Postcards Eastex September

Cover Photo by Gentry Schany Postcards 2022 Photo Contest Submission

Your Local Community Magazine!

PostcardsLive.com

MAILED to select postal routes in the Greater Cleveland/Tarkington area.

If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available.

FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above.

Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc.

Publisher Karen Altom

Associate Publisher Kent Holder

Editor Wes Altom

Advertising Team

Kent Holder

Nancy Jolly

Jennifer Abbrat

Leah Lamp

Marshall Altom

Design Team

Mary Partida

April Key

Social Media Management

Abby Altom Boyd

Online: www.PostcardsLive.com

Address: PO Box 690 • Huntsville, TX 77342

Call our Office: 936.293.1188

We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers.

© 2023 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

Hello Eastex Readers!

Karen Altom

September is here and I am guessing most of you, like me, are ready for a break in these temps. I heard someone recently say they opened the door to go outside and thought maybe they had forgotten and were checking the oven to see if the cornbread was done!

We hope you enjoy what we have cooked up for you this month. Please remember we welcome your ideas. If you know someone we should feature – tell us! If you know about an organization doing great things in your community – let us know! Our goal is always to unite community and showcase what’s great about where we live.

REMINDER: Be sure to take a moment and thank an advertiser for helping bring this publication to you. They are the reason it happens!

Until next time,

Kent Holder

Each September brings with it a sense of festivity that I eagerly anticipate. The hope of milder temperatures and a wide selection of sporting events, spanning from spirited pee wee games to the elite professional leagues, replace summer’s charm. While the typical influx of new television shows usually accompanies this time of year, it’s uncertain whether the same pattern will hold true for this season. What makes September even more special for me is that it marks the month of my birthday. My birthday, September 16th, also holds cultural importance as Mexican Independence Day. I enjoy Mexican cuisine, so celebrating with others there to commemorate the day is always fun…something I prefer over the tradition of serenades and oversized birthday hats!

I’m grateful for the strong reader response we have received on Postcardslive. com. Your involvement has surpassed the early engagement of our other publications. This magazine thrives as a collective effort, and I appreciate your contributions as we cultivate it together. Please keep it coming!!

Our annual Cover Photo Contest is open for submissions on our website. A unique thing about our magazines are the covers and the fact they are not for sale. Just think - your submission to the contest could land your photo on the cover one day!

Thank you for your pivotal role in our progress. Let’s continue nurturing this shared space as we experience our version of September’s joy and community spirit.

I’ll see you around town, ~Kent

HUNTING HUNTING SEASON? SEASON?

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. September and Labor Day are always special for me because I was born on Labor Day. I know, all of you Smarty Pants, that we were all born on labor day, but I was born on the actual holiday. It’s back to school time, so watch out for the little children waiting for the bus and the older ones driving! School was much easier when I went, back in caveman times, because there wasn’t much history, yet. If you have questions about anything, other than history, send your questions to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY

I like to tell my wife about my day when I come home from work, but she asked if she could have some peace and quiet while she tried to cook dinner. So I took the batteries out of the smoke alarm. She failed to see the humor in that and I’m in the doghouse. Again.

TOO CLEVER FOR MY OWN GOOD

DEAR TOO CLEVER

Yes, you are. I live with one of those, too. One night my husband stopped for a beer after work and became very late for dinner. I called him and told him if he wasn’t home in 10 minutes, I was going to give the dinner I cooked for him to the dog. He was home in 5 minutes. I asked him why he made it home so quickly and he said he’d hate for anything bad to happen to the dog. The dog was kind enough to share his doghouse.

GABBY

DEAR GABBY

Has someone really done all of the stupid things that we are warned about on product labels?

NOT THAT DUMB

DEAR NTD

I truly believe that every warning label comes with an amazing backstory. My favorite warning label of all time was on a clear plastic bag on a pair of snowmobile gloves. It read: WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this bag away from babies and children. Do not use in cribs, beds, carriages or playpens. THIS IS NOT A TOY! The next paragraph read: If you thought this bag was a baby toy, and the warning is actually news to you, then best of luck out there. Life will not be easy for you.

