CONTENTS 5
features
Holidays at the Hotel Paisano in Marfa During the holidays, this far West Texas town in the Chihuahuan desert celebrates in style. Travelers to and through the area can relax at this iconic and historic hotel which offers luxurious guest rooms, delicious dining options, and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
22 Ace in the Whole: The Life of Cowboy Comic & Funny Man Ace Reid Growing up during the Great Depression and the Texas Dust Bowl, Ace Reid was no stranger to struggle. Finding an unusual calling while serving in the military, this talented cartoonist brought humor and joy to not only the Lone Star State, but ultimately the world.
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Custom Homes of Texas he Cunninghams enjoy decorating for the holidays and entertaining T family and friends in their Midland custom home. From the top of their unique ceilings to the floor of Cheryl's Christmas decor storage space, this home certainly brings joy to the family, especially during this festive season.
43 Chef Tre Wilcox Juggles Southern Cuisine and New Cooking Concepts Known nationally for his performances on several well-known cooking shows, Tre Wilcox is revered locally for his years of industry experience in Dallas dining establishments. While currently serving as Culinary Director at Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine, Wilcox is still able to focus on his up-and-coming personal brand.
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LIFESTYLES Nutcracker Ballets in Texas: The Perfect Gift
12
A Long Story Short: The Life & Work of O. Henry
14
Collings Guitars: World Class Craftsmanship
16
Blue Genie Art Bazaar Features Local Artisan Wares
19
Dallas Has a Need for Speed HOME
34
Twists on Traditional Christmas Decor
3 5 37
Off-Season Swimming Pool Options Rugs for the Home: Considering Function & Design
39 Stocking Stuffers from Memory Lane 41
Deck the Halls: Using Greenery for Holiday Decor
FOOD & DRINK 4 6 Texas Hospitality Year-Round: 'Tis the Season for Merrymaking 48
Homemade Candy Makes the Holidays Sweet December 2016 | 3
TEXAS IS FAMOUS FOR
SO MUCH:
The Alamo, NASA, Buddy Holly, and Dallas (the TV show) to list a few. Our great state is still associated with the cowboy, the open range, campfires, the Texas Rangers, and cattle drives. Our state is rich in history and has a unique identity, with a “Larger than Life” personality. At TexasLiving, we take great pride in showcasing the history, culture, and style of Texas. We trust that you’ll find this magazine reflects the unique identity that makes Texas great!
Publisher Michael Padgett Editor-in-Chief Ashley Sullivan
Executive Editor Megan McLawhon
Managing Editor Graeme Bloodworth
Production Director Rebecca Neighbors
Production Managers Amanda Sisson Kendall Browning Cara Dyer
Custom Homes Editor Bobbi Padgett
Custom Homes Photographer Butch Ireland Graphic Design Liz Acosta Sonny Santellan Chrissy White
Writers Diane Adams
Marye Audet Rebecca Canfield Carissa Chandler Rita Cook Erin Ferris Jan George Garnet Greene Melanie Hess Simmie Myers Megan Ann Oswald Lucy Ann Parker Amanda Sisson Eric Smith Kimberly A. Suta
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LIFESTYLES
Those who have been to Marfa, Texas know that Hotel Paisano is the popular choice in town when it comes to a nice place to stay. It seems natural that visitors to this part of Texas, during the holiday season, would want to stay at this iconic West Texas lodging. December in Marfa is a relaxing, quiet time, and as General Manager of Hotel Paisano, Vicki Barge, explained it, “Christmas time is just a warm and friendly place to be here. It’s a small town, so we’re not busy during the week, but the weekend is busier with travelers. We have folks on the way to see family or on a holiday trip. People that come through are excited and friendly.”
THE WEST TEXAS TOWN As a transplant who grew up in Alabama, Ms. Barge appreciates the family atmosphere that is a natural result of living and working in a small town. With a population of just under 2,000, it is the kind of place that people either love or leave.
Written By: Kimberly A Suta
Marfa, located in far West Texas in the Chihuahuan Desert, was likely named for a character from Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel, The Brothers Karamazov, the book a railroad tycoon’s wife was reading in the early days of the area. From its earliest days, all the way up to the 1970s, the remote location was known mostly for the Marfa ghost lights, first sighted in the 1880s and likely a result of atmospheric conditions. It was also the setting for GIANT, a film from the 1950s with roles played by some of the biggest actors of their time. But in 1971, Donald Judd, founder of the Chinati Foundation, also recognized Marfa as a unique place and established an art institution back in 1979, that has been the fulcrum of an active and lauded arts community ever since.
Photo Courtesy Of: Hotel Paisano
Not to be outdone is the Marfa Film Festival, which takes place each October and features films from around the globe. Films, filmmakers, and musical talents showcased at this festival have gone on to receive Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys. Marfa may be a sleepy town, but it packs a punch when it comes to talent. As a result, it attracts visitors from all over.
LIFESTYLES H I S TO RY O F H OTE L PAI SAN O
HOTEL AMENITIES
Hotel Paisano, designed by renowned architect Henry Trost, is currently listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Since it opened its doors to the public in 1930, it has always operated as a hotel. In the beginning, its customers mainly consisted of cattle ranchers who were in Marfa to buy and sell herds. During the 1960s, it established itself as a preeminent meeting place and hub for social activity.
After undergoing some significant renovations in the early 2000s, the hotel today currently has 41 rooms, including several suites, some named after the stars that stayed in them. “The James Dean room at the top of the stairs, room 223, is still the same size that it was originally, with a small bath and European shower. I like to tell people that this is the same toilet James Dean used!” said Ms. Barge happily. “It’s amazing how popular he still is and how many young people know who he is and are still enamored of him.”
Then in 1955, when Warner Brothers and their cast and crew came to Marfa to film GIANT, they stayed at the hotel, including the three main stars. Although Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean moved into private residences after two weeks, it remained a popular spot for the actors to dine, socialize, and relax when not on set. In fact, the director, George Stevens, set up a projector in the ballroom to review dailies (film industry jargon for the daily footage). Sadly, like many historic buildings, by 2001, the structure had collapsed into disrepair and Presidio County was forced to foreclose on the property. Its availability for sale was advertised nationwide, and its subsequent sale, which occurred at a tax auction held on the steps of the country courthouse, is considered monumental to the area’s history. By November of that year, the hotel was already on the road to recovery, with a fledgling 17 rooms available to guests. And the improvements have continued ever since.
Ms. Barge believes the wonderful public spaces and architecture are what really make Hotel Paisano exceptional. It does not hurt that they also have a pool, but guests might not be so inclined to take advantage of it in the cold of winter, even though it is heated. They have a 3,000 square foot ballroom, which is often used for weddings and other events, as well as 3,000 square feet of retail and office space, a conference room, fitness center, and not surprisingly, a GIANT memorabilia room.
" T H E C O U R T YA R D CA N B E E N J OY E D A L L YEAR- ROUND, TOO . . . W I T H T H E F O U N TA I N AND BEAUTIFUL WEST T E X A S S K Y. W E H AV E SUCH WONDERFUL
Photos On This Page Courtesy Of: Hotel Paisano
P U B L I C S PAC E S "
6 | December 2016
LIFESTYLES H O L I DAY T R E AT S
LIGHTING OF THE COURTHOUSE
Although visitors and locals alike will not want to miss out on the signature margarita from Jett’s Grill (the hotel’s restaurant-bar) which is, frankly, good year-round, this holiday the restaurant will be offering something they have not done before: a Christmas Eve buffet.
This community event is highly anticipated; it is Marfa’s version of the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center in New York. Folks come out to watch the lighting, sing Christmas carols, and then head over to Hotel Paisano to spend time with Santa and enjoy some refreshments.
Guests can expect a traditional turkey meal with Southwest-style veggies, bean and corn salad, and scratch-made cranberry relish that happens to be one of the owner’s personal recipes, and plenty more. For dessert, diners will enjoy the deliciously rich chocolate cake made by hotel chef, Leslie Stevens, who has been with the hotel for over a decade.
According to West Texas resident and photographer, Carolyn Nored Miller, the lighting of the courthouse “is the work of a plucky band of Marfans, led by Junie Villarreal. He raised the funds and, with the help of friends, has been decorating the Presidio County Courthouse for the past two Christmases. His motivation? Nostalgia. When he was a child, the courthouse had the best lights around and he wanted to restore the magic and wonder.”
With the crisp Marfa weather during the winter, December will also be the perfect time to relax in the lounge by the fire with a good book. “The fireplace is lit all the time, so it’s a great place to sit with friends and enjoy a drink and chat. The courtyard can be enjoyed all year-round, too . . . with the fountain and beautiful West Texas sky. We have such wonderful public spaces,” Ms. Barge shared.
DECE MB E R IN MAR FA According to Minerva Lopez, the director of the Marfa Visitor Center, “Marfa is a special place to visit at Christmas. Everything sparks up about a week or two before Christmas.”
F I R E I S L A N D O P E R A F E S T I VA L From December 4 through 6, Marfa Live Arts is presenting the Fire Island Opera Festival, a series of free opera performances and educational programs. Fire Island Opera Festival showcases new one-act operas as well as revivals of forgotten classics. These West Texas performances will bring together artists from the world of opera, theater, classical music, and visual art, such a rare and wonderful opportunity for Marfa residences and guests. Fire Island Opera's Edwin Cahill (Artistic Director) and Bradley Moore (Music Director) have developed a series of three performances at Jett’s Grill at the Hotel Paisano, Crowley Theater, and Mimms Ranch. The troupe will perform a range of works that exemplify the adventurous spirit of the festival in Fire Island Pines, New York with excerpts from Carmen, The Magic Tree, and pieces by Mozart and Kurt Weill.
Photo Courtesy Of: Lesley Brown of Marfalite Studios
ano y Of: Hotel Pais Photo Courtes
ART GALLERIES Although they will be closed for Christmas, travelers and Marfans can still enjoy visiting the various art galleries around town during the month of December. The Chinati Foundation is a must-see, but a lesser known highlight for art lovers can be found at Building 98, Fort D.A. Russell Marker. It houses a series of stunning murals of the Texas desert landscape that were painted by German prisoners of war during World War II. Be aware that the galleries are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The town is extra quiet during the beginning of the week but offers more entertainment for visitors on the weekends.
LIFESTYLES
DINING Although the Hotel Paisano has maintained its timeless classic elegance, Jett’s Grill is actually considered a more family-style restaurant. One of their signature dishes is a hearty pistachio-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes that Ms. Barge describes as a cowboy meal. For those looking for a more upscale menu, locals and visitors alike go to Cochineal and Maiya’s. Cochineal’s serves sumptuous food such as pan-seared duck breast, prime ribeye, and cheese soufflé. These home cooks have access to their own vegetable garden and
8 | December 2016
diners can enjoy evening dining in their lovely courtyard. Maiya’s menu changes daily, based on what local ingredients are available. The menu is varied, from portabella lasagna to beef tenderloin. They also feature a nice list of wines and house cocktails. Regardless of accommodations or reasons for being there, look forward to Christmastime in Marfa providing a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and most likely, a beautiful sunset each evening. Even for those in town for a few days, Hotel Paisano is the kind of place where they will always feel like family.
LIFESTYLES When gift giving becomes a guessing game and the holidays seem to lose a bit of spirit, consider taking a new approach. While packages and bows may thrill for the moment, or even the month, experiences will last a lifetime. Among all the tangible items that loved ones will receive as gifts this year, none will ever top what money cannot buy: priceless memories created together. During the holidays, Texans can feel confident that sharing the magic of the ballet will bring joy to family and friends. Many fondly remember their first live performance of The Nutcracker ballet, and can likely recall what year it was, who they were with, and where they saw it. Something as wonderful as this can leave such an impactful, lasting impression. Luckily, there are performances throughout the Lone Star State this time of year; creating an everlasting memory with the treat of a timeless, classical ballet has never been easier.
