Lake Norman Woman March 2022

Get Your ZEN On

Riding Out The Storm

pg. 54

LESSONS FROM AN LKN ENTREPRENEUR

Don't Give Up On Your Miracle!

pg. 12

A STORY OF

faith AND resilience

featuring

WILLETTA JONES OF ABIDING GRACE, LLC

pg. 38

MARCH FORTH

and make an

IMPACT

From The Foothills

LAKE NORMAN ! d e r e v o C u o Y t o G e v ’ e W 8 Dealerships 11 Top Brands 1 Trusted Name

RandyMarion.com MOORESVILLE

Chevy Buick Cadillac & Subaru

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Crossovers SUVs - Trucks

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Ford Lincoln & Chevy

WILKESBORO

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F R O M

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v i i

FIND US ON

www.LakeNormanWoman.com

T H E

704.895.6168 AD SUBMISSIONS:

ads@lakenormanwoman.com PO Box 1000, Cornelius, NC 28031 I HEAR A VOICE INSIDE MY HEAD. Admittedly,

when she first started talking to me, I liked her.

She was a bit talkative for my tastes, but it was somewhat reassuring to have her around; kind of like always having a friend close by. But eventually I started to see her other side—she became more like an awful roommate that constantly jibber jabbers and just won’t shut up. She’s quite judgmental… and negative. In fact, she often mocks me, teases me, even pushes me around.

In fact, she can keep me paralyzed, fearful of moving forward in my life because it seems I hear her loudest when I’m considering making a bold, long-awaited move—whether it’s finally losing those 10 pounds, overcoming my diet soda addiction, tackling that Mt. Everest-high mound of paperwork on my desk, or meeting that new sales goal. Out of nowhere that little voice starts telling me that I won’t succeed, that I’m not qualified, and that 613 things are going to go wrong. Sometimes it tells me that instead of going to the gym, I should grab a box of Dunkin Donuts and binge watch “Breaking Bad”; other times it tells me that rather than working on that silly article that nobody is going to want to read anyway, I ought to read the latest issue of The National Enquirer; quite frequently it will suggest that in lieu of putting some money away for a rainy day, I must go ahead and buy that 17th pair of boots.

WOMEN power

It’s like having my own personal bully living inside my head. After all, we’re already bombarded with non-stop chatter from just about everywhere outside our heads: the television, the radio, the Internet, celebrities, family, and friends. With all that external noise about how we should look, feel, act, eat, dress, and think, it’s no wonder I’m paralyzed. Short of having a lobotomy, though, I struggle with how to mute this negative Nellie.

I bet I’m not alone. Do you hear voices, too? Does all that chatter in your head get in the way of you moving forward like it does me? I think it’s time we take a giant step forward and give the voice the boot once and for all. The voice is feeding off our suspicion that there is something inherently wrong with us.

So what if we cut off its food source by believing that we’re just fine exactly as we are? We’ve trusted this bully all these years, and to what end? For me, it’s resulted in the consumption of way too many Dunkin Doughnuts and a closet full of boots, most of which hurt my feet too much to wear. Let’s mentally walk away from the voice and start trusting ourselves. It won’t be easy—they’re quite stubborn.

But we can do it, one thought, one step forward and away from their chatter, at a time. What do we have to lose—other than a bunch of reward points at Dunkin Doughnuts and our Gold Customer status at Boot Barn? w

DANA JORDAN PUBLISHER

DANA JORDAN

March

CONTRIBUTORS

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Dr. Julianne Colvin; Courtney Ferrell; Michelle Hoverson; Toni Lovejoy; Lindsay Martell; Michon McCorkle; John Mckeown; Starr Miller; Dr. Wissam Nadra; Craig Reynolds

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Lake Norman Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Lake Norman Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Lake Norman Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

An advertised special printed in this publication is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Keeping the “Great” in “The Great Outdoors” for seventy years.

Since 1952, our goal has been improving the lives of our patients. Our team has the training and experience to determine whether your symptoms are related to allergies or asthma, or something else entirely. In turn, we can offer more comprehensive and effective solutions that will get you feeling healthy faster.

Call 704.372.7900 to schedule an appointment at one of our 14 area office locations.

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contents C E L E B R A T I N G

M A R C H

T H E

S U C C E S S

O F

W O M E N

2 0 2 2

16

pg

community

14 INSPIRE LAKE NORMAN:

CARING FOR THE GARDEN OF THE HEART

Building Community Through Giving

family

28 TEENS ALOUD:

Anxiety And Depression In Teens: The COVID Aftermath

36 8 THINGS: 8 Benefits Of Summer Camp

12

dr. nicole whitehead

ADVANCED SPINAL FITNESS

ON THE COVER: WILLETTA JONES OF ABIDING GRACE, LLC

features

P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y: TONI LOVEJOY

12 LEADING THE WAY:

Dr. Nicole Whitehead

30 COVER STORY:

To Thine Own Self Be True ...

38 COFFEE TALK:

50

pg

ALFRESCO TIPS, TRICKS, & HACKS

Amanda Glowacki

48 SUCCESS STORY: Live, Love, Nurse

PHOTO: CHELSEA BREN

@COZYBOUTIQUE_

704.662.0023

www.cozyboutique.net MOORESVILLE:

1098 Brawley School Rd., Ste.110

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14 + pg24

pg

SPRING CLEANING WITH THE COMMUNITY & FOR YOURSELF

home

self

22 INSIDE DESIGN WITH

16 FAMILY MATTERS: Caring For

STARR MILLER:

The Garden Of The Heart

Framing Your View

amanda glowacki

38 food 44

AMANDA KATE HOME

health 42

Irish Guinness® Beer Stew

Is Teeth-Whitening For You?

47 MENTORING MOMENTS

24

Toss, Keep, Or Donate

25

When Life Gives You Lemons ... Clean The House!

50 TIPS, TRICKS, HACKS:

Tips On Choosing A Contractor

54 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT:

26

WITH MICHELLE:

You Reap What You Sow

Alfresco Edition!

Get Your Zen On!

48

in every issue 10

34

LIVE, LEARN, GROW

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

52

WORDS MATTER

christi hessels LIBERTY PREPARATORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHY 44

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gro

LIVE, LEARN,

Life takes practice! And though they don’t always come wrapped in a shiny red bow, the lessons we learn along the way are invaluable gifts that are worth sharing. Here are a few noteworthy examples featured in this issue:

FINDING STRENGTH IN THE VALLEY

Check out our feature on Amanda Glowacki, owner of Amanda Kate Home in Davidson.

Amanda describes how she found her way out of the valley through her faith in God and hard work. Going from homeless and carless at one point, Amanda is now reaping the rewards of success and has some insights for us on PAGE 38.