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “MYSTERIES OF LIFE”:

If you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a Tupperware lid that doesn’t fit any of your containers.

Heaven’s Army:

Assisting people in the community during their time of need: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Start of Heaven’s Army

The founder of Heaven’s Army, LaNora Purvis, embarked on a life-changing journey in 2009, after she was arrested for her third DWI offense--when her probation officer invited her to church. Initially, she went with the motive of showing her probation officer she was a good person, but she left with so much more. She received her first Bible, started attending Bible studies, and accepted the Lord. Three months later, this transformation led her to establish Heaven’s Army, located in Cleveland, Texas. She firmly believes, “Freedom from the past brings hope for the future and transformation for a community.”

Heaven’s Army provides outreach programs that inform, educate, and engage the community in finding positive solutions to problems, helping people overcome various obstacles that impede their progress, livelihood, and success. The organization provides hands-on programs, outreach activities, and the tools needed to

Heaven’s Army has come a long way from its beginnings, leaving a mark on the lives of countless individuals. Their commitment to serving the community has created positive outcomes and, more importantly, ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of those they’ve touched.

Story and Photos by Kelly Thomas

LaNora Purvis

help youth, families, the elderly, and the impoverished in developing skills to solve everyday challenges so they can have a better quality of life.

Home of Amazing Grace - Women’s Discipleship Program (HOAG)

Heaven’s Army – Home of Amazing Grace Women’s Discipleship Program (HOAG) is a residential Christian character-building and discipleship program catering to women aged 18-60 years old. The program requires a 12–18-month commitment, and graduation entails completion of all four phases of the program. Women accepted into the Home of Amazing Grace dedicate their time to establishing a personal relationship with Jesus through discipleship training, developing a knowledge of God’s Word, and learning to live for God. Living in the Home of Amazing Grace brings about a radical change in lifestyle for all women involved, offering a safe place for healing and overcoming life traumas. The program particularly welcomes women who have been victims of human trafficking, drug addiction, and domestic violence, providing a nurturing environment rooted in compassion and empathy.

Empowering Women for a Better Future

The purpose of Home of Amazing Grace is to provide a safe place where women can finally find freedom. Beyond immediate support, Heaven’s Army aims to empower individuals to become self-reliant and independent. Their goal is to focus on quality rather than quantity, and they boast a remarkable 91% success rate for women who graduate from the program. The program adopts a step-by-step approach, starting with group settings of eight women, then moving into smaller groups of

Huntsville Antique Show

Walker County Fairgrounds

3295 SH 30 W - Huntsville

Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

Sunday 10 am - 4 pm

Admission - $7

Good for Both Days!

Kids 12 & Under FREE

www.huntsvilleantiqueshow.com

Kay King 936.661.2545

Climate Controlled Indoor Venue - Rain or Shine!

four, and finally pairing two of them up in a tiny home on the property before they venture out independently into the world. Throughout the 12–18-month process, the focus is on helping the women understand their relationship with God, themselves, and others. Community is a central aspect of the program, and the support provided by the community is reciprocated by offering job training and employment opportunities, equipping the women with entrepreneurial skills that enable them to secure a stable income after leaving the home.

How You Can Make a Difference

Heaven’s Army welcomes assistance through volunteering, as well as through physical and monetary donations. They understand collaboration is key to amplifying their impact, and their mission is fueled by the collective efforts of volunteers, donors, and advocates who stand together to support the cause.

On the property, there is a bridge where donors can buy planks that are then personalized and engraved. These stand as a symbol of individuals in the community who provide ongoing support to Heaven’s Army.

An immediate need for Heaven’s Army is related to the recent donation of a tiny home to be placed on the property. However, the organization requires financial assistance to have the home set up with utilities and insurance costs covered. By contributing to this cause, you can be a part of something truly extraordinary. You can donate to Heaven’s Army by visiting them online at www.heavensarmy-tx.org.

Heaven’s Army shows the impact a united community can achieve. Through their commitment to serving others and igniting hope in the hearts of those in need, they have transformed countless lives. By embracing their mission and rallying behind their cause, we can empower ourselves and others to make a positive change in the world.

