Oxford Magazine May June 2024

It may seem like just a flight, but it is far more than that. Each journey is the culmination of careful planning, flawless execution, and an unbridled passion to provide the best in world-class customer service. It is in each friendly handshake with the industry’s best pilots and it is in the calm that takes over as you settle into your seat aboard a perfectly appointed aircraft, all Owned and Operated by NICHOLAS AIR.

From the personalized attention to our commitment to providing the highest quality aircraft to the Most Refined Set of Private Flyers, the NICHOLAS AIR team is solely focused on one mission--- yours.

Choose from one of our flexible and cost effective Jet Card programs and leave the rest to us.

EDITORIAL

Alyssa Schnugg

CONTRIBUTORS

Davis Coen

Lauren Jones

Clifton Odom

Bruce Newman

Bethany Moffatt

Brandall Laughlin

DESIGN

Joshua Turnock

EDITOR

Amelia Ott

MARKETING

Joseph Climer

ADMINISTRATION

Rebecca Alexander, Publisher

Luke Westphal, Audience Development

Julie Hines Mabus, Writer

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, and graduate of Ole Miss, Julie went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Finance from Columbia University. She served as First Lady of the State of Mississippi from 1988-1992 and spent two years in Saudi Arabia, often challenging the strict rules imposed on women. She now resides in Oxford, where she tutors finance and accounting. She has recently written her first book, “Confessions of a Southern Beauty Queen,” to universal acclaim.

Elizabeth Tettleton Mason, Writer

Elizabeth Tettleton Mason is a freelance writer based in Oxford, MS with her husband, Scott. A two-time graduate of Ole Miss, Elizabeth and Scott both work at the University full-time. Coming from a food service and event management background, Elizabeth focuses her writing on culinary topics such as restaurants, chefs, small business development, the arts, and supporting the expansion of food sovereignty for Native American Foodways.

Davis Coen, Writer

Davis Coen is a freelance writer and newspaper reporter from Oxford by way of South Carolina. He’s had stories published in various local publications including Oxford Eagle, Oxford Citizen and Daily Journal. He also maintains a music career with over a dozen tours of Europe and regular airplay on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Lauren Jones

Lauren resides locally in Oxford with her husband Henry and 3-year old little boy, James. She is an animal lover and music junky, and appreciates a good patio setting with friends and wine. Lauren loves living in Oxford and feels blessed to “get to live here.”

IIn the summer of ‘89, my family set out on a weekend getaway to Mountain View, Arkansas. A story my dad never grows tired of telling revolves around our trek to a hidden gem high in the mountains—a secret spot where my big sister and I loved to cliff-jump and drift in our secluded oasis. As Dad struggled with the weight of a cooler, chairs, and a watermelon, I said, “Daddy, you’re going to have to carry me; I’m about to sweat!” With a laugh, he obliged, dropped everything, threw me over his shoulders, and carried me with our belongings to our destination.

Stories like these encapsulate the timeless essence of summer, brimming with childhood innocence and humor. Cherished moments etch themselves into the fabric of our memories, becoming an enduring part of our family’s journey.

As summer unfolds, spending quality time around the table with family takes center stage, and wellness is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. With this focus, we proudly unveil our summer edition, Foodie + Health.

Our cover feature introduces Annie Haymans, the dedicated proprietor of Byrd House Cafe, who is committed to providing our community with clean and nutritious fare. Inspired by a familial passion for food, Annie’s culinary creations, including her smoothies and cold-pressed juices, promise to refresh and delight—perfect companions for summer cool-downs.

Next, City Grocery’s new head chef, Jon Davis, lives by the philosophy that the key to happiness is helping others. Jon’s poetic relationship with food comes to life in his dishes, and he aspires to share his talent with other up-and-coming culinary artists. He plans to periodically reintroduce popular dishes from the past with his personal touch, promising a culinary experience that pays homage to tradition while embracing creativity.

Then, our health issue begins with Joseph leading us through our local “Midtown Market,” where you can procure fresh local produce and flowers to create your own farm-to-table experiences. We are incredibly fortunate to reside among abundant fresh resources and a passionate community dedicated to delivering them to us. We invite you to join us in supporting these artisans while savoring the flavors of summer.

In the following pages, Lauren explores the infinite benefits of practicing yoga with Stevi, owner of Southern Star Yoga. Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to health and well-being, addressing the individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-transformation that can lead to greater harmony, balance, and inner peace. The best part? Anyone can practice this holistic discipline.

In closing, we hope you thoroughly enjoy this edition, our best yet, and that it sparks joy in your summer filled with family, fresh food, wellness, and endless fun.

Yours truly,

amelia.ott@oxfordeagle.com

Annie Haymans, owner of The Byrd House Cafe.

Photo by Bruce Newman

Design by Joshua Turnock

OXFORD JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Central Elementary Parking Lot

Live music, food, vendors, water activities for the kids.

June 15 | 5-8 p.m.

The 2024North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic

Betty Davis Bar-B-Que

3359 Old Oxford Road, Old Mississippi 7, Waterford, MS

The 2024 North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic is a music festival. 2024 bands include regional bands and performers from Mississippi and beyond.Kenny Brown, Robert Finley, Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band,, Duwayne Burnside, Eric Deaton Afrisippi, Kudzu Kings, Rocket 88, Garry Burnside and more. Visit https://nmshillcountrypicnic.com/ for more information .

JULY 4 | 10:00 A.M.

4th of July Children’s Parade

The Square Family event with bikes, scooters and wagons in a parade honoring veterans. Presented by American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the Marine Corp League.

JULY 4 | 9 P.M.

Fireworks

Make plans to enjoy the annual Oxford 4th of July Fireworks! Sunday, July 4th at 9 pm. Fireworks will be shot from back of Oxford High School and will be visible from parking lots at OHS, Sisk Ave, Oxford Conference Center, Della Davidson and surrounding areas. Presented by City of Oxford, Winchester, Oxford Lafayette Chamber of Commerce

ARTS & CULTURE

The Artful Home on the Hills of Park Drive

WRITTEN BY ALLYSON DUCKWORTH OF PEARLY PEACOCK DESIGN

PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN

NNestled among a grove of trees atop a hill on Park Drive in Oxford, Mississippi, stands a hidden gem of architectural and design excellence. Constructed in 2016 by Lloyd and Missy Hewitt, with the artistic touch of architect Tim Taylor from Jackson, MS, this home has been transformed into a serene oasis by its current owners, Clarence and Jane Chapman. The journey begins with the

Stepping through the front door reveals a meticulously curated interior that balances modern luxury with timeless charm. Clarence and Jane’s vision for their home was clear: they wanted a

exterior, where the house seamlessly stands out among its natural surroundings. The architecture, characterized by clean lines and expansive windows, invites the outdoors in, creating a harmonious connection between the interior and the lush greenery outside. It’s a design philosophy that emphasizes fluidity and tranquility, setting the tone for what lies within. Clarence and had lived in the convenience of downtown Oxford but both were seeking more green space and trees.

space that not only reflected their personalities but also celebrated the beauty of nature that surrounds them.

One of the most striking features of the home is its back porch, a sanctuary where the boundary between indoors and outdoors dissolves. Almost every room spills onto this outdoor space, creating a seamless transition that amplifies the feeling of being enveloped in a peaceful forest. Here, homeowner Jane Thomas Chapman has orchestrated a symphony of design elements that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The furniture, not limited to outdoor pieces, brings the comfort of the indoors outside, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation. She has created an outdoor retreat with indoor elegance.

The interior design narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of old and new. Jane’s keen eye for detail is evident in every corner, part of the charm when purchasing the home was the details of the reclaimed white and red Oak floors that echo the natural surroundings to the Cypress wood interior doors that add warmth and character to the space. Jane’s blend of antiques with modern elements creates a curated aesthetic that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Color plays a pivotal role in defining different areas of the home. Upon acquiring their home,

The interior design narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of old and new. Jane’s keen eye for detail is evident in every corner, part of the charm when purchasing the home was the details of the reclaimed white and red Oak floors that echo the natural surroundings to the Cypress wood interior doors that add warmth and character to the space.

Clarence and Jane found its predominantly white palette charming yet in need of a vibrant touch. Enter Sarah Smythe from Lainappe Interiors of Oxford, a visionary in blending colors and textures. Collaborating on the study/sitting room adjacent to their master suite, Sarah introduced Benjamin Moore’s Jamestown Blue in a high gloss finish—a subtle yet daring departure from the monochrome. Complementing this choice, Sarah meticulously curated monochromatic drapes with a complimenting tape, enhancing the room’s cohesion and elegance. Her adept blend of hues and materials breathed new life into the space, transforming it into a captivating retreat. The monochromatic drapes streamline the room, accentuating the cypress doors and highlighting a stunning

Salvador Dali print, which serves as a captivating focal point. Jane infused pizazz into two more spaces: the wet bar, adorned with an array of family photos, and the powder room. Both areas feature vibrant wallpaper, injecting a burst of color that beautifully contrasts with the serene white walls.

Carefully curated artwork graces every wall, infusing the home with personality and visual intrigue. Among these treasures, a standout is the Marie Hull painting adorning the family room’s fireplace. This piece not only celebrates Mississippi’s rich artistic heritage but also injects vibrant colors into the room, transforming what was once a neutral space into a captivating showcase of artistry. All of Jane’s artwork tells a story, contributing to the overall narrative of the home as a space that celebrates art, history, and culture.