Photo Courtesy Of: Texas Ballet Theater
the story What is it exactly that makes the experience so memorable? For those unfamiliar with the time-tested story, The Nutcracker is a twoact ballet that evolved from an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s novella, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written in 1816. A young girl is heartbroken when her brother breaks a wooden nutcracker Christmas gift made by their godfather. That night, the girl witnesses the toys, including her beloved nutcracker, grow and magically come to life. Then, a battle ensues between soldiers and mice, with the nutcracker and Mouse King appearing to lead their respective troops. When the young girl saves her nutcracker soldier from being defeated by the Mouse King, he is transformed into a thankful handsome prince, who leads her to his kingdom in The Land of Sweets. Back in his homeland, the Sugar Plum Fairy, who reigned over the kingdom in the prince’s absence, learns how he was saved by the girl. A celebration begins with displays of appreciation for her heroism in the form of dances by different types of sweets from around the globe and ends with a waltz by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her cavalier. The prince and the girl are then bid farewell, and the girl later awakens back at home under the Christmas tree, holding the wooden nutcracker.
the art of ballet While the story itself is magical, it is often the music that makes it so truly unforgettable. Even for those who have never heard the story, composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s compositions accompanying this ballet are instantly recognizable to just about everyone, many of them having been incorporated into countless commercials, cartoons, and movies over the years.
Written By: Carissa Chandler
Though the music remains consistent from one production to another, and the story itself may vary only slightly, it is truly the brilliance of the choreographer, the spectacular venues, larger than life sets, elaborate costumes, and experienced dancers’ simultaneous display of strength and grace that give each production a unique mesmerizing life of its own. It is a magical combination of them all that is certain to solidify this experience as a fond memory for all those who witness to cherish for a lifetime.
December 2016 | 9
Photo Courtesy Of: Houston Ballet
houston ballet VENUE: Wortham Theater Center DATES: Performances run November 25th to December 27th ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: Stanton Welch Even for those who have made attending the show in the Bayou City a yearly tradition for the past three decades, they are still in for a surprise in 2016. After 29 years, Houston Ballet retired Ben Stevenson’s adaptation last year, a production viewed by over one million attendees. This season offers viewers the chance to be a part of the debut audience in the world premiere as Houston Ballet presents artistic director/choreographer Stanton Welch’s rendition. The downtown Art District’s Wortham Theater Center will continue to serve as the home for the yearly production, providing the ideal ambience for elaborate custom costumes designed by acclaimed
10 | December 2016
British designer and three-time Laurence Olivier Award-winner, Tim Goodchild. Whether residing in a big city or coming in for some holiday shopping, do not miss this opportunity to take in the magic of one of these major productions. Alternately, check with local dance academies to find out when there will be a nearby presentation of The Nutcracker. While the ballet is quite like that of a dream, why not create exciting memories and see the Sugar Plum Fairy dance live on stage this season?
Photo Courtesy Of: Tony Spielberg
LIFESTYLES
ballet austin VENUE: Long Center for the Performing Arts DATES: 14 shows run from December 3rd to 23rd ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: Stephen Mills This year marks Ballet Austin’s 54th presentation of The Nutcracker, making it the longest-running production of the infamous holiday classic in the State of Texas. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will do their part in upholding the city’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” providing live accompaniment to artistic director and choreographer Steven Mills’s interpretation, which he has been perfecting year after year for Ballet Austin since 1999. Hundreds of dancers, including
professionals from Austin Ballet, combined with students from Ballet Austin Academy, will perform all 14 shows at Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts. Since 1997, local celebrities such as Governor Ann Richards, Michael Dell, and Kinky Friedman have been invited to get on stage and in character, filling the role of Mother Ginger. Purchase tickets now to this experienced presentation and go discover which VIP will appear in that night’s performance.
texas ballet theater DALLAS VENUE: Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center DATES: 8 shows run from November 25th to December 4th FORT WORTH VENUE: Bass Performance Hall DATES: 17 shows run from December 9th to 24th
Photo Courtesy Of: Texas Ballet Theater
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: B en Stevenson North Texas is in for a grand holiday treat this year, as internationally renowned artistic director/choreographer Ben Stevenson’s production premieres first at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s stunning Winspear Opera House in Dallas before moving to the Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth, with the last performance on Christmas Eve. Forty professional Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) dancers have the challenge of playing five to six various roles each. According to their press release, these dancers “rehearse up to six hours per day in preparation for this annual production.” The performers are not alone in their demanding, even grueling, schedules. “The wardrobe department stays busy preparing too…they can spend 200 to 300 hours to stitch one tutu.” The cost of putting on a performance like this is astronomical. It takes an impressive “400,000 watts of electricity for each performance, a $20,000 cost for the Snow Queen’s and Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutus, 200 costumes in the production, 50 pounds of dry ice per performance, 45 stagehands, 17 loads of laundry after each performance, five crew members required to make the Angel, Swan, and Carpet magically fly, four snow machines on the rooftop, and three pairs of shoes per dancer used each week of performances.” From the extravagant set, effects, props, and costumes, it goes without saying that spectators can expect to be wowed and amazed by every meticulously crafted detail.
December 2016 | 11
Written By: Diane Adams Photos Courtesy Of: The O. Henry Museum
In 1887, he landed a job at the General Land Office, where he “There are stories in everything. I’ve got some of my best yarns from park benches, lamp posts, and newspaper stands,” wrote O. Henry, a
worked as a draftsman. While his maps and surveys earned him a consistent paycheck, this was the time where he began to write,
writer whose short stories set a standard in the art that is still revered
submitting his work to newspapers and magazines. That same year, he
today. In keeping with his observation, O. Henry’s own story-- that of a
married Athol Estes, and the couple would go on to have a daughter.
man familiar with poverty, despair, and the hope of the human spirit--
Some of the stories he worked on during that time at the General Land
is also one of the commonplace that became exceptional.
Office, but would be published later, had already begun to reflect his
F R OM NORT H CA R OL I NA T O T E X A S
time spent in the Lone Star State. His move to Texas, his room and board, and his jobs would likely not
Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, William Sydney Porter (later
have been possible without the friendship and assistance of James
known to millions under the pseudonym O. Henry) was born to Dr.
Hall and his son Richard. Richard ran for governor in 1890 but lost to
Algernon Sidney and Mary Jane Virginia Porter in 1862. After losing
Jim Hogg. Subsequently, Porter resigned from his post at the General
his mother at an early age, Porter was educated through the age of
Land Office.
fifteen at a local school run by his aunt. Although this was the extent of Porter’s formal education, it was here, under his aunt’s tutelage, that he developed a love of reading that would guide his future endeavors and refine his innate abilities.
A C ON V IC T E D M A N
After leaving the General Land Office, Porter then took a job as a teller at the First National Bank in Austin. He worked there for
After his brief schooling, Porter became a licensed pharmacist
three years. A combination of a lax environment and Porter’s own
in 1881 and was then employed at his uncle’s pharmacy. In 1882, he
carelessness resulted in his termination in 1894. His bookkeeping
took a family friend up on an invitation to visit Texas. It was thought
indicated he could have possibly embezzled funds, but he was not
that the clean air and outdoor living on a ranch would improve a
charged and simply fired.
chronic cough Porter had developed. He took with him letters of recommendation as to his good character and his knowledge as a drug store clerk and settled on a ranch in La Salle County, where he lived for two years. He got a true southern experience, working the ranch, shepherding, cooking, and occasionally even babysitting, but
While at First National, Porter had been working on a weekly paper he created called The Rolling Stone, a collection of humorous sketches and anecdotes. When he lost his job at the bank, he turned his attention to the publication, but unfortunately, it failed within a year.
he still found time to read. In 1884, Porter moved to Austin where he
Beginning in 1895, he worked for the Houston Post as a columnist,
worked several jobs, beginning as a pharmacist at a drug store. When
cartoonist, and reporter. Hanging around Houston hotels, he used his
he was not working, he enjoyed music and drama, and was skilled as
observations and interactions with the local Texans to develop his well-
a guitarist and a mandolin player, performing with a band around
received material. He would continue this habit over the course of his
town.
writing career.
12 | December 2016
However, in 1896, Porter was eventually indicted for embezzling bank funds from his days back at First National Bank in Austin. He fled to Honduras, only to return when his wife became seriously ill. Authorities were lenient with him, waiting until after his wife’s death to apprehend him and allowing him the lightest sentence possible: three years in the penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio. Porter worked in the prison hospital as a pharmacist and began writing in earnest in order to support his daughter, Margaret. Porter’s stories, written under the pen name of O. Henry in order to avoid drawing attention to his current situation, were an immediate hit, especially those with a Western theme. Written with a biting sense of humor, using powerful descriptive snapshots of life in the West, O. Henry’s tales brought commonplace situations to life with uncanny accuracy. These evocative narratives were greedily devoured by an Eastern audience, hungry for romantic yarns from the western states. It is not hard to see how words that captured something essential from a faraway place and made them real in another’s imagination mesmerized readers and left them clamoring for more. A scene from The Enchanted Kiss showcases O. Henry’s typical talent for bringing his followers into a palpable scene they perhaps would not otherwise be able to experience. Of nightlife in San Antonio, O. Henry wrote: Drawn by the coquettish senoritas, the music of the weird Spanish minstrels, and the strange piquant Mexican dishes served at a hundred competing tables, crowds thronged the Alamo Plaza all night. Travelers, rancheros, family parties, gay gasconading rounders, sightseers and prowlers of polyglot, owlish San Antone mingled there at the center of the city’s fun and frolic. The popping of corks, pistols and questions; the glitter of eyes, jewels and daggers; the ring of laughter and coin--these were the order of the night. The loss of his wife, his freedom, and his good name did not deter a nearly broken Porter from pursuing his career. As is often the case with great writers, personal tragedy and suffering seemed to cause him to rise to greater heights as an artist. O. Henry continued to draw on his personal observations of Texas ranch life and added to those adventurous stories of life in Central America, which he came to know during his time of flight from U.S. authorities. He wrote at least 12 stories while in jail, including The Miracle of Lava Canyon, published by McClure’s in 1897.
A N E W L I F E I N N E W YOR K
Upon his release, O. Henry took up residence in New York City. There, he published more than 300 stories and gained a wide audience as a favorite American short story writer. He published his first book, Cabbages and Kings, in 1904, and another, The Four Million, a collection of stories about New York, in 1906. Part of O. Henry’s appeal was his intimate knowledge of the difficulties and dreams of the common man. He managed to translate much of this empathy and encouragement in some of his bestremembered stories, such as The Gift of the Magi. First published in The New York Sunday World in 1905, the story of a couple who sacrifice their most precious possessions in order to purchase gifts for each other ends with an ironic twist and a lesson on love. Poignant yet hopeful, O. Henry’s insights into the suffering and wonder of the human condition remain valuable to many over a century later. By 1910, O. Henry was the most popular short story writer in America, and by 1920, his book sales reached nearly five million copies.
But success did not bring happiness. A second marriage in 1907 was troubled, and in his final years, O. Henry suffered from bad health, a desperate financial situation, and alcoholism. He died in 1910 at the age of 48, in New York City. His praises were sung from coast to coast in the U.S., as Americans mourned their favorite short story writer.
E X PLOR I NG P ORT E R’ S L I F E T ODAY
While he had only lived in Texas for 16 years, those years made a profound impact on Porter’s life; O. Henry’s experiences in and impressions of the Lone Star States would live on in perpetuity through his stories, imagery, and characters. One of the most well-known of his characters was the Cisco Kid, a character from his 1907 story entitled, The Cabellero’s Way, the story of a love triangle involving an outlaw, a beautiful woman, and a Texas Ranger, taking place near the Texas border with Mexico. While O. Henry’s character would evolve into something much different over the years, the Cisco Kid appeared in television programs, film, radio, and comics. Texas still celebrates him today as one of their own. The Capitol in Austin provides an exhibit on him at their Visitor Center. The Austin History Museum has dedicated an entire room to his life and works. But O. Henry’s legacy in Texas has been largely preserved by the William Sidney Porter House in Austin. The house was built in 1886 and rented by William Porter from 1893 through 1895. Porter, his wife, and their daughter lived in the residence until they moved to Houston following Porter’s acceptance of the job with the Houston Post. The property was scheduled to be demolished at one point but was rescued by a committee that included the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The home was restored and eventually opened to the public as a museum in 1934. Many of Porter’s personal belongings are on display there, and the house hosts the annual O. Henry Pun-Off, a competition held annually in May, where speakers exhibit their cleverest puns. O. Henry’s reputation as an iconic American writer remains intact today. More popular with readers than critics, O. Henry’s lasting appeal was perhaps best summed up by writer William Saroyan, who wrote of him, “He was a nobody, but he was a nobody who was also a somebody, everybody’s somebody.” A man who wrote from the depths of human experience, O. Henry, the man who saw stories in everything, takes his place alongside a handful of America’s most beloved authors. His sparkling stories of everyday people whose circumstances often take on a higher purpose and meaning provide a chance for Texans to glimpse, through the eyes of a sharp, insightful observer, the extraordinary romance in the sometimes commonplace routine of their own lives.
