All About Women August 2012 by Mountain Times Publications

A AW M A G .C O M

august 2012 FREE

toni littleton Success at Elk River

rayanna christian You Go, Girl! The Power of One

kim cuthbertson Living Life with Care and Compassion

yosefa~antiquitea Local Women Bring New Concept to Boone

Thank You! Thanks to the 171 people that donated blood at the

2012 Media Challenge

Blood Drive

WO M EN

A L L

A B O U T

publisher Gene Fowler

executive editor Tom Mayer

editor Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828.264.3612, ext. 251

writers Genevieve Austin Danielle Bussone Heather Brandon Bonnie Church Heather W. Jordan Corrinne Loucks Kelly Penick Sue Spirit Jeanne Supin

production & DESIGN Jennifer Canosa Meleah Petty Kelsey Steller

advertising Radd Nesbit 828.264.6397, ext. 271

cover photo by Lindsey Hamby

contents nurture local happenings health Q&A child care celebration momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world memories of doc back to school pets

7 8 10 12 14 16 18

create penny zamagni 30 by the book 32

transform temple of the hc sisterhood healthy lady not so grounded windjammer cruise it works! young at heart beauty power of the purse

toni littleton

34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

rayanna christian

kim cuthbertson

yosefa ~ antiqutea

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

editor’s note

‘What's got you burdened? Most of us carry a yoke of burden that we’ve put on ourselves because of unresolved guilt and unrealistic expectations. We’re trying to prove that we matter.’

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

It’s Friday morning. I'm not required to be at the office, but I am a week away from doing mission work in a downtrodden village in upstate New York. I have deadlines to meet and want to make sure that I’m “covered” while I’m gone. That means that before I leave, I need to make sure this magazine is ready for the printers, my submissions to its sister newspapers are written and ﬁled, my desk is cleaned off and my personal emails are deleted. I need to work in my garden, clean out the basement (again), read the book that’s gathering dust on my nightstand, volunteer at the homeless shelter, spend more time with family, send belated sympathy, birthday, get-well and thinking-of-you cards — and exercise. One of the ﬁrst things I do at my desk every morning is delve into the dozens of emails that are awaiting my attention. Among those is always the “Daily Hope” a brief devotion by Rick Warren who became famous for his bestseller "The Purpose Driven Life," that grabbed the attention of millions in America several years ago and helped many of us put life into perspective — for that time, anyway. Today, the words hit hard. The title is simple, “Get Your Priorities Straight.”

The gist of the message is one for all women, I believe, telling us that most of us are doing too much, that we are way too busy and that, in essence, we have too many irons in the fire — and that the fire is about to be put out simply because we're smothering it. How do we know when we’re doing too much? Do we really have to be “super woman” all the time? Is it really expected of us — or is that an expectation we’ve put on ourselves? Most women do not have a choice in all that we have to do, but some how, some way, we have to learn to take time for ourselves. In this place called midlife, I am past the “busy-ness” of young motherhood and should enjoy all the extra time that I (should) have. But, I am still finding myself trying to do all and be all and as my devotion said, I admit, sadly — still trying to prove that I matter. Are we ever going to “get it,” girlfriends? We do matter. We make a difference, but we don’t have to kill ourselves proving that we do. Let’s decide today to get our priorities straight. Let’s “matter” together,

newsbits&clips Women in Agriculture Sponsors Farm Tour Aug. 4 and 5

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture will host its 2012 High Country Farm Tour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5. Participants in the self-guided tour will have a chance to see where their food is grown, enjoy wine and cheese tastings and watch demonstrations of fiber arts, worm composting and mushroom production and learn more about raising alpacas, llamas, chickens, ducks, goats, horses and other farm animals. Tour a working goat dairy, aquaculture facility, honey house and shiitake structure. Bring a cooler and an appetite — a variety of vegetables and fruits, meat, eggs, artisan cheeses, herbs, mushrooms, honey, molasses, preserves, cider, cut flowers, fiber products, cookbooks and homemade soaps and lotions will be available for purchase. Tickets, at $25 in advance, or $30 if purchased at a farm, entitles passengers of one vehicle to visit farms on both days of the tour — or pay $10 per farm. Tickets and tour guidebooks are available at Bare Essentials Natural Market, Earth Fare, Mast General Store Downtown Boone, Mast General Store Valle Crucis, Stick Boy Bread Company, Watauga County Farmers' Market, N.C. Cooperative Extension (Watauga, Caldwell and Ashe centers), Caldwell Arts Council, Bohemia in West Jefferson or online at www.farmtour.brwia.org Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is dedicated to strengthening the High Country's local food system by supporting women and their families with resources, education and skills related to sustainable food and agriculture.

From 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Sat., Aug 11, the High Country Caregiver Foundation

7th Annual Benefit Auction for Avery and Watauga Family Caregivers

will host its seventh annual benefit auction at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk. HCCF is nonprofit organization that, to date, has awarded more than 200 Avery and Watauga county family caregivers with $500 respite vouchers. The event is free of charge and will include a live and silent auction and raffle with entertainment. Food will be available through Evergreens Restaurant and Lounge, which will be donating 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the HCCF. Among the auction items are tickets to area attractions such as The Barter Theatre, Mystery Hill, Tweetsie Railroad and Dollywood; a one-night stay at Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee along with dinner for two at Paula Deans Restaurant; gift certificates for fine dining at area restaurants; lodging in Charleston and Myrtle Beach; a stunning, one-of-a- kind handcrafted jewelry armoire, tennis and golf lessons; handcrafted art; Nascar collectibles, shrubbery, pottery, jewelry, housewares, gift baskets, and more. The event will also offer the public a meet-and-greet with area healthcare providers and event sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The event is open to the public. All donations will go to help support the High Country Caregiver Foundation. For more information, or to make a donation, contact Brenda Reece (828) 265-5434, ext. 128 or breece@ regiond.org.

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

newsbits&clips Croquet for a Cause

Girl scout recruitment

The High Country Women's Fund will again host “Croquet for a Cause” at Linville Resort on Sun., Aug 12. The fundraiser will help the HCWF continue its support of motivated women in need in Avery and Watauga counties to attain education and economic self-sufficiency. Participants are encouraged to wear traditional white, vintage attire. Chessie McRae Crosby, honorary event chair, will serve as costume judge. Crosby was instrumental in bringing croquet to the Linville area, and now, Avery County boasts more croquet courts per capita than any community in the United States. To underscore this "fun fact," HCWF will raffle a $700 engraved croquet set at the event. Registration begins at 1 p.m. followed by an afternoon of “golf croquet,” instruction, and complimentary refreshments. Golf croquet is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn, variation of the game. No experience is necessary; coaches are on-hand to help those new to the game. The $135 ticket price includes courtside refreshments and a full dinner featuring Eseeola's pan-seared trout, with wine. A cash bar will be available for cocktails. Entertainment will be provided by The Allman Family Band of Winston-Salem. For more information about the event, raffle tickets, and registration forms, contact Rebecca Moore at (828) 264-4007 or info@highcountrywomensfund.org. HCWF is an initiative of the High Country United Way.

Want your daughter to learn more about Girl Scouts? If she is not a scout, bring her and your ﬁshing poles, along with chairs (if needed) and water bottles to Grandfather Mountain Trout Farm for a fun introduction. Registration begins at 10 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 25. Grandfather Mountain Trout Farm, located at 10767 Highway 105 S in the Foscoe Community, will provide all the materials and will clean the ﬁsh you catch ($6 per pound) for you to take home. Price: $6 per child/adult pair, $3 for each additional girl in the family. A picnic lunch is included For more information or to register, contact Amber Mellon at (828) 355-5222 or ambermellon@gmail.com.

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

newsbits&clips Divorce Care

Going through a separation or divorce? Still healing from the effects of divorce on your life? Most people who have ever "been there" will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever faced. It’s a confusing time when people feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues they’ve never faced before. Registration is now available for Divorce Care, a class that provides practical guidance for those experiencing the difficulties associated with the end of a marriage. Each session will begin with a video seminar with experts who offer hope, healing and practical advice, followed by a time of support and sharing among group members who are going through similar experiences. Divorce Care will be offered at FaithBridge United Methodist Church (194 Aho Road in Blowing Rock) on Sunday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Aug. 19 -November 11. Dessert and coffee will be provided. Free childcare is available if reserved in advance. Participant workbooks cost $15, but scholarships are available if there is a ﬁnancial need. To register and/or reserve child care, call (828) 295-8333 or email info@faithbridgeumc.org. For more information, call Marianne Romanat, pastor, FaithBridge United Methodist Church, at (828) 265-7585 or (828) 295-8333, or visit www.faithbridgeumc.org.

