Invitation Magazine - December 2023/January 2024 by Invitation Magazines

D ECEM B E R 2023/JA N UA RY 2024

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Holiday ISSUE

S A N TA C L AU S COMES TO LIFE O N C A N VA S

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PERFECT ICED SUGAR COOKIES

ESCAPE TO THE G R A N D C A N YO N S TAT E

I N V I TAT I O N ' S F AV O R I T E 2023 STORIES

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DEPA RTMENT S 14

Letter From the Publisher

Calendar

Shoutouts

Recipes: Holiday Milkshake

Out & About: Northeast

Out & About: Oxford

Monthly Musings: Jack Reed Jr.

E V EN T S : NORTHEAST

E V E N T S : OXFORD

Tupelo Ale Trail

Square Jam 2023

Scarecrow Festival

Rotary Golf Tournament

Pumpkin Run

Party on the Green

Celebration Village

Oxford Witches Ride

FE ATURES 32 Santa Claus on Canvas

Artist Lee Gibson shares holiday spirit in a series of oil paintings featuring oldfashioned Santas.

38 Greatest Hits

A look back at some of this year’s most loved Invitation Magazines stories.

42 Bakin’ with Lakyn

ON THE COVER From cheerful sugar cookies by Lakyn Kirk (page 42) to vibrant oil paintings by Lee Gibson (page 32), these north Mississippians use their creativity to celebrate the season. Merry Christmas! PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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A resolution to learn something new results in a successful cookie baking and decorating business.

48 Destination: Arizona

See the Grand Canyon State through an Invitation Magazines photographer’s camera lens.

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L E T T E R from the P U B L I S H E R

I’m not much of a collector. But, as I child, my grandparents began purchasing glass Christmas ornaments for me. Etched on each of them is a winter scene or a Christmas theme and the year. I have more than 25 beginning in 1977, the year I was born. They became harder to find, and the last one I have is from 2004. The memories they bring me are what are most important. Meet Lakyn Kirk on page 42. She gave herself a gift of learning a new skill in 2023, and the results are some delicious and precious cookies. She first shared this gift with her young son, and now she bakes them for hundreds of others. In this issue, our amazingly talented photographer Joe Worthem gives us the gift of seeing another part of our world. He had the opportunity to travel to Arizona, and

on page 48 he shares some of the beautiful landscapes he captured there. I think the joy we share with others through a small act of kindness or a simple, thoughtful gift is more important than how much it costs. We hope you find this magazine as a simple gift to enjoy this holiday season. And we will see you back here in 2024. Merry Christmas,

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

E XC LU S I V E LY O N L I N E AT I N V I TAT I O N M AG .C O M

We d d i n g B e l l s a re R i n g i n g Did you get married or engaged this year? We want to share the news in our annual bridal issue, coming in February 2024. Place an order for your custom wedding announcement today by visiting invitationmag.com/ bridal-announcements. Orders must be placed by Dec. 15.

Re a d e r Favo r it e s As we turn the page to 2024, Invitation Magazines is celebrating this year’s accomplishments. Turn to page 38 to see a few of the most loved stories of 2023. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we will be sharing more reader favorites from throughout the year.

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

Have an exciting event coming up? Visit our website and share the details on our online community calendar. There’s a chance photos from your event will be featured in an upcoming magazine! FOLLOW US

@INVITATIONOXFORD @INVITATIONM AGA ZINE

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PUBLISHER Rachel West

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly EXECUTIVE EDITOR Leslie Criss OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Mary Moreton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah Godwin

ART

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Holly Vollor STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Carleigh Harbin Lisa Roberts Hannah Turner

COPY EDITOR Ashley Arthur SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Jennie Lee

OFFICE

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Amber Lancaster Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Paul Gandy Markka Prichard

ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com

To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com. Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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OXFORD

Holly Jolly Holidays N O W-J A N U A R Y 7

Oxford’s weekslong holiday celebration is back with ice-skating on a real outdoor rink, a new peppermint trail with holiday treats and promotions, visits with Santa at the Old Armory Pavilion on select Saturdays and more. Find a full schedule of events online.

NAME

H O L I D AY S HANUKK AH

December 7-15

visitoxfordms.com/hollyjolly

C H R I S TM A S DAY

December 25 K WA N Z A A

December 26-January 1 N E W Y E A R ' S DAY

January 1 M A R T I N LU T H E R K I N G J R . DAY

January 15

“Rumors” D E C E M B E R 1 4-1 6

Oxford High School Theatre presents “Rumors,” a farcical play by Paul Simon. Tickets are available online. 7:30 p.m., Oxford High School. oxfordsd.org/theatre

Let Freedom Ring Holiday Party DECEMBER 15

Holiday Village

YAC Ornament Auction

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DECEMBER 8

Visit the Ford Center to see gingerbread houses designed by community members and civic groups, a miniature village with a working train, a multicultural display of holiday traditions from around the world and more. The event is free, but donations and goods collected benefit the Pantry.

