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Talkin’ It Up! I recently had dinner at one of my favorite places, Jim Bowie’s Relay Station in Enterprise, Louisiana. While enjoying some great seafood and live music, another guest stopped at my table to tell me how much he enjoyed LRT. He said he and his family picked up a mag at Jim Bowie’s last year and read it on their way home, laughing out loud. I remember getting an email from his daughter about that time telling me this same story and ordering a subscription for her father. I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to meet this man and his wife, as kind words from readers always make me smile! I’m pretty sure this issue will make you smile, too, as March kicks off the festival season in Louisiana. The photo on our cover and the calendar inside should have you planning for several road trips filled with fun, friends, and food so have a wonderful time, be safe, and let’s keep in touch.
Mona
Mona L. Hayden, Editor monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221
ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"
march
contents
ARTISTS & CRAFTSMEN 16
Telling Creole Stories with a Paint Brush by Barbara Sharik
BUSINESS REVIEW 11
19 20 21
22
In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington No, I’m Not Nostradamus Help Feed a Duck Guide! by Johnny Wink My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin The Lake’s Rising and All is Well! Going Native by Larry Brock On the Brink of Spring
FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 8
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Louisiana Nursery Festival
9
MONTHLY TIDBITS
3 Talkin’ It Up! 3 Accents Purple by Mary Logan Martin 5 The Art of Community by Su Stella 6 Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When 12-13 Spikey Adventures – A Faithful 13 18 21 21 22
Gardenia The Library Cat by Lora Peppers Louisiana in the Civil War: March 1862: Judah P. Benjamin, The Jewish Rebel by Terry L. Jones Abandoned School Properties by Lee Estes
HUMOR 5
Simple Rules for Living by Robert Lemoine
Companion by Deborah Burst March Calendar Louisiana Native Honored for Service Louisiana Lagniappe Answers Backtalk
RECIPES
HISTORICAL 4 6
19
Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik Midnight at the Oasis All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson “Mama’s New Gig – Extreme Vacuuming”
INSPIRATIONAL
Obesity in Dogs
DELTA OUTDOORS 12
15
A Life of Trial…and Error by Dennis Stewart The Way It Could Have Been
Recipes by Stacy Thornton
ROAD TRIPS 10 14 17 18 20
Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer Cowboy Up in Canada! Main Streets of Louisiana Beds & Beignets by Mary White Sitting Shotgun on a Trip Through Sorrento Reily Shares God’s Gifts Tarzan Swings Again in Louisiana
Accents Purple By Mary Logan Martin “Why is he so purple?” I asked the doctor a moment after my son was born. Purple Heart. Purple hull peas. Purple mountains majesty. Purple dye was expensive in ancient times so the color became a symbol for wealth and royalty. I didn’t know that in the fourth grade when my grandmother sent me off to school draped in an old purple shawl. She did not realize my protests stemmed from mortification. Her job was to look
after my physical comfort, and this she did with an unwavering passion. Delilah fed purple grapes to the unsuspecting Samson. No, that was Hedi Lamar and Victor Mature. I dropped the shawl out by the swings, much preferring the purpletinged goose bumps to the undesirable garment. But alas, a dedicated teacher found it and faithfully searched from classroom to classroom for the owner. “That’s Mary’s,” some traitor said. The Louisiana Road Trips
dedicated teacher smiled, happy to have helped a child. Humiliation is purple. I did not want to be different! Clusters of purple blossoms hung from the wisteria vine over my grandmother’s front door. Purple irises encircled her yard. “You need to cross Iris Street,” I directed my two companions as we drove to our luncheon destination in Boulder, Colorado. Their laughter filled the car, bouncing off the windshield, swirling around my
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ears. “I-i-i-iris Street,” one of them tried to duplicate my pronunciation, but her own giggling interfered. At the Boulder Mall, I passed a chic boutique. The window mannequin wore the purple shawl. For just thirty dollars I could drape my shoulders in the same purple sexiness I had once discarded by the school swings. I don’t mind being different now. I bought the shawl and thought of my grandmother. Purple is a royal color!
Gardenia The Library Cat
PUBLISHER LRT Publications
______________________
By Lora Peppers In this day and age, when so many are allergic to cats, library cats are a rare sight. Many years ago, rats were a problem in libraries so many libraries got a cat. Ouachita Parish was no exception. In the early 1950s, Library Director Frances Flanders had a rat problem. The rats were eating away at the magazine collection. A library patron named Faith Johnson heard about this and gave the library a female kitten, pure white with “pinkish ears”. The Librarians fell instantly in love with her. The newest staff member was dubbed “Gardenia” after a cat in a book one of the Librarians had read. Gardenia earned her keep. The rat problem was soon taken care of!
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Gardenia grew into a sociable animal. Patrons sitting down would most likely find a lap full of cat! She would allow the children to carry her around without a murmur of protest. She loved educational films and would sit quietly with the children and watch. Patrons loved her and one even wrote a poem about her which appeared in Cats Magazine. Gardenia would not eat alone. Ms. Flanders tried to feed her on the front steps, but she wouldn’t touch her food without someone there. Ms. Flanders soon learned to eat her lunches with Gardenia in her library office. One of Gardenia’s favorite foods was cottage cheese. She demanded her share of any that came in the building. As well as being social, Gardenia was a very curious cat. When books or any new object arrived, she would sit on them until her curiosity was satisfied! When the new copier came in, Gardenia made herself comfortable and began using it as her bed at night! Gardenia’s official cat door was the book slot in the front door. The library had a film crew come in 1952 to document the branches of the library and while filming at the main branch on Jackson Street, Gardenia jumped out of the book slot! The filmmaker decided to use the shot and it became the opening of the film. One of the local newspapers wrote a feature article about Gardenia in 1957, with pictures. It caught national attention. Three months later, Gardenia was awarded The Puss’n Boots Bronze Award Citation for “…outstanding custodianship”. Ms. Flanders displayed it proudly next to the prestigious John Cotton Dana and Modisette Awards the library had won. Spring 1959 came and a new main library was opened on 18th Street. It was feared that Gardenia would not take the change well as she never ventured more than a half block from the Jackson Street location and hated cars. After the staff moved her and opened her cage, Gardenia explored her new kingdom and found it worthy. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. As the years wore on, Gardenia went into semi-retirement. She spent most of her days in the filing room on a white satin pillow. She still loved the kids and would make her appearances every now and again. Unfortunately, on June 12, 1963, Gardenia passed away from illness. It is not known where she was buried. All that remains of Gardenia’s memory are a few yellowed newspaper clippings, her brief image on film and her framed award which can be found in the library’s Special Collections Louisiana Road Trips
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Mona L. Hayden
monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221
OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL Debbie Hamilton Pope June 14, 1952-August 24, 2008 Louisiana Road Trips magazine is published monthly to promote, inform, and entertain the residents of Louisiana. It is distributed FREE; however, home delivery is available. This magazine will reach approximately 61,000 individuals. Submission of articles and photos are always welcome but may be limited to availability of space and edited for content. Copyright 2012 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material appearing within this publication is prohibited without written permission of the Publishers. The opinions expressed in Louisiana Road Trips magazine are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. “Louisiana Road Trips” magazine retains the right to refuse any advertisement.
