Summer 2012 Sharing Our
stories
MattieGrace
Š
Volume Three
Contributors
He ather solum
Heather Solum loves to stay on the top of the latest trends while exploring new uses for vintage treasures. She is an artist and designer who loves to make something out of nothing—from furniture to home decor.
deb ora smith
Debora Smith travels every summer to Mexico on a mission trip with her church. The rest of the year, she is an office manager for a financial firm and enjoys coffee with friends and taking care of her pup, Kat.
Lorinda Gray
Lorinda Gray is an awardwinning graphic designer and photographer. She is also passionate about gardening and decorating. She freelances from her home at The Ragamuffin Acre. www.ragamuffincreative.com
polly sh afer
Polly Shafer lives in Okinawa, Japan with her Navy Chaplain husband. They have two daughters and a cat named Angel. She loves cooking, photography, and exploring Japan.
email: mattiegrace.ezine@gmail.com
America! America!
GOD
shed His grace on thee —Katharine Lee Bates/1913
¼
Inside st. louis independence day
4 crystal bridges
9
this is my song
5 the herb garden
10
fourth of july memories
6 dogtown deli
13
cousin Jane
7
recipes
15
Right: One of the large balloons floating through the St. Louis parade. Below: Musicians play jazz on a parade float.
Right: Jon and I are anxious for the B52 concert to begin. Below: Our view of The Arch during the concert.
St. Louis
INDEPENDENCE
O
ver the last few years, I spent two Fourth of July holidays in St. Louis visiting friend Jon. We were working on a photo book about The Marquette Building, in which he owns a condo. The Marquette Building was built 1913-15 and has fascinating features. It sets between taller buildings just a block from The Arch and just down the street from Busch Stadium. We explored just about every nook and cranny we could from roof to basement. The result was a published book—A Photographic Tribute to The Marquette Building. It can be viewed and purchased at www.blurb.com.
Above: The fireworks as seen from the roof of The Marquette Building.
We had a great time celebrating Independence Day and started the day with a lengthy parade that is a St. Louis tradition. It flows through downtown right by The Marquette. We simply carried our lawn chairs down to the street to view the bands, balloons, and beauty queens. One year we also attended a B52s concert directly under The Arch and a Cardinal’s game. For two or three evenings around the Fourth we were able to view the fireworks on the river from the roof of The Marquette. Downtown St. Louis is coming to life with historical buildings being turned into condos. It’s a great city to explore!
Jon’s dad photographs his grandkids beneath The Arch.
This Is My Song Summer!
Heat and humidity, fun at the beach, festivals to attend, fireworks to watch, picnics to be had, naps to be taken, family to be seen, grass to be mowed…all sounds very American. But those are things that take place here in Japan where I have lived the past six years since my husband joined the US Navy as a chaplain. We have enjoyed living here. The people are very polite, clean, friendly. They do things like we do. My family had the opportunity to see the Dragon Boat races recently. Teams of about two dozen people compete in rowing races in special boats that look like dragons. At the beginning, a boat circles the harbor and prayers are offered to the gods for a successful summer growing season for the farmers. O.K., so we don’t do this in the US. Japan is not a Christian nation. About 1% of Japanese are Christian. However, here in Okinawa, I see many more churches than I did on mainland.
I was recently reminded of a hymn we would usually sing around July 4th.
This Is My Song
This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; here are my hopes, my dreams my holy shrine; But other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine. My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine; But other lands have sunlight too, and clover, and skies are everywhere as blue as mine. O hear my song, thou God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine. This is my prayer, O Lord of all earth’s kingdoms: Thy kingdoms come; on earth thy will be done. Let Christ be lifted up till all shall serve him, and hearts united learn to live as one. O hear my prayer, thou God of all the nations; myself I give thee; let thy will be done. The part that always sticks with me is the part about clover. For some reason I wondered, “Do they have clover in other countries?” The other day I saw a lot of clover, just like ours: little white, round flowers and the three heart-shaped leaves. I even saw a boy searching for a four leaf clover! So, yes, there is clover in Japan. The skies are blue and sunlight beams on the clover and pine. Even though it may not be evident in the number of churches, etc… . God is God of all the nations. It’s our job to help others to see that. —Polly Shafer
M
y fondest memory of Fourth of July had to have been when I was around seven years old— back in the 60s. I can remember waiting for Daddy to come home with a few fireworks for us to blow off. He bought mostly Roman Candles, Sparklers and some of the great fun worms—black round dots that would be put on the ground. When lit, it would make a worm. How amazing that was! Our family ate the dinner that Mom had prepared and, of course, the watermelon that had been in the ice box getting cold all day. We would always eat the melon after our fireworks and we would be covered with all the sweet juice. And, we always had to spit the seeds!
