Charm Magazine - November/December 2019

A P R I L L B R A N D O N | P I C T U R E T H I S ! | FA S H I O N NOVEMBER/DECEMBER NOVEMB MB BER ER/D / ECEMBE E R 20 2019 1

COVER STORY

HOLLIE BRUCE

Serving the Least of These ALSO INSIDE

beauty

TESTING THE WATER

Treatment relaxing, but not all it promised

special advertising section:

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

s t n e t n o C Beauty: Testing the Water: Treatment Relaxing, but Not All it Promised

Fashion: Sweater Weather

14

Feature: Morgan Strong, Morgan Abbigail

Feature: Lord & Lady of the Flies

8

Beauty

Features 10

Cover Story: Hollie Bruce: Serving the Least of These

20

Women in Business: Morgan Strong, Morgan Abbigail

24

Aprill Brandon: Lord & Lady of the Flies

8

24

20

On the Cover

Testing the Water: Treatment Relaxing, but Not All it Promised

Fashion 14

Sweater Weather

In Every Issue 22 27

Shop This!

Picture This!

A P R I L L B R A N D O N | P I C T U R E T H I S ! | FA S H I O N SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SEPTEMBER/OC EMBER MBE TOBER ER R 2019 20

A glance at Hollie Bruce’s personal life reveals its symmetry with her role as executive director of Newgate Mission.

Newgate’s mission is found in Matthew’s gospel: “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Left: Ow

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COVER STORY

DORIS RAMALY

Overcoming

Together ALSO INSIDE

beauty

COSMETIC BRUSHES

An Important Part of Makeup Strategy

special advertising section:

SIMPLY THE BEST!

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C

mycharm

online.com

4 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

21

Spot the Charm Our September/October Spot the Charm winner was Betty Hunt and she received a $100 Visa gift card. Carla spotted the Charm on Page 21 in our last issue!

We invite you to spot a special Charm logo in this edition.

Hint: It’s not in the Picture This! logo or in one of the advertisements.

If you locate it, sign on to mycharmonline.com and click the Spot the Charm link on the homepage.

Good Luck!

CHARM / VIEW NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER Stephen McHaney EDITOR Ric Brack • 903.237.7759 • rbrack@news-journal.com MANAGING EDITOR Jo Lee Ferguson • 903.237.7724 • jferguson@news-journal.com ART DIRECTOR Katie Case • 903.237.7715 • kcase@news-journal.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Cavazos • 903.237.7748 • mcavazos@news-journal.com Les Hassell • 903.237.7764 • lhassell@news-journal.com DESIGNER Sara Bryan ILLUSTRATOR Michelle Laverell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Becky Bell • Aprill Brandon • Jo Lee Ferguson Nella Kopp • Amy McHaney • Anntoinette Moore Finn O’Connor • Amy Pearson • Ana P. Walker CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jimmy Daniell Isaac ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tracy Stopani • 903.237.7726 • tstopani@news-journal.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kelly Benton • 903.237.7776 • kbenton@news-journal.com Thomas Bonner • 361.574.1249 • tbonner@vicad.com Sylvia Darden • 903.237.7721 • sdarden@news-journal.com Chris Dean • 903.237.7719 • cdean@news-journal.com Kerri Esposito • 903.232.7276 • kesposito@news-journal.com Jeff Martin • 903.232.7221 • jmartin@news-journal.com CIRCULATION Steven Briggs • 903.237.7768 • sbriggs@mrobertsmedia.com PRODUCED BY TCM PRINTING Sherri Goodwin • 903.232.7245 • sgoodwin@tcmprinting.com SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Models: Kylie Hess & Lexi Baker Fashion Photo Location: Calie’s Acre

m.roberts MEDIA

mrobertsmedia.com

mycharmonline.com • news-journal.com

6 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

TESTING THE

WATER:

TREATMENT RELAXING, BUT NOT ALL IT PROMISED Words by AMY MCHANEY

F

ree radicals. Antioxidants. Environmental toxins.

This is the lingo of the detox health craze that has made its way into the world of beauty. There are

some pretty interesting beauty and wellness detox methods on the market today — think facial steam detox, lymphatic massage and ionic foot treatments. The objective? Free the body of toxins and allow your natural beauty to shine.

