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CONTRIBUTERS’ ® What is the most enduring lesson your family taught you?

Issue 13 | The Family Issue | Sept/Oct 2019

P U B L I S H E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Wise E D I T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Virden Geurkink ILL U S T R A T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trish Wise L E A D D E S I G N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sovic Designs C O N T R I B UTI N G W R I T E R S

A: My parents have shown me what

A: Read as much as you possibly can

- Sarah Angle

- Lyle Brooks

unconditional love feels like. I hit the parent lottery when I was born to them.

and never be afraid to ask questions. Smart is made, not born.

Sarah Angle Lyle Brooks Edward Brown Shilo Urban Trish Wise William Wise

A: In my family, the best lessons are always unspoken. Now that I’m a parent, I realize that my children will soon forget the tidbits of moral advice I may give, but they will remember the example I set for them. - Edward Brown

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Shannon Lange Amber Shumake Jodie Miears, Reverie Photo Co.

- Shannon Lange

by Trish Wise

From Fort Worth, point your vehicle west along I-20. Drive for about an hour. Soon you see mesas rising on the horizon. The land changes here. The sky dominates. Take a right turn when you see an iconic smokestack, and you’re almost there. There is no doubt that you’re in Texas here. Drive a mile or two and park in the shade of a big tree that was around way back when this building was a bustling liquor store and a thriving grocery and restaurant. Now it is the place of big, big dreams. Audacious dreams and righteous visions spearheaded by Jan Underwood and her son, Austin. But these two don’t stop with mere dreaming. Jan and Austin make those dreams come true, and they’ve been doing it together since 1981. Austin is one of 280,000 adults living in Texas who have some level of Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD). When the Fort Worth Independent School

A: The most enduring lesson my

family taught me is that they will always be there for me, no matter what. It sounds simple, but it’s truly profound. Being present is the greatest gift you can give, and that’s what my family has given to me.

A: Always time Thanksgiving dinner to coincide with half time of the Cowboys game. - Trish Wise

- Shilo Urban

District forced Austin to attend school in a segregated community, Jan made it her mission to turn the tables on the school district and force them to accommodate all students in their own neighborhood schools. As a result, Jan is recognized as perhaps the most effective advocate for persons with IDD in Fort Worth. That was the beginning of their journey. With the unflagging support of his family, Austin, who was born with Down syndrome, has been pushing the limits of what people expect of persons with IDD for the last four decades, dreaming big and achieving bigger. With a strong desire to follow his siblings in pursuing a college career, Austin attended a oneyear, out-of-state, post-graduate program that provided him with essential training that allows him to be a valued employee within our community. Flexing his entrepreneurial muscles, Austin is now the proud owner of a popular food truck, Austin’s Underdawgs. Austin is living proof that through determination and grit, you can achieve anything you dream. The latest dream that Austin and Jan are bringing to fruition aims to help members of the local IDD community enjoy a life as full and rewarding as the one Austin has created for himself. The Mingus Job Academy, scheduled to launch in the spring of 2020, is an ambitious plan to “provide a vocational training track to meaningful employment for persons with limited abilities and IDD.” The Mingus Job Academy’s offering is unique for the historically under-served IDD community. There simply is not another program like it. As photo by Jill Johnson

Madeworthy Magazine is an extension of Tanglewood Moms, LLC., and serves to tell community stories for a family audience. For website and magazine advertising opportunities, please contact: Victoria@MadeworthyMedia.com

A: My mother always says to trust your gut instinct. God gave us instincts for a reason. Listen to them. My father says that the worst situations make for the best stories. Both are very wise!

Jan says, “We are ready to increase the options available to this population as they reach adulthood and provide the opportunity to live independently and have a positive and active life within their own communities.” Or as the back of Austin’s business card puts it, “I want to help people like me to have a job like me and live on their own with responsibilities.” Customized on-the-job training provided by the Academy will help participants overcome the challenges faced by adults with IDD entering the job market. A vocational assessment will identify each participant’s strengths upon entering the program to help ensure a successful experience, as well as expanding their options for future employment. Mingus Job Academy will initially offer two programs. The residential program will have participants living at the academy during week-long training for up to four weeks. The Daily Program will provide participants with daily training and will provide transportation to the academy from the Fort Worth area. The training opportunities are varied. Participants can focus on the food service industry in the Academy’s restaurant, Beneventi’s Table, or gardening to supply the restaurant with fresh herbs and vegetables. They can work in Sweet Loretta’s Coffee Bar, the C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue Headquarters, or a boutique to develop retail skills. The Academy campus will be situated on land that has been in Jan’s family for over one hundred years. Family and legacy are important to her. “This project pays tribute to the past and brings people together in an inclusive project that promises a positive future for adults with disabilities.” According to Jan, the Mingus Job Academy will rely on private investors and community leaders for start-up and initial operation costs, while ongoing expenses will be covered by profits from the myriad businesses. Opportunities to be a part of this amazing project are in the planning stage and will focus on all levels of support. For more information, please go to www.mingusjobacademy.com.

SADDLEBACK LEATHER CO. MW: How did you get started in the business?

I kept asking Dave Munson to tell me about his leather company, Saddleback Leather Co., and he kept telling me about his family. “I’ve got an amazing wife, Suzette. We met on Myspace in 2006, and five months later we got married.” I laughed a little bit, realizing that Dave’s company and his life are one in the same. Over the past 16 years, he’s built the type of life and business that incorporates family into everything he does. His secret is really no secret at all, says Dave. He made the choice early on to live for a mission bigger than himself, to make travel a priority, and to work to live rather than to live to work. It’s worked out pretty well for this Azle-based family of four. Saddleback Leather Co. creates the longest lasting and most durable bags in the world, says Dave. There are no zippers or breakable parts in these Indiana Jonesstyle briefcases, backpacks, and luggage. The best backpacks in the world start at $400. There are cool canvas options, which cost less while keeping the Indiana Jones swagger of their leather cousins.

Madeworthy talked with Dave about family, leather, and the business of love.

