Edmond Outlook - November 2020

November 2020

The Focused Flying Ace

Still Movin’ and Groovin’ at 100

Furniture Rescuer

Local Eats: Global Flavors

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Features

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ASK EDMOND

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LOCAL EATS: GLOBAL FLAVORS

While I’m recuperating, I thought this would be a good time to share a guest post from our account executive, Angie.

Dave Miller Back40 Design President

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As we head into the last 2 months of this tumultuous year, I’m reminded of a lesson I learned several years back. True connection comes through listening.

While working to earn my makeup artist certification, I had to do makeovers on 56 different people that had a variety of face shapes, skin colors and facial features. I asked friends, acquaintances and even strangers if I could take 45 minutes of their time to do a makeover with no purchase required and no strings attached.

There is a certain kind of vulnerability that people offer when you sit face-to-face with them. They trusted me to see them with a bare face. Their truest self. Walls came down and words came out. It was in these moments that the most heartfelt and meaningful conversations took place. Many confessed they felt invisible; their secret struggles unnoticed and their deepest truths untold.

Those 56 faces gave me a platform to pour kindness, compassion, empathy and encouragement into the hearts of uniquely and wonderfully made people from ALL walks of life.

It showed me that authentic face-to-face relationships are the lifeblood of human existence. It taught me that absolutely everyone has a story worth hearing. It reminded me that we all carry unique experiences and burdens in a way that can’t be seen...only heard. It taught me that entire perspectives can change with a few poignant words.

While I was there to help them feel as beautiful on the outside as they already were on the inside, the real privilege was getting to hear their heart because it changed mine.

In this season, I challenge you to transform your own experience by listening to someone’s heart.

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What do your gathering plans look like this holiday season?

A world of flavors wait to be explored in our hometown BEHNAZ SOHRABIAN

Local Iranian painter captures the essence of people THE FOCUSED FLYING ACE

Retired Colonel shares memories from Vietnam War

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STILL MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’ AT 100

Centurion Betty Windsor inspires others to stay active

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THE SMELL OF LEATHER

Bret Collier keeps leather-making artform alive

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CAMARADERIE IS COMMON GROUND FOR VETERANS

Scars & Stripes Coffee fosters entrepreneurship

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FURNITURE RESCUER

Jay Tracy scavenges trash to restore historic beauty

Business 22

HVAC SOLUTIONS

Veteran-owned company providing outstanding customer service

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INDOOR 18

Golfers can play year round without battling the elements

Columns 28

LOUISE TUCKER JONES

Hidden Treasures

Angie Clemens Byers Account Executive ADVERTISING l 405-301-3926 l sales@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO 50,000 HOMES IN THE EDMOND AREA 1024 W Covell, Edmond, OK 73003 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com November 2020 Volume 16, Number 11

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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.

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© 2020 Back40 Design, Inc.

PUBLISHER Dave Miller l EDITOR Jennay Wangen l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Angie Clemens Byers l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend, Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond area homes.

Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by the Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

LOCALLOOK

Ask Edmond

What do your gathering plans look like this holiday season?

Robby Rodriguez Student - UCO T.J. Maxx

Elizabeth Baird Administrative Assistant University of Central Oklahoma

Ben Dungan Student - UCO S&B’s Burger Joint

Because of the pandemic, my family and I are just keeping things to immediate family only. Just my parents, sister and her husband, and me and my brother.

My plans are to spend the holidays with my family. We usually have a big lunch and then a dessert and charcuterie board for a late dinner. We also watch a holiday movie and drink hot beverages.

Due to the current pandemic and the rising number of cases in Oklahoma, my family has decided to keep all gatherings to a minimum with only immediate family within our contact bubble and all gatherings are done outdoors.

Elsa Ruiz UCO Alumna

Avery Barker College Student S&B’s Burger Joint

Erica Pretty Eagle Artist & Graphic Designer Pretty Eagle Designs

This holiday season my planned gatherings and time with friends from OSU have been affected by the current pandemic. We have chosen not to invite all of our family and friends to our apartment for any gatherings.

Despite everything else, the pandemic has allowed me to spend much more quality time with my closest family.

I still plan on being with my family as much as possible during the holidays.