Like most houses, the heart of the home lies in the kitchen. The

interplay of cream cabinets with glass fronts not only creates a visual feast but also allows for treasured items to be displayed like works of art. Subtle hints of the Cypress wood within the cabinets add a touch of natural elegance to the space, enhancing

its overall charm and appeal. The open floor plan is a perfect flow into dining, living, and outdoor aesthetic. During the Covid lockdown, Jane took the opportunity to make subtle yet impactful changes to the home. She said it was nice having something to do. Updating every light fixture throughout the house added a touch of modernity and sophistication, enhancing the overall ambiance. These thoughtful updates reflect Clarence and Jane’s commitment to creating a space that evolves with their lifestyle while retaining its timeless appeal.

The upstairs guest suites, including a separate mother-inlaw suite with a self-contained den, kitchen and bedroom, offer private retreats for family and friends. Each room is thoughtfully designed, blending comfort with elegance, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and pampered with total privacy.

In essence, this home on Park Drive is not just a physical space but a reflection of Clarence and Jane’s journey, values, and passions. It’s a testament to the power of design to transform a house into a home, a place where every corner tells a story and every detail evokes a sense of beauty and serenity.

As a designer, it’s a delight to collaborate with clients, like Jane, who possess an exceptional eye and a strong sense of design. Acting as more of an editor and guide to a homeowner is particularly special, resulting in completed projects that authentically reflect the individual’s distinctive style. Jane Thomas Chapman’s home stands as a testament to her innate design talent, showcasing a style curated by Jane herself. The execution is exquisite, making it a true joy to behold and a testament to her exceptional eye for design.

As we wander through the rooms, admiring the interplay of light and shadow, the textures and colors, we are reminded of the magic that happens when design and nature coalesce. It’s a reminder that amid the chaos of the world, there are spaces like this, where time stands still, and every moment is a celebration of life’s simple joys.

In conclusion, this home on Park Drive is more than just an oasis; it’s a testament to the transformative power of design and the enduring beauty of nature. It’s a space where dreams are nurtured, memories are made, and lives are lived to the fullest.

WWhen she moved to Oxford in the late-1980’s, Wendy Jean Garrison said she really didn’t know anything about playing ‘bottleneck’ slide guitar - a style often found in blues music.

It wasn’t until connecting with Walter Liniger, an acclaimed scholar and lecturer on the blues genre, and a student of slide guitar.

In 1984, Liniger received a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission to have an apprenticeship with Delta blues great James “Son” Thomas, and spent seven years playing alongside him at festivals as well as participating together in music education programs.

Liniger got Garrison going to all of the local blues festivals, including one at Rust College in Holly Springs, MS, which featured

a number of the great Hill Country Blues musicians. She recalled that it was a time when a younger generation of North Mississippians were beginning to take a greater interest.

“So I just started listening and trying to play,” said Garrison. “I was always trying to get people together, and learning any which way I could.”

Many who play slide guitar prefer to use open tunings, and Garrison is among them - and she particularly prefers the open E tuning.

Open E is considered courageous to some slide players, because it involves tightening half the strings on the guitar, which risks the brief terror of popping one in the process - depending on the natural tension of the neck.

Others prefer dropping a few strings to make open G or D tunings - also ideal for slide, but with looser overall tension than open E, and less chance of breakage.

“A lot of people don’t like to tune to E. They’ll tune to D and ‘capo’ it up to E. I just crank the thing up,” she said, with a laugh. “It’s not really great for the guitar, but…”

Aside from having an illustrious history of local live shows - in some cases at bygone venues, such as Blind Jim’s, which was located where Summit Lodge Bar is now, above Venice KitchenGarrison is more devoted to returning the musical guidance she’s been fortunate enough to receive.

Although she spent decades playing the local bars on the Square, with

bands like High Watermark, Bad Luck & Trouble, and most enduringly the allfemale group Maybelle’s Lovers, her passion increasingly lies with education and mentoring.

Much of Garrison’s recent work has been in connection with the Mississippi Humanities Council (MHC), an organization which carries out and funds grassroots public humanities programs, a lot of which encourage creative development on a middle and high school level.

Garrison proudly holds a spot on the MHC Speaker’s Bureau, which is a collective of Mississippi’s finest storytellers and writers, covering a vast array of topics including music.

In partnership with local actress Rebecca Jernigan,

she put together a retelling of the story of Delta blues singer-songwriter/guitarist Robert Johnson, who legend has it, sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for profound musical ability.

Jernigan tells the story and acts out parts while Garrison accompanies with instrumental guitar.

Most recently, the pair performed “The Legend of Robert Johnson” for This Is Noteworthy (TIN), another non-profit organization aimed at fostering creativity in the community, based in Water Valley, MS.

“It was such a great audience,” said Garrison.

“And with good questions.”

She also visits Boys & Girls Clubs and local public schools, including in Como, MS, which has a rich history in the blues.

Garrison got the idea from fellow musician and collaborator Andrea Staten to bring along a “travel guitar,” which allows her to put it in the hands of the kids.

“They loved it,” she said. “People at that age, they’re so interested in anything, and they just wanna do it, and just can’t wait to get their hands on it.”

Garrison said the children love to feel what it’s like to play the slide, and they’ll all line up just to play for a few minutes.

JUST KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Aside from playing guitar in an open E tuning, which Garrison finds easier than standard tuning, because “everything’s where you expect it to be,” she also uses a steel socket wrench for a slide.

Although she loves the classic Fender Blues Deluxe amplifier, Garrison opts for a much smaller and portable Roland Acoustic-90 for most engagements.

“I mean, I like a tube amp but it really isn’t practical for me to take her out to gigs,” she said, with a chuckle, explaining that the big amp is only used for certain occasions.

In 2021, Garrison began recording a handful of original solo instrumental songs, produced at a studio on campus by music professor, and director of percussion studies at U of M, Ricky Burkhead. Burkhead also guided her in

releasing music online, and she’s become astounded at its vast reach through platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok.

“It’s wild,” she said, about first seeing her music used for homegrown videos by strangers on the hugely popular application TikTok.

Garrison also said she loves making her own videos, although she prefers the Instagram app. “The music is out there, for somebody who wants to listen to it.”

She credits some encouraging songwriting engagements over the past few years, including a weeklong workshop in Nashville, for her growing enthusiasm for the craft.

Although her beloved husband, Dr. Richard “Rich” Raspet passed away in March, Garrison feels that she may be ready to continue sharing her music by summertime, after a healthy hiatus.

Also, in light of losing Como bluesman R.L. Boyce and international blues ambassador Bill “Howl-NMadd” Perry in 2023 - both role-models to Garrison - she feels a renewed drive to mentor others.

“I’d like to help pass this on, and to keep playing myself. That's the one thing I'm really interested in.”

ARTS & CULTURE

A Walk on the Wild Side John Haltom

BY JULIE MABUS

PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN

TThe roads were clear, but traces of snow lay scattered among the pines and hardwoods lining County Road 102. Charred remains of the old College Hill Presbyterian Church glistened in the morning sun with resistant ice patches slowly giving way to melting puddles of muddy earth.

I was searching for the home of Mississippi-raised John Haltom, an outdoorsman, woodworker, husband, and father raising his family on a beautiful country road in the bowels of northern Lafayette County. I found his driveway and slowly drove past the homeplace. An industriallooking building sat at the back of the property where neatly stacked wood stood drying in the sun. Well, it wasn’t precisely wood; it was a vertically sliced tree lying on its side. Each plank was edged with its protective bark, and the longitude of its grain was soaking up the midwinter sun.

John was ready for me. “Outlaws and Armadillos” music (more on that genre later) set the mood in his workshop. He motioned for me to sit on an old ice cooler and positioned himself on a stack of drying walnut planks. An exquisite conference table-inwaiting was poised as if to take notes.

I took a minute to examine the space, some forty by sixty feet. The room was immaculate, everything in its place. Various woodworking equipment with different functions stood at attention. Hand tools were organized, and the floor was clear of chips and sawdust. Other massive boards of cherry or maple waited in anticipation of embodying the next table, credenza, or bench.

“This place is so clean. I’m amazed.”

John laughed. “Oh, no. It’s a mess. It drives me crazy when things get like this.”

Respect was the first thing that came to mind—respect for a sense of order, respect for the furniture he extracts from his lumber, respect for the tree that gives up its heartwood in the production of John’s art.

John’s connection with wood and its bounty likely stems from the DNA of his great-grandfather, Marvin Haltom, and his grandfather, Bob Haltom. During their lives, each owned and operated lumber mills in Mississippi.

Bob Haltom started his career as a pharmacist in Batesville after graduating from Ole Miss. But an investment opportunity led him to Roxie, Mississippi, about twenty miles east of Natchez. John’s grandfather milled pine and hardwoods from Mississippi for nearly two

decades and shipped logs by train from Oregon forests. Though the elder Haltom sold Haltom Lumber Company before his grandson was born, John’s sensibilities were clearly shaped by the stories his “Papa” shared over the years.

John is the son of highly distinguished parents. Dr. Jim Haltom is a pulmonology and immunology specialist in Jackson, starting his training at the world-renowned National Jewish Hospital in Denver.

Susan Fugate Haltom is a master gardener and author who worked hand-in-hand with Eudora Welty and for years after her death to restore Miss Welty’s Belhaven garden in Jackson to its authentic, preWorld War II splendor.