DM: In 1999, I was teaching English in southern Mexico as a missionary. It was a small school for poor kids. I wanted a bag to carry my books, and I thought: What would Indiana Jones carry? So I sketched out what I wanted and gave it to a guy making bags. Everywhere I went people were like, “Where did you get that bag? I want to buy one.” Back in the States, five times a day, people asked about the bag. I thought, maybe there’s a business here?

never regret it; it’s a good thing, and nobody ever regrets doing a good thing. Your kids spell love T-I-M-E. If you tell them you love them, they hear you, but it’s spending time together that shows them. MW: What’s your advice for starting a small business? DM: Plan to be the best in the world at it. It doesn’t take that much more to be the best in the world. We own the phrase, “We are the longest lasting, most durable bag in the world.” Second, learn everything that pertains to your job. Become the foremost... expert on gutters, shoe shining, frames, or whatever it may be. Know everything there is to know… When you do, people trust you. Bottom line: Geek out on your subject.

MW: What makes your products different? DM: Our products are lined with pigskin. It’s stronger than cow skin and doubly reinforced. All the material we use is as good as it gets. Unlike many companies, we use the full grain — the toughest, most waterproof leather — so our bags are super strong. Plus, our hardware is surgical grade and doesn’t rust. MW: How do you come up with designs for new products? DM: I just launched a new wallet. To begin that production process I started with research, buying 60 different wallets... Little ones and regular ones and big ones. Out of those, I narrowed it down to the best ten... Then, I designed them better. I lined them with pigskin and rounded the edges. We tested them with friends, family, and our social media fanbase, incorporating feedback and making changes. MW: How can other families create this type of lifestyle? DM: You only get one chance at this parent thing. If you’re going to make a mistake, err on the side of spending too much time with your family. You’ll

Learn more about Saddleback or score your own “longest lasting and most durable bag in the world” at www.saddlebackleather.com.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES WITH SHRIMP AND CRAB REMOULADE Owner and chef Vance Martin named his Magnolia bistro after his daughter Lili. These fried green tomatoes are one of the most popular items on the menu at Lili’s Bistro. One taste, and you will know why!

for the remoulade ½ cup good quality mayonnaise 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 tbs parsley, chopped 1 tbs pure horseradish (please don’t used “cream” horseradish for this)

2 tbs green onions, chopped 1 tbs ketchup 1 tbs Dijon mustard 1 tsp grated lemon peel 1 tsp paprika ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

FROM FOR T WOR TH'S FOOD MASTERS

¼ tsp white pepper 4 shakes Tabasco, more or less

GRILLED SALMON WITH WILTED SPINACH OVER COUSCOUS WITH MANGO PICO

2 pounds 90 to 110-count shrimp (aka salad shrimp), cooked and dried

2 pounds claw crab meat, gently picked to remove shell pieces

Joey Turner of BREWED shared this brand-new recipe from their summer menu. It’s full of flavor and is as healthy as it is delicious! When traveling, try their new location at DFW Airport in Terminal D.

for the fried green tomatoes

for the mango pico

for the spinach

1 good-sized green tomato per person, sliced about 3/8s of an inch thick

3 fresh, ripe mangos, diced (please

1 tbs olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

do not use canned/jarred mangoes)

1 cup fresh spinach per person

1 medium red bell pepper, diced 1 medium purple onion, diced

1 egg white per person, whisked well with a teaspoon of water

Salt and pepper to taste

1 ½ cup cilantro, chopped

for the salmon

2 serrano peppers, seeded and

4 to 7 oz of salmon per person

diced

Lawry’s seasoning salt to taste 2 cups unseasoned panko crumbs Enough canola or vegetable oil to cover the bottom of a heavy skillet with about an inch of oil. directions

¼ cup fresh lime juice

Make the remoulade early to allow the flavors to meld. Blend everything except the shrimp and crab in a blender until just incorporated. In a large bowl, gently toss the remoulade with the shrimp and the crab – you don’t want to overmix and break down the chunks of crab. This will make more than you will probably use, but it’s delicious on butter lettuce, on toasted and buttered hot dog buns, or just out of the bowl with a spoon!

Salt and pepper to taste for the chili spice mix ¼ cup salt ¼ cup pepper ¼ cup chili powder

To make the tomatoes, season well with salt, pepper, and Lawry’s. Dip in the whisked egg whites and water and then toss with the panko crumbs. Shake off the excess panko. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet until a fry thermometer reads 350°. Fry the tomato slices until the panko is golden brown, flipped once. Remove the slices and drain on a towel. To serve, fan the slices on a plate and top with seafood-remoulade mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, and a lemon wedge.

for the couscous 1 quart water 1 tsp butter 1 cup couscous (BREWED uses Israeli couscous, which has bigger pearls)

1¼ tsp olive oil directions

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME

Make the mango pico first, as the ingredients need time to get to know each other. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at

Created by Brittany Tressider of Thompson’s Bookstore, this cocktail was created to represent one of her favorite childhood stories. The rose petal and the French gin are a nod to the origin of the story. It is floral, refreshing, and delicate – just like the love story we all know.

least an hour. Mix the spices together. This makes more than you will use for this recipe, so store the leftovers in an airtight container.

ingredients 1 ½ oz Citadel French Gin

Make the couscous next. Bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the butter, couscous, and olive oil. Remove the pot from the heat and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the couscous with

½ oz fresh grapefruit juice ½ oz fresh lemon juice

a fork.

¾ oz gewürztraminer wine syrup (a 1-to-1 of wine to sugar ratio, heated until the sugar dissolves, cooled and stored in the refrigerator)

Sprinkle the salmon with the chili spice mix. Place the salmon, belly side down, on a hot grill. Grill for approximately four minutes, turn, and cook for another four minutes. The salmon should be medium-rare to medium.

4 mint leaves Orange blossom water spray

Last of all, wilt the spinach. Heat a sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the spinach to the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the spinach in the pan for about two minutes or until it’s wilted (somewhere between raw and completely cooked.)

(available at Central Market)

A rose petal, without any pesticides directions

To serve, lay a bed of couscous on a plate or in a pasta bowl. Top with the wilted spinach and a piece of grilled salmon. Finish with the mango pico and enjoy!

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves into the fruit juices and the syrup. Add the Citadel, ice, and shake well. Pour into a 5 oz coupe or a martini glass and spritz the orange blossom water over the top. Garnish with a rose petal and enjoy! This goes particularly well with the 287th viewing of Beauty and the Beast with your preschooler. 6

illustrations by Trish Wise

EV EN TS

ACTIVITIE S

Victoria Wise, TanglewoodMoms.com founder and Madeworthy publisher, brings you the top Fort Worth experiences. You do not want to miss these!

