Ladies InThe Sun
Southern Women, Southern Charm Premiere/Sample Issue
Happy Fall W
Ladies in the Sun
elcome to , a new magazine celebrating southern ladies and their southern charm. This magazine has been a very long time in the making. I have had many stops and starts along the way. Most recently, health concerns invaded my plans, slowing the progress even further. I do not know where this issue will lead, but for the wonderful people who provided pictures, announcements or let me photograph their home or garden, I want this issue to be a grand memory for you. For those that have believed in me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will continue to pray about this magazine, and follow God’s lead.
Take care,
Brenda Studdard Clark
Please submit ideas to brendaclark@ladiesinthesun.com
Ya’ll Ladies 305 InE Main The Sun Hampton, AR 71744 870-798-3786
Editor & Founder: Brenda Studdard Clark Ladies In The Sun is published online by South Arkansas Sun Inc., 305 E Main, Hampton, Arkansas 71744. The cover and contents of Ladies In The Sun are copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. All rights reserved in all countries. Note: Ladies In The Sun assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs and manuscripts; submissions cannot be returned without a self-addressed stamped envelope. 2014 South Arkansas Sun. USA
Ladies In The Sun accepts Engagement Announcements, Wedding Announcements, Birth Announcements and Anniversary Announcements, with photos, to be printed at no charge. First Birthday and Sweet 16 photos will also be accepted in a timely manner. Beauty Pageant Winners may submit a shot with crown and banner to be printed at no charge. Photos MUST be 300 dpi or higher for submission. Lower dpi WILL NOT be accepted. Purchase Your Copy at
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Lady Trainer Meet Debbie Morris of Hampton. Debbie and husband David own MX2 Thoroughbred Farm where both have trainers licenses. She also runs their Hampton business, DM Apparel.
Debbie smiles as she recalls the purchase of her prized thoroughbred. She and David were on a business trip to California when they spotted the beautiful thoroughbred. Debbie
fell in love and David asked her “what in the world” she would do with it?” She answered that it would make a wonderful keepsake for their grandchildren. He bought it and had it shipped back to Hampton for her. It stands majestically in her favorite room in their home. Also in this light-filled room is her beautiful glass coffee table with its base of carousel horses bringing a sense of elegant whimsy to the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The only thing that Debbie Morris loves more than horses, is her family. Her Hampton home is filled with family photos and horse memorabilia she and husband David had collected over the years. Owners of DM Apparel in Hampton, the couple also owned a cattle operation before they transitioned to racing thoroughbred horses. After a few years of racing, they had their first colt born and it expanded the scope of their business. As owners of MX2 Thoroughbreds, they operate 230 acres of land that has been their farm/ ranch for the last 30 years. They have
64 horses of which 10 mares and 2 stallions produce “a bunch of young horses.” They both have their trainer’s license with Debbie serving as David’s assistant. David spends time at Louisiana Downs with Debbie going to Hot Springs when races conflict. Though Debbie oversees the day to day operation of DM Apparel, she enjoys the time she spends with the horses and looks forward to those times. The couple have supported the community through sponsorships of various programs in the county,
including Hogskin Holidays, Calhoun County Cattleman’s, Hampton Recreation, Hampton FFA, Bulldog Scholar Program, CalCo Riding Club, 4-H Forestry Team, Calhoun County Park Board as well as the PeeWee program. Debbie supports the Relay For Life program at all levels, MDA and Hope Landing. They lead busy schedules, but Debbie said “my grandkids are my life” and she makes sure her days include them. She said she and David are “thankful for everything” they’ve been able to achieve over the years, but especially their family.
Debbie’s love of horses sparkles in crystal throughout the house.
The swimming pool and pool house were paid for with race winnings, Debbie said with a smile, along with the white fence surrounding the family’s farm.
The farm has its own race track and the equine are exercised daily.
Debbie’s love of the outdoors inspires her to decorate with her favorite flowers throughout, including keeping the horse barn full of color and charm.
Gracious Homes &
Lovely Gardens
Family Home
ThehomeofJamesandFonda Rawlshasbeeninthefamilysince Fondawasachild.Thecouple havekepttheintegrityofthehome whilebringingtheirowncolors, antiquesandfavoritethingstolife.