ROAD TRIPS P. O. Box 2452 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 547-1221
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Department. Local Baby Boomers and those of the Greatest Generation however, will never forget the little white cat that brought such joy to library patrons in Ouachita Parish. Lora Peppers, a Monroe native, grew up in Bastrop and graduated from ULM. Her love of history dates back to childhood when one of her favorite activities was visiting local cemeteries to examine headstones. She also loves to travel, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being her favorite place on Earth. Her job as a genealogist and historian has given her the opportunity to lead many lectures and author several books. She can be reached by e-mail at loradpeppers@hotmail.com.
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A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR
By Dennis Stewart
The Way It Could Have Been John was speeding down old Highway 80, late for work at his job in Rayville as Hearing Officer for Franklin, Richland and West Carroll Parishes. The 18 wheeler swerved into his lane and John's 59 years on this earth came to an abrupt halt. When he woke up, there was a woman in bed next to him. She opened her eyes, looked at him and smiled. That eliminated all of his ex-wives. Then he recognized her. It was Dee! Pretty and thin, smart and kind, Dee was the green-eyed pharmacist who had briefly come into his life in his mid-20's, a time when he was suffering his first failures. Back then, she had comforted him, and for a precious few moments he had looked into the eyes of the Perfect Woman. She had become the yardstick against which all women later would be measured. Few had come close. But now here she was – in his bed! He could not believe his good fortune. Dee held him and told him how lucky she was to be his wife, and what a great lover and provider he was. John got out of bed, went to his closet and found all his clothes were the wrong size. The khakis were size 32 and he wore a 42. Miraculously, they fit!
John walked down the hall, through the living room and his trophy room. What were all these African trophies doing here? The mounted kudu, the hartebeest, the wildebeest, the warthog, the impala, and the zebra. And there he was, posing as the hunter in the hero photos. He couldn't remember even going on an African safari, although he had always dreamed of it. John went to work, stopping at the post office to get his mail. There was a letter from the judges, his bosses, recognizing and appreciating the job he was doing as the Hearing Officer. Then there was a letter from the IRS. Oh no, not another tax lien, he groaned. Seems the IRS had a mistake and he had a $5,000 tax refund on the way! There was a letter from the Louisiana Supreme Court. Oh no, not another reversal, he groaned. Instead, the Supreme Court said they were not only affirming his decision in a recent case, but they were also adopting his well-written opinion as their own reasons for judgment. When he got to the office, he learned that all of his Hearing Officer Conferences had been cancelled for the day due to illness of the lawyers. He sneaked out of the office and went to the movies at Tinseltown in West Monroe. That night was Wednesday night prayer meeting at the Baptist church. John was amazed to see that Dr. Uth was the guest preacher! Dr. Uth
When he woke up, there was a woman in bed next to him.
had been called by the Lord to leave northeast Louisiana and preach instead at the Disneyland Baptist Church. He was John's favorite preacher ever. When the sermon was over, John went upfront to speak to Dr. Uth. John said, "This has been the most wonderful day of my life, preacher!" Dr. Uth looked at John sadly. "I'm sorry to tell you this, John, but you were killed yesterday in a car accident." John stammered, "You mean I am in heaven?" "No, John," said Dr. Uth. "You remember how you were baptized twice before you were 12 years old, and you spent the next 47 years wondering if you should do it a third time? Well, in your case, the third time would have done it for you." "You mean this is hell?" John asked. "I'm afraid so, John. Your particular hell is to spend eternity being reminded every day of the way your life could have been." John's mind went black. He opened his eyes. Dee was lying next to him. John screamed. Dennis Stewart grew up in northeast Louisiana, graduated from La Tech and LSU Law School. After having taught law at ULM and working as an Assistant District Attorney, Dennis is now a Hearing Officer in Rayville. He loves to hunt, fish, read, write, and shop on eBay.
The Art of Community By Su Stella
‘We seek to exemplify God's love by helping persons in our community discover and develop their God-given talents and gifts through the transforming power of the Arts.’ Even as a kid I have never been a church person. Growing up, the beautiful cathedral was off limits (renovations) and services were held in an ugly baby blue boring auditorium with scratchy seats and acoustics so bad that I could never understand a word being said. My Dad would even treat us to a pancake breakfast afterward but it wasn’t a good enough trade off for me. That being said, I am not endorsing any religion over another but want to share a church that brightens our Highland area in Shreveport. The Noel Methodist Church at 520 Herndon Street is more than just a church
as they really reach out. The Highland area is a mix of unique old homes, many split into rentals, and for years it was running down and becoming dangerous. Now artists, movie people and creative types are moving in and reclaiming the properties. The Noel is taking advantage of these talents by offering space for them to teach. In 2009, they started the Noel Community Arts Program offering classes in music and art for adults and kids, everything from guitar to pottery to painting for very reasonable fees to buy supplies and pay the teachers. Most of the teachers are working professional artists living in the Highland area. For a list of classes, visit www.noelarts.org. Noel also coordinates monthly art shows with Lilah’s Bakery at 440 Olive Street. The current show is “Sweets and Treats”. So while enjoying baked goods or a
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nice lunch, you can really experience some visual treats. Artists are invited to contact Erin Fort (318-573-5913) to share ideas for art shows and classes. Also, check the website for the exact springtime date for ‘Park It Market’, a combination giant flea market, art and snack sale! Some vendor booths may still be available. Of course, the church offers weekly worship services, Sunday school, and Bible study classes for folks of all ages. They have a food pantry, AA meetings and a variety of outreach programs. As with any non-profit organization they are seeking donations and have wish lists for supplies and instruments, so be generous and give because it is all tax deductible. You may want to visit their website for a complete list of events. Even if you live outside of Shreveport, you may find a reason to take a drive, make new friends and participate in the fun at Noel Methodist Church.
