BAYOU EATS

Oddly enough, the place started on a fish sandwich,” says Jay Howell about his most recent eatery Okaloosa. He and his father, frequent Gulf Coast travelers, often find themselves craving a good grouper sandwich, but they have found that it’s not a frequent find in Monroe. On his last beach trip to the Florida Panhandle, satisfied from indulging in a variety of fish sandwiches, he was resolved to bring a part of his many coastal adventures back to the land of the bayou.

Howell has established himself in Northeast Louisiana as a successful dentist and restaurateur. Already responsible for the good eats and unique atmosphere at Restaurant Cotton, Planter’s Gastropub, and The Eli, he was not planning to open another restaurant in that location. Though he owned the property of what is now Okaloosa, he was hoping to lease it to “the right person,” that is, someone who would have respect for the location and bring a “good idea” that would work for the community. “I was very protective,” he says. As months passed without any viable candidates, Howell had the fish sandwich epiphany and set out to work. Having already curated impeccable interiors for all three of his restaurants, he set out to really understand the design of his future endeavor. Also, as a recent father of twins, he wanted to make sure his new space would be family and kid-friendly, an interactive space that also felt culturally significant.

“It started out very mid-80s, like spring break,” he says. In his research, he began channeling his childhood and teenage years, which led him down a rabbit hole of music, one of his favorite sources of inspiration. “I always have to have the music,” he laughs, referring to the playlists he makes for his restaurants. He started tapping into the sounds of the mid-1970s to the 1990s, artists like Bob Marley, Sublime, and Fleetwood Mac and compiled them into a 27-hour 47-minute playlist titled Okaloosa. Each retro beat ushered in distinct “happy memories,” like the time when he lived on the Gulf Coast as a kid. “It was that whole Panama Jack time period,” he says, recalling the aesthetic of his early childhood homes like rattan furniture and vintage hand-me-downs.

Howell kept sourcing inspiration from his memories, finalizing his vision for Okaloosa which ultimately aims to capture beachy retro vibes. The grab of the space begins as you drive down Hudson Lane. On a late afternoon, you’re sure to spot the lush front lawn buzzing with groups playing cornhole or lounging on the outdoor picnic tables, which are shaded with tangerine-colored patio umbrellas. Walking into the space is like walking into a wide range of selfie spots. The white building is almost completely covered in ivy and lined with ferns and rosemary bushes. A neon orange sign peaks brightly from the wall of ivy, boldly displaying the name of the restaurant. Upon entry, you’ll be instantly transported, if not by the sand brown shag carpet wall, by the second neon sign, golden yellow letters spelling out what Howell considers one of Matthew McConaughey’s most famous lines, “It’d be a lot cooler if you did.”

Choosing your seating may be one of the most arduous tasks, not because of a lack, as the restaurant can currently seat about 250 customers, but because each seating option offers a unique visual experience. Take the left-wing of the restaurant. Lit by natural light seeping through a clear glass garage door, a party of six has a space in the center by way of a rattan table with a rectangular glass top and vintage cushioned chairs. Booth seating lining the wall is accompanied by an array of Slim Aarons-syled prints hanging on the wall depicting dreamy beach hangout scenes. The room adjacent is referred to as the “bird room,” most obviously monikered because of the flamingo wallpaper, bubble gum pink shag carpet, and showstopping cockatoo prints. The wicker pendant light fixtures provide an amber hue tying nicely with the vintage feel. “I think it’s one of the coolest rooms,” says Howell.

Above: The courtyard has a Palm Beach County attitude with picturesque MURALS --two painted by Ashley Alford-Dollar, and the other by Lyndsay Jones. Seating is ample in this tropical escape, where metal patio tables and chairs are spaced out and accented by Flamingo-pink and thatch, tikistyle patio umbrellas. At right: Sylvia Sue and Slayter enjoy the bouncy house, among other activities that keeps kids entertained. Right: A neon orange sign peaks brightly from the WALL OF IVY, boldly displaying the name of the restaurant. A favorite dish is the SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS which features spicy marinara, pork and beef meatballs and parmesan cheese.