Fonda and James Rawls have amassed collections of various keepsakes throughout their home, including the Camark Pottery atop their china hutch on this page. The pottery was gathered over many years from Brandon’s Antiques when it was in business in Camden. Crystal, candlesticks and cats can be found along with crosses and photos of loved ones. The couple enlisted the help of Marshall-Clements of Little Rock while chosing the paint colors themselves. Fonda grew up in the home and she and James moved in to take care of Fonda’s mom years ago. They have decorated the home to reflect their own style and to showcase their collections.
The kitchen reflects Fonda’s love of silver and her beloved cats. As as elementary teacher, Fonda has amassed quite a collection of kitties and James is always on the lookout for the more unusual looking ones he can find for her.
The couple display their silver and pewter pieces in the kitchen where they are also serve as functional pieces when guests arrive. Painted artisan rocks keep guard in the kitchen window while Fonda gazes out the lovely yard.
Weddings
Miss Rebecca Strickland Weds Mr. Ronnie Starr Miss Rebecca Strickland and Mr. Ronnie Starr were united in marriage on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at four o'clock in the afternoon at Camp Ground Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hampton, Arkansas. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Garland Skidmore. Music for the ceremony was provided by CD. The bride's parents hosted the reception at the church. On the eve of the wedding, the groom's parents hosted a rehearsal dinner, also at the church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Dale and Shirley Strickland of Hampton. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Carlton Strickland and the late Mrs. Jimmie Lane Strickland of Hampton and Mrs. Kathryn Nistendirk and the late Mr. Kenneth Nistendirk of Hampton. The groom is the son of and Mrs. Wynona Steelman and the late Mr. Ronald Starr, both of Hampton. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Elmer and Eula Starr of Oden, Arkansas and the late Mr. and Mrs. AJ and Betty Dunn of Hampton. Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride
wore an A-line David’s Bridal gown of white satin. The gown featured hand-embroidered designs and pearls on the bodice and a scalloped semi-cathedral train, and was complemented by a lace veil outlined in pearls by David’s Bridal. The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of red roses and white gardenias. Miss Katie Starr, daughter of the groom, served as Maid of Honor. The Maid of Honor wore a knee-length gown in candy apple satin. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of white gardenias and red roses. Mr. Brett Starr, son of the groom, served as Best Man. Groomsmen included Mr. Justin Lowery and Mr. Jacob Lowery, sons of the bride. The Best Man and Groomsmen wore black slacks, red button-up shirts, camouflage ties, and boots. They wore white rose boutonnieres with camouflage ribbon. The bride is a graduate of Hampton High School. She graduated magna cum laude from South Arkansas University in Magnolia with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, and now employed by Hampton Elementary School. The groom is also a graduate of Hampton High School. He grad-
uated from Oil Belt Vo-Tech in El Dorado with a Tool and Die Degree and now works at Union Power in El Dorado. Following a honeymoon trip to Mount Magazine, Rebecca and Ronnie reside in Hampton. ~~~
Miss Strickland was honored with a shower by Mrs. Liz Skidmore of Hampton. Kari Strickland, sister-n-law of the bride, Christel Heath and Melissa Virden, friends of the bride, also hosted a shower in Miss Strickland’s honor. A bachelorette party was hosted by Kari Strickland, Christel Heath, Melissa Virden, and Sandy Sanders. Engagement pictures, bridal portraits, and wedding pictures were all taken by Sonya Harrell Photography. Flowers and wedding decoration were by Beyond Compare.
