Luxe Beat Magazine September 2015 by Luxe Beat Magazine

Open-Air Flying in a Biplane Castles and Cabernet Franc

High Life in Paro, Bhutan

SEPTEMBER 2015

Contents 12

08 32

Travel 08

Leah Travels France

Himalayan High Life in Paro, Bhutan

The Luxury of Laguna Beach

A Cruise Vacation can be a Healthy Vacation

Open-Air Flying in a Biplane

The Elegant Art Hotel in Shanghai

Put a Pin in it! Experience the WOW Factor of Sweetwater County, Wyoming

Life with the Cherokee

The Blue Life of an Aquatic Nomad

Fashion

Luggage Forward: Doorstep to Destination

Epicure 51

Clean Snacking

Of Castles and Cabernet Franc: leisure days in the Loire

Innovations in grape growing technology apply across the industry

Three Hacks To Stress-free Daily Dressing Routine

Philadelphia Fashion Designer LeGrand Leseur

Raleigh Fashion Designer Andre Todd Thornton

Feat. Contributor

John Lamkin Award-winning Journalist and Photographer

Business 73

Quality Business: Earn Trust

Global Etiquette: Enjoyable Conversations

Literature 77

Miss Dreamsville and the Lost Heiress of Collier County: A Novel

Nextinction

SHERRIE WILKOLASKI Editor-in-Chief and Managing Partner

MARALYN D. HILL Executive Editor

BENJAMIN BENNETT Creative Director

LILLIAN AFRICANO Editor

NINA AFRICANO Editor

JESSICA O’HEHIR Production Editor

DALE SANDERS Senior Travel & Lifestyle Editor/ Director of Photography

COLUMNS

LEAH WALKER Editor-At-Large

COURTNEY LOWDEN Fashion Editor-At-Large

CONTRIBUTORS

Global Etiquette Maralyn D. Hill

Put a Pin in it! Debbie Stone

Up and Coming Fashion Designers, Jessica O’Hehir

Quality Business Tom Raffio

Amy Hill Hearth Debi Lander Fredric Hamber Jack Baldwin Jia Li Jill Weinlein Kenneth Zak Lisa Collins-Haynes Michael Cervin Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levy

Intern Kaitlyn Phillips

Luxe Beat Magazine is published in English. Our audience is a global market with global contributors. Each writes, using the form of English with which they are familiar. So you’ll see US, UK, AUS, CAN, versions, etc. We hope this eliminates any confusion on spelling.

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Editor’s Letter TAILORED LUXURY is the focus

of the September 2015 edition of Luxe Beat Magazine. When I think of luxury, my thoughts wander to Burgundy, to spending a month cocooned somewhere cozy in the French countryside, sipping on Aligoté from Flavigny vineyards. What I consider luxury is tailored to my own personal preferences. There are so many ways to experience your own tailored luxury. We share with you in this issue some incredible travel experiences that were tailored just for our writers.

Keeping with the subject of France, Leah Walker launches her new column, Leah Walker Travels France. She’ll be sharing her experiences in her new homeland with us every month. Michael Cervin brings us a lovely article about the Loire Valley in his piece Of Castles and Cabernet Franc: Leisure Days in the Loire. Fashion is literally tailored and we’re showcasing several up and coming fashion designers in this issue. Designer Jia Li premieres her first article with us in Three Hacks To Stress-free Daily Dressing Routine. How do you tailor your luxury?

Sherrie Wilkolaski Editor-in-Chief

Letters To The Editor Dear Editor,

I loved the article Experience La Dolce Vita at the Pace of a Paddle Stroke! Reading about Debbie Stone’s vacation adventures via a unique form of transportation (a kayak) was so refreshing. Thank you for inspiring me to look at travel in a new light! Gone Kayaking in Washington

Dear Gone Kayaking in Washington,

Debbie Stone and our team at Luxe Beat Magazine are happy to know Debbie’s article inspired you to experience a new form of travel and kayaking is such fun. We look forward to hearing about your next inspiration. Thanks for writing. Sincerely, Maralyn D. Hill Executive Editor

Dear Editor,

I really enjoyed the interview with Fashion Designer Gary Symor last month. Can I expect to see more about up and coming designers? Jennifer S. Goldsboro, Maryland

Dear Jennifer,

We are always happy when one of our readers comments on our featured fashion designers. We love showcasing their new lines. We plan to continue to keep featuring more about up and coming designers, Sometimes, it is a challenge to coordinate their deadlines and our deadlines, but our goal is to get as many quality designers as we can. Sincerely, Maralyn D. Hill Executive Editor

Dear Editor,

I just devoured the Capsicum Red Eye cocktail from the recipe I found in Summer Cocktails with a Twist from Robert De Niro. It’s the quintessential summer drink! Will you be posting more recipes for cocktails and/or food in the future? It’s Five O’clock Somewhere California

Dear It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,

You’ve just asked me the easiest question I’ve had all day. Yes, we will be posting more recipes for cocktails and/or food in the future. I think if we stopped, there might be a rebellion. Cocktail pages receive a lot of traffic. The Luxe Beat Team is glad you enjoyed the article and look forward to getting your feedback on future articles. Sincerely, Maralyn D. Hill Executive Editor

Dear Readers, We were happy to receive some letters to the editor this month and hope more of you will continue to write to make comments or ask questions Please send Letters to the Editor to LuxeBeatMag@gmail.com Subject: Letter to Editor 7

Leah Travels France By Leah Walker

Travel

ach month, our Editor-at-Large and Paris resident, Leah Walker, is opening her French address book. She’ll share the latest, greatest, little known, classic and up-and-coming finds focused on her adopted home country.

Take This Tour

World War II buffs and those simply interested in the history of Paris will appreciate “Lights Out, Paris Under the Occupation” by Context Travel. Led by a modern historian, this walking tour examines the lives of Parisians under Nazi Germany’s rule. Focused on the Right Bank of the city, the tour explores a Jewish residential neighborhood in the 9th arrondissement, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, and other lesser-known sites along the way. During the three-hour tour, stories from Jewish citizens and members of the WWII Résistance are recounted, while the roles of notable people such as Josephine Baker, Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway are explored. This tour sheds a new light on familiar sites, bringing history to life; and is easily one of my favorite experiences in Paris.

Fine Dining

Obviously, Paris doesn’t have the monopoly on Michelin-starred restaurants in France, but it might come as a surprise that the picturesque Alpine town of Megève is home to three chefs who’ve earned the coveted stars. Located in the Rothschild-owned property, Chalet du Mont d’Arbois, Le 1920 is under the direction of young Chef Julien Gatillon. With one Michelin star, Le 1920 is a contemporary take on traditional French gastronomy. At the one-star La Table de l’Alpaga, Chef Christophe Schuffenecker has created a ‘refined mountain cuisine’ as

beautiful as Mont Blanc, which can be seen from the warm and elegant dining room. At the three-star restaurant, Flocons de Sel, Chef Emmanuel Renaut has created the ultimate in French Alpine gastronomy. In the event there’s not a reservation to be had, try Le Flocon Village, his casual bistro in the center of town, which is also a delicious option. Megève in Rhône-Alpes

For the Wine Lover

In Paris’s fifth arrondissement is De Vinis Illvstribvs. Lionel Michelin and his wife, Dominique, opened this extraordinary wine shop in 1994. Specializing in rare and aged wines, De Vinis Illvstribvs is the go-to place in Paris for those looking for a very special bottle. Lionel’s expertise is unparalleled, and his and knowledge of French wines is astounding. The store also has a good selection of newer wine from various French regions. Personally selected by Lionel, a bottle can be had starting around 20 euros. Custom-made tastings are available in the cave. Surrounded by vintage wines in the cave, tastings with cheese, lunch, or dinner can be arranged. No matter your budget or knowledge of wine, De Vinis Illvstribvs can organize a personalized experience and find a bottle to please your palate. De Vinis Illvstribvs, 48, rue de la MontagneSainte-Geneviève, Paris

Visit This Museum

Located in Paris’s eighth arrondissement, the serene Musée Jacquemart-André is often overlooked by tourists. Possibly the finest of the city’s small museums, it’s a magnificent find for lovers of Italian Renaissance art and 18th century French painters. This magnificent mansion was built in 1875 for Edouard Andre. Here, he and his wife, Nélie,

amassed a huge art collection. Nélie bequeathed the home and its contents to the Institut de France, which was opened to the public in 1913. The home is filled with Louis XV and Louis XVI-era furniture, tapestries and objets d’art, which is a testament to the couple’s travels across Europe and Asia. Whether for a light lunch, tea, or Sunday brunch, make it a point to enjoy Café Jacquemart-André, which is located in the mansion’s former dining room. Visitors with Android or iPhones can download the museum’s free app, which includes a guided tour, interactive maps, biographies, and images. Musée Jacquemart-André, 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris

Take This Walk

In my travels around France, I’ve come to appreciate the places that have a well-organized plan for international visitors; whether it’s bilingual historical markers (Paris doesn’t!) or an official walking tour, like the Owl’s Trail in Dijon. Similar to the Freedom Trail in Boston, Dijon’s version covers much of the city center, and includes three optional loops. Bronze owls embedded in the sidewalks mark the route, but to get the most of the 22-stage trail, a guide can be purchased at the office of tourism. The walk takes about an hour, and covers the best of this historically dense city. One of the best things about taking the self-guided Owl’s Trail is that you’re on your own schedule. Be sure to visit the museums, churches, and parks along the way; as well as some relaxing time on one of the many terraces in Place de la Liberation. Dijon in Burgundy.

Sip on This

Surprisingly, only two percent of all Cognac produced actually stays in France, with the largest markets being the USA, China, and Russia. Despite the lower demand by the French, the grape spirit is strongly protected by appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC). Like Champagne, in order to be called ‘Cognac’ the brandy must be produced in the Cognac region. Not just an afterdinner drink, Cognac is delicious as an aperitif (freeze a VSOP and serve in a Champagne flute) paired with meals and mixed in a cocktail. The Cognac Summit was created in 2008 at the request of the Bureau National Interprofessional du Cognac (BNIC) by 20 renowned bartenders. Made with not-so-sweet lemonade, it’s perfect on a warm day. 1 piece lime peel ½ inch piece peeled ginger root, cut crosswise into quarter-size slices 1½ ounces Cognac ice cubes 2 ounces of lemonade 1 long piece cucumber peel for garnish

Special Souvenir

French perfume is legendary. Scents from design houses like Chanel and Dior are classics. However, if you’re looking to come home from France with something truly unique, make an appointment at Le Studio des Parfums in Paris’s Marais to create your own custom-made scent. Expert perfumer and nose, Sophie, will help determine your perfume personality

Travel and preferences with a series of questions. From there, your nose is the guide. The result is a one-of-akind fragrance that you’ve picked, mixed and named. The recipe is kept on file, ready to reorder. Le Studio des Parfums, 23, rue du Bourg Tibourg, Paris

Chat with a Concierge

I sat down with Tony Le Goff, the Chief Concierge at Shangri-La, Paris, for insight on some of his favorite things from the City of Light. Leah Walker: What restaurant would you choose for a special dinner? Tony Le Goff: I was in my favorite restaurant just the other day – Septime in the 11th arrondissement. It’s not a very sexy area, so Bobo and creative. It’s impossible to get a reservation, and if you cancel, you can guarantee you’ll never get another. It’s one-star Michelin and the cuisine is wonderful. To me, this type of restaurant is the future. It’s simple products that come together to create magic. The staff is good looking, efficient and friendly. It has a bit of a New York feeling. Septime, 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris LW: What is an ideal Saturday in Paris for you? TLG: Since I live on the Right Bank, I like to go to the Left Bank. It’s a different world. In the morning, the vendors and antique sellers at Carré

Rive Gauche are more open and friendly. In the afternoon, they become Parisian. If it’s early morning, which is difficult, I like to have a coffee at a super-cliché place like Les Deux Magots. There’s no one at this time. The tourists haven’t arrived and people are friendly. You speak French and read the local paper on a wooden stick. It’s just a coffee, which costs a fortune. The people are cleaning the streets and opening the stores. This time in the morning is perfect to me. Les Deux Magots, 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris LW: What classic Parisian experience never goes out of style, even for Parisians? TLG: It’s for children, but the boats in the Luxembourg Garden have existed for decades. I was not born in Paris, so I missed out on it, but this is something that is very Parisian. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down from generation to generation. One of our guests recently requested that a boat be purchased for his granddaughter, because it was a fond memory from his youth. Other traditions in the Luxembourg Gardens for children are the balancoire (swings) and Théâtre des Marionnettes. These are affordable, and the gardens are magnificent. It’s something that remains from the past and builds the personality of a Parisian. LW: What is your favorite café in the city? TLG: As I told you, Les Deux Magots in the early morning, but in the afternoon, it’s Café de l’Epoque near the Louvre. It’s near Galerie VéroDodat, with the original Louboutin store on one end and the cafe at the other. Of course, you know the national sport is watching people. So, you watch people and drink Rosé. There’s the Ministry of Culture that is just across. There is a mix of tourists and Parisians passing by. It’s simple – go there by coincidence or on purpose. It has kept a charm from the 1950s. The waiters are sometimes friendly. My favorite drink is a spritz, and they do it quite well there. Café de l’Epoque, 2, Rue du Bouloi, 75001 Paris LW: What’s trendy in Paris now? TLG: Geographically, the eastern part of the city. It’s like New York. Things have moved east of the center. It’s no wonder that restaurants like Septime are opening there, rather than in a noble area.