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LEADERSHIP IS …

Dr. Nicole Whitehead, owner of Advanced Spinal Fitness in Mooresville, shares her definition of leadership on PAGE 12 as well as some keen business strategies. “I try to be approachable and present,” she says, “but I also really aim not to micro-manage. I have great people and I trust their abilities and talents.”

LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE

BEATING THE ODDS AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE

“My passion in life is to help others and to guide them from pain to peace … from sadness to love,” explains Willetta Jones, certified grief coach and owner of Abiding Grace, LLC, grief coaching services. Willetta has been beating the odds since she was born three months premature in 1949—when a premature baby’s prospects for survival were dismal. Be inspired by her story on PAGE 30.

Meet Christi Hessels on PAGE 48, school nurse at Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy in Mooresville. Christi’s fascinating journey includes medical mission trips to Kenya and Nicaragua as well as her work on Capitol Hill in the House of Representatives. “While working on the Hill,” she says, “I became a Christian and realized I wanted to truly help people, and I missed the clinical atmosphere.

I LOVE being a nurse to kids!”

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feature

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H ER DEF I N I TION OF LEADERSHIP:

"

LEADING THE WAY

The act of inspiring and guiding others toward a As a self-described overcommon goal. The ability to achiever, Dr. Nicole create a vision and then to Whitehead, owner of Advanced Spinal Fitness help the team members each in Mooresville, credits use their unique gifts to move her mom for being the group toward that goal. I an outstanding role model and her greatest try to be approachable and inspiration. “My mom ran a non-profit,” Dr. Nicole present, but I also really aim shares,” and she also not to micro-manage. I have owned her own business. great people and I trust their She started and led many abilities and talents.” initiatives, organizations,

and committees through the years. She was/is always leading something … so I’ve learned a lot from her!”

Dr. Nicole’s peppy and positive attitude and approach to life bodes well for her. As her leadership skills and her immense success in her field have continued to grow, so too has her business. Having just moved into a newly remodeled and larger space in Mooresville, Dr. Nicole is grateful to continue her passion of healing others.

dr whitehead . nicole

OWNER & CHIROPRACTOR, Advanced Spinal Fitness

Take N’ Bake Pizza Shop

life as a leader |

MARCH 2022

Dr. Nicole Whitehead works with OB/GYNS, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, and pediatricians in the community to keep mothers and children healthy. She is equal opportunity and cares for other members of the family too! She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Dr. Nicole and her team can be reached at 704.663.5142 or via their website at www.advancedspinalfitness.net.

LIFE/WORK MANTRA:

BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU RECEIVED: “You

BIGGEST WORK PET PEEVE:

would make a great chiropractor.”

BEST TIME SAVER: Grocery

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Many things motivate Dr. Nicole, but two things in particular are her family and her work. When they moved to this area from Michigan many years ago for her husband’s job and to be near family, she knew it was time to branch out on her own and open Advanced Spinal Fitness.

“I signed a lease,” she recalls, “drew out the plans, and established the practice from scratch. Shortly after we opened, the economy crashed, and I spent the first couple years of growing the practice hoping that we could ride out the storm. Thankfully we survived that (and other challenges such as the pandemic), and I’m very proud and grateful to say that the practice turns 15 in April.” w

FIRST JOB:

Delivery – love it!

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“I always try to lead by example,” she smiles. “I hope that I model hard work, service to others, integrity, and living in a natural, healthy way that embodies the chiropractic lifestyle. So many people in our modern world think that medicines and surgeries are the only options for good health. I feel like all chiropractors are thought leaders in helping their communities see more natural options for their health and wellness.”

lakenormanw oman.com

Nothing lasts forever – bad or good.

Snowstorms – hate having to watch and wait to decide if we should be open or closed!

LAST THING YOU RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET: The best price

on my favorite seasoning, but it’s usually something health and wellness related on PubMed FAVORITE SNACK: Dark

Chocolate

WRITER LESLIE OGLE

I WISH I HAD MORE ___:

Hours in the day! Doesn’t everybody??

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Every time I have the honor of giving someone their first chiropractic adjustment – especially when it’s a newborn baby!

PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

Guiding You From Pain to Peace, From Sadness to Love Loss comes in many forms. It may be the loss of a job, a relationship or changes in health or retirement or transition of a loved-one from this life to the next. Please allow yourself to grieve in YOUR way and time. Let me guide you through the process to change your despair into hope.

Willetta Jones, MS, CGC Certified Grief Coach

Grief Coaching with Willetta Jones

Free 30-Minute Consultation

Grief coaching promotes and encourages individuals, families or groups to reconnect with strengths, coping skills and relationships through activities and internal resources that provide meaning for life.

Free 30-minute consultation provides you with the opportunity to ask questions.

It is a great time to decide if we are the right Grief Coaches for you.

PHONE

704.340.8400

W W W. A B I D I N G G R A C E L L C . C O M lakenormanw oman.com

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INSPIRE LAKE NORMAN

INSPIRE LAKE NORMAN:

It takes a village! As a working mom of two with a husband who travels for work, I know the value of this common phrase. Thankfully we are blessed with support from friends, family, our part-time nanny, and our babysitter. Acknowledging my own support system has made me wonder how we as women can help support other families in our community. My hope is that one of these organizations will touch your heart and you will feel a tug to contribute and give back in some way. Here are just a few local organizations where you can help:

Building Community Through Giving WRITER COURTNEY FERRELL

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Welcome to our new community outreach page, Inspire Lake Norman—Building Community Through Giving, where every month or so we will highlight charities from our area and provide information on how you can get involved. We want to give back, and the best way to do that is through you. If you’d like to have your favorite charity included in an upcoming edition, please email Leslie@lakenormanwoman.com.

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Beds for Kids - Just as the name states, this organization seeks to provide beds along with other essential furniture to children and families in need. In 2021 they delivered over 16,000 pieces of furniture to local families. Consider donating your new or gently used furniture items to help furnish the future. Schedule a furniture pickup and discover more on their website at bedforkids.org.

Soles4souls Carolina's 1st Choice Agency has joined forces with Soles4souls.org to host a local shoes and clothes drive. Dropoff location is 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 200, in Charlotte, M-F 9am-5pm. You can call/text the office at 704-464-0300 to be picked up at your home/office on Saturdays. Together, let's empower those in need for a good cause.

Alongside Families - Operating as a collaboration among area churches, Alongside Families provides a network of support to keep isolated families intact.

This Christian organization provides temporary loving homes ​for children through volunteer host families, so parents who are experiencing a crisis can get back on their feet without losing custody of their children. Alongside Families has provided over 4,300 nights of care and successfully reunited ​each child with their parents. ​They are actively seeking new partner churches to meet the increasing need in our city. Visit their website at www.alongsidefamilies.org for more information.