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Louisiana in the Civil War
March 1862: Judah P. Benjamin, The Jewish Rebel By Dr. Terry L. Jones
Louisiana’s Benjamin became a wealthy adopted son sugar planter, built Belle Chasse Judah Philip Plantation in Plaquemines Benjamin (1811-1884) has been described Parish, served in the state as the “Brains of the Confederacy.” His legislature, and in 1852 became biographer, Eli Evans, declared that the first known Jew to be “Benjamin achieved greater political elected to the U.S. Senate. The power than any other Jew in the following year, President nineteenth century -- perhaps even in all Millard Fillmore offered him an American history.” appointment to the Supreme Judah P. Benjamin Born in St. Croix, the Virgin Islands, (Library of Congress) Court. Benjamin declined, but Benjamin was the most prominent it was the first time a Jew had Confederate cabinet member and the only Jew been offered a Supreme Court seat. to hold a high position in either the Union or Jefferson Davis was among Benjamin’s Confederate government. After his British Senate colleagues, and Benjamin once parents moved to the U.S., Benjamin grew up challenged him to a duel when he believed in Charleston, South Carolina, and entered Davis had made insulting remarks about his Yale University at age fourteen. Dropping out character. The duel was called off when Davis of college, he moved to New Orleans in 1832 apologized, and the two men went on to and became a law partner with influential become good friends. When Davis became Louisiana politician John Slidell. While in the president of the Confederacy, he appointed Crescent City, Benjamin married Natalie St. Benjamin attorney general and absolutely Martin, a member of a prominent Creole trusted his judgment in all matters. In turn, Catholic family, but the marriage was not a Benjamin gave Davis his unwavering loyalty. happy one. After giving birth to a daughter, Within a year, the president made Benjamin Natalie moved to Paris. She remained there secretary of war even though he had no for nearly all of their fifty-plus years of military experience. marriage with Benjamin making annual visits. Despite having Davis's trust, Benjamin was unpopular in some circles. One Richmond newspaper referred to him as “a foreigner and a Jew,” and former Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise claimed he “had more brains and less heart than any other 1. Louisiana was named in honor of civil leader in the South.” Wise’s dim view who? 2. Louisiana’s political subdivisions are of Benjamin was probably the result of the called what? Confederate defeat at Roanoke, North 3. One of the world’s longest Carolina, where Wise commanded troops and bridges over water, 24 miles his son was killed in battle. When the enemy long, crosses what water? 4. St. Marin Parish is home to threatened Roanoke, Wise and other the world’s largest commanders called on Benjamin for freshwater river basin. reinforcements, but none was sent and Name it. 5. Breaux Bridge is politicians roundly known as what? criticized Benjamin for 6. Between April 17, 1862 and May 18, his inaction. It was 1864, how many major Civil War battles and engagements were fought on Louisiana soil? not until many 7. In 1803, the U.S. paid France how much years after the for the Louisiana Territory war ended that 8. What is the meaning of Bayou? the reason for 9. Who was Louisiana's first territorial governor? Benjamin’s lack of 10. Incorporated in 1813 under the Lawrason action was Act, what is the second oldest town in revealed. There LA? Answers on next page 21 simply were no additional CORRECTION: troops or Several readers have confirmed that the first escalator in NE LA was not in Pecanland Mall but in THE PALACE department store in downtown Monroe.
ouisiana Remember When . . .
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weapons available to send to Roanoke. Benjamin resigned as secretary of war in March 1862 after many people blamed him for the defeat at Roanoke and other places. Secretary of State Robert M. T. Hunter resigned at the same time so on March 18 Davis appointed Benjamin to fill the vacancy. The decision angered many politicians, and some began referring to Benjamin as Davis’s “pet Jew.” As secretary of state, Benjamin realized that slavery was an impediment to gaining foreign recognition and supported emancipation and enlisting slaves into the army to show the world that the war was about Southern independence and not slavery. With Davis's reluctant permission, Benjamin sent an envoy to Europe to seek recognition in return for freeing the slaves but it was too late to do any good. Benjamin was a brilliant cabinet member who directed three different departments, but many people disliked him because of his Jewish heritage and a perpetual smile that made him seem flippant and unconcerned. He also clashed with such professional soldiers as Stonewall Jackson and P. G. T. Beauregard, who resented taking orders from someone with no military experience. But Benjamin never complained. One observer wrote, “[H]e bore the universal attack with admirable good nature and sang froid . . . . to all appearances, equally secure in his own views and indifferent to public odium, he passed from reverse to reverse with perfectly bland manner and unwearying courtesy.” Benjamin took the criticism in stride and claimed it was “wrong and useless to disturb oneself and thus weaken one’s energy to bear what was foreordained.” The Lincoln assassination greatly distressed Benjamin because he had prior dealings with some of the conspirators. Fearing arrest, he escaped capture after the Confederate surrender and fled to Great Britain. There he became a wealthy barrister, never to return to the U.S. Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published six books on the American Civil War.