Sep 7

Oct 5

Cherokee Basket Weaving: Log Cabin Village | logcabinvillage.org

Gathering Hope: Doxology Bible Church | gatheringhope.net

Sep 7

Oct 9

Picnic in the Park: Globe Life Park | allianceforchildren.org

Edgar Miller Images Photo Expedition: Texas Panhandle/Palo Duro Canyon | edgarmillerimages.com

Sep 7

Oct 10

SUP Basics: Lakeside Paddle | lakesidepaddle.com

Christmas in Cowtown: Will Rogers Memorial Center | juniorleaguefw.org

Sep7 & Oct 5, 11am Architecture Tours: The Modern Art Museum | themodern.org

Sep 13 & Oct 11 Friday on the Green: Near Southside | nearsouthsidefw.org

Sep 14, 11am-4pm

Oct 18 Legacy of Women Awards: Safe Haven of Tarrant County | safehaventc.org

Oct 18-20 The Sleeping Beauty: Bass Hall | texasballettheater.org

Hot Cars and Hot Dogs Car Show and Pet Adoption: Fort Worth Design District | fortworthdesigndistrict.com

Oct 19

Sep 15

Oct 19-20, 9am

Canoe Fest: Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | fwnaturecenter.org

2019 Bell Fort Worth Alliance Airshow | allianceairshow.com

Sep 20, 11am – 9pm

Oct 20

PARK(ing) Day: Near Southside | nearsouthsidefw.org

Bizarre Bazaar: Lola’s | lolassaloon.com

Sep 24-Oct 5

4th Annual Fort Worth Firefighters Chili Cook-Off: General Worth Square Fort Worth

ArtsGoggle: Near Southside | nearsouthsidefw.org

Oct 19

Phantom of the Opera: Bass Hall | basshall.com

Sep 26-28

Oct 19 Goat Yoga: TCU | goatyogadallas.com

Oktoberfest: Panther Island Pavillion | oktoberfestfw.com

Sep 27 The Wallflowers: Billy Bob’s Texas | billybobstexas.com

Sep 28 Adult Day Camp: SiNaCa Studios | sinacastudios.org

Oct 23 Pumpkin Centerpieces: Stir Crazy Baked Goods | alicestable.com

Oct 25-27 Ghostbusters in Concert: Bass Hall | fwsymphony.org

Oct 26, 8am ALZ Walk to end Alzheimers: Panther Island Pavilion | alz.org/northcentraltexas

THE

THE FORT WORTH MUSEUM

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OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

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Since 2004, the Mad Scientist Ball has been the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s signature fundraising event, although really, it’s more of a “bash” than a “ball!” This year’s ball is a milestone: the museum is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Museum School and the 10th anniversary of the “new” building. To honor these anniversaries, the ball’s theme is “Back to the Future.” The museum and Museum School have been touchstones in the lives of many Fort Worthians, so this year's ball is going to be a Taste of Fort Worth-style event with several local chefs providing their signature dishes. As in years past, there will also be a signature drink for the evening. It's all about collecting the best of Fort Worth together in one of our city's most beloved icons. In addition to the ever-popular, mind-blowing experiments that party goers look forward to every year, Four Day Weekend will perform, magicians Brian Masters and Anthony Dempsey will amaze and delight with their sleight-of-hand, and DJ Adrian Garza will keep the party going all night long. While the Mad Scientist Ball is truly one of the most fun events in Fort Worth, attending the ball helps the museum continue their legacy of extraordinary learning that has made Fort Worth such a spectacular place to call home. So gather your friends and come celebrate and support the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and Museum School while enjoying a night of museum madness!

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photo by Shannon Lange

IRCL C L E L

Ginger Walker

Allison Castillo

by William Wise ort Worth has always been a city of juxtapositions. The selfproclaimed Gateway to the West, Fort Worth has long embraced its Cowtown persona with cattle drives, rodeos, and Molly the longhorn as city mascot. At the same time, Fort Worth is home to three world-class art museums and has long been a city that is deeply mindful of the arts, blessed with generous and forward-thinking patrons and civic leaders. From the Amon Carter, the Modern, and the Kimbell to a myriad of galleries and art venues, as well as the very active Fort Worth Art Dealers Association (FWADA), Fort Worth’s art scene is both well-established and vibrantly of-the-minute. The city’s art scene was dominated in the 1940s and 1950s by a group of extremely talented painters. Called the Fort Worth Circle, this progressive art colony was comprised of native Texans, most of them under the age of 30. Unusually for the time, the membership of the Circle was evenly divided between the sexes, and these men and women embraced modern ideas and modern themes in their art that had been hitherto unseen in Texas regional art. Their popularity expanded beyond North Texas as members of the Circle moved from Fort Worth. Now, there is a new circle of artists in Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Women’s Art Circle is a collective of seven founding women. These diverse artists have come together to support and propel each other’s journeys, both in art and in life. Founding members Ginger Walker, Cheryl Tekstar, Allison Castillo, Joey Lancaster, Amy Young, Sarah Gentry, and Sarah Murrin are connected through common friends, motherhood, faith, and a love of painting. Their name is a nod to the original circle, to the artists who help cast Fort Worth as a globally recognized center for the arts, as well as an acknowledgement of their commitment to continuing the tradition of expanding Fort Worth’s artistic reputation. Amy Young explains, “Forming the… Fort Worth Women’s Art Circle has given us the platform to help other artists get established…” They are by no means exclusive, however, and remain open to expanding their membership as talented, like-minded women emerge.

Amy Young

Joey Lancaster

Sarah Murrin

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Ginger Walker says, “Being an artist can be very intimidating, and the business side of things can be overwhelming at first. This group of ladies is constantly coming up with new ideas to help each other find solutions for the business side [of being an artist] while empowering and encouraging each other artistically.” Allison Castillo agrees. “We – artists and women – need to feel connected. We want to celebrate each other and lift each other up when necessary. It’s vulnerable putting yourself out there.” At certain times in life, one comes across people who can lay aside their differences and come together in an environment of love, support, and enthusiasm to become a family. The women of the Fort Worth Women’s Art Circle are a family. They are sisters. And their sisterhood is beginning to show some incredible results. With a stated goal of staging two group shows per year to raise money for a different charity for each show, the Fort Worth Women’s Art Circle’s first show during FWADA’s 2019 Spring Gallery Night was a great success, raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Their second show will be held Saturday, September 7th, during FWADA’s 2019 Fall Gallery Night 2019. They will be joined this time by Walker and Tekstar’s partner in Galleywinter Gallery, Pat Green. Madeworthy and Tanglewood Moms are proud to partner with the Fort Worth Women’s Art Circle and Galleywinter Gallery to bring you this exciting show in the community room at Waterside, located at 3720 Convair Drive, Fort Worth, 76109.