Angels & Sparrows - As a Community Table, this organization serves lunch Monday through Friday, year-round, to anyone who needs help. During the summer months they support local families through their summer bag lunch program which provides meals to kids when school is not in session. Volunteer opportunities are open to those who are willing to serve guests with dignity. Learn more at www.angelsandsparrows.org.

Ada Jenkins Center - Named after an influential teacher in the 1930’s, the Ada Jenkins Center has become a resource hub for Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville and is a well-respected model for community centers in the region. They provide services such as financial assistance, educational opportunities, health services, and serve as a site for the Loaves and Fishes food pantry. The center welcomes volunteer support and donations.

Check out www.adajenkins.org for specifics.

Lydia’s Loft - Powered by area volunteers, Lydia’s Loft serves as an integral partner to organizations in our community by providing clothing to those in need. When you look in your closet do you see unneeded clothing items? Well at Lydia’s Loft, every 60 days families with a referral from a partnering organization or school can shop for essential inseason clothes. Consider cleaning your closet and visit their website for drop-off times. (fbc-h.org/lydias/)

Courtney Ferrell is a working mom with two little ones, Conrad Lee (2) and Cora Lynn (8 weeks). She loves going to the park, traveling, and supporting women on their motherhood journey.

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F A M I L Y M A T T E R S by M I C H O N M c C O R K L E

WE WELCOME THE SPRING SEASON

Caring for the Garden of the Heart

and its promise of renewal and restoration with anticipation and excitement. Our hearts grow lighter as we shed the heavy layers of winter. With the warm weather approaching, many start preparing to grow beautiful gardens. Both novice and seasoned gardeners understand the importance of planning, good soil, water, and lots of sunlight. These elements work together to bring new life after the winter chill that causes the overgrowth of weeds, dead plants, and debris. Once removed, the soil must be "turned" and primed for new growth to yield lush trees, aromatic herbs, vegetative plants, green plants, and fragrant blooming flowers. If ignored, weeds will steal nutrients, sun, and water from desirable plants, causing them to die, wither, grow abnormally, or reduce your harvest.

Every heart represents a "little garden" that is "wild, wonderful, unique, and perfectly in process." Our hearts require attention because our attitudes and actions are the harvests that grow out of it. The heart refers to the core of the whole person, representing one's thoughts, passions, and emotions. Our "little gardens" are sensitive to the stresses and strains of difficult seasons and harsh environments. Therefore, you must guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Diligently examine the weeds and debris of negative thoughts, distorted beliefs, old wounds, strife, division or unforgiveness that will prevent your garden from flourishing.

These weeds can produce "bitter" roots that affect the whole body and everything around it. We should "make every effort to live in peace with everyone…See to it that no

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one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." "Bitterness" comes from the Greek word "pikria" and means acrimony, anger, harshness, discontentment, or quick-tempered. They are intrusive, insidious, reproduce quickly, and their root systems run deep. Weeds of bitterness ruin our ability to enjoy the benefits of God's grace. The only way to protect the heart from them is to identify them and proactively pull them out by the roots. Weeding is necessary, but it is not a favorable task. It can be an uncomfortable and painful process that requires proactive dedication. You "WHAT IS must dig deep and ask yourself, THE ROOT "What is the root of the fruit that I OF THE FRUIT am producing?"

THAT I AM Look for patterns or habits in your PRODUCING?" life that have brought you fear, doubt, rejection, heartache, jealousy, or anger.

The good news is the growing season of our little garden never ends. In the garden of every heart, there is room for growth and healing, which are evidence of the transformation to spiritual and emotional maturity. Our little gardens should produce the good fruit of character and virtues called the Fruit of the Spirit. A heart that is cared for and nurtured with truth results in a renewal process that produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So fellowship with God in your private garden as His peace calms the most challenging storms.

God's love, truth, and peace can fill the garden of our hearts, creating a beautiful display of his grace in our lives. w Michon McCorkle, who focuses on Christ-centered therapy for individuals, couples, and families,is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the owner of Family Matters Christian Counseling.

You can reach Michon at 317.669.2279 or michon@family-matterscounseling.com.

WRITER MICHON McCORKLE

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view

INSIDE DESIGN WITH STARR

Framing your

Starr Miller Founder and Principal, StarrMiller Interior Design Allied ASID, IDS, CAPS

and we are discussing options I often hear, “I don’t want window treatments because I don’t want to take away from the view” or “window treatments are old-fashioned.”

WHEN I FIRST MEET A NEW CLIENT

I am here to tell you that window treatments, when done correctly, are one of the most important elements of your design. When should you use them, how should you use them, and when should you NOT use them?

When do you need window treatments?

How should you use window treatments?

• Light Control – If you have an east- or west-facing room, the sharp light of the sun can pierce your eyes, wake you up, or fade your furnishings.

My home office is one of those rooms. Without closing drapery, I would not be able to work part of the year.

• Frame Your View – Proper drapery panels do NOT cover up the view. The drapery rods are long enough to keep the actual drapery from blocking any view. If your view is spectacular, keep the drapery quiet and you will be able to look past them to take in the view without any barrier.

• Privacy – If you are like most people, you don’t like looking out into the night and wondering if a neighbor can see in your home. Window treatments offer you privacy when you want it.

• Temperature Control – Closing drapery with lining can help keep heat and cold out and insulate your spaces.

• Visual Interest – The right window treatments can add structure, architecture, softness, pattern, and/or texture to a space.

• Custom Installation – The difference is often how drapery is hung. Ready-towear drapey hardware is usually lightweight, not long enough, and not hung high enough on the wall.

• Custom Fabrication – Custom drapery is always made to be the correct length, width, and is made with the appropriate lining for the circumstance.

• Sometimes drapery is not the answer – Roman shades, light-blocking automatic roller shades, and dozens of other options are available to finish the space.

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When should you not use window treatments?

• If you have a modern minimalist home with a spectacular view. Often window treatments do not make sense.

• If you have odd-shaped windows, any window treatments can look contrived and bulky.

• If you have a maximalist design in your room, you may need a breath and zero drapery to allow the eye to rest.

• If the doors or architecture are placed so draperies are not the best choice, I have used mouldings, and/ or wallpaper to add the needed texture.

As in all things, don’t make quick assumptions.

Consideration by a professional will help in decision making. w

Our resident home-design expert, Starr Miller, has garnered local and national acclaim with more than 30 industry honors. An alumnus of the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, Starr has built a strong following as the principal of her sought-after design firm, located in Cornelius, NC. She feels the composition of a space must originate with the client’s unique perspective. Along with that perspective she brings together her team’s collaboration, design skills and refined processes in a way which results in truly captivating homes for her clients.