“There are stories in everything. I’ve got some of my best yarns from park benches, lamp posts, and newspaper stands,” - O . H E N RY
Photo Courtesy Of: Collings Guitars
Written By: Eric Smith
West of downtown Austin on Highway 290 is a small company
of the first gasoline-powered automobile in the United States in 1898.
building some of the finest musical instruments in the world: Collings
Alexander is also known for creating the world’s first semi-truck, which
Guitars. “We might be the only guitar company in the world founded
is now the backbone of transportation worldwide.
by an engineer from an engineering family,” said Steve McCreary, General Manager of Collings. Every day of the week, Collings produces acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles that rival instrument builders from all over the world. “The coolest thing is that we have all these people that make great instruments, and no one can do the quality or the number of instruments that we do.”
THE FAMILY TREE
But Alexander was not the only inventor/engineer in the family. Bill’s grandfather, William R. Collings, was the vice president of Dow Corning at its conception in 1943. William also served as president of Dow for eight years, starting in 1954. The desire for craftsmanship, and the know-how to achieve it, is in Bill’s blood. Bill tinkered and built various projects from a very early age. “We didn’t have TV, so you had to keep yourself entertained,” he claims.
To understand their meticulous desire for quality and precision,
He broke into manufacturing right out of college, when he took his
look no further than the founder Bill Collings, and his lineage back to
first job in a machine shop. It was in that shop that he learned how
his great-uncle, Alexander Winton. Alexander was a Scottish-American
various people come together to craft something that is greater than
inventor, noted for his engineering prowess. In 1891, he started building
the sum of its parts. As he worked in the shop, he started to develop
bicycles with his Winton Bicycle Company, and in 1897, he opened the
an interest in guitars. “My early days of making guitars was taking
Winton Motor Carriage Company to produce automobiles. All of the
repairs in, talking to customers, and learning what was wrong with their
Winton vehicles were custom-made, and he is credited with the sale
instruments.” He used the repair sessions as on-the-job training.
14 | December 2016
Photo Courtesy Of: Collings Guitars
LIFESTYLES worker has a specific part to play. There is a person to cut the body, a person to cut the neck, one to paint, another to install hardware, and finally someone to install the electronics. Despite having four different product lines, there is a handcrafted element to their work; it can take as little as two weeks, to as many as eight weeks for a guitar to go from a slab of wood to a completed product. To see slabs of wood, and then to see a finished guitar, is truly aweinspiring. The gorgeous flame from Spanish woods or the bright colors of the paint give each instrument a unique look. The guitars stand out from the standard instruments seen at big-box retailers. While some of the body shapes are inspired by vintage designs, the overall instruments are original Collings creations.
INDUSTRY AND ART Collings is in the midst of the Austin music scene. Texas musicians such as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Sexton, and countless others use Collings as their main instruments. The renown of the guitar builder from Austin stretches much further, though. Pete Townsend, Mumford and Sons, Alejandro Escovedo, Andy Summers, and even Conan O’Brien are known for appearing with Collings instruments. The design and quality of the guitars helps solidify Texas as a home for fine music and art.
THE COLLINGS CRAFTSMANSHIP As he started to develop prototype models, Bill realized that manufacturing guitars would be his future. The Collings Guitars brand really started to grow in the late 1980s, when the craftsmanship and designs caught the attention of amateur and professional players around the world. Lyle Lovett is quoted as saying that “[Bill Collings's] guitars have personality; his guitars have a lot of spirit; and, they respond quickly.” It is this type of praise that sets this company apart from other manufacturers in the United States. The beginning of any guitar is the selection of wood. Bill typically explains that the making of a great guitar comes down to three elements; the wood, craftsmanship, and design all have to be impeccable, otherwise the guitar will be mediocre at best, and dead at worst. Different woods have different tonal properties, and a true luthier, someone who builds string instruments, understands this. Maple is known for a brighter tone, while mahogany or walnut will give darker complexities. No two guitars ever sound the same. Collings has wood shipped in from all over the world to satisfy the varying models they produce. Sitka Spruce is the primary wood for the tops of their acoustic guitars, and they use a mixture of mahogany or rosewood for the back, sides, and neck. For the fretboard, they use ebony which provides a lush dark color. The electric guitars vary in composition as
“Every day we marry art and industry,” said Steve McCreary. They absolutely love showing visitors how the entire process works. Collings Guitars has tours available every Friday, but they ask that you make an appointment in advance as it is a manufacturing facility, so they have to take safety and work into account. Recently, Collings opened another brand, Waterloo Guitars, with a goal to provide customers with pre-war era style guitars that take people back to a simpler time, and the response for this line of products has exceeded their expectations. Not only have the amateur players responded, but rock icons like Jeff Tweedy of Wilco fame have been enamored with the brand. “We are committed to our customers and employees,” says Steve. Collings is not the most widely distributed guitar manufacturer, nor the biggest. In fact, they are quite happy with their current operation and have no intent to produce a lower end line of products. To give an idea of how limited their distribution is, there are only seven dealers in Texas: two in Austin, two in Houston, one in Beaumont, one in McKinney, and one in San Antonio. Guitars are personal items. For the owners, they are a tool through which they can express emotion. For the manufacturers, they are a source of pride. The effort that Collings Guitars puts forth makes the instrument more enticing and personal for the owner. They can feel the “soul” that Lyle Lovett talked about. Collings is an ambassador for Texas music and craftsmanship, which is something that can make all of us proud.
and mahogany; the 290 models are made solely from mahogany, and others like the 360 are alder or ash. The possibilities are endless. Once the wood is selected, they begin the process of cutting the wood into the varying designs, using laser-guided CNC machines to ensure precise cuts every time. The entire operation involves 80 people, and they pour their heart and soul into every single guitar that comes off the line. “I go home late pretty much every night,” said Steve. They work with local colleges to bring in young talent who have studied art or manufacturing. As the guitar moves through the process, each
Photo Courtesy Of: Maxwell Caplin
well: the I35 model is their best-selling electric, comprised of maple
Written By: Kimberly A. Suta
Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together,” and Texas’s own Blue Genie Art Bazaar, which takes place in Austin every holiday season, certainly exemplifies that sentiment. The family-friendly bazaar runs from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and features handmade artwork created by over 200 local and regional artists. The products available for purchase are wide-ranging in both style and price. Every year, the show brings approximately 30 to 40 thousand people to the venue, which has moved this year to its new location at 6100 Airport Boulevard. It is hard to imagine this show’s earlier days, and that at one time it was held in an old muddy warehouse.
Humble Beginnings Blue Genie started as a collaboration between four artist friends back in 2001. Dana Younger, Kevin Collins, Chris Coakley, and Rory Skagen, all artists themselves, decided to put on a holiday show at their working studio, which happened to be a large warehouse where they produced (and still do) large-scale sculptures and the like. After musing it over, they asked a few more friends to participate. “We sold some things. We were like, ‘Wow, that was fun! Let’s do it again.’ So we kept doing it and kept trying to make it bigger and better. Now, 16 years later, we have 206 artists, and the show runs for 28 days,” said Dana, proudly. Although it is a lot of hard work coordinating so many artists and employees – they have to hire sales staff, bartenders, and other staff members each year – it is worth it, and not just for the financial gain. “Let me just say one of the really important things to us is the community and connections we make, and other artists make. It’s exciting to see the things they make and how their art is received, but it’s the friendships that we make that matter. I met my wife through this show,” shared Dana. He also elaborates that the format itself is unique in that artists are not present during the show. People can shop freely, and the artists are not stuck babysitting their booths all day when they would rather be in their studios making art. The bazaar is operated more like a typical retail space, with salespeople available to answer questions if needed and check guests out when they are done. “It’s more of a retail kind of shopping experience,” Dana said.
16 | December 2016
All About the Artists What Blue Genie does above all else, perhaps, is give Austin and Central Texas a holiday tradition that is fun, but also has a longreaching impact on the participating artists as well as the community. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Besides knowing that the profits support the work of local, professional artists, shoppers get to buy gifts for friends, family and hopefully even themselves, that were lovingly handmade by someone they might have passed along the street that day.
A Sampling of Creative Vendors Although Dana and crew are hesitant to name favorites – it is kind of like choosing between their kids – he did mention some of the cool items featured last year that guests are likely to see again this year. Christine Terrell, for example, transforms tin cans into wearable jewelry that is stamped and curved. She hammers them into convex circles and really interesting, graphical patterns. Another interesting artist, Melissa Stewart, uses old comics to make notebooks. She also uses the comic books to make coasters and other things. Then there is artist Ruth Waddy, a notable favorite of last year, who makes upscale items from the used rubber inner tubes of bicycle tires, such as incredibly durable, lace-cut wallets. “What fascinated me about Ruth was the process. She realized she has to use certain parts of the tubes for different areas of an object she’s making – like if it has a crease, she can’t get rid of it, so she uses the crease as the bend in a billfold. I thought that was really interesting. She has such a subtle understanding of her material,” said Dana.
LIFESTYLES
Julie Konvicka
Julie is an exceptionally talented metalsmith who makes jewelry, mostly silver, sometimes oxidized silver, and more recently she has transitioned into doing more work with gold. Her artwork is ideal for that special someone. She creates one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in simple, yet elegant, organic shapes. “The shapes kind of echo nature a little bit,” Julie explained. Before Julie was an artist, she worked in a corporate office. “I would get so bored, I wished I had something to play with, so I make jewelry that ideally has some movement that you can play with,” she laughed. After she had quit her corporate job, Julie moved to Brazil, which is where she discovered her passion and talent for metalsmithing. She found someone there who taught her how to work with the metal and came back to the States a year later with her first line of jewelry. For her, Blue Genie has been one of the greatest experiences of her life. “It forced me to believe in myself and put a price on what I do. I love working with those guys. I think they’re great. They do a really good job. It’s like herding cats, but they keep their cool!” she said. Now she is selling her work in boutiques all around the country, including New Mexico, Colorado, and Maine.
Photo Courtesy Of: Julie Konvicka
Brian Phillips
Brian is a painter who paints, largely, Texas themes on wood. “I was just immediately hooked on painting on that kind of surface more than a canvas,” Brian explained. “It’s more engaging when someone looks at it.” Brian’s artwork is very textural and multi-dimensional. Shoppers can expect to find original items like an old crate lid he salvaged from a farm with a silhouette painting of two rodeo guys sitting on a fence. He also sells Texasshaped wood cutouts, and pieces of wood with folksy themes painted on them. Although Brian has been making artwork his whole life, he really got into it more seriously about 20 years ago for therapeutic reasons, when he needed to find a hobby as a way to help deal with his depression. “I tell people art did save my life. That’s how I view it – it’s that important to me,” shared Brian. He has participated in Blue Genie for going on four years now and plans to continue to do so. “The first year I didn’t know what to expect, but I did it because they don’t need you to be there every day, and I was pretty blown away by my sales,” he said. “It’s just a great event, especially for working artists. I love that it’s free to get in and that it encompasses all artisans, price points, and has a full bar. I just like the laid-back atmosphere.”
Photo Courtesy Of: Brian Phillips
December 2016 | 17
LIFESTYLES
Sarah German
Other Highlights FULL BAR
Sarah is another popular artist. She creates functional porcelain pottery that is intended for everyday use. Every piece is handmade using the pottery wheel and various hand-building techniques. She decorates her pottery using screen-printed imagery of various patterns and solid blocks of color. Sarah has been participating in the Blue Genie Art Bazaar since 2013. “It's been the most enjoyable way for me to get my work out to Austin. Blue Genie always does a great job of selecting high-quality makers and promoting the show as the best place to get handmade gifts during the holiday season. The show's format is also unique and hugely successful,” she said. “Overall, I love that it’s low stress for both the artists and the shoppers.”