From his earliest years, John was a child of nature. Though his parents did not hunt, they recognized John’s propensity and shared their young son

with friends who took him hunting. John is a skilled marksman, but the bow captured his imagination and awakened his love for woodworking.

“When I was a kid, probably around six or seven, I began reading books on bow-making and bowyers. That’s someone who makes the bow. About that time, Andy Blake, a family friend (and member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi), took me to his land in Pocahontas. We cut a tree and processed it into sixfoot lengths. However, wood has to dry for a couple of years before it can be used to make bows or furniture. Another family friend gave me some bow staves—that’s a piece of blank wood used to make a self bow.”

I had to look that one up. In a Michigan periodical, “WoodsN-Water News,” I found a

quote from Gary Davis, a man who spent his life making, shooting, and hunting with self bows until he died in 2021. David explained, “They’re called self bows, not because you make them yourself, but because they’re not dependent on anything but themselves. They’re a single stave of wood. You cannot buy the simple satisfaction of making your own bow. When you step into the woods, it’s like stepping back in time.”

John continued. “I made my first operable bow when I was seven or eight. My parents were always supportive of my interests. In our backyard, Dad buried a piece of steel in concrete and mounted a plate for a vice. I used it to carve the stave and make the bow. And Dad collects American antiques. He found antique drawknives and spokeshaves for me at estate sales.” Those are carving tools for shaping and refining the wood. “And you have to bend the wood, so we boiled water in our kitchen, using the steam to make the wood more pliable.”

As a teen, John submitted three bows to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. After a rigorous jury process, he became the organization’s youngest member when he was 16.

Never one to follow convention, in 2002, John spent four months of his high school junior year at The Mountain School in Vershire, Vermont. Fifty students lived, worked the land, and studied together, forging memories and lifelong friendships. “Something about physical labor, working outside, working with my hands— these are the things that drive me.” The school fed those passions.

After high school, John’s college experience further fed his attachment to the land and its physical demands. He looked beyond Mississippi to the American West and found the University of Montana in Missoula. He was one of four

Mississippi boys studying there at the time. John studied Native American History and wilderness classes. “I spent time on a Navaho and a Hopi Reservation. Many of the students were from local tribes.”

For six or seven years during and after college, John worked with the U.S. Forest Service’s wilderness crew in the mountains and forests of Colorado and Montana. It was physical labor, clearing and maintaining trails, and he was available to advise the public, keeping him intimately tied to the land and its immeasurable gifts.

“But I just got tired of the winters.” John returned to Mississippi and found work at a tree service company. The physical work kept him outside, but it wasn’t right. He eventually applied for and took another wilderness position with the highly prestigious Lolo National Forest in Montana. After a season with Lolo, John was pegged for management, which meant a desk. He knew that wasn’t going to work.

Sometimes, it’s a friend of a friend who sparks a change. John got a call from a connection through The Mountain School, “Come on out to Seattle, John. Let’s do carpentry.” It was just the

right stimulus at the right time. John made the move and jumped headlong into contracting work and remodeling homes. “In the beginning, it was overwhelming. I didn’t know anything about it. We were framing, doing trim work, and hanging windows and doors. But some of the older men who were supervisors took me under their wings.”

In 2010, while in Seattle and in one of those twist-of-fate coincidences, John became a protégé of New Jersey-born Bob Woolworth, a supervisor at their construction company. As it turned out, Bob is also the brother of Mississippi transplant Dave Woolworth, an acoustics consultant and bass player for the Oxford-based Kudzu Kings, an alternative country and rock band.

John is a big music aficionado, leaning toward the “Outlaws and Armadillos” sound. As he explained, it combines Austin and Nashville’s music with a peppering of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.

“When Bob told me about his brother, I lit up. ‘No way, I’ve heard your brother play many times.’ And I recently heard him play at Oxford Treehouse Gallery for an event there.’ Maybe the die was cast for John’s eventual

return to Mississippi, but the time was not right yet.

The Universe is a funny thing. Nearly four years into his carpentry career, John fortuitously passed a furniture showroom in downtown Seattle. The company, Urban Hardwoods, sources its materials from locally damaged and salvaged trees and then hand-builds unique, upscale furniture.

Bingo! It was a perfect match. “It was a combination of my bows, my love of trees, and my carpentry.” John walked into the showroom and applied for a job.

“The company had this massive sawmill, the largest in the contiguous U.S. It had a throat capacity of seven feet in diameter. Just think about the size. For six months, I mostly sanded. I’m not sure people realize how hard and critical sanding is when you’re building furniture. And I was so happy because of the materials— walnut, English elm, American elm.”

John didn’t stop his education there. “I started independently researching joinery.” Technically, joinery is the 3,000-year-old method of using wood dowels to connect two pieces of wood. It is like an intricate wooden jigsaw puzzle that joins one hand-crafted piece to another. John found the

definitive school for studying and applying the technique in Los Angeles and took advantage of the resource.

As John spoke about the topic, I remembered my own mother’s love of antiques. She taught me to look at the joinery in furniture to detect its authenticity. At one point in my life, I bought and sold antique furniture from China. The Chinese are masters at joinery, crafting their furniture without screws or nails. Instead, they use mortise and tenon joinery; it’s sort of like a hole with a wooden peg.

By around 2014, John had spent four years perfecting his craft. His life was about to take a new and exciting turn. He married his Seattle love, Katey Roe, in an intimate service at Ballard Commons Park in Seattle, and they were ready for a new place to live.

“We knew we wanted to move south. Oxford was an easy pick. It’s a small town full of music, art, and craftsmen, and the schools are great.”

Five months later, at the end of 2015, the couple made the move, and the pieces fell into place. John rented a shop in town. With help from a realtor friend, they found their perfect home in Lafayette County with plenty of land. John started with some carpentry work until he got his legs under him and was able to build the shop on their property.

John named his business Roxie Woodworks after his grandfather’s sawmill in Roxie. “Everything started happening by word of mouth. Once I built this shop, the commissions started— coffee tables, side tables, butcher blocks. I prefer walnut, but I do plenty of cherry and sometimes sycamore. Local designers got interested. Probably 25% of my business is through interior designers. Most are local, but some are out of state.” John’s brother David provided a little boost.

David studied architecture at

David studied architecture at Yale and Glasgow School of Art and now works for a national real estate development firm in Denver. But while David was with a global development company in Houston, John made a presentation to the company’s interior design team, which helped him secure some beautiful projects in Texas and California.

Yale and Glasgow School of Art and now works for a national real estate development firm in Denver. But while David was with a global development company in Houston, John made a presentation to the company’s interior design team, which helped him secure some beautiful projects in Texas and California. John’s exquisite conference tables have become a favorite locally and around the country.

John’s younger brother, Scott, is an engineer at ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge. Still, many will remember Scott as a catcher for the Ole Miss baseball team when he graduated in 2010.

It’s interesting to note that Susan Haltom’s father, John Paul Fugate, played baseball for the Cincinnati Reds knothole team and later for Washington State University. He volunteered for the Marines in World War II and saw heavy action in the Pacific Theater; at one point, he was shot in the stomach but kept fighting. John proudly wears a large tattoo on his upper right arm, commemorating his grandfather’s Marine status and his heroism in the War.

Today, while John is in his shop plying his incredible trade, his wife Katey works at home for a small company that plans events for Microsoft and Google. They are raising a boy and a girl. He beamed, “My six-year-old is learning to use a bow I made fifteen years ago.”

We walked into a separate room in the back of his shop, where a table waited for its next round of sanding and varnishing. A dark seam ran the length of the piece. “That’s the

crotch. It’s where the branch grows out of the trunk. I took it and split it lengthwise along the crotch line, then flipped the pieces and reassembled. It’s kind of like a yin and yang thing.”

As I was preparing to leave, I mentioned The Hidden Life of Trees, an excellent book about the heart and soul of trees. John chimed in, “Oh, listen to this. My friend Bill Simmons, a Nashville music manager who recently moved to Oxford, just called me about a hundred-andtwelve-year-old pecan tree standing eighty to ninety feet on a farm outside of Chrystal Springs. It’s dying, so they’re

cutting it down today. It’s heartbreaking, but the Ethridge family, Anne Ethridge, wants me to salvage the wood. That’s the beauty of it. Its life won’t be truncated. It will live on.”

The body of that magnificent pecan tree is now drying peacefully at the Ethridge farmhouse owned by Nora and Tam Ethridge, Anne’s parents. Anne is a highly respected cinematographer in Los Angeles, but she maintains close ties with her family and her Mississippi land.

For over a century, that tree provided cover and shelter for wildlife, shade for family picnics, and sustenance to any animal lucky enough to reach its fruit. But Anne recognized its life, as she knew it, was over. She was also sensitive enough to put its trunk and branches in the hands of a master craftsman. John will give the beloved tree a second life. That’s what he does. That’s who he is.

Book Picks

A Deeper South

By Pete Candler

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The Rom-Commers

By Katherine Center

The New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center’s next laugh out loud, feel good rom-com about writing your own story. She’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

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Recommendations from Maya Martin

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The Ministry of Time By Author

Part time travel romance, part spy thriller and 100% “multi-faceted joyride” (Harper’s Bazaar, UK): Welcome to The Ministry of Time, the exhilaratingly original debut novel by Kaliane Bradley.

The Second Coming

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Shelterwood

By Lisa Wingate

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes a sweeping novel inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth.

The Great River By Boyce Upholt

A sweeping history of the Mississippi River—and the centuries of human meddling that have transformed both it and America.