In terms of contemporary creation, what Palais de Tokyo is doing is amazing. Not only in terms of exhibitions, but what they’re doing beyond. They other day, they turned the empty fountain into a basketball court. They attract people that might not ever come to a museum. It’s very young and creative. They do fashion shows, and are really on the cutting edge. Palais de Tokyo is a real example of what culture should be in attracting all kinds of people, regardless of social level. It’s not a question of money. In the evenings, there are barges on the banks of the river. My favorite one is Rosa Bonheur sur Seine. It’s between the Alexander III and Concorde bridges. There are lines to get on the barge, but once you’re on, there’s a very large bar and lots of great people and music – a bit Bobo. It opens in the morning and closes at 2:00 AM. Rosa Bonheur sur Seine, Quai d’Orsay, Port des Invalides, 75007 Paris

Himalayan High Life in Paro, Bhutan 12

By Fredric Hamber

Travel

e have no stoplights here. The cows are our traffic control,” my guide says as we wait in the car for a mother and her calves to cross the road. They’re in no hurry. Neither am I. It has taken some doing to get to Paro, Bhutan, and I’m glad to have made it. To begin with there was the visa business. While the country is open to tourism it is not open to everyone. The government has made a decision to cultivate affluent travelers by limiting visas to those who meet a minimum spend requirement. “We don’t want backpackers,” I was told by several sources during my visit. Travelers are expected to be accompanied by licensed guides.

representative of Uma Paro lodge and given a long white shawl, a traditional Bhutanese welcome. The shawl was made of sheer fabric and would come in handy over the next few days to cover my lower face when the wind picked up dust during my hikes. It was a ten-minute drive to the lodge (okay, fifteen minutes including the cows). Uma Paro overlooks the valley of the Paro

Then there was the Airbus 319 flight through windy Himalayan passes aboard the national carrier Druk Airlines. The final descent into Paro was the most turbulent I’ve ever experienced, though nothing I hadn’t been warned about, starting with the thorough five-page pre-trip information packet COMO Resorts sent me. But after the pilot came over the system with a reminder about seatbelts a few minutes before the excitement began, I knew I was in professional hands, like being with an expert whitewater guide through river rapids, and I happily cast my fate to the wind. On the ground I was met by a

Paro Valley. Photo courtesy Uma Paro by COMO Resorts

Travel

River, which flows down from Jomolhari, the country’s second highest peak. Uma is run by COMO Resorts who also run a second Bhutanese lodge in the valley of Punakha; most guests split their time between the two hotels, keeping the same guide the entire week. My visit was in December, considered low season but a delightful time to be in the mountains. A fireplace inside Uma’s lobby was burning the native hardwood that locals call zhishing, its scent deeply comforting. A short drive down the hill, “downtown” Paro village is compact and walkable. With plentiful sources of local lumber, houses are built large to accommodate multiple generations of a family. Houses

are generally inherited by a daughter rather than a son, and a successful man will then move into his wife’s home. Bunches of red peppers hang on strings outside windows to dry in the sun against the walls of buildings. Peppers are an export commodity as well as an ingredient in ema datschi, a favorite national dish of chili peppers and yak cheese. In a shop I bought several bundles of thick stalky incense containing Himalayan cypress. Also for sale in many shops is the woven woolen fabric used for the national dress, the kera for women and gho for men, which looks a bit like a bathrobe. By lucky timing, a competition was taking place at the centrally located

archery grounds. Two teams took turns, first standing at one end of the long field and aiming for the target, then going to the other end and aiming back. Although traditional bows are still made from soft bamboo in Punakha, competitive archers use modern American manufactured bows. That evening the guest speaker at Uma’s cultural program was Kenpo Tashi, director of Bhutan’s National Museum and a lifelong Buddhist scholar. Happiness was the subject of his talk, as Bhutan’s is known for its “gross national happiness” index, a gimmicky idea dreamed up by the country’s monarch in 1972 and assessed annually by the government. The following morning, my guide, a young woman named Sonam, and I embarked on an uphill hike through pine forests to visit two local dzongs, the traditional fortress buildings which also serve as religious centers. Although Uma offers a plentiful Western breakfast menu, I decided to start my day with a healthy bowl of crushed nuts and seeds with almond milk, topped with

shavings of the freshest sweetest apple. The fruit is an export of Bhutan, with over a half million apple trees in the country. Along the hillside path were a few nooks in the mountain where someone had placed dozens of miniature stupas. Sonam explained that these rounded objects with pointed tops were part of a mourning tradition, molded from clay mixed with cremation ash. Within the hour we arrived at Ta Dzong, the historic watchtower that served a strategic role in defending the country from successive waves of Tibetan invaders in the 17th century. This history is what has made archery and darts national sports and pastimes in Bhutan. Ta Dzong is undergoing renovations following two recent earthquakes and will reopen to visitors in December 2016. In the meantime the museum’s collections are on display in an adjacent building. Among the highlights are masks from the ceremonial Mask Dance of the Drums, each of the twelve masks representing a different animal and

by extension, a different vice or virtue. This bit of centuries-old culture is currently the focus of preservation efforts by UNESCO. The country’s natural history is also explained with displays about the snow leopard and the national blue poppy flower, which blooms during the spring monsoons. Light-filled mountain room at Uma Paro by COMO

Before my hike Sonam had given me a preparatory talk in which she was also determining any fear of heights I might have. This mountain walk was a warm-up of sorts for the next day’s climb to Paro Taktsang, the “Tigers Nest” monastery. Originally built in the 17th century, the iconic cliff-hugging architecture is the

Travel spot where, according to local belief, an 8th century guru brought Buddhism from Tibet to Bhutan, arriving on the back of a flying tigress.

else to call it) in the floor and I gazed directly down at three thousand feet of mountain and air. It was my only vertiginous moment of the day.

We set out early for the daylong trek in order to return before the afternoon winds became oppressive. Five-colored prayer flags are a continual sight along the way. The monastery is 3,000 feet above the valley floor. One walks along a well-trod path, but although the landmark is visible much of the way, the route is not. I was climbing the mountain while seeing Tigers Nest on an adjacent mountain but it wasn’t clear until nearly the end of the hike how we would navigate the horizontal distance across the ravine. It turns out there were short bridges over a waterfall that joined the gap. That cascade was also the only spot where I saw a few patches of snow.

It was upon beginning the descent and seeing the haggard faces of several tired hikers still on their way up that I felt smug in a way that perhaps only a physically fit middle-aged man can feel. I felt it again back in the comfort of the lodge when chatting with a twentysomething fellow hiker who confessed he was exhaustedly looking forward to his hot stone massage treatment at COMO’s Shambala spa.

The word monastery might make one assume Tigers Nest is home to a community of monks, but in fact just three caretakers live there at present. The interiors are a series of shrines and temples. Among the paraphernalia in each is the traditional offering of seven bowls of water. At one point Sonam opened up a trap door (I don’t know what

I headed instead to a table at Uma’s Bukhari restaurant where Executive Chef Dewa Wijaya nightly prepares Indian, Bhutanese and Western menus. After my day’s efforts, charcoal-grilled Australian lamb loin with crispy polenta, Italian ratatouille, olive tapenade and rosemary jus called to me, washed down with a Jacob’s Creek Shiraz. Kenpo Tashi has his ideas about happiness and I have mine. Uma by COMO Paro Bhutan Tel: +975 8 271597 www.comohotels.com/umaparo/

Shambala Spa. Courtesy of Uma by COMO

The Luxury of Laguna Beach By Jessica O’Hehir

IMAGE COURTESY OF 15FIFTYFIVE LOUNGE

Travel

he laid-back lifestyle in Laguna Beach isn’t the only perk of visiting this quaint, art-driven city in California; luxury is around every corner. From five-star restaurants to gorgeous hotels, Laguna Beach beckons you to live the good life. The stunning ocean views alone can be the catalyst that will have you packing up your life and moving to Laguna Beach — or at least considering it! The vacation that dreams are made of began for my family and me at Laguna’s Surf & Sand Resort. Traveling with young children can be, to say the least, a chore. At the Surf & Sand, every effort is made to accommodate your needs; mine begin and end with my children. The beautiful ocean front hotel has 167 rooms, all of which have an ocean view. There are plenty of amenities; I highly recommend the complimentary S’mores and Snores package (upon request). The hotel staff set up a small tent in our room for the little ones to sleep in, and delivered S’mores before bedtime. According to my children, “That’s the right way to begin a vacation!” The Surf & Sand also provides complimentary earplugs, in case the soothing sounds of the surf threaten to disturb your slumber. Stepping onto the balcony of our hotel room was serene; the Pacific Ocean creeps precariously close to the foundation of the Surf & Sand, giving the impression that the hotel will be consumed by the waves at any moment. Actually walking along the beach or gamboling in the surf (or doing back handsprings in it like my teenager) supersede any optical illusion for my family, however. We spent hours chasing waves and playing catch in the sand, soaking up every ounce of sun possible. The staff at the Surf & Sand set up beach chairs and umbrellas along with spa water — just in case relaxation is calling your name instead of the hot California sun.

life that much easier. Dining on the palm-shaded patio of Splashes feels like a vacation in itself (despite the shameful crayon throwing – courtesy of my youngest child). During our lunch at Splashes, I was served an interesting dish: Flatbread of Forest Mushroom and Pork Belly, complete with pickled baby apples, soy caramel, Brie cheese, rosemary and black garlic. What’s a vacation for, if not to experience life (and therefore food) outside of your comfort zone? My teenage daughter, on the other hand, opted for her usual: the Kobe Burger with smoked cheddar, coriander slaw and garlicky pickles. We swung by Sapphire Laguna for brunch while out exploring and were pleasantly surprised. Sapphire offers patio or indoor seating, and displays works from local artists throughout. The restaurant is known for providing comfort food inspired by cuisines from around the world. My husband, relishing the moment, ordered A Study of Eggs Benedict. Served three ways, A Study of Eggs Benedict consists of a toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, hollandaise sauce, thick sliced summer tomato, poached egg and

pancetta-mushroom cream sauce. My younger children were less concerned about the food they received and more about the plates; all kids’ menu items are served on Disney or Pixar plates at Sapphire Laguna. Dinner at Selanne Steak Tavern in downtown Laguna Beach beats them both, however. This contemporary American steakhouse offers outdoor seating in their veranda or sunset terrace, as well as in the wine loft and wine library. Co-founded by hockey legend Teemu Selanne and Kevin Pratt, Selanne provides menus inspired by executive chef Josh Severson. We were first offered a small plate containing the Selanne ‘Flash’ Burger – ground sirloin and short rib on a pretzel bun with angry onions and baconaise. For our first course, we were served the Wedge: baby iceberg with heirloom tomatoes, bacon foam and Point Reyes blue cheese. (Normally I despise the pretentiousness of anything “foamed,” but have to admit that now I’m obsessed.) The entrée of Filet Mignon with truffle marrow butter and bordelaise, served with Truffle Oil Risotto Carnaroli, had me euphoric, although I’m sure the Chardonnay helped with that. I couldn’t have guessed that TOP Artwork at Sapphire Laguna ABOVE The Chocolate Soldier

When the sand becomes a nuisance, the Surf & Sand’s rooftop pool and spa offers a reprieve. I spent some serious time reading in a cabana lounge chair facing the ocean, with a Laguna Sunset – the Surf & Sand signature cocktail of course! The famous Splashes restaurant, located just steps away from the pool (and a mere 25 feet from the ocean), offers the same gorgeous seaside view. Fortunately, Splashes was also just feet from my hotel room, making

IMAGE COURTESY OF SPLASHES RESTAURANT

dessert (Vanilla Crème Brulee Torte with lavender foam, orange saffron and pistachio jaconde) would have come in second to an entrée. Exploring downtown was the perfect way to walk off calories from the excessive consumption that occurred throughout our stay in Laguna Beach. The local art scene is on point (I may be adopting lingo from my teenager) and is visible in every store window. Be it canvas, clothing, food, architecture or surfboards, art is everywhere. The Chocolate Soldier in downtown Laguna Beach provides both works of painted art and gelato. What could be better? If you are ready to end the ambulation (or if you tripped off of one of Laguna Beach’s very large curbs, as I did), Laguna Beach offers

complimentary trolleys throughout the summer. The trolley runs throughout the day and into the evening. I downloaded the Laguna Beach Travel Info app and used the Trolley Tracker function to see real-time locations of all trolleys. After a busy day wandering around Laguna Beach’s stunning streets (think flowers and succulents everywhere), we were able to kick our feet up at the Manager’s Reception. Hosted by the Surf & Sand’s 15FiftyFive Lounge, the reception (occurring every Friday evening) featured live music by local artists, wine and appetizers. The 15FiftyFive Lounge is also host to the most adorable event on Saturday mornings, Little Picassos. The Surf & Sand staff

View from the Surf & Sand pool patio

Travel Sunset on Laguna Beach

sets out multi-colored framed easels, along with paper and markers. The Lounge area also boasts a picturesque view of the sand and ocean – more than enough inspiration for my little artists.

