Porch + Prairie Winter 2022

JET CARD PROGRAMS

BLUE: Ideal for Members who plan to consistently fly in one particular aircraft model. Members may purchase 30, 60, or 100 hours in the aircraft type of their choice.

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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.

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Merry & bright

Come experience the magic of oxford this holiday season

Spring Summer FALL winter

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MAGAZINE

FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Peder von Harten

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Todd Malone

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Abby Carlton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Abby Carlton, Kelsi McKee, Robin Young, Kevin Martone, Beka Garbutt, Cameron Riser, Rebekah Iliff, Will Copenhaver

PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Yarrow, Mark Davis, Lee Thomas Kjos of Kjos Outdoors, Jack Hennessy, Jake Johnson, Colton Sturgeon, Gary Fultz, Roberto Nickson, Aaron Burden, Aaron James, Daniel Hernandez, Yoal Dersamont

NATIONAL SALES

Tonie Ellis at tonieellismedia@gmail.com or advertising@porchprairiemag.com

TO SUBSCRIBE

visit porchprairiemag.com/subscribe

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 (5 issues per year),

Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 587 Oxford, MS 38655

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

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.

Proudly Printed in the USA

#PorchPrairieMag

Where the Sporting Life Lives

As America’s premier sporting community, Brays Island embodies a shared passion for the outdoors. Deepen your connection to friends, family and your own adventuresome spirit exploring 5,500 pristine acres of waterways, fields and woodlands.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Friends,

Someone recently told me that they didn’t expect that Porch + Prairie would ever become what it has. They thought that it would be nothing more than a new spin on old stories and that what we write about could be found by way of a simple Google search instead of within our magazine. I’ll admit, that wasn’t exactly the glowing review I was seeking, but over time, I learned to let it roll off my back.

In some ways, he could have been right. Yes, there are some elements we write about that many people are aware of but what separates P+P from others is that within our magazine lies feeling. Each piece is designed to elicit an emotional response. The writers for P+P are a cornucopia of talent and I’d venture to say that no two are alike on any level except for one thing--- they all write with passion. Their desire is not to just relay information with each issue, but rather each of them wants you to finish their piece and sit back and think deeply about what you just read. They want to dust off some old memory you might have from yesteryear and get lost in thought somehow. They want you to either make you feel more present or to honor the past.

We all have some memories that are buried deep within for no other reason than just that time has crammed a whole lot of things on top of them. Those memories are covered in dust and stress and 10, 20, 30, or whatever number of years of life’s ups and downs. We want to create an atmosphere where those memories come alive and the thoughts of road trips or the enjoyment of Christmas become crystal clear again.

For the man who thought what we offer was little more than non-fiction passages, I hope this letter finds him well and enjoying the best that the holiday season brings to us all. But more than that, I hope he takes the time to pause and reflect on the memories our writers try to portray. I hope he can again remember the smell of the Thanksgiving kitchen from his youth. I hope he draws a smile when he remembers an old Christmas. And I hope that as the calendar turns again, he too finds the excitement that each new year brings.

- PvH

Peder von Harten - Editor-in-Chief von Harten

Peder

CONTRIBUTORS

Abby Carlton was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, where her and her family never shied away from a road trip or flight to a new city. She loves exploring new places she’s never been before and creating traditions around spots worth returning back to. Whether it’s making someone smile or laugh, or spending a little time out of her day helping others out, Abby is always appreciating the little things that help her choose joy each day. Abby currently lives in Oxford, Mississippi and enjoys traveling to visit her family on the Mississippi Coast and back in Louisiana, which will always be home.

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.

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 South Carolina. Away from pen and paper, Kelsi enjoys her time on the golf course and of course, cheering on her Aggies.

Rebekah Iliff is an award-winning humor writer, author, and entrepreneur raised in the midwest living in the south. She has a knack for turning difficult topics into digestible stories and loves giving people the unexpected laugh. Her work has been featured in publications ranging from Fast Company and Forbes to Weekly Humorist and the Erma Bombeck Blog. She released her first book, Champagne for One, in February 2022. Rebekah’s favorite part of the day is sitting on the back stoop, watching the sunset with her husband and pup.

Personal website: rebekahiliff.com

IG: @rebekahiliffweaver

Book website: ChampageforOne.com

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.