Photos by Sonya Harrell
Miss Lindsey Strong & Mr. Wesley Ables Wed at Chateau Sante
Mr. John Ables and Ms. Myrtis Ables, all of Hampton. Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a drop waist Maggie Sottero gown of chiffon. The gown featured dazzling crystals traverse an illusion back, asymmetrical draping across the body-captivating sheath adorned with jewelry inspired straps and Swarovski crystal embellished motif. The bride carried a handtied bouquet of hydrangeas, mums, rose buds, and daisies. It was enhanced with rhinestones to match the dress. Miss Anna Knight of Jonesboro served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Miss Elizabeth Coffield of Little Rock, Arkansas, Mrs. Sarah Tharp of Morton, Illinois and Miss Leanne Brown of Warren. The flower girl was Miss Della Ables, niece of the groom, of Hampton. The Maid of Honor and bridesmaids wore knee length gowns in persimmon chiffon. Each carried a hand-tied bouquet of yellow and white gerbera daisies and yellow billy balls. Mr. Cody Ables of Hampton, brother of the groom, served as Best Man. Groomsmen included Derek Sanders of Hampton, Josh Harris of Camden and Landry Strong, brother of the bride, of Jonesboro. The groomsmen wore a small persimmon rose on the left pocket of their black tuxedos. The bride is a graduate of Star City High School. She attends Harding University College of Pharmacy. Miss Lindsey Strong and Mr. WesThe groom is a graduate of Hampton hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Chaley Ables were united in marriage on High School in Hampton, Arkansas. He teau Sante. Saturday, May 25, 2013 at four o’clock graduated from University of Arkansas at The bride is the daughter of Mr. and in the afternoon at the Chateau Sante in Mrs. Gordon Strong of Crossett. She is Monticello with a Bachelor and Masters Warren. of Arts in Teaching, and now works as the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill The ceremony was officiated by McLeod of Crossett. Mr. and Mrs. John a head football coach and teacher at Reverend Michael Griffith. The bride’s Smith of Irving, Texas and the late Ted Hampton High School in Hampton. parents hosted a buffet dinner and Following a honeymoon in Ocho Rios, Strong. The groom is the son of Mr. and reception at the Chateau Sante. On the Mrs. Randy Ables of Hampton. He is the Jamaica, Lindsey and Wes reside in eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Nutt, Hampton.
Miss Lindsey Nicole Strong & Mr. Wesley Dale Ables
Photos by Eli Murray Photography
Miss Jami Leigh Crawford Weds Mr. Christopher Boone Lucas Miss Jami Leigh Crawford and Mr. Christopher Boone Lucas were united in marriage on Saturday, May Twenty Fifth, 2013 at half past two o’clock in the afternoon at Calvary Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Milton. Music for the ceremony was provided by Jonathon Wolfe. The bride’s parents hosted a seated reception at Calvary Baptist Church. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Calvary Baptist Church catered by Paula’s Catering of El Dorado. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Starr of Locust Bayou, Arkansas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. And Mrs. Jerry Lemons of Locust Bayou and Mrs. Lou Ann Crawford Moore of Camden and Mrs. Wynona Steelman of Hampton and the late Carl Smith Crawford. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rea Lucas of Hampton. He is the grandson of Mr. And Mrs. Milton Wilson of Junction City and Mrs. Claudia Lucas of Crossett and the late James Ralph Lucas. Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a Soft White A-line Ball Gown designed by Vera Wang. The gown had a modern cathedral length train , and was complemented by a blush ribbon with bow that flowed down the dress.
The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of Sarah Bernhardt light pink peonies, white stock, daisies, and babies breath. Miss Emily Murphy, cousin of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Mrs. Traci Randle, Miss Alyssa Crawford, cousin of the bride, Miss Hanna Murphy cousin of the bride, Miss Jessica Hammack, Miss Kelsey Maloch, Miss Lainie Evans cousin of the bride, Miss Melissa Latham, and Miss Jordan Lemons cousin of the bride. The flower girl was Miss Gracey Crawford, neice of the bride. The Maid of Honor and bridesmaids wore cocktail length gowns with a light pink satin bodice and white tulle layered skirt. Each carried a jeweled white rose with a pink tulle bow. Mr. Rea Lucas, father of the groom served as best man. Groomsmen included Mr. Jonathan Lucas, brother of the groom, Mr. Dexter Samuel, Mr. Montana Reynolds, Mr. Wade Smith, Mr. Jake Crawford, brother of the bride, Mr. T.J Hughes, Mr. Wesley McCulough, and Mr. Austin Sweeney. The ring bearer was Bentley Lucas, nephew of the groom. The groom and groomsmen wore black tuxedos with white vests and black ties. The ring bearer matched the groomsmen. The boutonnière flower was Gypsophila - white babies breath wrapped in burlap. The bride is a 2009 graduate of Hampton High School in Hampton. She
graduated from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Pre-Health, and began her Doctorate of Pharmacy at Harding University in the fall. The groom is a 2009 graduate of Hampton High School in Hampton. He graduated from Northwest Technical College in Minden, Louisiana with an Instrumentation Degree and now works at Great Lakes in El Dorado. Following a honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Jami and Boone reside in El Dorado. ~ The wedding rehearsal dinner was a huge success! It was decorated with antique lanterns, pearls, and pictures of the bride and groom. The flowers for the tables were light pink peonies, white jumbo football mums, and babies breath. Paula’s Catering of El Dorado served cooked pork tenderloin, chopped barbecue, and chicken, along with a tossed salad, green bean bundles, loaded mashed potatoes, and a roll. Three desserts finished the meal.