StarrMiller Interior Design specializes in full-service interior design projects.

704.896.3321 www.StarrMiller.com

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keep Donate

home

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,

Shampoos, Cosmetics, and First-Aid Items: Discard

TOSS, OR

anything that smells or looks odd, including products that have separated or changed in color. Also, shampoo, conditioner, lotion bottles and the like that just have one or two pumps left can be discarded—as can unused hair products and expired medications. Ask your local pharmacy about medication take-back programs.

Kitchenware: Miss-matched, stained, or duplicated kitchenware abound in most kitchens so dispose of these items properly in an earthfriendly fashion.

GETTING A JUMP ON SPRING CLEANING

and spring blooming, you might get motivated to do some yearly house cleaning and organizing. In an effort to help you get started, here are a few things to consider:

WITH THE NEW YEAR WELL UNDER WAY

Expired Food and Pantry Items:

Old Documents: In today’s world all the

information we want is accessible on the internet, so we don't need to hold onto papers and documents. Toss expired warranties, tax documents older than seven years, and children’s schoolwork. It is also recommended to dispose of financial documents, including old bank, credit card, and mortgage statements. Shred any documents with personal information, such as medical papers.

Worn Towels and Linens: Area

animal shelters are a great place to donate used towels, blankets, sheets, etc.

Think expired hot sauce in your fridge or herbs that have not been used in years. Conduct a good inspection of your kitchen and pantry and check expiration dates. Spices, for example, should be refreshed a couple of times a year. w

“The most important work you’ll ever do will be within the walls of your own home.” - Harold B. Lee AMANDA GLOWACKI OWNER / NC REALTOR ® 704-962-7889 amanda@amandakatehome.com

@amandakatehome

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DISCOVER home.

UNLOCK happy.

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home

When Life Gives You Lemons …

Clean the House!

Bye-bye bleach. Hello all-natural cleaner. With a host of uses, lemons will leave your house sparkly clean and smelling good too! From tossing used lemons in your garbage disposal for a fresh-smelling sink to making brass and copper shine, its versatility around the house will astound and inspire. Read on for a few more ideas and visit www.goodhousekeeping.com for other lemon uses:

SO LONG HARSH CHEMICALS.

Mix-up a great degreasing spray

Get the gleam on your grater

Clean stubborn plasticware

Mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of white vinegar in a spray bottle … spritz and wipe with a rag or paper towels (*not recommended for wood surfaces).

After grating soft cheese or sticky foods, cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side along the grater. It will clear away residue and leave a fresh scent.

Squeeze lemon juice onto the stained plastic and rub with the cut side of the lemon. Let the containers dry in the sun and wash normally.

Claim victory over microwave messes

Make bathtubs sparkle

Microwave a bowl of water and fresh lemon juice (or rinds) for 3 to 5 minutes or until boiling.

Wait another 5 minutes before opening the door; this allows the steam to do its work.

Remove bowl and an easy wipe gets the job done.

Mix equal parts baking soda and cream of tartar, then add a little lemon juice. Rub the paste on stubborn stains and your bath will shine!

Cut the grime off cutting boards Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the board.

Rub the juice in with the lemon half, then let sit for 20 minutes.

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Tips On Choosing a

CONTRACTOR Before You Choose a Contractor Chances are, you’ve spent a lot more time at home in the last two years than you planned. Most of us have, and that time led to several ideas of improvements we would like to make to our homes. Also, if you bought a new (to you) home in the last few years, you most likely have found something in it you would like to change. Choosing a contractor can be a tough decision; there are SO many out there that it can be difficult to navigate. When you aren’t sure of the exact vision you have for your project, it can be even more difficult! Here are a few tips that may make the process of choosing a contractor a little easier:

LKN EXPERT

John McKeown is the local owner/operator of Spray-Net Carolinas, a high-end custom painting contractor local to the Charlotte area. To book a free consultation, visit www.spray-net.com or call 704.885.2470. John can be reached directly at 704.899.2777 or John.m@spray-net.com.

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Connections Most contractors focus on one thing: painting, building, landscaping, roofing, windows, plumbing, etc. While this is a good thing (focusing on doing one thing really well), it can become challenging when deciding on a project that involves multiple companies.

For example, a kitchen remodel could include a cabinet maker, a tile and backsplash contractor, a plumber, and a painter.

The project can be made significantly easier if you find a contractor who has those other necessary connections, and they work together like a well-oiled machine. Make sure to ask (and choose) a contractor with recommendations of a network they work well with if your project has lots of moving parts.

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The Project Dead set on what you want? That’s awesome, but rare. Most people have some idea of what they want but would like a little more input.

If you're not 100 percent certain of the exact details of what you want, take some photos of a home you like; screenshot some ideas on Pinterest; Google images; research ideas of what others have done with similar projects, and show those to the contractor. If you still aren’t sure, ask if there are options to change your mind mid-project. Some contractors will work with you so be sure and ask on the front end.

Value & Budget Just like anything else in life, you normally get what you pay for. Everyone wants to get the most value they can per dollar spent, and everyone should! If you’re on a limited budget, make sure to ask about financing and all applicable discounts. Most companies offer at least a military discount. The higher-end contractors will often offer marketing or “showcase home” discounts as well. You might not hear about these discounts unless you ask, so don’t be shy. As for value, check online customer reviews and ask to see examples of previous work—ALWAYS ask about the warranty, and make sure to get promises in writing. w

WRITER JOHN McKEOWN

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family

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TEENS ALOUD

Anxiety and Depression In Teens:

the covid aftermath

IN THE 20+ YEARS AS A GENERAL PEDIATRICIAN,

I have never seen such a large number of children succumbing to depression and/or anxiety as much as I have witnessed this past year. Furthermore, it’s interesting to note that while most of us, and especially teenagers, love to bury our noses into social media, the COVID experience demonstrated that nothing trumps face-to-face interaction.

Overall, some children were unaffected by the online school year of 2020-21 and others maybe even thrived, but a portion of our children also felt alone and isolated with no peer support system. For the latter group, being stuck at home may have exposed them to parental discord that they otherwise would have been unaware of. Currently we are seeing a surge of newborns in my clinic as a result of intimacy fueled by the isolation/ quarantine conditions of COVID, yet at the same time learning of divorces/ separations amongst parents, which has created devastating psycho-social problems for their families.

LKN EXPERT

Wissam E. Nadra, MD, MHA, FAAP, AIHM, is the president and clinical director at Lakeshore Pediatric Center in Denver. He is a boardcertified pediatrician and is also certified in integrative medicine.