Forest Mushroom and Pork Belly Flatbread

Creating our own artwork in a city known for its creativity was the perfect way for my family to end our time in Laguna Beach. While we won’t be making the move there anytime in the near future, I’ll be staring often at our photographs and reminiscing with my family, remembering all of the wonderful (and silly) experiences we had in Laguna Beach. Now we are onto our next adventure – wherever that may be. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” I’m ready to paint the town – are you?

Little Picassos

A Cruise Vacation can be a Healthy Vacation By Lillian Africano

Travel

es, that’s right: A cruise vacation can be a healthy vacation.

Sure, a generation or so ago, a cruise vacation was often an excuse to drink too much and overeat, not only during breakfast, lunch and dinner -- but also at the legendary midnight buffets. Today’s health-conscious traveler will find it easy to eat well (and deliciously) on a cruise and drink fine wines, without overindulging. Exercise options onboard can be fun and there is enough to do so there is little risk of eating out of boredom. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently listed the following 12 reasons why taking a cruise is a healthy vacation choice, based on a 2014 North American Cruise Profile study, which collected data from U.S. and Canadian residents.

Sunshine

There’s no better place to enjoy the morning sunshine than a cruise ship deck. Studies have found that getting an hour of natural sunlight in the morning can help fine tune your internal clock, allowing you to get more (and better!) sleep. Sunshine also has long-term benefits since it helps the body produce the important Vitamin D which has been found to help fight off heart disease and cancer. Moderate amounts of sunshine will also boost serotonin levels that fight off depression. So apply sunscreen and enjoy the rays!

Relaxation

Finding time to relax plays a vital role in overall health. Chronic stress can lead to a myriad of problems, including impaired memory, inflammation, high blood pressure and heart disease. Skip the stress by lounging at the pool, enjoying spa treatments and relaxing in

comfortable accommodations. Best of all, cruising allows for a stressfree vacation experience where vacationers can just “go with the flow” of the itinerary.

Cleanliness

Cruise line cleanliness is highly regulated. Each room and common area is kept clean, presentable and disinfected. From door handles to poker chips, cruise ships are regularly sanitized for the wellbeing of everyone on board. Clean hands also guide a steady ship, as those on-board are urged to wash hands frequently.

Ocean Air

The benefits of fresh, ocean air are seemingly limitless and cruisers can take full advantage day and night. Between daytime excursions and nights spent relaxing on the ship deck, there is plenty of time to breathe deeply! Fresh air is known to help keep lungs clean; aid in digestion; improve heart rate; strengthen the immune system; and provide an energy boost.

Salt Water

Isak Dinesen knew what she was talking about when she said, “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” Cruisers can take full advantage of the amazing benefits of the ocean. Aside from the stress relief a day at the beach provides, swimming in salt water can also help improve circulation by restoring vital minerals to your body. Ocean water and on-ship salt water swimming pools are also a natural beauty treatment, as the magnesium has been found to help hydrate skin and improve inflamed or red complexions.

Camaraderie

Humans are wired to connect with one another and in our hyper-digital age, this isn’t always a daily reality. Cruising allows for high amounts of quality bonding time with your vacation partners while also allowing you to socialize with new people. Whether over a gourmet dinner in the dining room or during a comedy routine in the ship theater, cruise ships offer time to connect with others free of work emails, smart phones and hand-held gaming systems.

Exploration

There’s something to be said about the benefits of exploration and having an adventure (not to mention the stories to tell!). Pre-planned cruise shore excursions allow cruisers to scuba dive, parasail, check out local sites in exotic

locations and more, without the stress of making planning every detail or reading millions of reviews to find the right activities. Cruisers can see the world without spending months planning.

Healthy Dining Options

Though many people think it is impossible to eat well while on vacation, cruise ships around the world offer healthy dining fare and lighter meal options to accommodate every diet. Gluten-free? Vegan? Low-carb diet? Cruise ship chefs are happy to accommodate. Additionally, cruise ships offer buffets filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins to help you build a better plate.

Staying Active

Cruise vacations offer vacationers a chance to stay active. There are plenty of onboard activities, like rock climbing, basketball or table tennis. In addition, many cruise ships offer full service gyms and fun fitness classes like yoga in the morning or nighttime tai chi. It’s easy to stay active with options abound on each ship.

Meditation

Whether packing a dance card with endless excursions or take a leisurely stroll around the port, “think time” on a cruise can help clear the mind. Meditation has been found to help reduce stress, negative emotions, recharge the mind and increase self-awareness. Nothing takes the mind to a peaceful place like gazing into open waters or meditating in a beach chair.

Stress-Free Vacation Planning

Vacations are important in terms of “getting away” and bonding with loved ones but the stress of planning every detail can be daunting. Cruising allows for stress-free vacation planning with pre-planned excursions, inclusive meals and endless on-ship entertainment. More importantly, a cruise vacation allows you to unpack and get settled in your cabin without the hassle of having to move your belongings, while you visit multiple destinations.

Better Budget Value

Nothing can bring down a vacation high quite like returning to a pile of credit card bills. Cruise vacations are a great all-inclusive way to enjoy a variety of vacation experiences without a variety of hidden costs. Cruise travel agents are also available to help budget and pre-plan trips for the most budget-friendly experiences.

Open-Air Flying in a Biplane By Debi Lander

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ld style leather flying helmet over my hair, goggles on my head, and scarf wrapped around my neck; I’m ready to take flight, feeling like Amelia Earhart and those 1920’s barnstormers. Pilot Dave Genet at the St. Augustine Regional Airport instructs me about the biplane and flight plan before explaining how to enter the open-air cockpit, “Step in backwards with the first leg and then slowly turn around as you lift the second leg.” Not my most elegant move, but I manage to nudge myself (with my thighs squished against my companion) in a compartment barely big enough for two. We both anxiously await the miracle of take off in a 1935 “Model” WACO YMF-5C biplane. The aeroplane, built in 2011, was hand crafted and designed to look and fly like the original. This beauty is the world’s only currently produced luxury 1935 Model FAA Certified Biplane, and Dave proudly shows it off. Plans call for a circuitous flight over

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historic St. Augustine, Florida; which just happens to be my hometown. Now seated, I don headphones that allow me to hear the control tower. Air traffic controllers clear us for take off and the flying machine lifts with ease, its feather-light wings made from spruce, and covered in Dacron. To me, aeronautics remains a mystery, but I am tingling with glee when everything works and we feel the wind beneath our wings.

No wonder Amelia wore a cap – the wind is unceasing in the blue yonder at 80-100 miles per hour. Dave’s voice coming through the headphones is muted yet comforting. The struts or wing supports partially obstruct the view, but feeling of freedom and connection with the sky is glorious – remarkably different from sitting in a pressurized cabin of a jet. Positioned on the left-hand side of this plane, initially all I can see is the glare of rippling waves in the Atlantic. I soon

catch sight of Vilano Beach though, then a few sunbathers on sandy St. Augustine Beach, and finally the iconic black and white stripes of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Taking photos becomes a challenge, but I want to document the experience. When you twist your upper body to the side, a sharp blast of air hits you. Whoa – be sure to put the camera strap around your neck and restrain your sunglasses! Slowly,

the plane circles around, and I get a heads-on peek at the Matanzas Inlet and my condo along the water. “Wow, there’s my place, the Bridge of Lions and Flagler College,” I yell, though no one hears me. The engine drowns out my voice. I was eagerly awaiting a glimpse of Castillo de San Marcos – the multipointed star-shaped fort. Once I see it, I’m giddy with delight. This vantage point is the only way you can appreciate the strategic architectural design of the construction. St. Augustine’s historic landmark is gorgeous from the air and worth the price of the ride. I want to linger, but introductory bi-plane rides only last about 20 minutes. As we begin to head back toward the airport, we fly low over the estuary. The artful mosaic of the natural waterway strikes me – apparently nature knows how to create a masterpiece. Dave mentions how convective currents or downdrafts from the water and trees sometimes cause a bumpy ride. Who knew? I’m surprised to hear this, but always learning as it comes from experiencing new adventures. Before long we descend and roll down the runway. My first biplane ride is over way too soon. I could repeat this flight many times and be thrilled each time. Like Charles A. Lindbergh said, “Sometimes, flying feels too godlike to be attained by man. Sometimes, the world from above seems too beautiful, too wonderful, too distant for human eyes to see.” I must agree.

The Elegant Art Hotel in Shanghai By Jill Weinlein

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hile visiting our daughter who was studying at Donghua University in Shanghai, my husband and I stayed at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental in Pudong. Built in 2013, the property is also known as the “Art Hotel,” with 4,000 pieces of artwork displayed throughout the elegant property showcasing 50 different artists. This area of Pudong is also known as “Skyscrapers in Greenbelts.” The most distinctive and unique skyscraper is the Oriental Pearl Television Tower. It looks like magenta luminous pearls that shine during the day and night sky of Shanghai. While the Bund is located along the Huangpu River and is the oldest area in Shanghai, Pudong is newer. Less than 20 years ago, Pudong was all farms. This property is in the newer new Harbour City development. It’s the only hotel in the area with a private boat dock for elegant river cruises. Guests are welcomed into the high-ceiling lobby with an impressive art masterpiece of 71,459 glass tiles. Each tile is 2”x 2” in size, displaying a mosaic of a forest. Nearby are large black stones carved as ripples in water. Above

are circular light fixtures hung at angles that represent large diamond wedding bands. The staff at this property is extensively trained in hospitality to please each guest from check-in to check-out. We were taken up to the tastefully-decorated second floor Club Lounge to enjoy a beverage and snack, as we were efficiently checked in and given our keys to an Executive view suite and an attached Deluxe Twin room for my daughters. The Club Lounge benefits include breakfast, a light lunch and afternoon tea during the day. Evening cocktails and snacks are available before sunset. Benefits also include on-call butler service, concierge service and laundry, pressing and dry cleaning of two pieces of garments per day and unlimited high speed Internet access throughout the hotel. Our room oozed elegance with its soft color palette decor and multimillion dollar views of Shanghai. Our room had a luxury sitting area and bedroom with a king-size bed dressed in luxurious Frette linens. Inside the closet were silk robes and plush slippers. Beyond was the marble bathroom with a soaking bathtub positioned next to the floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the magnificent city and river views. I enjoyed the opulent bathroom amenities by Ormonde Jayne and plush terry bathrobes by Frette before touring the hotel with Cecilia Yang, the Marketing Manager of the property. We met on the second floor to learn more about the local art. Among the prestigious names in the extensive collection is Chinese artist Lai De Quan, a national-level master artist whose pieces have been presented to several world dignitaries. “Master Lai has created 44 porcelain pieces especially for the hotel,” said Yang. This talented artist invented a new technique of glaze painting directly onto traditional Jingdezhen porcelain for his panel collection, Scenes of Jiangnan. “Guests can see these on display in the guest room corridors and Presidential Suite,” said Yang as we walked past one of the artist’s pieces. Yang took me to the MO (Mandarin Oriental) Spa to see a multitude of

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elegant porcelain butterflies. “No other living creature undergoes such dramatic change as the butterfly,”said Yang. “Guests feel rejuvenated after experiencing a relaxing treatment.” Each room is named after the word butterfly in a different language. The hallway was spacious and the Papillon spa

suite had two tables and an extra large bathtub. Strolling over to the restaurants, I learned that each one offers indoor and outdoor patio dining. Zest is the multi-station restaurant located on the LG level offering alfresco breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nearby

were whimsical modern ink artworks by Da Cai. The focus was fish and inspiration from a quote from the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zi. “The artist reflects on the nature of how the behavior of fish resembles that of humans,” Yang informed me. “Cai also incorporates her passion for food.”

Inside the Art-Deco-inspired Fifty 8 Grill, I learned that the acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Richard Ekkebus oversees this French fusion menu using the freshest ingredients with exceptional kitchen craftsmanship. Inside the dining room are a few eyecatching art pieces. Located on the lower ground of the hotel, the Chinese restaurant Yong Yi Ting’s chef Tony Lu prepares healthier dishes. “The food is presented in a refined dining way,” stated Yang. The star art piece is a lady in a traditional one-piece Chinese dress and a collection of linked chains hanging down near silk banners. There is a private wine-tasting room situated inside the cellar for intimate wine-pairing dinners with regional Jiang Nan cuisine. Using only the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients, Chef Lu adds a touch of modernity to both his presentation and cooking techniques. At the end of the tour, we visited the neighboring tower that houses service apartments, with studio to three-bedroom suites for long-term guests and expats. After my tour, I learned that connecting eclectic art with luxurious rooms and fine dining appeals to Mandarin Oriental’s affluent guests.