Bid on unique ornaments created by local artists at Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s annual holiday ornament auction. Proceeds benefit YAC. 7 p.m., the Powerhouse.

fordcenter.org

oxfordarts.com

Doors of Hope Holiday House Tour

A community Christmas party with live music, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Ticket sales benefit Oxford Juneteenth and the 2024 Oxford Juneteenth Festival. Tickets $35; reserved table for eight $250. 7-11 p.m., the Powerhouse. oxfordjuneteenth.org

CASAblanca New Year’s Eve Gala DECEMBER 31

Dance Alive National Ballet presents the holiday classic. Tickets from $40. 7:30 p.m., the Ford Center.

This year’s annual holiday home tour features several Ole Miss sorority houses. Tickets, $30 in advance or $35 at the door, benefit Doors of Hope Transition Ministries. 1-5 p.m., Ole Miss campus.

Ring in the new year with CASA of North Mississippi. Tickets, $100, benefit the organization and include dinner, casino fun and a champagne toast. Cash bar. Presented by MR Construction. 7:30 p.m., the Powerhouse.

fordcenter.org

doorsofhopeoxford.org

oxfordarts.com

“The Nutcracker” DECEMBER 8

DECEMBER 10

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“The Exonerated” JANUARY 6

Theatre Oxford presents an award-winning play that weaves together six true stories of survivors of death row. Tickets $12-$20. Showtimes 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the Powerhouse. oxfordarts.com

“My Fair Lady” JANUARY 16

The classic musical story of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins. Tickets from $60. 7:30 p.m., the Ford Center. fordcenter.org

Fiber Arts Festival J A N U A R Y 1 9 -2 0

Oxford’s annual Fiber Arts Festival features a variety of online and in-person events, beautiful work by local fiber artists, a fiber market, workshops and demonstrations. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Powerhouse. oxfordfiberfestival.com

“On Your Feet!” JANUARY 28

A musical tells the inspiring true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Tickets from $35. 7:30 p.m., the Ford Center. fordcenter.org DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | INVITATION

team serve as grand marshals. 6 p.m. tupelomainstreet.com

Christmas with NMSO

two stages, KidsFest, fireworks, and countdown to midnight from the BNA Bank Fairpark Stage. Events begin at 6 p.m. tupelomainstreet.com

DECEMBER 9

NORTHEAST

“The Nutcracker” D E C E M B E R 2-3

Tupelo Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with live music by North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. tupeloballet.com

Ice-Skating N O W-J A N U A R Y 1 5

Hit the rink at Cadence Bank Arena. $15 per skater, including skate rental. Schedule of public skate times is available online. cb-arena.com

Reed’s Christmas Parade DECEMBER 8

Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade celebrates its 75th anniversary. Tupelo Futbol Club girls teams and the Change skateboard

NMSO’s Christmas program features choruses from Itawamba Community College and Northeast Mississippi Community College, and the NMSO Children’s Chorus. Tickets $10-$30. Showtimes 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. nmsymphony.com

Harlem Globetrotters D E C E M B E R 1 5 -1 6

The Harlem Globetrotters World Tour comes to north Mississippi. See them at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Crossroads Arena in Corinth; or 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo. Get tickets online. crossroadsarena.com | cb-arena.com

College Basketball D ECE MB ER 17

Mississippi State men’s basketball team plays The University of North Texas in a special location, Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo. 3 p.m., tickets available online.

Adrienne Brown David Artist Reception J A N U A R Y 12

An opening reception celebrates artist Adrienne Brown David’s exhibit “Taken Aback By My Own Beauty: Identity As Rebellion.” The reception includes a performance by Tupelo Civic Ballet. 5-7 p.m., Gumtree Museum of Art. The exhibit is on display Jan. 1-30. gumtreemuseum.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend Events

cb-arena.com

J A N U A R Y 12-1 5

Tupelo New Year’s Eve DECEMBER 31

For the 37th year, Committee for King honors MLK Jr. with a talent show, awards banquet, motorcade and more. Info online.

Ring in 2024 in Fairpark. Live bands on

committeeforking.org

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S H O U T O U T S Aut ho r to S i g n C h i ld re n’s C h r i s t m a s B o ok at Bro ok s G ro c e r y

Brooks Grocery in Tupelo will host a book signing event from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. The book, “Jack and Theo: One More Stocking,” is written by Christian speaker, podcaster and writer Dr. O’Shea Lowery. A native of Red Bay, Alabama,

now living in Dallas, Lowery is a graduate of Blue Mountain Christian University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lowery’s fervent belief that everyone longs to belong to a family and to have a place to call home led her to write her first children’s book, about Theo, a homeless kitten in search of belonging. The characters in “Jack and Theo: One More Stocking” are based on real people and animals, like Theo, who shows up and gazes into the window at Nana’s house and sees love and warmth and a beautiful Christmas tree. Nana is Lowery, and her seven grandchildren even appear on a page of the book. Theo is a cat who once wandered the streets of Tupelo, but it took some time for Lowery to find her Jack, a golden dog that belongs to Nana in the book and becomes Theo’s best friend. Lowery had long known Brooks and Lisa Davis, owners of Brooks Grocery. She also knew Dr. Sonya Bryan,