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childcarecelebration

Representatives of Watauga County childcare centers. Photo submitted

Watauga County

Childcare Celebration Watauga County childcare centers are embracing the Take Step Two Initiative. Take Step Two, led by Appalachian District Health Department and a community leadership team, is making the High Country a healthier place through a grant received from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW). Through this initiative, childcare facilities in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties were provided an opportunity to apply for a mini-grant to make a healthier environment for the families they serve. Through enthusiasm of parents and staff, 16 Watauga County childcare facilities were able to implement successes due to the mini grant opportunity. The centers are offering more fresh fruits and vegetables, buying produce from local vendors and building gardens to learn about healthy eating. Children are now saying, “Look Look! Look at all of the colors on my plate.” The centers are also taking lead on

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

increasing physical activity. With this mini-grant opportunity, enhancements have been made to indoor/ outdoor play. Lynhill Daycare and Development Center built a nature trail to increase physical activity, as well as provide a space for children to learn. Sunny Side Daycare created an outdoor play area for children to have physical activity outside. Pam Gomez, assistant director of Lynhill Daycare and Development Center said, “The grant has brought a lot of enjoyment to the children. Not only has this impacted the children, but also the staff. Our children cannot get enough of the trail!” The Take Step Two leadership team engaged local partners to build a process for helping centers identify potential improvements to support healthy eating and physical activity for children. The Children’s Council of Watauga and the Be Active-Appalachian Partnership guided the mini-grant and training

process for the centers. “This is one of the most far-reaching and sustainable projects in early childhood that our office has been a part of,” said Susan Tumbleston, Executive Director of the Be Active-Appalachian Partnership. Early childcare providers are enthusiastic and excited about healthy eating and motor development in their centers, for they see the value of having healthy children in a way that I have not seen before. We are honored to be part of this overall change in our centers. Twenty-nine centers were rewarded with a mini-grant aimed to encourage their enrollment and certiﬁcation in the NAPSACC program (Nutrition and Physical Activity Self Assessment for Childcare). Each center created nine goals to achieve through this program, which included policy change. Each center received monies to purchase items to assist in meeting their goals and enhance current practices to increase physical activity

41626 healthstar comm 00

Giles Crowell, MD, MBA

and promote healthy eating. “I am so pleased with all the improvements made by the CPPW grant,” said Lee Marshall, Program Manager of The Children’s Council. “I love visiting the childcare facilities and seeing them incorporating yoga in the classroom. Some of the other great things I have seen are the raised garden beds, nature trails and individual water bottles for the children. Some of the teachers wear brightly colored sneakers that are used for increasing their exercise as well as their own water bottles to set a good example for the children. The greatest change is the staff ’s enthusiasm to want to be healthier. Our county was very fortunate to receive this grant. I look forward to seeing more beneﬁts come from this.” Learn how you can get involved. Go to www.takesteptwo.com or contact Stephanie Craven at Appalachian District Health Department (828) 264-4995.

August 14, 2012 6:30pm The Chetola Inn North Main Street Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Please RSVP by August 13, 2012 by calling 800-973-0362. Light food and beverages served.

mom’sworld

The Laws of

Motion 12

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

Recently, I was at a birthday party of a friend of my son’s and had the opportunity to hold two newborn infant girls as their mothers tried to do that which we all try to do when our hands are free: eat, go to the bathroom, or just rest our back and shoulders. These babies were snugglers, nuzzling up to my neck and occasionally trying to suck on my shoulder as they began rooting for their mothers, again. The moms returned, thanked me for holding them and made sure that they weren’t taking ad-

vantage of the extra arms. I savored it. It has been quite a while since I have really gotten to hold a baby with no pressures of time. At work, I do get to see them frequently, but typically just from the exam table to the scale and for a few moments in between. I had a great conversation with one of the women about how short these moments are — when our children are young. It shouldn’t be news to me. People will say from the time you arrive home with your baby, “They grow up fast,” or “Oh, how I miss those days.” I can remember dismissing these comments when sleepless nights were the norm and the ability to put my boys down for longer than a few minutes was a fantasy. I waited, sometimes impatiently, for my kids to go from nursing to sippy cups, from co-sleeping to the big boy bed, from diapers to underwear. Of course, I loved my time with my baby boys but exhaustion can certainly prompt this sort of impatience and a desire for some of your life back. There is joy in a progression of independence, just as there is joy in watching your children learn to read, communicate and express their emotions and ideas. And then, out of the blue, I started to become increasingly aware of an endpoint. Not that my relationship with my children would end, but that, instead, of a sense that they were starting from our world and growing and moving forward in it to a sense that they would be moving away to their own world, be it college or some other venture. There would be a time when the laws of motion would take over and “an object in motion tends to stay in motion.”

I spoke with the father of some friends of my oldest son, and he said he had been contemplating this endpoint quite a bit lately. He talked about how, within four years, four of his ﬁve children would be graduated from high school and out of the house. We discussed how, as parents, we do the best we can, trying to instill good values, foster good relationships, and hope and pray that they head in the right direction. He said he was told once that, with kids, as if directing an arrow, a bullet, or some other trajectory, “You shoot, and then you fall back.” I suppose it’s the falling back that causes the catch in my throat. It seems far too early to be thinking about an empty nest, but with my oldest son almost 14 and entering high school, reality starts to hit. As much as I appreciate and love a clean house and folded laundry, there are times when it all waits so that I can go to the park with my two younger sons, cook something with my oldest son, or go to the waterfall park to take a short hike with all of them. Life is too short. One day, the clothes will be folded and everything will be in its place, but the quiet will drive me crazy. As for now, I try to hang on to those moments of snuggling my kids that will still snuggle, sharing a nice cup of tea with my oldest and trying not to wish for them to grow up too fast.

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AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

Photos provided by John McCuen

Doc Will Never Be Forgotten

A great night for McCuen, left, at the Little Bear in Evergreen when T. Michael Coleman called him in at the last minute to stand in with Doc, in Merle’s absence.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen ‘Sets the Record Straight’ “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, ﬂight to the imagination and life to everything.” -Plato Music has always played an important role in my life. I love it, but I can’t play it. I can listen to it in most any genre, but I can’t sing very well, so it’s best that I leave that up to those who can. I shudder to think what our world would be like without music. It has soothed my breaking heart through the years, it has calmed my greatest fears and it has told my story countless times over — even though the words belonged to another. This year has been a difficult one for those of us who love music. (Is there anyone who doesn’t’?)

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

We have lost some of the greatest industry icons and none is missed more, or will be missed in the days, months and years to come, as our own native son, Doc Watson. I had the privilege of writing a few ﬁnal farewell features for our sister publication, The Watauga Democrat, following his death and spent time talking with family members and friends who knew him best. I will always be grateful for those who shared personal memories and thoughts about one who taught us all a thing or two about life — even through his death. During the farewell process, I was connected to John McEuen, from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, through a mutual friend, whose thoughts, unfortunately didn’t make it to print at that time, but had a profound affect on me as a writer.

“Doc meant a lot to me and my whole career,” John says. “His inﬂuence — through me — has been heard on many of our recordings. I will always treasure those moments picking with Doc when he would say, ‘Kick it off, John,’ or smile and laugh mid-solo, giving me approval for my choice of notes that made him happy. I do not think he knew how much that meant to a California kid who never thought he would meet the guy who played ‘Deep River Blues’ on the Hootenanny show in the ‘60s. He mesmerized me. I am very fortunate and a better musician and person for knowing Doc, the little I did.” John says he will never forget the ﬁrst time “running into Doc on the road” — after the “Circle” album, at a bluegrass festival in Pennsylvania. “Doc was outside a motor home, with

‘We were very fortunate that a conﬂuence of music, spirits, times, notes and people happened the way it did.’

John McCuen, right, prepares to present Doc Watson with the Gold Circle Album in 1978 in Evergreen, Colorado, with Merle Watson, left, looking on.

Merle inside at the driver’s seat,” John says. “Doc was adjusting the big right side mirror for him, and without direction from Merle, he was saying “Here, son, that should be better — right about there.” Merle replied, ‘That got it.’ John recalls that Merle “was so intent and excited” for Doc to be on the yet-tobe named recording that John and his brother, the band manager, was putting together with their group. “Merle thought it would ‘be good for Daddy and his career,’ John says, and that he did not think it would ‘be right’ for him to play on it. Merle wanted to make sure it would spotlight his dad as much as possible, but Merle made it happen for us with Doc — logistics, some song ideas, helping out behind the scenes — and watching with a grin, while Doc picked.” John says his “main regret” is that he did not have the foresight “to ‘be a bit pushy” and convince Merle to participate musically. “He was intent to not dilute whatever good might be brought to his dad.” John says he always felt bad that Doc might have had the perception that they had excluded Merle. “I hoped he understood it was the love of the son for his dad that made him not want to take anything away from his spot-

The legendary Doc Watson and Josh Graves, with John McCuen during the recording of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s hit, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken, vol. III.”

light,” John says. It was also important, John says, that he set the record straight, literally, about something he had read “in a major newspaper” immediately after Doc’s death — that Doc had never had a gold record. “He did. In fact, I gave it to him at a club in Colorado in the ‘70s and then, several years later, at Merlefest, I gave him the platinum one,” John says. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” is in the Library of Congress (2003 induction), John says. “It had a Grammy nomination with his name on it (Vocal by Group), and as a three-record set, it actually means, by their definition, that its first platinum level was a triple platinum album recognition.” John says he does not think it would have happened without Doc Watson. “I was never more glad of asking someone the question, ‘Would you wanna pick with us?’ — Well, equally as glad as asking Earl (Scruggs), who gave the first ‘Yes,’ John says. “We were very fortunate that a confluence of music, spirits, times, notes and people happened the way it did.” John says that Doc’s name is also included in the credits on Roy Acuff ’s recording, “ I Saw the Light,” which received a Grammy nomination. “Doc played rhythm, sang harmony and did one of the solos — It’s the one

where Acuff says, ‘Come in Doc Watkins.’ It was Acuff ’s ﬁrst chart record in 20 years.” Thank you, Doc Watson, for the legacy you’ve left behind. And, thank you, John McEuen, for letting us share your memories through All About Women magazine. We loved him, too.