Besides free parking in Austin, one of the best perks of the bazaar is the bar, especially during happy hour! Unlike the mall, at Blue Genie, guests can grab themselves a cocktail and shop, drink in hand, to their heart’s content. It is also a great place to stop for a breather between
bouts
of
shopping,
and
nothing quenches a shopping-induced thirst like a glass of fine wine. The bar also offers snacks to give visitors that extra boost of energy, since shopping does burn a lot of calories!
ARTIST SOCIALS Every Tuesday from 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. Although many people like the fact that they can shop without having to stop to talk to each artist or feel like they are being wrangled into buying something they really do not want, for those that do enjoy meeting the artist, Blue Genie hosts weekly artist socials where guests get a chance to meet some of the artists whose work is on display. Every Tuesday night, all the artists are invited to come down, enjoy a cocktail, and Dana or one of the other members picks three of the artists to interview. “It’s a nice time for the artists to meet each other and the public to meet the artists. We meet in the lobby, get a cocktail, and walk from booth to booth. People can ask questions. You really get some insight into what the artists are doing,” Dana explained.
LIVE MUSIC On
Monday
and
Wednesday
nights, when it is usually a little quieter, the bazaar offers patrons a little bit of music to accompany their shopping experience, but it is not the usual fare. Sometimes the artists themselves join in. One artist, who makes guitars out of cigar boxes, likes to play a little blues, an apropos choice for the Blue Genie. Shoppers do not always know what to expect, but invariably, the tunes go well Photo Courtesy Of: Sarah German
18 | December 2016
with shopping!
In 2016, Texans no longer just appreciate speed; they expect it. In this expansive state, people have a long way to go, and getting there as fast as possible is always a priority. However, for some, high-speed driving is about more than quickly reaching a destination; there is something truly thrilling about moving rapidly down a stretch of track without having to worry about speed limits or endangering others who are nearby. For those who Written By: Melanie Hess
love the thrill of kart racing, Texas, and more specifically Dallas, has a lot to offer. Speed junkies in Texas, have no fear. While some need to blow off steam and others just seek the excitement adrenaline affords, they can find it all in Dallas, a city with no shortage of high-speed playgrounds. From affordable indoor tracks to luxury raceways, a plethora of four-wheel options are available, allowing patrons to enjoy every moment of their thrill-seeking experience while remaining safe and in control. Not only are these tracks fun for the whole family, but gift certificates make the perfect holiday gift for husbands and fathers come Christmastime.
SPEEDZONE 13 Acres of Adrenaline-Pumping Fun DALLAS KARTING COMPLEX A Racing Experience Just Outside the Metroplex Reaching speeds faster than the limit of many Texas highways, Dallas Karting Complex (DKC) karts can reach more than 65 miles per hour. "Our unique facility offers the fastest rental karts in the country to those that have the need for speed,” said Mike Jones, company co-owner. Boasting a mile-long asphalt racing track with 17 turns, each DKC session is 10 minutes long with numerous karts on the track at the same time. This track is actually the largest track for karts in the state of Texas. The pride of the complex’s kart fleet is the Rotax DD2 shifter kart. Jones describes it as the “pinnacle of kart racing technology.” At the course, the employees stress the kart’s chainless drive line, allwheel braking system, and Grand Prix style paddle shifters. All of this machinery combines into one of the most advanced karts on the market reaching speeds of almost 90 miles per hour.
A racing-themed park, SpeedZone hosts four unique go-kart tracks and the region’s only Top Eliminator Dragsters, where patrons race a 300 horsepower dragster against (up to) five other drivers. According to the company, these dragsters are “powered by a GM small block engine with a Turbo-Hydromatic transmission and fueled by propane.” One of the benefits of this dragster is that “Drivers experience the thrills of a real drag race, pulling both positive and negative G-forces as they accelerate their car to over 60 miles per hour in under four seconds -- faster than a Dodge Viper GTS, Porsche 911 Carrera, or Ferrari Modena!” However, it is SpeedZone’s Turbo track that allows drivers to reach the fastest speeds, featuring custom scale cars with high-torque engines and a longer, wider track, which allows for more racers and wheel-to-wheel racing. “Our go-kart attractions include the Thunder Road family track with both single and double seat karts that wind over hills and under bridges,” said Gary Fawks with Speed Zone Dallas. “For a bit more thrill, we have our Slick track which offers drift style racing on a fine polished track that challenges racers to maintain a stable four-wheel slide with tires spinning as they round each curve.” Fun for the whole family, SpeedZone also offers a variety of other attractions. The enormous facility also contains 2 mini-golf courses, a game room, and miniature bowling. For the patrons of age, there is also a full-service bar, dining, and a single loop roller coaster.
20 | December 2016
LIFESTYLES
K1 SPEED Indoor Bliss Complete with Motor Sport Museum
POLE POSITION RACEWAY Indoors and Environmentally-Friendly
With locations in North Dallas and nearby Arlington, K1 Speed is a fast-paced indoor go-kart racing center. The facility offers all the essentials and boasts professionally designed tracks, as well as prerace training for new drivers.
Rain or shine, Pole Position Indoor Raceway is open and ready to rev its engines. According to Pole Position, its “high-performance European indoor go-karts are capable of speeds up to 45 miles per hour” This number feels extremely fast considering riders are mere inches off the ground.
K1 Speed is best known for its all-electric European go-karts and its advanced timing system, which measures lap times up to one-hundredth of a second. The facility also offers racing leagues, similar to what one would find at a bowling alley. K1 offers both a children’s racing league and an adult league, and competitors’ skills range widely from the most serious to those just looking to blow off a little steam. Need a breather from all the adrenaline? The lobby at K1 is part arcade, part motorsports museum. The museum features all sorts of displays, ranging from trophies to racing flags. The Arlington location even shows off an actual NASCAR racing vehicle. Each location features different attractions, but both have a little something for everyone.
Conscientious of the environment, the raceway invested over $10 million in the most up-to-date go-kart technology, these electric karts help to combat the environmental problems caused by running traditional gas engines indoors. The company’s development team created the Formula EK20 Pro Kart. This kart, which they deem to be the world’s best, is a highperformance model. In terms of competition, Pole Position claims that their kart will accelerate more quickly and handle better when compared to other similar models on the market. Of course, they can only be found at Pole Position Raceway! Catering to the happiness and health of its visitors and employees, Pole Position offers children’s go-karts and fume-free facilities.
DALLAS RACING SCHOOL Experienced Professionals Behind the Wheel Ready to surpass speeds of 150 miles per hour? Then Dallas Racing School professionals at the Texas Motor Speedway might be the right choice. Staffed with numerous professionals with years of experience on some of the world’s most famous race tracks, interested drivers will not go onto the track unprepared. The school even offers scheduled ride alongs with professional drivers, so customers can work up to gripping the wheel with their own two hands. Each experience is guaranteed to be safe, fun, and exhilarating. Customers can take part in a number of different kinds of racing. For the NASCAR enthusiast, Dallas Racing School offers the chance to take place in real stock car racing. The track also offers the high-speed thrill of open-wheel racing, sometimes known as formula racing. Other activities include drag racing, exotic car driving, and high-performance go-karting. With a combination of fantastic variety and an incredibly professional staff, Dallas Racing School is every racing enthusiasts dream. With such a wide variety of tracks to choose from, racing enthusiast's will not have a difficult time finding something to suit their needs. So whether it is taking on the cars from the movies like a pro or simply needing a fun family activity with an added adrenaline fix, Dallas is geared up and ready.
LIFESTYLES
ace in the whole:
THE LIFE OF COWBOY COMIC & FUNNY MAN
Ace Reid Written By: Rebecca Canfield Photos Courtesy Of: Stan Reid
“The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it,” said Marjorie Pay Hinckley, author of Small and Simple Things. “You have to either laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” Perhaps this is why cowboy comic Ace Reid began drawing in the first place. Growing up in the 1920s and 1930s during the Depression and the Texas Dust Bowl, life was often very difficult for Reid as his family's financial struggles gave new meaning to the term low-income. Struggling to survive by any means necessary meant that for the Reid family, begging, borrowing, and stealing were not out of the question. It also meant that there was more sorrow to swallow than sustenance, and laughter was quite possibly the only medicine the family could afford. “All my kinfolk were horse breeders, ranchers, or bank robbers. There was nothing middle class about us,” Reid once told John Erickson, author of Ace Reid: Cowpoke.
22 | December 2016
LIFESTYLES The Reid house, which was located in Electra, Texas, housed only three rooms. They had natural gas for cooking, but no heat, electricity, or plumbing. The Reids used oil lamps for light and an old wood stove for heat. The family's drinking water came from a cistern that collected run-off water from the roof, which also collected many other undesirable things such as bugs and dead birds. The only bathroom was a two-hole outhouse. To say the family was roughing it was putting it mildly. “We were poor,” Reid's mother, Callie, told Erickson, “But everybody else was poor, so we didn't think we were having such a hard time.” Reid's childhood was full of adventures, some funny and some painful. One such adventure happened in April 1932, when seven-year-old Ace Reid went out to check the mail and witnessed the notorious Texas criminal Clyde Barrow kidnapping the Electra mailman in front of his house. Although nobody was hurt, as Barrow only wanted the vehicle, it was an event Reid would always remember. Nevertheless, Reid's son, Stan, later revealed that Barrow's visit to Electra might not have actually been a coincidence, as some of Reid's more nefarious relatives were believed to have connections to the Barrows. “It's not right, but it was a different time,” said Stan Reid, who explained that people were so poor back then, that they would just do whatever they had to do to survive.
Yet Reid took a different path and made it through high school relatively unscathed. By the time
graduation neared, Reid had become quite an accomplished artist. He even built an art studio in the family's old chicken house where he began to hone his skills. Although he was often teased for failing his high school art classes, Reid explained that it was only because he was easily distracted by his female classmates. However, in March of 1943, just a few months shy of graduation, Electra High School Principle Mr. Harvey wrote Reid's parents a letter saying that he thought Reid was wasting his time in school. “He said I was so dumb, he didn't want me in school anymore,” Reid told Erickson. So Reid decided to join the Navy instead and became a machinist's mate, an experience that would change his life drastically.
ace adrift Reid attended Naval schools in Kansas and Utah, before being assigned to the U.S.S. Lanier in December of 1944, right in the middle of World War II. Reid spent some time in Pearl Harbor in 1944 but then sailed to Eniwetok and Saipan, before traveling to Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where he experienced an air raid which sank several ships. The Lanier, however, escaped. Then in August of 1945, Reid ended up in Tinian, which is approximately 1,500 miles from mainland Japan. The atomic bomb hit Hiroshima. Reid visited the area shortly after and saw firsthand how destructive it was. Although it was a tragic time, Reid explained in his biography that he was young and somewhat oblivious to how agonizing the event was. “When you're young, you ain't scared of anything. I was never scared a day that I was in the service. When you're young, you just know that you ain't going to die,” Reid explained. During that tumultuous time, several war correspondents were fortuitously present aboard the Lanier, and they all rather enjoyed a comic strip that Reid had been creating for the ship's newspaper, A Buck and A Quarter, called "The Sorry Salt." The comic featured a rather pathetic sailor who often got into hilarious scrapes as the main character. Many people noticed Reid's work and several even encouraged him to go to New York when he got out of the Navy. Although Reid never did end up in New York, that bit of encouragement went a long way toward convincing him that his art could be more than just a hobby.
December 2016 | 23
In April of 1946, seven months after World War II ended, Reid finished up his time in the Navy and returned to Wichita County; along with $2,000 in severance pay, the only other thing he owned was a herd of cattle which had grown while he was away. Feeling like a wealthy man, Reid began buying oil leases and drilling his own wells. When he was not doing that, he was taking care of a herd of a thousand cattle for his father, Ace Reid, Sr. He lived by himself in a cow camp, and would come home at night and draw the things he had seen and done during the day, explained Erickson. While Reid enjoyed drawing, his funny side did not emerge until he joined the U.S. Navy. Afterward, his art continued to be humorous, but it was not until Ace Sr. mailed off some of his son's drawings to National Quarter Horse Journal, that Reid really began to see any type of success. That mild success could not have come at a better time, as Reid's oil leases proved fruitless and his cattle business ended up bankrupt. In the beginning, the journal only paid Reid $3 per drawing, but the editor, Ed Bateman, liked Reid's work and began to teach him how to edit his cartoons and improve them. Once Reid had gotten a taste of what he called “easy money,” he did not want to return to the rough life of cowboying, and so he began to pursue his art with a new-found fervor, in spite of the lackluster paychecks. In May of 1949, Reid showed his work to Stanley Frank, the editor of West Texas Livestock Weekly. Frank liked Reid's work and began running one of Reid's cartoons every week. His cartoons have run every week since then. Later, Reid would even name his son Stanley, in honor of the editor who became one of his dearest friends and strongest supporters.