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Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Since 1972, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has been attracting both young and old to its annual celebration of this legendary delicacy – the plump, juicy, sweetness of a good ole ripe Ponchatoula Strawberry. This festival has grown from a local block fair to a regional mustdo, must-see, so popular that organizers estimate approximately 300,000 visitors attended the 2010 festival and with comparable numbers in 2011. Ponchatoula is the “Strawberry Capital of the World”. Their delicious strawberries are available from February to May and sometimes later. In 2001 the Louisiana Legislature selected the strawberry as the state fruit. The Annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is held the second weekend of April every year and is the second largest festival in the state. The event, which begins Friday night and runs through Sunday, offers many attractions that include bands, midway rides, strawberry eating contests, sack races and egg toss, dozens of food booths, Strawberry Royalty, a parade and many more treats. Speaking of strawberry treats, there is strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies, chocolate-covered strawberries, fried strawberries, strawberry beignets and even strawberry snowballs and ice cream. Visitors pump about $33 million into the local economyyet it still delivers an intimate, small-town experience. Although the festival fills almost eight city blocks, it is centered in a park at 310 N. Sixth St. "This year, especially, we would like to remind everyone that even though the whole town joins in on the celebration, the REAL Strawberry Festival grounds are in the Memorial Park which is two blocks off the main street through town,” said Susan Johnson, Festival Board member. “No food item found on the Memorial Park grounds is priced over $10. And all booths on the Festival grounds are run by non-profit clubs, schools and community service organizations. These organizations depend on the income derived from the annual festival to run their service programs throughout the year,” she continued. “And besides, the REAL Strawberry Festival grounds is where all the FUN happens!” Roadside stands sell flats of these delicious locally grown berries, some sold as far north as Tennessee along the I-55 interstate exits and along Hwy 51. Late March through early April is the peak harvest time for Ponchatoula strawberries, with just the right mix of cool nights and warm days to bring the fruit to juicy ripeness. “This year, though,” board member Johnson said, “we even had some sweet berries in January!” Be sure to come out for the big parade on Saturday morning. It usually offers a surprise or two. And admission is free! Find more information at lastrawberryfestival.com.
For effective, low-cost advertising, call
Mona L. Hayden (318) 547-1221 Louisiana Road Trips
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Louisiana Nursery Festival The Louisiana Nursery Festival is the annual marking of the arrival of spring for Central Louisiana as over 240 nurseries in Forest Hill show off their beautiful plants and flowers. As the days turn warmer, gardeners get the fever to start working outdoors. This is an excellent time for homeowners and garden enthusiasts to ask questions, get ideas and shop for spring planting. Local nurseries will offer a variety of plants for sale and gardening tips on their care. Select from a vast array of beautiful healthy plants, shrubs, and trees, most abundant with blooms, available in various sizes. Don’t forget bedding plants for color in your garden all summer long. Over 120 vendor booths will have handmade crafts and other wares, porch swings and chairs, yard art, all different styles and sizes of birdhouses, squirrel feeders, wind chimes, pottery, and the popular bottle tree for sale. Jewelry, tshirts, purses, baby bonnets, hair bows, jellies and even fishing supplies line the aisles. Enjoy food booths that will be cooking items to tantalize your taste buds such as chicken, shrimp, and pork on a stick, po-boys, turkey logs, corn dogs, nachos, blooming onions, hamburgers, seafood, Chinese cuisine, and snow cones. Be sure and stop by the firemen’s booth and refresh yourself with a cold Coke and a funnel cake. While you’re shopping, the kids will enjoy the midway rides. The ferris wheel can be seen as you come down the highway and the screams from the kids lead the way. There are rides suitable for kids of all ages and for the young at heart. A featured attraction this year will be a personal appearance by “Gator Queen Liz Cavalier” from the History channel Swamp People signing autographs on Saturday from 12 – 4pm.
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Abandoned School Properties A Travesty in Educational Management
By Lee Estes Ordinarily I avoid editorializing in my contributions to Louisiana Road Trips and heaven forbid I allow my musings to degenerate into the realm of political endorsement. However, for a few paragraphs, I beg your indulgence concerning the numerous school properties which have been abandoned in Northeast Louisiana with no apparent concern for their future. The local school boards just walk away, often without even removing the furnishings, and leave them to the elements and vandalism. Perhaps there should be a law demanding school officials have a disposal plan in place before they can break ground on a new facility. Granted, school buildings get old and there are concerns about maintenance, air conditioning, and crowding, but many of the abandoned buildings I find and photograph probably have better structural integrity than their replacements. How many recently constructed schools will last three quarters of a century? How many new schools have any noteworthy esthetic architectural endowments? If you want to know where these abandoned properties are, here is a short list confined to Northeast Louisiana. Pioneer, Tallulah, Waterproof, Baskin, Mer Rouge, Collinston, Waverly, Linville, Warsaw, Lisbon, Eros, and Thomastown. There are some noteworthy exceptions: In Monroe, the old Ouachita Parish High School, abandoned in the mid 1950's and left to deteriorate for 30 years (talk about structural integrity, I can't imagine anything built since World War II withstanding 30 years of neglect) was recovered by Monroe Housing Authority and converted to comfortable retiree housing. The same thing is happening in Bastrop. Inside Thomastown School, Madison Parish. Recently, after many years of
haggling, Georgia Tucker School in Monroe has been purchased by an organization with the intent of restoration and conversion to living quarters. Any abandoned school becomes a target for vandalism. Perhaps the worst I found occurred at Log Town near the Ouachita River south of Monroe. It was so badly desecrated by squatters, drug users, and others, that school officials finally demolished the remains and cleared the land. Surprisingly, the building housing a one room school Log Town replaced still stands in the vicinity. At Linville, I took a picture through the broken window of what had been the library. Books were still there, some on shelves, many on the floor. At Thomastown, a look inside found desks and chairs still inside among papers and flotsam. Most disgusting of all was a broken trophy a student at Thomastown had been awarded at some time or other lying discarded in front of the heavily vandalized building. I also heard that some students at Thomastown simply quit attending rather than go to another school. One of the recently abandoned properties is Tallulah High School. Here school officials made an attempt to thwart vandalism by covering the lower windows with plywood. This did little to stop rocks being thrown through the upper panes. When I first saw Pioneer High School about fifteen years ago, I was appalled that such a complex could be abandoned and left to suffer the consequences. A complete facility, well constructed and designed with several buildings housing gymnasium and class rooms. One lintel is dated 1940 and I'm sure Pioneer was the pride of West Carroll Parish when new. Today, it stands as mute testimony to the disregard many elected officials have for historic property. I would be the first to respect the difficulty school boards have trying to provide our children with a quality education. Budgets, good teachers, wise administrators, and buildings are all valid concerns, not to mention the ever present meddling of the Justice Department. It is a difficult and thankless job but I wish better stewardship regarding unused property could be practiced. Lee Estes, a Kentucky native, migrated to Louisiana in 1956 with his wife, Lottie. He worked in aviation then with A&LM Railway. He began making photographs in Europe after WWII and ranked among the leading monochrome exhibition photographers in the U.S. during the 80’s. His extensive travels included leading tours across the globe. Lee has authored three photo/documentary books and is currently involved with the documentation of The Dixie Overland Highway (US80) in Louisiana, funded by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
Georgia Tucker School, Monroe
Trophy lying in front of Thomastown School, Madison Parish.