Flowers at Doc’s funeral from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Photo by Sherrie Norris

sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

It’s Back To School Time 16

Another summer to remember is quickly coming to an end and the buses are preparing to roll once again throughout the High Country. The beginning of a new school year always holds a certain amount of nervous anticipation for everyone — from the kindergartener to her adolescent siblings and their mother — as well as the teachers, bus drivers, coaches and everyone in between. We hope the upcoming school year proves to be a great adventure for everyone and that the following tips will help make it happen.

Making the First Day Easier Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will hopefully make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. Focus on the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She’ll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time. Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus. If appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

Backpack Safety Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Pack light. Organize and use all compartments: Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack, but consider stairs and difficulty rolling in snow.

School Bus If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. Do not move around on the bus. Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street. Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver. Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

Car Riders All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat. Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4’ 9” in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat; the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and not the stomach. All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the vehicle’s rear seat. If driving more children than can fit in the rear seat, move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it. Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations or texting to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your state’s graduated driver license law and consider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process. For a sample parentteen driver agreement, see www.healthychildren.org/teendriver.

Biking to school Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.

Use appropriate hand signals. Respect traffic lights and stop signs. Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility. Know the “rules of the road.”

Walking to School Make sure your child’s walk to a school is a safe route with welltrained adult crossing guards at every intersection. Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision. If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the ﬁrst week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely. Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers. In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.

Eating During the School Day Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat. Try to get your child’s school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines. Each 12-ounce

soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child’s soft drink consumption.

Before and After School Child Care During early and middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you return home from work. Children approaching adolescence (11-and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age. If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone. If you choose an after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.

Developing Good Homework and Study Habits Create an environment that is conducive to do-

ing homework. Youngsters need a permanent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy. Schedule ample time for homework. Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time. Supervise computer and Internet use. Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her. Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive. If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher ﬁrst. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

Pets

Love Not The Man Less

A gentleman I once interviewed about miniature donkeys said that he had learned from his father, early in life, that animal lovers are people you can trust. I agree. Lord Byron stated long ago, “I love not man the less, but nature more.” As I write these words, I am still in a state of shock from the news of a dear friend’s death — someone who loved life, Eban Carter and I worked togeth-

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

er for many years. He was generous and kind-hearted, a devoted, happy husband and a proud father. He was a gifted musician and highly skilled chef. Our workplace was owned by another animal lover, which made it easy for us to care for animals when they wandered onto the property during business hours. It made our jobs a bit magical when a mother deer entrusted our space to leave her new fawn within our sight while she grazed and tended to her own needs. As co-workers in that setting, we were able to see how the mundane often becomes the thread through which relationships grow. Animal sightings, beautiful sunsets and funny chaotic mishaps deﬁne the hours and days we shared. When jobs took on different paths, we continued to keep in touch, share news, updates and essential thoughts via Facebook — something many of us do with those we otherwise might completely miss in our daily existence. For a while, I had deactivated my account and was out of the proverbial ‘loop;’ I learned the news of his death through the newspaper.

Life can become the mystery we never realized we live and portray as we navigate through our every day. Yet, there are moments when we are either mesmerized, stunned, shocked or ﬁnd ourselves in awe of life’s surprises. Some surprises are spectacular. Some dazzle us, take our breath away — and others, like the death of friends and loved ones, devastate us. When faced with any of these experiences, we often turn to God and our religions to seek meaning, understanding and strength. Many among us know Bible verses that comfort, ease and offer guidance and courage. Divinity and its multiple manifestations offers succor to one’s soul and fortitude to one’s heart. For me, all of these aspects to living are essential. I’ve discovered when human voices compete, demand, argue and hate, my spirit seeks the companionship of our animal friends. I love writing about them and talking with those who love them because of their innate authenticity. When I ponder these and other reasons I love animals, the answers always take me back to the fact that they are there

— just being what they were created to be. When sad news, tough days and challenging moments undermine one’s sense of goodness in the world, the presence of a beloved cat, the wagging tail of a dog, or the calling out of a bird are all reminders of how beautiful is this ﬂeeting time we call life. I love writing about animals and other people who love them — as did Eban Carter. And, like my pets, I cherish friendships with those individuals and will always remember them, like I will Eban. May he rest in peace.

Genevieve Austin Genevieve Austin is a mother of one, who received her teaching certiﬁcate from ASU; she is a writer who is working on her ﬁrst book, ‘The Toy Box,’ and is also a radio personality, artist, singer and animal advocate.

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The Power Of One

A Girl, A Pig And A Dream uganda

Rayanna Christian of Boone, a rising sophomore at Watauga High School, got the opportunity this summer to see, ﬁrst hand, just h how one’s actions can touch the lives of others. sin kindergarten, RayA member of Girl Scouts since anna completed her Bronze A Award in 2008. When searching for a p project, one thing was for certain — she did not w want it to be a single act of kindness or service, but she wanted it to s be something sustainable, something that would change people’s lives in a rreal way. She and her mom put their heads togeth together. Rayanna’s mother, Tiffany Christian, was begintri to Uganda and had ning to plan a service trip shared stories with Rayanna about the living conditions there and the efforts needed to try to improve the ecocond nomic conditions of the women chil and children. Rayanna was inspire to help. inspired Af After some research, she decided the best way to help was to get inv involved in an animal hu husbandry program th that was attempting t be built in the rural to village her mom was going to visit. The model was simple — families would receive a piglet that they could raise and breed. As

Rayann Christian, right, returned Rayanna to Uga Uganda earlier this year and met on one of the recipients of her piglets, who through an interpreter told Ray Rayanaa how much the gift had chan changed her life and that of her family me members. Photo submitted. subm

a result, they would have additional pigs — some to eat, some to sell and some to expand their breeding. Rayanna went to work spreading her vision, talking to potential sponsors and donors, and doing odd jobs to earn money. Finally, she had enough money for ﬁve pigs. She sent the money to purchase the pigs and the pigs were dispersed to ﬁve

Happy ending, right? Not yet — the story continues. In May 2012, Rayanna had the opportunity to take a second trip to Uganda. Since the pig project for her Bronze Award, she had completed a Girl Scout Silver Award by providing school supplies for every child in the school in the same village. Her focus for this trip: ﬁnd a need, and

I have been able to put my child through four years of secondary school. Thank you. I could not have done it without you.” The pig she received was one that Rayanna had donated to the village —her Girl Scout Bronze project was still changing the lives of that woman and her children. One girl with a desire to make a change has had a ripple effect across the

I am so grateful for these Americans that come to help. Five years ago, I received a pig. Since then, that pig has given birth to 48 babies. By selling those babies, I have been able to put my child through four years of secondary school. Thank you. I could not have done it without you. families in the village. Project complete. End of story? Not quite. In 2009, Rayanna got a chance to travel to Uganda and see the pigs. She even took a picture with some of the piglets that her mother affectionately called her “grandpigs.” There was a great deal of satisfaction seeing the pigs, meeting the families and knowing that she had made a difference.

Before

plan a Gold Award project. During a community celebration to mark a successful building project in which Rayanna had participated, a woman stood up and asked to speak. Through the translator, this is what she shared: “I am so grateful for these Americans that come to help. Five years ago, I received a pig. Since then, that pig has given birth to 48 babies. By selling those babies,

world, and somewhere, in a tiny village in Uganda, a child’s life is better just because one young person wanted to make a difference. Rayanna will continue to work in the village for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Her plan is to conduct shoe drives and provide shoes for the nearly 300 children (pre-K thru 7th grade) in the school with which she’s been working.

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Kim Cuthbertson is a unique individual who makes life count for something special. Photo by Lindsey Hamby

Living Life with

Care & Compassion 22

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

Kim Coffey Cuthbertson of the Hughes Community of Avery County is one of those unique individuals whose presence easily lights up the world around her. In fact, her effervescent personality is a beacon of sorts that draws people to her, in any situation. It’s been that way for life, as those who know her best can attest. Coupled with a deep love for humanity and a compassion for others, especially the elderly and infirm, Kim is a remarkably gifted and humble young woman who always looks for — and finds — the good in others. Rarely, if ever, will she acknowledge those same traits that others see in her, and there are many. As the director of community relations at Life Care Center of Banner Elk, it is Kim’s duty to market the high level quality of care for which the center is known. She’s always “out there” at health fairs and related events to provide attendees with information regarding the center’s provision of services surrounding its inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation program, as well as its reputation as a top-notch longterm care facility. She’s the first contact many people have when inquiries are made for potential admission to the facility, but for Kim, it’s more than just a job. We all know the importance of first impressions and with Kim as the first point of contact, it’s a “win-win” for all involved. Kim first became involved at Life Care many years ago as the facility beautician. The residents anticipated their weekly or monthly “do,” or a simple trim, with as much excitement as they did their Friday bingo games. It was plain to see, also, from the administrative window, that she had “a way” with the elderly that was conducive to their quality of life and their acceptance of where life had placed them in their often times not-so-golden years. When the position of activities director came open in 1988, there was no question about who should have the job. Until she was named director of community relations in 2005, Kim filled her former role with excellence, while at the same time, holding the title of resident services coordinator. As many women do at times, Kim began to feel that she needed more of a challenge, so she accepted the position of social services director at Roan Highlands