24 | December 2016
ace steals a sweetheart After returning home from the war, Reid found that his old buddies in Electra had begun hanging around a pretty girl who he had never met before. Madge Parmley already had a boyfriend, a young man that insisted that she had to meet this neat guy, Ace Reid. While out on a date together, the couple stumbled upon Reid, and the pair were introduced. Much to her date's chagrin, the introduction of Ace led to his own ruination, and shortly thereafter, the young man was replaced with the handsome and exciting Reid. But Madge's former boyfriend was not the only fellow vexed about her new beau. Her father, Dr. Parmley, was not too keen on his daughter dating a broke cowboy with Ace's family reputation. “He didn't want his baby girl going back to being married to a cowboy . . . he (also) didn't like my dad's dad. He thought he was a cow thief,” Stan Reid said. However, Madge would not be dissuaded, and in September of 1949, the couple went to Dallas and eloped. As if an omen of things to come, the wedding was unusual to say the least. Reid's Uncle Miles, who lived in Dallas, agreed to reserve a wedding hall and make all the arrangements for the wedding. When Ace and Madge arrived, they were surprised to find the hall decked out with the most beautiful arrangement of flowers they had ever seen. Also in attendance were several heavily painted ladies alongside a group who was sobbing throughout the entire ceremony. Uncle Miles, who was in the construction business, was attempting to get a contract to install
LIFESTYLES aluminum shades in several local brothels and had invited some of
made people thirsty, and he figured he would sell more beer. He also
the “employees” to the wedding. The crying was later discovered to
decided it would be funny to set a pine casket upright in the corner
be coming from stragglers from a funeral that had taken place just
of the bar. However, eccentricities were not enough for the prankster,
moments prior. Miles had convinced the chapel to leave the funeral
and one night he decided to put a live possum inside the casket just
flowers behind for the ceremony.
before closing time. Reid had previously hired an old drunk to come
“They walk into the church and there was just flowers everywhere, and mom said it was the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen . . . there were all these women dressed up and crying . . . turns out they were [Uncle Miles's] clients. They wanted to go to a wedding . . . Mom said she should have known right then what her life with Ace Reid was going to be like,” laughed Stan. The Reids settled in Dallas and began selling and installing Venetian blinds door to door, alongside Ace's cowboy silhouette pictures. His pictures sold so well that Reid decided to become a painter and began painting watercolors. He was actually quite successful.
in early in the morning and clean out the bar. Reid's buddy came in predictably tipsy the next morning, swearing that he heard banging and scratching coming from inside the coffin. The terrified man drank more and more until he finally got nerve enough to open the casket, at which point both man and possum nearly died of fright. Other scrapes included trying to rent a hotel room for an armadillo, sharing a beer with a circus bear in a yellow dress, bringing a dead deer into a bar and buying it a drink, selling sweat-stained cowboy hats to people who wanted to look like “real cowboys,” and convincing his friend to ride a mule into the Schreiner's Bank in Kerrville and attempt to make a withdrawal. After this, bank owner Louie Schreiner deemed Reid, “Just not respectable.” “He was an entertainer. He liked being the center of attention, and
ace the legend
if he wasn't the center of attention, he went to bed,” Stan said. All of the attention Reid got for such antics made his cartoons more and more popular. By 1983, Ace Reid cartoons were in over 500 newspapers. By then, he was also a highly coveted public speaker
In 1952, the couple moved to Kerrville where they settled down. Two years later, their son, Stanley was born. Around that time, the painting sales began to dwindle, but fortunately, Reid's cowboy cartoons were becoming more popular.
who would often make guests howl with laughter. He often delighted children with stories of fictitious animals he invented that terrorized Kerrville after dark, such as the “South African Whamdoozie.” Yet nothing beats the way that Reid used to torture
By 1955, Reid had finally established Jake and Zeb as his two main
Former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was born in the area and
characters. He also instituted the name Cowpokes for his comic. He
was a country boy himself. Reid and his buddies continually played
sold cartoons to the San Angelo Standard Times, Record Stockman,
pranks on Johnson, just to make sure he did not get too big for his
and San Antonio Express. He had been attempting to get his cartoons
britches. Reid, who had learned how to forge Johnson's signature,
syndicated to no avail, and so decided to take up self-syndication
went into Johnson's favorite restaurant once, the Cypress Creek Inn,
instead. He also began developing his first Cowpokes book, which
and saw Johnson coming out of the bathroom. Immediately, Reid went
came out in 1958. He sold his first 2,000 books in a couple of weeks and
into the bathroom and signed “Lyndon B. Johnson was here” over the
had to print an additional 10,000. By 1960, Reid's cartoons were in 50
commode and performed such a convincing forgery that Grandpa
newspapers in 16 states, and he had sold 30,000 books. He had begun
Homes, owner of the restaurant, had the graffitied signature framed in
selling the ever-popular Cowpokes calendars.
gold above the toilet, never once questioning why the President of the
One thing Reid learned, which helped his cartoon sales, was
United States might sign his name above a toilet.
the notion that publicity was better than advertising because it was
By the end of Ace Reid's life, he was known as much for his antics
free. Because of this, Reid could often be found causing a spectacle,
as he was for the humor he brought to the world. In 1961, he was
usually hilarious, which would cause him to be written about, talked
diagnosed with leukemia, a disease he attributed to spending time
about, or remembered. Reid discovered that not only was causing
near Hiroshima during the war. He struggled with both leukemia and
trouble somewhat fun, but it was profitable as well. It was at this time
diabetes most of his adult life but never let it slow him down much. His
that Reid developed what his family entitled “his public persona.”
son Stan says that humor was Reid's gift and that through it, he made
“Everybody says as a child he was introverted … but somewhere in there he started developing the character of Ace Reid,” explained Stan. “A lot of people that are introverted, I think they build a wall by creating this other character that they hide within. So he creates this character named Ace Reid and then he becomes that character. At home, he was just like anybody else.” Of course, in public, Ace was always the center of attention. Sometimes it was due to his affable nature, and other times it was
the world a better place.“His triumph as an artist /cartooner/storyteller is that he is able to depict frustration and suffering and helplessness without self-pity and without stripping his characters of their dignity,” says an excerpt from Ace Reid: Cowpoke. Stan, who is now an attorney living in Austin, still remembers his father with laughter and love. To this day, his office is stocked full of Ace Reid cartoons and memorabilia. He is full of funny Ace Reid stories and many fond memories of the crazy things his dad used to do.
because of a stunt he had pulled. One such stunt was when Reid
“His genius was to be able to see the world in its humor and put it
decided to open up a bar. The eccentric Reid decided to adorn
down on paper,” Stan Reid told Santa Anna News. “In his cartoons, he
the bar with a fountain that not only held water but also three baby
would go straight to the point of the problems of everyday people. He
alligators. He sold the “saltiest popcorn in Texas,” because salt
made them feel comfortable.”
December 2016 | 25
HOME
A MERRY CHRISTMAS in MIDLAND Holiday cheer has arrived at the custom home of Tony and Cheryl Cunningham. Nestled in a growing neighborhood, their home is a warm and welcoming place where guests can come in and feel instantly at home. Their joy of celebrating with family is evident in the seasonal styling of their house. Cheryl and her husband wanted a larger and more open house that would accommodate large groups of people while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. They carefully selected their architect and builder; it was important to the Cunninghams that everyone be a team, working together towards a common goal. They selected companies they could trust to take their vision and bring it to fruition. Cheryl was concerned about building a new home but became more at ease with the process once she “listened to what the builder and architect had to say.� In addition to a bigger floor plan, the Cunninghams were able to add in an extra living space and a media room as well as a custom Christmas storage area that they did not have in their previous home.
26 | December 2016
Square Footage Bedrooms Bathrooms Christmas Décor Provided By Design Coordinator Floral Designer
5,900 4 5 Miss Cayce’s Christmas Store Alta Lynn Leslie Boggs Photos Courtesy Of: Butch Ireland Written By: Megan Ann Oswald
HOME
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR When decorating for this Christmas season, Cheryl brought in Tessa and the design team from B. Merry, who work with Miss Cayce’s Christmas Store in Midland to help homeowners make a big statement with their seasonal décor. Miss Cayce’s is locally-owned by sisters Kathy Harrison and Becky McCraney and opens each year from the beginning of September until the end of February. Alta Lynn is the Design Coordinator at Miss Cayce’s and works directly with clients to find the style they desire, walking them through the store and helping identify pieces that speak to them. Cheryl’s holiday style has transformed over the years from a more formal and traditional look consisting of gold, silver, and red to one that is more child-friendly. With the addition of her grandson, she has changed the theme of her decorations, centering them around childhood favorites like Santa Claus and candy canes. Santa is the family favorite and is featured in several places throughout the house. Because their home is comprised of large and open rooms, the B. Merry design team worked to set up the pieces that Cheryl picked from Miss Cayce’s as well as incorporating existing items that she already owned, to create a look that could flow visually from one room to the next.
28 | December 2016
HOME
UNEXPECTED JOYS The larger gathering spaces were a must for Cheryl in their new home, but an oversized patio and backyard was at the very top of Tony’s dream list. A beautiful pool with a black stone waterfall is featured, but still leaves ample room for a yard where their grandson can run around. Near the pool is a custom cabana which turned out to be one of the Cunninghams’ favorite places to lounge together at the end of the day. Because Cheryl and Tony enjoy the space so much, B. Merry brought the holiday decor into the cabana and gave it its own holiday theme, while still featuring Santa and candy canes. Design Coordinator Alta Lynn proposed the idea of using a garland made of large, ball ornaments. A popular design with Mrs. Cayce’s customers, Cheryl agreed, and the garland was added to the doorframe. A similar garland can also be found at the main entrance of the home. Most of Cheryl’s decoration decisions were made with the help of her childhood friend, Floral Designer Leslie Boggs. Leslie walked the display floor of Miss Cayce’s with Cheryl and Alta Lynn, then later helped to make the bows, wreaths, and garlands found around Cheryl’s home. Once the desired look was finalized, everything was
given to Tessa with B. Merry to be placed in the house. While many of the areas in the home are decorated with her growing family in mind, Cheryl still wanted to hang on to some of the formal decoration that used to be prominent in her home. The tree in the den features gold, silver, and copper hues that complement the more traditional Marge Carson furniture that Cheryl loves. Sparkling silver deer are positioned on a side table along with a silver poinsettia centerpiece, and the design theme is carried over to the dining room table with more centerpieces and deer standing among the Christmas china that belonged to Cheryl’s mom. A favorite detail that Cheryl loves to point out to guests is her ceiling treatments. Beams, copper, murals, and other artistic and architectural elements can add interest to an often overlooked element in homes, drawing the eye upward. Cheryl’s custom ceiling treatments were influenced by other elements in the space, and vary from room to room. Items from around the house, like custom bedding and dining upholstery, were used as inspiration to create a unique look that is almost hidden away if guests do not happen to look up.
December 2016 | 29
HOME
CUSTOM CHRISTMAS STORAGE The decorating process is made a bit easier for the B. Merry team because of Cheryl’s special storage area built specifically to house her collection of seasonal decor. During her visit to the store, Cheryl brought individual pieces from home in order to show owner Kathy Harrison exactly what she wanted to keep in her design for this year. “How a person stores their ornaments and garlands really helps make decorating for the holidays a less stressful process,” says Kathy. She loves the large designated area that Cheryl has in her home for storage but realizes that not everyone has the option to set aside that amount of space. “Everyone’s home deserves a certain style for Christmas” and her team loves helping the people that come into the store find and create their own unique themes for their homes. One of the spaces that Tony and Cheryl cannot live without is their family media room, which provides the Cunninghams space to entertain their guests. The media room is a constant gathering place for family and friends to watch college football games and
movies with the grandkids. Because there are now younger family members at the house, Cheryl wanted spaces like the media room to be more user-friendly, so she opted for comfortable furniture that could be wiped down in case of a mishap or spill. The light-hearted atmosphere of the media room was also the perfect place to show off a neat collection of snowmen for Christmas.