The women of the Fort Worth Women’s Art Circle are a family. They are sisters. And their sisterhood is beginning to show some incredible results.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, people carry flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s — a disease that currently has no cure. But what if one day there was a white flower for Alzheimer’s first survivor? What if there were millions of them? Help make that beautiful day happen by joining us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

Register today at alz.org/walk. Fort -Worth Walk City Panther Island Pavilion Location October 26 8 a.m. Date | Time North Central Chapter Name Texas Chapter 817.336.4949 alz.org/walk Phone | URL

2019 NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

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ABRAHA ALEXANDE photo by Shannon Lange

by Lyle Brooks

F I N D I N G H I S H O M E , H I S FA M I LY, & H I S V O I C E In a recent post making its way around social media, Fort Worth’s Abraham Alexander can be seen falling, fully clothed, sideways into a swimming pool with the first guitar he ever owned strapped to him. A few feet away, a photographer in swim trunks captures frame after frame before they both hit the serene surface of the water. The image of the moment in question encapsulates where the young singer’s career is as he prepares to take his plunge. Frozen there in that levitational instant – part of the promotional push for the upcoming release of his first EP recorded for London’s Mahogany Records – one can see the fearlessness of an artist for whom challenges are another way to build character and further one’s reputation. It is the same presence, or grace, that can be seen when he takes the stage to perform; there’s a clarity of voice that is found when an artist truly lives in the moment.

The four-song EP, which will be available in the early fall, includes previously released tunes “America,” “Lover’s Game,” “Stay,” and a fourth track, “335” – named for the classic Gibson guitar – showcases his skills as a writer, a product of his collaboration on arrangements with Cameron Warner. “The label leaves plenty of room for the artist’s life to inform how and when they release music.” His first performance for the label came back in May 2018, opening for New Zealand singer-songwriter TEEKS, at London’s historic St. Pancras Church. In April 2019, Alexander was in London to complete the recording of his debut EP at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. A return visit for the worldly musician, it was as a member of the Texas Takeover that Abraham traveled to the United Kingdom for the first time; these week-long packages send Texas talent on trips to share with the people of the world. 10

Performing on a roster which included Austin Allsup, Grady Spencer & The Work, and Sean Russell of Cut Throat Finches, he notes that the city of Fort Worth has invested great time and energy into supporting artists. “I was the only performer who wasn’t doing country music, so I stood out, and folks in England saw that we had soul and blues in addition to what the city may typically be known more for. The way Fort Worth champions artists makes it a special place for the germination of talent.” On this fifth trip to London, Alexander says the diversity found in the city’s melting pot inspires him as an outsider to challenge himself musically. Perhaps, the process is benefited by more audiences abroad actually listening. “It seems as though fewer people in the crowd are on their phones, when I look out there, maybe more folks are there to soak in what you are doing.” London’s spirit allows him to feel lost as an

outsider, a feeling which resonates powerfully with his artistic center. This feeling enlivens a mode of introspection on his own cultural background, allowing him to see it in a different light. “All challenges help us grow. They have anxiety over there just like we do regarding the state of the world. We’re all working through it,” he adds. Transit opens the possibility of new versions of ourselves and allows us to remain aware of the connections between the various nuances of life. Shortly after he left for the trip, Mahogany released his cover version of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Games” as part of their Intimate Covers series. Abraham still carries the song’s energy with him. “The more that I learned about the song, the more it resonated and got me excited about recording it. It was composed quickly in the moment and acts as a reminder not to fret because the floodgates will open one day as long as you stay after it.” One of the most striking features of Alexander is the sense of balance he portrays, not only in how his body moves relative to his spine but even in the way in which he holds his head in conversation. As an accomplished physical therapist with medical school interest, Abraham has an acute dedication to the importance of listening; it is there when he is listening to a question just as much as when building a vibe with his band. “We can’t always be heard, but we can always listen.” Fortunately, he was listening when his adopted parents Jeff and Donnia Olesko gave their opinion about where the young man should place his energy. “I was splitting myself in all these various directions and they sat me down and said, ‘We think you should really pursue music. We see the fruits from it, and we see how happy you are doing it. We think you should jump in and go.” Around the time of his transition from military life into civilian life, Marine Jeff Olesko and his wife learned about Abraham, who had been born in Greece and separated from his family when his mother moved them to America. After his mother passed away, Abraham had been left in the care of his ESL teacher in Arlington because he had lost touch with family back home. A helicopter pilot, with four tours of Iraq to his credit, the upbeat Olesko was looking into remodeling and restoration for his next career. After further research and development, he decided his favorite thing in the remodeling process was interior finishing. His wife, Donnia, wanted a shop selling things for outfitting the home. Their interests in building a home combined, bringing Modern Maison to Fort Worth. Originally located on Montgomery, they have since relocated to the property on the corner of Magnolia and Hurley. Jeff says, “It is always about helping people transform their homes, and we’ve been able to continue to adapt our business to suit our family.” Soon after moving Modern Maison to the Near Southside, Jeff met Abraham when he helped the young man who would eventually become his son to paint his apartment. Already in his mid-twenties, after a life lived