KimCuthbertson Nursing Center in Roan Mountain, Tenn. Three years later, she returned to her former role at Life Care, where she says her heart never left. Kim received her associate in arts degree from Mayland Community College and acknowledges “several returns to college since then” – with a bachelor of science degree in psychology to show for her efforts — but she is quick to say that she learned “most of the important stuff ” outside of school. Much of that, she says, has been in the hallways of the nursing home, where some of life’s greatest lessons were taught by the elderly residents that she has loved and nurtured through the years. “I often hear people say that they are unsure about what they should be doing — as far as a career is concerned,” Kim says. “I know exactly what I am supposed to be doing and exactly where I am supposed to be. God has made that very clear to me.” Kim loves older people and considers it an honor to serve them, she says. “I have learned so much from the elderly — from those things that are important in life to the things that are just plain silly and a waste of time.” In her eyes, most seniors are past being unkind or pretentious. “Love and wisdom are what they are all about and it makes me want to be a better person,” she says. “I love my Life Care family. I am very proud of this facility and I know that I belong here. Most everyone who visits here say they get a good feeling from being around our people here. I love to hear that because that is exactly how I feel.” Loving a job makes life so much easier, she says, but the most important part of Kim’s life — and always has been — is her family. “My husband, Steve, is not only a wonderful man and the love of my life, but he is also my best friend,” she says. “We make a great couple because we have very different interests and talents, but together we can ﬁgure out just about anything. Most importantly — we are very much alike, as far as our core values are concerned.” Growing up as one of three children in the Boyd and Gloria Coffey family on White Pine Road near Crossnore was a great adventure, Kim says. “I’ve had a wonderful family and always knew that my parents loved me and were glad to have me in their lives. I have always been very

close to my siblings, too, and we’ve got too many relatives to count who where always a special part of my life,” she says. Family life took a traumatic turn several years ago when death began making its appearance. A special uncle was taken, followed her father, who died unexpectedly and then, more recently, the sudden death of her brother, Mark. The deaths of other close relatives, too, including a favorite cousin, Jim Greene, last year, left painful holes in her heart, she says. She didn’t know how she would go on after each death, but her strength was amazing through it all and helped others deal with the pain, as well. “We have been through some very difficult times,” she says, “but our faith, love and humor have always brought us through everything.” She considers herself “still a mama’s girl,” who enjoys daily conversation with her mother and quality time when they can ﬁnd it to share. “I have also been blessed with many friends who are like family to me,” she says. Kim has various talents and is a gifted painter — “with a mostly impressionistic style,” she says. She prefers large-scale projects and has completed a number of murals through the yeas. She also loves animals. “I believe in being kind to all of God’s creatures,” she says. She also enjoys reading and “will read pretty much anything — within reason,” she says. She inherited her love for cooking from her mother, who is well-known throughout the area resorts for her culinary skills and abilities. When asked if she had a “bucket list” and if she currently had anything on that list, her reply was simple: “I don’t have one. I have many faults and I have a lot of work left to do, but I go with the ﬂow and try to learn something new everyday,” she says. “I want to be a better person by the time I leave this world. But, one thing is for sure — as she’s passing through this world, she’s making it a better place to be for those lucky enough to share the space.

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YosefaAntiquitea

Yosefa ~ AntiquiTEA, ‘A Legal Euphorium’ Local Women Bring New Concept to Boone Plans are approved and construction is under way for Boone’s premier tea house. With a Middle East inspiration and a name that easily ﬁts with the ambiance of Boone and Appalachian State University, combined with the family name of one of the two owners, Yosefa ~ AntiquiTEA will bring a new concept — a missing piece — to the High Country, its owners say. “Our tea room will provide a sanctuary for customers to unwind and relax, commune with others, enjoy live performances and restore the balance lost before entering our doors,” says co-owner, Corrinne Loucks. Corrinne and Amy Yosefa have pooled their talents — and their love for the gentle, soothing things in life — to introduce the High Country to a tearoom setting. “We have traveled extensively to various tea expos and teahouses to cup and taste teas,” Corrinne says, “paying special attention to those grown on organic, fairtrade plantations and to award-winning

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

teas from around the world.” Based on the testing, tasting and the close scrutiny of the two, only the ﬁnest teas will be served at Yosefa~AntiquiTEA, including the 2011 Tea Championship winner, Imperial Pearl Oolong from Taiwan, in addition to Japanese Sencha, Rooibos and Honey bush from Africa and Indian Darjeeling and Assam, to name a few. The tea will be served in traditional pots, bowls and cups and presented according to the customs of the country from which each tea originated. The “AntiquiTEA” refers to the ﬁne retail goods that will be available for customers to buy at the shop,” says Amy. “We’re excited to offer many of our teas in bulk, by the ounce, as well as unique tea sets, tea accessories and other lovely items and accessories from near and far.” Corrinne and Amy hope to provide Boone with all it needs in a one-stop shop “for everything tea,” they say, and are developing a teahouse that will be both comfortable and inviting.

The business logo, ‘A Legal Euphorium,’ the women say, reflects their offering “of all things soothing and beautiful that will lead to one’s state of euphoria – happiness, self-confidence and well-being.” In addition to fine teas, Yosefa’s will also be serving sweet and savory snacks and desserts that compliment the beverages Yosefa’s will carry — and only those local foods prepared with the freshest ingredients. They will also offer gluten-free and vegan delicacies. As intoxicating as wine with food, tea pairings have earned a place in gourmet and fine dining establishments, as well as in countless books that have recently been published on the subject. Exploring the world of connoisseurlevel teas has led to many adventuresome pairings and new taste sensations, they say. Fortunately, teas pairings are open to exploration and personal preference. “If someone says black teas are only for entrees, or that greens must stand alone, he or she has not had the pleasure

or perhaps not the opportunity to pair a wide variety of teas with every part of a menu,” Amy says. The owners of Yosefa ~ AntiquiTEA look forward to ﬁlling a niche as a nighttime locale for adults to come in and unwind. “So many times we’ve come out of a concert or a show in town and ask one another in bewilderment, “Where can we go?” Corrinne says. “For those that don’t want to go to a bar, the choices have been somewhat limited up until now. The teahouse will be open late on Fridays and Saturdays with owner plans to build business hours around local events, as well as college exams. Free WiFi in a comfortable setting should add to the appeal for the college student and faculty member. Decorated in beautiful, soothing hues, Yosefa’s will offer seating attuned to its eclectic customer base. The backend of the room is a raised platform with low tables and ﬂoor cushions for a more Moroccan-style experience while the remainder is furnished with luxury loveseats and tables and chairs. Retail items will be displayed throughout the shop and according to Amy and Corrinne, “Virtually everything you see will be available for sale.” “It will be a great place for a young person to pick up a gift for a friend’s birthday party or for adults to purchase more luxurious items,” Amy says. The duo encourages us to keep our eyes pealed and our palettes cleansed for Yosefa ~ AntiquiTEA’s opening in August. “We will have regularly scheduled live entertainment,” Corrinne says, “which will include music and a variety of performances featuring local talent and beyond.” Additionally, there will be English High Teas, tea parties, tea workshops and other specialized events designed around the needs and desires of their customers. For more information, contact Corrinne Loucks or Amy Foote, at (828) 2640068 or visit www.YosefaTEA.com. In the meantime, watch for the opening of Yosefa ~ AntiquiTEA, 161 Howard St., Suite C in Boone. sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

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Success At Elk River Who among us does not love seeing a hometown girl succeed? Now in her fourth season as general manager of the prestigious Elk River Club in Banner Elk, Toni Littleton is proof that hard work and perseverance pay off. Born into a career military family of three children, whose father’s “job” with the Navy moved them around frequently, Toni had the opportunity to live in cities including Orlando and Charleston before settling back in the Boone area in 1976. A 1981 graduate of Watauga High School, Toni went straight into the workforce; she returned to the college classroom in 1988 and two years later, was working as the general accountant at Elk River. “It was hard to go to school and work full time,” she says, “but I was determined to ﬁnish my college education.” She took classes at Caldwell and Mayland community colleges, Appalachian State University and Lees McRae College. “Lees McRae began a night program to help working adults obtain their college degree, which gave me the opportunity to ﬁnish up my degree in business administration,” she says. Having inherited a strong work ethic from her parents, Toni always enjoyed

working and learning. She was determined to learn all she could about the club and its operations. “I worked for special functions and private parties in my early years at Elk River and tried to learn as much as I could about the administrative functions of the club, as well,” she says. “When the controller left in 1996, I was fortunate enough to be promoted into that job.” Working at a country club provides unique opportunities, she says. “I have been able to work with extremely successful business people from major national and international companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, Exxon, GE, IBM and many more,” she says. “I’ve worked with entrepreneurs who started a wide variety of their own businesses and were hugely successful in them and I’ve also had the pleasure of working with other talented and knowledgeable club managers, who, over the years, have taught me a great deal. I can’t think of another job that would prove the business experience I’ve been exposed to during my tenure at Elk River.” When she began talking with the club president in the fall of 2008 about moving into her current position, Toni admits to having had reservations about moving from the “behind the scene” job as controller into one more actively involved with the membership. 