Have you ever wondered how — and if — these detox methods work? Me, too! I stayed at a hotel earlier this year that

aging process. What exactly are unstable atoms, you ask? Let me take you back to high school chemistry class ....

You might recall that atoms are surrounded by electrons that make up layers of shells. Each shell layer has a specific number of electrons required to fill that shell. Atoms with complete outer shells are stable; atoms that are missing electrons, or free radicals, are unstable and seek to bond to other atoms or molecules.

The problem with free radicals is that in the process of trying to bond to other atoms or molecules to become stable, something called oxidative stress occurs that can damage the body’s cells.

Two methods are used to combat the effects of free radicals — neutralizing them or removing them.

Which brings us to antioxidants. It is nearly impossible to peruse a grocery aisle without being bombarded by claims of antioxidant powers. Antioxidants, in theory, give electrons to the free radicals to neutralize them, thus preventing further cellular damage. According to Jolene Sim of 10FAQ Health, antioxidant supplements have not proven effective; nutrients work best.

She recommends blueberries, red cabbage, beans, raspberries, strawberries, kale, artichokes, dark chocolate (hooray!), pecans and goji berries.

offered IonSpa detox foot treatments and had to give it a whirl.

Detox can also be achieved, in theory, by physically removing

My thoughts on IonSpa follow below, but first, let’s dive into the

toxins from the body. The IonSpa detox foot treatment I enjoyed

science — and lingo — behind the detox craze:

claimed to do just that — remove toxins and heavy metals

According to MedicalNewsToday, free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells and are thought to contribute to the 8 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

accumulated in my body through the soles of my feet by soaking them in ionized water.

The experience itself was fantastic. I situated myself in a comfy chair, and my aesthetician placed my feet in the IonSpa foot bath, which was a fairly standard tub with a submerged electronic device that ionized the water molecules. The aesthetician gave me a fizzy drink akin to lemon-lime Alka-Seltzer that she said would expedite the detox process. Then, she offered me a mimosa (win).

The aesthetician told me that the water would begin to change color as the toxins seeped from the soles of my feet, and she gave me a chart to help identify exactly which toxins had been wreaking havoc on my body:

COLOR OR PARTICLES AND MATERIAL OR BODY AREA BEING DETOXIFIED • Black: Liver • Black Flecks: Heavy Metal • Brown: Liver, Cellular Debris, Tobacco • Dark Green: Gallbladder • Orange: Joints • Red Flecks: Cellular Debris, Blood Clot Material • Yellow: Kidney, Bladder, Urinary Tract

IonSpa detox foot treatment

• Foam: Lymphatic Drainage, Mucus

feet! The color change depends on the mineral content of the

My foot bath turned all the colors, with the exception of orange

water. Further, a small 2012 study of six participants collected

and red. Apparently I was extremely toxic. The aesthetician told

water samples before and after the foot bath — as well as urine

me that I would begin to feel lighter and refreshed within the next

samples — and found no change in toxin levels in the samples.

24 hours. Although I was very relaxed from soaking my feet in

There are two takeaways .... One is that detoxifying foot baths

warm water for half an hour — and the mimosa probably helped,

such as the one I experienced are relaxing at best. Though not

too — I did not notice any particular difference otherwise.

harmful, they likely do not pull any toxins from your body. The

After my treatment was complete I decided to do a little

second takeaway is a winner any way you slice it — dark chocolate

online research and was disappointed to learn that the water in

is an antioxidant, which means it is good for you! In moderation,

the footbath will change color with the ionizing device only — no

of course. C

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mycharmonline.com 9

COVER STORY

Serving The

LEAST OF

THESE Words by ANA P. WALKER Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Newgate Mission Executive Director Hollie Bruce 10 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

Volunteers Oris Booth and Billy Alexander prepare boxed lunches to be delivered as part of the Meals WITH Love program at Newgate Mission.

A

glance at Hollie Bruce’s personal life reveals its symmetry

respond to things differently. It’s easy to try to plug people into

with her role as executive director of Newgate Mission.

holes but that’s not always effective.”

Newgate’s mission is found in Matthew’s gospel: “Truly,

I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Being person-centered is crucial in fulfilling Newgate’s mission, she said.