Put a Pin in it

Experience the WOW Factor of Sweetwater County, Wyoming By Debbie Stone

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y goal was not to fall in -especially so close to the dock where a group of curious onlookers attentively watched my stand-up paddle-boarding attempts on the lake at Red Canyon Lodge. It was a make-or-break moment as I rose up from my knees, first to an awkward squatting position and then slowly to full extension. I was shaking as I stood on the board, legs quivering like jelly and hands clenched in white knuckle fashion around the paddle. Then I began to move, trying to remember to retain a slight bend in my knees, to keep eyes focused ahead and alternate paddle strokes from side to side. It was slow going initially, as I didn’t trust my balance nor the board’s stability, and I felt like a frozen statue. But gradually I started to loosen up as

I gained confidence in my skills. Though I never quite reached that Zen moment of becoming one with my paddle, I did, however, feel proud of my accomplishments and excited to learn a fun, new sport. Stand-up paddleboarding is just one of dozens of activities visitors can experience while exploring Sweetwater County, Wyoming. To many, this area is relatively unknown in comparison to the state’s more popular destinations of Yellowstone and the Tetons. What people don’t realize, however, is that this hidden gem is an all-ages adventure playground, ripe for discovery. Located in the southwestern corner of Wyoming, Sweetwater County is ideally situated for those heading to the famed national parks. It makes a perfect stopover, but once you realize

Travel how much there is to see and do here, you’ll most likely want to extend your stay. There’s something for everyone, from the adrenaline junkie to the history buff and rock hound. Start in Rock Springs, where you can take a trip back in time and dig into the state’s mining and railroad past. This desert oasis, named for a former spring that babbled through town, grew with the development of the area’s coal mining production and subsequent need for railroads. Today, it thrives with trona mines. The mineral is a common source of soda ash used in manufacturing glass, chemicals, paper, detergents and textiles. A booming oil and gas industry is also responsible for keeping the town on the map. You can easily get your history fix at the Rock Springs Historical Museum and the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in nearby Green River. There you’ll find exhibits on everything from coal mining and the Union Pacific Railroad to early settlers and notorious outlaws, like Robert Leroy Parker (most commonly known as Butch Cassidy), who journeyed through the area over the years. Or, you can set out to discover remnants of bygone days as you explore the surrounding region with its numerous historic pioneer trails, fossil beds and petroglyphs. One of the highlights of Sweetwater County is getting to see the wild horses that make their home in this corner of the state. These beautiful creatures run free and untamed, reminding visitors that the frontier spirit is still alive and well in our country. Though you can drive the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop on your own – a 23-mile route on an often rough road (reliable transportation is a must!) – the best way to view these magnificent beasts is via a guided excursion with Green River Wild Horse Tours & Eco Safaris. Owner and guide Rich Nobles has extensive knowledge of the wild horses, as well as of their history and the high desert country they inhabit. Not only will you be able to see the horses and possibly other creatures such as pronghorn, coyotes, mule deer, hawks, eagles and more in their natural environment, but you’ll get a real taste of the scenery. Impressive vistas surround you at every turn as you navigate through a stark and unforgiving landscape of sandstone, shale, sagebrush and buffalo grass, dominated by White Mountain.

Nobles drives an Australian made Pinzgauer, or as he calls it, an “SUV on steroids.” It’s a rugged safaristyle vehicle with open air capabilities that allow passengers to get the best possible view of their surroundings. Some of the finest views in Wyoming are located along the Wild Horse Scenic Loop, with several panoramic overlooks of the area’s prominent features, such as Pilot Butte, a distinctive navigational landmark and Boar’s Tusk, a 400-foot-tall volcanic spire that acts as a sentinel to the vast Killpecker Sand Dunes. The Wyoming, Wind River and Uinta mountain ranges are also on display, along with the Overland Trail and Union Pacific Railroad corridors. You’ll be taken off-road, up and down steep embankments, as you keep an eye out for the horses and any other animals

that care to make themselves visible. Meanwhile, Nobles will regale you with interesting facts and a collection of colorful tales. Never one to shy away from a controversial subject, he will also inject his personal and passionate opinions about the politics of the wild horse management situation and various environmental issues. When the horses are spotted, there’s palpable excitement from the group. Nobles tells us that the herd is a mix of different breeds, from thoroughbreds and quarter horses to Morgans and Curly horses. We keep our distance, not wanting to spook them, as we take ample opportunity of this marvelous Kodak moment. Later, we spy a pair of old bachelor stallions making their way down to a watering hole. And then there’s another group on a nearby hillside, which Nobles explains is actually comprised of several small clusters,

each consisting of a stallion and his mares. Towards the latter part of our excursion, we come across a grouping adjacent to the road. A few of the horses surround a small colt that is lying on the ground, protecting her as elephants do with their young. They part and move on to graze, and we get a full look at the little one before it rises in ungainly fashion and scampers off to join the others. At Killpecker Sand Dunes, we marvel at one of nature’s largest sand boxes. Created via a combination of volcanic action and subsequent wind erosion, the dunes can reach heights of over 100 feet and run for over 100 miles from west to east. They are traveling sand dunes, constantly on the move, which gives the vegetation in this environment a real challenge. For recreation-seekers, the dunes provide a soft terrain suitable for a myriad of activities such as hiking, sand surfing or an

unforgettable match of beach volleyball. If you’re lucky, you might spot the herd of rare desert elk that roams across this unique landscape. Nobles also includes a stop at the White Mountain Petroglyphs during our daylong tour. It’s an opportunity to see ancient artwork carved by the ancestors of present Plains and Great Basin Native Americans. The petroglyphs, of which there are hundreds, include drawings of elk, buffalo, horses, teepees and human figures. Many date to early times, about 200 years ago; others appear to be older and are estimated to be as much as 1,000 years old. Nobles

shows us a particular section of the rock with marks that appear to be hand holds. He notes a possible explanation for these indentations, telling us that Native American women might have created them during the childbirth process. Another major highlight of Sweetwater County is Flaming Gorge. To get there, take the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway, one of the most scenic routes in the country. The drive traverses a wide variety of dramatic landscapes from the high desert plains to the upper elevations of the Uinta Mountains. It encircles the 91-mile-long Lake

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which is also regarded by fishermen as trout heaven. If you’re hardy enough to come in the dead of winter, you’ll even be able to do some ice fishing! Hikers, take heart, as there are miles of trails to give you a sense of the grandeur of the Flaming Gorge. One of the more popular walks is along Red Canyon Rim, where you’ll get great views of Red Canyon, a 1,700-feet-deep gorge carved by the Green River eons ago. The route follows the south side of the rim, providing many spectacular overlooks of the lake below. It’s easy to become mesmerized by the contrast between the red walls of the canyon and the blue/green color of the lake. Make sure to stop in at the Red Canyon Visitor Center, with its frontier history and wildlife exhibits, as well as its free interpretive programs for kids and families. Perched high upon the rocky cliffs of the gorge, the facility offers a million-dollar view of the immense canyon. Flaming Gorge, crosses verdant forests and vast canyons carved by the Green River. Most of this picturesque area is in Wyoming, with only a small portion lying in neighboring Utah. Designated a National Recreation Area, Flaming Gorge is rich in wildlife and Western lore, and serves as a grand outdoor play arena, minus the crowds. If water is your milieu, you’ll be in heaven, whether it’s on an exciting raft trip or a leisurely boat excursion. Traveling from one end of the lake to the other, you’ll pass through sections with stunning rock pinnacles and long stretching

beaches. As you make your way towards the south end, there are winding canyons with vibrantly-hued cliffs and lush forests. Big horn sheep graze the hillsides and scale the steep walls of the canyon, giving visitors pause as they stand in awe of these nimble creatures. As for anglers, this area offers one of the most diverse fisheries in the world, with hundreds of waters within an hour’s drive of the gorge. It’s a trophy trout destination, known for setting state records for Lake, Rainbow and Brown trout. And let’s not forget about the Green River, below the Flaming Gorge Dam,

There are plenty of places to camp in and around the Flaming Gorge, as well as a number of lodges for those wishing additional comfort. Red Canyon Lodge, where I had my stand-up paddleboard experience, is a top-rated establishment with a dose of rustic charm, offering private cabins, fine dining and plenty of activities to please all tastes and ages. The log cabins are custom-built and handcrafted, situated on the lodge’s peaceful lakeside setting. Some folks simply sit on the porch content to gaze at the scenery during their stay, while others are active from dawn to dusk, taking advantage of the fishing and boating opportunities on the private lake or

heading down to the stables for a trail ride. The lodge rents all sorts of gear, including assorted watercraft and mountain bikes. Clientele ranges from empty nesters to families, many who make their pilgrimage to the place year after year. It’s definitely a kid-friendly environment, where little ones have their own fishing hole to haul in a “big one” just steps away from the on-site restaurant with its madefor-children meal options. Though it’s the wow factor that certainly impresses visitors to Sweetwater County, it’s also the opportunity the area offers them for rejuvenation and peace of mind that is of equal merit. Most important, however, it’s a place where treasured memories can be made.

If you go:

For more information about Sweetwater County, visit: www.tourwyoming.com www.redcanyonlodge.com www.greenriverwildhorsetours.com

Life with the Cherokee By Kaitlyn Phillips

herokee, North Carolina entwines the traditions of the past with the modern conveniences of today in an effort to preserve their beautiful, intricate culture. From storytelling to bonfired pottery to expressive dances, the Cherokee customs are alive (and thriving) in this small town neighboring the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. During my stay, my eyes were opened to the Native Americans’ appreciation for nature, unity and balance. My perspective on the Cherokee and on the world, was changed; may yours be, too. I was given the opportunity to participate in several Cherokee rituals over the course of a week, perhaps most notably in my immersion in nature. John-John Grant, Mike Crowe, J.D. Arch and Last Bear Wilnoty were my guides

during my visit and they took me a variety of places: Kituwah, the Mother City; Mingo Falls; Islands Park; Deep Creek; and Bryson City. Each location had a significance, whether it be for a religious ritual or storytelling or simply getting away. On a walk with Last Bear, he pointed out various leaves, roots and flowers that the Cherokee utilize in medicines; Mike explained that if one takes something from nature, one must leave something behind as a thank you. John-John claimed that for every creature on this planet, there is a corresponding story for that creature. For example, the mole became squinty-eyed after staring at the sun for too long, and the chipmunk got its stripes from a grumpy bear. The eagle flew to space to hang up stars, causing his head to freeze white from frost. Speaking of stories, this is another

fantastic element of Cherokee life. The art of storytelling is sacred, and the position of storyteller can only be passed down to the smartest and brightest in the village. It’s a great responsibility to memorize and recount every story relevant to the Cherokee culture. John-John is a storyteller of this town, and he captivated me with his tales of “How to Follow Directions,” “The Story of the Blanket” and “The Story of Night and Day.” In Cherokee society, stories are used to retell historical events, to explain why things are or used to administer a lesson to a misbehaving child. J.D. shared that storytellers wear a special belt called a “walking belt,” formed out of beads made from seashells, called Wampum beads. Each bead on the belt represents a story and these stories walk through time, hence the name. I was so in love with this idea, I purchased my own Wampum shell before leaving. If there’s one thing the Cherokee taught me during my visit, it is the importance of history and heritage. The Cherokee have a tragic history, from racial stereotyping and abuse from English settlers to the Trail of Tears. Yet in spite of these past grievances, they are incredibly full of love and giving. Part of their culture is to be communal and hospitable, and that’s what they showed me. In living out their generosity, they freely gave knowledge to me. They spoke reverently of their ancestors, they candidly explained how they healed from past mistreatments at the hands of settlers, they shared their hopes and ideas for the future, for unity in our nation. Their positivity and eagerness was awe-inspiring, humbling and incredibly moving.

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I was able to experience their history more realistically through the power of Unto the Hills and the Oconaluftee Village. Unto the Hills is an outdoor drama performed by Cherokee residents that demonstrates the groundwork and aftermath of the Trail of Tears. Their reenactment was quite gripping; I was shaken by the end. The Oconaluftee Village is a replica of what a Cherokee village would have looked like in olden times, with employees wearing period clothes, buildings made in period style, etc. There were various â&#x20AC;&#x153;stationsâ&#x20AC;? to walk through and talk with employees, such as a trapping booth, weaponry booth, canoeing booth, trading booth and basket-weaving booth. Both of these productions gave me a first-hand glimpse into the life and past of the Cherokee. The Cherokee are very much lovers of life and enjoy singing, dancing and music with fervor. In their tradition,

dancing is a way to express celebration, joy, prayer and fellowship. On my second to last evening in Cherokee, there was a bonfire in Islands Park, while John-John told stories and sang to the audience. Upon finishing, John-John asked Last Bear and his wife, Cota Bear, to lead a dance in which the audience could participate. It was called the Friendship Dance and it was a beautiful, unifying way to close my week. To see natives and Caucasians, elderly and young, male and female, all celebrating and laughing together was to see potential in humanity. I look forward to visiting these great people, my friends, again. Cherokee do not have a word for goodbye in their language; they believe they will always see each other again, either in this life or the next. They simply say until we meet again.