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON Along with the playful themes found in her home, Cheryl also wanted to highlight Christ as the center of the holiday and for her family to remember why they celebrate. Cheryl and Tony love to host community organizations and groups that help others. Giving their house as a space for these groups is the biggest highlight of their year, and they love the atmosphere that it brings to their home. Already on her schedule for 2016 is a night to host the Junior League of Odessa’s Christmas party. “They know that I cannot pass up the opportunity to do something for other people.” December 2016 | 33
Written By: Lucy Ann Parker
W HIMSICA L HOT CHOCOLATE Consider converting a hutch or buffet into a hot chocolate bar. Include elements that liven up a regular hot chocolate such as crushed peppermints, cinnamon sticks, festive marshmallows, caramel bits, and gingerbread pieces. If this hot chocolate is for adults only, consider providing Bailey’s Irish Cream, cinnamon liquor, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps. A NEW TY PE OF GA R LA ND Instead of the usual evergreen garland, create an original! Hang twine across the desired area, braiding or twisting multiple strands if a thicker base is desired. Use clothespins or ribbon to hang branches, berries, ornaments, or even pinecones to provide a more rustic look. The clothespins can be painted to match existing décor or they can be kept as wood. Consider making one of these garlands as a way to display holiday cards sent by friends and family.
W R E ATHS IN U NEX PECTED PL ACES While wreaths can make quite a statement hanging on a front door or above the fireplace, there are many other ways to include this traditional holiday decoration. Purchase smaller wreaths and hang them on the back of each dining room chair. In lieu of typical place cards, incorporate them into the wreaths instead. Liven up the interior of a window by hanging a wreath over it. This is also a great way to add a festive flare to a bathroom, mudroom, or laundry room. S WA P E V ERY DAY I T E M S W I T H F E ST I V E ON E S Each year, many families take Christmas photos or candid shots from Christmas festivities. Replace family photos throughout the home with photos from last year’s holiday. In the kitchen, switch out plates and glasses with Holiday plates or more decorative glassware. Another quick fix is to replace throw pillows with holiday colored versions or to add a bit of glam, try silver or gold pillows. Unexpected touches such as holiday soaps, towels, frames, runners, and other holiday-themed placements can make even the most mundane spaces feel festive!
34 | December 2016
LIFESTYLES
Written By: Garnet Greene
ENCLOSED IN-GROUND POOLS Many homeowners are still choosing in-ground pools, but they are building them within screened and covered enclosures. These enclosures: • Protect swimmers from insects and wildlife. • Provide shade and can offer protection from damaging UV rays. • R educe drowning risks for children and pets as they have locked entryways preventing any unintended swimmers. • Can be designed as part of an outdoor living space or as an extension of the indoor space.
INDOOR POOLS I ndoor pools are completely enclosed in a structure with walls and ceilings. They may be attached to the main residence or in a separate customized building. Indoor pools offer: A swimming pool is the perfect accessory for Texas homes as the summers in the Lone Star State can often span from May to November. The combination of summer heat and humidity make a dip in the pool a heavenly relief on a hot, muggy day. However, not everyone loves the great outdoors or has the space for a traditional pool on their property. For those homeowners, enclosed pools, indoor pools, and continuous pools are wonderful alternative options.
• Year-round climate control. • Complete Privacy; there is no need to worry about nosy neighbors and second story houses overlooking the fence. • Near total protection of your skin from damaging sunlight. • Use of the pool on your own schedule, without concern of bothering neighbors when swimming at night.
December 2016 | 35
CONTINUOUS POOLS
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Continuous pools are designed primarily for daily exercise. They allow a swim-in-place workout where the user swims against a continuous current flowing from one end of the pool to the other. Resisting the strong current keeps the swimmer in one place and allows for a great workout in a limited area. These pools can be installed outdoors or indoors, and some are small enough to fit in a standard garage. Continuous pools offer:
Each alternative-pool option has its own specific qualities to take into consideration. The intended area for housing an indoor pool must be equipped with proper sound insulation, as it is likely a room will echo loudly while in use. There is also a humidity factor with any indoor or enclosed pool option, and the space will need to be properly ventilated. If installing a continuous pool indoors, be sure to account for not only the water, but also some chairs, and walking room for maintenance purposes. All pools that are intended for year-round use, have increased energy costs. When possible, look into heating the pool via solar panels; solar-energy options continue to increase in efficiency and decrease in cost, while preserving the earth’s limited resources. All these factors will serve to create a decadent, off-season pool.
•A world-class low-impact workout. ptions for physical therapy. •O • Settings that allow the pool to additionally serve the homeowner as a large spa. 36 | December 2016
HOME
F U N C T I O N
Written By: Jan George
Raising children can provide a whole new appreciation for which household appliances work the hardest. Is it the dishwasher swishing late into the night? Perhaps it is the washing machine cleaning multiple loads a week, or the microwave constantly running between warming up dinner and heating abandoned half-filled coffee mugs? Wait . . . Maybe it is really the coffeemaker! Similarly, in interior design, there are also hard-working design pieces. For example, floor coverings maintain comfort while adding stimulating visual appeal to a room. Many people struggle when making a decision when investing in such a hard-working design component. Considering function and design is paramount when purchasing a rug for the home.
What is the function of your space? Will your rug serve a more casual purpose such as a place for children or pets to play and eat? Will your rug host fine dinner parties and wine tastings? Is it a very special artistic component in a highly-designed room such as a library or piano room? If you are in the first category of high traffic and sticky fingers, there are many options from which to select, including wool blends, cotton/rayon, and indoor/outdoor waterproof material. Each of these can look fantastic in your home even knowing they will be used short-term. Typically machined, instead of hand woven, which helps keep the price lower, these rugs are mass produced with on-trend styles such as chevron stripes and ikat prints. The rugs can be durable, and in some cases washable, making them a good choice for people likely to have pets on the rugs or children spilling snacks.
HOME
For the upscale home, choices such as Persian, Oriental, or Oushak are always in style. These rugs vary in price based on weaving style, dye type, and the artisan’s specific craft. Typically woven or hand-knotted by artists in Turkey, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, these floor coverings often offer a compelling story. This makes them a perfect heirloom purchase to pass down in your family. Naseem Khonsari, General Manager from Lost Pines Art Bazaar in Bastrop, Texas says, “Much like other hand-crafted, instead of; hand knotted rugs offer a quality that cannot be mimicked by machine-made rugs. There is also a huge difference between mass-produced, commercial ‘hand-knotted’ rugs and authentic, quality Persian rugs, not just financially but in the rug’s ability to wear over time and to be able to stay around for generations. You are not just buying a rug to last for five to ten years; you are buying an heirloom piece.” Functionally, upscale rugs are traditionally treated as artistic pieces. Their care and maintenance typically cost more as well.
D E S I G N What is the size of your space? Myquillin Smith, author of The Nesting Place and popular home blogger, offers good advice, “If you feel like your space is disjointed, it might be because your rug is too small. Your furniture deserves to have at least its front feet on the rug.” Ideally, all pieces of furniture should be sitting on the rug. For example, the front legs of a lounge chair should be on the rug, and all four legs of a dining chair should remain on the rug when fully pushed back from the dining table. Smith provides another thoughtful suggestion, “A bigger rug will make the room feel larger, cushier, and more beautiful.” Jennifer Burggraaf, owner and Interior Designer of Count and Castle Designs in Austin offers this designer’s tip: “When we fall in love with a rug that is too small in proportion to the overall space, often we will layer it over a neutral rug of the required size. We’ve also had two identical rugs bound together to create one large rug.” Shape and color must be strongly considered also. Particularly with machine-made rugs, many shapes are available today. From the typical rectangle and oval to the less conventional choices such as square, round, and even egg-shaped, the shape of the rug will bring a specific style to the room and will make a statement on the floor. Color and pattern selection will also assist in coordinating a look in a room. Burggraaf says, “Style is of utmost importance. In modern designs, we often incorporate geometric patterns or repetitive motifs. In traditional or transitional designs [we use] more curvilinear patterns such as damasks, florals, or ikats may be appropriate. There are no hard set rules, though, and often we have fun with style. Sometimes it’s fun to place an unexpected modern style rug in a more traditional space.“
M A I N T E N A N C E Just like you would suitably clean your furniture by washing slipcovers, flipping mattresses, and polishing wood tables, rugs need proper care as well. They should be gently vacuumed or swept regularly. They can be professionally cleaned once every five years. For rugs with a high pile height that shows foot traffic, rotate the rug twice a year. If you are investing in a rug, you better get a high-quality vacuum! Indeed, your vacuum may be your hardest working home appliance. Happy Shopping!
Photo Courtesy Of: Suzanne Tucker / Shutterstock.com
Written By: Erin Ferris
The most memorable stocking stuffers are rarely extravagant or expensive, but rather small, simple gifts that make people laugh or challenge their minds . . . without requiring batteries or an Internet connection. These twelve vintage stocking stuffers fall into the second
SLINKY “It walks down stairs, alone or in pairs…everyone knows it’s Slinky!” For decades, Slinky lovers have delighted in watching these helical
category, and these classics will never go out of style.
springs hop, skip, and jump down step after step. When climbing up
YO-YO
used to make music, as radio antennas, and for zero-gravity physics
With origins tracing back to 500 B.C., originating in ancient Greece and Egypt, the yo-yo boasts a widespread and lasting popularity, unlike any other toy, across cultures and generations. Its simple, but
and down flights of stairs becomes exhausting, Slinkys can also be experiments. Talk about a multi-purpose stocking stuffer!
MAGIC 8 BALL
dynamic design lends itself to both basic play and more advanced
“Will Santa bring me a new bike? Will I get asked to the prom? Will
tricks like the Sleeper, the Elevator, and Walk the Dog, all of which will
I pass my calculus final exam?” Whatever the question, the fortune-
surely impress the guests at Christmas dinner.
telling Magic 8 Ball always offers an answer. Except, of course, when it
WEINER WHISTLE Next to the ice cream truck, there is no more anticipated and
frustratingly responds, “Ask again later.”
SLAP BRACELETS
exciting vehicle, certainly for children and perhaps even for adults,
In the late 1980s, slap bracelets appeared seemingly overnight on
than the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile. In 1952, Weinermobile drivers
the wrists of almost every child, pre-teen, and teenager. Bright colors
began handing out hotdog-shaped whistles. Sixty-four years later,
and garish patterns gave wearers the opportunity to flaunt their personal
these now world-famous Weiner Whistles still resemble hot dogs
style, and the unique design kept wearers entertained. The bracelets’
(though the design has changed slightly to prevent choking) and play
popularity waned slightly in the 2000s (several schools banned them
the four-note “OS-CAR-MAY-ER” tune. Who does not want to hear that
because they kept students a little too entertained), but their recent
melody first thing Christmas morning?
comeback makes them perfect for stuffing in this year’s stockings.
December 2016 | 39
LIFESTYLES
LEG LAMP ORNAMENT Thanks to the 1983 holiday comedy “A Christmas Story,” the fishnet stocking-clad leg lamp has become one of “the most iconic and Photo Courtesy Of: Keith Homan / Shutterstock.com
recognizable movie props of all time.” For those who adore the cult classic film but might consider an “indescribably beautiful” life-size leg lamp a bit too gaudy, a Christmas tree ornament version makes a perfect stocking stuffer.
KAZOO Music lovers, or anyone who enjoys starting Christmas morning off with a cacophony of sound, will rejoice when they find a kazoo (along with a Weiner Whistle, of course) stuffed inside their stocking. Some question if the kazoo deserves its musical instrument moniker, given that the buzzing timbral quality it adds to the players’ voice does not always please the ears. However, this toy remains as popular today as it was when released in the 1920s, because of how easy it is for anyone to play.
RUBIK’S CUBE Invented in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube has found its way into hundreds of millions of dexterous, puzzle-loving hands. With 42 quintillion possibilities and only one correct arrangement, solving the 3-D combination puzzle can seem impossible at first; with a little help from an expert or YouTube, however, even
RIBBON CANDY Last but not least, slip a piece of old fashioned ribbon candy beneath the rest of the stocking stuffers. When the gifts have been opened and the chaos of Christmas morning has settled down, family and friends can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweet taste of nostalgia.