Fourth of July MEMORIES My three sisters and I would play all day outside. I can remember a great big Mimosa tree in our yard. We would play around that tree for hours and it smelled so sweet and the pink tassel blooms would tickle our faces.
The July Fourth holidays of my childhood are full of memories of patriotism, love of our nation, and honoring family members and friends who fought to keep us free and safe. We thought that feeling would always be there.
As the sun would go down, the fireflies lit the warm evening with their little tails. It was so much fun to catch but mostly to watch them. We lived far from town so it was much darker and we could see them well.
My prayer for our nation is that we all would turn our face toward God and pray for our nation as it goes through a transformation. As a child, I thought I would never see some of the things we have faced. We have to stand together and fight for America. It is difficult for me to sing our national anthem or God Bless America without tears streaming down my cheeks. I am proud to be an American, living in the land of the free and the home of the —Deb Smith brave. Left: Deb and her sisters take a ride during their summer vacation. Top right: Deb at the age of seven.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
—2 Chronicles 7:14
God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home.
Cousin JANE T
here are many words that could describe my Cousin Jane. She had many accomplishments throughout her 86 years but her Lord and family always came first. Cousin Jane went to Heaven on March 25, 2012. She left too soon for me but she was ready to see her beloved husband Ted (“the prettiest man” she ever saw), daughter Vickie, and the multitude of family waiting on the other side. She had just read our spring issue and told me the week before she died that she wanted to write an article for MattieGrace. I regret that there was not time to complete that project. Life was an on-going adventure for Jane. She was always ready to go somewhere. She didn’t want to miss anything. She had some physical ailments that some would have considered a reason to stay home and not go anywhere but she didn’t let them slow her down. She was an inspiration to senior citizens and loved to preach to them about not giving up and having a positive outlook on life.
Christian Volunteer Storyteller Businesswoman Servant Mother Wife Grandmother Spokeswoman Public Speaker one allowed to call them “honey” other than their wives! She got into trouble with the Secret Service for calling President Gerald Ford “Sugar.”
and made over her for a couple of minutes. He made her day. Jane was best-known as “Miss Jane” on Arkansas’s PBS station, AETN. She was their first volunteer and served for 47 years as their main fundraiser and spokeswoman. She would tell people, “I beg for money on TV.” She is credited with delivering a ten-minute speech before a congressional committee in Washington D.C. in 1995 that saved the funding PBS received from the government. She is the only person to ever receive a standing ovation from a congressional committee.
Even though she was my cousin, I did not have the opportunity to know her well until the last four years. I knew her parents best as her dad and my dad were first cousins and we spent some Sundays visiting during my childhood. I knew I had the privilege of well the story of Jane’s grandmother Sarah Jane helping Jane publish Diffee who lived to the age of 105. I grew up in her biography in the house that we purchased from Mrs. Diffee. 2011. We worked In those few years, Jane and I had a few for months pulling adventures. The Gray family gathered for a together the speeches reunion in California and Jane was determined she had given over to go but couldn’t travel alone. She drove from the years. We added Little Rock and we flew from my area airport. stories about her While waiting for our flight, I saw Frank Broyles journey that gave me a (athletic director at the U of A) enter the airport. better vision of her life I asked her if she knew him. She said, “Oh, my, and the history of our yes! We’ve served on boards and committees family. together for forty years!” I asked her if she wanted For weeks, I typed her speeches from cassette to visit with him and she did. I approached him and CD recordings—sometimes so absorbed and knew I had one chance to grab his attention in the content of her message that it was hard without looking like an idiot. I said quickly, “Do to stop for a break. I was amazed at how little you know Jane Krutz?” I had to edit the speeches. She had delivered He said, “Yes, I do.” them so many times, they were tight and precise. “She is in the airport and would like to visit with Some had been delivered to church groups, civic groups, and business leaders at least 100 times. you a few minutes if you have the time.”
Jane called everyone “honey,” “little darling,” He immediately followed me upstairs to our gate I visited her home several times to gather more “angel.” Some married men said she was the only and hugged her and told her she looked beautiful stories and scan old photos. Much of the time
we were doubled over in laughter at the stories she wrote. I would burst out laughing while typing and she would look over at me and say, “What are you laughing about?” I told her that it was so funny that I was trying hard to not read ahead. Jane’s book was published in September 2011 and we had a book signing party at her church. Over 200 friends and family were lined up out the door waiting for her autograph. I’m just sorry we didn’t have more time for her to enjoy promoting her book. She loved meeting people and sharing her stories. Those who have heard her unique voice, said they can just hear her speaking as they read her book.