Library at abandoned Linville School. Union Parish.
Eros School. Jackson Parish.
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TRAVEL ADVENTURE
By Dianne Newcomer
Cowboy Up in Canada! So, I hear you have a hankering to saddle up and head west this summer. Can‘t say I blame you for that. Why, just thinking about all those beautiful mountains and wide open spaces puts a giddy up in my step, but hold on partner. Before you go and get all fired up, maybe you need to mosey on over to Monroe Travel Service and let’s sit a spell, ’cause, if you love everything western, we need to talk about the Calgary Stampede. For 10 days during the second week of July, the city of Calgary (the 4th largest city in Canada) pays tribute to the cowboy. Last year, over one million people showed up for the celebration, and because tickets to the “greatest outdoor show in the world” just went on sale, we need to make plans now! This year is the Stampede‘s 100th anniversary, so they expect a “hog-killing good time” as top cowboys and cowgirls from around the world test their skills for over $1,000,000 in prize money. Cowboys flock to the Stampede for the rodeo, chuck wagon races, horsemanship shows, obstacle races, horseback archery, and ag competition. A typical day at the Stampede usually involves heart-thumping rodeo action in the afternoon, dare-devil chuck wagon racing at night, and an evening of music and dancing at the Saddledome. Surrounded by a perimeter of beer and food stalls, three separate stages feature different artists each day and night. This summer’s headliner is Brad Paisley, but the Band Perry will be there, too. The Calgary Stampede is the perfect place to kick up your heels for a few days but as your travel agent, I have to be totally honest. In my opinion, the greatest outdoor show in the world is about an hour up the road in the majestic Canadian Rockies! So after all that partying, don’t miss the wonderful beauty and tranquility of
places like Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper nestled in those amazing mountains. Every good cowboy knows you will never break a horse if you stay sittin‘ on the fence. At Monroe Travel Service, we sell trips into every corner of Canada, from train rides to self-drives! Yet, the most popular trip always seems to be the one where someone else does all the work, from handling the luggage to arranging the tours. All you need to do is enjoy the ride. Here is a sample motorcoach trip that includes the Calgary Stampede and the awesome beauty of the Canadian Rockies: Day One ~ Arrival in Calgary - Upon arrival, transfer to the Delta Bow Valley Hotel and leisurely explore the city on your own. Days Two and Three ~ Enjoy the Calgary Stampede! Your package includes a 2-day admission to world-class rodeo action. You'll see the top professionals in the sport take on the west's wildest horses in the Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding events. On the second evening, nine chuckwagon races explode in an all-out dash for the finish in an exciting contest of nerves and horse power. Your Chuckwagon race ticket is also your ticket to the Greatest Outdoor Stage Spectacular where you will be entertained by singers, dancers, and musicians. Day Four ~ Time to hit the trail for the Mountains – Your tour into the Rockies starts with a motorcoach transfer to experience Banff on your own and stay overnight. Day Five ~ Explore beautiful Banff – A morning tour of Banff features highlights of the area and a ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for an excellent overview of the town and
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surrounding park. In the evening, enjoy "Banff Dine Around" that includes a wine tasting and dinner. Overnight in Banff. Day Six ~ From Banff to Jasper is spectacular – Depart on a full day tour to Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls and Jasper. En route, stop at Lake Louise and take a unique Ice Explorer ride up onto the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield. Overnight in Jasper. Day Seven ~ Enjoy Jasper – Your morning is free to explore the town and park while the afternoon offers a leisurely float trip down the Athabasca River through the National Park. Overnight in Jasper. Day Eight~ Jasper to lovely Lake Louise – After a free morning, transfer by express coach to Lake Louise for an overnight. Day Nine~ Lake Louise touring then onto Calgary – See Lake Louise and take a short walk, fish, hike, canoe or horseback ride on your own. In the afternoon, tour Yoho National Park to see Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and the natural rock bridge before you return to Calgary for an overnight. Day Ten ~ Depart Calgary Cost for 9-night Canadian Rockies Tour is $2675; 4-day/3-night Calgary Stampede Tour is $950. Rates are based on double occupancy and superior hotels; airfare not included. Why not combine the Calgary Stampede with a Canadian Rockies adventure? It would definitely be a wickedly wild and cool way to make some great memories this summer, but you have to call MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE--323 3465-- soon! It's time to cowboy up! After all, the best deals get roped up in a hurry.