On the Smalls and Shares menu, lightly seared tuna is perfectly seasoned and served with a dipping sauce. Other items on the menu include the Mexico Cheese Fries which is described as including “all the good things,” and the Backyard Burger which features Black Angus beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Duke’s mayo on a sesame bun.

ne of Howell’s favorite spots is the “ship room.” This cozy nook connects the front patio to the inside of the restaurant thanks to another clear glass garage door that when opened welcomes a light breeze during late afternoon hours. “Sailboats somehow, some way, connected me to the 70s and 80s,” says Howell, as he glances at a wall haphazardly strewn from top to bottom with vintage paintings of schooners--hues of deep blue, aqua, and gold mingling. Exhibited on the wall across, is a threemast, ship wall sculpture in the style of brutalist metal art. There is an elegance to the space, and yet, it is met with casual elements. “I need it to look like it’s the inside of a trailer,” says Howell, explaining his decision for the fake wood paneling in parts of the restaurant, including the “ship room.” Considering it one of the more challenging rooms to furnish, he settled on capturing rooms he had grown up in in the form of forest green vinyl tablecloths and mid-century woven rattan counter stools, which ended up being the same kind his family owned when they lived in the Gulf Coast.

If you’re not lured toward the bar area, glowing in amber lighting, and distinguished by a mounted vintage Zenith console TV, then make your way to the courtyard where you will probably decide to stay awhile, especially on a cool summer night. The space has a Palm Beach County attitude with picturesque murals --two painted by Ashley Alford-Dollar, and the other by Lyndsay Jones. Seating is ample in this tropical escape, where metal patio tables and chairs are spaced out and accented by Flamingo-pink and thatch, tiki-style patio umbrellas. Two show-stopping light fixtures add an element of romance and intrigue. A fuchsia branched chandelier hangs at the center of the outdoor space as if floating in midair, an illusion created by the metal plate it is secured to, which is chained at the sides. Even more impressive is a complex light fixture Howell personally designed. The idea began when he had acquired a few twig baskets. “I wanted it to feel like a large nest, almost,” says Howell, who proceeded to have his father build a large steel ring. The result--art installation meets canopy meets light fixture.

Regardless of where you choose to sit at Okaloosa, your experience isn’t complete without giving the food and drink menu a look (especially the cocktail section). Approachability and affordability were the main principles when Howell was considering the menu. “So, the thought with the food is just trying to make it something simple,” he says. Items are well-rounded and familiar, all the while staying distinct to the Gulf Coast theme. As for starter items, the Boardwalk Fries are a tasty favorite--signature crispy fries with parmesan, garlic, and truffle seasoning. The Seared Tuna small plate is perfectly refreshing for hot summer days, and the Mexico Cheese Fries are described as “all the good things.” True to the restaurant’s origin story, on the sandwich menu is a grouper sandwich (blackened grouper, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, spicy tartar on a sesame bun, and served with chips or fries) among a few other grillers like the Backyard Burger and Beach Club sandwich.

Okaloosa cocktails are the stars of the drink menu. BayouLife’s favorite is the Rockstar Martini. This interactive concoction is a mix of Absolut vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, passion fruit puree, vanilla sugar syrup, and fresh lime juice in a glass carafe accompanied by a vintage, Emerald green sherbert dish with a scoop of shaved ice. Pour in the mix, and prepare for childhood nostalgia with adult fun. A recent addition that is a must-try is the Coconut Mojito--Bacardi Silver rum, fresh lime juice, cream of coconut, fresh mint, and club soda. On the frozen drinks side, the Louisiana Bushwacker is tempting, made with Bacardi Silver rum, Kahlua, praline liqueur, creme de cacao, ice cream, and piña colada puree, as well as the Funroe Hurricane, a simple mix of Southern Comfort and passion fruit puree.

“This is really a discovery about design, and letting an energy come through you that you may not understand,” says Howell, later adding, “I’ve put a lot of my heart into this place.” When he walks around the Okaloosa, he sees a living piece of art. “It’s not just twodimensional, you know. It’s not just a painting. It’s not just a story,” he continues, considering all the elements involved--food, music, aesthetics, human interaction. Howell hopes that he has created a space that asks patrons to have a moment, slow down, and live up to the city’s nickname--Funroe!

Okaloosa is located at 311 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA 71201 and is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Visit their Instagram page to learn more about one of Monroe’s best summer hangouts.