a veterinarian at All Animal Hospital in Tupelo. Through them, she found Jack, the Davises’ rescue dog. Rumor has it there’s a good chance Jack might be on hand for the book signing. “I just fell in love with Jack,” Lowery said. “I asked if he could be a part of the book.” When Bryan heard about Lowery’s idea for the book, she told Lowery she wanted to help. She has sponsored the process of producing the book, and it is Bryan who introduced Lowery to Maxim Bundy, the illustrator of “Jack and Theo.” “I just want to make a difference as long as I can,” Lowery said. “I hope when families read about Jack and Theo, they will be encouraged to invite someone in or hang an extra stocking for Christmas for someone who feels alone. It would certainly teach children about generosity and love for others.”

The award-winning Mississippi watercolorist Wyatt Waters has created an annual Christmas ornament in partnership with Square Books for at least 18 years. The porcelain ornaments feature two different images — one on front, the other on back of the ornament. “The store sells Waters’ calendars, mugs and other items showcasing his art,” said Maya Martin, a bookseller and event coordinator at Square Books. “He does a lot for us; we have a close connection with him.” The 2023 Oxford ornament is now available, graced by a watercolor of the outside of Square Books and the corner where Lamar Street enters the Square. The city’s Christmas decorations — large

wreaths with red bows — are clearly visible. “People love the ornaments,” Martin said. “People will still come in and buy ornaments from previous years.” The annual ornaments, which make a perfect gift or keepsake as they offer a piece of Oxford and Waters’ art to be displayed in homes for the holidays, are something Waters enjoys creating. “I remember what I think may have been the very first one,” he said. “It was a night scene of Oxford at Christmas looking south to north on Lamar toward the Courthouse. “The hard part each year is getting the concept. We’ve done so many, we have to come up with an idea we’ve not done.” The ornament is available at Square Books or online at squarebooks.com

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COURTESY OF SQUARE BOOKS

S qu a re B o ok s a nd Wyat t Wat e r s C o nt i nue A n nu a l O x fo rd O r n a me nt

SHOUTOUTS

continued

O x fo rd to b e Fe at u re d o n FOX Bu s i ne s s Ne t wo rk ’s ‘ S m a l l Tow n C h r i s t m a s’

The news is as exciting as the holidays: Oxford is featured in Season 3 of FOX Business Network’s “Small Town Christmas.” The show, hosted by Megan Alexander, visits small towns across the country and features them in half-hour episodes. Alexander is a national correspondent for “Inside Edition” and a best-selling author. When she announced early this year the return of a new season of “Small Town Christmas,” Alexander shared the word on X, formerly known as Twitter, including, “We cannot wait to introduce you to two new cities that embrace Christmas unlike any other: @VisitOxford MS and @VisitBrysonCity. The episode featuring Oxford will air at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Also featured will be Bryson City, North Carolina, which will air at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. The episode on Oxford was filmed from Nov. 17 through 20. Local holiday traditions featured in Oxford include the Holly Jolly Holidays opening, the Lighting of the Square and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s annual ornament auction at the Powerhouse. DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | INVITATION

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H O L I D A Y Milkshake SHAKE IT UP THIS SEASON WITH A FESTIVE MILKSHAKE. RECIPES BY SARAH GODWIN

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

M ore

MILK

SHAK

r e c i pe s o

nlin e

erfect for a family gathering, this fun milkshake will delight children and adults alike. Make it with milk, or add a splash of liqueur instead for a more grown-up treat.

Follow u s on for more social media fun and fe stive milkshak es!

GREEN G R I N C H shake 4-5 scoops vanilla ice cream ½ teaspoon peppermint extract 4-5 drops of green liquid food coloring ¼ cup whole milk, or 1 ounce crème de menthe or 1-2 ounces vanilla vodka Hot fudge topping Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos) Optional toppings: whipped cream, sprinkles, a maraschino cherry, a chocolate sandwich cookie and a candy cane In a blender, blend ice cream, mint extract, food coloring and milk (or crème de menthe or vodka instead of milk). Dip the rim of a tall glass in hot fudge, and coat with crushed cookies. Fill glass with milkshake, and garnish with desired toppings.

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Santa Claus on Canvas

A R T I S T L E E G I B S O N S H A R E S H O L I D AY S P I R I T IN A SERIES OF OIL PAINTINGS FEATURING OLD-FASHIONED SANTAS. WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

or Starkville resident Lee Gibson, painting is not a hobby. It’s a profession. Still, it’s a profession the artist loves. Born in New Jersey and raised in Maryland and Connecticut, Gibson has been happy to be a Mississippian for more than 40 years. “My then-husband started looking for work and came to West Point to interview with what was then Bryan Foods,” Gibson said. “We were totally taken in by the hospitality.” The rest really is Gibson’s Southern history. She discovered she has a great-greatgrandmother, Mary Gibson, who was born and raised in Laurel. “I’m going to get down there one day,” she said. “Who knows what I’ll dredge up?”