We have been doing our best at staying positive, happy, and carrying on. Whether it’s in person or over FaceTime, we make it work. I am so thankful for the bond I have with my family!

Since the pandemic, I’ve learned to appreciate the outdoors more! When I meet up with friends for dinner, we usually get takeout and head over to a park to eat together. I love going to Hafer Park or Scissor Tail Park!

Interested in participating in our Ask Edmond feature? Email us at AskEdmond@EdmondOutlook.com. We’d love to hear from you!

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FOODLOOK

Local Eats: Global Flavors

By Maggie Murdock Nichols Many, myself included, are craving a getaway. Travel plans may be postponed, but a world of flavors are just waiting to be explored in our hometown. Let’s take a tour of a few of Edmond’s outstanding ethnic restaurants, and meet the owners whose passion goes beyond just great food.

Mt. Everest Cuisines • 1169 E 2nd St Mt. Everest Cuisines came to fruition after a discussion that took place at a gathering of five friends. Prabhu Acharya, a native of Nepal and now sole owner says, “There were a couple Indian restaurants, but Nepalese cuisine could not be found anywhere near Edmond.” In 2015, the friends decided they would open a restaurant combining flavors from both. The two countries share a border, and their cuisines compliment each other well. Nepali food is a flavor bomb with similarities to Chinese and Tibetan food but is most closely related to Indian food.

A significant population of Nepali students attend UCO. The friends envisioned hiring students, giving them not just a place to work, but a place that felt and tasted like home. Prabhu says the majority of customers are families. Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken are overwhelmingly the Indian favorites. Momos and Tali are the most ordered Nepali dishes.

Prabhu says, “Have your own experiences. With different tongues come different tastes.” Prabhu asserts that Mt. Everest Cuisines is centered on the customer. “We want to make our guests feel comfortable, especially in times of pandemic. We offer curbside, take out and dine-in. A satisfied guest is the best advertisement. It warms my heart when someone says a friend sent them.”

Bethlehem Mediterranean Grill • 733 W Danforth Rd Nadir Aleisawi and partner Ahmed Aladass bring a taste of Palestine to Edmond at Bethlehem Mediterranean Grill and Gyro House in 2019. The two also opened Jerusalem Mediterannean Cuisine in 2016. Nadir’s sister has since taken over operations.

Nadir “Nick” and Ahmed “Alex” are old friends; they attended university together. After moving to America, they each put their skills and time into restaurants. They share a common desire to make delicious, healthful meals accessible.

Nadir says his favorite meal is maqluba, a Palestenian tradition literally translated as “upside down.” Chicken, veggies, pine nuts and lots of spices are layered in a pan and topped with rice.

The pan is flipped onto a plate, forming a mountain of fragrant flavors. When asked what the most ordered dish is, Nadir says, “Lamb, for sure. Gyro, shanks, kabobs... we serve lots of lamb.”

Guests often order a side of Hashweh, a rice dish made with lean ground beef, toasted nuts and dried fruit.

“We consider ourselves to be ambassadors of Palestine. In our country, we treat whoever comes to our home as a part of our family.” Nick says relationship development is key in retaining customers and turning them into friends. To those who have not been in, Nick says, “Give it a shot. You won’t leave regretful.

We have something for everyone. We use healthy olive oil. Our ingredients are good for the body, soul and mind.”

Prabhu Acharya

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Ahmed Aladass

Nicholas M Yi (Left), Chang Sik Yi (right)

All About Cha • 3272 S Broadway, 1380 W Covell Rd Chang Sik Yi, of South Korea, opened the first All About Cha in 2010 on 33rd and Broadway. In Korean, “Cha” means tea and is pronounced like the “cha-cha”, though Chang says he’s heard many pronunciation variations. Chang wanted to introduce Edmond to health conscious food and drinks, specifically black and green tea. All About Cha offers 15 different coffee drinks, 22 varieties of green and black teas, and 30 healthy Korean specialty drinks.

Chang says his favorite Korean dishes are Bulgogee, a beef dish marinated in special Korean sweet spice, and Dakgarbee, a chicken dish marinated in special Korean Hot spicy chili sauce.