The Blue Life of an Aquatic Nomad By Kenneth Zak

or me, life is about water: pools, puddles, rain, lakes, rivers, and oceans. I have swum, surfed, and free-dived around the world. So, when a Thai American friend mentioned two of her favorite secret spots on a remote island in the Gulf of Thailand, I was intrigued. But when she guaranteed both the ultimate swim and seafood experience in all of Thailand, I was absolutely hooked. The island is named Koh Kut, also spelled Koh Kood (Koh translates in Thai to island). Even with two previous trips to Thailand, I had never heard of the island. A little research revealed that while Koh Kut is the fourth largest (and easternmost) island in Thailand. It

is remarkably undeveloped with virtually no towns, banks, convenient stores, and absolutely no nightlife. But what Koh Kut promised was two idyllic, remote island resorts: Shantaa and Bann Makok. First I had to get there, which beckoned the question, how remote is remote? In Bangkok I hired a private car and driver. Four hours later an air conditioned BMW dropped me at a nondescript,

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but clean, hotel in Trat to spend the night before the morning boat left for Koh Kut. Trat is no tourist town. Instead, it’s a gritty port city to the nearby islands. Still I was charmed by its authentic night market and relieved that some finger pointing and a few smiles scored some decent fish curry. Yet I was on a quest for the ultimate swimming and seafood experience in all of Thailand. I needed to remind

myself of this as I bounced on the wooden bench of a song thew the next morning. Song thew translates to public transportation, but “pick-up truck without shock absorbers” is probably closer. That bumpy ride was followed by a 90-minute speedboat ride. Once I arrived at Shantaa Resort though, all was forgotten. I was welcomed to Shantaa by a lovely receptionist who floated through an

exquisite, open-air teak roofed restaurant, and then led me along the hillside path to one of only 20 private, freestanding villas in the resort. The villa was anchored by a Thai platform bed leading out onto a deck overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Behind two sliding teak doors was a lush, open-air garden bathroom, featuring an outdoor shower, full tub, and all of the amenities. In a few minutes I was swimming and

diving in the warm gulf waters, just steps from my villa. The water was so pristine that its depth was deceptive. Shells seemingly just beneath my feet were actually twenty to thirty feet below me. I was giddy; not just in that first moment, but every time I submerged that week. Fish, crab, octopus, and turtles abounded. I even swam alongside a teal-striped eel one morning. That abundance transitioned right onto the table.

Each meal at Shantaa was like dining in a church of worshipping seafoodies. Every dish had been caught that day, if not that hour, and was served alongside locally harvested greens prepared to Michelin Star standards. Shantaa in Hindi means tranquility, but the terms oasis, nirvana, nectar, and divine splendor equally describe Shantaa. My expectations had already been surpassed. Next stop: Bann Makok.

Bann Makok is about 30 minutes away from Shantaa by speedboat and tucked up a languid canal on Koh Kut. Even before stepping off the boat I could tell this would be a very different experience. Bann Makok is built on low wooden poled platforms above the water and nestled into a bank of mangrove trees. Eight guestrooms connect via wooden paths. Several have outdoor terraces. All have outdoor showers. The décor is colorful and funky with a Dwell Magazine-worthy quirky aesthetic.

Bann Makok had been described to me as a place where Thais go to get away (and it is in fact known as “The Getaway”). The food was wonderful – still very sea-inspired, but with more curries and authentic dishes to be expected of the region. I was still hovering in foodie heaven, upon a particularly Thai cloud. Every meal at Bann Makok was served on a two-tiered deck overlooking the canal. Just off that very deck is where I also had the most magical swim of my life. Except for the deck lights, once the sun goes down the area is pitch black with a sea of stars overhead. One night I asked the manager to shut off all the deck lights. I climbed down the dock’s wooden ladder and slipped

Travel Surfrider’s efforts, I designed a waterfall-bamboo gutter system, rain barrel, and outdoor shower at my San Diego home to recycle greywater for garden use. Started over a decade ago, 1% For the Planet is a global movement of companies who dedicate 1% of their sales to environmental and sustainability charities across the globe, including the Love Blue initiative. To date, 1% For the Planet has more than 1,200 members in 48 countries that have donated over $100 million dollars to over 3,300 non-profits. Thus, in addition to Penju Publishing’s 1% For the Planet commitment, I will donate $1 to Surfrider for every sale of my upcoming novel, The Poet’s Secret. My book is inspired by my blue travels and is a love song to our seas and the creatures that call them home, including yours truly. I hope to do more than simply enjoy the wonders of a blue life – I want to share and preserve them. I’ll see you out there in the blue. Kenneth Zak’s debut novel, The Poet’s Secret, is available October 2015 from Penju Publishing. Until then, the author and poet will be in the waters off of Southern California, France, Kauai, and the Maldives.

into the canal’s warm water. Thousands of lightning bursts flashed around my every stroke, creating a spectacularly illuminated aquatic aura around my body. I was swimming amidst seasonal luminescent plankton. Flipping on my back I gazed up at the stars, laughed out loud, and swam on in bliss. The euphoria of these blue adventures got me thinking. I had traveled and feasted in the waters of our world. Beyond the Gulf of Thailand, I had surfed in the Indian Ocean, swam in the Mediterranean, and dived in the blue Aegean of the Greek Islands. I wanted to preserve such experiences, so in addition to working with local charities when I traveled, years ago I also joined the

Surfrider Foundation, and last year affiliated my publishing company, Penju Publishing, with 1% For the Planet. Surfrider is a non-profit organization started 30 years ago by a group of California surfers trying to preserve their favorite surf spot. It has since grown to over 250,000 members who work to promote beach access, clean water, coastal preservation, and ocean protection. In California, Surfrider has helped stop the building of a toll road that would have destroyed our SoCal coastline, combatted plastic pollution, and worked toward implementing OFGs (Ocean Free Gardens), which is particularly important given the California drought. Motivated by

When Indy’s Libertine Liquor Bar landed on Esquire’s “Best Bars in America” list, it was acknowledgment of not only a bar, but a scene that has been building. From our breweries raking in gold at the Great American Beer Festival to our chefs stirring up buzz over our dining scene, Indianapolis is serving up more than the race cars and hoops we’re known for. Take a long weekend and discover the Midwest’s best kept secret for yourself.

For what to see, do, and eat, go to VisitIndy.com | BLOG: DoingIndy.com | FOLLOW US: @VisitIndy

Luggage Forward H opefully, you’re not the last to hear about Luggage Forward -- a forwarding service that ships your luggage worldwide before, during or even after your trip. I heard about the service some time ago, but didn’t initially understand the value of it. I kept thinking: I could just take my suitcase with me on the plane, so why ship it?

That was the old me. The new me finally saw the light! I recently took a trip around the world and my luggage undoubtedly kept growing and growing with each new country I visited. Facing stiff fees from the European airlines I was traveling on for excess and overweight baggage, I had the bright idea to ship some items home. Who knew it would be so difficult to locate shipping supplies and a post office in a foreign country? When my initial plan didn’t work, I remembered Luggage Forward and I’m so glad I did. Shipping luggage ahead to your destination creates a true luxury

Travel

By Lisa Collins-Haynes

travel experience. Luggage Forward can send luggage to your hotel, cruise ship, golf course, vacation home or any other destination worldwide. Or in my case, I was able to make arrangements while I was still traveling, which allowed me to lighten my load. Sending luggage also allows you to save time at the airport by avoiding the long checkin lines and skipping the wait at baggage claim.

They offer a streamlined online booking process or, if you prefer, you can call them up. When I contacted them, I used the online system and their booking agent wasted no time setting up my international shipping. She sent the custom forms via email, told me a pick up date and guaranteed delivery date. Within a half hour, everything was completely set up and scheduled. I was pressed for time and leaving the country in a few short hours. I packed my luggage, attached the required documents the booking agent had sent me and left my luggage with the hotel concierge.

I admittedly felt strange leaving my belongings behind, but I was confident that the wheels of the process would work efficiently and without a hitch. They did. I received an email when my luggage was picked up from the hotel in Iceland and another when it was delivered to my destination (which happened to be the doorstep of my house). Traditionally the service was

set up to send luggage ahead so that it would be waiting for you when you arrive, but I loved the flexibility of the service and the ability to use the service how it work best for me. That in itself was my kind of luxury. Visit www.LuggageForward.com to learn more about pricing and scheduling your luggage forward vfor your next destination!

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Sometimes referred to as Salvia Hispanica, the chia seed is a member of the mint family. The first mention of chia seeds in history can be dated back to Mesoamerica in 1500-900 B.C. A staple of Aztec and Mayan cultures, chia seeds were revered for their health giving benefits including increased energy and stamina. There is even evidence of chia as currency. Chia was popularized by the ch-chchia “Chia Pet” in the 1980’s but didn’t catch on as a bona fide health food until a few short years ago. Today chia is making its appearance all over the health food world, in everything from drinks, to granola, to crackers.

Of Castles and Cabernet Franc Leisure Days in the Loire By Michael Cervin

here is a legend that the Abbey at Brittany was home to some of the first planted Cabernet Franc grapes in the soils of France’s Loire Valley. It believed that cuttings came from the Basque region in the 11th Century, over 1,000 miles away. We don’t know who planted what when and exactly where, but we do know the Romans had vines under cultivation in Loire even before that. Today the Loire is known for Cabernet Franc, and its stunning castles of which 42 of over 300 are part a UNESCO World Heritage site throughout the 600-mile long valley. Located southwest of Paris it is The author with Carine Reze

Frances’ third most prominent wine region behind Bordeaux and the Rhone Valley. Parts of the Eastern Loire are easily accessed by car just an hour drive from Paris, and a main jumping off point for one-day and up to three-day tours. The TGV train can get you to various Western points like Angers and Nantes in less than three hours.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc in the Loire is the antithesis of Cabernet Franc from California. This should not imply that New World Cabernet Franc is lesser in quality, but to truly understand the origins, complexity

and uniqueness of Cabernet Franc, a nothing much of a grape in California, you need to taste Loire thereby giving yourself a reference point. Cabernet Franc in France is picked earlier, rarely gets any oak treatment, has a surprisingly complex acidity and offers specific dark berry notes common to Franc. It is the soils - limestone, clay, and slate - that give Franc its structure. “The acidity is the arrow that gives the wine direction,” says winemaker Fredrik Filliatreau. And what you find from the villages of Anjou to Saumur, to Chinon and Bourgueil is a wine of diverse characteristics. At Domaine Leduc-Frouin in Anjou I visited brother and sister team Antoine and Nathalie Leduc-Frouin who hand harvest 74 acres of Cabernet Franc, some of which was planted by their grandfather 60 years ago. Though this age is not uncommon, Anjou Cab France is meant to be consumed within a few years as it leans towards an expression of light bright fruit. However I also tasted through vintages dating back to 1999, and you clearly see the age-ability of Cab Franc whereby the inherent acidity allows for cellaring. Just down the road another brother and sister team, Helene and Yves Matignon set to work on their small

parcel of vines. They, too, are third generation farmers, originally with grapes, cattle and cereal grains, though the most notable thing is the cemetery next door. But as I traveled throughout the Loire I found this to be more common that you would expect: lots of parcels of vines and cemeteries nearby, castles popping up near the major freeway and an abundance of wines you may never get to try unless you come here. As a contrast to family wineries, Alliance Loire is a co-op of 150 wine growers who produce 80 different cuvées at various price points for an international market. “There’s a saying that Anjou is very soft,” technical director Nicholas Emereau tells me, meaning that the region is temperate in which to grow grapes. The Alliance operates 260 acres of vines in a massive facility. In fact their boxy tasting room belies what’s underground. I go with Nicolas and winemaker Eric Laurent down a tight circular staircase 80 feet into tunnels originally excavated for their stone in the 1700s. Left behind are 33,000 feet of dank tunnels where the Alliance ages nearly 10 million bottles (it was also where the Nazis stored ammunition during WWII). For such a large facility their wines cover a wide spectrum from inexpensive fruity wines to cuvées with rich

Epicure The lovely Chenonceau Castle

complex fruit. As I taste through several of their wines, The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, belts out “Born in the USA” over the speakers, a reminder that the Loire is not that far from America. Moving east I visited Domaine La Jarnoteire in the St. Nicholas de Bourgueil region, where Carine Reze took me into caves quarried around 990. It’s deep in these caves, some 60 feet underground that they age their wines in chestnut barrels, a practice they have done since they purchased the property in 1945. Of course it was this exact area that Cardinal Richelieu, in the 1600s, decided would be the exclusive place for Cabernet Franc to be grown. And the Cardinal was right. The Cabernet Franc wines of the Bourgueil (pronounced “bur-goy”) express themselves as the most complex, at least to me, of the other Loire Valley regions. You should not imply from this that other areas are lesser in terms of Cabernet France, but that for my palette Bourgueil was the most comprehensive and Carine’s wine show a lovely maturity. “Our style is for elegance, not powerful

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Epicure Chambord

wines,” she says to me in her lilting French accent, which her Cuvee Concerto (100% Cabernet Franc) shows. Of course most of the wineries here are family affairs, and winemaker and son Matthieu Baudry of Bernard Baudry (the dad) in Chinon are crafting exceptional wines of depth and character. The family, post-WWII, was growing corn, barley and some grapes, but demand and production of grapes soared after the war, so vineyards increased. Matthieu pulls his grapes from a variety of plots, some hillside, some close to the river and some of the drier flatlands, all of which help to express the intricate nuances his wines achieve. “I am not the boss, my father is not the boss,” he tells me, “it’s the climate and we respect the geology.” What’s under scrutiny throughout Loire is the use of oak in Cabernet Franc; a method typically and historically frowned upon. Some decry that any barrel program with overt new oak pummels the Franc into a California style Franc. However I found that there are some producers who are using French oak judiciously like Domaine Olga Raffault, Domaine du Colombier, and even Alliance Loire to create wines for a public that has diverse and evolving tastes.