Photos by Lindsey Hamby

“I’m sure he (the president) had reservations about promoting me into the job, too,” she says. “Thankfully, he had the conﬁdence in me to give me a shot.” She knew the job would be a challenge, she says, but she also knew that Elk River had “the best management team and staff of any private club” and that she would be fortunate to play a greater role, along with them, in ensuring the success of Elk River. “I’ll have to say, it has been a big change for me, especially during the summer months, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the job,” she says. Her husband, Bob Littleton, is the manager of the Elk River Property Owner’s Association, which keeps them both “very busy” in the summer months. Sundays are reserved for her family, she says. “We get together at the home of my parents, Bob and Clara Norris, in Bethel after church for Sunday dinner and to enjoy time with my 2-year-old niece, Emma — who is the light of our lives.” Not only does Toni enjoy managing the golf club, she also likes to play golf — “If you can call what I do playing,” she says. She also loves to read and treasures the time she has walking her dogs with her husband. “Working at a seasonal club is like having two different jobs in one,” she says. “Winters are still busy, but it’s a much more relaxed kind of busy — with time off for a breather.” Winter is when she usually takes vacation, but her mind is never far from Elk River. During the past winter break, Toni joined her sister, Tracey Norris, an employee of Samaritan’s Purse, on a trip to Peru, where she was able to be a part of the Operation Shoebox distribution. She will never forget the experience. “Seeing what a simple little box with a few toys and personal items in it can mean to a child is unbelievable,” she says. “Even the notes inside meant so much to them. In fact, one little girl was crying because her box didn’t include a note or letter from the sender. I guarantee you that I will never forget to include a letter in my boxes.” She was especially touched by the generosity of the recipients who wanted to give some of their gifts back to those in her group. It’s opportunities like that, she says, that puts life into perspective.

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

With her schedule as it is, Toni ﬁnds little time to do more community service, but one local organization, in particular, is near to her heart. “I love what Lees McRae has done to bring the New Opportunity School for Women to this area,” she says. “To think about these women who attend — from all walks of life and just need a boost to learn more to improve their way of life and to feel better about themselves, is incredible.” Toni is a member of, and formerly served on the board for, Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals, the international professional association for those working in hospitality-related careers. Since 1952, HFTP has been dedicated to providing members with extraordinary networking opportunities, industry-leading certiﬁcation programs and events, and essential resources for professional growth. She has enjoyed traveling to numerous functions within the association. “I’ve been blessed beyond words in my life and try not to take any of it for granted,” Toni says. “I’m thankful every day for

the opportunities I have been given at Elk River and especially for the conﬁdence of not only the members of the club, but family and friends, as well.” Toni has forged an uncommon path along the greens for women in the industry. “There are not many women in this role, but I have learned a lot from the men in the industry and appreciate the way I’ve been accepted in what has always been a male-dominated job,” she says. For any of her success at Elk River, she gives credit to her staff. “They are great and just like family to me,” she says. “Most of them have been here long-term and they do a wonderful job for me and our members. My job would be much harder if I didn’t have them here with me.”

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pennyzamagni the Blues through Penny Zamagni Buzzing 25 Years as the Queen Bee This is the year to pay tribute to the queens. While Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth’s 60th anniversary on the throne, those of us here in America — and especially in the High Country — are celebrating Penny Zamagni’s 25th year as reigning queen of the blues. Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni met her husband Rob “Hounddog” Baskerville in 1985. Sharing a love for music — and the blues, in particular — the couple joined forces to form the now legendary blues

‘Zamagni is a first class blues singer, one of the best I’ve heard —She is a singing/ song writing/ playing component any blues band would kill to have on board.’ Out And About, Asheville.

Photo submitted 30

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

duo, the King Bees. Their career has led them to share the stage with many of the Deep South’s blues masters. Few women are actually able to live out their dreams, especially when those dreams include meeting and being mentored by living legends — and making a living by playing music. Blues enthusiasts appreciate how Penny and the King Bees have done just that. They have met and worked with such legends, both living and deceased, as master rhythm and bluesman Bo Diddley, harmonica master Jerry “Boogie” McCaine and famed blues guitarist, B.B. King. Now a long way from her start as a selfprofessed nerd in band and chorus, Penny began as a drummer in her high school band. “My two older brothers were both musicians and I wanted to be like them,” she says. She soon picked up guitar and naturally grew into a multi-instrumentalist. After high school, however, Penny decided to follow her interest in psychology and eventually attended graduate school at Eastern Carolina. She moved to Ashe County and was

thrilled to find a job almost immediately in her chosen field of mental health. During that time, in 1985, she met her husband. “We knew that we were kindred spirits right away,” Penny says. Penny soon said goodbye to her clinical psychology job and set off with her new husband as blues musicians, traveling the south to meet the masters. In 1987, the duo formed the King Bees with their mutual love of music forming the foundation of their relationship. “In the early ‘90s,” she says, “we met, were mentored by and toured with many of the blues legends of that era.” Sitting in with and backing up a long list of blues luminaries — including Tinsley Ellis, Billy Branch, Mojo Buford, Big Jack Johnson, Sam Carr, Frank Frost, Lazy Lester and Ronnie Earl — their growing notoriety was rewarded with a first record deal with a European recording company in the mid-‘90s. From that relationship came three recording projects and numerous European concert tours. Since that time, the King Bees have performed from Mississippi juke joints to New York City’s Lincoln Center to European festival stages and beyond. As the chosen back-up band to Chicago Bob Nelson, Nappy Brown and Chick Willis, a highlight of the Bees’ career was to be included, along with Carey Bell, on the B.B. King 80th Birthday Tour. Such opportunities have helped shape them into the “smoldering, rocking, soulstirring” group that they are — receiving rave reviews and sought out by concert halls and festival promoters around the world. “The King Bees’ “Carolina Bound” could serve as a soundtrack to a blues “who’s who” Saturday-night houserent party. It showcases their talented

friends along with their own signature sound, often described as “gritty,” and “smoking.” This disc works on several levels featuring a multitude of distinct styles and quality performances. “This is a worthy addition to any stack of party records,” said Marc Coltrain in Living Blues magazine. The King Bees celebrate another milestone this summer as they host their 10th Annual New River Blues Festival in Ashe County on Sept 2.

‘Excellent . . . Queen Bee Zamagni has a strong, swinging, slinky voice used to good effect on every number. Fine straight blues all the way..Tasty!’ Blues & Rhythm, England “Crazy kids that we are,” Penny says, “we crossed our ﬁngers and hoped that blues would capture the attention of the Appalachian communities.” Their ﬁrst festival was held 10 years ago on the river in Todd. As word spread, the festival outgrew that location and is now held on a one-mile stretch of river on the grounds of the Riverhouse Inn on Highway 16 in Grassy Creek, north of Jefferson. From noon through 6 p.m., festival attendees can enjoy music from a great blues line-up including Chick Willis, John D Holeman, Mack Arnold, Sandra Hall, Coco Taylor and local favorites and festival hosts, the King Bees. “This festival has always been a labor of love,” Penny says, “After travelling the world over, we want to share the music that we love with our home community. The more we’ve travelled, the more we love coming home. There are good qualities in people everywhere, but we especial-

ly love the people right here and the small community ways of approaching things.” The King Bees also utilize the festival to pay homage to the blues greats who have mentored them throughout their career. “On this special day we celebrate, promote and thank the African-American legends, elders and luminaries who have lighted the way,” she says, on behalf of the group. The High Country loves Penny ‘Queen Bee” Zamagni — and the King Bees — and the fact that they offer us the privilege to enjoy their concerts so close to home. Their summer schedule includes appearances at Murphy’s in Boone, Westbend Vineyards in Lewisville, Risto’s Place in Statesville, New River Winery in Lansing and Sugar Mountain Brews Festival. For their complete schedule and more information about the Queen Bee and her “Bees,” ﬁnd them on Facebook or visit www.reverbnation.com/thekingbees. Corrine A. loucks Keller Williams High Country Realty 643 Greenway Road, Suite H-2, Boone (828) 773-1615 Cell (704) 439-5226 Fax www.CorrinneLoucks.com

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Murder At The Jumpoff The waning days of summer may be just the right time to curl up on a chaise lounge under an inviting canopy of trees with a cold glass of lemonade and a good whodunnit mystery novel. Jenny Bennett’s, “Murder at the Jumpoff,” may be just the book for you. The story takes place in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, where the body of an experienced off-trail hiker and respected professor of philosophy is found at the bottom of a rocky 400foot vertical drop-off — a scenic overlook called “The Jumpoff ” which hundreds of tourists visit each year without incident. Donald MacIntyre’s death is quickly ruled a homicide and the search for the murderer begins. The plot is as tangled as the wild undergrowth the author guides us through, vividly describing the hazards of off-trail hiking and the astonishing beauty of the clear streams and mountain vistas enjoyed only by those who have risked the dangers of exploring the forest’s thickets far away from the worn trails of the average hiker. We are introduced to a good-natured backcountry ranger, Hector Jones, himself an experienced off-trail hiker in his mid-forties, and to Sally Connolly, a young late twenty-something investigator from the Sevier County Sherif’s Detective Division who has been put in charge of the case. She has no hiking experience and is quickly initiated to the difficulty of this sport when guided by Jones down a precarious slope to the crime scene. Together, Sally and Hector track down every clue to solve the murder but often ﬁnd themselves with more questions than answers. Jenny Bennett creates characters that become ﬂesh and blood. For a moment, we ache with Hector who longs to see his