Bear

By Julia Phillips

A mesmerizing novel of two sisters whose lives are upended by an unexpected visitor—a tale of family, obsession, and a mysterious creature in the woods, by the celebrated, bestselling author of Disappearing Earth

Legacy of an Oxford Icon

Remembering a Legend, Johnny

JJohn Jordan Morgan, affectionately known as Johnny Morgan, was a man whose life painted the canvas of his community and the state of Mississippi with vibrant hues of generosity, friendship, and vision. His journey was tragically cut short on May 17th, 2023, and resonates deeply within the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched. Johnny Morgan, doing what he loved more than anything in this world, was piloting his King Air airplane when tragedy struck last May during landing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The news of his crash sent shockwaves through our community and the state of Mississippi. Speaking of him in the past tense will never feel right, for his spirit and passion for life continue to resonate within us, forever alive in our memories.

Johnny’s roots ran deep in Oxford, Mississippi, where he spent his entire life as a proud Oxonian. His alma mater, the University of Mississippi, held a special place in his heart, evident in his unwavering loyalty and passion for all things Ole Miss. As an alumnus, he bled the university’s iconic red and blue colors, embodying the spirit of a true Rebel. More than a successful businessman, Johnny was a cornerstone of friendship, family, and community. His family, by blood and choice, formed the bedrock of his life.

Johnny’s generosity knew no bounds. Whether quietly aiding a neighbor in need, spearheading community initiatives, or advocating for legislative changes that would benefit all Mississippians, he left an indelible mark of kindness and compassion. His humility was as remarkable as his impact. He often preferred to work behind the scenes, ensuring others’ success and well-being preceded personal recognition.

Johnny Morgan was a master storyteller, a trait inherited from his legendary father, Eddie Mack Morgan, and his Uncle, Shine Morgan. Their storytelling prowess was renowned and passed down through generations, making Johnny a captivating presence in any gathering. His parents, Eddie Mack and Beryl Morgan, hailed from the Mississippi Delta and found each other at Ole Miss, laying the foundation for their family in Oxford’s Avent Acres.

Johnny was also a savvy and meticulous businessman. He approached decisions with careful research and sought advice from likeminded individuals, embodying the philosophy

Morgan

of learning from those who had walked a similar path. In 1987, he and his close friend and business partner David White embarked on a remarkable journey by founding MorganWhite Group. This insurance brokerage would eventually become a national insurance enterprise covering all 50 states. Their story began long before the inception of MorganWhite Group, back in their college days at Ole Miss, where they were members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Their friendship blossomed further as they lived together in Jackson after college, sharing not just living space but also a deep bond of camaraderie and shared ambitions. The early days of friendship and partnership were marked by countless hours spent at Harlow’s Donuts in Jackson, MS, where, over coffee, many millions were lost and earned without one dollar leaving the table.

The Morgan Towers on North Lamar Boulevard in Oxford run deep, rooted in Johnny’s family’s history and his vision for the future. The site where The Morgan now stands was once home to the Oxford Laundry, owned by Johnny’s father. When Johnny embarked on developing this property, his initial plan was to create an office space for the Oxford branch of MorganWhite Group. However, he recognized the potential for something greater and transformed it into a mixed-use building. Johnny’s pride as his family name adorned both towers was a testament to the legacy he was building. It was more than a project for Johnny; it symbolized his commitment to his roots and community.

Having had a deep passion for politics, Johnny once said, “If you’re not involved in politics, it’s still involved in you.” He emphasized the importance of staying informed about local, state, and national issues and encouraged active participation through voting. While he may not have seen himself as a mentor, he was exactly that and much more. His political journey included serving as State Senator from 1984 to 1992, representing

BY ALLYSON DUCKWORTH

Lafayette, Yalobusha, and Calhoun counties. Later, he was elected to the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors for District 2, where he served as President for several years.

An event close to Johnny’s heart was the Good Ole Boy’s and Gals cookout, an annual gathering that originated in Oxford in 1990. In the late 80s, he was invited by Jim Owens, a close friend of New Albany, to an event called The Grove of Trees, hosting law enforcement, state officials, and local government for a cookout, with Audie Randle as the host and MC. When Audie fell ill, Jim asked Johnny to take on the role of MC, leading to the shift of this political event to Oxford, where it flourished under Johnny’s guidance. His love for government extended to every facet of public service, making a lasting impact on the political landscape.

He leaves behind his brother Chip Morgan and a huge chosen family of friends like Jim Owens, with whom he shared his love of politics. Johnny keenly watched the local Oxford political scene, often staying informed through his cousin John Morgan. Johnny rarely missed joining the Tuesday coffee crew at the Beacon, where he soaked in local news and gossip. He relished catching up with his crew at the local airport and was passionate about trips to Destin, FL, especially with Ed Morgan or anyone willing to join him for a “guys’ trip.”

Johnny Morgan had his hands in everything. No rock went unturned. He was a man who cannot be replaced. His legacy of giving will continue through the Johnny Morgan Foundation, which supports endeavors near and dear to his heart: his community, church, and alma mater. He was loved by many and left a legacy that will live on forever.

FOOD& DRINK

We are most excited about the bar at our new location and the rooftop bar, which will be perfect for events! We cannot wait to reveal to the community the collaboration of many styles that will reinvent Casa Mexicana. We may be biased, but we have the greatest mixologists in town with seemingly infinite new ideas. Expect to see many new delicious cocktails on the menu!

How did Casa Mexicana originate?

Casa Mexicana was introduced to Oxford by our family, the Munozs, in the mid-1990s and has been located at its current location on Jackson Avenue since 2002. Before being reinvented as Casa Mexicana, the restaurant was originally El Charro (established in 1995). It has been the one-stop shop for margaritas and tequila for the Oxford community, specifically those students of the University of Mississippi since we opened our doors! Generations later, parents of current Ole Miss students remember where they, too, sipped on margaritas down the hill at the current Casa Mexicana. We look forward to these generational memories for years to come!

What should we expect to be different about Casa Mexicana’s new location?

Within the past three years, we have reinvented the image of El Charro as the First Mexican Restaurant in Oxford, and we are

anxiously awaiting to do the same for Casa Mexicana.

We aim to bring a fun transitional environment that is inviting to all. Our current location is more traditional with a Tex-Mex flare. The new location will display clean, refined lines with perfect touches of color throughout. Think of it as an eclectic-meets-transitional style!

Will there be new additions to the menu?

There will be new additions, some more authentic Mexican dishes and others with a “street-style” feel. We look forward to having fun with the menu by introducing unexpected culinary approaches. Think big-city ideas meeting small-town comfort food!

What makes this place special?

The unwavering loyalty and support we receive from our guests set us apart from other establishments and fuel our inspiration to bring the most authentic Mexican Gastronomy to the

Oxford community.

We often receive feedback from our patrons expressing their devotion to our restaurant and its home-like atmosphere. We look forward to the continuance of familial support at the new location!

What were your inspirations for this bar?

We are most excited about the bar at our new location and the rooftop bar, which will be perfect for events! We cannot wait to reveal to the community the collaboration of many styles that will reinvent Casa Mexicana. We may be biased, but we have the greatest mixologists in town with seemingly infinite new ideas. Expect to see many new delicious cocktails on the menu!

What are some of your bartender’s special drinks?

Our bar manager, Daniel Angel, has gained abundant knowledge about what the Oxford community enjoys while at El Charro. He will work

alongside his talented bar team to bring a fun and trendy approach to the Casa Cocktails!

What businesses did you own, manage, or work for before opening this?

We will bring general background knowledge from El Charro Cocina & Cantina on Sisk Avenue. This was the first venture we took as a family to reinvent the idea of Mexican food in the south, and we are very grateful to have learned the ins and outs of running a successful business alongside our parents. We have learned to work as a family, each with a tailored set of responsibilities. The knowledge we have gained during these years will provide the foundation for our exciting new Casa Mexicana venture!

Who helped you plan this?

We have had unparalleled community support in bringing our new building to life. However, our biggest supporters are our parents, who gave us this grand opportunity to continue their legacy.

For the building, we collaborated with Jennifer Russell’s Interior Design, Master Craft Builders out of Booneville, Mississippi, and Matt Parham of Bank of Commerce.

What words would you use to describe your group of employees?

We are grateful to have such a hardworking, dedicated team of individuals, from our backof-house employees whose hands prepare your favorite meals and keep clean dishes flowing to the servers, bartenders, and hostesses whose friendly faces greet you during every visit. Their strong work ethic and teamwork-based mentality keep our establishments running seamlessly.

The base of our management team is made up of family: Ramiro Muñoz, Cristal MuñozReyes, Esmeralda Muñoz-Angel (myself), Daniel Angel, and Fernando Jaimes (who is like family and an integral part of our current Casa Mexicana team).

Follow our social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram @CasaMexicanaOxford to get sneak peeks as our opening date approaches!

Byrd House Organic Café

A Family Legacy Serves Up Health-Conscious Dining

BY ELIZABETH TETTLETON MASON

PHOTOS BY PHOTOS BY BAILEE ANN WALDON, BRUCE NEWMAN & TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY

TThe global pandemic reminded us all of how frail life truly was, and that our health was not something to take lightly. Annie Haymans, owner of the ByrdHouse Organic Café, decided to fuse her passion for cooking with her drive toward health, wellness, and clean, nutritious eating.