For more information, visit www.lakeshorepediatric.com or call 704.489.8401.

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Adding insult to injury is the sociopolitical “mask vs no mask” debate that has erupted during the current school year. As a physician, my stance is clear on this issue: masks are essential for everyone’s safety.

However, for children they have been stuck between a rock and a hard place about what to do because of mixed messages from their families, the media, their school policies and most importantly, peer pressure. As a result, there’s been a surge in cyber-bullying directed at some children and they adamantly refuse to go back to

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school. These young people are scared and confused. In short, the pandemic and our response to it as a society have created the perfect storm for them to feel angry, anxious, sad, and in some cases depressed.

So what do we do now after we’ve all been psychologically affected by COVID? Exercising patience with ourselves and others, especially our children, is key.

Be there for them, as a support system; listen to them and give them something as simple as a hug! Believe it or not, a hug can be more powerful than any medicine because oxytocin, a major “feel good” hormone, is passed along during a hug promoting feelings of trust, nurturing, and calmness. This hormone is also released by the body from a nursing mother to her baby to comfort them. So please hug your children and loved ones.

We all deserve to feel happy, secure, and above all, loved unconditionally.

Keeping that in mind, there are children who will need additional care and nurturing. This is where seeking advice from a medical professional for support and guidance comes into play.

Some children will benefit from simple prayer, meditation, relaxation/breathing exercises, or yoga; while others will require additional individual and/or family counselling +/- medication.

Finally, I leave you with a quote from one of my favorite writers and philosophers, Khalil Gibran, who summarizes what we’ve been through: “Thus, my child, man cannot reap love until after sad and revealing separation, and bitter patience, and desperate hardship.” w

WRITER DR. WISSAM NADRA

feature

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fsel

COVER STORY

own TO THINE

A JOURNEY OF

BE TRUE …

“My passion in life is to help

others and to guide them from pain to peace … from sadness

to love,” explains Willetta Jones,

certified grief coach and owner of Abiding Grace, LLC, grief coaching services.

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FA I T H , H O P E , AND HEALING

“My parents excelled in their education and careers,” she continues, “and they taught me perseverance, faith, gratitude, grace, and a can-do attitude. I always knew that I was either going to college or I was going to get training in a respectable profession.

There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it. My momma was one of the first directors of the Gifted and Talented education programs in the country; my uncle was head of the science department at St. Augustine College; and my aunt was the first Black state librarian in North Carolina.”

Reared in Gary, Indiana, Willetta graduated from Tolleston High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. Her degree was in music therapy with a concentration in voice. “During the 1970s, Georgia Regional Hospital in Decatur, Georgia, was one of only a few hospitals that offered internships for music therapy graduates, so that’s where I landed,” Willetta relays. “After graduation, I worked at the Elaine Clarke Center in Atlanta, a center for multihandicapped children, when an opportunity to get my master’s in education at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, arose.”

WRITER LESLIE OGLE

PHOTOGRAPHER TONI LOVEJOY

WILLETTA JONES ABIDING GRACE, LLC

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NADINE KNOWS THE LAKE! • Serving Lake Norman for over 18 years.

• Over 400 Million in sales.

• 12 Time Winner 5 Star Realtor Best in client satisfaction from 2009-2021 in Charlotte Magazine.

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grief—recognizing that there is no set time—each person's grief has its own timeframe. Partnering with a grief coach gives support to overcome the demands of proceeding ahead while experiencing the pain of loss. We help the individual understand that grieving is a normal response to death and loss, and it may never completely go away … we offer support and individualized assistance in a safe place to help each person develop those strategies from their inner strength that will allow them to move from grief to gratitude— to learn lessons from the loss and to realize moving forward in a healthy manner is a choice.”

After graduating from Purdue, Willetta accepted a position in the Baltimore County School System where she taught in the Specific Learning Environment (SLE) program for emotionally handicapped students. As fate would have it, an eager young news reporter for a local CBS affiliate caught her eye after a mutual friend introduced them. “I met my husband Bill Jones,” she smiles, “while living and working in Baltimore. He anchored the seven o’clock news, so I was certainly familiar with him. We’ve been married over 43 years now.”

During all these decades of being a dedicated educator, counselor, and caregiver—and loving every minute of it—Willetta held a dream deep in her heart of helping others turn their despair into hope, inspiring her to start a second career as a certified grief coach. Together with Bill (who is also a certified grief coach), she launched Abiding Grace, LLC, a service that provides one-onone support, understanding, care, comfort, and tools for those struggling with grief. The tools come in the form of individual sessions and packages that fit each client’s needs. “Grieving is an individual process,” she says. “I want to help those in pain transform their loss into a wealth of life's victories.”

Abiding Grace, LLC, is a nurturing grief coaching company that assists individuals to move through the grieving process to a more fulfilling life and legacy for loved ones who have passed on—or for other types of loss. Each person receives coaching that helps them discover inner strengths that are the building blocks for the “new normal” they are facing.

“Grief coaching,” Willetta explains, “helps individuals first realize, recognize, and accept that each person's grief is unique.

Grief coaching provides a safe place to discuss and explore how the loss has affected them by working through causes and developing goals and strategies that assist in the transition of

Entering a new chapter of her life, Willetta and Bill spend most of their days together. Their son lives in Florida with his wife and three children whom they try to see as often as possible; meanwhile the couple enjoys running Abiding Grace, LLC, spending time with friends, or just enjoying a good book on the deck.

As Abiding Grace, LLC, grows, Willetta continues to be an instrument of positive change—helping folks find the skills and tools necessary to not only move through whatever loss, grief, Willetta continues or struggle they may be experiencing, but to be an instrument to arrive at a place of acceptance, peace, of positive change— and self-love. “My mother always said, helping folks find ‘to thine own self be true,’ and I have the skills and tools held those words close to my heart necessary to not and soul my entire only move through life,” Willetta shares.

“Grief comes in many different forms whatever loss, grief, … give yourself grace or struggle they may and grant yourself permission, space, be experiencing, but and time. Whatever you do, don’t give up to arrive at a place … you are still here, you are not alone, of acceptance, peace, and you, too, can beat the odds.” w and self-love.

"

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women

move

ON THE

New to Cornelius,

RALUCA BERGER has

been working as an Independent Translator/ Interpreter QA Tester since 2003 and is offering specials for new clients.

Raluca teaches German, Italian, English, and Romanian to individuals and groups. Originally from Romania, Raluca also completed a formal degree in hospitality management in 2006 and has the European equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.

Connect with Raluca online and on social media.