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

beloved Cartagena again — “that town of ancient colonial walls and long warm evenings where the mango-colored sun dissolved into the ocean.” The reader witnesses the deepening of trust and friendship between Hector and Sally as they follow leads and support each other when mistakes are inevitably made. We feel the deep grief of Hatsy, who has lost the love of her life, a love that was never consummated or even expressed. The suspects in this fast-paced murder mystery are numerous, their stories and lives move seamlessly from past to present and intersect at unexpected junctures. Even the innocent are not entirely innocent, many have secrets they would prefer not to disclose. The reader is confronted with issues of broken relationships, poaching of protected indigenous wild ﬂowers, changing attitudes of the hard-core hiker groups and the rules of the park, academic squabbling and political jostling for power. What is not a mystery is the experience and authenticity the author brings to the story. The rich details of the terrain and the physicality of off-trail hiking draws the reader deeply into the experience. A veteran off-trail hiker, or “bushwhacker,” Bennett shares an intimate knowledge of the trails and ﬂora she describes. Through her characters, we feel the love the author has of this area and the reverence she feels for these wild spaces. Her concerns about the protection and preservation of these areas become our concerns as well. Murder at the Jumpoff is a tale of jealousy and greed leading to the death of a man well regarded by nearly all who knew him. More than that it is a story of love, love which is lost and gained on many levels. The summer is nearly over. It’s time

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Danielle Bussone Danielle Bussone is a writer, an artist and a wellness coach. Visit her blog at www.vegginoutandabout.com.

jewelry and more!

HAIR STUDIO &BOUTIQUE OWNERS: Debbie Isaacs and Carlene Greene STYLISTS: Crystal Turbyﬁll, Ceirra Murphy, Anna Isaacs, Debbie Warren Closed 12-1pm for lunch

Call today! 828-264-2212

220A Postal Street Boone, NC 28607

About The Author By Jessica Simpson and Raquel Welch

Get back to your true self…Get back to health! We take the time to listen because we understand that every woman is an individual, with unique health concerns, & we strive to get to the ROOT of the problem.

Commonly Treated Conditions

Jenny Bennett earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from New College in Sarasota, Florida and a masters degree from Boston University in Boston, Mass. Her work experience has ranged from landscape designer, journalist and editor. For 18 years, she reported on international energy markets for the London Financial Times, as well as other news agencies. She is owner of a freelance editing business, Summer Afternoon Editing. She has made the mountains of North Carolina her home.

• Female Hormone Imbalances • Thyroid Imbalance • PMS/Menstrual Irregularities • Fatigue • Menopuase • Digestive Issues • Migraines • Adrenal Fatigue • Fibromyalgia • Auto-immune • Pain • Weight Management • Anxiety/Depression

Blue Ridge Acupuncture

Natural Medicine

Torrey Gorla, D.A. (RI), L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., M.S. Oriental Medicine 610 State Farm Road, Suite B (behind WCEA) • Boone, NC 28607 828-265-8668 • www.booneholistichealth.com AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

TEMPLEOFTHEHIGHCOUNTRYSISTERHOOD

Temple of the High Country

Sisterhood

Marilyn Kyle (in pink) checks in guests at Temple of the High Country Sisterhood kitchen shower luncheon.

Local synagogue sisterhoods that were founded in the 1890s and 1900s united in 1913 to form a national organization of women of Reform Judaism. They joined American women of the time in establishing voluntary associations to further social and community agendas. By 1995, Women of Reform Judaism – The Federation of Temple Sisterhoods grew from it original 9,000 members in 49 sisterhoods to 100,000 members in 600 local affiliates in the United States, Canada and 12 other countries. Temple Sisterhoods play an important role in Judaism and in today’s synagogues, taking domestic responsibilities and the changing roles of women beyond the home to the congregation, schools and communities. Our local Temple of the High Country Sisterhood is the voice for Jewish women in the High Country and, as such, has become a vital hand in the charitable body of our community. The women easily fulﬁll its mission to “build and sustain a warm, inclusive community comprised of caring, compassionate and socially conscious women who seek to understand and perpetu-

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

ate Judaism in the home, congregation and community and to reinforce their bonds with Israel and with Jews worldwide.” Involved on every level, TOHC Sisterhood has donated more than 1,000 diapers already this year to Hospitality House and the Children’s Council and, as part of their current Mitzvah Days Project — an act of human kindness — the Sisterhood is leading efforts such as collecting clothing and goods for the Hunger Coalition and Oasis. They contribute to the National Red Cross on a national scope and are also involved with international charitable organizations. The Sisterhood also makes monetary donations – ‘Tzedakah’ – to religious and non-religious groups. The year-round calendar for the Sisterhood is ﬁlled with events that appeal to spiritual, educational, social, family and organizational interests — with a goal to strengthen not only its membership, but also the quality of the Sisterhood experience,” says member, Fran Greenﬁeld. “At the same time,” she says, the TOHC Sisterhood will continue to nurture the spiritual and intellectual development of its’ members.”

Left to right: Leigh Girard and Fran Greenfield.

Their ‘Oneg Shabbats’ — Friday night intimate gatherings through which Jews express their happiness in the Sabbath via music, drama, discussions, lectures and/or singing — are arranged by the TOHC Sisterhood as a testament of their spiritual commitments. They also host an annual Women’s Seder at Passover and on July 22, hosted a kitchen shower luncheon supply needed kitchen items for the new Temple of the High Country located, on King Street in downtown Boone. As a testament to the sisterhood’s ongoing efforts to nurture the intellectual development of its members, many educational opportunities have made it to this year’s calendar. Their meetings highlight different speakers and have covered a wide range of topics including “The History of Moses Cone,” as well as talks on Kabbalah, Jews and Nontraditional Lifestyles, and many more. Future programs include a Sisterhood Tea with a discussion on Jewish Kitchen from the Middle Ages to the Middle East to East New York, and beyond. The women will also host a walking tour of Jewish sites in Asheville and

together. While all of these things strengthen not only its membership, but also the quality of their experience, the intimacy shared by these women and the lives they touch in the community speak volumes. The dedication of their new Temple of the High Country was held on June 22 and gives the sisterhood meeting room

from which they continue to enhance the lives of many in our community. For more information, call (828) 2648364 or 264-5738. Corrine A. loucks Keller Williams High Country Realty 643 Greenway Road, Suite H-2, Boone (828) 773-1615 Cell (704) 439-5226 Fax www.CorrinneLoucks.com

Left to right: Ruth Etkin, Molle Grad, Sandy Drobner, Rosemary Horowitz, Eleanor Lieberman and Jean Feld.

Photos submitted

have included additional book discussions, ﬁlms, and meals with Appalachian State University Hillel students. Sisters in every sense of the word, their experience is enhanced by the loving friendships formed and the nurturing of its members. They have game days, bowling outings, walks, hikes, local restaurant gatherings, just to name a few of the enjoyable things they do

healthylady

How To Be

Happy on

Vacation

“Are we having fun, yet?” According to a recent study, most vacationers aren’t. As a matter of fact, the study revealed that the anticipation of the vacation brought more happiness than the actual vacation. Why? Some of that is due to dashed expectations. Fantasy is often more exciting than reality. Much of it is due to the ‘state of mind’ when on vacation. No matter how perfectly planned your vacation is, if you are tethered to the anxieties you left behind, you are not going to enjoy yourself. Distracted thoughts numb you to the beauty around you. Equally joy-deadening is packing a year’s worth of activity into a week-long vacation. Those in the study who were happiest described their vacation as ‘relaxing.’ Those who were least happy felt frenzied. Following are a few simple tips to help increase your vacation happiness. GET THE ‘TO DO’S’ DONE BEFORE YOU LEAVE Once done, leave work behind. If you think of something that needs to be done when you get back home, write it down. Then ‘let it rest’ until you get back. BALANCE ACTIVITY WITH DOWN TIME Activity will stimulate the feel-good endorphins while relaxing reduces the stress hormones. Make sure you are not crowding your schedule with too much activity and too little down time. It’s better to enjoy a few well-chosen activities punctuated with relaxation than to burn out to the point where you need a vacation from your vacation when you get back. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS Mindfulness means being fully present during your experiences. The key to mindfulness is to slow down and observe what you are doing. Whether it is the food you are eating, the beauty you are seeing, or the loved one you are with — choose to slow down and savor the moment.