MOREHOUSE GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN SERVING the needs of the community as a rural healthcare provider for over 90 years. Beyond the primary mission of providing high quality, cost effective health care services to patients, the hospital represents a vital community economic development asset. The hospital has made great strides in recent years to improve the healthcare in our community. One of those ways is offering services at our various physicians clinics.

Our physician clinics are now outpatient departments of Morehouse General Hospital. All of our clinics are full-service and offer a wide range of medical services supported by a dedicated and caring staff, and backed by the expansive ancillary services of Morehouse General. Our clinics are committed to providing patient-centered high-quality care to patients of all ages. Through efficient use of a compassionate office staff that embraces professionalism and teamwork, we offer accessible personal care in a comfortable atmosphere.

As the medical needs of Morehouse Parish grow and change, we are expanding to fill those needs. Our clinics provide high quality care and cost-effective services for members of our community, from prenatal to seniors. To find one of our specialty physician clinics that best for you, contact Morehouse General Hospital at (318)283.3600. One of our friendly reception staff members will be glad to help you find the right physician for your needs.

One of our clinics is lead by Dr. Nagatomo. He is a general surgeon that preforms surgical procedures to treat conditions affecting the abdomen and related structures. Here are some of the procedures that he and his team are proficient in: • Port Placement • Thyroid Surgery • Breast Surgery • Gallbladder Surgery/Cholecystectomy • Appendix Surgery/ Appendectomy • Hernia Surgery • Hiatal Hernia • Ventral Hernia • Incisional Hernia • Inguinal/Groin Hernia • Colon Surgery • Hemorrhoid Surgery • Abscess Incision & Drainage • Soft Tissue Mass Removal • Mole & Skin Tag Removal

Kei Nagatomo, DO, is a fellowship-trained general surgeon. After his general surgery residency and clinical research experience in Wynnewood, PA, he completed advanced/complex gastrointestinal surgery fellowship at Methodist Richardson Medical Center in Richardson, Texas. He provides comprehensive care to a variety of acute and chronic surgical conditions, including inguinal hernias, ventral hernias, hiatal/paraoesophageal hernias, gallbladder disease, and colorectal conditions. Dr. Nagatomo is passionate about helping his patients and enjoys the challenges related to managing complex gastrointestinal surgical diseases. He focuses on the “total care of a patient”-mentally and physically and believes that the best medical care will be achieved when a surgeon thinks about surgical issues from patients’ perspectives. Dr. Nagatomo lives in Sterlington with his wife, Genevieve and their son, Ruka.

For more information visit us at www.mghospital.com

SPARTAN ADVENTURE PARK IS NOT JUST ANY trampoline park, we are the ultimate indoor adventure park and party place! With a family-friendly atmosphere, we have so many indoor activities to choose from. Take your kid’s birthday to another level with us at Spartan. Celebrate by playing virtual golf, riding one of our virtual reality rides or just jumping at the trampoline park. We are one of the largest locally owned and operated trampoline parks in North Louisiana.

Spartan Adventure Park is massive. A 12.5-foot Spartan with glowing red eyes welcomes you at the entrance. The 25,000-squarefoot trampoline park with a zip line, rock-climbing wall, a ninja course and state-of-the art virtual reality are options. Located in the newly remodeled Twin City Shopping Center, Spartan Adventure Park has plenty of parking space and convenient for all our customers. A hallmark of the adventure park is the large simulator that can flip a full 360-degrees and run more than 50 games, flight simulations or roller coaster simulations. It’s the same setup as the military uses for flight training.

A smaller version runs up to 35 games or scenarios, and a singleuser VR room has up to 19 options. Looking to practice your golf swing? Our PGA-endorsed golf swing simulator has its own room with curved 14-foot-by-8-foot screens. This is the ultimate sports simulator experience with a state of the art software and multipart gaming.

Want to wind down and have fun doing it? There are six party rooms for events like corporate meetings and birthday parties. Each room has private area and event staff coordinator to work with you on the details of your party or meeting. We have party packages to fit anyones budget along with refreshments and concessions. Enjoy our large quiet glassed-in rooftop area where parents can watch the whole park with a birds-eye view.