Of the above Scripture, she adds, “This is the reason Newgate

The organization provides Longview’s needy with meals daily,

Mission has been designed as a low-barrier day center for

housing assistance, job readiness training, health checks, hygiene

individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks when

items, transportation and spiritual guidance.

they come across an obstacle,” she said.

Bruce, a 1999 graduate of Longview High School, earned a

“Whether it be through the offering of food, showers, prayer

bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from Texas

or employment assistance, we work hard to identify the needs of

Christian University. After taking a marketing job, she earned

those we serve and assist them accordingly,” she said.

a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at

“Miracles happen at Newgate every day. They can be as major

Arlington. That combination of degrees allows her to understand

as someone obtaining housing or as simple as seeing a struggling

not only the business and marketing side of the nonprofit world

person smile for the first time,” she said. “ So many of the people

but the social and human aspects of it as well, she said.

we serve have experienced significant trauma in their lives in

“We can’t fix people’s problems with cookie cutter solutions,” she said of Newgate. “I learned that working in mental health care.

We had to create treatment plans based on every individual, like you do in medical care. It’s the same in human services. People

many different forms. It’s our job to remember that and to inspire hope and healing every day.”

Identifying needs and acting accordinglyy has played p y a bigg role in Bruce’s life.

continued on pg. 12 ` mycharmonline.com 11

In January of 2011, she was living and working in Vail,

“I was already comfortable at Newgate. It was definitely a

Colo., the internationally famous ski resort known for drawing

challenge that I was ready to take on and help move into the next

celebrities. She never planned to move back home. Then, her

chapter,” she said.

father became seriously ill and doctors gave him a poor prognosis.

That next chapter has included a rebranding and new logo

When it became evident he would recover, she knew her plans

for the mission, a resurfaced parking lot, some new kitchen equipment, upgraded dining tables, an additional bathroom

had to change.

“I moved here to help him recover and take care of his business,” she said. The illness left her father, Allen Jones, unable to walk, talk or eat, she said. Then, less than a year after her father was stricken, her mother, Patty Jones, died suddenly.

and increased attendance and sponsorships at the mission’s popular fundraiser, Gobble Wobble, held the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

The event, in its 15th year, features 5K and 10K runs as well as a fun run. Runners and walkers are not timed. People come

She remains close to her father, and the altered life plan, the

for the fun, the camaraderie and the T-shirts, she said. Last year’s

strain and grief of her parents’ illnesses and her mother’s death,

attendance hit an all-time high. The event raised $40,000 through

have aided her understanding of the needs at Newgate.

sponsorships, said Newgate board member and longtime volunteer

“That was a very dark time in my life,” she said.

Jerry Gardner. He was board president when Bruce was hired and praised her job performance.

Like many of her clients, “I understand what it feels like to be in a dark period,

“You can just show up and spend no

but that doesn’t look the same for every

money at all. We (just) want to tell

person. Circumstances are different.

Remembering what it feels like to hurt is one of the most important pieces of helping people who are suffering physically, emotionally.

It also helps us heal.”

She married Kirk Bruce 3 ½ years ago and has two teenage stepsons. An avid dog lover, she has

“

Just remember that we could be in those shoes, and remember that people are hurting during the holidays.

four, three of them rescues.

“They’re just my babies,” she said.

-Hollie Bruce

”

right place is for it to go,” she said.

The lack of entry fees makes Gobble Wobble more inclusive, she said.

One of the newest Newgate efforts is a partnership with Longview Community Ministries to deliver meals to those in need.

The project, Meals with Love, is only one example of collaboration with other local nonprofits, she said.

Newgate families also benefit from

the Newgate Haverty’s Angel Tree project

“If I see a dog on the side of the road, I’m gonna pick it up and try to figure out where the

you about Newgate,” Bruce said.

during the Christmas holidays, but they can also benefit from the presence of the wider community.

She loves spending time with her family and friends, being

“The holidays can be a depressing time of year, especially for

outside and reading, and she loves being with people, she said.

those who have lost their loved ones or don’t know where their

One of the “perks” of her Newgate job is that it calls her to be out in the wider community networking and looking for chances to collaborate with other community groups. Time working at a corporate entity allowed her to realize that one of the most desirable things about Newgate and similar nonprofits is that everything is “locally dependent and focused.”