These happen to be his guest’s favorites as well. All About Cha can be found in South Korea, throughout the OKC metro and now in Texas.

Chang attributes the success of All About Cha to their values, “We follow a guiding vision that ‘Sincerity Moves People’, we seek to lead the modern café culture with a style and taste found only at All About Cha. We strive to prepare every single beverage and meal with a sincerity that connects with our customers, all while using high quality ingredients to promote their health and wellbeing.”

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FEATURELOOK

Behnaz Sohrabian

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

Behnaz Sohrabian’s paintings have a quality that draws you in, an invitation to let the eyes linger. Like poetry, the first scan from left to right isn’t enough to absorb the meaning. You must read it again and again, each time revealing something new, deeper than before. Behnaz speaks slowly, with intention and makes profound statements that cause me to pause and absorb before moving on to the next thought. Though she’s eloquent and has a melodic way of speaking, she laughs and tells me, “I studied art, not English.”

“When I talk about art, I talk about my life.”

A contemplative and imaginative child, her mother noticed around the age of ten that her art hobby took a turn from after school enrichment to exceptional talent. She enrolled in classes and art has since been a central part, if not the driving force of Behnaz’s life. Behnaz received a Bachelors in Applied Chemistry and Painting and went on to receive a masters in Art Studies in her hometown of Tehran, Iran.

Behnaz arrived in Edmond ten years ago with her younger daughter. Behnaz chose Edmond because of family, but the choice was solidified by the community and environment. While some may find it lacking, Behnaz loves the landscape, the horizon line lies unobstructed. The wide open spaces allow plenty of room for inspiration.

Capturing the Essence of People Along with her life, Behnaz’s art has evolved since her arrival.

“Everything changed when I came here. My environment, my friends. My art began to move from abstract figurism to realism.”

Her paintings are not hyper realistic. Unlike a typical portrait, they don’t emulate a photograph. With texture and color, 12

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Behnaz’s portraits tell a story. “I try to bring together inspiration and creativity when painting a likeness.” Behnaz spends time with each portrait subject, never painting from a photo. “I need to get to know them, their personality. I draw from the inside out, not just the surface.” Behnaz’s goal is to capture the essence of people.

Behnaz’s reputation and talent preceded her arrival, her brother represented and sold her art across the country.

Behnaz arrived in Oklahoma and was easily embraced by the art community. Joy Reed Belt has represented her since. Behnaz greatly enjoys teaching. She feels exceptionally lucky to be able to sell her art. “I tell my students, if you’re in it for the money, there are better ways to make it.” She explains that the skill may be there, but fine painting goes beyond technique. An artist must find their own voice. “You may know all the words, but you don’t know how to form a sentence.” She reminds them that her inspiration, Vincent Van Gogh sold just one painting in his lifetime.

An Addiction Cured by Canvas “Painting is like an addiction. I crave it. I spend at least 6-8 hours painting most days.” Behnaz sorts through issues and ideas as her brush glides across the canvas. She finds solace in her Edmond studio. When traveling or visiting her older daughter and granddaughter in Dubai, she brings art supplies with her.

Painting is more than a profession, it’s an obsession for Behnaz.

Iranian-American painter Behnaz Sohrabian will begin an exhibition at Joy Reed Belt’s gallery in November and will be featured at the Gaylord Pickens Museum beginning in February.

Her work can be found at www.behnazsohrabianart.com and updates can be found on social media.

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FEATURELOOK

The Focused Flying Ace

By Amy Dee Stephens

U.S. Air Force photo by Micah Garborino “Flying an airplane is fun—until you get shot at.”

Retired Colonel Charles “Chuck” DeBellevue has clear memories of the 220 combat missions he flew as a Weapons Systems Officer during the Vietnam War. Each flight upward meant that an enemy plane was on the move. “And I knew that each pilot was hunting me down and trying to kill me.”

Before each mission, DeBellevue’s team was briefed, and then the eight-person squadron headed straight into action. “You psych yourself up, get the airplane off the ground, and head straight to the gas tanker. We’d get an initial radar reading on what the enemy was doing, but we couldn’t rely on that, we had to know where we were on the map. Then, we went into combat configuration. I was in the lead airplane, heading us to the enemy, but the guys carrying the bombs were the critical assets.”