Beat the heat this summer by visiting us at Spartan Adventure Park located at 2257 Louisville Avenue. Our summer hours are Monday - Thursday 10 am to 8pm, Friday & Saturday 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday 12pm to 8pm.

Book your next special event at spartanadventurepark.com You won’t be disappointed! Clean. Safe. Ready to play!

Spartan would like to congratulate all graduating 2022 seniors!

AS WE EMERGE FROM INDOORS with the weather warming, flowers blooming, birds and bees pollinating, rest assured with a vasectomy your pollinators will be permanently retired. Don’t hesitate, now is the perfect time to schedule that procedure you have been putting off through the dreary winter months.

A vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a nocut technique, which is the least invasive. The patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure.

Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Washing the scrotum to prevent infection • Not shaving the area • Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling • Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding

After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure, with patients often being prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well.

If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

ARE YOU SEEING BLACK STREAKS on your roof? Streaks or spots on the driveway or patio? Bacteria and algae tend to build up on fences and decks. Your home siding looking warn from dirt, grime, mildew build up or rust stains running down the side? Oil stains on your driveway? Is your brick or stucco mailbox becoming black or dirty? No fear, let Southern Xtreme Softwash come to your rescue.

Southern Xtreme Softwash proudly serves the North Louisiana region. Homes & businesses just like cars need to be washed on a regular basis. Playgrounds need to be cleaned and sanitized for the safety and sanitary obligations for your children. Having your home or business washed will improve the curb appeal and reduce allergens. Keeping your property clean and safe is first and foremost with our company.

Southern Xtreme Softwash will pre-treat concrete and paver stones to get rid of the problem at the roots so that your home will have a clean look and last a lifetime. Driveways are the first thing visitors or family see when arriving at your home so be sure to keep it clean to improve the curb appeal. Patios are much more inviting to relax in and enjoy when they are clean and fresh. Clean walkways also help reduce allergens from being tracked in to your home. We would love to help restore your deck, fence, gutters, or statues. Bacteria, mildew, algae, dirt or grime may have taken over and made them look old and tattered.

Southern Xtreme Softwash is proud to use 100% biodegradable solutions when improving your homes curb appeal. We use a blend of softwashing and power washing on each home except for roofs. Bacteria on asphalt shingles known as gloeocapsa magma can be visible by the black streaks seen on many roofs. Pressure washing will void the warranty on asphalt shingles, this why we use the softwash system recommended by ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association). Our solutions will penetrate, sanitize, and get rid of the issue resulting in a long lasting clean roof.

Call Danny Brown and his team at Southern Xtreme Softwash today. They offer residential and commercial services, powerwashing, softwash roofs, houses, driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, gutters, dumpster pads, outdoor athletic complexes, banks, apartments, churches and stadiums, just to name a few. They are locally owned and operated in Union Parish off Hwy. 2 in Sterlington, La. He and his family live in Frenchman’s Bend subdivision and look forward to serving their community.

BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, M.D., FACS, CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

MOST OF YOU HAVE PROBABLY HEARD OF CoolSculpting, an FDA approved, non-invasive fat removal procedure, that is clinically proven to reduce bulges is picked up and removed by the lymphatic system and the fat layer that was frozen becomes thinner. Studies of hundreds of patients who have undergone CoolSculpting treatments have shown no ill effects of unwanted fat without needles, without surgery and – most importantly – without downtime. Mickel Plastic Surgery was one of the first practices in this region to offer CoolSculpting, and our results over the past ten years have been impressive. Yet as good as the procedure has been at freezing and reducing unwanted fat, it has just gotten significantly better! We are excited to introduce a new series of CoolSculpting applicators that make treatments quicker, more comfortable and more effective than ever!

With the new CoolSculpting Elite system the treatment cycle takes about 35 minutes and two areas can be treated at one time – so treating both love handles takes about 40 minutes. No sedation is needed so you can drive yourself to and from the office. No compression garments are necessary after the treatments and you can literally return to your normal activities, including exercise, immediately.