Photos by Lindsey Rowland
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Patton Sidney Gatlin and Jeff Patton were married on May 25, 2013 at the home of the bride’s parents.
Surrounded by
Family
Beautiful Blogs The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth,-One is nearer God’s heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth. ~~ Dorothy Frances Gurney God’s Garden
The harshness of this year’s winter weather deepened the yearning for spring. The hope daffodils bring and the smile the sweet peas share went quickly as a cooler, wetter than normal summer cut down the number of sunny days, keeping most inside. While inside though, there is a beautiful place to spend an afternoont: Prince Edward Island, Canada. Through the window of my laptop, I am able to see the incredible beauty that Carolyn Aiken captures through her camera lens. The visions are made even more remarkable because she and her husband design the gardens that entice me. She is married to her high school sweet heart and are blessed with seven children and nine grandchildren. Besides gardening and photography, Carolyn enjoys decorating,baking,reading and afternoon tea. Often her website is where I begin my prayer and meditation. Leaning into the scenes, I find that my mind clears and I can center myself and reach out for God’s hand. He hasn’t left me, it was I that succumbed to the stress around me. Taking a few moments to admire the work He creates through the capable hands of Carolyn stills me. When you need a moment, ease yourself to Prince Edward Island. I promise you will find peace and quiet during the respite. If you are not one to peruse blogs, Carolyn also has compiled her photos into two beautiful books that are available for purchase, “Country Christmas” and “Aiken House & Gardens.” www. warrengrovegarden.blogspot. com/ Photos used by permission
Arkansas Wineries The small, rural town of Altus is a distinctive and important aspect of Arkansas’s history and culture. Altus preserves the heritage of German-Swiss immigrants and the art of wine making. Its downtown pays tribute to its coal mining history while offering visitors unique shopping and dining experiences in a classic, small downtown square setting. In the Arkansas River Valley rich soil gives life to vineyards. Thousands of visitors stop to savor Arkansas’s award-winning wines, tour its wineries and soak up the history of Arkansas Wine Country each year. Four wineries – Post Winery, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Mount Bethel Winery, and Chateau Aux Arc - now operate in the Altus area. Each offers free tours and operates tasting rooms. Some offer extra amenities such as a gift shop, a restaurant, an RV park, or a bed and breakfast inn. In nearby Paris, Cowie Wine Cellars offers tours and tastings and is home to the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum, which preserves the viticultural past of The Natural State with winemaking artifacts and biographical histories of winemakers. The pastoral landscape of the region, boasts more than 120 years of
Chateau Aux Arc Enjoy a wine-tasting of Chateau Aux Arc’s unique wine-making style in the heart of Altus, Arkansas’s Wine Country. viticultural history with some historic vineyards run by the fourth and fifth generation descendants of the original wine families. Arkansas is the oldest and largest grape juice and wine producing state in the southern United States. Drawn by the Benedictine of Subiaco Abbey, a colony of German-Swiss immigrants settled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and began growing grapes in the 1870s at Altus in Franklin County. These early viticulturalists found great potential for grape production in this Arkansas River Valley region with mountains and valleys, and well-draining sandy soil that closely resembled the microclimates that had for centuries nurtured Europe’s great wines. In addition to wine, coal mining is a
