite foods again! From cosmetic options for any budget to solutions to make smiles stronger, NELA Dental is equipped to handle any need for your smile. In addition to their amazing cosmetic and implant services, they also offer sedation options to make patients as comfortable as possible. 2022 is the year for a healthier you that begins with your smile!

Let your smile shine bright with teeth whitening from Zoom Whitening. It’s an affordable treatment to whiten your smile in one visit. The treatment also includes take-home whitening trays to ensure the best results. By combining in-house LED technology and at home treatment, patients will see their whitest smile in a week’s time.

Resin bonding is another type of cosmetic solution for chipped, gapped, and stained teeth and fillings. The material is shaped and molded to your teeth to give the appearance of a straighter, whiter smile. Resin bonding can be completed in a single appointment.

Veneers are a wonderful option to improve your smile and it’s great for those with slight imperfections such as teeth that are stained, chipped or have gaps. Veneers are custom-made thin shells that are attached to the front surface of your teeth to change their color, shape, size, or length.

For those with missing or decaying teeth, dental implants can improve your smile not only cosmetically but structurally as well. Implants provide a stable and durable base for restoration so you can start to enjoy all of your favorite foods again.

An implant-retained denture is a denture attached to implants inserted into the jaw. This is different from a regular denture which rests on the gums. Denture wearers often find their dentures can be held in place with dental implants for added comfort and stability. Some patients even experience improved speech; a welcomed benefit for many. Implant-retained dentures may provide patients with more confidence. Another major benefit of implant-retained dentures is the ability to enjoy foods previously considered off limits.

NELA Dental is your home for this Teeth in a Day, dental implant services. In fact, it is one of the few dental practices offering this procedure in the state of Louisiana. Through the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D printing, dental implants can be placed, and longterm temporary teeth can be printed and placed in one day. This process allows for more chewing ability and much less pain while healing.

Whether it’s root canal therapy or a routine procedure like a cleaning, IV and oral sedation is an option. Often, sedation allows patients to have multiple procedures completed in one visit. Thus, cutting down cost and the number of visits to the dentist.

Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, is delivered through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. IV sedation is an anti-anxiety medication, and the level of sedation can be adjusted to suit your needs. You will most likely sleep throughout the entire procedure.

Oral sedation can be administered to patients who may have some anxieties about IV sedation to reduce their fear and make them more comfortable. There are a variety of single or incremental doses used to help medicate a patient during a dental procedure. These oral medications can help to reduce memory of the sights and smells of the dental office to avoid any discomfort. The sedation allows a more complicated procedure to finish faster and more comfortably for a patient.

Whether it’s for dental implants or a checkup, visiting the dentist is the key to overall good oral health. NELA Dental wants to make that financially easier for our patients. That’s why we offer membership plans to help alleviate the cost of some procedures. Frequent visits keep your smile healthy, but these visits may also help catch potential problems early. This could make treatments simpler and more affordable. Catching problems early is not only good for oral health and your wallet, but it may also boost your medical health too. The benefits of routine oral maintenance are seemingly endless!

We accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. Call one of our convenient locations in Farmerville and Monroe, schedule your appointment.

Don’t let anything stand in your way of a great smile this year, contact NELA Dental and start smiling today!