DeBellevue was ultimately part of six “kill” missions in 1972, earning him the rare military title of Flying Ace and a Congressional Gold Medal. His squadron, the famed Triple Nickle, downed a record number of MiGs, Russian fighter planes, in Southeast Asia.

He described the mission in which his squadron shot down their second and third enemy planes. “We were up against vintage Korean War planes, which were deadly in the right hands.

Our missile hit the first one right behind the canopy. It cut that airplane in two, and it burned on both ends. Twenty seconds later, the second airplane blew up. That fight took 1 minute and 29 seconds from the time we saw the planes as black specks on a white cloud.”

During his 550 combat hours, DeBellevue was sent to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, where no squadron had gone before. “You could smell the fear when they told us where we were going. At the end of the briefing, they said, ‘We’ve 14

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been waiting on this a long time, and you may not be coming home.’ We knew we would, though, because we had absolute confidence in our team. We’d studied, we knew how to handle the stress, and each pilot had the singular focus to do his part perfectly. Nothing outside the cockpit was important,” DeBellevue said, “So it was not helpful the time a Miss America show came through while we were getting ready for a mission. I did not need gorgeous women distracting me before a mission.”

Now, DeBellevue, who lives in Edmond, speaks to both Air Force recruits and high school students about the importance of setting goals and focusing to achieve them. “These people are going to replace my generation, so we need young people to become leaders to keep this great country around.”

He reminds his audiences that courage is a lot of things, and preparation is key. “When the Twin Towers came down on 9-11, look at how many trained people, like police and firefighters, were going up to help as the building was coming down, because those people dedicated their lives to someone else,” DeBellevue said. “Flying is inherently risky, and during war it was deadly— and we knew it, but we also volunteered for the it. I slept good at night because I knew I was paying back a debt I had incurred by being a citizen of this great country.”

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FEATURELOOK

Still Movin’ and Groovin’ at 100

By Amy Dee Stephens Betty Windsor can barely sit down long enough to acknowledge that she’s 100 years old. She’s too busy walking her dogs, dancing, and encouraging other people to be active no matter what their age.

“Look at me,” Betty says to her senior friends at the Edmond Senior Center, “I’m still moving, and you can too! Come on, stand up, it will make you strong.”

“She’s a cheerleader, always inspiring others to be fit,” said Vicki Windsor, Betty’s daughter-in-law, who is continually amazed at Betty’s energy. “She’s more like a 60-year-old.”

Not surprisingly, Betty has a degree in physical education. She lived on a teacher’s salary while raising three children as a single mom. She describes herself as the kind of kid that never stopped moving and an adult who has outlasted the competition. In fact, she waited until she was 50 to start running marathons. She now has over 300 winning medals.

“Betty has medallions in baskets. She has shadow boxes full of medallions lining the walls. She has no wall space left,” Vicki 16

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said. “She has trophies everywhere. She has quilts made of her marathon t-shirts, because she has way too many to wear.” As it is, Betty prefers to wear OKC Thunder shirts. She’s an avid fan who watches all the games and knows all the players.

Dancing has always been a favorite of Betty’s, from country line dancing to Zumba. She was even the first Senior Follies queen when it originally started. These days, since the pandemic has hindered her visits to the MAC, she is teaching her grandchildren to dance at home.

According to Vicky, Betty has a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. “She’s adorable. She’s always said, ‘I think I’ll make it to 100—I just might not remember it.’” Betty says that it just “makes her laugh” to be a centurion.

Betty’s 100th birthday in August was not spent quietly. Besides family activities, her neighbors threw her a block party, and the local Sam’s Club made her cupcakes. “She walks miles around the store on the weekends, and she’s gotten to know the employees working there,” Vicki said. “She’s an inspiration to everyone she meets, so it was a busy day. We were all worn out, except Betty.

She was going strong.” Vicky laughed. “We’re ready to drop, and she’s ready to party.”

Even Betty’s doctor sent her a birthday card. It said, “If all my patients were as healthy as you, Betty, I would be out of business.” Betty’s answer to that is, “If a body part still works, just keep moving it. You can do it!”