“It just makes it more of a community effort,” she said.

loved ones are. As someone who’s lost a parent, (the holidays) can be very, very challenging,” Bruce said.

Newgate creates activities during the holiday time that allow people who want to help “show love to our brothers and sisters at Newgate,” she said. Many groups want to serve meals at the mission during that time of year and the slots fill quickly.

“Just remember that we could be in those shoes, and remember that people are hurting during the holidays,” Bruce said.

When she took the Newgate job in August 2017, she was no

Bruce emphasized that the mission does not fit the stereotype

stranger to the mission. She had held a part-time post there and

of a soup kitchen that serves mostly single men, although they are

served on the board of directors.

among its clientele.

12 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

“If you drive by Newgate, there may be just single men standing outside, but if you come inside there’s a wide assortment of people. Many of them are not homeless. They’re just very low income or on fixed incomes,” she said.

“If we have somebody that’s choosing between paying their rent and feeding themselves, we want to feed them and let them pay their rent. We feel strongly that that’s helping them — individuals who are living paycheck to paycheck or can’t even make it to the next paycheck, the working poor. That that’s a major benefit — assistance — that we can provide.”

Board president Kristi Bogle Sherman says Newgate has benefited from Bruce’s leadership.

“Hollie’s background makes her a uniquely qualified individual for this role, and we are fortunate to have a person of her caliber serving as our executive director,” she said.

“Hollie truly cares about the people at Newgate: her co-

Hollie Bruce with Daisy, Bella, Dollie and Shady.

workers, the folks we feed and assist on a daily basis and our volunteers. In addition to having such a kind heart, Hollie is also a smart woman who demonstrates good financial stewardship and superb management abilities each day,” she said. “As we move forward, Hollie will continue to look for ways to streamline services, to respond to the changing needs of our people, and to grow Newgate in a way that positively impacts our community at large,” she said.

Although the challenges of directing a nonprofit may seem endless, Bruce finds inspiration both in the people served and the volunteers and staff who serve them.

She said popular local artist and volunteer Anup Bhandari has had significant impact on her.

Bhandari has worked with Newgate clients for several years and helped organize Healing Arts, a yearly showcase.

“As Anup tells it, it took him a little while to generate trust and interest, but the program (Healing Arts) has grown year after year. Healing Arts provides individuals with an emotional outlet by creating art, and with a way to earn money by selling their pieces,” she said. “Anup brought his talents and gifts to Newgate, and through that he has shown every person he has met attention, compassion and love. Anup sees every person he talks to as special

if

you go 15TH ANNUAL GOBBLE WOBBLE FUN RUN

When: 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race, Nov. 23 Where: Paul G. Boorman Train loop entrance Information: Newgate on Facebook; newgatemission.org; (903) 757-6146

HOW TO HELP NEWGATE Donate scarves, hats, gloves, food items and gift cards.

Havertys/Newgate Angel Trees with children’s gift lists will go up Nov. 15 at Havertys at 1101 W. Loop 281 in Longview and at Chick-Fil-A on Fourth Street and Gilmer Road.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP DURING THE HOLIDAYS Donations to Longview’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will be accepted from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex.

Christmas for the Least of These provides gifts for area foster children and their families. Find information on Facebook.

Donations of new toys accepted until Dec. 10 at Buckner Family Hope Center, 1014 South High St. in Longview, for Buckner Christmas Market. Call 903-757-9383 or visit Buckner.org/LongviewFamilyChristmas for information.

During National Adoption Month in November, local foster and adoptive families attend Camp Buckner in Burnet. Donations of crayons, coloring books, Kleenex, card games, packaged snacks, antibacterial wipes and car activities will help Buckner build “car kits” for the long drive; take donations to the Buckner Family Hope Center at 1014 South High St. in Longview through Nov. 20. Call 833-724-2777 for more info.

Donate gifts to the Longview Police Department’s Project Blue Santa through drop boxes inside the Longview Police Department at 302 W. Cotton St. and other locations around Longview. Mail monetary donations to Project Blue Santa at the police department at P.O. Box 1952; Longview, TX; 75606.

and important, and they feel that through his attentiveness and

Toys for Tots collection boxes will go up this month at businesses around town and at Walmarts on Gilmer Road and Fourth Street.

gentle demeanor,” she said.