Cameron Riser is a coffee enthusiast, dog lover, and considerable sports fan, she stayed in the south pursuing a B.A. in Journalism from The University of Mississippi. She is not a twin but a triplet, born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. In her free time, you can find Cameron on the tennis courts or with a camera in hand, snapping pictures at whatever fancies her eye.

Beka Garbutt is southern born and raised and currently resides in northeast Mississippi. She loves a good view of nature whether from the top of a mountain after a hike or simply admiring the sunset from the front porch. Travel usually takes her to visit family in an effort to maintain her “cool aunt” status with her growing number of nieces and nephews. She believes laughter is the best medicine and is happiest when surrounded by those she loves.

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.

Photo by Colton Sturgeon

Front Steps

by Abby Carlton

PassingThrough

by Cameron Riser

Photo by Gary Fultz

YARROW DAVID

THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS

"I don’t judge people by wealth, fame or culture. they either drain a room of energy

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

P+P HOLIDAY

For over 25 years, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays each year for millions of fans who travel all over the country to experience the must-see concert. Filled with a string section and lasers and lights synced to their music, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is known for feeding off their fans’ energy and enthusiasm to power each show as much as they’re relying on the arena’s electricity to follow through.

Founder Paul O’Neill, who had managed and produced rock bands like Aerosmith and AC/DC, built the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s band on combining classical music with rock music, and with artists he idolized like Pink Floyd and Queen. Before passing in 2017, O’Neill stated, “My original concept was six rock operas, a trilogy about Christmas, and maybe one or two regular albums.” His goal was as straightforward as it was incredibly ambitious. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s website states that O’Neill’s whole idea was to create a progressive rock band to push this genre’s boundaries further than any other person or ground had ever done before.

Now when you think of your traditional Christmas music, like the classic carols, you probably don’t think American rock band. However, each time you hear the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas Eve / Sarajevo or Carol of the Bells, I think you’ll understand why they are often compared to a well-choreographed ballet, or even a military operation. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has not only been previously ranked as one of the Top 25 Touring Artists, but is also the first major rock band to go straight to touring in theaters and areas, never having or playing as an opening act.

Storming across every time zone and playing in front of millions of fans, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will pave their way through a record 60-city tour this holiday season. Their first tour called Christmas Eve and Other Stories began in 1999 after the release of their second album, The Christmas Attic. On this album was Christmas Cannon, a marriage between rock and classical music, which has been proven by the competition as tough to achieve.

The best part about all of this? They also donate $1 of every ticket sale back local and national charities each year. The local charities are chosen throughout their tours, following whichever city they are performing in and focusing on those who help and protect children. A two-show day in New Jersey’s Izod arena once brought in over $40,000 to local charities in one day. Over the course of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s contributions, they have made more than $16 million in donations.

This holiday season, I think we can all follow their mission, ‘We are all in this together. We must look out for the well-being of each other, most of all the young. For the young are the architects of the future and we are the architects of the young. We can not tell those yet to be born that we did our best.” The next time you hear a Trans-Siberian Orchestra song, remember that their music is not even the greatest thing about them.

LIST

• It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas- Michael Bublé

• Home For the Holidays- The Carpenters

• Pretty Paper - Willie Nelson

• Carol of the Bells- Trans-Siberian Orchestra

• Believe- Josh Groban

• Christmas in New Orleans- Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter

• Please Come Home for Christmas- The Eagles

• When My Heart Finds Christmas- Harry Connick Jr.

• Blue Christmas- Elvis Presley

• You Make It Feel Like Christmas- Gwen Stefani/Blake Shelton

• Take Me Home For Christmas- Dan and Shay

• Christmas Tree Farm- Taylor Swift

• Dear Santa- Tim McGraw

• Santa I’m Right Here- Toby Keith

• All I Want For Christmas Is A Real Good Tan- Kenny Chesney

• I’ll Be Your Santa Tonight- Keith Urban

• Glittery- Kacey Musgraves, Troye Sivan

• New Year’s Day- Pentatonix

• Valerie- Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse

• Hell of a Holiday – Pistol Annies

• Bluebird – Miranda Lambert

• Cheers – ERNEST

• Thought You Should Know – Morgan Wallen

• Hell of a Year – Parker McCollum

• It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Thomas Rhett

• Officially Christmas – Dan + Shay

• Hat Made of Mistletoe – Cody Johnson

• Christmas Cards – Tenille Townes

• Glow – Kelly Clarkson, Chris Stapleton

• Tennessee Christmas – Amy Grant

• Christmas in Dixie – Alabama

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The Arkansas Artisans

Atrue craftsman is hard to find. Go ask anyone who values the quality of something over just simply the price or the notion of it “just being done” and they’ll tell you that when it comes to true artisans, their numbers are few.