among many homes, it was as the musical portion of a church fundraiser that Abraham’s life and the lives of Jeff and Donnia Olesko would finally intersect. As Abraham sang, Jeff recalls his wife whispering to him. “She said, ‘I think he’s supposed to be a part of our family,’ and I had just met him… I believe everybody deserves a family; you don’t have to let the struggles of the past define you.” Just as Abraham found his way from Greece, Jeff started life in Canada among his Ukrainian family. Eventually his journey led to Plano, while Donnia started in Florida before circuitously landing in Lewisville. Jeff says it was love at first sight; unfortunately, Donnia was too busy running their kids from one camp to the next to give her side of the story. In 2018, the Olesko family formally adopted Abraham, who, in pictures from the ceremony, can be seen proudly holding a teddy bear as a token from the adoption officials, clearly intended for a younger child. Jeff says his son still has that bear. The couple has now adopted five children, including Colton (17) and Jensen (12), as well as Draco (10) and June (7). It was through the local non-profit, Hope Fort Worth, which mobilizes local churches to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, that the couple began offering refuge and growing their family. Jeff smiles ruefully, “Blame them, they got us hooked. And Abraham’s a great big brother for his younger siblings; the kids all love his musical friends.” Just as the Olesko family fearlessly continues their path which begun with Abraham, so do the unique relationships within the family. Abraham smiles when asked about his family. “They are like my best friends. We are expanding the story of our family with these new kids, who are in turn allowing us to join their story of triumph and love. It has changed how I think of thriving in the world. They are teaching me to listen more; it is so central to healing. And it can be hard sometimes." Listeners of Alexander’s songs can hear the effects of great personal turmoil faced too young tempered with the inherent wonder he feels in “discovering my own road map, which has certainly been an amazing journey over the past year.” As Alexander inspires those around him as a human being, his artistic side was kickstarted by Gary Clark, Jr., who has played a pivotal role in Abraham’s development. The Austin-based guitar great recorded his own Mahogany Session back in 2012. “He’s the one who made me pick up a guitar. I figured if this brother can do it, I can do it too. I was mesmerized.” From his profoundly moving single, “America,” written in response to the 2016 mass shooting at a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas that claimed the lives of five police officers and wounded eleven more people, to the recent “Lover’s 11

Game,” an electronic-infused bit of neo-soul magic, Abraham Alexander has already shown an intriguing range. Released in early 2019, he wrote “Lover’s Game” in his car while decompressing after a long week of sessions. Abraham envisioned the combination of two styles: “It was a mixture of UK synth and American drums.” If one adds his brilliantly sparse cover of "Wicked Game," anticipation should be high for future releases from this talented young artist.

For Abraham Alexander, “the voice is the universal instrument.” With an instrument as unique as his, listeners can expect more exploration of genres and themes. The more he began to blend different styles over the course of the last year – engaging his creative instincts – he began to feel a sound click into place. That sound centers around following his voice and will undoubtedly continue to evolve as Alexander continues his artistic maturation. Noting where his mind has been, he adds, “All major social change has its music only as a consequence of people listening to the cries of those around them. Coming out the gates you need a solid vision if you want to have an impact.” Proud dad Jeff Olesko very excitedly notes the impact of that vision in the most recent single from the EP that has been released, “Stay” – a hypnotically sweet mid-tempo with a deep hook that honors his journey finding a sense of home, from Texas to London, and every step in between. Jeff adds, “If you know anything about his story, you know how deeply personal this one is for him. It is a favorite of mine.” Contained in his songs, listeners can hear the pangs of wisdom learned too young, significant losses and dislocations that remain a part of what he describes as, “Discovering my own road map, which has certainly been an amazing journey over the past year.” With the release of the EP in the fall and undoubtedly a new calendar of dates to follow through on, Abraham continues to make a name for himself. One such opportunity will be September 14th Party on the Porch at The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, where Alexander looks forward to sharing his songs, “It is such a perfect event with the whole city coming out, with kids of all ages – the next wave of fans getting caught up in the live music experience. Abraham Alexander is not only forging his way as a part of Fort Worth’s evolving music scene, he is using the wisdom and the grace gained through a lifetime of upheaval followed by finding his family, his home, and his voice to succeed on an even bigger stage.

a love that by Sarah Angle | photo by Julia Lauren Photography In February of 2016, the Volmert family experienced the unimaginable: the death of their daughter, Sammie. A malfunctioning heater had sent temperatures in their upstairs soaring above 100°, and because infants and little children cannot thermoregulate, 17-month-old Sammie tragically died of hyperthermia. Two years ago, I interviewed Keri Volmert to talk about her family’s loss and their brave decision to share Sammie’s story to highlight the dangers of hyperthermia. I wanted to revisit the Volmerts today to see how they have grown as a family. Penelope looks a lot like the big sister she will never know. The squirmy nine month old is fair-skinned with blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. She smiles when I smile at her, and her eyes sparkle just like her mama’s. Women coo at her as they walk past our table at McKinley’s Bakery and Café, where I met with Keri, Penelope, and big brother Jackson to talk about life after the death of a child. “So much has happened since then,” said Keri Volmert. “It’s been a struggle and sometimes we still wake up and ask, ‘Is this real?’ We’ve learned a lot and grown as a family and tried to make the best out of a horrible situation.” Sammie died in her crib sometime during the night of February 28, 2016. It was a normal evening, but the thermostat inside her upstairs bedroom was broken. Keri and her husband, Larry, didn’t know it was getting dangerously hot in their baby’s room. The parents woke up the next morning to the worst scene imaginable: a quiet and perfectly still child with her eyes permanently closed. Children under the age of five can’t regulate their body temperature, which makes a broken thermostat a deadly situation. In fact, doctors told Keri that Jackson, now an outgoing six year old, would have probably died as well if he’d been sleeping in his bed upstairs that night. A tragedy as overwhelming as the loss of a child has a lasting and, all too often, detrimental effect on couples. For Keri and Larry, however, the heartache and pain brought them closer together, showing them new strengths and depths that they had not known they possessed. “It was a horrific first couple of years,” Keri said. “My husband and I learned more about each other. We are the only two people who truly understand the depth of what we’ve been through; we have grown stronger, and I don’t think that always happens.” At McKinley’s, Jackson is sitting beside me playing on his mom’s phone. He’s wearing a blue Patagonia baseball hat that matches his eyes. He talks about his baseball team and tries to peek over my laptop to see

what I’m typing. His mom says he still talks about Sammie often. “I want a brother,” he told me matter-of-factly after I asked Keri about having more children. The couple is thinking about adoption or trying to have another baby. Keri is 42 now, and we lament the fact that our biological clocks make it harder to have children later in life. “Time kind of sneaks up on you,” she said. “The past two years have flown by. It seems like a different lifetime; it’s all gone by so fast.” But no matter how much time passes, Sammie will always be a large part of the Volmert’s life. “We still think about her all the time,” said Keri. “The first thing is the grief and the second thing is that it’s constantly on your mind. The absence in every little and big thing that ‘should’ be going on — that’s the common denominator among people who have lost children.” To keep her memory alive, the family celebrates Sammie’s birthday and Christmas each year by giving back to others in her name. This past year, the family donated toys to The Warm Place, a local nonprofit that provides grief support to children and young adults who have lost a loved one. In the future, they want to refine the mission of their charity, Sweet Acts for Sammie, and expand their work around Fort Worth. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Keri and her family, you’ll notice a gold necklace around Keri’s neck. I’ve never seen her without it. It spells out her daughter’s name: Sammie. It’s a constant reminder of a love that will never fade and a grief that she lives with every day. “Some days are still a struggle,” said Keri. But their loss has taught the Volmerts something. “We are both more empathetic to people who have gone through tragedy and realize that we never really know what a stranger is going through.”