Obesity in Dogs Between 25 and 40 percent of dogs are considered obese or are likely to become obese. Overweight dogs may experience difficulty breathing or walking or may be unable to tolerate heat or exercise. Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine overall health and provide recommendations for weight loss. Routine blood work and urinalysis are necessary to determine if there is an underlying disease before starting a weight loss program. Assessment of your dog's current daily intake of all food, treats, snacks, table foods and exercise schedule is also important. Lower your dog's daily caloric intake by changing to a diet food product or the amount fed daily as well as increase exercise activity. Weight loss should be a family effort with all members involved. It may be helpful to maintain a log of intake (food and treats) and weight or let one person takes charge of feeding your dog. Louisiana Road Trips
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IN THE CR SSHAIRS
By Sonny Harrington
No, I’m Not Nostradamus If you read my last article detailing my past hunting from 40 years ago, I’ll now take you into the future – the next 40 years. The year is 2052, and you are the great grandfather or mother of today’s hunter. I know that things are constantly changing in wildlife; causes stem from habitat most of the time. The cutovers, agriculture, maybe even the weather patterns. I’ve noticed an influx of coyotes, bobcats, and foxes and figure it’s because of our surge in corn crops. More corn means more mice, more mice equals more varmints. Weather patterns sometime change things, jet streams aloft. El Nino (or whatever you call it…bad timing is what I call it), or the flood of 2011. Back to 2052, for starters I predict we will be overrun with hogs and bears. A sow pig can reproduce at age six months so do the multiplication. If we could cross breed them with Lemmings, they’d jump off a cliff every so often and solve the problem. Bears have been protected so long they’ll become a major nuisance. Do we really want this? Was there a reason why our grandfathers almost eradicated them to start with? Those boys in Yellowstone have reintroduced the wolf. Ask them how that’s working out now. Better yet, have you heard the story of the town hall
meeting in regards to the wolf? After much debate, PETA shows up and advise the council that they will come in and humanly trap the wolves, have them neutered, then release them back into the wild, thus restoring the balance of nature. An old sheep farmer stands up and says, “I don’t think you understand the problem, wolves ain’t breeding my sheep, they’re eatin em.” (I cleaned that up best as I could.) As a kid hunting in the eastern LA parishes along the Mississippi River, I never saw beaver or alligator. Twenty years ago I had a nuisance problem with beavers doing thousands of dollars in timber damage. I’m guessing the alligators stepped in to have lunch. There’s plenty of gator for the Swamp People now. Of course there is that economic factor I need to mention – trapping. Low prices on furs and hides equal influx on the critters providing them. Coon, nutria, and opossum, we used to make pretty good extra money off them but it finally got to be not worth it. A kid today wouldn’t even think of leaving his comfy couch or iPhone to go run his trap line before school. If the weather pattern changed for a few years, meaning it doesn’t get cold enough for ducks to fly all the way down south, or if the government decides to leave some agricultural fields open up north and the ducks don’t migrate down because they don’t want to leave the food, folks will quit hunting them and soon a generation is raised with no knowledge of how to blow a call or set out a spread of decoys. For example, look at the
“I don’t think you understand the problem, wolves ain’t breeding my sheep, they’re eatin em.”
goose population. Blues and Snows by the millions, eventually botulism or some other disease will solve the problem. Deer Hunting 2052: You go to your luxurious stand with your 40-watt laser ray gun. Your stand is the environmentally controlled model with the solar panels and mirrored stealth camouflage, virtually invisible. The food you’ve had out for the deer has computer tracking devices implanted inside it so you know where they all are. You turn on the thermal imaging unit so none of them slip up on you. You set your gun for stun today because you’re vegetarian anyway. A nice 20x20 double drop tine 378pt.Boone and Crockett steps out. He’s just two and a half years old according to the computer scanned chip but you stun him anyway. Take a picture of you and your trophy and send to all your friends, immediately you’re done. Deer gets up and walks away wondering, “What was that flash all about?” The pamphlet of rules and regulations 40 years ago was one page all folded up but it’s grown into a small book today. Wonder if you’ll have the time to read it all before the season in 2052. Could be that no one will be hunting. We don’t hunt for food, we hunt for therapy. You can hunt deer on a computer, you just don’t get that cold feeling or any recoil. Remember, those biologist and wildlife agents have their work cut out for them. Be supportive and take a kid hunting and fishing. Also, please save this article and read it 40 years from now and see how close I am. Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He is also an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & Pistol Instructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico.
Spikey Adventures – A Faithful Companion Spikey nurses his injured family member until help arrives By Deborah Burst He was a real head turner that Spikey Burst, blonde mane with red highlights and a heart of gold. I always say his love for people was the retriever side and his mischievous ways…definitely the chow. Last month we featured a story that resembled a Bengi movie and this month, well, it’s more of a Lassie tale. A four-month old retriever/chow puppy, Spikey became a member of our family in April 1997. He was a drop-off at a vet, and they were very eager to find him a home. We knew he would
be a handful from the first moment we held him. Spikey ruled a thirty-acre kingdom of woods, wildlife and people. Even though we only lived on six acres, he traveled the gravel road visiting neighbors and spent a good amount of time with my in-laws, Walter and Hazel Burst, who lived on our road. They called it Spikey daycare. He and my father-in-law were best buddies, and Spikey never left Walter’s side. Hazel often watched the Spikey antics out the window. “When Walter weeded the garden Spikey chased after every batch of weeds Walter would through away,” she said laughing. Walter and Spikey both loved the outdoors. In between Louisiana Road Trips
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the hammering and painting, they would take a nap, Walter on the garden swing and Spikey at his feet. In his 70s, Walter was forbidden to climb ladders until one fine day he and Spikey decided to break the rules. They waited until Hazel went on her weekly hair appointment and errand run. Spikey followed Walter to the shed and watched him lug the heavy extension ladder to the driveway. Walter braced the ladder against the second
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Calendar of Events
March 2012
March 3
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Great Gator Race New Iberia – 337-367-3277
Shadows Arts & Crafts Festival New Iberia – 877-200-4924
March 9-11
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Sicilian Heritage Festival Independence – 985-878-2086
March 10
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Assemblee De La Marine Natchitoches – 888-677-7853 Tickfaw Arts & Crafts Fair Springfield – 225-294-2218
March 10-11
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Frisco Fest Garyville – 985-535-2341
March 16-17
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Rabbit Festival Iowa – 337-582-3044
March 16-18
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Audubon Pilgrimage St. Francisville – 225-635-6330 Strawberry Jam & Toast Ponchatoula – 985-350-1146 Swamp Stomp Festival Thibodaux – 985-448-4633 Louisiana Nursery Festival Forest Hill – 318-748-6300
Chanel Spring Festival Paulina – 225-869-5778
March 27
Bluegrass Festival Oak Grove – 318-428-5282
Que’in on the Red Alexandria – 318-449-5225
March 17
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La Redbud Festival Vivian – 903-796-4781
March 29 – April 1
Czech Heritage Day Libuse – 318-445-4965
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March 18
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Crawfish Festival Chalmette – 504-329-6411
March 23-25
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Cypress Sawmill Festival Patterson – 800-256-2931 Kite Festival Port Allen – 800-654-9701