In her heart, Gibson is a Mississippian, but four decades have done little to erase an accent that clearly is not Southern. “People always say to me, ‘You’re not from around here, are you?’” she said, smiling. It’s a fair assessment to suggest Gibson’s painting abilities come from her early surroundings and from later art education. “I was always exposed to art and painting,” she said. “My dad did art as a hobby, working with pastels. When I was in high school, the public school offered incredible art classes. I attended the University of Arizona and studied architecture, thinking that’s what I wanted to do. “But an aptitude test showed my math skills were not strong. In the ’60s, there were no computers that figured out certain things

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about the designs. My design skills were great; my math skills — zip.” Gibson instead attended Radford University in Virginia as an art major. It’s where she discovered her preferred way of putting oils on canvas. Yes, she uses brushes, but she is partial to a palette knife. “In a painting class, I noticed everything I did seemed muddy,” Gibson said. “I didn’t like the feel. In my mind, I wanted my work to have more definition, a bolder feel. The professor asked if I’d ever used a knife. He told me to try, and if I didn’t like it, I could just scrape off the paint and get rid of it. “I noticed how wasteful it could be, so I paint on one easel with an extra one beside it. When I scrape the extra paint from one canvas, I put it on the other canvas as an under painting.” While she’d dabbled in art always, a divorce when she was 58 made her ask

herself an important question: Now what do I do? Her answer: No more dabbling; paint as if life depends on it. Much of her work is landscapes, still lifes and portraits of people and animals. All with amazing colors and, thanks to her knife, unique textures and layers. After she fleshes out an idea for a piece, she creates her color palette and begins work on what will become the next Lee Gibson original. She’s not afraid to try new things. In fact, about a decade ago, Gibson added a touch of magic and merriment to a number of canvases when she painted a series of Santas. She credits her friend Valeda Carmichael, owner of Culin-Arts in West Point, for the idea. “She has been a good support system for me through the years,” Gibson said. “She just asked me some years ago, ‘Ever thought of doing any Santas?’”

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Gibson told her no, but she’d certainly look into the possibility. And she did. “My mother used to get these brochures and catalogues from high-end department stores like Gump’s in San Francisco and Horowitz in Connecticut,” Gibson said. “I looked through the catalogues for oldfashioned Santas, and when I found one I flipped for, I knew I could do a little Gibson on that baby.” Gibson’s Santa Clauses are an amazing creative stretch from the traditional redrobed bearer of Christmas gifts. Her Santas are different sizes and shapes, each possessing enough whimsy to spark some holiday cheer. And, as always, they are in Gibson’s vivid and vibrant colors. Her favorite Santa boasts a pink background. “It’s whimsical and a bit funky,” she said. “The Santa Clauses are very detailoriented. They are a lot of work. But as long

DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | INVITATION

as folks want them, I will do them.” In fact, painting her Santas might possibly have helped the artist find a fresh appreciation for Christmas. “Christmas was always a mixed bag for me,” Gibson said. “When I was a child, Christmas seemed to be a time my parents argued. But painting Santas made me feel Christmassy again. I am all into Christmas now.” She spends her Christmases in Arizona with her son T. Her daughter Nell lives

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nearby in Starkville. Gibson is grandmother to three, including grandson Gabe, who died in 2017 at the age of 8. Gabe was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Gibson continues to host “Art for EB,” an annual fundraiser for the rare genetic disorder. Her original art may be purchased at galleries including Caron Gallery in Tupelo, T Clifton Art in Memphis, Culin-Arts in West Point and Southern Breeze in Jackson. Learn more about her and her artwork at leegibsonartist.com.

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Greatest Hits of 2023 A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THIS YEAR'S MOST LOVED INVITATION MAGAZINES STORIES.

nvitation Magazines publishes 10 issues a year packed with stories, photographs and illustrations that reflect our community. The subject matter ranges from sports and fashion to the arts and home renovations to pets and travel. But no matter the topic, each piece tells a local person’s story. We take pride in this. In addition to readers of our print magazine, these stories reach thousands through our website and social media outlets. Enjoy this list of some of the most loved stories from the past year, and visit invitationmag. com for current content and to search past issues for a treasure-trove of local stories. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest.

FINDING HER MUSE Leisha Pickering, a Mississippi mother of five, grows a small, creative idea into Musee, an internationally recognized company that employs the most vulnerable members of her community. FB + INSTA REACH: 6K

POSTED DEC 12

invitationmag.com/post/finding-her-muse

TALITHA KUMI COMMITTED An impressive Booneville teen is heading to Ole Miss to pitch for the lady Rebels softball team. A visit with 17-year-old Hallie Burns uncovers some interesting details about the brown-eyed softball pitching phenom. She’s dedicated to being the best she can be on the softball field and balances sports, education and life’s extras like a pro. FB + INSTA REACH: 105K