Gregg County Child Welfare Board collects gifts for Gregg County children in foster care through an angel tree at Texas Bank & Trust in downtown Longview.

“Anup is truly someone I look up to, and who brings the lesson each week to Newgate that we are all brothers and sisters,” she continued. “This is a true gift to myself personally, Newgate Mission and every person who meets Anup. He simply radiates love and compassion. We need so much more of that in this world.” C

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission’s Ornaments of Hope provide new gifts for children living at the mission; available for selection starting Nov. 25 at the Women and Families Shelter at 3004 W. Marshall Ave. Hiway 80 Rescue Mission also accepts toy donations for children 17 and younger for other families in the community. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off through Dec. 19 at 3123 W. Marshall Ave. or 3004 W. Marshall Ave. .

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign will accept monetary donations Nov. 29 through Christmas Eve. Find children’s Angel Trees at Longview Mall, area Walmarts, McAlister’s Deli and Slim Chickens. A Senior Angel Tree is located inside Tower Honda in Longview.

mycharmonline.com 13

FASHION Kylie Hess wearing a Kye Mi Colorblock Sweater, $42, Black Label Bell Bottom Jeans, $36, Beast Black Flats, $36, Olive and Pique Black Hat, $41, and Hoop Earrings, $14, all from River Outfitters.

Sweater

Weather Photos by LES HASSELL

14 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

Winter is coming, which means the season

CHARM FASHION SPONSORED BY

fondly referred to as “sweater weather” is upon us. As East Texas temperatures dip to the cool side, it’s time to start layering to create the perfect blend of cuteness and comfort this season. Pair a cardigan or corduroy jacket with a skirt or distressed jeans and booties to create the perfect look for football games, festivals and family gatherings this season.

Charm

magazine

found

sweater

weather essentials and accessories at River Outfitters and Trendy Chicks. We took some styles from their racks to Calie’s Acre, our favorite East Texas pumpkin patch, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season.

Thank you to our models Kylie Hess and Lexi Baker, and to Calie’s Acre for hosting us.

With its hay bales, pumpkins and beautiful décor, Calie’s Acre

provided

the

perfect

backdrop for our models to showcase

these

looks

that

have us falling in love with this season’s styles.

Lexi Baker wearing a Dex Colorblock Sweater, $52.95, Dear John Jeans, $86.95, Chinese Laundry Boots, $84.95, and BuDhaGirl Fawn Bangles, $65 for a set of 4, with a Keep It Gypsy Purse, $178, all from Trendy Chicks.

mycharmonline.com 15

Lexi Baker wearing a Dex Floral Dress, $68.95, Chinese Laundry Black Boots, $118.95, Keep It Gypsy Choker, $16, and Buddy Love Amiga Pink Earrings, $42, all from Trendy Chicks.

16 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

See more Fashion on

Kylie Hess wearing an Olive and Pique Black Hat, $41, Do+Be Smock Camel Dress, $40, Leopard booties, $92, and Earrings, $14, all from River Outfitters.

mycharmonline.com 17

F EATURE

WOMEN in business: MORGAN STRONG Morgan Abbigail Words by AMY PEARSON | Photo by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

W

hen she was a teenager, Longview

Native

Strong

poured

entrepreneurial

spirit

into

Morgan her

babysitting,

largely, she laughs, so she could buy clothes.

“I have always loved fashion, even as

Morgan Abbigail carries clothing and

devouring fashion magazines, live-streaming

accessories for women of all sizes, ages and all

runway shows and researching trends

points in life, Morgan said.

sometimes up to a year before the clothes

“I’ve worked very, very hard to make my lines all inclusive,” she said.

She describes her shop as “classic.”

themselves will hit the hangers in her shop.

Many of the shoppers at Morgan Abbigail come in weekly to see what’s new.

a young girl,” said the mom of two, who

“It’s high fashion, but classic. Different. I

“That’s definitely my favorite part of

now owns and operates beloved Longview

carry statement pieces, things that will never

this business: the daily interaction with my

boutique Morgan Abbigail. “I always wanted

go out of style.”

customers,” Morgan said. “Most of them I’ve

to open a store.”