Joe Julian and his team at Julian & Sons are among those very, very few. From their headquarters in the northern hills of Arkansas, the team at Julian & Sons is making every home they enter that much more beautiful and in a way that is still unrivaled. In the foothills of the Ozark Mountains near Heber Springs, Julian & Sons has been perfecting the art of fine cabinetry and woodworking, most famously for the serious outdoor and gun enthusiast. While the core of the business is certainly rooted in the outdoors, it would be unfair to just stop there.

For Joe, his work helps showcase what is most important to his client, be it their guns, their trophy mounts from a hunt, their collection of books, or simply just a place to sit around and create a new set of memories. The consultation process, a thorough look inside both the home and the psyche of the customer, gives you the ability to make every piece one of a kind and unlike anything you’ll find in the world. It is in that level of care and that level of personalization that the Julian & Sons team finds the most reward. It is a selection of wood, working with a homeowner to make sure the project conveys precisely what matters to them most, and then installing the work in a way that makes the entire room shine that Julian & Sons is renowned for.

In our time with Joe Julian, you can tell there is a passion about what he does. The man just wants to create something special, and now for over 40 years, he and his company have done just that each and every time.

Photos Courtesy of Julian & Sons

Raising Awareness about Mental Health

By Kevin Martone

photo by Yoal Dersamont

The only crowds out here are under the water.

The fish are biting all along the Mississippi coast, which means it’s the perfect time to plan your next guys’ trip. Start things off with some deep-sea fishing, and then hit our casinos for nonstop gaming, live music, and a round of Topgolf – or, if you prefer, zombie dodgeball (which you’ll be glad to know is just a simulation). Learn more at VisitMississippi.org/GuysTrip.

Skipper Charters | Biloxi, Mississippi

#WanderMS

photo by Aaron Burden

PERSPECTIVE

By Kevin Martone

Empty Nest is a Misnomer

My family hit a milestone this past fall. We dropped my youngest daughter off for her freshman year at college, and suddenly, we have started a new chapter. While there is an uneasy void, I have a great sense of reassuring pride in what we have accomplished as a family as we all make this transition. There is so much ahead for all of us.

“So you’re empty nesters now,” is what I frequently hear when I mention that my youngest is a freshman in college, as if I am done with my parenting responsibilities. My wife reminds me that there is really no such thing as being an empty nester since we are on the hook as parents emotionally, and probably financially, for the foreseeable future. College tuitions, weddings, paying for airfareyou get the picture.

Well, that took the wind out of my sails. Countless hours hunting and fishing in my bucket list destinations, returning to skiing, weekend beach getaways with my wife – all dashed in an instant. And then I have to look at the jaw dropping pictures of places I would like to go in Porch + Prairie on top of it. How did I end up in the handcuffs of real life?

All kidding aside, this new chapter may be exciting. This past fall, I decided to take my Springer to the North Maine Woods for a doit-yourself (DIY) ruffed grouse hunt. The trip was something I have been thinking about for several years, but never had the opportunity to do. It was perfect – peak fall foliage, crisp autumn mornings, cabin on a lake, no cell and internet services, moose, and flushed game birds.

Despite the reality that the next few years will be tight financially with the girls in school, this modest trip was important in my own

transition. I have always been somewhat anxious with change, but it has never resulted in significant turmoil to me personally. Based on past experience, it probably won’t now. Initially, it was odd to be away without any sense of guilt that I was missing a school or sport activity, but that quickly turned into feeling quite relaxed. I was able to enjoy the Maine experience more intently than I could have in recent years with family responsibilities. I was also inspired that I could experience such satisfaction on a basic DIY trip versus an elaborate five star guided hunt.