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FEATURELOOK

The Smell of Leather

By Amy Dee Stephens

If you’ve ever walked into a Western wear store, you’re familiar with the smell of leather. That cowboy smell--earthy and distinct.

“I love that smell” is the number one comment that leather worker, Bret Collier, hears from his customers. “People who come to my shop or walk by my trade-show displays always comment on the smell,” Collier said. “Some just pick up the merchandise, sniff it, and smile before they walk off.”

Leather-making is an ancient artform, but here in the American West, it conjures up the cowboy. In the late 1800s, a leathermaker was a common tradesman making saddles and tack for ranchers and farmers. With the rise of the automobile, the industry shifted and is now an artform more common to rodeos and outdoor sporting. The process for making hand-made leather products, however, is largely unchanged.

“The way I make a gun holster is nearly identical to the way it would have been made at the turn of the century. I start with a huge roll of leather; half a side of a cow. I cut a strip and take it to my bench. I use mostly use hand tools that date back to 1900, because they were so well made. The only difference is that I do have some modern stainless steel tools, and I machine sew when I can. Oh, and I use a cell phone and a computer to run my business,” Collier quipped.

Collier, who was raised in a rodeo family, was introduced to leatherworking as a child. His dad had a set of tools that peaked 18

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Bret’s creative interests, so he dabbled in making leather gifts.

While riding bulls in southwest Texas during college, and he took a part-time job working with a saddle maker.

Initially, Collier was trained in saddle repairs, but eventually he developed the skills to make new saddles. The owner invited Collier to buy into the business—and for the next 40 years, he was a partner in the well-known Big Bend Saddlery in Alpine, Texas. Collier recently sold his interest in the business and moved to Edmond to be closer to family. He now does his leather-making from a shop at his house.

Most of his sales and custom orders come from the various gun and wildlife shows in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. His merchandise ranges from knife scabbards and chair upholstery to Bible covers and radio straps for fire departments. His unexpected runaway hit is a chest holster, wanted by outdoorsman who need quick access to a firearm for protection from unexpected snakes or bears.

Surprisingly, Collier can no longer smell the leather he works on. “It’s unfortunate, but after forty years of working with it, that sensory response just doesn’t click anymore, but I’m glad it does for other people. They love the smell and artistry of the leather, and my customers enjoy knowing the person who handcrafts their products--and I think that’s really refreshing.”

To learn more, visit www.colliercustomleather.com

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BIZLOOK

Indoor 18

By Maria Veres

The weather is always perfect for golf at Indoor 18. The brand-new Edmond practice facility lets golfers play year round at affordable prices, without battling the elements.

Playing Like the Pros Indoor 18 guests use their own balls and clubs. Trackman technology analyzes their swing and then shows the ball flight and where the ball will land. “It’s within one percent accuracy,” says Steven Metcalf, who owns Indoor 18 with his wife Allison. The ball’s path is projected on a screen.

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Indoor 18’s Trackman technology is used by most PGA tour golfers. Guests can play on virtual versions of many top courses around the world. “A lot of people come here for that experience,” says Steven.

Options for Every Golfer Since there’s no walking or waiting, most people finish a round within an hour. Many guests come during their lunch break or in the evening after the kids are in bed. The facility is popular among players who want to practice their swing (with expert help from Trackman).

Students are welcome to bring their own coaches or pros, or Indoor 18 can arrange time with a pro on their list.

Indoor 18 can also bring the game to you. They’ll set up a bay and a Trackman for weddings, corporate events, or parties. They provide Trackman units for people who want to practice their swing at an outdoor driving range.

With winter approaching, now is a great time to improve your game at Indoor 18. Visit them at 17200 N. May, Suite 600 in Edmond and online at indoor18.com.

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BIZLOOK

HVAC Solutions

By Maria Veres HVAC Solutions isn’t your average heat-and-air company. Besides standard heating and AC service, it offers unique indoor air quality options and even maintains its own showroom. But the primary goal of this veteran-owned company is outstanding customer service.

