Porch + Prairie - Spring 2022 Preview by Porch + Prairie Magazine

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

So Can Greensboro

Legacy of Love

So, You Want to Buy a Retreiver Puppy

The Mysterious Corolla Wild Horses of the Outer Banks

The Mysterious History of Mother's Day

Oxford, MS

The Rise of #BookTok

The Flatland Feeling

A Few Minutes with Red Shahan

Erin King

Sloan Valley Dreams

6 - SPRING 2022 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine

28 Fore Hadley Foundation

SideBar 10

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

56 Flatland Calvary

CONTRIBUTORS

PAGES

PLEDGE

PASSING THROUGH

PARK Robin Young Death Valley National Park

PARK Robin Young Dry Tortugas National Park

PERSPECTIVE Kevin Martone "Coastal Communities Come Alive in the Spring"

72 Baird Graham

PEN & POET Kelsi McKee "Wildflower"

BACK PORCH Peder von Harten "Beachbound"

MAGAZINE FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Peder von Harten

Spring

EQUINOX ENDEAVORS

Summer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kurt Miller, Kelsi McKee, Robin Young, Kevin Martone, Isabel Saralegui

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SUMMER RETREATS

FALL

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

winter

WINTER ESCAPES

Todd Malone

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kurt Miller, Derick Mckinney, Fran Boyd, Pietro de Grandi, Dinesh Photography, Lee Thomas Kjos of Kjos Outdoors, Heather Russell @ naturecapturedbyHeather, Irina Iriser, Julie Macey, Tim Peterson

Porch + Prairie is published four times a year by Flying V Media, LLC DBA Piper Ranch Media,Oxford, MS 38655. Subscriptions are for one and two years (4 issues per year), available at porchprairiemag.com/subscribe Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 587 Oxford, MS 38655

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CORRESPONDENCE To subscribe to Porch + Prairie Magazine visit porchprairiemag.com/subscribe

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

WATCH

To offer stories and /or photographs to be considered for publication in Porch + Prairie, email them to todd@porchprairiemag.com. Emails should include full contact information. We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, brevity and print quality. Porch + Prairie may not be reproduced or photocopied without permission of the publisher Flying V Media, LLC or Piper Ranch Media © Flying V Media, LLC 2021.

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Cover photo by Derick Mckinney EQUINOX ENDEAVORS

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Volume 3 • 1

#PorchPrairieMag • contact@porchprairiemag.com

PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | SUMMER 2021 - 9

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Peder von Harten - Editor-in-Chief Dear Friends, When we were younger, it seems that learning came easier. Yes, there of course are plenty of studies that talk about how the developing child’s mind is much better suited for soaking up knowledge, but as adults, that process slows a little bit. At the very least, it takes considerably more effort to pick up new things and change our way of thinking. This is probably where some of you are thinking about the notion of “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” or something of that ilk, but in some respects, the thought does hold true. Of course, we are all capable of picking up something new as we age, but I think most would agree that it does in fact get harder. I’m not talking about your traditional learning, say for language or math, I am talking about learning about the world around us a little bit more. It takes effort, it takes resources, and it takes time—the last of those being the most difficult to acquire these days. So why does all of this matter? Why am I writing about something we all seem to generally accept? The answer is this. When I started Porch + Prairie, I had no idea that this portion of my life was going to find itself dedicated to learning, or more importantly, to curiosity. When you are already established in your career, the concept of learning usually means doing it because you have to. It might be a requirement of a job, such as an advanced degree, or you might need to learn a new procedure the way a doctor may have to adjust as technology changes. Those are all pieces of learning. What Porch + Prairie has done is rooted in curiosity. I travel around the country and am increasingly curious about the country that we live in, but yet feel like I am running out of time to uncover all I want to find out. I’m curious as to how the little hamlets of the northeast were built and settled, I’m curious about the various subcultures that exist depending on which region of Texas you’re in, I’m curious about the early settlers’ experience and lifestyle when they rolled across the landscape only to be blocked by the Rockies. Responding to the call of curiosity is what has allowed us to bring the stories of Porch + Prairie to you each issue. I’ve said before that Porch + Prairie is an invitation… an invitation to explore, an invitation to re-engage, but more importantly, consider it an invitation to answer that curiosity and find out more about this great land we live in. Sincerely, Peder von Harten Founder/ Editor-in-Chief

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CONTRIBUTORS

Kelsi McKee has been writing poetry and stories since she was old enough to scratch words on paper. She completed her first novel when she was 18 and continues to write while balancing a full-time job in the news industry. Originally from Northwest and a graduate of Texas A&M, Kelsi has enjoyed adventuring across the country and making her way to her current home in the Northeast US. Away from pen and paper, Kelsi enjoys her time on the golf course and of course, cheering on her Aggies.