I do wonder about what new traditions we will develop or the paths that we will travel as a family. What will our holidays look like? Will my daughters want to go on family vacations during the summer? A bit of nostalgia has even set in writing this piece with vivid memories of when my daughters were young – rolling around in the fall leaf piles, hiking trails looking for frogs and crayfish, playing soccer and softball, sleigh riding in the snow – fond thoughts that have resurfaced only recently. I don’t expect that we will recreate these activities, but how do I preserve some of the traditions and activities that we enjoyed together?

As I think about it, whatever the traditions, wherever we hunt or fish together, wherever we vacation, it comes down to committing the time. Being an empty nester has so much more to offer than loss and the transition to middle age. The foundation of what was built with my family remains strong and will always be there. This phase offers new opportunities for me, for my family, and for us to develop new traditions and experiences together. Sure, it is important to keep in perspective that I may need to ease into my grand plans of early retirement, travel, and grown up toys. But, I am eager to experience the unknown rewards that lie ahead.

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I Saw A Quail

by Kelsi McKee

Once, in a blanket of woodland winter, I peeked out of my foggy window and saw a quail.

Frail, plump and perky

Lonely and quirky

I wondered how one such as he

Could live alone so freely.

I was only three.

He bobbed his head

I giggled and said

How funny and brown

And rusty red

So simple yet odd

Dotted and spotted

He bobbled and plotted

Pecked and trotted

I saw a quail.

I asked to get closer

My Mother asked why

I said to show her

My greatest discovery

She dressed me warmly

I jumped up and down excitedly

Up to my head in coat and scarf

The only thing that peeked

Was the pink of my nose and cheek

We ran out in the cold dawn

But, sadly, Mr. Quail was gone.

Oh how sad I became!

I looked for him everyday the same.

My mother asked why I wailed

I proclaimed in my simple words

I saw a quail!

They are now my favorite bird.

photo by Daniel Hernandez

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back porch

by Peder von Harten

The Good Ole Days

Iheard the words—“midlife crisis.” They were said as if they were the punchline of a joke that I don’t entirely think was aimed my direction, but I was within ear shot, nonetheless. I thought about those words for a good part of the next hour on a plane as I sat staring at Alabama and Georgia pass by below.

Yes, I know the traditional notion that at one’s midlife, they do some irrational things to prove to themselves they are still young and that they are still part of the hip crowd. I don’t think there’s anyone that would claim I’ve done that or do that, though I’ll admit to some questionable fashion at times. After all, who doesn’t love acid washed jeans and tank top straight out of an Alan Jackson music video?

No, for me, that midlife crisis represents nothing about the next 50% of my life to come, but rather the crisis I see associated with all the things that will never be again it seems. It’s frightening, and this coming from someone who hasn’t been scared of anything since before Clinton took office. I’m worried that our great values, the values that I grew up on, have disappeared entirely or are very much on their last breaths.

As I start to engage more and more with our readers, I am reminded that our subtle references to yesteryear have a way of evoking both a smile and a tear. Sure, we have a lot of amazing things going on in our country right now, but it is tempered by a society that can often be downright puzzling. For those who grew up a certain way, or those with an affinity toward the old days, our current state makes them want to go back to when all seemed good in the world, when our citizens knew kindness better, and our divides were better hidden.

For me, I miss the way the world was when I was a kid. You had it forged into your mindset that your path to success was determined only by your level of hard work and effort. Sweat was the thing by which your future was watered. The world was devoid of social media giving us immediate insights on how others were living and so we were happy in our space and with our own means. We didn’t have social media… aka, the barometer by which we measure our lives these days. Back then, we knew how to talk to each other and hold an opinion on opposite sides of a debate, yet still walk away with a mutual respect for each other. Heck, even the music was better. Go ahead and tell me that 90’s country isn’t the best out there.

So yes, there is a crisis right now, but it’s merely circumstantial that it’s coming about in my midlife years. I want the old days back. The good ole days. The days whose stories make everyone around the campfire laugh, or smile, or otherwise reminisce. I think those days are vanishing all too fast and with it, the memory of what it was like when life was simple, less chaotic, and certainly a lot more authentic. Losing that memory of our great American past? You bet it’s a crisis.

Every year, DSC hosts its annual Convention that raises funds for grants in conservation, education, and advocacy. The four-day 2023 DSC Convention is open to the public and will fill over 800,000 square feet with 1,000 exhibitors featuring outfitted hunts, firearms, gear, wildlife art and much more. SEE