CoolSculpting uses an ingenious concept called cryolipolysis developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School. It works by delivering precise, even cooling to the fat layer causing fat cells to freeze, then slowly die and release their contents. The fatty material from this fat cell rupture. Improvement is gradual and progressive, peaking at two to three months. Most patients experience a 20 - 25% reduction in the thickness of the fat with the first treatment and a little less with each subsequent treatment. No compression garments are necessary after the treatments, and you can literally return to your normal activities, including exercise, immediately. Our experience over the past ten years indicates that while some improvement is noticeable after one treatment, most patients require three sessions for an optimal result. Because we want every patient to get the best result possible, we no longer offer single sessions. Treatments are sold as a package of three sessions at a significantly discounted rate. Of course the procedure is not for everyone. The ideal patient is close to their ideal weight and has relatively small, localized areas of fat without a lot of saggy skin. So if you are reasonably fit and close to your ideal weight but still have areas of unwanted fat, then CoolSculpting may be right for you. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 today to set up a consultation.

ELEVATE THE STYLE AND ELEGANCE OF YOUR wedding with custom calligraphy! Specializing in pointed pen calligraphy, Shannan Inman from Paperglaze Calligraphy (est. in 2008) can accommodate any lettering style you desire. For over 20 years, she’s specialized in addressing services, custom invitations and wedding signage. She serves clients all over the country, but especially in Louisiana and Mississippi. She’s been featured in several blogs and magazines and is honored to have her calligraphy featured in this summer’s Magnolia Journal, coming out in May 2022.

Your wedding invitation not only sets the tone and style of your wedding, but serves as a keepsake to treasure for decades to come. Whether you want invitations that are contemporary and stylish or classic and elegant, Paperglaze Calligraphy works alongside area stationers/printers to craft a custom design that suits your exact taste. For a truly custom invitation, each component of the invitation suite can be completely written out in calligraphy. For the more budget-savvy bride, Paperglaze offers “spot calligraphy,” which highlights important items (e.g. names and venue) while the remainder of the invitation is typeset with a beautiful classic font. Finally, details such as hand-drawn maps, custom crests and scripted monograms can be added to truly set your invitation apart.

Paperglaze Calligraphy believes that the prelude to a beautifullyscripted invitation should be an equally elegant hand-addressed envelope. Show your wedding guests that you value their presence at your big day by giving them the gift of a beautiful piece of mail, complete from hand-lettered address to invitation.

Most brides know that computer-printed labels are discouraged for wedding invitations, but to hand-address the envelopes that contain your gorgeous invitations is not only daunting, but also far too timeconsuming! Take the pressure off of yourself and your busy weddingplanning schedule and let Paperglaze address your invitations in whatever lettering style you desire. Whether you envision a sweeping and elegant design or a unique and bold look, Paperglaze can address your envelopes to complement your invitations, as well as ensure that each address is correctly formatted and that guests are addressed with distinguished titles.

Once you’ve decided what services you would like (invitation design, envelope addressing, wedding signage, etc), email Paperglaze Calligraphy to request basic details and a quote. Include your wedding date, approximate guest count, a general description of your wedding style, and services you’re interested in. From there, Paperglaze Calligraphy will communicate with you about a more accurate quote and timeline. Like a popular wedding venue, experienced calligraphers book up quickly, so start the process early to ensure that your wedding is punctuated by the beauty of custom calligraphy.

EMAIL: shannan@paperglaze.com PHONE: 318-914-1116

IALWAYS THOUGHT I’D LOOK CUTE WITH dimples—who doesn’t, right? Unfortunately, those dimples showed up not on my face, but on my rear end and thighs. Perfect.

Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m in good company—upwards of 90% of women have cellulite—but I’d be lying if I said my cellulite didn’t bother me at times. It’s only natural to feel embarrassed given the way it’s been demonized throughout the years.

But cellulite isn’t so much a problem as it is a fact of life; it just kind of...shows up on our bodies, not so different from leg hair. And, like that leg hair, you can minimize and manage it if you want to. Or you can let it do its thing and leave it alone. It’s up to you!

If you are interested in minimizing the appearance of cellulite, allow me to introduce you to VelaShape, a non-invasive body contouring treatment for temporary cellulite reduction and circumferential reduction of the thighs and abdomen. So. What is VelaShape, then?

VelaShape is a non-invasive body contouring treatment cleared by the FDA for temporary cellulite reduction and circumferential reduction of the thighs and abdomen. While most cellulite treatments use a single modality to treat the appearance of dimpled skin, VelaShape uses a combination of four modalities: radiofrequency energy, infrared light, gentle suction, and mechanical massage.