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SNORING ISN’T SEXY... It could be linked to serious health problems. WITH WEINER DOGS by Shilo Urban My greatest loves are wiener dogs and world travel, which often go together like banana pie and pâté. From the Champs-Elysées to the streets of Seattle, from the California coast to the beaches of Maine, a sausage-shaped dog has strutted by my side, always on the lookout for an unguarded sandwich or a new stink to sniff. These stubby little hounds have no idea how small they are or how ridiculous they look. They march around this world like they OWN it. Dachshunds (German for “badger dogs”) were bred with short legs to hunt badgers in their burrows. Their abbreviated stature makes wiener dogs the perfect size to stuff into a backpack or under an airplane seat. Some fly better than others. One of my wieners slipped out of his carrier mid-flight while I was sleeping, sneaking under several rows of seats to lick a flight attendant’s leg. Her scream woke me up. Another time, I had a puppy become over-excited in the airport and let loose a river of urine down the front my shirt – right as I was boarding a flight. I marinated for the next three hours. My current dog Steve handles airplanes like a champ. He’s racked up thousands of frequent flyer miles, sitting as still and quiet as a church mouse from take-off to landing. When I pop him out of the bag at the end of each flight, my seatmates are always surprised to discover that I have a dog. Never mind the fact that I’ve been talking to the bag at my feet the entire time. Road trips with wieners require special care: frequent stops to run off energy, plenty of fresh water, and sometimes there is some smuggling. Driving from Los Angeles to Fort Worth with Steve as my co-pilot, I had planned out a pet-ready route with dog-friendly hotels along the way. What I hadn’t planned on was an ice storm in West Texas, which forced me to divert. I couldn’t out-race the storm, and I couldn’t sleep outside in the subzero temperatures – and there were no pet-friendly hotels within 100 miles. So I smuggled my wiener dog into the Hampton Inn under my shirt, like I was pregnant with a lopsided meatloaf that smelled like hot feet. But my best wiener world traveler was King Louis XIV, who crossed the country four times, visited two dozen states, and explored half of France from his home base in Paris. Louis slid into la vie Parisienne like he was born in a beret and bathed in champagne. He pranced. He preened. He pooped in the middle of the street alongside the finest of French poodles – and I dutifully picked it up, like a humble maidservant for his royal highness. Louis charmed the pantalons off the dog-loving Parisians, who gathered in crowds to watch him frolic in fountains. His favorite pastime was rescuing leaves from the water, pulling one leaf after another to safety on dry land. He fetched tennis balls in the Seine River and slobbered on the Eiffel Tower. He cavorted in chateau gardens and slinked inside Nazi bunkers on Normandy Beach. Louis soon became something of a célébrité in my neighborhood. Restauranteurs insisted that he take a seat at the table, where he gobbled up meatballs and shredded napkins in delight – to admiring applause. We could hardly walk down the street without someone giving him a plate of steak tartare or a long strip of gyro meat. That little mongrel ate better than I did. I flew back to Texas to surprise my parents that Christmas. After a stop for Mexican food (of course), I taped Louis inside a large cardboard box, addressed it like a shipment from Paris, and set it on their front porch. Then I rang the doorbell and hid. My dad answered the door and opened the package. “Somebody left a dadgum animal on our porch!” he exclaimed, far less than thrilled about this wriggling newcomer. My mom arrived just in time to see Louis burst out of the box. She knew immediately that it wasn’t just any dadgum animal. It was MY dadgum animal, which meant that I had to be somewhere nearby. She flung open the front door and started screaming my name into the street. Best. Christmas. Ever. While Louis is long gone, Steve has settled into life here in Fort Worth with his little brother Lenny, who has yet to venture outside of Texas. But it’s only a matter of time, because it truly is a small world after all – even for long dogs.

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I T A L L S TA R T E D W I T H A

by Lee Virden Geurkink

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QPR – Question, Persuade, and Refer – is a free, suicide prevention training designed to give every person in our community the confidence and competence to help someone at risk for suicide. Parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters and other community members – anyone can learn these 3 simple steps that teach you how to recognize the warning signs, offer hope and get help.

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One dog. One abused and abandoned dog was the catalyst for a foundation and a rescue group that saves the lives of hundreds of other animals in North Texas. In 2012, a dog was found by the side of a dirt road in Parker county. This dog, a female pug mix, had been left for dead after being stabbed numerous times. Her muzzle had been taped shut. By the time she was found, her tongue was grossly distended and swollen from extreme dehydration. Her survival was a miracle. While the perpetrator has never been found, the dog was adopted by Kit and Charlie Moncrief, who named her Hope. Hope’s story inspired Mrs. Moncrief to start the Saving Hope Foundation to spotlight animal abuse and neglect and to educate the public about the necessity of spaying and neutering animals. Thus, the Saving Hope Foundation was born. There are uncounted thousands of stray animals living in Fort Worth and Dallas. Many die of starvation, disease, exhaustion, or automobile every day, but those who survive breed and perpetuate the problem. Animal control officers are overwhelmed, so private rescue groups are essential to help find homes for those animals who are adoptable. The Saving Hope Foundation’s mission is to end animal abuse and neglect by addressing animal overpopulation in the community with an emphasis on education and adoption. Raising money for organizations like the Spay & Neuter Network; the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection; the Cook Children’s Sit, Stay, Play Program; and the Don’t Forget to Feed Me Food Bank, the Saving Hope Foundation works tirelessly to reduce the stray animal population. As the foundation’s reputation grew, the need for a dedicated rescue group became apparent. Lauren Anton is a director on the board of the Saving Hope Foundation. She was involved in the Foundation’s education and fundraising effort, so she was the perfect person to lead the rescue organization. Lauren has known the Moncrief family for all her life. Her mother went to school with Charlie Moncrief. Lauren’s sister is best friends with Gloria Moncrief Holmsten. When the need for a dedicated rescue organization became apparent, Gloria gave Lauren carte blanche to run it. And so Saving Hope Animal Rescue (SHAR) was born. “I would never have started a rescue group on my own,” Lauren says. “But the foundation needed help, and they trusted me.” The foundation isn’t the only group that trusts Lauren. The city’s Animal Control trusts her, too. When they have animals that are too young or too old to be accommodated in the animal shelter, they call SHAR. And that means they call Lauren. With a group of 30 dedicated volunteers, SHAR has rescued over 480 animals in 2019 alone, and Lauren heads it all. When a call to SHAR is made, Lauren answers it. She is the person who keeps track of an animal as it goes through the rescue’s system: from the vet, where it will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, to the foster home and finally to the adoption. When I talked with Lauren, she was a little overwhelmed. The city had called her in on an animal hoarding case, and she had 12 dogs at her house. She says that she’s fostered up to 26 before, but her husband thinks that’s too many dogs. Lauren is proud of the fact that SHAR is all foster based. “Because we foster all the animals [that SHAR rescues],” Lauren says, “we know exactly what they need. We know their personalities; we know how they interact with people and other animals. We know what kind of family is best for this dog or cat. It’s all about getting the right fit.” This knowledge of the animals they rescue leads to better matches with potential families. This, in turn leads to fewer rehomings. Every animal that is adopted has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. SHAR works with ten local veterinarians to make sure every animal is healthy before being adopted. Every bit of this work is done through donations and volunteer hours. As well as underwriting SHAR’s rescue efforts, the Saving Hope Foundation recently opened the Spay Neuter Network in southeast Fort Worth. Part of the foundation’s Snip, Snip Hooray campaign, this clinic offers free spaying and neutering, as well as low-cost wellness examinations, vaccination, and microchipping. This is the first clinic of this kind in the area, and it is part of Saving Hope’s overall mission. Thousands of animals have been helped by the Saving Hope Foundation and Saving Hope Animal Rescue. And it all started with just a little Hope. To find out more about the Saving Hope Foundation, visit www.savinghope.org. If you are interested in fostering, adopting, or volunteering with Saving Hope Animal Rescue, visit www.savinghoperescue.org.