MARÍA IGLESIAS MARTÍNEZ, CDFA®, CDS™ announces the

opening of her firm Ever After Wealth in Cornelius. As a financial divorce specialist, Maria works exclusively with women to help them navigate the system with confidence and find solutions to the significant financial dilemmas they often encounter during the separation and divorce process.

MARLEN MEJIA,

Carolina’s 1st Choice Agency licensed advisor/ manager, announces her partnership (in addition to her partnership last year with CMPD Toy Drive) with www.soles4soules.org, a local agency that collects gently used clothes and shoes, among other philanthropic endeavors.

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LESLIE MURPHY has opened her acupuncture practice, Balanced Health Acupuncture in Cornelius, after relocating from Boston where she helped people for over 12 years get their health back into balance. A firm believer in healing the body naturally with acupuncture and phototherapy, Leslie is currently taking new patients and you can connect with her online and on social media.

Iredell Health System is pleased to welcome DR. ASHA SIGEI, MD, MMCI, as the new Chief Pathologist and Medical Director of the Iredell Memorial Laboratory. Dr. Sigei has four years of residency experience in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology, one year of experience in hematopathology, and one year of experience working in clinical informatics. She is a medical graduate of the University of Nairobi School of Medicine in Kenya and completed a year-long internship in Kenya before moving to the United States.

DR. PRINCESS THOMAS WILLIAMS, MD, FACS, a

breast surgical oncologist in private practice, and JENNIFER EDDY, BS in nutrition, announce the opening of their new business Lake Norman Med Spa & Weight Loss Center in Mooresville. Dr. Williams is serving as the medical director of the med spa and Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in wellness and nutrition counseling and is a certified laser specialist.

connect with us!

Whether you are a woman on the move, new businesses in the area, or are willing to contribute your opinion, follow us on Facebook or e-mail leslie@lakenormanwoman.com. lakenormanw oman.com

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family

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8 THINGS

Camp-goers develop important “adulting” skills.

They unplug from all their devices, including television.

m m e r u S BENEFITS OF

Kids will meet terrific camp counselors and mentors.

Kids get to be kids!

Unstructured free/ play time is critical for children’s development.

Life-long friends are made.

It builds characteristics such as resiliency, teamwork, courage, and self-confidence.

Camp teaches and enhances social skills.

Kids connect with and learn all about nature.

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feature

|

COFFEE TALK

: k al t ee ff co A Sit-Down Chat With AMANDA GLOWACKI,

Real Estate Professional and Owner of Amanda Kate Home

Our First Cup

AMANDA GLOWACKI AMANDA KATE HOME

Pouring Her Heart Into Her Work

I’m so thankful for the friendships, guidance, trust, and support I’ve been given on my business journey. I’m incredibly grateful for every opportunity that’s been sent my way! It’s hard to believe that I am entering my sixth year as a fulltime real estate professional, and my third year as owner of Amanda Kate Home. When I signed up for the pre-licensing class in October 2016, I had no idea that real estate would enhance my life the way that it has. In 2021, Amanda Kate Home experienced a breakout year … just a few of our many highlights include: Assisted 15 families with buying and/or selling their home; added three NC-licensed agents to our team; hosted our firstever AKHome Client Appreciation event; opened our office suite in Downtown Davidson; earned the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation; we were recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® with an “At Home With Diversity” certification; and we contributed $9,000 back to our community through various sponsorships including Supportive Housing Communities, Girls on the Run Piedmont Chapter, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and UNC-Charlotte.

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My husband and I relocated from Uptown to Lake Norman in 2013.

We looked at many homes in the Charlotte neighborhoods, but something wasn’t clicking with us. During our search, his company had just announced they were moving their headquarters to Davidson. That’s when we adjusted our search and found our first home!

We lived in Huntersville for six years, and then bought our forever home in Davidson in spring 2019. We absolutely love living here with our 5-yearold daughter, Taya, and our rescue pup, Ollie.

Savoring Sweet Introductions

I think it’s important to surround yourself with like-minded people who are visionaries. And for anyone who is starting a business in a new industry (especially later in life after a long-term career in something completely different), be sure to commit to attending events where you only know one or two people. This way, you are forced to introduced yourself over and over again and you get more comfortable at explaining your new role/career to others.

Finding Strength In Bitter Times

When my cushy banking job was eliminated in 2009, I lost my home and my car, but I was able to prove to myself that as low as I got in the valley, I could always pick myself up and walk out of it. I met my husband the following year and realized that even after the worst year of my adult life, God was faithful and heard every prayer I cried out to Him while I was in the valley.

"God was faithful and heard every prayer I cried out to Him . . ."

Amanda Glowacki is the founder and owner of Amanda Kate Home located in Davidson.

You may reach her at 704.962.7889, via email at Amanda@AmandaKateHome.com, or visit her today at www.AmandaKateHome.com.

WRITER LINDSAY MARTELL

Having a baby?

We can help Giving birth is one of life’s most precious moments. At The Birth Place at Iredell Memorial Hospital, we’re committed to the wellbeing of both you and your baby. From our free pregnancy classes to birth and beyond, you can be confident you and your bundle of joy are in good hands.

Put your trust in Iredell County’s largest and only nonprofit health system.

You’ll be glad you did.

Learn more: IredellHealth.org/maternity YourPamperedPregnancy.com

The Birth Place

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ADVERTISEMENT

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health

|

Is Teeth-Whitening For A Q&A WITH DR. JULIANNE COLVIN OF CRAWFORD & COLVIN DENTISTRY in our society today. It can boost confidence and motivate healthy maintenance habits for good overall health. Over time, we often notice yellowing of our teeth due to age and eating and drinking habits. Patients often ask about teeth-whitening options to revitalize and brighten their smile, and there are several aspects to consider:

A HEALTHY WHITE SMILE IS ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE FEATURES

Who can whiten their teeth?

How does it work?

If done correctly, teeth-whitening is safe and effective for anyone who has all of their adult teeth in healthy condition. It does not cause damage to tooth enamel and there are very few long-term risks.

It is important to note that teeth with crowns and fillings will not respond well to whitening treatments, nor will those with cavities or poor surrounding gum health. Most dentists recommend whitening no earlier than the age of 14, as many teeth are still erupting during this time and are prone to higher sensitivity. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid whitening, as the potential impact of swallowed whitening agents on a fetus or baby is unknown.

What are my options?

WHITENING TOOTHPASTE

There are many brands to choose from, mostly all limited to the removal of shallow surface stains caused by food, coffee, tea, wine, or smoking. They contain abrasives and chemical agents that promote stain removal and whiter teeth, but do not change the color of the tooth structure itself. Baking soda is a popular ingredient in these toothpastes.