Treatments take between 15 and 30 minutes and require zero downtime afterward, making it an advantageous option for those with a busy schedule. Claire, our MediaSpa nurse at The Woman’s Clinic, notes that multiple sessions are needed to see results. She recommends between four to six rounds of treatment, scheduled one to two weeks apart, suggesting that patients likely won’t see results until after at least three sessions. Maintenance treatments are suggested every three to six months.

One of the very best things about VelaShape is that it results in little to no side effects or aftercare. Patients may experience mild pain, redness, or bruising in treated areas though the risk is fairly low.

As a matter of fact, aftercare is barely needed, if at all, with patients able to head straight back to work after a midday treatment (for those who have the luxury of a VelaShape lunch break). If there’s any discomfort, Claire says that massaging treated areas should do the trick. In rare cases, patients will ice areas if swelling is present, and occasionally take mild pain medications (think over-the-counter Tylenol) if needed.

Otherwise, aftercare is as simple as scheduling (and attending) follow-up treatments and keeping up with biannual maintenance. Best of all, for the entire month of June, all VelaShape treatments are 25% off! To schedule an appointment for VelaShape or a free consultation with Claire, please give us a call at 388-4030, Option 3.

DESERT CORAL

article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE

She had stood by her side years prior on her wedding day. And now it was her friend’s turn to exchange vows.

The now bridesmaid wanted to give her best friend the day, the experience, the fairytale. For the sake of anonymity, we’ll call the now mother/best friend of the bride Jane. Weddings are now organized over group texts and informal exchanges on electronic devices, such is the world we live in. The days of collectively trying on dresses with other bridesmaids are for the most part behind us.

Everyone orders online, and many see the formally dressed party the afternoon of the event.

Jane hosted a shower for her friend, navigated a cake debacle, and eventually laughed off the incident, such is life. But the big day was soon approaching, and

Jane’s son would serve in the bridal party. Jane’s son arrived dressed in a crisp, toddler tuxedo with a ring bearer pillow wider than his little head. Jane’s husband donned a matching tuxedo, and Jane looked stunning in a desert coral long dress, modest and tasteful, and the decided-upon color for all the bridesmaids’ dresses. As the other bridesmaids started removing their dresses from clothing bags, Jane noticed her dress was different, the color slightly off. Apparently, in the mass group text, a change had been made to coral reef, and Jane missed the message. The bride’s family members were baffled at how to handle the mix-up. The bride should be the focus of the event, not an error in bridal party hues. Jane was embarrassed by the mistake, but didn’t particularly think the color variation was even noticeable. Peach is peach, right?

After much ado, it was decided that Jane would stand on the groom’s side, with the thought being that the color variation would be less conspicuous. Apparently, no one thought it odd that one female would be standing alongside the men, conspicuously in the peach dress like the other five maids on the bride’s side. Jane was hurt and felt villainized for her mistake. If a groomsman had made an error in color, would he be ostracized to the side with the females? Would anyone even care?

Jane took it in stride and veered right at the end of her processional. She took her new place at the end, two people down from her husband’s place in the groomsmen’s line. Jane’s mother sat in the audience confused, assuming Jane made a mistake or one of the flower girls needed a second hand. Wounded and isolated, Jane focused on making the most of the moment. Her best friend was saying forever - and some things matter more. Ironically, Jane’s new place provided a magical gift and a new perspective on weddings. From her vantage point, Jane could see her best friend’s face. She witnessed the tears and the smiles and the deep breaths. Her isolation afforded her visibility of the person she cared for the most. The appropriately peachy-hued bridesmaids, fallen in line behind the bride, they missed it all. Jane didn’t just hear the words; she saw them nervously uttered. She could feel the emotion as it was happening instead of imagining her friend’s face from behind her back. Jane preferred her new place, and had she not made a color mishap, she would have never known it.

What had been intended as a punishment evolved into an advantage, a blessing, a privilege. Jane always looks for the beauty in the world, even when she is relegated to the back seat. What she learned is that if you look hard enough, even when you feel ostracized, the light is always there, and sometimes the view is even better.