O U R C O M M U N I T Y ’ S M O V E R S & S H A K E R S by Lee Virden Geurkink

Charlie McKee’s grandfather was an inspiration to him. While still an undergraduate at TCU, Charlie started a company called AdaptaFit, which offers magnetic technology that makes getting dressed easier for those with diseases or disabilities that affect fine motor skills. Charlie’s grandfather suffered from Parkinson’s disease, and manipulating buttons and zippers was challenging. AdaptaFit’s patent-pending magnetic strips are sewn into clothing, making dressing without help easier while eliminating the need for a new wardrobe. Customers can either send their clothing to AdaptaFit to have the magnets installed or take them to select dry cleaners. For more information, visit their website at www.adaptafitclothing.com.

Fort Worth native Ashlee Garrett is bringing family game night back! As a digital marketer for over a decade, Ashlee realized the need for more real-life human connections and decided to design solutions to help create interactions offline, as opposed to online, so she resurrected the classic game Wahoo - with a modern twist. The fun, competitive game’s board is made of real birchwood and serves as a piece of art in your home. Using painting and etching techniques, local artists create custom game boards, ensuring that each is unique to the owner. For more information, visit Ashlee’s website at www. wahooboardgames.com.

Founded by Donna Floyd, Justin’s Place works to change the future for the next generation. By helping single mothers and their children in the Stop Six neighborhood, Justin’s place aims to change a generation. Donna Floyd met Justin through her son’s football team, and his heart touched hers. In starting Justin’s Place, Donna hopes to help other families like Justin’s. Their mission is to enhance the life of children by empowering their mothers to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically toward a life free of crisis. To learn how you can help Justin’s Place, visit www.justinsplace.org.

In the summer of 2018, Fort Worth-based nonprofit Academy 4 approached local video content company Four 3rds Creative with an idea: Why not start a movie making club at George C. Clarke Elementary? Academy 4 partners with local churches to provide mentoring and clubs for fourth graders in Title 1 schools. Four 3rds then approached the Lone Star Film Society, whose teen camp curriculum became the basis for their club. Over the course of the 2018-2019 school year, two groups of fourth graders wrote, directed, acted in, and shot their own short movie while learning valuable leadership skills, teamwork, and mutual respect.

Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) has named Fort Worth native Claire Hicks as its new director of development. Coming to TBT from Texas Cultural Trust in Austin where she served as director of development, Hicks is looking to make a positive impact at TBT. “I look forward to working with the esteemed Board of Governors, the incredible staff, faculty, and dancers who make up this vibrant and talented company.” Hired for her business acumen and dedication to the arts, Hicks will help TBT, the resident ballet company of Bass Performance Hall and the Windspear Opera House, move to the next level of ballet companies.

photo by Benjamin Cabe

St. Peter’s Classical School announces its new head of school, Seraphim Danckaert. Mr. Danckaert comes to St. Peter’s from Michigan with a successful leadership background, most recently as executive director of FOCUS North America, an Orthodox Christian charity providing sustainable poverty solutions in more than 50 cities across the country. Sharing a campus with St. Peter’s Orthodox Church, the school offers a traditional classical education, including instruction in Latin and Greek, while teaching its students to think critically. While it embraces the beauty and wisdom of Orthodox Christianity, St. Peter’s Classical School welcomes family of all traditions for grades PreK-3 through 12th.

We are so excited to announce that former Madeworthy contributor Kam Phillips-Sadler’s gorgeous smile is being featured on millions of bags of Lay’s Classic and Lay’s Flaming Hot potato chips across the nation as part of the #SmilewithLays campaign. Kam was selected because she shares smiles with her nonprofits Dream Outside the Box and Dream Delivered. These amazing programs help propel children in dream deserts toward higher education using innovative and imaginative experiences, thereby broadening horizons and demonstrating what is possible through higher education, while cultivating leadership skills among their collegiate volunteers. We are thrilled for you, Kam!