In fact, Morgan wrote the business plan for her future endeavor when she was still a fashion merchandising student at Stephen F. Austin State University. Her original plan for the shop was to open it in downtown Longview, but those plans evolved to become a cottage location on Judson Road.

Before she returned to Longview to open Morgan Abbigail, which will celebrate 10 years of business on April 1, 2020, Morgan

Her shop mimics her personal style.

“I like a classic look mixed with a funky statement piece,” she said. “Like Lysse denim bottoms with an Ivy Jane top.”

Ivy Jane, by the way, is a Texas designer based in Dallas.

“I support all the Texas designers I can,” she said.

During the past 10 years, Morgan has paid careful attention to what her customers are looking for.

“I’ve added a more mature clothing,” she

developed personal relationships with; they ask about my girls, I know about their families.

I’ve made friendships here.

“I love my new customers. I’m so grateful for my loyal customers.”

One of the most important business strategies Morgan employs is one that comes from her heart: giving back to the community. She is the coordinator for the Longview Cotillion; active with the Junior League of Longview and the Wednesday

worked for designer Kay Unger in New York

said. “I heard loud and clear that that niche

night child services coordinator at First

city and also did a stint at the Dallas Market

was not being met and there weren’t enough

Baptist Church, where she, her husband and

Center, absorbing knowledge and experience

things for women over 50.”

daughters are members.

she would later apply to her own venture.

She also carries clothing at all price

“I just believe that it helps people want to

“What I love to do is to make people feel

points, researching her lines thoroughly to

shop with me if I give back to the community,”

good about themselves by helping them

ensure the highest quality for her customers,

she said. “But either way, I just love Longview

choose clothes to accentuate their bodies,

no matter the price.

and all the people here and my customers. I

instead of changing their bodies to conform to clothes,” she said.

20 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

Her customers have come to rely on her expertise, which she keeps current by

hope to be able to give back and keep evolving with them for a long, long time.” C

HOLIDAY HUES www.elliebees.com Longview, Texas 903-758-0300

VISIT US AT:

314 Magnolia Lane Longview, TX 75605 903.753.4492 www.casafloraflowers.com

mycharmonline.com 21

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Chenille Banana Hat $24 MAURICES

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have you in style this holiday season.

Fringe Cross Body Bag $39 MAURICES

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Torte Earrings $14.50 MAURICES

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Black Wristlet $22 THAT GIRL’S BOUTIQUE Jonesy Wood initial necklace $52 THAT GIRL’S BOUTIQUE

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Do Everything In Love Pony Scarf $12.99 THAT GIRL’S BOUTIQUE

Tell Your Tale Hair Clip $6 THAT GIRL’S BOUTIQUE

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22 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

Kut from the Kloth Rose Corduroy Jacket $89 THAT GIRL’S BOUTIQUE

F EATURE

LORD & Lady of the flies Words by APRILL BRANDON | Illustrations by MICHELLE LAVERELL

W

hen I was in high school, I read “Lord of the Flies.” Good

(Full disclosure, there was the time at his fifth birthday party

book, I thought, but totally unrealistic. Kids aren’t like that.

when I hit him really hard with a plastic lightsaber and he cried, but

And then...well, then I had a child.

in my defense, he started it. Don’t challenge a Sith Lord when you’re

Worse yet, after having that child, I decided to have another

child. Meaning I now had children. Plural. More than one. Creating, blindly, siblings. Because in my baby fever, I was so obsessed with if I could, I never stopped to think if I should.

And now every day of my life is spent pulling apart two feral creatures who are trying to rip each other to shreds. Where literally nothing is off the table. Eye gouging. Throat punching. Collar bone biting. Oh yeah, collar bone biting. I mean, I love my kids but they’re barbarians. Of all the things I was woefully unprepared for as a parent (and there are a lot), the savage sibling fights is the one that perplexes me the most.

Part of this might be because I spent most of my early life as an only child. My mom had me when she was young so it was only after

still a mere padawan, kid).

So I never really got the traditional sibling upbringing. Oh, sure, I grew up with a lot of cousins. No shortage of fighting there. But it was different. With cousins, there’s more of an involuntary manslaughter vibe. With siblings, it’s premeditated.