What’s Cookin’

Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos)

Ingredients

1 pound jalapeno peppers, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces

1 ¾ cups brown sugar

¾ cup apple cider vinegar

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp celery seed

½ tsp ground turmeric

¼ tsp cumin seed

¼ tsp anise seed

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 pint-size canning jar

Directions

Step 1: While wearing gloves, rinse jalapenos and remove stem. Cut into 1/4-inch slices and set aside. To reduce the heat from the peppers, you may core out the centers with the seeds and discard before slicing.

Step 2: Combine brown sugar and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic powder, celery seed, turmeric, cumin seed, anise

seed, salt and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer for 3 minutes. Add sliced jalapeno peppers and simmer for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Remove jalapenos to a jar using a slotted spoon. Continue simmering liquid over medium-low heat until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes more.

Step 4: Pour liquid over the jalapenos and let cool. Use a strainer to remove excess seeds from the liquid, if desired. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 days before eating. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Ezel Miles Rouse Great-Grandchild of Bea & John Rouse

Texas Talent

Story by Linda W. Perkins

Timothy Sojka

All my books are set in East Texas, and they always will be. I feel like I get pulled back to Silsbee like a salmon being pulled back to its breeding ground.

I don’t know what a novelist in the “thrillers” genre is supposed to look like, but after reading the first chapter in each of his three books (where in each case someone is found murdered), I would have expected author Timothy Sojka to look a little more grisly. Instead, I am greeted inside a smartly decorated office by a tall, slim man wearing a tie and pinstripe suit, with salt and pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

As he reaches to shake my hand, I wonder when I am going to see beyond the businessman and get a glimpse into the mind of the award-winning storyteller whose novels are set deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. When he sits down and starts talking, I pick up on his drawl…and then as he crosses his left leg over the right, the cuff of his pant leg rises just enough to show a mostly-purple multicolored striped sock, and I begin to sense the creative side of him.

How long have you been a writer, and how do you balance it with your real estate business?

I knew at a really young age I wanted to be a writer. I just knew I didn’t want to be a starving author. A lot of successful writers have other jobs. A lot of them are literary. It’s just that my other job is selling about 200 homes per year, plus I do commercial real estate as well. I think we all might like to have a book where we could quit our day job--and honestly, that used to be my goal--but now I just want to write something great.

What do you think makes a writer great?

Well, some people don’t like to get tough feedback, but I love it. I swap with other authors, and there are a couple in particular I really value, because I can be tough on them, and they know they can be tough on me. When I was younger, I couldn’t handle

that kind of feedback, but now I can. I know my books are so much better because they were tough on me.

Your first two novels, Payback Jack and Politikill, address political issues. How does that exactly work in the world of fiction?

I want to write something that changes the way people think. When I was about 15 or 16, there was a scandal about politicians who were taking bribes; the FBI came in, and they got prosecuted. So, I started thinking, “Man, that’s a great idea. We should be holding our politicians accountable.” Then 30 years goes by and nothing else happens, and that really bothered me. So, I could write a nonfiction book about corruption, but that would be boring. What if, instead, I wrote a thriller about a woman who was really affected by political corruption and then started killing

Submitted Photos

people? I can use the story to talk through more effective ways to deal with corruption – not killing politicians (obviously), but term limits and the like – that is a lot more compelling than writing a non-fiction book about it.

So, these are important subjects to you personally?

Yes. Like my first book, Payback Jack, deals with the death penalty. It really bothers me the way we handle it in the United States. I can research and write about that, but my opinion doesn’t mean a lot to most people. But if I can write something that really entertains you and presents both sides of the story, then lets you make a decision about it, I have accomplished my goal.

You grew up in Silsbee, in the Big Thicket area of Texas, right? How influential is that in your writing?

My (writer’s) voice is all about where I come from. All my books are set in East Texas, and they always will be. I feel like I get pulled back to Silsbee like a salmon being pulled back to its breeding ground. I don’t go there in my dreams every day, but I go

back there a lot. I think about things and the people there. I know the rhythms of how they talk. Sitting in the living room, with my uncle Raymond Gilmore and my grandparents Myrtis and Selman Gilmore, listening to them talk--that’s how I learned to tell stories and entertain people. It makes you feel differently and think differently when those are your first storytellers.