Jane as a teenager
I’m so glad God provided the time for me to get to know Jane and help her publish her stories. Her life adventures were amazing but she knew nothing would compare with would was to come in her Heavenly Home. Her Grandmother Diffee was known to say often, “Don’t let a one of us miss out on Heaven!”
Receiving an award from Governor Mike Huckabee.
AETN’s #1 volunteer for 47 years
Vilonia is the hometown for the Gray Family. Jane had been asked once why she wanted to be buried in the cemetery in the small town of Vilonia rather than Little Rock. She said, “At the rapture, the biggest concentration of Grays will rise from that cemetery and I want to be right in the middle of it!” In the front of Jane’s book, we placed some of the quotes friends and family wrote about her. There are some very well-known names in that group but I think my favorite is what Senator Stanley Russ said:
Jane introduces Billy Graham.
Jane and Ted at their engagement
Jane interviews Bert and Ernie.
Jane Krutz is not only one of the greatest motivational and inspirational speakers in America, but her very life preaches a gospel sermon without saying a word. She lights up the room.
Jane with President Clinton
Jane’s favorite quotes:
Senator Russ’ quote is on-target. Jane’s life was an example of what determination, service, obedience to the Lord, and love can bring to our lives. —Lorinda Miss Jane—Speeches and Stories can be purchased on Amazon.com.
Joy is the most infallible proof of the presence of God in your life.
The Krutz Family
Jane dances the polka with Bobby Burgess
The first rule of good manners is putting up with bad ones pleasantly.
Crystal Bridges W
e are fortunate to live near a new museum of American art—Crystal Bridges. The visionary for the museum is Alice Walton and we are grateful she is sharing her art collection. The architecture and artwork is splendid and you must visit if you haven’t already. Here’s some photos of a few American heroes. You can learn more about the museum at www.crystalbridges.org. —Lorinda
Left: George Washington by Gilbert Stuart (1797). Above: Rosie the Riviter by Norman Rockwell (1943). Top right: Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull (1792). Lower right: Day Shift by Francis Criss (1943). Below: The Life of a Hunter: A Tight Fix by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (1856).
Herb Garden I began growing herbs out of necessity. No, not for cooking—but because deer do not eat herbs. I have herds of deer that run on each side of my house and sleep in the back yard. They will eat lilies, morning glories, and hostas but don’t seem to have a taste for herbs and lantana. —Lorinda
lavendar
calla lily
basil
chocolate mint
pineapple mint
primrose
apple mint
Herbs are one of the first plants to come to life in the spring and stay around until frost.
rosemary
mint
Not all of the plants shown here are herbs but they add a little color to the greenscape.
thyme
toad house
sedum
lemon mint
sage
Dogtown
Coffee & Cookery Most freelancers have a hangout away from the home office. Graphic designer friend Sandy recently took me to Dogtown Coffee & Cookery—her “office” away from home in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The murals were full of life and color and covered large areas of the walls. Comfy chairs provided a place to relax with a book right off their bookshelf. —Lorinda
Dogtown Coffee & Cookery had some interesting lighting fixtures made from repurposed items. Oh, and they had some pretty good food also!
Recipes Lorinda—My mother made the best strawberry pie. It’s my brother’s favorite and when she died, my sister and I had to learn to make it. The recipe makes two pies and I like to take them to his house and tell him, “Sorry, I didn’t have time to make the pies.” Then, we pull them out from a hiding place for dessert and his eyes brighten.
Strawberry Pie
Mix together in a 2-quart sauce pan: ¾ cup sugar 3 Tablespoons corn starch Blend in: 1½ cups water Cook until boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook until thick and clear, stirring occasionally. Add and stir to dissolve: 1 (4-oz.) package of strawberry gelatin Stir in: 2 cups chopped strawberries Stir until strawberries are bubbly. Pour into: 2 baked 9" pie shells Top with whipped cream or ice cream.
Lorinda—My brother-in-law’s mother, Juju, makes great baked beans. She made them at my house a few months ago and the house had a wonderful aroma!
Juju’s Easy Baked Beans Cook and drain: 4 slices of bacon until crisp. Reserve 2 Tablespoons of drippings. Crumble bacon.
Cook: ½ cup of chopped onions in drippings until tender. Add to bacon: 2 cans of Campbell’s Pork and Beans in tomato sauce. 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar. 1 Tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce 1 Tablespoon of prepared mustard Mix well. You can also add molasses and catsup.
Bake uncovered in 1½ quart casserole at 325 degrees for 1½ to 1¾ hours. Serves six.
Lorinda—I found these little waffle bowls at Aldi’s. There are ten in a box and they are packaged so well, I’ve never opened the box to find a broken one. Combine them with ice cream and your favorite toppings. A little less messier than a cone!