Were they born mortal enemies? I do remember on the day my daughter was born, my son’s little toddler fingers immediately found the soft spot on her skull and he tried pushing it in. Looking back, that should have been a pretty big red flag of what was to come. On her end, she had a kung fu grip on his curly red hair starting as early as 4 months. By five months, she started in with the head butting.

17 years that I finally got a sibling. By that point, I was more like the

For awhile I comforted myself with the idea that this was all

fun auntie than any kind of sister. My role was to roll out of bed, play

typical sibling rivalry. But it’s not like I favor one over the other. I

with him for a little bit and then run off with my friends to hang out

ignore them both equally. Is it the age difference? Everyone told

in a cornfield somewhere and drink bad, warm beer.

me, oh, two years apart is the perfect space between ages. I can

24 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

only assume now that they meant the perfect ages to inflict similar

Truly, we don’t give kids enough credit. We treat them with such gentle hands, talk about how innocent and loving they are. But

wounds on each other.

And now they’re old enough to use tools for their nefarious

I’m pretty convinced my kids would slaughter each other if only

purposes. They can turn anything into a weapon against the other.

they could figure out how. Thank god they have awful hand-eye

This one time my son nibbled on a Dorito until it became a neon

coordination and hardly any upper body strength because nothing stops these fights. I’ve tried

orange shiv and then he stabbed his sister with it. She once threw a giant rock at his head, straight up Fezzik from “Princess Bride” style. He pushed her into a pool last summer. Last Thanksgiving, she jumped off the couch and

intervening. I’ve tried bribery.

This one time my son nibbled on a Dorito until it became a

neon orange shiv and then he stabbed

landed directly on his face.

his sister with it.

While wearing skates.

I’ve tried distraction. I’ve tried “let’s sit down and talk about our tiny murderous feelings.”

No matter what, 5 minutes later, one is chasing the other with a hammer (where did she get a hammer?) because he called her stuffed kitty cat stupid.

As for reasons why they fight? Well, breathing is a popular one.

It’s exhausting. Which is why I’m currently trying the benign neglect

Her leg accidentally touched his. He got the purple sippy cup. They

method of our ancestors, just pretending I don’t hear the screams

both got the EXACT same numbers of M&M’s. One day they both

of attempted bloody murder, but making sure I’m in close enough

punched each other in the face because they got into an argument

proximity should I need to rush anyone to the emergency room.

about goats. It was literally kids fighting kids over kids.

I’ve seen barroom fights in dive bars that were more civilized than the clashes that break out at the dinner table night after night.

Say what you will about the parenting methods of the ‘70s and ‘80s, but I now know why they always sent us outside.

Plausible deniability. C

mycharmonline.com 25

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26 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

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PICTURE

This!

CHARM/VIEW

DEBBIE MORRIS, DORIS RAMALY, JANIS COTTLE

COVER REVEAL PARTY LONGVIEW | MERLE NORMAN | 8/22/2019 Photos by LES HASSELL

Merle Norman in Longview Mall hosted the cover ROBYN KEMP, DEE WEAVER

reveal party for our September/October editions of Charm and View magazines.

Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres provided by The Cace Kitchen. Fountain of Youth Day Spa, and its F.O.Y. Salon Suites, is the “Red Carpet” sponsor for all the cover reveal parties this year.

The Charm cover featured Doris Ramaly, a two-time breast cancer survivor and executive director of Family Promise, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless families in Longview. The East Texas marching band

CAROL DEAN, GILLIAN JOHNSON, DONNA DELLINGER

tradition was highlighted on the cover of View.

Our next cover reveal party is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Cook’s Lighting, at 118 Johnson St. in the Chaparral Plaza shopping center off Judson Road.

JANICE ALBERT, SHIRLEY MASON

LINDA VOYLES, CHELSEA CACE, LINDA PERSON, KATLYN SCOTT

mycharmonline.com 27

P ICTURE THIS

BAGS & BLING

BINGO

LORI MERKEL, STACY KEIFER

LONGVIEW | MAUDE COBB CONVENTION AND ACTIVITY CENTER | 8/6/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity’s third annual Bags and Bling Bingo saw big growth compared with previous years, with the August event drawing more attendees and raising more money than previous years.

“We are just thrilled with the way the event’s grown,” said LaJuan Gordon, executive director of Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity. The event awarded two prizes — designer handbags or jewelry — each game, with a total of 20 winners.