LKN EXPERT

OVER-THE-COUNTER WHITENING STRIPS AND GELS

Dr. Julianne Colvin is a family and cosmetic dentist who shares ownership of Crawford & Colvin Dentistry located at 16525 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite 300, in Huntersville. You can reach Dr. Colvin at 704.895.5850 or schedule online at www.LakeNormanDentist.com.

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There are many cost-effective whitening products online and at local drugstores that contain peroxide agents. The concentration of the whitening agents in these products is lower than what a dentist would use in the office. Gel is applied to the teeth through one-size-fits-all trays, strips, or paint-on applications, which can contribute to excess gel and gum irritation. However, patients with generalized sensitivity may choose to start with these milder concentrations to gauge how their teeth will respond.

lakenormanw oman.com

you?

The most effective whitening products contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, which penetrates tooth enamel and reaches discolored molecules within the dentin layer of the tooth. These internal stains are dissolved, producing whiter teeth.

There may be some temporary sensitivity during the whitening process, but no damage or harm is caused to the tooth structure itself, when used as directed. It is important to avoid prolonged contact of peroxide products with gum tissue, however, as this can result in unnecessary soreness and inflammation which can last a few days.

PROFESSIONAL AT-HOME WHITENING

A dentist can provide custom-made trays and whitening gel syringes for at-home use, which can produce faster and more effective results due to stronger whitening agents and betterfitting trays. This process typically involves placing the peroxide gel in the fitted trays and wearing for about an hour a day, for up to a couple of weeks. These trays are reusable with whitening gel refill syringes as needed.

IN-OFFICE WHITENING

Dentist-guided, in-office whitening is the quickest way to brighten teeth. Professional treatment does cost more than other options, but the convenience and immediate results are worth it for many patients. This chair-side whitening procedure usually only requires one office visit and includes applying a higher concentrated whitening product directly to the teeth and exposing them to a heat or laser source which accelerates the whitening process. Custom trays are often included for take home use to maintain satisfying results. w WRITER DR. JULIANNE COLVIN

A revolutionary new option for dermal rejuvenation, SylfirmX delivers the latest RF microneedling technology and is the treatment choice to target the following:

• Improve skin texture, tone, laxity, and complexion

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We welcome Heather Hollandsworth, FNP, to our medical and cosmetic teams!

Heather is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Trained in dermatologic care and cosmetic techniques, she looks forward to helping you look and feel amazing!

food

|

Irish Guinness Beer Stew ®

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 lbs lamb shoulder or beef chuck cut into 2-inch chunks • 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 large onion, chopped • 3 leeks

• 3 garlic cloves, minced • 3 tbsp flour

• 22 oz Guinness® beer • 2 cups beef broth

• 4 carrots peeled and cut 1/2" pieces

• 2 potatoes peeled and cut into 2" pieces • 3 sprigs thyme or sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves

Instructions

Peel and cut up carrots and potatoes, mince garlic. Trim root end off leeks, strip off tough greens. Cut leeks lengthwise and rinse any grit off under water.

Slice into 1/2" pieces. Cut the lamb into 2" chunks. Pat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

1

2 Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-based pot over high heat. Add lamb in batches and brown well all over.

Remove to plate and repeat with remaining lamb. Set aside.

Lower heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

3

4 Add onion and leek, cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic, cook 2 minutes. Stir flour into the vegetable mixture and cook for 3 more minutes.

Add Guinness beer, stirring and scraping up browned bits on bottom of pan then add beef broth.

5

6 Return browned lamb to the pot, including any juices, along with carrots, potatoes, and thyme tied with kitchen twine.

If lamb and vegetables are not fully covered add enough water to do so. Cover, bring to a boil, stir, then lower heat so it is bubbling gently. Cook 2 hours then remove lid and simmer for a further 30 minutes until lamb falls apart and the sauce has reduced and thickened. w 7

While there are many versions of this traditional recipe, nothing beats a good bowl of stew on a cool afternoon. Enjoy this easy recipe during March Madness or for your St. Patrick’s Day party!

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SOURCE

https://thestayathomechef.com/irish-stew

BOB WEIR LMT, MMP, CKTP

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Remarkable Care for Remarkable Care for Women, Right in Your Women, Right in Your Neighborhood.

Neighborhood.

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Reap WHAT YOU ow S

M E N T O R I N G M O M E N T S with M I C H E L L E

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YOU

“SPRING IS HERE!” Just saying it puts a bounce in my step.

One of the things I love about spring is that it reveals what has been growing under the surface.

When the tulips and daffodils announce themselves, I’m glad I took the time in the fall to plant the bulbs. This joyous springtime harvest reminds me that life is like a garden – you reap what you sow.

You reap what you sow is more than an idiom or proverb … it’s a principle. It’s true in the garden and it’s true in life choices.

Regardless of the environment, be it our place of work, our family life, or our neighborhood community, our actions and their consequences are a package deal.

Stay up too late multiple nights in a row and you will find yourself exhausted at work. Show a little love to a lonely neighbor and one day the goodness of someone rains down on you unexpectedly.

We understand that when you plant corn, you can’t expect watermelons to grow. However, we forget that what our lives produce is usually a direct reflection on what we planted – the good and the bad.

WRITER MICHELLE HOVERSON

PLANT SELFISHNESS – REAP LONELINESS PLANT HONESTY – REAP TRUST PLANT GOSSIP – REAP ISOLATION PLANT KINDNESS – REAP PEACE PLANT PERSEVERANCE – REAP SUCCESS PLANT WORRY – REAP WRINKLES A poor Scottish farmer by the name of Fleming saw a terrified boy struggling to free himself from being waist-deep in mud. Risking his own life, farmer Fleming saved the boy from a potentially terrifying death. The next day the boy’s father, a nobleman, offered to compensate the farmer for his kindness. When the farmer declined payment, the nobleman offered to secure a quality education for the farmer’s son. In time, Fleming’s son graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London and went on to become the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the microbiologist who discovered the antibiotic known as penicillin.

Years later, the nobleman’s son was stricken with pneumonia and his life was saved a second time. What saved him? Penicillin.

The nobleman was Sir Randolph Churchill, and his son became Sir Winston Churchill.

A selfless act of kindness sown produced a great harvest that benefited the world. As you enjoy your spring bouquets and dig around in your garden, give some thought to the seeds you are planting and cultivating in others’ lives. If your life is producing something you don’t like, think about planting something different.

Remember, we reap what we sow. w Michelle Hoverson is the author of Mentoring Moments with Myself – a collection of letters to her younger self on life, faith, love and leadership.

Follow her on facebook @ Mentoring Moments With Michelle. lakenormanw oman.com

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SUCCESS STORY

Though Christi has been in nursing now for 21 years, she still draws inspiration from her days in the student health center at George Mason, channeling the dedication, compassion, and wisdom the staff there employed in their work in the approach she takes with her own. “I loved the combination of being smart and kind that I learned there, and I decided I wanted to be that kind of health professional too—I still strive to be like them,” she notes.