POSTED MARCH 28

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An Oxford woman pours her artistic talents into hand-beaded, hand-sewn work and lands a spot on the runway during Paris fashion week; but the stitches that have bound together the moments of Timber Heard’s life have not always been straight or without some fraying. Despite challenges, Heard created Talitha Kumi Jewelry & Handbags and poured her artistic talents into the business. “I have been blessed,” Heard said. “I have truly been blessed.” FB + INSTA REACH: 11K

POSTED APRIL 4

invitationmag.com/post/talitha-kumi

THE SOUTH LAMAR The purchase of an Oxford house draws a couple into the thick of the hospitality business with a new bed-and-breakfast. FB + INSTA REACH: 7K

POSTED SEPT 11

invitationmag.com/post/the-south-lamar

BEEP! BEEP! Move over for the interior design genius of young phenom Baylor Pillow, founder and principal designer of Oxford-based firm Beep Design Consulting. FB + INSTA REACH: 8K

POSTED M AY 7

invitationmag.com/post/beep-beep

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Continued from page 39

FROM WHEELER TO MILWAUKE E Born in Tupelo, Milwaukee Brewers’ starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff has had some bigtime life experiences that most can only imagine. Woodruff sat down with us to reflect on his notable life in Major League Baseball. FB + INSTA REACH: 33K

A PL ACE CALLED EDEN A multitalented Mississippi native designs a midcentury modern house just outside Oxford. FB + INSTA REACH: 13K

POSTED MARCH 21

P OS TED JULY 24

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MAKING A FA SHION S TATEMENT ON TOUR

Local rescue pets and their owners dress for the season and share their adoption stories, proof that saving an animal is always in fashion.

Mississippi musician Jamie Davis reflects on life, songwriting and touring with Luke Combs. FB + INSTA REACH: 8K FB + INSTA REACH: 9K

POSTED SEPT 27

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POSTED OCT 11

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ADVENTURES IN FOOD Northeast Mississippians offer unique and delicious goodies, including over-the-top tailgate fare perfect for any game day. FB + INSTA REACH: 8K

POSTED SEPT 13

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H OM E PL ACE R E V I VA L A Tupelo couple (the Haydens) rebuilds a century-old house on family acreage to transform it into their dream home. FB + INSTA REACH: 48K

POSTED M AY 17

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B a k i n ’ with L a k y n A RESOLUTION TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW RESULTS IN A SUCCESSFUL COOKIE BAKING AND DECORATING BUSINESS. WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

or a New Year’s resolution in 2023, Lakyn Kirk decided she would learn something new. She’d actually started thinking about this in October 2022, when she began watching You Tube videos on royal icing and cookie decorating. “I just really wanted to learn a legitimate skill set,” said the 32-year-old Nettleton native. “I watched a ridiculous number of videos about baking and decorating cookies.” Kirk had never done much baking at all, so there was no favorite family cookie recipe hidden away somewhere. When she chose an initial sugar cookie recipe and baked her first batch, the outcome was successful — and delicious. “The only change I made in the recipe was using maple extract rather than the almond it called for,” Kirk said. “My son and I both love maple flavor — we love pancakes and waffles.” Her first attempt at icing was not as perfect as the cookies. “Icing is tricky,” she said. “Consistency is key. You don’t want it too runny or too thick. I played and played with it, and one day I realized, ‘Hey, this is actually working.’” Kirk said she had expected a catastrophe in her early attempts at baking and decorating cookies, but she was pleasantly surprised. “It was good enough for my son and me to bake and decorate together for Christmas,” she said. “We made them for our family party. Everyone got so excited.” Continued on page 44 DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | INVITATION

Continued from page 43 Kirk was happy her resolution to find a new skill set had come to fruition, primarily so she could make amazing cookies for 6-year-old Jack’s birthday parties and teacher gifts. However, she didn’t expect her cookies to become so in demand. These days, Kirk is a cottage food baker, making her themed and decorated cookies out of her home. Her sweet side gig even has a name — Bakin’ with Lakyn. And she’s doing much more than baking just for her blue-eyed boy. “People started calling and ordering cookies,” Kirk said. “I never thought of being a small business owner, but it just took on a life of its own.” Truth is, Bakin’ with Lakyn is a side business. A single mom, Kirk has worked 11 years for the Mississippi Department of Education. She’s the regional coordinator for the Digital Learning Center at Ole Miss. In the evenings after work and after she’s put Jack to bed, Kirk bakes and decorates cookies. “I cook from 9 to 12,” she said. “I burn the midnight oil quite often.” The cookies Kirk has baked and decorated in the year since she first started have run the gamut of designs. She’s baked for every holiday, birthday parties for all ages with a multitude of fun and creative themes, baby showers, school-specific tailgating gatherings and more. “People come up with reasons to get cookies,” Kirk said, laughing. Not a week passes now that Kirk doesn’t bake cookies, but she does not tire of it. “I have enjoyed it so much, it has never felt like work.”

S U G A R cookies

SUGAR COOKIE TIPS AND TRICKS

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs, at room temperature 2 tablespoons almond, vanilla or maple extract 4 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup cornstarch Pinch of salt In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add granulated sugar, and beat on low speed until mixture is almost white. Add eggs, and mix on a low setting. Beat in extract just until blended.