TRESSIE HUFF, JANET MCMAHON

She said about 500 people attended the event this year, an increase of about 40 percent from 2018. The fundraiser also topped its $30,000 goal by more than 25 percent, Gordon said.

“The folks that came were really generous,” Gordon said. She added that Habitat plans to expand the event next year, and she expressed “deep appreciation” to the community.

“They were just exceptionally generous,” she said, and supportive of Habitat’s work assisting people who need help getting into safe and decent housing. “You can’t ask for more than that.”

ASHLEIGH WALTON, JENI SCOGGIN

28 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

MIRANDA & PAT APPLEWHITE

MEGHAN FRAZIER, MELISSA POWELL

P ICTURE THIS

ZONTA CLUB OF LONGVIEW

ULTIMATE

MARK & SUSAN ROERECKE

TAILGATE PARTY

LONGVIEW | THE GREEN | 9/14/2019 Photos by LES HASSELL

More than 200 people attended the Zonta Club of Longview’s second annual Ultimate Tailgate Party, Sept. 14 at The Green in Longview.

With the help of Scottie’s 2.0 Convenience Store, the event expanded this year into a craft beer fest, with more than 10 different breweries participating.

Zonta Club of Longview is a local chapter of Zonta International, a global DAVE & BUFFY DYESS

organization of professionals who work to empower women through service and advocacy. The more than $22,000 raised by the event will be invested back into the community through educational events, as well as through grants and scholarships that Zonta provides for programs that support women and children in Longview.

BRIAN & ELIZABETH PRITCHETT

JENNIFER MORGAN, MICHELLE WALKER

CRAIG & BONNI KIDS, STACIE & LYNN WHITAKER

MELISSA & RICK EVANS

ERIC NULL, SERENA BRYANT

mycharmonline.com 29

P ICTURE THIS

MOBILITY

BASH

FAYE HERRIN, BARBARA BINGHAM

LONGVIEW | MAUDE COBB CONVETION AND ACTIVITY COMPLEX | 9/7/2019 Photos by LES HASSELL

Longview Ambucs’ Mobility Bash on Sept. 7 raised money to support the projects the local organization takes on to help provide mobility and independence for people with disabilities.

The Longview Ambucs chapter is credited with giving birth to the AmTryke, a type of bicycle adapted to the specific needs of children with disabilities. Originally developed and manufactured in Longview starting in

LADELLE KAY, LOIS MCCALEB, LINDA VOYLES

1989, the program went national in 1994. AmTrykes are now manufactured professionally and distributed nationally. More than 16,000 have been given away over the years to children and adults.

The local Ambucs chapter also builds handicap accessible ramps at the homes of people with disabilities, provides scholarships to students in the physical therapy and occupational therapy programs at Kilgore and Panola colleges and assists with the Miracle League of East Texas, a baseball league for children with disabilities.

The Mobility Bash featured games, food, music, live and silent auctions and a draw down for a $10,000 trip.

JACIE MCGRAW, LACEY SPENCER

30 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

DAVID & SHARON COTHAM

JUDY & ROBERT DURHAM

P ICTURE THIS

LANDMARKS OF

LONGVIEW

JOURDEEN HENRY, CLAIRE ENGLISH

LONGVIEW | NUGGETT HILL | 9/21/2019 Photos by LES HASSELL

The Gregg County Historical Museum’s annual Landmarks of Longview home tour featured five homes this year.

Four of the homes are located in Nuggett Hill, an area of town that comprises Longview’s single entry on the National Register of Historic Places. The fifth home, the Teague House, was built by some of this area’s earliest settlers and has been recently renovated by its newest owners.

The Gregg County Historical Museum’s website says the annual tour, which highlights homes with different architectural styles each year, is one BRIAN & LORI GREER

of its most well-attended events. “One of the most important elements of the tour is the opportunity to help conserve our city’s architectural legacy through historic preservation,” the website says.

JOE, ELAINE, KATHY & TIM RIES ALICIA HIPKE, LISA BARRY

SHERRI MORGAN, LINDA DUNLAP, DONNA DEAN

JAN PAINE, DONNA ARMSTRONG

mycharmonline.com 31