Castles and Fortresses

In addition to stellar wines, the Loire offers stunning castles from hilltop creations to mammoth structures to delicate Gothic buildings. Chinon Castle perched above the town of the same name is the most kid friendly and Hollywood-esque of the castles. Sound effects of swordplay fill the air and cardboard cutouts of faceless knights and damsels allow you a selfie moment. In spite of the kitsch, the history at Chinon is all about Joan of Arc who came here in

1429 for several days to plead with Charles VII to fight the English. The Fortress at Angers is as imposing as it is inspiring. Seventeen round turrets of local troglodyte stone found throughout Loire (which is why the wines are so mineral driven) allow you to walk nearly the full length of the parapet, imagining you’re keeping your enemies at bay as they sailed up the Main River. This rocky bluff has been inhabited since the 9th Century, but it wasn’t until the 1200s that a fortress began to take shape as a formal installation. It has been expanded upon ever since. Inside the walls is the chapel constructed somewhere about 1410, as well as a royal residence for King Rene in 1435 and other buildings from as late as the 1700s. But the fortress is also home to a temperature-controlled room where the Tapestry of the Apocalypse is housed. Spiritual or not, these 71 hand woven tapestries from the 1370s depict the biblical End of Days in stunning detail and color and, if for no other reason, a visit is a sublime experience in handiwork rarely seen anymore. There were originally 90 tapestries, but they have been lost to time and this darkened room reveals a stunning realization that the colors, skilled weaving and intricate detail of these large fabrics, over 500 years old proves how adept our ancestors were at creating beautiful artwork. Chenonceau castle is the most delicate of the castles; built over a river, it is storybook perfection. It is often called “the ladies’ castle” due to the number of women associated with it from 1547 to World War II, six in all, who contributed to building portions of the castle and to major renovations. It is an elongated home with original hardwood floors. Of particular interest to me was the

The Fortress of Angers

kitchen and the weathered wood counter, with a bowed portion still visible after years of use. Unlike some of the other more imposing castles, hunting lodges and palaces that are austere, Chenonceau feels lived in, personal and romantic. Chambord, the largest, most visited and most jaw-dropping castle in all the Loire was the part-time home of Francois I. The mammoth structure is unbelievable in terms of scope and mass, dwarfing every other castle, yet fitted with intricate embellishments. Huge stone blocks make up the interiors; ceilings are 30 feet high; some rooms are fitted with two fireplaces as, no doubt, it was very cold in the winter. Built as

a hunting lodge, Chambord is one of those castles so large and postcard perfect, it’s hard to imagine this was built with such precision in the 1500s; it is the iconic image of the Loire Valley castles. But this is the contrast of the Loire: delicate wines with a rich farming history situated side by side with French royalty, all sitting on precious earth. As Carine Reze of Domaine de la Jarnoterie says, “The best way to taste the ground is to drink the wine.” A visit to the Loire will give you a compass to understand Cabernet France and the visuals of French architecture. www.vinsvaldeloire.fr

Innovations in Gra Technology Apply Across

ape Growing the Industry

Wine

hallenging and changing conditions have forced South Australian farmers to be smart and economical with their land - stretching all the way back to the stump-jump plough. Peter Hackworth, Executive Officer of the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, says today’s farmers are no different - and they deserve to be recognised – so he has established the Vinnovation Award. “I thought there must still be people out there being inventive, but it’s hard for farmers to put their hand up - they’re quite modest people,” Hackworth says. The awards will be held on July 17 at Adelaide Oval. The four finalists have designed innovative ideas, practices and equipment that will be presented to over 200 wine grape growers. “The criteria we assess them by is their ability to make an impact, to actually save money and make money, the cost of adopting the practice, and the ability of it to be applied across the state.” The finalists include systems of delaying ripening across different areas of a vineyard, better sprayers for preventing Eutypa outbreaks, rapid processing of GPS yield data, and a grape bin with inbuilt scales. “Most of them aren’t interested in commercialising the ideas - they’re just interested in growing grapes but they’re happy to share them. “Were looking at getting engineering plans made for the spray unit and the trailer, for example, and make them available so people can make them themselves or have them made. “It’s classic farming - not wanting to get further away from what they like doing.”

Maturity delaying techniques for sloping vineyards Kim Anderson, from the Adelaide Hills, has developed a suite of techniques to ensure more even ripening of his fruit across his sloping property.

Fruit at the top of the block ripens significantly faster (a difference of 1.5 - 2 Baume) than at the bottom, causing management problems come harvest time. In general, fruit is ripening a month earlier than it was 30 years ago thanks to a warmer climate - the ability to delay and get more even crops is of increasing interest to growers. Anderson has applied three trial methods. By using herbicide on the undervine grass in the lower block, and keeping it intact on the higher ground until budburst, the soil at the top of the block is kept cooler. At harvest the different between fruit ripeness was only 0.1 Baume. Another technique was trimming the vines just above the highest fruiting nodes early in the season - this delays ripening by about a month and complements the other techniques well. Finally, Anderson pruned certain vines very late in the season to delay their development and measured them against a control group. The results were a success. Anderson’s techniques allow greater uniformity to vine growth stages across a sloping block. There are also advantages to fruit ripening in cooler months, enhancing flavour development and maximising the value of fruit.

S C A R T S School of culinary arts With french master chef hervĂŠ laurent

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Wine

Bin Trailer with built in scales

Bill and Phil Longbottom from Padthaway, South Australia, are independent grape growers who supply to a number of processors Their bins were previously loaded in the vineyard before being driven to and offloaded at a weighing pad. This resulted in under or overloaded grape bins and a higher risk of accident - for example a forklift tipping when handling an overweight bin. There are also price penalties for over-delivering on contracts or overloading trucks. The solution was to build a dual-axle trailer with suspension and built in scales, that displays a digital readout to the harvester operator. All construction was undertaken on their farm at an estimated cost of $6000. Benefits of their innovation include being able to offload bins straight on

to delivery trucks to save doublehandling the grapes, better scheduling for trucks, better yield estimation during picking, reduced noise thanks to suspension, and it removes the problem of variation in volume weight between varieties. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve paid for their device in one season by selling the fruit that is excess to processing contracts to other wineries instead.

Rapid GPS yield mapping and analysis

Hans Loder works in mining, but he has an ongoing association with Coonawarraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Katnook Estate. Katnook uses GPS yield monitors on its harvesters to accurately track yield across vineyards. The data collected was typically sent for processing in to yield maps that took several months to be processed and delivered, much too late to be of use in harvesting decisions.

Katnook reduced its data processing costs by 75 per cent, using the new yield maps to its advantage in pruning, nutrition and weed management.

Recirculating cordon sprayer

Ben Blows is an independent grape grower from Macclesfield. Cool and wet climate grapevines, like Blowsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vineyard, are often affected by Eutypa, a fungus which infects pruning wounds and shortens the life of vines significantly. Blows designed and constructed a recirculating sprayer to reduce the spread of Eutypa. His cordon sprayer uses four nozzles on each side, targeted to hit pruning wounds while allowing spraying at up to

seven kilometres per hour. The sprayer was put together with components from other machinery and vineyard waste, including a mount from a leaf blower, pump from an older sprayer, and 44 gallon drums. The cost of the device was estimated at $6000. Sprays are applied within 48 hours of completing pruning. The sprayer uses a reduced volume of chemicals, which directly results in savings and allows him to use a smaller tank, limited soil compaction in his high rainfall vineyard. Long term, Ben expects that the greater protection from Eutypa will significantly improve the commercial life of his vines.

Loder developed a script to process the data within 24 hours of the harvester moving through the block. It bypasses expensive mapping software to display data natively in Google Earth. Pixels are colour coded according to yield for quick analysis. The data is also displayed in much higher resolutions than before with data points down to 150mm allowing investigation of individual vines and selective harvesting of high value fuit.

Images: Jessica Pearl and Kristin Hettermann. Aerial Photo:

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Three Hacks To Stress-free Daily Dressing Routine Orignially published at jiacollection.com and re-published with permission.

nc Magazine published an article that talks about the 7 hacks of really successful people. The first 3 are – First, they truly love what they do. Second, they constantly evolve. Third, they edit their wlives. This got us at Jia Collection thinking that the same principles apply to what we wear as well, if we want to dress successfully and confidently. Worrying about what to wear on a daily basis can be quite stressful. But our three hacks will make you stress-free about this from now on. You are probably saying “Really?” Let’s expand on our logic below.

1. Truly love what you wear. It comes down to who you are, what you value, and what really works for you.

This is quite subjective. What works for one person might not work for the other person at all. Karen’s favorite fashion piece might be that basic cashmere pullover that she can wear all the time, Lucy’s favorite piece might be that super-tight little black dress that make heads turn at cocktail parties. We hope you by now you have figured out what really works for you. If not, you can consult an image consultant or simply ask your family and friends what look best on you! The fashion pieces that you love most are not only those that you feel great in, but

also those from which you get most compliments wearing, right? Another way to know if you love what you wear is to ask yourself “Am I joyful and smiling when I am wearing this piece”? Ladies, haven’t we all said this before? This picture vividly illustrates the common problem of many things we wear. Sure it looks darn good, but it is not that comfortable, fine I will bite the bullet for a few minutes, or even few hours. But when my tolerance reaches the limit, I just cannot stand it anymore! On the other hand, there are other fashion pieces for which you never have to deal with such problem, because they are always comfortable to wear, in addition to being beautiful and enhancing your confidence and beauty. Our recommendation is – if you have high tolerance for discomfort, then keep wearing those uncomfortable dresses/shoes that you think make you look fancy. But if you don’t, which is perhaps the most of us, then you better go for those that are winner on both comfort and style.

2. Evolve how you dress to so you worry less about what to wear

We can evolve how we dress in three ways. 1. Dress with what is most suitable

for yourself rather than for other people. Once you figure out what you really love to wear, then only wear those that scale really high on the ‘love’ meter. Even if you have to dress up a certain way due to the work environment, you can still add some accessories that show your personality, an elegant necklace? a funky pair of earrings? A neonbright belt? After work, you should definitely wear what really represents you. When you look most comfortable in your own skin, or the skin you wear, aka the clothes, then you will radiate confidence and leave great impressions. 2. Wear only those tried and true pieces that score high on both style and comfort. Gone are the days when you have to choose between either style or comfort. Nowadays with the abundance of choices, a lot of clothes have stretch in them, and once you find one or two brands that fit you really well, just keep buying from them. It is no longer hard to find lots of options that provide you both style and comfort at the same time. And the fast pace of modern life makes each of us juggle between many different tasks all the time. Corporate executives, stay-home moms, or recent graduates who are just entering the workforce, we all juggle. Looking good for all occasions is not easy! But if each piece in your wardrobe is tried and

By Jia Li

true, you no longer need to spend time worrying what to wear. Just pick any piece, put it on and you are ready to go! This doesn’t mean you will keep buying and wearing the same styles. It means you now have a range of what work for you in terms of fabric, fit and style at reference, and you can buy new pieces that fall into that that range. Trust us, there won’t be lack of options. The styles can still quite varied even just with the same shape or same fabric. 3. Wear more multifunctional pieces. And with pieces that are multi-functional, this benefit of dressing efficiency is even multiplied. When you find a multi-functional piece that works for you, you save time and energy on finding additional pieces that have great look and fit, because the different looks and great fit are all packed into one piece. Do you know the 10 benefits of multifunctional fashion designs?