When Annie decided to open the ByrdHouse Organic Café in April 2022, selecting the name was a natural choice: named after her grandmother who fostered her love and knowledge of food, Nancy Byrd. One of the more beautiful stories in the food and beverage industry is the passing down of legacies over multiple generations. Foodways have a common thread – stories, community, love, and often—family.

Nancy Byrd owned several restaurants over the years in Greenwood, Miss. Her first restaurant was actually called ‘The Byrd House,’ which Annie did not even know until her mother mentioned it after Annie shared her idea for the name of the new café. Her grandparents also owned an Italian restaurant called Carnaggios, and later another restaurant

called Websters where Annie gained restaurant experience alongside her grandmother and acquired her passion for food service.

The pandemic accentuated the examination of how we all ate, where we ate, and who we trusted to prepare our food. For some, it was a motivation to focus on nutritious food, for others it was a driver to open a new business that would support others dietary journeys.

“The pandemic is one of the things that made me decide to open the café,” said Annie Haymans. “I started getting so mad that our nation is so unhealthy our immune systems were not equipped to fight this

virus. I believe that food is medicine, and they say ‘what makes you angry is usually what you are passionate about.’

So, I decided the only thing I could do was to offer something healthy and nutritious to our community.”

Annie began creating her cold-pressed juices for herself and family, which moved to making them for friends.

“’Cold pressed’ is the method that ensures the highest nutritional integrity of our juice,” said Haymans. “There is no heat used when juicing, resulting in a maximum amount of nutrients, amino acids, phytonutrients, minerals, and enzymes. [This results] in high volumes of

enzymes and nutrients consumed with every sip! Our juices are 100% organic, free of preservatives and nonpressurized.”

ByrdHouse is unique in that it is the only place in Oxford which presses it juices every day, which have a 3-4 day shelf life, and the only 100% gluten free dining location in Oxford.

“My biggest fear was that I was going to open this café, and no one was going to come,” said Haymans. “It is pretty risky opening a specialty store of any kind, especially an Organic health food café in Mississippi. I have been surprised and overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the amount of business in the first two years. It excites me to know people want to nourish their bodies with good food!”

For many people, a gluten free diet isn’t a choice, but a necessary lifestyle shifts which their body has demanded of them and finding options to eat conveniently –especially delicious ones– are not an easy task. ByrdHouse Café’s items are 100% gluten free, organic and feature other healthconscious factors such as seed oil-free, refined sugar-free and only use organic olive oil, coconut oil and avocado oil.

“The pandemic is one of the things that made me decide to open the café,” said Annie Haymans. “I started getting so mad that our nation is so unhealthy our immune systems were not equipped to fight this virus. I believe that food is medicine, and they say ‘what makes you angry is usually what you are passionate about.’

So, I decided the only thing I could do was to offer something healthy and nutritious to our community.”

“Providing quality, clean, nutritious food to the Oxford community is very important to me,” said Annie. “We make everything in-house with the freshest, cleanest ingredients we can find. I wanted to provide the community with nutritious food that makes you feel nourished as well as providing an atmosphere that makes you feel loved and nourished. I want you to feel better when you leave than when you came in!”

Since the early days of Annie making her coldpressed juices and smoothies in her home to a transformation into a brick-and-mortar location, much has evolved but those mainstays have remained. She’s added espresso to the offerings, a “toast” section and breakfast sandwich to the menu, and grab-and-go meals.

“My personal favorite is any of our homemade chicken salads on top of our Healthy Slaw [… and my favorite] smoothie is the Keto Mint chip.”

Signatures on the menu include smoothies and smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, breakfast cookies, and Super-food Salad, Byrd Salad and the avocado toast, and customer favorites are specifically the Berry Bliss smoothie, Acai smoothie bowl, Avocado Toast special, and the Breakfast Sandwich.

Annie is looking forward to expanding the menu with items such as a lunch sandwich and maybe some brunch items on the weekends like gluten-free waffles and omelet, but that’s not the only thing on the horizon.

“I am asked regularly if I am interested in coming to Jackson, Memphis, Tupelo, Florida, etc.…. My answer used to be a hard ‘No,’ but not so much anymore. I have ideas of what that would look like, we will just have to wait and see.”

Annie is also toying with other plans to incorporate a wellness community beyond food and beverage options, so be on the lookout for future announcements from ByrdHouse Organic Café on Instagram, Facebook and at ByrdHouseCafe.com.

Jon Davis is living his dream as City Grocery’s head chef

BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG SENIOR REPORTER

PHOTOS BY BETHANY MOFFETT

RRummaging through an old box of school papers one day, Jon “JD” Davis found a drawing he did as a young child after being asked what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“It was a stick figure wearing a chef’s hat,” Davis said, smiling at the memory.

Decades later, Davis, now 35, has donned the hat his younger self imagined so many years ago.

Davis is the new chef de cuisine or head chef, at City Grocery.

Raised in Memphis by his grandparents, he came to Oxford in 2007 to attend the University of Mississippi. In his senior year, he was “cut off from the family payroll” and it was time for him to find his way in the world.

A friend suggested he apply for a job at Boure’ as a pantry cook. He wound up working there for three and a half years.

While he always loved cooking for family and friends, the job at Boure’

was his first professional cooking job and he only kept climbing and learning from there.

He took a seasonal job in Cape Cod where he continued to hone his cooking skills and then returned to Oxford where he landed a job at The Bling Pig, where he expanded his restaurant knowledge by being a bartender, working general manager. He worked at The Graduate for about a year, returned to The Bling Pig for a while Saint Leo for about three months until he got the opportunity to become the sous chef for the Jackson Convention Center.

About a year later, with new skills under his chef hat, he returned to Oxford and worked at Saint

Leo as head chef for a few years before taking a job at City Grocery about a year ago until he was promoted to head chef about 10 weeks ago.

Davis said while he loves to cook, he

become better than he is. Appreciative of all the chefs he’s worked under throughout the years, he now wants to share that knowledge with his staff.

“I tell them all the time that my goal is to make you better than I am by the time you leave here and if I haven’t done that, then I’ve failed at my job,” Davis said. “That’s how I pay it forward for all the guidance I’ve received over the years from different chefs and now John (Chef John Currence, owner of City Grocery).”

City Grocery was opened more than 30 years ago and has become an iconic restaurant in Oxford. It has received recognition features in publications such as The New York Times, Southern Living, USA Today, Bon Appetit and more as a fine Mississippi establishment.

Becoming its new head chef, was a little intimidating, Davis admits.

“It’s intimidating and exciting at the same time,” he said. “City Grocery is an institution and I feel like this place put a scope on the culinary scene within Oxford but also the entire state as a whole.

“My goal was to be the head chef at City Grocery and now it’s happened. You’re upholding a legacy here and trying to keep that same air of what the Grocery is – the food and how you represent it.”

To Davis, food is more than just nourishment – it’s a chance to tell a story.

“Whatever I put on a plate, I want it to tell a story,” he said. “I want there to be some type of component of ‘This is what I feel,’ ‘This is who I am’ – whether it’s something that brings back a memory or something I just enjoy eating and want to share that with others.”

Being a man of color, Davis said the importance of working his way up to becoming a head chef in one of Mississippi’s best-known restaurants isn’t lost on him.

“I want to put more people of color in the kitchen –not in a dishwasher role or busing role. I want to see them on the grill, being a sous chef. I feel some type of initiative and just overall motivation to show them this is actually a viable profession,” he said.

Davis said he hopes to create new items while keeping the tried and true favorites on the menu, but he also wants to pay homage to the chefs who were there before him by researching old City Grocery menus and bringing back an old favorite now and then.

“I wanted to find some older dishes throughout the years that I could replicate and maybe invoke memories from people coming in who were here in the past and maybe recognize it.

“So my thing is, I want to honor the history of this place, but also kind of put my little spot of influence and my little flair on some things to where it’s like, well, I was here as well.”

“I want to put more people of color in the kitchen – not in a dishwasher role or busing role. I want to see them on the grill, being a sous chef. I feel some type of initiative and just overall motivation to show them this is actually a viable profession,” he said.

Amelia Ott Food Picks

Staff Favorite Food Picks

Ghost of Amelia, Bar Muse

During my first visit to Bar Muse, I opted for the Ghost of Amelia, and it exceeded all expectations. Despite not being a rum enthusiast, I felt compelled to try it given the shared name. The initial sip was divine! The combination of pineapple, lime, and almond milk

create a surprisingly light and invigorating flavor profile, solidifying its status as my preferred cocktail in town.

Panzanella Salad, St. Leo

I love all things St. Leo, but my favorite is the seasonal Panzanella Salad. It's the combination of perfectly ripe tomatoes and delicious bread that make this one of my quintessential

summer meals. Every bite is surprisingly refreshing.

SOLA Spaghetti with Garlic Bread

Traditional spaghetti and meat sauce holds a special place in my heart, and SOLA absolutely masters it! Their rendition is always piping hot, freshly prepared, and absolutely delicious—a winning combination.

Ghost of Amelia, Bar Muse

SOLA Spaghetti with Garlic Bread

Panzanella Salad, St. Leo

Joseph Climer’s Food Picks

Pork

The secret to a well-made dish is not only a balance of flavor, but texture as well. Tarasque’s Pork Scaloppine blends crispy-fried savory pork, wilted bitter greens stewed in a spicy tomato sauce with a heavy push of garlic chili aioli for the ideal touch of flavor and fat. I can remember trying it for the first time – that first bite. You cannot ask for much more.