Room temperature unsalted butter and eggs make for the best dough every time. Dividing dough in half, wrapping each half in plastic wrap, and chilling in the refrigerator for 20 minutes makes for easy, clean cuts with cookie cutter.

With mixer turned off, add flour, cornstarch and salt. Beat dough on low setting until dough cleanly pulls from sides of bowl. (Dough is perfect when it reaches a Play-Doh consistency.)

Use a small amount of flour on your surface and rolling pin for easier dough rolling.

Roll dough on floured surface and cut with desired cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F for 9½ minutes.

Freeze dough in freezer-safe bags to use later. Continued on page 46

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Let cookies fully cool before icing.

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Continued from page 44

ICING AND DECORATING TIPS AND TRICKS

Outline various sections of your cookie with preferred colors to build a “barrier” to hold in “flood” icing.

R O Y A L icing 4 cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder 5 tablespoons warm water 1 tablespoon corn syrup 2 tablespoons extract of choice 1 tablespoon white gel food coloring Desired gel food coloring

Try the “Glob and Ribbon” method for a single consistency that allows a decorator to both outline and flood a cookie. Here’s how: After dividing icing into separate bowls, use a spray bottle filled with water and a spoon to gradually add water to each icing to loosen the consistency. Using a spoon, scoop up a glob of icing, and tilt spoon into the bowl. When the icing ribbons effortlessly back into the bowl, it is the perfect outline and flood consistency.

precisely. It takes practice to perfect this technique. Putting cookies in a dehydrator at 95°F for 10 minutes dries icing quicker, prevents cratering and leaves a glossier finish. If icing is too fluid, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until icing is the desired consistency. If icing is too firm, spray water from spray bottle two to three times to loosen icing to desired consistency. Properly sealed Royal Icing is good for two weeks on your counter and six months in your refrigerator.

Putting less icing in a bag makes it easier to control. Let gravity to pull icing to the cookie to decorate more

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat sugar, meringue powder and warm water on low speed until blended. With mixer running, add corn syrup, extract and white gel food coloring, and beat on medium-low speed, about 2 minutes. Separate icing into small bowls. Add 2 to 3 drops of desired gel food coloring to each. Use a spray bottle filled with water to gradually loosen icing, stirring until it reaches a “glob and ribbon” consistency (see Tips and Tricks, right). Spoon icing into decorating bags, and use to decorate cooled cookies.

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Adding the white gel food coloring to your initial batch of icing prevents color bleed.

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M O N T H LY M U S I N G S

DESTINATION: Arizona

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SEE THE GRAND CANYON STATE THROUGH INVITATION MAGAZINES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER’S CAMERA LENS. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

nvitation Magazines photographer Joe Worthem dug into his personal collection of travel photos to share one of his favorite places with our readers. Here’s a little bit about his trip and his photography:

Q: When did you travel to Arizona? A: I have been there several times, but these

photos are from the last time I visited the state in 2019.

Q: Where exactly did you go? A: I stayed in Phoenix but also visited

Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.

Q: What were your favorite sites there? A: By far, Sedona and the Grand Canyon

were the most impressive. The Grand Canyon is certainly No. 1 on the list though.

Q: Did you go there specifically to take photos, or is that just what happens when you’re a professional photographer? A: Whenever I go on a trip, I always try to bring a camera along. I think that it is a force of habit at this point, I never know what I might see that is photo worthy. When I travel, I like to capture images that tell the story of that place or my experience there in an artistic way. Q: What are some of the most noticeable differences between the landscape in Arizona and the landscape in Mississippi? Continued on page 50

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Continued from page 49

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A: It’s like a different world. The climate

is dry, and the landscape in the central part of the state is hilly grasslands, but the southern area is arid desert. However, I was surprised to find that parts of northern Arizona are filled with wooded mountains and spectacular wildlife.

Q: What was the weather like? A: Hot. The weather in summer when I

went was very hot. It was bearable to me (at least for a short time) because of the lack of humidity. It was about 113 degrees when I was there. Winter would be a much better time to visit and the scenery just as beautiful.

Q: How did you travel around the state? A: I had a car, and while on the way to

the Grand Canyon, I drove on the scenic Highway 89A. It’s a beautiful drive but can be a bit dangerous.

Q: What type of camera were you using?

Anything special about your lenses or other equipment? A: When I take a trip, I usually take a smaller camera like my Sony a6000. It has decent image quality, it’s light and fast, great for street photography. However, on this trip I also took my Canon 5d Mark 3 along to capture really high-quality images in the Grand Canyon.