Kevin Martone balances a busy professional life with his passion for the outdoors. A nationally recognized expert in mental health and the Executive Director of a national non-profit, Kevin’s business travels enable him to enjoy the local culture and landscape in states throughout America. From Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, to New England and across the South, Kevin creates opportunities in the outdoors whenever and wherever he can. Kevin spends his personal time hunting, fishing, trail running, and enjoying sunsets with his wife, Sasha, on the dock of their family pond.

Joshua Quong grew up in the small town of Glen Allan, MS in the Delta. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and philosophy at Mississippi College and a Master’s Degree in eduction from Ole Miss.He taught high school English in North Mississippi for the past 20 years. He lives with his wife Sally and two children Nora and Ray on their family hunting preserve they call Little “q” Ranch where they have run guided quail hunts for the past 11 years.

Robin Young is a senior pre-law student at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS, majoring in Criminal Justice with minors in Psychology and Intelligence and Security Studies. She is an adventure-lover at heart with a passion for the outdoors and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. In her free time, you can find Robin spending time with her dogs or her two horses named Izak and Too, hiking in a new city, playing the acoustic guitar, or at the gym. Robin is an active member of the Chi Chapter of Delta Delta Delta and the Ole Miss Equestrian Team.

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I pledge allegiance to

the Flag of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands,

one Nation under God,

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Passing Through Photo by Fran Boyd 18 - SPRING 2022 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine

PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine |SPRING 2022 - 21

Death Valley National Park by Robin Young

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Dry Tortugas National Park Written by Robin Young Photo by Dinesh Photography The paradise on-Earth known as the Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles to the west of Key West. This national park is renowned for its beauty, wildlife, beaches, coral reefs, and the myriad of activities that can be enjoyed here. Dry Tortugas came into recognition with the expedition of Juan Ponce de Leon in the summer of 1513. The island cluster was named “Tortugas” by Ponce de Leon because of the large number of sea turtles he caught while visiting the area. Eventually, the islands were deemed “Dry Tortugas” because of the lack of ample freshwater available within them. Historically, inside the Dry Tortugas National Park area was a military fortress to protect the coastline of Florida, which led to its eventual establishment as a national park. In 1846, the creation of Fort Jefferson began, which is still located and able to be visited in present day Dry Tortugas. During its construction, Fort Jefferson was used as a prison during the Civil War and is famed for hosting infamous residents and having extremely harsh conditions. The establishment of Dry Tortugas as a national park occurred in 1992. Over 80,000 visitors come to the park each year to enjoy its beaches, wildlife, and a number of attractions, ranging from bird watching, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, and even just tanning in the sunshine. One highly recommended way to enjoy Dry Tortugas is by bringing your own boat. However, Dry Tortugas is located about 70 miles west of Key West, and there is no food, water, or gas available within the park, so be sure to plan in advance when visiting! Boat permits are required for all boats entering the park before you are able to enjoy any of the recreational activities. A unique benefit of 26 - SPRING 2022 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine

bringing your own boat to Dry Tortugas is the ability to explore the park’s western edge in your boat, which hosts the third largest coral reef system in the world, made up of over 30 species of coral. Dry Tortugas is also home to nine species of threatened coral, including but not limited to Elkhorn coral, Staghorn coral, Pillar coral, Rough Cactus coral, Lobed star coral, Mountainous star coral, and Boulder star coral. Coral reefs may occupy only a slight fraction of the marine environment, but they serve as a habitat for approximately 25 percent of all marine fish species. Here in Dry Tortugas, you can enjoy some of the country’s most vibrant coral and unique marine life able to be found anywhere in the Florida Keys. Many people also choose to explore the park in a different kind of vessel, such as a kayak or paddleboard. Kayaking makes for a wonderful experience, as you can see perfectly through the clear water around Dry Tortugas to observe the marine life, seagrass, and coral reefs that the park is so widely recognized for. There are several different paddling options available for all levels of experience. There are quick paddling options near Garden Key as well as longer open-water paddling options. One option allows you to kayak to Bush and Long Key, the two islands closest to Garden Key, which are home to thousands of nesting birds in the spring. Loggerhead Key is a more intense paddle, as it lies 3 miles west of Garden Key and requires a trek through deep water with strong currents. If you are able to make this treacherous journey, you will be rewarded at Loggerhead with open and empty beaches and amazing snorkeling. Camping in Garden Key is another way to experience the Dry Tortugas National Park, through which you can partake in star