3. Edit your wardrobe to only include pieces that work for you 100% Given that we all have at least 30 dresses, 20 sweaters, 10 pairs of pants, can we choose to only

Fashion

keep those that give us both style and comfort? Even if that means you need to get rid of 60% of what’s in our wardrobe. But for the 40% we keep, each of the 12 dresses, 8 sweaters, and 4 pair of pants will work for you 100% of the time! And because each piece is both very stylish and comfortable, you will feel uber elevated wearing it no matter when, where, and for however long. Each time you open your closet, you no longer need to think ‘Oh will this piece look good on me?’ Take action! Actually edit your wardrobe, knowing that the effort you put in today is going to make your daily dressing so much easier! Do it once and enjoy the benefits of it for the rest of year, or rest of life. Madeleine Vionnet said, “When a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too.” But what dress truly makes a woman smile? And smile for many hours, and days?! You know the answer. You see this easy daily dressing routine becomes ‘easy’ after some work, but such work is a totally worthwhile investment that will save you tons of your time and frustration down the road. So put these 3 hacks for stress-free daily dressing routine into action as soon as possible. Everyday, and every moment can be, and should be the time to truly enjoy what you wear. Yours truly, Jia.

Philadelphia Fashion Designer LeGrand Leseur By Jessica Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hehir

Fashion

eGrand Leseur, winner of 2014’s “Best Men’s Clothing” and “Best Tuxedo” in “PHL 17’s Hot List”, is Luxe Beat Magazine’s latest up and coming fashion designer! Born and raised in Philadelphia, LeGrand attended Anna Maria College in Massachusetts, where he majored in music, and proceeded to launch his first brand, Elephant Squad, a street-wear clothing line. After realizing his taste in clothing was no longer reflected in his designs, LeGrand Leseur sketched his visions and distributed them to factories around the world. His new and innovative clothing pushes the men’s fashion world forward into relevance, as will his future women’s line. Soirées Sombres is your premier collection, tell us about it. My first and newest collection is called Soirées Sombres, which is a French translation for dark evenings. I wanted this collection to be presented in a very dark way, evil almost. I think men are too worried today with being the “pretty boy”, and I feel as though that’s all fine and dandy, but that isn’t the only way to present yourself. The runway show was dark, with “Dark Techno” playing, and an evil, horror type of make up presented on male and female models. It was really dark, but the looks themselves have a decent amount of color, which I

believe was a nice contrast. What is fashion? Fashion is simply expression. It’s how you present yourself to the world, which in turn makes a statement. The fashion world reflects the need for culture in all societies. Fashion is culture. Fashion is life. How would you define your personal style? Evil villain meets Gatsby. I love colors, especially in my designs, but I enjoy having the ability to have a presence when I walk into the room. I have tattoos and body mods, and I believe that that community in the fashion world is lacking. I am known for my swirly face beard (that I shape myself), stretched ears, and septum piercing. I get some of the strangest compliments from “That works on you, but wouldn’t on anyone else.” to “That’s f***ing sick!” I stopped worrying about people’s opinions a while ago, but it’s always good to get a few compliments. You’re from Philadelphia; what is the fashion scene like in the “City of Brotherly Love”? Philadelphia. Well, it’s Philadelphia. It is one of the greatest cities on earth, if not the greatest, but we are not known for our fashion; we are known for cheesesteaks. GQ named Philadelphia the #6 worst dressed city in America. I don’t know

if we should go by their rankings, but they weren’t the only ones. In Philadelphia you would usually fall into two categories: extremely urban (pants around the knees with a long tank top) or super super conservative (blue off-the-rack pinstripe suits). Anything in between is the scary grey area. I like to think I am staying in the city to help move out the cities fashion forward, at least for men.

When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer? College. I started a t-shirt company, and then switched over to high-end fashion, so, around 2012. There was little point in owning a brand when I didn’t really use my own product, although there are several professions out there that do just that. I just couldn’t promote my product the way I wanted, to be honest.

Fashion

What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing? Uniqueness and durability. If it looks like what everyone else has, then it probably is, and that’s lame as f***. You know who has a black suit? Every man ever. Change up. If it doesn’t last, I find it pointless, so it has to be durable as well.

What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? T-shirts I believe. I did have that line first, so it had to be the original design for my first order ever made. It was an elephant in the center. I worked on the concept with my graphic artist at the time. Tell us about your design process. It depends on the piece. It can take any where from three to six weeks, depending on what I’m doing. I was using a tablet for a while, but I found that it wasn’t as precise as pencil and paper, so I stopped using it. It’s been dead for months actually. My electronic drawings sucked anyway. The smell of pencils and the crispness of paper is a dream for the senses. It helps me focus on work, instead of a Facebook pop-up coming on the tablet every 20 seconds. It gets way too distracting. I can thin and thicken lines a lot easier than with a tablet and a stylus; thus, my drawings look a lot more crisp and “professional”. The only thing I miss about the tablet is

the ability to zoom in and get even more details. With paper and pencil, what you get is what you have. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer? Winning Philadelphia’s “Best Men’s Clothing”, and “Best Tuxedo”, from PHL 17 with over 60% of the vote. If that isn’t an accomplishment for a brand, I certainly don’t know what is. Is there a designer who you favor? Karl Lagerfeld. He is a genius. His working is so prestige. Some people just don’t get it. I also like him because he speaks his mind, while most other brands or designers hold their tongue. Where do you purchase your fabrics? I am working with a few mills around the world, which provide me with the fabrics I want and need. I also have been visiting Fabric Row in Philadelphia. There are a bunch of shops you can go to in order to find new and exclusive stuff.

How do you prepare for a fashion show? To be honest, I don’t know. My last show was my first show, and I actually almost cried backstage. I was so f***ing nervous. I never had a fashion mentor or anything, so for me to successfully launch, I had to make sure everything was on point. After I did everything I could, I had to leave it up to my make-up artist, models, and photographer. I was backstage just trying to remain calm. After it was over and I walked on stage, I could breathe again. People were cheering and clapping, some people were whistling. That’s when I knew that from now on it would be less of a headache. How do you select your models? I like beautiful women. I like to put beautiful women next to my suits. Their height, weight, hair color, etc., doesn’t matter. My perspective of beauty has such a big range that anyone can do it – as long as the photos come out properly. I got tired of going to suit stores and seeing all male mannequins and male salespeople, so I told myself that

when it was my turn, it would all be female. Beautiful clothing, and beautiful people. Confidence is key, however. If you don’t have that it won’t work. What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers? Be yourself. Try new things out and don’t be afraid to fail. Just be yourself and fear not. The worst is that your ideas can be rejected; but I’ve been told that once the idea of the airplane was rejected, and the same with the earth rotating around the sun. What are some of your goals as a designer? Paris and Milan. I have to get to both ASAP. I obviously want to conquer NYFW (New York Fashion Week) too, but Paris is where I’m headed. What is most important to you as a fashion designer? Creativity, and I truly appreciate that. There are places in the world where you can’t wear what you want to. Do you consider yourself an artist? Fashion is an art, so my designs do become a form of art. I am an artist by association. Expression is everything, so I will keep that going as long as I breathe I’m an artist today, and an icon soon. To learn more about LeGrand Leseur, go to legrandleseur.com

ndre Todd Thornton is a fashion designer and founder of clothing lines Street Mode and Twenty2. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Andre’s entrepreneurial mindset catapulted him into the position of CEO within a major clothing line. Andre considers himself simple and direct, and it shows in his designs. Andre’s goal is to give the fashion world something it’s missing! Tell us about your newest collection My newest collection is also my first signature collection, titled Andre Todd. It shows show my range as a designer, whereas the previous collections were thought to be more urban. The collection hasn’t been seen in its entirety as of yet, but I will be showing more of it in the next few months throughout the East Coast fashion weeks and shows. What does fashion mean to you? To me, fashion is diversity. For the person who is all about Street/Urban wear, their look is just as important (and as scrutinized) by their peers as Rihanna walking the red carpet. Fashion is about a progression – just because you start somewhere doesn’t mean that’s where you’ll finish. It’s also about self-discovery and life. Fashion is the Streets – don’t let anyone tell you anything different! How would you define your personal style? In a few words, my personal style is very broad, all encompassing, but still classic. In a world full of trends, I remain classic! You’re from Raleigh, North Carolina. What’s fashion like in ‘The City of Oaks’? In Raleigh, fashion is so behind the times. The saddest part about that is that they’re comfortable being right where they are! When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer? My mother modeled in my younger years, and at that time I wanted to pursue photography. During my teen years I fantasized about fashion, and in my twenties I started making that fantasy my reality! What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? The first garments I ever designed were men’s and women’s fleece sweats. The ladies garments were made as a mid-drift, and were multi colored. Oddly enough, I actually still have a few of them! Tell us about your design process. I like to sketch designs and

Raleigh Fashion Designer Andre Todd Thornton By Jessica O’Hehir

Learn more about Andre Todd Thornton, and his collections, at www.streetmode22.com/.

Fashion construct them. Normally designing and constructing can take a few days, or sometimes less. One of my strengths in design is that I’m able to be very decisive, and still stay open to the process. What’s one of your accomplishments as a designer? I was nominated, and won, an award out of Atlanta (organized by Nakita Barnes) for best new designer in 2015. Do you draw inspiration from any designers in particular? John Galliano, Stephanie Rolland, Sean Jean, Jean Paul Gualtier, Tom Ford, Donna Karan – they have all inspired me in one way or another. They’ve elevated the industry and keep me up at night trying to get to the next level. Where do you buy your fabrics? Locally, I purchase fabric at Joanne Fabrics and Mood. I often shop online for other materials. What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing? The basics. First of all, material is everything. Construction comes next, and lastly (yet equally as important) is the fit! How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show? I prepare by going over every single detail, until I can’t get anything wrong. Chance favors the prepared mind! What type of model best represents your brand? It all depends on what I’m shooting or sending down the runway. If I’m sending a gown down the runway, the model has to be able to handle the garment and be age appropriate. The right model can take any design and make it a masterpiece! Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring fashion designers? My advice would be to learn from those who came before you, and understand that the business of fashion is more important than fashion itself! What are some of your fashion goals? To be the best me that I can be, and when I’ve done that to take it to the next level. Also, I’d love to win a CFDA Award someday! What matters to you most as a fashion designer? I’m artist on so many levels. Like any artist, I’m always aspiring to be better and to strive for perfection. I’m continuing to grow and learn, and it’s important to just get it right!

John Lamkin Award-winning Journalist and Photographer By Maralyn D. Hill

John went on to study at the San Francisco Art Institute and then discovered the now famous San Francisco Camerawork. John is quick to say you might find him horseback riding through the jungle to explore an ancient Maya ruin, or sitting on the balcony of a five-star plus resort, sipping an exotic drink, or interviewing a fashion celebrity, or somewhere in between.

little over ten years ago, I was fortunate to meet award –winning journalist and photographer John Lamkin. I clearly remember how happy I was when he agreed to serve on the board of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, when I was president. If you ask John how he started travel writing, he will be the first to reply, “It was an escape from the drudgery of being an aerospace engineer—dropped the engineering, kept the writing.”

John is the Executive Editor of FWT Magazine: food wine travel. He belongs to several professional organizations including the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association where he serves as a Board Member and as Publications Chair. His recent book (co-authored with Susanna Starr—text: Susanna, photographs: John) about the Zapotec weavers of Mexico’s Oaxaca Valley is reaping critical acclaim. Susanna’s words and John’s photos capture the sense of life of the people. I asked John to share how Our Interwoven Lives with the Zapotec Weavers: An Odyssey of the Heart evolved. Here it is:

“We both lived in the same small town, Taos, but didn’t know each other. We met at Susanna’s small eco-resort, Rancho Encantado, in the southern Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and this year we celebrate our 18th anniversary. I had started a small publishing company, mostly to serve as a consultant for people interested in self-publishing. When we met, Susanna was working on her first book, Fifty and Beyond: New Beginnings in Health and Well-Being, which we published together. We traveled together extensively and ended up co-authoring the latest book, Our Interwoven Lives with the Zapotec Weavers: An Odyssey of the Heart, Susanna did the writing and I the photography. I published the book through my company, Paloma Blanca Press. We have very the same likes in travel and other things which makes us an ideal traveling/writing team.” John will go anywhere for a story and believes as Isabelle Eberhardt once said, “A nomad I will remain for life, in love with distant and uncharted places.” Maralyn D. Hill: John, how did you

discover your love for travel? John Lamkin: My love for traveling came early on, vacationing with my grandparents and with my parents. The writing came later. MDH: Which are you more passionate about, writing or photography? JL: I’m equally passionate about my writing and my photography. I use them to supplement each other. As far as enjoying the process, the photography comes first. MDH: What is your writing process? JL: I don’t have a set process. Unfortunately, like many other writers, I wait until close to deadlines to dive in. MDH: When you have the opportunity to pick your travel destination, where do you go? JL: Preferably, where I haven’t been before and where there is a new culture to explore. MDH: What motivates you to be a luxury journalist? JL: The lifestyle. Becoming a luxury

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writer was synchronicity. I had been writing a lot about Mexico and when the editor of a luxury magazine in London needed someone to do a luxury piece in Cancun, she picked me. It just took off from there. MDH: What is it about the experience of travel that you find so inviting? JL: My favorite experience in traveling has always been finding something new—a new culture, language, cuisine, and so on. MDH: Do you have any hobbies? JL: My work is so satisfying that I don’t need hobbies. MDH: Where do you see the luxury market trending? JL: I see the trend going toward more experiential, especially in travel –luxury safaris, treks, adventure, and the like. To me, this is a very agreeable trend. MDH: If you were stranded on an island, name one person and three items you would bring? JL: My partner, pen and notebook, and Swiss army knife.