Chicken & waffles

– Big Bad Breakfast

You’d be hard pressed to find a brunch menu anywhere across the country that doesn’t showcase this dish in some fashion. I’ve seen it all from waffle sliders with American cheese to piled high with peach cobbler and whip cream – all great in their own right. But I always come back to the traditional approach. Southern-fried boneless chicken thighs atop a Belgian made-to-order waffle with a touch of local honey. It’s the BBB way.

Chick Pea Caesar Salad – Volta

As any Caesar should, this one

remains true to the classic and simple approach. What makes this salad interesting is it’s touch of Mediterrian. Served with crispy-fried chickpeas, grated Parmesan, and garlic pita – it’s my preferred salad all over town!

Deconstructed Tomato Sandwich - City Grocery

Listed on the menu as “tomato sandwich”. Heirloom tomatoes, Truffle Tremor cheese, Benton’s ham, Georgia EVOO, Duke's mayonnaise, and baby buttermilk biscuits.

Holidays are great, but I most look forward to tomato season. I can remember growing my own a few summers back and turning it into a tomato sandwich – appropriately dressed on white bread with Dukes Mayo. Coming across this dish during an evening at City Grocery, I was immediately intrigued. Heirloom tomatoes lightly dashed with sea salt and black pepper, Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor cheese, showcasing local heroes – Benton’s ham, Georgia Olive Oil, and Dukes Mayonnaise –all spread amongst baby buttermilk biscuits. I’m not typically a fan on the

Chicken & waffles – Big Bad Breakfast

Deconstructed Tomato Sandwich - City Grocery

The chocolate chess pie topped with whipped cream from Ajax is my favorite dessert. It tastes homemade, because it is, as are all the dishes at Ajax. This is a chocolate lover’s dream dessert, and much richer than a cake or a brownie. The warm chocolate pie has a smooth texture that is a sweet delight. Although I am usually too full to order dessert after a meal at Ajax, this is the one pie to make room for.

deconstructionist era of food culture. But I’ll take a tomato sandwich however I can get it.

Rebecca Alexander’s Food Picks

The shrimp Poboy from Tallahatchie Gourmet has always been my go-to sandwich in Oxford. In a town with so many really good Poboys, it is their bread from New Orleans that makes this sandwhich stand out. It has an incredibly thin crunchy crust that you hear crackle with every bite. The bread to shrimp ratio is perfect. It is simply dressed with mayo, shredded

lettuce and dill pickles. The Poboy is stuffed full of fresh tasting shrimp is lightly fried and crispy. The crinkle cut fries seasoned with salt and pepper pair nicely with the Poboy.

The chocolate chess pie topped with whipped cream from Ajax is my favorite dessert. It tastes homemade, because it is, as are all the dishes at Ajax. This is a chocolate lover's dream dessert, and much richer than a cake or a brownie. The warm chocolate pie has a smooth texture that is a sweet delight. Although I am usually too full to order dessert after a meal at

GET BRACES GET BRACES GET BRACES

Ajax, this is the one pie to make room for.

My favorite lunch deal is the nigiri lunch special at Kabuki. It is a 3 course meal at lunch prices. First you are served hot miso soup followed by a chilled lettuce salad with ginger dressing. The five nice sized pieces of nigiri are top quality in freshness, plus you get a large California roll. More food than I can actually eat at lunch. I always take some of the California roll home. The place itself has a timeless vibe and is an oasis of calm. I love going when I can find the time at lunch to relax.

Bringing the Bayou to the Heart of North Mississippi Landshark Seafood & Catfish

BY JOSEPH CLIMER

HHistorically, the Oxford restaurant industry – though brutal in nature – has proven to be an unlikely haven for some to carve out a groove and turn raw talent into something special. As a restaurateur, the clock never stops – from balancing budgets on a spreadsheet to throwing on an apron when the fry cook no-call no-shows – there’s the hum of a ticket printer that never stops ticking. It takes a specific strain of human beings to endure the ins and outs of life in a pressure cooker. However, Landshark owner Jared Foster quickly fits the bill.

Nearly a decade ago, Jared bought a crawfish costume and a 5-gallon boil pot. His logic – he loved crawfish. A few weeks later, he was roadside outside Jackson and selling mudbugs by the pound. “I’d pissed on every red carpet

rolled out before me,” Foster said. It seemed like his only way out at the time.

It took him some time to tweak his seasoning and water ratio, but it soon proved to be a sustainable business model. Two years into the project, he secured the down payment for a food truck. Jared became mobile, and Landshark was born. Soon, he found his way into another food truck and another. The business has continued to scale.

“We started eight years ago in a food truck,” said founder Jared Foster, who added that the business is North Mississippi’s largest live crawfish supplier. “And the cheapest. We’re the hottest seafood spot in Oxford. We have possibly the best crawfish in the country, and the customers seem to agree.”

Eight years later, Jared and his crew found their way into a brick-andmortar location with a full menu and service bar, bringing in crowds that suggest they are here to stay. Menu

offerings include crawfish, snow crab, lobster tail, catfish po’boys, and boudin egg rolls.

“Allowing our staff to take ownership has all been a part of helping build this into a true Cajun experience with the entire state’s support,” Foster said. Landshark has additional locations in Hattiesburg, Ridgeland, Pontotoc, and Johnson City, Tennessee, with two new locations that will be announced soon.

The family-run farm in Louisiana, where they source their product, has been going strong for over three decades. “Landshark has been a sustainable brand because we put the customer first,” Foster said. “Everybody has a short window of opportunity to sell crawfish, so many people feel they need to rush out and rush the mission. For us, it’s about ensuring the customer’s dollar is taken care of.”

Jared envisions deepening his involvement in the industry at large. After several years of hauling crawfish

back from the farm to other restaurants, he’s researching the logistics of becoming a seafood purveyor for restaurants throughout the state. This would allow Landshark to continue its mission of higher-quality products and better prices, he explained.

A restaurant has many moving pieces. It’s a cash-flow business that operates on razor-thin margins. Executing service flow, managing overhead, marketing, etc., requires craftiness. Jared seems to have found fresh and clever ways to maneuver such hurdles while offering a product that people keep talking about—not an easy feat in a place like Oxford.

Landshark is at 2311 W. Jackson Ave., Suite 301, in Oxford. It is open Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday/Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday/Saturday/ Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Some seasonal events may change hours, so it’s best to call the restaurant at 662-816-3784 or keep up with what’s new on their Facebook page.

GOT BOXES? GOT BOXES?

Continue the gift of giving EVEN after th holidays are over!

Recycle those boxes! Recycle those boxes!

EMPTY BAG

Remove all items that are in the box

Place all styrofoam & plastic in a garbage bag

FLATTEN

Break down box until it is completely flat

RECYCLE

Place flattened box under recycling bin & put bag of trash in garbage can

• Visit our website, OxfordMS.Net

• Click on Departments > Recycling

• Click Sign Up for Curbside Recycling

Summer Recipes

Lynda’s Chicken Salad

Submitted by Lynda Carruth

Serves 6-8

2 ½ Cups diced cooked chicken

4 Bacon strips cooked and crumbled

1 can (8oz.) sliced water chestnuts (drained)

½ Cup thinly sliced celery

1 Cup halved- green grapes

¾ Cup salad dressing or mayonnaise

1-2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes

2 tsp. finely minced onion

1 tsp. lemon juice

¼ tsp. ground ginger

Dash Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine chicken, bacon, water chestnuts, celery, and grapes in a large bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients, add to salad and toss to coat. Chill.

Grilled Salmon Salad

By Sylvia Fountaine

salmon filets

salt

chili powder

cumin

baby arugula

Turkish cucumbers

red onion

cherry or grape tomatoes avocados

toasted pumpkin seeds

Cotija cheese, crumbled

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

olive oil

fresh limes

mayo

garlic cloves

jalapeno

honey or agave

fresh cilantro

salt and pepper

Step one: Fire up the grill and make the flavorful dressing.

Step Two: Prep the

salmon.

Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt, cumin, and chili powder.

Place the salmon on a greased, medium-high-heat grill, turning it over after 2-3 minutes. Cook to your desired doneness.

Step Three: Assemble the Salad

Add the arugula, cucumbers, and some of the dressing in a large mixing bowl, tossing to coat lightly.

Gently fold in the avocado, onions, tomatoes, and pepitas, adding more dressing as needed. You will only need some of the dressing.

Place the dressed salad in a wide serving bowl or on a platter, and top with the grilled salmon. Enjoy!

Watermelon Salad

Submitted by Michael Guttuso of Fernwood Country Club

3 Cups cubed seedless watermelon

1 Cup crumbled feta

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

½ Cup chopped mint

3 Cups spring mix salad

Balsamic Glaze -Dressing

4 T. olive oil

6 T. lemon juice

2 T. minced garlic

½ T. sea salt

Combine all ingredients, toss well dressing, drizzle with Balsamic Glaze.

Eddie’s Bacon Dip

4 Roma tomatoes chopped fine

1 Cup Mayo

1 Cup sour cream

1 Jar or package Hormel Real Bacon Bits Mix together and chill overnight for better flavor and serve with fritos

Palette Knives Out Pannawat Thamutok

BY ZOE FITCH

Image by Pannawat Thamutok

K“Knives out” is an idiom based on a Southern expression meaning "at my wit's end." This idiom has been used to say that people are ready to blame or punish someone for something in an often unfair way. The expression can be linked back to more than a century ago when “the knives are out for [someone]” and “have their knives out for [someone].” These expressions can even be indirectly connected to the assassination of Julius Caesar and Shakespeare’s “The Ides of March.” On a lighter note, the idiom can be seen in the title of a movie that was “borrowed” from a 2001 Radiohead song.