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

DON’T FEEL COMPELLED TO DOCUMENT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN REAL TIME Your friends on Facebook can wait untll you return home to see your photos and read your posts. DISCONNECT FROM THE OFFICE Most of us do not need to be perpetually connected to the cell phone and computer screen — we choose to be. If you need to stay in touch with your office while away, confine your connection to specific times. INTERRUPT ANXIETYPRODUCING THOUGHTS If you are plagued with nagging thoughts that are sabotaging your ability to enjoy your experience, try “thoughtstopping,” which is acknowledging an unwanted thought and then suddenly stopping and clearing your mind. Every time you find your ‘inner conversation’ distracting you from the moment, say (out loud if possible, but silently works as well) “Stop” or ‘Cancel.” Take a deep breath,

collect yourself and refocus on what is in front of you. You might have to do this several times before you reign in those nagging thoughts, but they will diminish. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR BODY’S RELAXATION RESPONSE Start and end each day with deep breathing, gentle stretching, meditation and prayer. This will activate your natural relaxation response and boost your feelings of joy and serenity. NOURISH YOUR BODY Don’t abandon your commitment to healthy eating. Some junk food on vacation is expected, but not for every meal. For sustained energy, mental focus and stable moods, be prudent about what you eat and ﬁll in the gaps with supplements. Some that might help include: B complex: Supplementing with B-vitamins can support the happy hormones in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These hormones help you to relax, stay motivated and be

in a good mood. Sugar and stress quickly gobble your B’s, so you need to keep them replenished. Omega 3 fatty acids (ﬁsh oil): These essential fats are important to the formation of healthy receptors in the brain. You need well-formed receptors to receive those ‘happy hormones’ mentioned above. PLAN A BUFFER DAY If possible, schedule an extra day when you come back so you can have a breather before returning to work. Use that day to get your life back in order and reﬂect on all the fun you had. These are disciplines that will not only increase your happiness on vacation, but when lived daily, make life more fun as well.

bonnie church Certiﬁed Life and Wellness Coach Author/ columist, motivational speaker Certiﬁed Trainer for TLS Weight Loss Solution

DONCASTER OUTLET

Take $25 Off Entire Purchase Not valid on prior purchases and not to be used on merchandise discounted more than 75% off the regular price. One coupon per customer and not to be combined with any other offer. Some exclusions apply. Expires August 31, 2012

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notsogrounded

It’s OK to Shine “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson I stink at a million things: attending to details, being on time, staying put, conveying empathy and expressing sorrow, to name a few. I ignore rules and conventions I selfishly find constraining. I say what I think; I expect what I want; I insensitively assume others do the same. I procrastinate. I have no design sense or upper arm strength. Often, I’m content to merely think a great idea without actually doing it. I eat too much ice cream, and despite 30 years practicing yoga there are still hundreds of poses I’m too lazy to try. That list is easy to write, comfortingly humorous to read. But here’s my opposite list, one of my light and power, and it will make us all squirm: I have talent for stringing words together, for finding a shared thread of an idea, then wrapping nuance and texture around it until others can see their own expression in full weave. I can spot someone’s essence, too, peeking out from under her overcoat. When I catch that sweet

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

glimpse, I fill it with sunlight and hold a big bright space until it fits serenely on the owner’s sacred expansion. I also have a knack for “aah-ha’s.” When people tell me what they most want to learn, I lovingly craft an opportunity so they can tilt their heads just enough to see their own brighter reflection. How come describing my gifts sounds glaringly egotistical? Last week, Marianne Williamson’s quote showed up three unrelated times — reason enough to ponder what it means to feel powerful beyond measure, to honor our own light, to quit dulling our shine beneath at best humility and at worst our own shame. It’s not only that we hide our light, but dastardlier, we culturally fear that shine equals arrogance. A collective pact to disempower ourselves. Professional development guru Marcus Buckingham says we are each born with unique innate strengths and weaknesses that we’re wise to heed. Dispelling

decades of myths, Buckingham offers some new realities about “ourselves:” Our strengths and weaknesses don’t actually change as we grow. Our goals may change, our skills usually improve, but our strengths and weaknesses remain true — cradle to grave. Trying to improve our weaknesses is head-banging futility. It just ain’t gonna happen. We get far more mileage if we put the bulk of our energy toward our strengths, where we do actually get wildly better. (This is true for our kids, too, so make sure you’re showering them with more opportunities around their natural strengths than remedial help where they’re weak.) Our strengths have a yearning, forceful quality — we’re compelled to do them, and then we’re blissfully lost in the moment. Excited and rejuvenated. At the end of the day our strengths leave us feeling powerful, magniﬁcent, and strong. Being good at something doesn’t necessarily make it a strength. Our enthusi-

asm — not our competence — marks the thing we were wired to do. If even your best talent also makes you want to jump off a cliff or curl up and sob, it ain’t your strength. We’re the best ones to discern our own strengths because it’s not what we accomplish (usually externally defined) but the internal truth of how we feel. If we’re exuberant actually doing something, bingo, there it is. Buckingham says we transform demoralizing burn-out into blissful fulfillment by getting really clear about our specific strengths and then packing our day with them. It’s about finding our light’s greatest power and expressing it. Not power from our insecurities or fears. Not power from our other dark spots that make us mean, oppressive, angry, depressed or violent. Instead, power we draw when we sparkle inside. But while owning our brightest power is certainly an individual imperative, allowing it is a shared responsibility. We need to expand Marianne Williamson’s quote from the realm of individual courage to the breadth of collective norm. “Tell me about your unique gifts?” should be our standard greeting. “What lights you up?” “Where do you shine?” “What juices your day and colors your dreams?” Followed by, “How can I help you do it more?” My self-deprecating list of flaws may be socially acceptable, but it doesn’t really do any good. The truth is, I am better at some things than you are, and vice versa. So we’d be wise to get over our fear of powerful people — others and ourselves — and demand that we each proclaim and do precisely what our deepest light says we were born to do. Humility isn’t smudging our own shine so as not to appear better than another. It’s offering my unique light and honoring yours with equally fierce reverence, limitless support, and a collective invitation to bring it on.

Jeanne Supin Do Less. Be More. Conscious Change by Design. www.supin.com

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

windjammercruise

Windjammer Cruise A

Dream Fulfilled We’re leaving our homeport, Camden, Maine, on the windjammer ketch Angelique, ready to hoist her beautiful tanbark sails. It’s sunny with clear, blue skies. All the crew, plus some intrepid passengers, rush to help. Sean shinnies up the ropes and climbs the rigging. “Haul away!” cries Sarah, as she, James, and Eric direct the volunteer crew. Captain Mike is at the helm. In a few minutes we’re plowing through sparkling waters. Six days of sailing in Penobscot Bay — We’re already experiencing

the meaning of “the wind at your back.” At last. For 40 years, I’ve wanted to journey on a windjammer, facing into the wind and the deep, leaving cares behind, rocking to sleep in my cozy cabin, listening to waves lapping. Maine, the great, good place. Next it’s literally hauling our duffels “down the hatch,” a hole in the ship’s center with a steep ladder descending to the tiniest bunk rooms imaginable. Each trip down is precarious for someone with aching knees — me. We disappear into

a netherland fraught with hazards: bunk beds with very little space above, requiring shimmying in horizontally to avoid cracking our heads. The cabin’s a dark, dim cave, quite depressing, in which half the ﬂoor angles upward like the sides of the ship. It’s a hike up a 45-degree slope to brush your teeth. A Lilliputian underworld for giants — deﬁnitely not for someone with creaky knees. A few days of heavy jackets, huddling in the ship’s cabin for warmth, eating in an underground cave with little light, vying

Photo by Sue Spirit

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

for the four comfortable chairs on deck — and sailing right past Stonington, where we were supposed to dock. My screaming knees and I are about to give up. Whatever happened to “smooth sailing?” But wait. It’s raining, but we’re actually tying up at Castine, a shining white Maine town. I’m scared, but I climb down the long ladder to the dock. I’m rewarded with Maine Lobster, ice cream, a cozy bookstore with molasses cookies, a carved wooden loon and a brand-new attitude. Things get even better. Barbara, our onboard naturalist, gives a talk on the sex lives of lobsters. We anchor in deep water and row an eight-oared boat to a lobster bake on an island. We have granola parfaits with sweet Maine strawberries. On a bright day full of puffy clouds we plow through waves at full sail. Lunch on deck is chowder, foccacia, and chocolate-drizzled sugar cook-

ies. We fly past shimmering shorelines of firs, rocks, and lighthouses. Maybe this trip is a “keeper” after all, a phrase originating with lobstering. When lobster fishers haul their traps, they check each lobster to determine if it is of sufficient length and weight to be considered a legitimate catch. To be a keeper, each lobster must be male, as female lobsters should remain in the ocean to propagate the next generation. My journey on the Angelique is indeed a “keeper.” I’ve plowed through difficult living conditions, learned a lot about sailing and experienced sublime moments of great beauty. Best of all, I have a journal full of ideas for stories and poems. I’ll be reliving this trip for a long, long time. sue spirit Writes poetry and essays about nature, spirituality, writing, and travel. She has a little cabin in the mountains. degreesoffreedom@frontier.com

ItWorks!

Photo submitted

Front row left to right: local product dealers Wendy Lemus, Becky Zaragoza, Brittney Trivette; Back row left to right: Rachel Walls, Lydia Osborne, Leslie Trivette

It Works! You may have seen it at the All About Women Expo and whether you want to lose weight or simply tighten, tone and ﬁrm “It Works!” offers a safe, painless and easy solution to wrap your way to success. “It Works!” is taking over and slimming down the High Country. “It Works!” offers one-of-a-kind, safe, effective, affordable all- natural products that will change your life. “It Works!” products are formulated by leading scientists, herbalists, and researchers who integrate innovative technology, strict quality standards, and the ﬁnest in diverse, natural ingredients into their work. The end results? A one-of-a-kind body

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

contouring line, top-notch nutritional supplements, and a specially formulated skin care line that safely nourish your body and enhance your life. The Ultimate Body Applicator At the core of the It Works! Ultimate Makeover is the exclusive Ultimate Body Applicator. “It Works!” is the ﬁrst company in history to bring a body contouring treatment to the market. No scalpels. No bruising. No sweating or recovery time. The Ultimate Body Applicator’s secret lies in ancient botanical ingredients. The botanically based, paraben-free formula in the non-woven cloth applicator penetrates deeply into the skin to lessen the appearance of cellulite and create dramatic con-

touring results with every 45-minute application. This applicator delivers the results we are all looking for. You choose the problem area on your body you would like to detoxify, tighten, tone and ﬁrm. It reveals deﬁnition in your arms, smooths and tightens your thighs, tones your tummy, tightens up your love handles, loses that double chin and even gives your backside a lift. Simply apply the Ultimate Body Applicator, and relax for 45 minutes. It’s really just that easy. You will see real, measurable results that last. The tape measure doesn’t lie. For once there’s a too-good-to-be-true beauty tip that really works!