Besides your family members, who else has influenced your writing?

I love the Georges as storytellers – George Jones and George Strait. I also love the Charlies – Charlie Daniels, Charlie Rich, and (most importantly) Charlie Pride. I mean, the first people to paint pictures in my head weren’t books. Hearing Kiss an Angel Good Morning by Charlie Pride was the first time I remember words painting pictures in my mind. The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels came out when I was in 6th or 7th grade, and it was the first time I could actually see and understand who the devil was and how he was buying you off. My voice has been shaped more by country music than by the fancy authors I’ve read.

What are some unique things about growing up in a small East Texas town that show up in your books?

The first death I ever witnessed was there. By the way, you get better food at funerals in small towns than you do at birthdays. So, you were excited to go to a funeral. Sure, you had to sit for a couple of hours and look at dead bodies, but then you got to have everybody’s best cooking! I also love that I’d be at a swimming hole where someone died 15 years ago, or even a week ago, and people would still be sitting around telling the stories. Everything was so dark and romantic.

I wasn’t born in East Texas. I was born in Chicago. But something really rough happened to me when I was six, and I didn’t trust adults. My parents got divorced, and I got shipped to Silsbee, Texas. I started picking up things really young – how people talked and how they acted – so that I could decide whether I could trust them. When you’re young and you can’t trust anyone, you become a storyteller.

You write on some pretty

dark subjects. How can that be a challenge?

We all want our lives to be easy, but in a novel, we all want our characters to go through hell. If you wrote a book where everything went okay for the characters, it’s not going to sell anything. So you want your character to go through holy hell. You have to make their lives as difficult and as tough as possible. And it’s kind of sad, because when you create a character, you really get to know them. You really do. I mean, you spend more time with them than you do anyone else outside of your wife or kids.

Do you have a favorite character from your books?

To this day, I still really love Smith Driskill from Payback Jack, because he’s the first

character I ever saw and felt. And Teeny in Claws, my new book I’m working on now that will come out next year, is my current favorite. She’s an eight-year-old who has gone through some terrible things. She can talk, but she chooses not to. I like that limit. It makes her more interesting, because she can’t say anything. I think the best characters are defined by their limits, not their strengths. One thing I noticed in your books is how descriptive you are. For instance, I think all our readers would be able to relate to how you describe the weather in southeast Texas, “The heat surrendering to its superior tormentor – humidity. The stickiness of your clothes, the line of sweat forming across your back, supergluing skin to shirt.”

END OF SUMMER

You have to get people off the page. When I read and I see the words in front of me, I hate that. But when I read and I can see pictures in my brain, that’s where I want to be. The best compliment I get is when someone says, “Hey, I read it like it was a movie. It should be a movie. I saw it in my brain.” That’s the greatest. I try to write to people’s senses a lot, as well as to their sense of humor.

Timothy Gene Sojka is the author of Amazon bestselling thriller Payback Jack, and his novels Politikill and 39: Your Last Birthday are both Maxy Award winners. His latest book, Claws, a thriller dealing with the subject of child trafficking, is due out in 2024. Tim is a Realtor/Broker and CEO. He is happily married with one grown daughter. He paddleboards for stress relief, and runs so he can eat Tex-Mex.

Things My Granddaddy Said

Every time I stand up, my mind sits down.

Busier than a funeral home fan at a July revival.

Things aren’t always as they seem. A bird in the hand causes a big mess.

When you’re up to your tail in alligators, you tend to forget you started out to drain the swamp.

He’s as happy as if he had good sense.

Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

Story by Kelly Thomas

Photos by Cara Williams

Staff from Left to Right: Danielle VonArb, Bertie Morgan, Pam Lunde, & Rita Von Arb

If you can imagine it, SaRi’s Creations can bring your vision to life!

At the heart of SaRi’s Creations lies a commitment to excellence--their motto, “Excellent Service and Quality Products,” encapsulates their philosophy of turning visions into tangible reality. They offer an impressive array of services including embroidery, screen printing, appliqué, digitizing, rhinestones/bling, hats, vinyl, and more. From crafting intricate designs to bringing custom apparel visions to life, they pride themselves on being your creative allies. Whether it’s a single item or a large order, SaRi’s Creations accommodates every request without a minimum order requirement. They ensure each product, regardless of size, is completed with customer satisfaction, because at SaRi’s Creations, excellence isn’t just a goal--it’s a way of life.