In an interview with the New Musical Express, Thom Yorke, lead singer of the band Radiohead, said, "It's partly the idea of the businessman walking out on his wife and kids and never coming back. It's also the thousand-yard stare when you look at someone close to you, and you know they're gonna die. It's like a shadow over them or how they look straight through you. The shine goes out of their eyes." Basically, Knives Out is not cruelty but a way to express feelings just as painting is an expression of self and a response to human experience. Sometimes, in your “place,” you search for terms and ways of attempting to define complicated relationships. And sometimes, at your wit’s end, you find a palette knife and get to painting.

Pannawat Thamutok is from Bangkok, Thailand. He moved to Plano, Texas, in fourth grade. He later moved to Oxford, Mississippi, where he and his family reside today. His family owns a successful Thai restaurant in Oxford called Rice and Spice. Thamutok recalls his family starting the restaurant as a side business to his father’s position in tech once struggling during the recession. It was a way to express their culture in a new place and help their family, but the business has since evolved into an Oxford staple. Today, Thamutok stays involved with the local Oxford and Water Valley communities and has participated in the Double Decker Arts

Festival and the Water Valley Art Crawl. He is inspired by a wide range of artists and styles and recalls not picking up the palette knife until high school where he found his enjoyment for the pace the tool allows you to work at. Thamutok says that using the palette knife is a fast process he enjoys most. His palette is natural and true to color as he matches each hue in his reference image. A sense of movement and passing time are embedded in his work as the colors in the figures and/or objects find their way outside the form as wisps of color. The environment over and underlaps the subject; an ephemeral essence is viewed in the painted scene. And though he paints what surrounds him, Thamutok says his approach to fine art is mostly from

a business standpoint.

A working model is used for his business, and he pays attention to the reactions and feedback of his viewers before returning to the studio. Though Thamutok is not from Oxford or Mississippi, he captures the experience of living in the space in his artwork. Place can solely be an inspiration, while knowledge and background enhance this idea. Thamutok paints monuments that many connect their identity to from growing up there. His depictions of old buildings, known faces, and familiar scenes in North Mississippi inspire nostalgia for many of his viewers while he establishes his connections. So rather than knives out at the end, palette knives out at the door face of discovery.

Image by Pannawat Thamutok

A Portal to Kansas in Mississippi Stacey Rathert

BY ZOE FITCH

Image by Stacey Rathert

PPlace is important to the human experience and especially to an artist. I’m sure most of us have been somewhere and thought, “A portal to home would be great.” And though portals have at least not been found yet, one can symbolically create this by finding a sense of accommodation in small connections within a distant place. Old houses, rotting wood, and rustic and distressed surfaces can spark nostalgia and an image of home, even for a moment.

Stacey Rathert is from Kansas but has become a Mississippian over the past ten years. She comes from a family of farmers and has always felt a connection to land. Because of this, Rathert’s sculpture is deeply rooted in people and place. She tells stories from childhood in her artwork and draws inspiration from stories told to her growing up. Her public sculptures deal with the road trip to visit home, the time it takes, the scenes she records, and the human experience of using the feeling of longing for home as a guide to discovery.

When she first moved to Mississippi, Rathert recalls feeling claustrophobic surrounded by trees. The dense verdure and potent culture overwhelm the landscape. While the land envelopes one’s view, a personal connection to “place” is highly motivated. The Southern way of life encompasses the idea that body, soul, and human experience are connected to the land and cultural experience. And while the vast skyline on the horizon is far from Rathert’s view, home stays prevalent in the artist’s mind.

She wants her viewers to experience Kansas through her art and share a piece of home with Mississippians. She aims to connect the two places she has resided and share this connection with their inhabitants. It is important to establish a feeling of home with a person and share this experience as a visual artist. Space is defined as “a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied,” and it can be both physical and metaphorical. One can egress and ingress these dimensions with will.

The throughline in Rathert’s work is finding

Stacey Rathert, With What You Have (detail), 2021

home and searching for the horizon that she is missing from Kansas with the dense Mississippi landscape in her view. The horizon is an element of the flat Kansas landscape that sparks nostalgia for the artist. This searching can be seen in some of her work, such as a house on stilts overlooking the lush foliage.

A sense of past time can be observed in Rathert’s sculptures with worn surfaces, harsh textures, and a rustic palette. She recalls her work changing drastically after moving to Mississippi because the work became based on trying to find a home in a foreign place as well as reacting to one’s known environment. For example, Rathert has an art piece based

on a gateway to a portal to Kansas from Mississippi found on a walk.

Rathert accesses her own “portal” to Kansas in Mississippi by connecting to place and finding similarities in natural and found characteristics that she incorporates into her art pieces. With a link home, discovery is more attainable in a divergent place such as Oxford, MS. Though “home” is technically far for Stacey Rathert, a connection to place is both far and near in the space between Kansas and Mississippi. And while many of us here in Mississippi could not imagine not being in Kansas anymore, wouldn’t we all want a portal to home?

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A Glimpse into the Midtown Farmers’ Market Local Flavor

BY JOSEPH CLIMER

IIt’s not unusual to pass by the Midtown Shopping Center before the sun comes up to see what looks like the sprawl of a traveling carnival. Folks scurry around like worker ants – carrying foldout tables, metal chairs, and Grove tents. Pickup trucks dot the perimeter filled with watermelons or squash, depending on the season. As the sun rises, folks make their way into the parking lot for another round of Oxford’s Midtown Farmers’ Market – no ticket needed for entry.

Gentlemen shake hands, dogs bark, and locals filter through each booth, thoughtfully and methodically holding each piece of produce until they find the right one. This bounty of growers, bakers, and artists - all doing their

part to help add to the allure Oxford holds.

Market director Aileen Bost is often seen directing traffic. She says one of the biggest draws for residents is the ability to choose fresh produce straight from the local farmers.

“The products are fresh, and people can visit with the growers onsite to ask questions,” she says. “Our items are not shipped – the produce is picked right from the field, picked that very day. You can’t get freshness like that just anywhere.”

There’s plant life rooted in 5-gallon buckets from Fudgetown and flatbed trailers that have been transformed into mini-mobile grocery stores. You can say good morning to Mr. and Mrs. Bost of

Bost Farms (Oxford, MS)

as they unload hauls of butter lettuce and Yukon Gold potatoes.

You can talk with Katherine Webb of Farmstead Florals (Oxford, MS) about seasonal blooms or the economics of a business model that leans into the honor system. Rather than taking the brickand-mortar approach, she has

established several flower stands, all scattered about Oxford and operating on a “take some flowers, leave some cash” basis. Talisha Gordon of Live Again Event (Oxford, MS) also brings chocolate-covered strawberries, pecan pies, and a variety of pound cakes - all made in a cottage food operation not subject to Mississippi’s food and safety regulations.

People travel from out of town as well- buyers and sellers alike. Some from the outskirts & others a little further. James and Nancy Callahan (of Moon Lake Pecans) rack up highway miles from their orchard in the Delta to bring pecans by the gallon. Matt and Bekah Chapman (of Mardis Honey) bring jugs of sun-kissed honey from Taylor, MS, where they’ve been operating for nearly two decades.

All said - I’m reminded of a conversation I overheard recently that tossed back and forth the consumer access to products so fresh and local. I immediately raised my eyebrow – citing

how places like the Midtown Farmers Market have long been minding these gaps. I was heard yet educated on the lack of these sorts of programs in places like the Mississippi Delta. I’ve been in Oxford long enough to feel like a local and haven’t had much need to venture to other parts of Mississippi without the intent of crossing state lines in a long time. I lose sight of the happenings in the places often lost in the folds of the Magnolia state. I’m also comfortable and it’s sometimes easy to overlook our offerings on my way to the convenience store. These markets are the essence of grassroots - keeping what we earn local. Grown here, sold here and consumed here. They’re the essence of community and knowing your neighbor. They are the essence of good health, and it is most important we keep them alive.

The Mid-town Farmers’ Market, located at the Mid-town Shopping Center on North Lamar, is certified by

These markets are the essence of grassrootskeeping what we earn local. Grown here, sold here and consumed here. They’re the essence of community and knowing your neighbor. They are the essence of good health, and it is most important we keep them alive.

the Mississippi Certified Farmers Market organization. The farmers’ program “is a voluntary branding program, created and administered by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to promote and identify a marketplace for Mississippi-grown fruits, vegetables, plant materials and other products made or processed in the state.” Its focus “is designed for true farmers markets that have become so important to the preservation and promotion of Mississippi agriculture.”

The Mid-town Farmers’ Market operates from May to October on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7-11 a.m.

Embracing Wellness

A Conversation with Stevi of Southern Star Yoga

BY LAUREN JONES

PHOTOS BY BRANDALL LAUGHLIN

IIn the early 90s, Stevi, a passionate yogi and owner of Southern Star Yoga, discovered yoga while attending college in California. Coming from Mississippi, where yoga was not widely practiced, she found solace and healing in the ancient discipline.

“I was experiencing back pain from an injury in grade school,” Stevi recalls. “A friend recommended yoga, and my back pain disappeared.”