Meeting Customers’ Needs Co-owner Mike Fore began his HVAC career after leaving the Coast Guard, and he soon discovered he loved working directly with customers. When he was laid off in 2009, he and his wife Stacy decided to open their own business. They have

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since grown their company into a thirteenmember team.

“We would be nothing without our customers,” says Mike. HVAC Solutions is a faith-based company, and Mike and Stacy are committed to serving their customers and employees wherever there are needs.

“Sometimes just talking with people makes a big difference,” says Mike.

Expanding Services Besides heating and air conditioning repair, HVAC Solutions now offers a screening device to measure the air quality in homes and detect common irritants. “The V in HVAC stands for ventilation, and that’s been forgotten for too long,” says Mike. The company offers a wide range of options for resolving airquality problems.

Unlike most HVAC services, HVAC Solutions has a showroom where customers can view and compare products. Along with residential customers, the company also works with

HVAC Solutions showroom

several medical marijuana growers, who have unique air-conditioning needs since their products are grown under high-heat lights.

Mike and Stacy plan to continue expanding the company, but their hearts will always be to give every client the best service they can. “I’m in the office more often now, but whenever I can, I go out in the field and see my customers,” says Mike. “That’s my favorite part of the day.”

HVAC Solutions is located at 1341 Fretz in Edmond and online at hvacsolutionsok.com.

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FEATURELOOK

By Gina A. Dabney

Camaraderie Is Common Ground for Veterans The camaraderie that Veterans share is the inspiration behind the company, Scars and Stripes Coffee. This internet company, developed by Chad Watts and Brad Dean, provides employment and income opportunities to Veterans. By owning a business, the Veteran is empowered as they receive a hand up instead of a handout. The business model is sustainable because it is an open-market, for-profit company. Plus, there is a militaryrank structure and the teams have a mission, purpose, and a community of accountability. “The core values have been there since day one,” Watts said. “It works very well.”

Fostering Veteran Entrepreneurs When joining Scars and Stripes, the Veteran will receive business guidance such as understanding tax laws and evaluating business opportunities.

One focus is helping them readjust to civilian life.

Some are fresh out of military service while others have been out for years. “We are fostering welladjusted Veterans,” Watts said.

Jared Linder is a Squad Leader with Scars and Stripes Coffee. After meeting Watts and learning about the company’s mission, he joined. The journey has inspired him. For instance, he has met a mentor who is a millionaire and an older Veteran with whom he has developed a friendship. “It brought me back into the community working with Veterans across generations,” Linder said. “I jumped in to help and it has helped me.” After 9/11, Linder joined the military at age twenty-seven. Previously, he was working in construction. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq and appreciates the Veteran companionships offered through Scars and Stripes Coffee. “Once a soldier, always a soldier,” Linder said.

Located in 38 states, Scars and Stripes Coffee currently has 300 team members. Look for their booths at fishing and hunting events as well as farmers markets. Prior to Scars and Stripes 26

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Coffee, Watts and Dean worked together in medical sales. Watts, who wanted to work with Veterans, and Dean, who has been with the National Guard for more than 20 years, wanted to help Veterans be entrepreneurs.

Divine-inspired Mission When Scars and Stripes Coffee was starting, the number eight was a divine-inspired theme. It began with the company’s first bag of coffee which was roasted on Nov. 8, 2018. During the Veteran Caucus held at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Scars and Stripes Coffee showed their presentation which contained a background song by John Rich. As the bag of coffee appeared on the screen, a team member pointed out to Watts the coincidence of the stamped date of Nov. 8, 2018 and the song which is entitled, “The 8th of November.”

“This blew me away,” Watts stated, “so I started thinking more about the number eight and what that meant.” In process was the development of a Bible scripture for their coffee bean. Their roasting partner, Todd Vinson, would give Watts the Scripture soon. In the meantime, Watts attended Easter service where the Pastor spoke about the importance of numbers in the Bible. “He spoke of the number eight and it means rejuvenation/being reborn,” Watts stated. “This keeps peaking my interest.” Thereafter, Vinson texted Watts the scripture for the company’s first roast: Romans 8:1. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 KJV “This is when it hit me that we are doing what God would have us do,” Watts stated.

For more information, visit scarsandstripescoffee.com or call 405-205-1887.