The Facial Applicator Also a very popular item that lifts and rejuvenates, ﬁrms and invigorates the skin, The facial applicator deeply hydrates to smooth and revitalize, softening ﬁne lines and wrinkles. Along with all the other skin care products, the facial applicator is naturally reversing the signs of time for many.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Featured in Hollywood “It Works!” was invited twice to bring it’s body contouring products to Hollywood. These products were featured in the Emmy and Oscar Awards celebrity gift suites where celebrities visited – just in time for some last-minute results before the awards shows. These applicators have also been with celebrities on the sets of movies, such as Sex in the City 2. “Now you can be healthier on the inside while you’re looking younger on the outside. When you detoxify and balance your immune system, you will also get healthier on the outside so you can look younger, more refreshed and vibrant.” –Dr. Don VerHulst The “It Works!” premium supplement line has everything you need from all natural support for menopausal symptoms, detoxifying and alkalizing drink powder, thermogenic weight loss, advanced formula multi-vitamin — and everything in between. “It Works!” is a direct selling company that offers professional quality beauty and wellness products that both reflect high standards of integrity and reach consumers at affordable prices. In 2011, “It Works! Global” was ranked on Inc. magazine’s prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list as one of the 50 fastestgrowing companies in its category. This growth is truly giving “It Works!” a global reach. For more information, find on Facebook the local ladies pictured who, as “It Works!” representatives, know all about this great product, or visit www.GetSlimWraps.com to find more about all the products and the business opportunity “It Works!” has to offer.

www.boonedrug.com

Souce: April 2012 edition of Success From Home and “It Works!” printed marketing material, provided to AAW by Becky Zaragoza. AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

youngatheart

Take charge:

Stay calm: I have found that clear heads do usually prevail. Panic, on the other hand, leads to hasty decisions, canned food hoarding and the propensity to ﬂee into rather than away from danger.

I feel better if I have a plan of action. I may not be able to solve the problem overnight, but I can make steady progress towards a solution.

Relax: I tend to internalize stress and sometimes unwinding can be a challenge. Taking a walk, reading a book or getting pedicures with a girlfriend are a few of my go-to relaxers. I also recommend wine and chocolate — and laughter.

Stressed Stress, like people, has many different shapes, sizes and personalities. Sometimes, it makes you thrive and sometimes, it makes you want to run and hide. Stress — pressure, strain, anxiety, tension, worry — whatever you want to call it, is also inevitable. We all have it at our jobs and at home, because of our weight and our wealth, due to taking big steps or making bad decisions. The difference is how we handle it. And, handle it we must. Stress, if left untreated, is the leading

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

cause of nervous sweats, tension headaches, panicked expressions and random rants directed at inanimate objects. Yes, I may be making light of the subject as humor is one way that I handle stress, but I think we can all agree that stress can be detrimental to your health. So, what’s a girl to do? First, identify the source of the stress: Is it work-related, personal or the abovementioned inanimate object? Next, ﬁgure out why you are anxious: Are you under a deadline, are your children acting like little monsters, has your DVR neglected to record your favorite show? Then, determine what you can do to

Exhale: Never underestimate the power of a deep breath. Taking a breather allows time to slow my heart rate, collect my thoughts and stave off the abovementioned panic.

help alleviate the stress: Delegate the project to an unsuspecting junior, ship your children off to boarding school in Switzerland, take a sledgehammer to your DVR. Too drastic? Try my helpful tips above.

heather brandon Considers life to be one big anthropological ﬁeld experience. She observes and reports. She enjoys travel, food and wine and adventures with her husband, Roger.

Stop, drop and give me 20: Push-ups, that is. Exercise is the best thing I have found to keep stress in check. Whether I work it out in the weight room or sweat it out in aerobics, the physical activity helps me recharge my body and mind.

Eliminate Guilt: Sometimes bad things happen to good people — At least that’s what I keep telling myself. I am especially guilty of blaming myself if things do not go as planned. But, seeing as how I do not own a time machine, I try to learn from past events instead of rehashing the could’a, should’a and would’as.

Desserts: A

Stay connected: Don’t be a hermit (unless you really enjoy living alone in a cave and conversing with small rodents and foliage). Your friends and family want to help, even if it is only to listen. They may have a different perspective and be able to offer helpful suggestions. Prefer an unbiased party, consult a counselor — bartenders, hairdressers and telemarketers are excellent alternatives to pricy psychologists.

wise person once noticed that “stressed” is “desserts” spelled backward. So, take a break and enjoy something sweet. Sometimes a cookie puts everything in perspective.

Trust 2 different generations of dentists

Improving the lives of our patients...one smile at a time 870 State Farm Road, Boone • (828) 264-3333 • www.brgd.com

beauty

Is The

‘Peel’ for you?

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

Among the most popular treatments in many spas today is the peel. While the procedure’s name can be intimidating, many women are convinced of its beneﬁts and count on at least one peel every year. Peels are treatments that are usually result-driven and can have a signiﬁcant impact upon the skin. Not all types of peels are for everyone — rely on your skin type to best determine whether an acid, chemical or enzyme peel is appropriate. You may choose a peel that is rich in vitamins and gentle enzymes, which will still allow you to see results without a harsh treatment. Most peels come in varying degrees or concentrations, which can allow you to be comfortably introduced to the procedure and allow your skin to

adjust to the resurfacing and buffering that a peel induces on the skin. Many skin issues can be addressed with a peel, such as hyperpigmentation, dull skin due to the skin aging over time, and redness or unevenness of the skin due to past acne. Peels are designed to simply provide another means to exfoliate the surface of the skin and expose a fresh new you with unclogged pores and a smoother appearance. Check with the experts at your spa to help determine which peel is best for you. kelly penick Licensed aesthetician 828.773.3587

You

deserve a relationship with a real person. Thatʼs our stand.

Wendy Green 869 Hwy 105 Ext #1 Boone, NC 28607 (828) 264-6828

Jane Meyers (left), Annette Hemingway, and Ruth Dyer enjoy a glass of bubbly at the POP Luncheon.

Power of the Purse All About Women Supporting Women

Pinky Hayden (left) presents the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Award to Bonnie Schaefer (right) and Jamie Schaefer (center) of Westglow Spa.

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

More than 225 guests attended the High Country Women’s Fund Power of the Purse events in mid-July. The two events raised more than $42,000, which will go to support women and children in need in Watauga and Avery counties. Both events were an amalgam between those donating time and those donating treasures. The High Country Women’s Fund needs both to make it all work. Selected on July 18, raffle package winners are:

Photos submitted

Barbara Aycock (left) and artisan leathersmith Evenlight Eagles pose with the prize purse Barbara took home from POP’s Silent Auction. Evenlight generously donates 20% of the proceeds from her purses to HCWF, when clients mention POP.

Keynote speaker Janice Holly Booth autographs her book, ‘Only Pack What You Can Carry,’ for a guest at the Patron’s Reception.

sew RIGINAL

Spa-cation – Maria Gentile Food Fantasy – Marilyn Kyle Turchin Tour – Judy Painter Beautiful You – Vickie McLean High Country Linda Slade

Adventure

–

The High Country Women’s Fund is an initiative of the High Country United Way.

rs only. ating deale *at particip edit approval subject to cr

www.seworiginal.com

1586-C Highway 421 S Gateway Center (828) 264-1049 3358 Robin Hood Rd Winston-Salem (336) 760-1121

made to create AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

“Don’t be ashamed to weep; ‘tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and ﬂowers, trees, and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time, and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones is sealed inside to comfort us.” - Brian Jacques, Taggerung A Tribute to Watauga County and all that we’ve lost this summer.

AUGUST 2012 | AAWMAG.COM

Photo by Sherrie Norris

High Country Caregiver Foundation

Benefit Auction

August 11th at 5:30pm at Best Western Lodge in Banner Elk

All proceeds will go to benefit local caregivers in the High Country The High Country Caregiver Foundation is a non-profit that strives to create awareness of caregiving issues & improve the quality of life for caregivers & those they care for through advocacy, information & referral, education, emotional support, & supplemental & respite services.

Join us for an evening of fun, music, and fabulous items at the 7th annual Benefit Auction for local caregivers

• Golf outings • Lodging at Harrah’s Cherokee • Tennis lessons & Dinner for 2 at Paula Dean’s • Dinner at local restaurants • Tickets to the Barter Theatre & • Tweetsie & Dollywood tickets Carolina Opry • Home Decor & furnishings • Vacations • Jewelry

Dinner available from Evergreens with 20% of proceeds going directly to HCCF

Supporters