A LEGACY OF

Love

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So, You Want to Buy a Retriever Puppy By SportDOG® Brand Sr. ProStaff Tom Dokken photos by Lee Thomas Kjos of Kjos Outdoors

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The Mysterious Corolla Wild Horses of the Outer Banks

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The Surprising History of

Mother’s Day

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Oxford, MS

estled in the hills of North Mississippi lies a vibrant town overflowing with rich culture, culinary delights and Southern hospitality as sweet as tea. Oxford is also a history-rich center of learning, home to the University of Mississippi and a haven for nationally known writers and creative artists. The culinary scene is filled with award-winning chefs, but one main ingredient sets Oxford apart from the rest--the local flavor. And then there’s The Square—the center of it all, where hotspots of every type collide to make Oxford a cultural mecca unlike any other. Get inspired by nature and literature by hiking the Bailey Woods, a one-mile trail that connects the University of Mississippi Museum and Rowan Oak, home of Nobel- Prize winning author William Faulkner. Immerse yourself in the arts and culture by checking out the Yokna Sculpture Trail, a collaborative attraction that features between 15-20 large-scale sculptures throughout the Oxford community and Ole Miss campus. This rotating exhibit features locally, regionally and nationally renowned exhibiting artists and can be seen at Oxford’s Pat Lamar Park, the Powerhouse Sculpture Garden, the UM Sculpture Park and the University Museum. In the heart of Oxford, the Square, you’ll find a world-class array 48 - SPRING 2022 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine

of shops, boutiques, art galleries, and bookstores. At Square Books, the nationally recognized independent bookstore, dive into the special section devoted to William Faulkner and other Mississippi writers. 30 years after the flagship store opened, the Howorth family has added three off-shoots to their repertoire with Off Square Books, a lifestyle and leisure bookstore which also plays host to regionallysyndicated live radio show Thacker Mountain Radio Hour; Square Books Jr., featuring children’s books, and the newest store in Rare Square Books which specializes in collectible, vintage and first edition books. Looking to add a little vinyl to your collection? Oxford’s independent record-store, The End of All Music, has gained national recognition for thriving on vinyl in a digital world. Oxford’s local shopping is anchored by Neilson’s Department Store, the oldest department store in the South. It has been providing clothing to generations of family members since 1839. Hinton & Hinton, a store that has been styling the men of north Mississippi for over thirty years and features brands such as Cole Haan, Lucchese, True Grit, and Barbour, recently opened a dedicated women’s store showcasing a collection of clothing, outerwear, footwear and accessories. For the true shopaholic,

The Rise of #BookTok

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That Flatland Feeling A tour through the making and rise of one of Texas’ most talented bands

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Call it country or call it folk, one thing is for sure, the music from Flatland Cavalry is pure American. Sure, genre is important to some, but this native Texas band might opt to instead be called what they really are--- authentic. Led by Chief Lyricist Cleto Cordero, the band of 6 (also including Reid Dillon, Jonathan Saenz, Jason Albers, Wesley Hall, and Adam Gallegos), the guys take their lessons of life and love and combine it with the simple landscape of the West Texas panhandle. If you’ve never spent time in the panhandle, we’re here to assure that it just feels different. The welcoming people, the big sky, the dusty horizon, the flat earth-- the mix of hope, optimism, and reality all combine into one feeling you get as you stand on the turf beneath you. Whatever emotion hits you at that very moment, there is undoubtedly a Flatland Cavalry lyric to match it. Catching up with the guys that make up Flatland Cavalry is a difficult task as they cross the nation and play packed houses every night, but we did it. Talking with Cordero, along with drummer Jason Albers, you can tell first hand that even with their huge success, the soul of their music and their humble roots are still very much a part of each guitar lick and lyric.

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A Few Minutes with

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Sloan Valley Dreams How a Nashville home developer is reimagining the Tennessee landscape

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Coastal Communities Come Alive in the Spring By Kevin Martone

Photo by Julie Macey 76 - SPRING 2022 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine

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