part of Altus’ history. The centerpiece of the square is a beautiful city park containing memorials to coal mining memorial and veterans. In the late 20s and 30s, the coal mines played a very important part of the economy of Altus and a thorough recitation of the region’s coal mining history can be found at the town’s Heritage House Museum. Surrounding the park are shops containing antiques, collectibles and crafts, as well as restaurants. Enjoy a meal at one of several restaurants on Altus’ historic square, such as Kelt’s. Two area churches also attract visitors. In Altus, St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a 1902 Roman Basilical style church known for its paintings and ornate gold leaf work. It is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. About 25 minutes away, the Benedictine of Subiaco draws visitors to experience the beauty and solitude of its grounds, comprised of a sprawling campus of impressive sandstone buildings and a Romanesque-style Abbey Church set amid extensive farmland, finely manicured lawns, gardens and vineyards. Other prime areas for exploring within an hour’s drive are Mt. Magazine State Park, Lake Dardanelle State Park, the Ozark National Forest, and the Mulberry River. Mt. Magazine State Park, the highest point in Arkansas, rises out of the
Arkansas River Valley to an elevation of 2,753 feet above mean sea level. The mountain’s eight scenic overlooks have traditionally enticed visitors up the mountain. It also offers hang gliding, rappelling, camping, trails, and an extensive butterfly population. A visitor center contains exhibits and a gift shop, while a lodge offers a restaurant, swimming pool, meeting space and upscale rooms. Thirteen cabins flank the lodge. For added value and fun, plan a tour to the Altus region during one of the annual wine festivals that offers more than a taste of delicious wine in a celebratory atmosphere, but also an
From Vine to Bottle
experience of family heritage and tradition. Lodging can be found at several bed and breakfast inns and RV parks with traditional hotels just minutes away at Ozark and Clarksville. Or book a night at the bed and breakfast inn at Cowie Wine Cellars about 25 minutes away in nearby Paris. Altus is five miles south of Interstate 40, exit 41, on Ark. 186. Fort Smith is about one hour west, Fayetteville is about one hour north, and Little Rock is about two hours east. Info by www.arkansas.com
Making the most of the harvest season (Family Features) Wine is the perfect complement to any occasion, whether celebrating with friends or enjoying your favorite meal. With the grape harvest kicking off, now is the perfect time to learn more about the winemaking process to deepen your enjoyment of this beverage. Here are three ways to get the most out of this exciting season. Train your senses Wine tasting notes often include descriptions of aromas and flavors, including many fruits and baking spices. Train your nose and your palate by heading to the grocery store or farmers market. Pick up a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, and then start sniffing and tasting. You’ll soon discover green apple and yellow apple have different scents and flavors, and you’ll start to recognize the distinctions between cinnamon and clove. Then open a bottle of wine and see if you can pick out those sensory characteristics.
Explore new wines Gathering friends for an evening of wine tasting is a great way to discover new favorites. Structure your party by asking each person to bring a bottle of the same varietal, like chardonnay or pinot noir, so you can taste the varied expressions of the same grape. Or, ask everyone to bring a different varietal so you can compare and contrast the wines. Join the winemaking journey Get a peek behind the scenes of an artisan winery with Virtual Vintner, a new program from La Crema. A family-run business with over 30 years of experience, La Crema is inviting fans to help create a new wine this fall through a “choose-your-adventure” program. Along with the help of winemaker Elizabeth Grant-Douglas, some of the steps involved in this fun and educational journey include:
• Choosing a varietal • Deciding between appellations, vineyards and barrel treatments • Choosing a name and design for the bottle’s label Videos, quizzes and winemaking tutorials will help casual wine drinkers and sophisticated enthusiasts alike feel like winemaking experts. It’s an unprecedented opportunity to learn directly from the winemaking team and impact the final wine. To sign up for the Virtual Vintner Experience, visit www.vv.lacrema.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Christmas Issue? The Response to this sample issue will determine if I continue to pursue this project in this format. Please share this online magazine with others and let me know what your think. You can find me on Facebook at Brenda Studdard Clark or Ladies In The Sun.