With her experience and background in yoga therapy, she has learned to prioritize the individualized approach of knowing what practices to embrace and which to avoid.

“Yoga therapy is specialized for people injured or with certain health conditions,” Stevi said. “It’s a one-onone setting where the practice is tailored to the individual’s needs.”

This personalized approach has become a cornerstone of her practice.

In 1998, Stevi moved back to Mississippi and began teaching prenatal yoga – a passion that grew

over time. A decade later, in 2008, she opened Southern Star Yoga.

Her journey with yoga has been transformative, not just for her physical well-being but for her holistic health. Stevi believes in the inseparable connection between both mind and body in yoga.

“In Western culture, we tend to idolize the physical body, but the mind is equally weighted,” she said. “Our mental state has a significant impact on how we feel.”

Yoga’s holistic view is rooted in the concept of “swastha,” a Sanskrit term for health that means being established in the self. Stevi explained that true wellness comes from a balanced, harmonious mind and body.

“Yoga is for strength, flexibility, mobility, and the mind,” Stevi said, highlighting the comprehensive benefits of the practice.

One of the key principles of yoga is staying in the present moment.

“When you are more connected to yourself, you make better choices in diet and lifestyle,” she said.

This mindfulness is what makes yoga such a powerful tool for overall well-being.

“What is wonderful about yoga is that it’s been around for a long time and is a very diverse practice that can be adapted for all ages,” Stevi explained. “Any age, ability, physical condition, and experience level— anyone can practice yoga.”

Stevi’s dedication to yoga and her community shines through in her work at Southern Star Yoga. The studio, located on North Lamar neighboring Snack Bar, offers a variety of classes to cater to everyone from beginners to those who have mastered the art.

Whether through group classes or personalized therapy sessions, the mission of Southern Star is to help others find balance, strength, and peace in both body and mind.

Q&A with Endocrionogist, Dr. Raveena Nalla, Baptist Memorial Hospital - Oxford

Dr. Raveena Nalla is a board-certified physician who specializes in endocrinology, including the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disease, and other diseases and conditions of the endocrine system.

Q&A

What are some of the most common endocrine problems that you see in your practice?

We treat a variety of endocrine problems. Some of the most common conditions are diabetes mellitus, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pituitary gland disorders and osteoporosis. The most common are thyroid and diabetes mellitus.

What are some common signs and symptoms of endocrine conditions that people should be aware of?

Some signs and symptoms to watch for Diabetes mellitus include increased urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, changes in vision, fatigue.

Some signs and symptoms of other endocrine disorders can include fatigue, weakness, weight changes, changes in appetite, high or low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, heart rate

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irregularities, changes in bowel habits, skin changes etc.

Are there any emerging research or treatments in endocrinology that show promise for improving hormonal health?

The world of diabetes mellitus is ever changing. There are always improvements and innovations in diabetes management. Continuous glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps are examples of the technology that is constantly

improving and changing. New medications for treatment of diabetes mellitus and weight loss are being produced by various drug companies.

What are the potential long-term consequences of untreated endocrine conditions? If left untreated, many endocrine disorders, such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease, can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, impaired vision / blindness and amputations.

What lifestyle factors can contribute to hormonal imbalances, and how can they be addressed?

Many different lifestyle factors can contribute to hormonal imbalances. Factors like stress, eating habits, physical activity and medications can play a large role in hormone imbalance. It is always best to talk with your primary care provider about these issues and decide what course of action is best for you.

Narcan training

BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG SENIOR REPORTER

BY BRUCE NEWMAN

PHOTOS

AAs the opioid crisis continues to claim thousands of lives annually, Communicare is teaching people how to use another drug to help save lives.

Narcan, or the generic name naloxone, is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is the standard treatment for opioid overdose.

In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for overthe-counter, nonprescription, use. “We want to ensure that everyone has access to this life-saving drug paired with knowledge on not only how to use it, but also how to avoid an overdose altogether,” said Melody Madaris, executive director of Communicare. “It is a terrifying time with fentanyl being found in most drugs sold on the street. With someone who is opioid naive, in other words, someone who doesn’t

take a lot of opioids, it could kill them quickly, with them never knowing they ingested an opioid. Our ultimate goal is to save lives. As long as there is breath in their body, there is hope.”

Communicare’s Emily Presley provides training on the correct way to administer Narcan to law enforcement, fraternities, community groups, businesses and anyone who wants to learn. Presley understands substance abuse and the dangers it can cause. A former nurse, Presley was also a peer support specialist at Communicare when she was given the opportunity to train people on how to use Narcan. “Training people how to literally save lives or save people from an opioid overdose has been really amazing for me,” she said. When someone overdoses on an opioid, like fentanyl, hydrocodone

or even heroin, after Narcan is administered, the patient can go from being unconscious to sitting up and talking in 2 to 5 minutes. They are then transported to the hospital for continued care. Presley said the reason the Narcan training is so vital is due to the influx of fentanyl. “Fentanyl is like 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, and heroin,” she said. “It’s become so popular because it’s so cheap. And so the cartels are just making it with everything, and they’re counterfeiting pills. It’s our young people who are getting most affected by the influx of fentanyl in today’s society.” Presley said she has provided the training to student groups on the University of Mississippi campus so that they can know how to use Narcan if they are ever in a situation where someone near them has overdosed. She said the training also offers awareness

When she does Narcan training, Presley offers everyone at the training two doses of Narcan to keep. “Each dose is four milligrams, and it’s a nasal spray,” she said. “If one dose doesn’t wake them up, then you can give them another dose. The good thing about Narcan is that you cannot overdose on it. You can’t give someone too much.”

and provides a time for discussions about the dangers of fentanyl and other available drugs.

When she does Narcan training, Presley offers everyone at the training two doses of Narcan to keep. “Each dose is four milligrams, and it’s a nasal spray,” she said. “If one dose doesn’t wake them up, then you can give them another dose. The good thing about Narcan is that

you cannot overdose on it. You can’t give someone too much.”

Communicare received a grant that allows Presley to travel and provide the training and two doses of Narcan. “I can go just about all over north Mississippi – Lee, Yalobusha, Panola, Desoto and Lafayette County,” she said. “Mainly, I’ve been doing the training with law enforcement, but I will go to any group that wants this training.”

“Anybody in the community that’s interested, our trainings are free of charge. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete the training,” Presley said.

For more information about the Narcan training or to sign up for training, call Presley at Communicare at 662-234-7521, ext. 3051 or email epresley@ communicarems.org.

A Trick of the Trade for Stress Relief

Even though stress is a part of our daily lives, its significance is often overlooked. Physically, stress can manifest itself as aches and pains, fatigue, a change in sex drive, and insomnia. Psychologically, it results in anxiety, depression, irritability, or difficulty with concentration and memory. Behaviorally, stress can give rise to emotional eating, anger outbursts, substance misuse, avoidance, and a lack of motivation and energy.

Stress can ruin relationships and take years off of our lives, so what can we do about it?

I frequently suggest psychotherapy to everyone, saying, “It’s good for the soul,” but for those who don’t have the desire or the time for such self-care, here’s a helpful tool I teach my patients. To use it, however, you must first understand the following:

We typically think of life like this: There was a situation, and I felt a certain way about it. For example, my dog died, and then I got sad. But actually, that is NOT what happens.

Let’s go back to the dog example. If my dog dies, I will think: He was my best friend. I don’t know how I’ll ever get along without him. Life will never be the same. Of course, I will feel sad, lonely, and heartbroken.

But if my dog dies and my thoughts

BY SUSAN MAH, LCSW

are: That dog was such a pain in the butt. He always got out of the yard. He bit my neighbor. Cost me $2,000 in medical bills. Good riddance! Then, I’ll probably feel apathetic and relieved. I’m certainly not going to be sad.

So it is my THOUGHTS about my dog’s death, not the death itself, that results in how I feel. Now that we understand this concept let me share the coping tool, an evidenced-based approach highly effective in combatting stress.

But first, look at this list of what are called Thinking Mistakes:

1) All-or-nothing thinking: You look at things in absolute, black-and-white categories.

2) Overgeneralization: You view a negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeat.

3) Mental filter: You dwell on the negatives and ignore the positives, focusing on what’s wrong instead of what’s right.

4) Discounting the positives: You insist that your accomplishments or positive qualities don’t count.

5) Jumping to conclusions: A) Mind reading: You assume that people are reacting negatively to you when there’s no evidence for this; B) You arbitrarily predict things will turn out badly.

6) Magnification or minimization: You blow things out of proportion or you shrink their importance inappropriately.

7) Emotional reasoning: You reason from how you feel, “I feel like an idiot, so I must be one,” or “I don’t feel like doing it, so I’ll put it off.”

8) Shoulding: You criticize yourself or others with should statements.

9) Labeling: You identify with your shortcomings and talk badly about yourself. Instead of saying, “I need to work on myself,” you say, “I’m a failure.”

10) Personalization and blame: You blame yourself for something that weren’t responsible for or you blame others for something that wasn’t their fault.

Now, here’s the coping tool… If you can learn to identify when you make thinking mistakes (everybody makes them!), you will recognize when your thinking is distorted. When our thinking is distorted, we end up feeling stressed. As you become better at noticing and correcting your thinking mistakes, you will feel less stress or eliminate it entirely.

Tah-dah!

For more information and tips about mental health, please visit my YouTube Channel @susanmah2289.

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PHOTOS BY MATT NICHOLS

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