The Fort Worth Independent School District has partnered with Texas Wesleyan University to form the Leadership Academy Network. This program targets struggling schools in FWISD, turning them into Leadership Academies. Under the visionary leadership of senior officer Priscilla Dilley, each of FWISD’s Leadership Academies came off the Texas Education Agency’s “Improvement Required” list in 2018, the program’s first year. Schools include Como Elementary, John T. White Elementary, Maude I. Logan Elementary, Mitchell Boulevard Elementary, and Forest Oak Middle School. All five academies demonstrated levels of student growth that placed them among the top half of campuses across the state.

photo by Serena Garcia Local wonder-kiddo Kaylee Shaw is living her dream. The rising seventh grader at Trinity Valley School has always loved to cook. Mostly self-taught, Kaylee loves cooking Latininspired dishes, as well as low-carb desserts for her dad, who is diabetic. Kaylee’s love of all things culinary inspired her to apply to be a contestant on “Chopped, Jr.,” and she made it onto the show. In an episode called “Toast Boast,” Kaylee competed against contestants from Dallas and Florida. She had to work with crazy ingredients like quail eggs, lemonade, corn-on-the-cob, and popcorn, and in the end, she won! Congratulations from all of us at Madeworthy, Kaylee!

photo by Kassie Moore The connection between our insecurities and our behavior is often difficult to discern. We hide the motivations behind our behavior, but our words are what the world hears, and our actions are what the world sees. People do not look for the reason behind our actions. Alex Geesbreght’s new book, The Chaos Parallel: How to Overcome the Life-Altering Effects of Insecurities, is the result of his 30+-year fascination with trying to understand the root cause of our behavior. Drawing from his personal and professional experience, Geesbreght encourages us to look for the truth behind the behaviors.

photo courtesy of Anthony and Chey Lee

With the rise of emails and texting, the art of letter writing has all but fallen by the wayside. Yet there are few things that make a bigger impact than receiving a handwritten letter. Enter Letter from You, founded by local entrepreneurs Anthony and Chey Lee. Do you have a client who deserves a handwritten thank-you note? Simply type your letter and let Letter from You’s writer Bobbi Foran handwrite it on handmade paper. Letter from You can create a custom wax seal for your business. They even mail your letter for you! A handwritten letter is a wonderful way to show your appreciation, and Letter from You is here to help.

For years, former President Nixon’s papers from after his time in the White House sat unread in the Richard Nixon Library. Local writer and former advisor to President George W. Bush and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Kasey S. Pipes was given access to those papers by President Nixon’s daughters to write a book about Nixon unlike anything that had been written before. In After the Fall: The Remarkable Comeback of Richard Nixon, Pipes explores the former president’s life and work from his final day in the White House until his death in 1994, documenting what is possibly the most astounding reversal of fortune in American political history.

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influencing with

PURPOSE by the Madeworthy Team

We of the Madeworthy editorial staff have been so impressed by local bloggers who are using their platforms for more than just advertising themselves that we decided to honor them in a new feature called “Influencing with Purpose.” In each issue, we will spotlight a blog or social media account you should follow. Our inaugural influencer is local blogger, songwriter, and performer Isabella Breedlove, great-great-granddaughter of the founders of Joe T. Garcia’s.

What made you start your blog? Ever since I was young, my mom would tell me that I had a purpose in this world. She didn’t know exactly what it was, but she knew that my purpose was to shine my light in the darkness. Hearing this over and over growing up helped me to see that there is so much change that needs to happen in this world. I used to think that all the trials that I have faced had no purpose, but I can use all the heartache to shed light on the same issues that I’ve dealt with and help others know that they are not alone. I believe that every heartache has a purpose, whether you find it or create it yourself. “Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.”- Maya Angelou.

You come from a long line of strong women. What's the best advice they have given you? No one is going to hand you anything in this life, and nothing comes free. YOU have to stand up, put your big girl panties on, and be strong.

You've written about some pretty personal experiences. Have young women reached out to you? When I first started my blog, my primary goal was to help people. I posted an article recently talking about my story of sexual assault more to help parents assist in their daughter’s healing. A woman reached out to me saying that both of her daughters came to her with my blog post and shared their stories of sexual assault. She was heartbroken. She thanked me for writing such an in-depth post so she could know how to navigate the situation. I could write a thousand blog posts, and if they help one person, I will have achieved my goal.

What does it mean to you to be a Latina? How do you celebrate your heritage? Growing up, I don’t think I understood the significance of my great-great-grandmother. She came here in the early 1900s from Michoacán, Mexico, with absolutely nothing and created a life not only for herself, but for her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She came to America with no money, no education, working in a maledominated world. She created an empire. Her bravery created a path that would change her family forever.

In what ways did homeschooling enrich your life/education? Homeschooling provided me with opportunities I never would have had otherwise. I was able to heal and to learn to deal with my depression in a healthy way. I was also given the time to really focus on my writing and creating, whether it was music, art, in the kitchen, etc. Being home also allowed me to grow my relationship with my mother. Now we’re constantly working on new projects, bouncing ideas off each other. Our relationship is the best it has ever been.

What's your favorite book and why?

What political or social issue motivates you? I refuse to sit down and watch the injustices women in our society face every single day: sexual harassment in the workplace, rape on college campuses, not being able to go on dates without having friends track us “just in case something happens.” We need to teach our boys how to respect women instead of teaching our girls not to get raped.

Readers of this publication love their pets, tell us about yours. I feel as though many people make fun of emotional support animals, saying that they are unnecessary. I completely disagree. When I was sixteen, I was dealing with an unimaginable amount of anxiety. I couldn’t leave the house without my brothers. After discussing it for weeks, my parents decided to get me a puppy. I named her Lola, my nickname as a kid, and took her EVERYWHERE with me that summer. She has contributed immensely to my healing, and she’s just so cute!

What favorite memories do you have about Joe T. Garcia's? Most of my childhood memories take place at Joe T. Garcia’s. I can remember celebrating birthdays, weddings, graduations, any special event, really. But my favorite memory is my first day working with my grandfather. There was an insane ice storm in Fort Worth. No one came to work because the roads were too slick, so my grandfather called my mom and said that he was going to show me the ropes. I was eleven when my grandfather sat me at a desk. All he said was, “Don’t let the phone ring more than twice.” That was it. I spent all day talking to customers, telling them about my favorite place in the world, the place I grew up. At first, I fumbled my words because I was so nervous about saying the wrong thing. My grandfather sat right next to me and coached me through the whole morning. He told me to remember that no matter what, the customer is always right and to talk with a smile on my face because people can always hear when you’re talking with a frown.

What's next for Isabella? What’s next? I’ve been asking myself that a lot lately. From the day I was born, my mother taught me that “there is nothing more powerful than an educated woman.” Right now, while I’m continuing my blog, I will be working on getting my college degree. To be completely honest, my plans for college have changed at least ten times in the last year. The future is uncertain. What I am certain of is that I want to help people. I’m hoping that college will assist in helping me find the exact direction I want to go in.