Q: What advice would you give to amateur

iPhone photographers when they are taking pictures while traveling? A: I would say to start by snapping photos around town, home and out in nature. Pay attention to light, and develop your eye for composition (what’s in the frame of the camera) so that when you travel you can really capture the kind of images you want. Joe Worthem has been with Invitation Magazines since 2010. He has a BFA in graphic design and illustration from the University of Mississippi. He loves to travel and meet people, two of his favorite parts of his job. DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | INVITATION

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TUPELO ALE TRAIL PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The streets in downtown Tupelo were filled with revelers Oct. 27 when folks gathered for the Tupelo Ale Trail 2023, a progressive craft beer tour in downtown businesses. The event was hosted by Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. 1

1. Tanya Bass, Michelle Lindsey and April Kitchens 2. Shelly and Josh Swords, Ariel and Greg Gillespie, Timmi and Andrew Bishop, Cindy and Christian Lolley 3. Patrick and Janice Meguire with Stephanie Coon and Josh Garner 4. Amy and Chris Hussey with Haley and Alex Johnson 5. Craig Helmuth, Lucia Randle, Richey Alverez, Shay Seals, Autumn Vasser and Chloe Mitchell 6. Ashley and Zach Roberts 7. Mike and Tracey White with Janice, Taylor and Liza Bailey

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SCARECROW FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The Scarecrow Festival, hosted by Saltillo Main Street, took place at Saltillo High School on Oct. 28. The communitywide event included a silent auction, a pumpkin carving competition, carnival games and treats for everyone. 1

1. Katie and Landry Young 2. Alee and Matthew Clements 3. Chase and Abby Hill 4. Hannah Holley, Emma Morrow and Rozlynn Boyd 5. Kayla and Chris Payne 6. Joy and Jessica Carroll with Asher 7. Savvy Jane with Mila and Remie Ware and Liza Blanchard

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PUMPKIN RUN PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Veterans Park in east Tupelo was the scene in mid-October for the Le Bonheur Pumpkin Run 5K, a fundraiser and fun event for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. 1

1. Ella Blaylock, Alice Fagan, Joleigh Goodson, Caleigh Harper and Treasure MiYongo 2. Stuart Long, Gage McCarver and Brody Cooley 3. Belle Cockran, Rebekah Wallace and Evan Rhett 4. Kamrin Pointer, Jessica Gates and Tammy Pointer 5. David Staser, Bobby Watts and William Henson 6. Emma-Jean, Allyssa, Beau-Alan, Cory and Kloey-Hope Powell 7. Nicki Taylor with Chelsea and Willa Stout

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CELEBRATION VILL AGE PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Celebration Village 2023, the annual holiday fundraiser to benefit Sanctuary Hospice House, continued to welcome huge crowds of shoppers one weekend in mid-October at the Tupelo Furniture Market. Vendors were plentiful, and Santa was on hand to greet shoppers of all ages.

8 1. Sheryl Blackburn, Ellen Roberts and Monica Kelly 2. Albine, Alara and Patricia Bennett 3. Paula Turner, Margret Parker and Ellen Reed 4. Amy Anderson and Tammy Davis 5. Amy Forrest and Angel Harbin 6. Olivia and Liz Coleman 7. Keri Stout and Nicky McMahan 8. Beverly Hall, Jennifer Stanton and Amanda Kisor 9. Jessica Roberts, Santa Sarge and Keirstyn Haas

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OUT & ABOUT T h i rd A n nu a l C h ic k saw I n k a n a Fou nd at io n Wre at h L ay i n g

Ne w E x p e c t at io n s fo r Wo me n i n M i s s i s s i p p i U lt i m at e L i p Sy nc Bat t le

1. Sherry Barnes and Wanda Hopkins 2. Tracy Proctor and Jessica Crawford 3. Todd Jordan and Jack Reed 4. Lindsey Hill, Timeka Thomas, Lezlie Pender, Lana Gardner and Jeasmine Bell 5. Torrie Robertson, Jennifer Springer and Melissa Griggs 6. Valisa Smith and Demetra Sherer

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@OXFORD

SQUARE JAM 2023 PHOTOGRAPHED BY CARLEIGH HARBIN

The ninth annual Square Jam offered a peek of the upcoming season for men’s and women’s basketball at Ole Miss. The event is hosted by the teams and the City of Oxford and is presented by Oxford Orthopaedics on the east side of the Square. 1

1. Brady Craig and Susan Rice 2. Waylon Rogers, Kenny Carson and Cade Brown 3. Sophie Pitta, Avery Stephens, Anna Staggs and Ashley Duke 4. Ole Miss Cheer Squad 5. Ole Miss Marketing and Fan Experience staff 6. Gladys Robinson 7. James, Carrie and Harper Stephens

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ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT PHOTOGRAPHED BY CARLEIGH HARBIN

The Oxford Rotary Club Golf Tournament benefiting Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic took place in late September at the Country Club of Oxford.