PICK-UP STICKS At last, game pieces kids (and adults) will willingly pick up off the floor! Though the exact history of Pick-Up Sticks is unknown, the game likely originated hundreds of years ago in China and earned its English name from the nursery rhyme, “…five, six, pick up sticks.” Pick-Up Sticks require a basic level of physical and mental skill, but the game is easy to teach and easier to learn, making it the perfect game for Christmas house guests to play together.
40 | December 2016
om
to stuff lovable and bendable Gumby into your loved ones’ stockings.
k.c
Gumby returned to the small screen, making this Christmas the perfect time
toc
adventures, eventually earning recognition as a cultural icon. Earlier this fall,
ers
and adults through two television series and a feature-length film’s worth of
utt
up with his sidekick, a talking orange pony named Pokey, to entertain kids
Sh
Mention clay animation to anyone born after 1950 and one character comes to mind: Gumby. This bright green humanoid character teamed
ic /
GUMBY
art
fun on Christmas morning and beyond.
op
would slip inside perfectly, and the miniature size still offers hours of creative
:P
While a full-sized Etch-a-Sketch might not fit in a stocking, a miniature version
Of
and portraits, Etch-a-Sketch art has been all the rage for more than 50 years.
esy
From the most basic horizontal and vertical lines to elaborate cityscapes
urt
Since 1960, artists of all ages have been creating and showcasing their masterpieces on thick, flat, gray screens surrounded by red plastic frames.
Co
ETCH-A-SKETCH
oto
Cube faux pas: removing and replacing the stickers!
Ph
novices can crack the cube. Just do not commit the most egregious Rubik’s
Written By: Simmie Myers
Greenery is almost always a part of the holidays, often found in a supporting role, tucked behind the grandeur and glam of holiday ornaments and design. This season, take a stand for greenery and pull it out of the background to bask in its new role as the star of any holiday décor production. There are endless uses for greenery, no matter one’s design style, and homeowners will surely enjoy the versatility it seamlessly offers. The first step in incorporating the boughs is to let go of habits and ways that greenery has been used in seasons past. While Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands are the go-to, and rightly so, this season, take a moment to reimagine how to present the most traditional of holiday decor. Greenery is always beautiful alone or layered with one’s favorite and most cherished ornaments, berries, and seasonal sprigs.
CHOOSE A VARIET Y OF GREEN When shopping for your greenery, try to incorporate several types. Cypress, white pine, laurel, eucalyptus, rosemary, spruce, English holly, golden pine, and cedar are beautiful on their own or mixed together. These will create the perfect wintery ambiance and enhance doorways, arches, staircases, and furniture throughout the home.
USE A WHOLE TREE Small spruce or cedar trees dress up entryways and can even be used in tablescapes. Set the root ball of the tree in a galvanized tub or other rustic container and decorate around the base. Baskets or rustic pails are perfect to host simple pine trees with minimal trimmings alone or grouped together.
M U LT IPL E W R E AT HS M A K E AN IMPAC T Make a statement over a mantle or down a hallway with a collection of greenery wreaths. Eucalyptus, boxwood, olive, and magnolia are beautiful as wreaths hanging alone or grouped together. Choose different sizes and thicknesses to create interest and texture while giving your space natural color and warmth.
E A SILY W IR E TO GE T H ER G A R L A N DS FOR A CUSTOM LOOK Create wreaths and garlands using the stems and leaves of greenery favorites. Wire cutters, floral wire, and a little bit of time is all it takes to create an original garland. To that end, create table runners, serving banquets, and dining tablescapes the same way. Keep everything tied together tightly or pull stems out and keep it loose for a more sweeping and dramatic statement.
EU C A LY P T US IS A S TA PL E IN GREEN ARRANGEMENTS Eucalyptus is a garland’s best friend. Seeded Eucalyptus, blue gum, and silver bells combine to form stunning garlands giving instant depth, texture, and presence. For a playful, yet classic, decorative move, hang eucalyptus wreaths on chandeliers to instantly enhance the drama and create unexpected focal points. Adding a red, satin bow on each can really make them look festive.
GRAPEVINE IS THE BL A N K C A N VA S O F W R E AT HS Simple grapevine wreaths are lovely on their own but are also the perfect blank canvas for a fuller design. Stems are easy to stick in and arrange, and these twiggy wreaths are a great option for mixing fresh and faux flowers. They look equally lovely when completely covered with stems and greenery, or when the arrangement only covers a portion.
MAGNOLIAS EMBELLISH PLACE SETTINGS Magnolia flowers are becoming more and more popular, and it is no wonder why: they are beautiful with or without the actual bloom of the flower. The bold and crisp green of the leaves is beautiful in year-round design. These plants naturally provide color options, as the bronze underside of the magnolia leaf is mesmerizing in seasonal decoration. These leaves are stunning when grouped together to make one-of-a-kind chargers for place settings.
December 2016 | 41
HOME
WO O D EN BOX E S M A IN TA IN T HE N AT U R A L T HEM E Use birch bark vases, or a grouping of your favorite vases, containing a mix of greenery such as juniper, pine, boxwood, and eucalyptus to decorate your mantle or create simple arrangements going up your staircase. Blocks of floral foam soaked in water fit snugly into these containers and will keep branches and stems sitting upright.
GREENERY IS PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR DÉCOR Create swag greenery around interior and exterior hanging lanterns and sconces, adding in red berries for pops of holiday color. Outdoor swags and wreaths on windows and doors create a classic look, and ornaments and lights can be added for those who need a little extra with their greenery!
SMALL TOUCHES MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE Like magnolias, using sprigs of rosemary, pine, or olive branches makes for a unique dressing in your place setting. Any of these sprigs looks beautiful set on top of your loosely rolled napkin, tied with twine. Adding a cinnamon stick or a small sprig of evergreen or seeded eucalyptus is a personal touch your family and guests will appreciate and remember. Use gold or silver felt pens to write the names of guests on magnolia leaves to use as gift tags or placeholders at the holiday table.
FAUX CAN BE FABULOUS While fresh designs will last up to two weeks with proper care, faux designs will last as long as they are wanted. To ensure a quality, high-end arrangement, keep the following in mind: - RESEARCH WHAT THE ACTUAL VARIETIES LOOK LIKE, TO AVOID AN OBVIOUSLY ARTIFICIAL FEEL. - AVOID EMBELLISHMENTS ON THE STEMS THAT WOULD NOT NORMALLY EXIST IN THE HOME. - PRICE OFTEN CORRELATES WITH QUALITY WHEN IT COMES TO FAUX FLORALS. - ONCE THE ARRANGEMENT IS COMPLETE, KEEP IT CLEAN AND DUST-FREE. - IT IS OKAY TO ADD ARTIFICIAL BLOOMS IN WITH NATURAL GREENERY IF NEEDED.
KEEP IT PERSONAL As always, make it your own! If you prefer holiday design that is full of sparkle and glamor, add in your favorite sparkle, specialty sprigs, and ornaments. The options for using greenery in seasonal or everyday design are endless.
42 | December 2016
Photo Courtesy Of: Tre Wilcox
FOOD & DRINK
Written By: Rita Cook
Tre Wilcox is a culinary star on the rise. With numerous awards and new opportunities around every corner, he is taking the Dallas food world by storm. For those who need proof, just check out some of the restaurants that this Dallas area native has had his name associated with, such as Abacus, Loft, and Marquee Grill in the city's very close knit culinary world. But the truth of the matter is that through old-fashioned blood, sweat, and tears, Wilcox worked his way up the culinary ranks. As a teenager, he cleaned chicken in a fast food restaurant. But by his late 20s, it was obvious he had found his calling since he had already earned a five-star review at Abacus, where he served as Chef de Cuisine. It is no small wonder that these days Wilcox is very happy. "This has been an extremely exciting time in my culinary career,” he said in a recent press release. As for his secret when it comes to food, he says "I’m a wimp when it comes to spicy food and don’t like it. It may also come as a surprise to you that I did NOT go to culinary school.”
December 2016 | 43
Photo Courtesy Of: Tre Wilcox
HOW HE REALLY LEARNED TO COOK Wilcox admits that he got into the world of cooking because he wanted to make money. "There was a Boston Market down the street from the school I went to, so I started there and four years later, when I was working at Eatzie’s, I realized the passion I had for cooking and wanted to learn everything I could about the industry.” Aside from Boston Market, he considers Eatzie’s his first real job. "It was a place that I felt challenged and really wanted to move up in the company” he explains. "Brinker owned it along with Phil Romano and they truly put the time and energy into making me a better chef.”
AN IMPRESSIVE RESUME CONTINUES Chef Wilcox has been nominated as the James Beard Foundation’s "Rising Star Chef” for two years in a row. The James Beard Foundation, located in New York City, is a non-profit that honors the legacy of its namesake, a renowned cookbook author and culinary educator. The foundation celebrates the cultural diversity present in America’s cuisine, while nurturing, educating, and inspiring chefs, culinary students, and enthusiast alike. In addition to achieving the status of finalist on the television program "Top Chef,” he has made numerous other appearances on shows like “Iron Chef,” “Top Chef All Stars,” and “The Talk.” Training under the renowned Dallas Chef Kent Rathburn is an honor in itself. Wilcox has also done a stint as a private chef working for some impressive names over the years. Even though he is holding a number of irons in the fire right now, Wilcox recently took on the job of Culinary Director for a tasty southernkitchen style restaurant called Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine, which opened in Plano, Texas earlier this year. Wilcox gets to work once again with Executive Chef Jermaine Brown, who is leading the culinary team at the new eatery. Wilcox and Brown have known each other for years through several other restaurant experiences. He also just opened a new business called Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts. Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts offers cooking classes in a
44 | December 2016
3,200 square-foot event space in Plano which is primed to host not only cooking classes but also brand tastings and team building cooking competitions. Arguably, the best part is that Wilcox is right there adding his magic touch in this hands-on culinary environment. He came up with the idea for the cooking classes because over the last three years as a private/catering chef; he had a lot of people asking him if he would host their group in a venue instead of a home. "I began doing many team building events in other venues, but my clients then wished that they didn’t have to pay the extra venue expense,” Wilcox explains. "Couple that with my love for teaching, and Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts was created. I felt that it would give people the unique memory of cooking with me and then alleviate the need for any other venue. Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts provides everyone the opportunity to develop culinary skills and host events that are catered by me in my own space.”
WHEN HE IS NOT IN THE KITCHEN As for his time, when Wilcox is not in the kitchen whipping up something delicious, he spends his time with his fourteen-year old daughter, Alexis. He also lifts weights during daily workouts and enjoys traveling with his girlfriend. The self-proclaimed gym rat says “A lot of times if I’m not in the kitchen, I’m in the gym.” Because he has a keen interest in choosing a healthy lifestyle, he often partners with organizations that share his vision, like The American Heart Association, Equinox Gym, and United Healthcare. Overall, Wilcox says his reason for cooking and sharing this new cooking concept part of himself with folks who love to eat and cook is "to give guests a truly unique experience and one that a restaurant cannot offer . . . I would like to leave behind a legacy of people that have learned cooking techniques from my classes and then pass those skills on to their family members.” He also plans to continue to grow his brand, add cookbooks, and host his own television show down the road. And likely, Texans will soon hear of Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts opening throughout the world.