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ALOOKBACK

Hidden Treasures

By Louise Tucker Jones

Back in the early 70s, my late husband accepted a job at a new company, which offered him a better position. At the time we were renting a lovely twostory brick home in Tulsa and I was six months pregnant with our second child.

A little too late, Carl realized the change in employers compromised our health insurance and we suddenly had to pay for private instead of group insurance to cover my pregnancy. An expensive tradeoff.

We soon decided that a move was in order and found a cute little twobedroom home with a lower rental fee. It wasn’t my dream home but we scrubbed and painted and made it ours. Those who

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have had to downsize due to Covid-19 job loss can probably identify with our situation.

But here’s what I found. There are hidden treasures wherever you are, but you often have to look for them.

As it turned out our little house was within walking distance of Swan Lake, a beautiful place. And being as it was summer, my 4-year-old son, Aaron and I would often take walks to the lake during the day where I sat in the shade of magnificent trees while Aaron fed the swans.

After our son, Travis, was born, we often walked to the lake as a family during the cooler evenings. It was the hidden gem in what had seemed to be a negative move for us.

As it turned out, we also experienced tragedy at that little house with the sudden death of our son, Travis, at three months old, due to undiagnosed, congenital heart disease. But recently, my grown son, Aaron, told me that some of his favorite childhood memories were

those walks to Swan Lake. Just the two of us while we waited on the birth of his baby brother, as well as our outings as a family.

Granted, this Covid crisis has caused horrific challenges and even deaths. But I’ve been amazed at how people from all walks of life have come together to help those in need. These are the hidden treasures in the midst of this pandemic.

What a beautiful blessing!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows.

LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

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FEATURELOOK

Furniture Rescuer

By Amy Dee Stephens

Jay Tracy is an artist by trade and historian at heart. As a hobby, he rescues and restores old furniture, mostly dating back to the 19th century. He finds much of it discarded by the road or at estate sales. He mostly refurbishes each piece back to original condition, but he occasionally applies artistic finishes to create a new look.

“I just love big trash day!” Jay laughs. “It’s my favorite day each month. People throw out good, old pieces without realizing it.”

Jay, who lives in a historic 1920s home, finds the greatest treasures in his own neighborhood. Often, outdated furniture is being ripped out of a house during a remodel or it’s being sold because someone has passed away.

Scavenging old furniture is not exactly a glamorous job, but Jay is willing to deal with dust bunnies and cat pee to see if a desk or cabinet is made of real wood. He once found a maple buffet covered with graffiti and stickers, but it had a solid structure.

“The drawers had old socks, food packages and mouse droppings inside, and there was a dead mouse squished on the back of it. I thought, oh well, I’ve come this far—into the car it goes!”

Jay’s aunt owned an antique store in the small town where he grew up, and she first showed him how to refinish a table owned by his grandparents from 1933. “My dad, also an artist, had painted it olive green with yellow pinstripes at some point. It was hideous!” Jay laughed. “My aunt showed me how to take it back to its original state.” Now, Jay’s walls are lined with the antique furniture he’s restored, from an 1830 empire chest to an armoire that still has World War I newspaper articles glued to the inside.

“When people come to my house, they joke that it looks like an 80-year-old woman lives here,” Jay said. “All my furniture is deadpeople stuff.” The newest thing he has in his house is a leather chair from 20 years ago. The oldest piece was one that eluded him.

“I bought a 1780s cherry wood desk with dovetail joints from an estate sale in my neighborhood for $80. I paid the family’s grandson to deliver to my house. Later that day, an elderly man came by and said, ‘That desk wasn’t for sale. It’s been in my family for generations!’ Well, I knew I had to sell it back to him, because my aunt once sold an 1893 colonnade cabinet that belonged to my grandparents by accident. I had tracked down the buyer, but she wanted me to pay a huge price to get it back, so I had to let it go, but I remember how it feels to lose a family heirloom.”

Most of the furniture that Jay rescues is not missed by anyone, but he feels compelled to rescue it anyway. “Old furniture is well built, it has character and it has a history. I can’t stand to see it go to a landfill--even though I’m running out of room in my house.”

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EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM

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NOVEMBER 2020

1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003