1. Abigail Barnett and Hunter Parry 2. Carol Jo Barnes and Diana Mobley 3. Andrew Gowdey and Harris Renfroe 4. Preston, Hugh and Karen Lee with Hale Freeland 5. John Hardy, David Krouse, Marion Boyd and and Kyle Killens 6. Mark Nelson, Jim Lowery and Vince Credle 7. Michael Ferris, Alex Shepard, Clay Overby and Clayton Jarvis 8. Robert Mims and Kin Kinney 9. Georgia, Lacy and Boyd Randolph 10. Lindsay Reid and Jonathan Randolph

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PART Y ON THE GREEN PHOTOGRAPHED BY CARLEIGH HARBIN

2nd Chance MS’s 2023 F.A.L.L. Fundraiser, Party on the Green, took place Oct. 5 at The Green at Harrison’s 1810. The mission of 2nd Chance MS is to promote and support adult education and work skills training in Mississippi. 1

1. Dickie Scruggs and David Magee 2. Sam Sanders and Rachel Causey 3. Margaret Slaton, Shields Armstrong and Mary Hayes Greer 4. Carolyn and Hayes Dent with Cindy Coopwood 5. Cassidy Grace Porter, Sarah Rose Lomenick and Tate Martin 6. Paula Brahan and Canda Olmi 7. Trey and Ida Ragon with Jeff and Sharon Hawkins

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OXFORD WITCHES RIDE PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH TURNER

The inaugural Oxford Witches Ride got rolling through downtown Oxford on Oct. 23. The event, with participants on bicycles instead of brooms, raised funds for The Pantry. 1

1. Suzette Hallum and Casey Beard 2. Joannie Bolger, Kim Patterson and Lindsay Gall 3. Vicky Spragins and Stephanie Brown 4. Maaike Mcclure, Amber Gray and Shellie Carr 5. Lori Elliott, Kelly Shinall, Vicki Stevens and Amy Dennis 6. Carol Livingston and Lisa Davis 7. Elizabeth Speed, Kellie Owens, Louisa McConnell and Claire Moss 8. Emily Suber, Mary Kelleher and Madison Burnett 9. Amanda Josten and Allie Chotard 10. Mimi Shaw and Brooke Rutledge

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OUT & ABOUT L ove Pa c k s B owl i n g Fu nd ra i s e r

P i n k O ut Ba l lo o n Re le a s e

Bud dy Wa l k

Un it e d Way K ic kof f Lu nc he o n

1. Crye-Leike Oxford Real Estate 2. Terry Williams, Sheronda Certion, Sheritha Williams, Triston Dedeoux, Kara Anne Klimetz and Demetri Flowers 3. Benita Nichols, Sheila Mathis and Norma Searcy 4. Malachi and Eric Cathey 5. Azurrea Curry and James Rayner 6. Betsy Chapman, Elizabeth Smith and Jackson McArthur 7. David Shaw, Laura Kenny and Susan Shaw

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OUT & ABOUT Pa ra go n Ba n k R i b b o n C ut t i n g

S he l l P l a s t ic S u r ge r y 15t h A n n ive r sa r y

C he r yl Mo s sb e r g A r t O p e n i n g

O x fo rd o n S k at e s

1. Kin Kinney, Andrea Rutherford, Helean Davis, Holly Webster and Quentin Brewer 2. Paragon Bank employees, friends and family 3. J.T. Novarese, Chris Saenger, Anita Vaughan, Craig Weiss, Mary McDaniel and Robert Shaw 4. Dr. Dan Shell and staff 5. Moni Simpson and Robin Griffith 6. Cheryl and Matt Mossberg 7. Anna and Grace Polsgrove 8. Courtney Berry and Ivonne Liebenberg 9. Sophie and Chloe Liebenberg DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | INVITATION

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MONTHLY INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE CRISS

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MUSINGS |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

here is no shortage of things to be purchased this time of year: from Christmas gifts to put under the tree, to food and drink that will be prepared for family events, to the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve. Indeed, holiday shopping season is well underway. Jack Reed Jr., chairman of Reed’s department store, shares his thoughts on why it’s important to shop local.

A college senior has an important job interview coming up with a local bank and is in need of finding a suit for the interview. His choices are Amazon or shop local. If he goes to Amazon to purchase a suit: Will it be a current style? Will it fit? Who will alter it? Is it a fair price? Or … he could walk into a local men’s store. He would be met by a real professional, experienced, friendly worker who listens, and has successfully outfitted many young men who have gone on to be hired by the same local bank. This worker will match his budget to the best suit for that price, make sure it fits properly and is altered in plenty of time, and all done in 30 minutes. Now he will go into his interview with confidence and self-assurance. You can apply this scenario to a hundred different occasions. Like choosing an appropriate wedding gift, getting advice on a good book for a friend’s birthday, or a woman finding an outfit for an important event. H AV I N G L O C A L P L AC E S T H AT P R OV I D E C O N F I D E N C E , P R I D E A N D J OY T O O U R H O M E T O W N A R E I N VA L UA B L E . THESE ARE REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL . After practicing law in his hometown of Tupelo for several years, Jack Reed Jr. joined the family business in 1980. In addition to being a successful businessman, he has always personally invested in his community in multiple ways, including serving as mayor of Tupelo from 2009 to 2013. He is past chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council and the Community Development Foundation. He and his wife Lisa are parents of two and grandparents of five. They are members of First United Methodist Church in Tupelo.

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