SaRi’s Creations emerged from a shared vision — Sandy and Rita Von Arb, sisters-inlaw, driven by the desire to own a business that would allow them to prioritize time with their children and families, started SaRi’s Creations.

Sandy and Rita initially set up the shop in Rita’s home in Spring, fueled by a shared desire to balance work and family life seamlessly. What started as a humble venture within the comfort of a house soon

Corporate apparel

Promotional products

One-of-a kind gifts

Bridal/Wedding T-shirts

Company Logos

Uniforms

Hats

Tote Bags

Backpacks

RTIC Tumblers with custom decals

Scrubs

Scarves

Baby Blankets and much more!

blossomed into a full-fledged storefront in Spring Cypress, where they thrived for three rewarding years.

Rita then took full ownership of the business after her sister-in-law started a home-flipping business with her daughter. She continued the dream by moving the business to Kingwood, where it continued to flourish for another three years. Rita finally moved the business to Cleveland on Bardash Street after Rita and her husband purchased 12 acres of land in Cleveland with the dream of

building a generational home for their family. As Trish from Two Sisters Painting attests, “SaRi’s Creations is the best ever. Our shirts look totally professional. Our logo was just the right size, and the colors match perfectly. The stitching is excellent. They are quick and affordable. Thank you for making our company look great.”

Jeff Paine, Director of Marketing with Paine Brown Management Group, concurs. “We have been utilizing SaRi’s Creations for

about two years. They are easy to work with, amazing, and very professional individuals. Their great quality and outstanding service speak for themselves. We will continue using them for all our business needs.”

Rita’s love for the “small-town feel” of Cleveland resonates deeply with SaRi’s bond with the local community. As dedicated members of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, they stand as collaborators, contributing to the growth of local businesses. Their commitment to the community is a testament to the values that guide their

journey.

To experience SaRi’s Creations firsthand, their shop doors are open Monday to Friday at 200 Bardash Street Suite #1 in Cleveland. Their beautiful shop is set up with all the equipment they need, along with a wide range of items you can choose from in the shop. You can also visit them online on Facebook, Etsy, and their website www.sariscreations.com to view their online catalog, submit orders, or get direct quotes. Stop by today and allow Rita and her team to help bring your creative ideas to life.

by Linda Perkins Home Sweet Home

Most of us have heard the story of the prodigal son, told by Jesus to illustrate the depths of God’s love for us. Told from the father’s point of view, it is a story of grace and forgiveness--a story that promises a “welcome home” celebration for repentant sinners, even the worst among us.

What if the story were told from the perspective of the prodigal? For those who think you can’t relate, let’s compare his journey to summer vacation. When we head out, all we can think about is our imagined destination. Depending on where we’re going, it may be the cool island breezes, the quaint stores and restaurants, or the bright city lights calling out to us.

What we don’t think about are traffic jams, long lines at the airport or amusement park, and strange tastes and smells. We wonder how locals manage to drive up and down steep mountain roads that don’t seem wide enough for two-way travel. We find ourselves frustrated when there is no air conditioning, stores close early, and cab drivers don’t speak English. Perhaps it’s raining at the beach or the nearby forests are on fire. Suddenly, in the middle of our dream vacation, we begin to sound like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. “There’s no place like home,” we realize.

In many ways, we are all like the prodigal. If we knew all the obstacles we would face in life, we might never take a step forward! As youths, we step out of the comfort of our parents’ homes and are excited to take on the world. We know there will be unexpected things we don’t like, but we don’t want to hear it. We just go. But somewhere along the way, we get tired…and the very place we longed to leave – home – is the one place we really want to be.

The good news is with God, we always have a loving home to return to. We may leave Him, but He never leaves us. He gives us a place of peace we can return to every day. And if we find ourselves wandering away, we don’t have to worry. All we have to do is turn around and He will show us the path back to Him, back to home sweet home.

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” – Isaiah 32:18

“Come all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

from page 21