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Slabtown Festival Ringgold – 318-894-4690
Battle Port Hudson Reenactment Zachery – 888-677-3400
Southdown Marketplace Houma – 985-851-0154
Oak Alley Arts & Crafts Festival Vacherie – 800-442-5539
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World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-Off Eunice – 337-457-7389
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Merryville Heritage Festival Merryville – 337-825-8118
March 31
Smokin Blues & BBQ Challenge Hammond – 985-419-9863
March 25
Soul Festival New Orleans – 504-581-4629
March 30 – April 1
Chef Soiree Covington – 985-893-2570
March 23-24
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March 30-31
Earth Fest – Audubon Zoo New Orleans – 504-581-4629
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Family Fun Festival Larose – 985-693-7355
March 30
March 17-18
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March 31-April 1
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Old Algiers River Fest New Orleans – 504-528-4341
Spikey Adventures continued story roof line, bent town to pet Spikey and climbed the ladder with a can of white paint. At the top, he dipped his brush into the can and slapped the paint on the soffit. In one split second, his foot slipped and Walter tumbled 20 feet to the ground hitting the gravel driveway. He lay unconscious with no one home except his faithful pup Spikey. Just like a scene from Lassie, Spikey’s canine instincts went into action. He licked Walter’s face but nothing happened. He then tried his low throaty barks, “Aruf, Aruf, Arrrruff.” Still nothing, Walter just lay there motionless. So Spikey nuzzled next to Walter keeping him warm and continued to lick his face on and off for two solid hours. Hazel drove up and saw Walter lying on the gravel. “I couldn’t imagine why he was on the ground and then I saw Spikey lying next to
him,” she said noting the paint splattered everywhere. She cupped her hands around his face, “Walter what happened, wake up, wake up.” Walter opened his eyes and said in a groggy voice, “I fell off the ladder, I can’t, can’t feel my legs, I can’t move.” “I thought he was paralyzed,” Hazel said. The firemen were the first on the scene and immediately called the paramedics. But when the paramedics arrived, Spikey went into defense mode. “There was no way he was going to let those paramedics near Walter,” Hazel said. “He was really barking and they were afraid to move closer.” The paramedics slipped back into the truck so Hazel could coax Spikey inside the house. When they examined Walter they said he was in shock and Spikey helped keep him alive with the body heat and constant licking. Walter
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suffered a broken pelvic bone but healed nicely. The ladders were taken away and Spikey given many treats for his bravery. “All I can remember is lying on the ground and waking up when Spikey would lick me in the face,” Walter said. “Then I would fall asleep again and feel his warm body next to me.” Both our Walter and Spikey are gone now. I’m sure they have found each other near that rainbow bridge. Spikey lying at his feet while Walter hums his favorite tunes, both snoozing in the cool breeze. An award winning writer and photographer, Deb began her freelance writing career after earning a media degree at Tulane University. A New Orleans native, she now lives in the piney woods of Mandeville, Louisiana and shares her stories on a local, regional and national level. Writing is her therapy and she has dedicated her column to the adventures of Spikey, her canine confident. Visit www.debswriting.com for photos and features.
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Main Streets of Louisiana In this, Louisiana’s bicentennial year, UL Press releases MAIN STREETS OF LOUISIANA, celebrating some of the state’s most historic and picturesque downtown areas, the 33 communities participating in state and national Main Street programs designed to restore and rehabilitate deteriorating central commercial corridors. From Abbeville to Winnsboro, Louisiana’s Main Street communities are all so different—the earliest established along the rivers and navigable bayous, the railroad communities stitched together by tracks laid across the treeless prairies, the commercial corridors of parish seats circling courthouses--and yet all of them are passionate about restoring the historic downtowns that were and are the hearts and souls of their communities, proving that preservation and progress can—indeed must–stroll hand in hand without trampling each other. Some of these local communities have been so successful in restoring economic viability to their historic downtowns that they have received national recognition for their efforts. Author Anne Butler has a passion for preserving Louisiana’s unique and fragile history and culture in print, a passion matched by that of photographer Henry Cancienne’s determination to preserve our vanishing landscapes and vintage structures in images. The two have collaborated on several books, most recently LA 1, celebrating Louisiana’s first interstate roadway, a book that in a single year went into three printings. Butler lives in St. Francisville, where she writes and runs a Bed & Breakfast on her family plantation, Main Street - Columbia Butler Greenwood Plantation. Cancienne is from Lockport in south Louisiana’s bayou country and is an Air Force vet who has retired from several careers, as a longtime teacher and chemist in the oil industry. Main Street - Minden MAIN STREETS OF LOUISIANA, with wonderful full-color images of every community, is available in bookstores and other local outlets, as well as from UL Press, Box 40831, Lafayette, LA 70504; telephone Main Street - Natchitoches 337-482-1163, online www.ulpress.org. Cost of the hardback book is $35. The author and photographer will be appearing across the state at numerous book signings and lectures. Main Street - Winnsboro Louisiana Road Trips
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RUNNIN’ THE ROADS
By Barbara Sharik
Midnight at the Oasis It's hard to take a road trip when you've lost your car keys, which has gotten to be a bad habit. I suppose I can put it in the "habit" category when I've lost them four times. Once is an accident. Twice is verging on carelessness. Three times indicates a recalculation of how keys are handled on a daily basis. The fourth time? It may require a lanyard worn around my neck. I came close to having a lanyard after the third incident, but I took it as a joke and continued on my merry way. Twice I mislaid them on top of the car roof. Both times, friend Chuck was driving my car so I didn't miss them until I was back home and reached into my empty pocket. Both times, I was lucky to backtrack and find them where they'd been slung off the roof onto the berm: once between Walmart and Freds' in Bastrop and the second time, halfway down Kilbourne Highway in Jones. You don't even want to know why my keys were left atop my car; just be glad it wasn't a baby in a carrier. The third time I thought I'd slipped my keys into my coat pocket as I reached for the phone. Apparently, they missed, sliding down beside the seat. Because I called Chuck to rescue me at 9pm, the next day he dropped by and draped a chain with my spare key around my neck. I guess he didn't want to be
called after hours to come rescue me anymore. It could be worse. He could've safety pinned it to my sleeve like a latchkey kid. Because of that incident, as I was going to dinner with the girls, he jestingly asked if I had my keys around my neck. Me, being the smart aleck I am, retorted, "I'm parking my car in Mer Rouge and riding with Carolyn so you won't have so far to come if I mislay my keys." The very next day I was choking on my words. I lost my keys again. Either Chuck cursed me by teasing me about losing them or I'm just a ditzy blonde. Friday morning it was pouring down rain. I parked at the office, loaded my arms with February Louisiana Road Trips, slipped my purse over my shoulder, draped a carry-all bag with a book, my lunch and notary seal inside over my arm, opened the umbrella and scampered to the front door, missing rain puddles along the way. With a verbal, "Whew!" I began unloading. I set the umbrella down in a corner to drip dry. I plopped the magazines on the literature counter, set down my purse and bag, slipped off my raincoat and hung it in the closet. I put my lunch in the 'fridge, then spent most of the day writing checks, paying the town's bills; therefore, it wasn't until the end of the day that I missed my keys. Worse case scenario: They slipped from my overfull hands and somebody picked them up. I didn't sleep a wink that night. At 2:30am I was up checking to see if my car was still there. Most distressing was that I'd also lost Chuck's truck and house keys. I not only
It may require a lanyard worn around my neck.