MDH: What are three necessities you won’t travel without? JL: Nexus 7 tablet, camera and good walking shoes. MDH: What does Luxe Beat Magazine mean to you? JL: Luxe Beat Magazine is the perfect venue for my luxury writing and that of many others. The magazine has a very dynamic publisher and editorial staff which brings it along very rapidly towards being one of the top magazines for discerning luxury buffs. It was a pleasure to interview John and learn more about him. I’ve read many of his stories and his latest book and attest to his talent. You can check out his website at TravelWritingAndPhotography. com and contact him at john@ TravelWritingAndPhotography. com. Thank you John for more insight into your stories and you.

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Business

Quality Business Play as a Team

By Tom Raffio

uring my more than thirty-five years in business, I have learned, through experience and benchmarking best practice companies, what it takes to run not only a business, but a successful one. What follows is the sixth article in a series of twelve that will position any business for success. In my last column I discussed the importance of earning the trust of your employee colleagues, your business colleagues and your customers. While earning trust, it is important to learn how to play as a team and put the goals of the team before your personal ego. Bragging and showing off are not attractive qualities and this isn’t what your colleagues, clients, and external business colleagues want to see. Customers don’t want one strong player to outshine the rest, they want the entire team to play together and delight them.

by Theory Y management style as opposed to Theory X management style. Theory X assumes that only upper management knows what is best for the company and that employees know little. The Theory Y management style practices that front-line employees are in the best possible position to understand their jobs and do what is best for customers. There are times when Theory X might be more appropriate than Theory Y and vice-versa -- it depends on the company’s priorities and current situation. For example, in an emergency or crisis which requires immediate action, Theory X could be appropriate. No matter what your management style is, there will be the occasional

error. Instead of pointing fingers at employees for the mistake, I suggest celebrating it as a learning experience. It is, after all, management’s responsibility to provide employees with the training they need to do their jobs effectively. While empowering employees is only one component of what makes a strong team, it is also important to involve employees in developing solutions to problems. Your employees know their jobs best because they are on the front-line. Of course, they should keep management in the loop but they will appreciate this “hands off” approach and the team will shine. In closing, one of my most prized leadership books is Max DePree’s Leadership is an Art, which explains

that teamwork and your employees are the most valuable assets to your company. This is often called servant leadership, which according to George Clements, Chairman of Jewel Tea Company, is “work for those who work for you” and “Ninety percent of a leader’s time should be doing everything you can to help your direct reports succeed. You should be the first assistant to the people who work for you.” I follow these principles of servant leadership that were first documented and devised by Robert Greenleaf in 1970 and summarized by Spears in 1998: empathy; personal well-being; awareness; persuasion; conceptualization; foresight; stewardship; commitment to the growth of people; and building community.

If you have one employee whose goal is to outshine his or her colleagues, this can create imbalance within the team and “sink your ship.” Wanting to climb to the top of an organization is normal, but those who want to advance in a company should learn that it’s better to make sure the team shines than to gloat about your personal contributions to any given project or success. A great example of teamwork is many Japanese car companies who now have one team build an entire car instead of each employee working on a mundane task. This helps employees feel empowered and have a sense of ownership in the company’s success because they all work together, learn new skills and see the project through as a team. As with building an entire car, when employees work together as a team they begin to know the business. Employee empowerment is addressed

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Travel However, showing interest in a mix of people can advance your conversational skills. If you find yourself next to a stranger at a party or event, introduce yourself immediately. In addition to being good manners, it helps your host or hostess, and more than that, it helps you overcome your own fear of meeting people if you are shy. Start by extending your hand and saying, “Hello, I’m _____ _____, I’m a friend of John’s.” If they don’t respond, you might want to add, “Could you share your name?”

Global Etiquette Enjoyable Conversations By Maralyn D. Hill

W IMAGE COURTESY OF GÖKÇE ÖZASLAN VIA FREEIMAGES.COM

hat’s acceptable conversation around the globe varies somewhat, but the common courtesies seem to remain. I’ll try to include as many as possible. Many of us know those who appear to be the life of the party, but are they really? Or do they seem to be taking center stage and becoming bores? Others have a tremendous fear of speaking up because they don’t think they have something interesting to say. Hopefully, we will have some hints that will help both categories. A good conversation consists of

an equal amount of give and take from the parties involved, allowing for opinions from a number of participants. None of us enjoy the individual who monopolizes the room.

away. That can apparent to those around you. However a good listener, one who looks the speaker in the eyes, will make a positive impression.

For those who want to capture the conversation, develop your listening skills. That is one of the most useful talents you can acquire. Being quiet and listening gives you the opportunity to ask intelligent questions.

If it is difficult for you to speak up, you’ll notice that those who are not listening well are apt to ask foolish questions or make remarks that are not pertinent. Good listeners do not make these types of errors. To get started, you might say: “Could you tell us a little more about...”

The speaker will be impressed because you were listening, but so will everyone else. Something that isn’t appreciated is to pretend that you are listening while daydreaming or otherwise allowing your mind to float

If you fear getting into conversations, do it slowly, like walking, one step at a time. We need to think before we speak. You don’t want to talk about work to someone who has no interest in what you do.

Dinner conversation is another situation. Personally, I find it easier when the number of guests is limited. Years ago, there was a practice that was called “turning of the table”. When the hostess would turn from the man on her right to the man on the left, the rest of the women at the table would follow. Fortunately, this is no longer a standard ritual. During your dinner, you may talk to those on both sides and possibly across the table, conversing with all of those near you. If you notice someone who seem to be alone and no one is talking with them, make a point to speak with that person for a while. Listen to what those who are near you are talking about and take care not to talk too much about yourself. If you are wondering what you are going to talk about, there are always the food and wine. Start with those and now you have found yourself talking with strangers. Avoid talking about very personal topics, religion or politics, unless those around you are with likeminded individuals. Even then, I don’t recommend it. People think it is easy for me to go to a party and meet everyone, as I appear to be an extrovert. Nothing could be further from the truth. If I am doing it for a business client, my head goes into business mode and I make myself do it as part of my job and it becomes easy. If I’m by myself where I don’t know anyone, it is much more of a challenge and I start out with baby steps every time. It does get better as the night goes on. Knowing these techniques has helped me and I hope they can help you. I’m always happy to hear any thoughts and suggestions you might have. Email me at luxebeatmag@gmail.com.

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Book Excerpt

Miss Dreamsville and the Lost Heiress of Collier County By Amy Hill Hearth Chapter 1 Dolores Simpson was a woman with a past. Now, depending on your age and where you’re from, you might interpret that in a number of ways. Let me assure you, however, that in the southern part of the United States of America, in a certain era, this could mean only one thing: man trouble. This affliction spares few women. Even maiden ladies and great aunties—the ones who smile and nod on the porch, contentedly snappin’ peas—have stories of youthful turmoil and shattered dreams. Dolores Simpson, unfortunately, had what my mama used to call serious man trouble. After leading a questionable life in Tampa, Dolores came back home one summer day in 1939 with all her worldly goods in a satchel under one arm and a brandnew baby boy in the other. Yes, indeed. Serious man trouble. Home, for Dolores, was one hundred and twenty miles south of Tampa in God’s forgotten paradise, Collier County, which is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the edge of the Great Everglades Swamp on the other. In those days, Radio Havana in Cuba was the only station that could be heard on the wireless and alligators outnumbered people by at least ten thousand to one. Dolores’s destination was an abandoned fishing shack that once belonged to her grandfather. The shack sat on stilts on a tidal river which was so wild and forbidding that no one with an ounce of sense would try to live there. Still, it was all Dolores knew. She had failed at city life. She had failed at pretty much everything. The river was a place where she could protect her secrets and nurse her frustration with the world.

And there she stayed, alone except for the son she raised, for twentyfive years. ••• I, TOO, HAILED FROM COLLIER County, but instead of the river or swamps I was raised nearby in Naples, an itty-bitty town with a sandy strip of beach on the Gulf. I barely knew Dolores Simpson. She was, shall we say, reclusive to an extreme. My only knowledge of her was that she had once been a stripper but now hunted alligators for a living. If she had been a man she would have been admired as a fearless frontiersman. I wouldn’t have known even this much, nor would I have met her, if not for her son, Robbie-Lee. In the late summer of 1962, he and I became friends when we joined a new book club called the Collier County Women’s Literary Society. To its members, the club provided a sanctuary of sorts. Each of us was a misfit or outcast in town—in my case, because I had come back home after a divorce—but in the book club we discovered a place to belong. It is one of the ironies of life that being part of a group can, in turn, lead you to find strength and independence as an individual. That’s exactly what happened to Robbie-Lee and me. After a year in the book club, we decided it was time to follow our dreams. For Robbie-Lee, who loved the theater, the only place on his mind was New York City. He spoke endlessly of Broadway and was determined to get a job there, even if it meant sweeping sidewalks. Dolores, whose maternal instincts kicked in with a mighty roar at the idea of him leaving Collier County, objected to his planned departure, but lost the battle. Robbie-Lee caught a northbound bus on a steamy August morning in 1963.

At the same time Robbie-Lee went north I set off for Mississippi. I was hoping to learn more about my mother, who was born and raised in Jackson. Mama had died without telling me certain things. She never talked about her family, or how she met Daddy, or when and where they got married. All I know is they got hitched at a Methodist church because Mama insisted on having a bona fide preacher conduct the ceremony. They left Mississippi and came to Florida because Naples was Daddy’s hometown. What I hoped to find was kinfolk. An aunt or uncle, perhaps. Or maybe a cousin. Since I was a small child, Mama and I had been on our own. It’s painful to say, but Daddy up and left us. At least I hoped to find out why my name is Eudora Welty Witherspoon—“Dora” for short. I could only guess that Eudora Welty, the famed Mississippi writer, had been a friend of Mama’s when she was growing up.

About the Author

Amy Hill Hearth is the author of Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women’s Literary Society, in addition to author or coauthor of seven nonfiction books, including Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years, the New York Times bestsellerturned-Broadway-play. Hearth, a former writer for The New York Times, began her career as a reporter at a small daily newspaper in Florida, where she met her future husband, Blair (a Collier County native). She is a graduate of the University of Tampa. Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Atria Books Publication Date: September 8, 2015

As I said, Mama never told me certain things. I figured I’d go to Jackson for a few weeks or at most several months, but before I knew it I’d been away from Florida for a year. I had made more progress finding out about Mama and her people than I ever could have imagined. All I needed was a little more time to wrap things up and settle them properly. I had a job shelving books at the Jackson Library and I rented a small room in the home of a widow named Mrs. Sheba Conroy. I planned on giving proper notice— I didn’t want to leave anyone in the lurch—then head home to Naples. And then the telegram came.

Nextinction

Book Excerpt Illustrations by Ralph Steadman and author Ceri Levy

The Boids are back in town… The follow-up to the awardwinning Extinct Boids, this book features more of the incredible art of cartoonist Ralph Steadman. This time, the focus is not on the birds that are gone, but on the ones that there is still time left to save. These are the 192 critically endangered birds on the IUCN Red List, species such as the Giant Ibis, the Kakapo, the Sumatran Ground-cuckoo and the iconic Spoon-billed Sandpiper-these, along with a number of classic Steadman creations such as the Unsociable Lapwing, are the Nearly-Extinct Boids. Words are again by author, conservationist, and filmmaker Ceri Levy. Together, Ceri and Ralph are THE GONZOVATIONISTS. A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to BirdLife International to help them prevent the Nextinction. RALPH STEADMAN was born in 1936. He began his career as a cartoonist, and through the years has diversified into many creative fields. Ralph collaborated with Dr. Hunter S. Thompson in the birth of ‘gonzo’ journalism, with Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; he has illustrated classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island and Animal Farm, and written and illustrated his own books, which include Sigmund Freud, I Leonardo, and The Big I Am. Steadman is also a printmaker, and has travelled the world’s vineyards, culminating in his books The Grapes of Ralph, Untrodden Grapes and Still Life with Bottle. To see more of Ralph Steadman’s work go to www. ralphsteadman.com/. CERI LEVY is a film-maker, who started out making music videos before moving into the world of documentaries. His works include Bananaz, a film about the inner machinations of the group Gorillaz, and the forthcoming The Bird Effect; as co-curator of the exhibition that started Ralph Steadman painting birds, Ceri is a crucial cog in the boids’ creation myth. Hardcover: 224 pages Publisher: Bloomsbury Natural History Release Date: September 15, 2015

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