Christi continues to work with students today as the school nurse at Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy in Mooresville. In fact, her entire nursing career has been devoted to the care of children: “My strength is interacting with children and their parents for positive health outcomes,” she explains. Christi spends her days tending to the needs of the students at Liberty Prep, which extend far beyond bandaging scraped knees to dealing with more severe medical problems as well as social and emotional issues that children often aren’t comfortable talking about with teachers. “I enjoy getting to know the kids and making them comfortable,” Christi says of her role. “I love getting to know the students and appreciate the unique personality of each of them!”

CHRISTI HESSELS LIBERTY PREPARATORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

nurse

live, love, CHRISTI HESSELS DIDN’T PLAN ON BEING A NURSE.

In fact, as a recent graduate of George Mason University, she worked on Capitol Hill in the United States House of Representatives. But feeling uninspired in her career, she drew on her faith for a source of inspiration to determine her next move. “While living on campus, I had a job at the student health center, and I loved it,” explains Christi. “But I thought I wanted a career in politics. When I became a Christian, I realized I wanted to truly help people. I also missed the atmosphere of the health center, so when an opportunity came available to return to George Mason to pursue a nursing degree, I took it.”

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Christi has taken medical mission trips abroad to Kenya and Nicaragua so that she could apply her knowledge beyond the school yard—experiences that changed her life. “The people we treated were so warm and caring,” she says. “Their way of life is vastly different from how I live, but their spirit of contentment and joy in difficult circumstances changed my perspective on how I handle difficulties. I went as a nurse to care for and serve them and found that they were the ones serving me!”

The busy life of a working wife and mom to four children, combined with the stresses of life as a nurse in a pandemic, has led Cristi to be intentional about staying mentally and emotionally healthy. For Christi, this means starting each day with God. “I was running late the other day and didn’t do my devotion,” she recalls, “and I felt like I forgot a key piece of clothing!”

She also listens to worship music as a key reminder to stay focused on what is most important to her: “loving God and loving people.” w WRITER DANA JORDAN

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We know how busy life can get—kids, work, family, friends … sometimes just getting dinner on the table is a Herculean feat! So in an effort to save our readers some time, effort, and money here are a few tips, tricks, and hacks that might come in handy in your busy world!

THE THRILL OF THE GRILL Always preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes. Not only will heat loosen any bits of food hanging onto the grate (which you can then easily brush off ), it also helps prevent food from sticking. Let your meat come to room temperature before grilling and allow the meat to rest after taking it off the grill for about 5-10 minutes prior to cutting/serving.

TIPS, AN APPLE A DAY Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs allow members to get fresh produce and other foods direct from local farms. Many offer eggs, meat, dairy, flowers, herbs, honey, and more! When you join a CSA, you sign up for weekly deliveries, either seasonal or yearlong. Visit www.csacoalition.org.

& HACKS !

A LF R ES C O ED IT IO N

WORKING ALFRESCO Place an anti-glare screen protector over your screen; get a mini fan that plugs right into your laptop; a cooling pad will keep your laptop from overheating; checkout solarpowered chargers for your devices.

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NO SQUIRRELLING AROUND It may sound a bit odd, but putting dog hair clippings (or your own hair clippings) into your flowerpots will keep the squirrels away.

Squirrels have an acute sense of smell and will stay away from the scent of predators.

CAMPOUTS Hand sanitizer makes a good fire starter; use a frisbee for a plate; burning sage in your campfire will help repel mosquitos. Duct tape can do almost anything, from stopping a leak in a canoe to helping prevent blisters, patching ripped tent fabric, or fixing a backpack strap.

DR

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The quality of relationships is intrinsic to our well-being.

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S D R O W matter

Words are magic. They actually change our brain chemistry! As wordsmiths here at LKNW, we are especially fond of words that will resonate with our readers, in hopes they will help guide & inspire you.

WINDS OF MARCH, WE WELCOME YOU. THERE IS WORK FOR YOU TO DO. WORK AND PLAY AND BLOW ALL DAY, AND BLOW THE WINTER COLD AWAY. –AN UNKNOWN POET

to plant a garden IS TO

believe in tomorrow

–AUDREY HEPBURN

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A

good friend IS LIKE A

four-leaf clover,

HARD TO FIND

AND

LUCKY TO HAVE.

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and make an impact! March 4th— the only day of the year where the calendar gives you a nudge.

–FROM THE LKNW COLLECTION OF QUOTES

lakenormanw oman.com

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BETTER ME … BETTER YOU … BETTER WORLD

MIND body spirit By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.

GET YOUR

zen

Do some research.

ON!

C R E AT I N G A Z E N G A R D E N AT H O M E

“When a garden is used as a place to pause for thought, that is when a Zen Garden comes to life.

When you contemplate a garden like this, it will form a lasting impression on your heart.”

–MUSO SOSEKI

MERRIAM-WEBSTER’S DEFINES ZEN

as “a state of calm attentiveness in which one’s actions are guided by intuition rather than by conscious effort” and that the transmission of wisdom is supposed to be nonverbal. Zen is an ancient branch of Buddhism but has morphed into a catch-all term meant to evoke calmness, meditative states, enlightenment, and intuitive insights.

Zen gardens are simple and are intended to get the most meaning with the fewest materials. Often called “rock gardens,” Zen gardens usually consist of sand, rocks, and sometimes water. Here are a few things to meditate on:

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You’ll want some visual inspiration so search online to see what elements you may want to include such as soft lighting, pathway pavers/ stones, or a fountain (though not one of the basic elements in a Zen Garden, the sound of water is therapeutic).

Zen gardens are structured around seven guiding principles.

Your Zen Garden should promote most or all these concepts: Austerity (Koko), Simplicity (Kanso), Naturalness (Shinzen), Asymmetry (Fukinsei), Mystery or Subtlety (Yugen), Magical or Unconventional (Datsuzoku), and Stillness (Seijaku).

What part of your yard is best suited for meditation?

Choose a flat, out-of-the-way corner or narrow side yard; make some measurements and draw a rough design.

Simplicity IS Zen!

A Zen space should be simple and uncluttered— it needs to elicit a feeling of calm. Create your space with calmness in mind and with just a few decorative items. Remember, in Zen, less is more!

Plants are always welcome.

While plants are typically not the focus of Zen gardens, natural botanicals and colors are soothing to the soul. You can plant some bright yellow blossoms that represent yang energy, and dark green plants balance it with their yin energy. w

WRITER LESLIE OGLE

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