INFLUENCE ON THE JULIA PEARL RESTAURANT "I initially got involved [with Julia Pearl] as a consultant, but the relationship I had with the partners grew into something bigger and better,” Wilcox explains. "I developed the menu and brought on my longtime friend and right-hand man in the kitchen, Jermaine Brown, and he and I worked together on finalizing the menu and staffing the kitchen. It’s a southern menu, so comfort food in a relaxed environment.” Darcy and Vivian Dudley are two of the Managing Members at Julia Pearl, and the name was derived from two of their family matriarchs. When Wilcox created the menu, he drew on these two women as inspiration. A tribute to traditional family recipes, the menu is divided into “Julia” dishes, which include more of a southern style selection, and the “Pearl” options, with offerings a bit more on the modern side. Never fear, the ladies do share some credit on a dish or two. At Julia Pearl, Wilcox’s goal is to make the patrons feel good through the recipes and dishes they order. For starters, the menu includes comfort foods like spinach-artichoke dip, but they add their own twist by adding lump crab. For a southern spin on a worldwide favorite, the black-eyed pea hummus is a tasty option. Staying true to the region, patrons can order a plate of down-home fried green tomatoes. As for entrees, the rich flavors at Julia Pearl are difficult to resist, but diners will have to choose amongst many delicious options. Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and even grilled pork chops are just a few of the examples of traditional favorites that the restaurant has to offer. The lunch menu includes many of the Julia Pearl dinner staples, but also offers guests some “lighter” options. For those who wish to try their burger, fried catfish, or a good ol’ shrimp po’ boy, midday is the time to check out the eatery. Weekend brunches at Julia Pearl include items such as chicken and waffles, house-made biscuits, and a crab cake benedict. If desserts or drinks are what you are after, Pearl’s red velvet cake boasts a white chocolate sauce and a scoopful of vanilla ice cream, for those who call this rich sweet their favorite. Staying true to the South, the dessert menu also includes items like lemon pound cake and banana bread pudding. For those who prefer a cobbler or something that includes chocolate, Julia Pearl has something for them, too. And to wash it all down? The bar boasts special southern-inspired drinks such as Pearl’s Old Fashioned or Julia’s Ruby Red Cocktail. Photos On This Page Courtesy Of: Julia Pearl
planning & prepping First things first, DECIDE WHAT ST YLE OF PART Y you want to have. Quirky? Chic? Classic? Vintage? Deciding on the general atmosphere will help the other choices about food, activities, and decorations come more naturally. If you are having a difficult time selecting a theme, think about the people you want to invite. Will you ask entire families or just adults? What do those loved ones most enjoy? Dressing up? Cutting a rug? Acting goofy? Eating tasty food? Tailor the atmosphere to your guests in order to maximize their fun. Next, BR AIN STOR M YOUR GUEST LIST. Because the holidays can be a busy time for people, you will want to send out invites as early as possible so that your guests can get the date on their calendar. You could send out traditional invites via snail mail, or use electronic invitations for a more instantaneous method. If you want to have a New Year’s Eve party, consider a later start time, so your guests will be sure to last until the stroke of midnight. Now, based on the theme, GET ORGANIZ ED. Party-throwing is made much easier with some forethought. Lists will be vital to staying organized. Begin to dream up the details. To make it all more manageable, try dividing it up into categories like food and drink, décor, activities, and music. Consider the following:
food Written By: Amanda Sisson
When it comes to hosting gatherings, the ideas are as endless as your creativity. With resources like Pinterest and blogs at your fingertips, the plethora of possibilities can quickly make the task of planning and executing a party feel daunting—so daunting perhaps that it keeps you from garnering your inner hostess. Not any longer! With the help of part one, of this four-part series, you will feel more equipped to commence merrymaking during any season of the year for a variety of occasions. Who knows, hosting might even become your new favorite pastime. The holidays, in particular, are a prime opportunity to give your friends and family a memorable time and space to celebrate together. Do not let the countless other holiday details that demand your attention dissuade you otherwise. Whether you want to spread some yuletide cheer or ring in the New Year, here are some tips and tricks to throwing a holiday party that your guests are sure to enjoy.
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Depending on the time of your party, you could choose to provide an entire meal, or just light appetizers and dessert. If you do not care to be in the kitchen, you may decide to have the food catered; if so, you will want to make those arrangements as soon as possible. However, if serving homemade cuisine is a priority for you, then try to prepare as much before the actual party as possible. Soups and stews can easily be made an entire day in advance and are a perfect, cozy appetizer or entrée around the holidays; in that case, salads are a great accompaniment. Or perhaps you would rather serve elegant, bite-sized appetizers like crab cakes, bruschetta, shot-glass shrimp cocktail, or skewers of cranberry-braised chicken. For dessert, chocolate fondue is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Or you could continue with the shotglass theme and serve your favorite desserts like tiramisu and spiced rum cake in miniature form.
drink
Mulled wine or cider is always a great winter beverage. Obviously, sparkling wine or champagne is a perfect choice for ringing in a New Year. If you hire a bartender, work with him or her to concoct a specialty cocktail with a fun name, created just for that evening’s celebration. You may want to have coffee available if you expect the party to extend late into the night. Make sure to provide fun non-alcoholic versions as well for your designated drivers. If you are serving alcohol, bear in mind Texas’s “social host” laws and preemptively take extra measures; prepare a guest room just in case or have the number for a taxi service handy.
FOOD & DRINK
S ERVE ELEGANT, BITE - S IZED APPETIZER S LIKE BRUSCHETTA
executing the festivities Do not be afraid to CALL IN R E INFORCEMENTS. When it comes time for the actual event, consider asking one or two close friends to help with your hostessing responsibilities. You do not have to make it a one-woman (or man) show! If the party is catered, consider hiring service staff as well so that all food distribution and cleanup is taken care of for you. Stay true to yourself, and DO NOT TRY TO BE SOMETHING YOU AR E NOT. Hostesses can come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, each having a variety of unique preferences. You do not have to be the do-it-yourself queen if crafting is not your forte. You do not have to be elaborate if simplicity is more your style; sometimes the understated can be just as lovely. If you love big and bold, pull out all the stops and glam it up! But just remember, hosting does not have to look one uniform way. Put your own personal touch on your party and your guests will appreciate the authenticity you offer.
décor
Conveniently, you may have already decorated your house for the holidays. But if you want to do something extra for your party, arrange clusters of votive candles or find vintage candleholders for a warm, inviting glow. Add some glass vases with metallic ornaments inside for your table settings and sprigs of fresh-cut pine, fir, or cedar for an aromatic and natural touch. A wreath on the front door provides the perfect cheery welcome for your guests before they even enter your home. All of these options would serve well for both a jovial Christmas gathering or a classy New Year’s Eve bash.
activities
Photo booths with fun seasonal props and a Polaroid camera can provide continual entertainment. For a New Year’s celebration, you could have guests write down predictions for the upcoming year. If you have a lively bunch attending, holiday karaoke is a great option. However, do not feel like you have to schedule something every half hour to keep people entertained. Giving your guests space to enjoy good food and fun conversation will go a long way.
music
Whatever type of holiday party you are throwing, you cannot go wrong with a Big Band playlist, including all the greats like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.; just hit shuffle and you are set. If you want to pull out all the stops, you could consider hiring a deejay for the evening. Another fun option that would free you up for other hosting duties is to let your guests take turns playing their favorite tunes throughout the night. Just tell them in advance to bring their phones so that they can have their turn playing deejay.
Take a breath and remember that LES S IMPR ES S ING EQUAL S LES S STR ES S ING. Fight the temptation to make everything about impressing your guests. This will free you up to actually focus on your attendees. The beauty of hosting is that it should be more about others than yourself. Make your party about caring for those in attendance and giving them a fun space to celebrate the occasion at hand. And most importantly, HAVE FUN! Do not get too caught up in the details people are bound to forget. Organize as much as you can beforehand so that you can be fully present with those in attendance. Enjoy their company and the fun you have worked hard to create! Hostessing can be tiring, but it should also be a joy-filled experience, gathering people to celebrate.
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Written and Photographed By: Marye Audet
FOOD & DRINK Homemade candy is a sweet tradition during the holidays. Even people who barely manage to get a frozen dinner into the microwave from January through November often have a favorite family candy recipe that they make in December no matter what. Treat family and friends to this trio of homemade candies this holiday season. These scrumptious treats are sure to delight anyone who is lucky enough to receive them. Best of all, they are so easy that even those who have never made candy before will be able to stir together a batch of these for the perfect last minute gifts.
tequila and chile truffles Y IELD: 12
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TIME: 2 HOURS
Spicy chiles, tequila, and chocolate come together to create a memorable chocolate truffle that is sure to please even the most discerning Texas palate. Creamy truffles are flavored with Reposado tequila, freshly ground chiles, cinnamon, and a touch of orange liqueur, then rolled in a cinnamon, chile, and cocoa mixture. Finally, they are dipped in chocolate and decorated as desired. I NGR E DI E N TS CH I L E M I X T U R E • ½ cup heavy cream • 1 dried chipotle • 3 tablespoons butter • 1 dried ancho • 16 ounces dark chocolate chips, divided • 3 pequin peppers • 3 tablespoons Reposado tequila • 1 ½ teaspoons Triple Sec or other orange liqueur • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 2 teaspoons chile mixture, divided (you can also use purchased chipotle powder if you like) • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, divided • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar • Sprinkles of choice or more of the chile mixture for decorating I NST RUCT IONS 1. Heat the cream in the microwave for about 2 minutes or until bubbles form around the edges and it is very hot. 2. Stir in the butter and 10 ounces of the chocolate chips. 3. Stir the mixture until it is blended. 4. If all of the chocolate and butter is not melted (it probably will not be) continue heating it until it is melted and very smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. This will take one minute at most. 5. Stir in the tequila, Triple Sec, vanilla, ½ teaspoon of the chile mixture, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. 6. Stir slowly until well blended and smooth; you do not want to whisk or get air bubbles in the chocolate mixture. 7. Chill for about an hour, or until firm. 8. Mix the cocoa powder, the powdered sugar, and the remaining cinnamon and chile powders on a flat plate. Set aside. 9. Use a melon baller or teaspoon to measure out the truffles, rolling them into a ball in your hand. This is messy! 10. Drop the truffle balls onto the plate with the cocoa mixture and roll them until they are covered. 11. Place in the freezer for about 15 minutes. 12. Melt the remaining chocolate chips in the microwave. 13. Using a toothpick in the top of a truffle dip it in the melted chocolate, covering it completely. 14. Place it on a wax paper lined baking sheet. 15. If you are adding chile powder or sprinkles for decoration, do it before moving on to the next truffle. 16. Repeat with the remaining truffles. 17. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve or give them as gifts. CH I L E M I X T U R E 1. Blend chiles in a blender until they are a powder.
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FOOD & DRINK
creamy pecan praline pat t ies YIELD: 24 LARGE PR ALINES
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TIM E: 15 MINUTES
Creamy, sweet, melt in your mouth pralines are so easy to make you may find yourself whipping up a batch several times during the coming year! Toasting the pecans intensifies the crunch and flavor.
quick vanilla sea sal t caramels YIELD: 36 PIECES
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T I M E: 10 M I N U T E S
These buttery rich caramels are sprinkled with just a touch of vanilla sea salt for that combination of sweet and salty everyone loves. They are perfect gifts because they are so quick and easy to make right in the microwave! Vanilla sea salt is available online and in some stores that specialize in gourmet items. It can be omitted if preferred. These caramels are also pretty when they are halfway dipped in dark chocolate. I NGR E DI E N TS • ¼ cup butter • ½ cup white sugar • ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup corn syrup • ¼ teaspoon salt • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
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Vanilla sea salt for sprinkling, optional
I NST RUCT IONS 1. Spray an 8x8 inch pan with cooking spray, or butter it generously. 2. In a glass or other microwave safe bowl, mix all of the ingredients together. 3. Microwave on high for 6 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds or so and watching carefully. 4. Pour into the prepared pan. 5. L et cool until set, about 5 minutes. 6. Sprinkle the vanilla salt crystals over the top. Be careful not to use too much. 7. Press in gently. 8. Let cool completely. 9. Cut into small squares. 10. Wrap the individual squares in parchment or waxed paper to keep fresh.
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I NGR E DI E N TS • 1 ½ cups chopped, toasted pecans • 3 cups packed dark brown sugar • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup • 6 tablespoons salted butter • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tablespoon vanilla • ¼ to ½ teaspoon chipotle powder, optional • 24 pecan halves I NST RUCT IONS 1. Toast pecans in the oven by spreading them in a single layer in a baking pan and baking them at 350°F until golden brown, stirring often for 6 minutes or so. 2. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and cream to a heavy saucepan. Stir until the sugar is melted and the mixture is liquid. 3. Add the pecans and heat, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 238°F. 4. Remove from heat and allow to cool without stirring until the temperature reaches 110°F. 5. Add the vanilla and chipotle and stir briskly until it becomes creamy and changes color to a light tan. (Tip: Spray the stand mixer with baking release spray and use the paddle on high for a minute or so.) 6. Scoop out tablespoons of equally-sized portions of the mixture and form into patties. 7. Press a pecan half on the top of each. 8. Let cool completely, overnight if possible. The texture gets creamier as it stands. 9. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. NOT E If the mixture cools too much and becomes difficult to beat, add a tablespoon of boiling water and beat it in. That should fix it.