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compromised myself but his wellbeing, also. Long story shorter, I returned to the office the next day to check the night deposit, hoping against hope someone had found them and dropped them in. Not so. Chief Cleveland had searched the office from one end to the other, as had Tammi, the mayor and I the afternoon before. Lee and I searched some more. Then Lee opened the closet and there hung my raincoat. Epiphany is the suitable word. I had one as I all but shouted, "Check the pocket!" Lee did, and pulled out my keys. The rain had stopped so I forgot my coat. Ostensibly, somebody blinked and let me foolishly lose my keys. Then they smiled and allowed me to miraculously find them again. Four times. Both Chuck and Dennis insist I never, ever again leave home without my keys hanging from a lanyard around my neck. Ah, the absurdities. When it’s midnight at the oasis, I vow to be less absentminded. When daylight comes, well, I seem to forget whatever I vowed the night before. Barbara Sharik makes her home at Wit's End in Jones, Louisiana with a couple old dogs, young dogs and several stupid dogs, a cat, a talking cockatiel and a white dove. She's active in civic affairs, serves as a Justice of the Peace, a Notary Public, is the Clerk for the Village of Bonita and a columnist for the Bastrop Daily Enterprise. She has authored several books. You can email Barbara at barbsharikvail@hotmail.com
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Telling Creole Stories with a Paint Brush
By Barbara Sharik When one door closes, another "I started using Facebook to market my opens––but only if you reach for the art because it was free, we were in a recession doorknob and give it a shove. That is and I had lost my job," Bryant explained, "I exactly what Bryant Benoit did when he recently hooked up a YouTube link but with an was laid off as a Commercial Construction added twist of Creole music to go with the Superintendent when the housing market Creole art." went down. That was 2 1/2 years ago. When Bryant burst on the scene with his The door Bryant opened was one he unique art, he found himself showing at several had never stepped through before. He events including Amazing Aspects of the Fleur started painting. Now, painting is like Des Lis, McKenna Museum in New Orleans, breathing for Bryant Benoit. April 2010 and Sugar Completely self-taught, Mill Pond Art Walk, moved by this love of music, Dec. 2011. He is he began to paint the stories making plans to his parents told him when he participate at the was growing up in Lafayette; Melrose Arts and bringing these Creole tales to Crafts Festival in life on canvas in brilliant April in Melrose, LA. colors. "I have come to understand that my art is like music," he said. "I feel the vibrations of the melody, and relate its words to events that happened, or are happening in my life. My art is vibrations of my thought process on canvas." Bryant sums up his newfound talent by simply The Hamilton Club saying, "I paint because my Lafayette, LA mind has something to say that my mouth cannot." Bryant also donated Typically, his work is done on 36x48his work to the Dallas inch canvas and canvas boards in acrylics Chapter of LSU Alumni as well as mixed media collages using annual family day silent paper or newspaper and acrylic. Bryant action, raising funds for does custom paintings upon request, and scholarships, and to St his work can currently be viewed by going Thomas Moore High to Benoit Gallery on Facebook. School Silent Art
Auction, raising funds for the school band. From a musical family, Bryant's latest challenge is learning to play the guitar in between painting. He has to do something while the paint dries. It takes about a week for one canvas to be finished, but Bryant generally has three or four paintings in the works simultaneously. He is a graduate of Acadiana High School and attended University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is married with one son and enjoys organic gardening. One of Louisiana's very talented artists, the work of Bryant Benoit can be purchased directly on the Facebook Benoit Gallery fan page by clicking on the Shop Now link. He can also be reached at benoitgallery@yahoo.com.
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BEDS & BEIGNETS
By Mary White
The Cajun Village Cottages—Sorrento, LA
Sitting Shotgun on a Trip Through Sorrento If you happen to be driving through Sorrento in the Ascension Parish and stop at 6486 Highway 22, you might think you stepped into a time warp; and, you wouldn’t be completely wrong. Greeting you will be eight long and narrow Acadian (another term for “Cajun”) -style structures featuring a single door, a window on the front and a small covered porch. These structures, known as shotgun houses, date back more than a century and were constructed to house workers in Baton Rouge. Today, they make up The Cajun Village Cottages (www.BnBFinder.com/CajunVillage). So, what exactly is a shotgun house? It’s a narrow, rectangular house no more than 12 feet wide with doors at each end. Rooms are arranged in a single row without hallways; the living room sits in the front while the kitchen and bedrooms can be found in the back. A long, pitched roof provides natural ventilation as does the long hallway which
funnels air through the house - one of the main reasons they’re found in hot, urban areas in the South. Some have been built on stilts to help prevent flooding. There are a few theories about where the term “shotgun house” came from. One says it’s derived from “shogun” which translates from an African dialect to mean “house of worship” while another points to the use of shotgun shell packing crates in the construction of the houses as the reason. The simplest explanation happens to be the most colorful: If all of the doors in the house were open and a shotgun was fired from one end, the bullet could travel straight through and exit out the other side! Al and Theresa Robert are proprietors of The Cajun Village Cottages and have a habit of saving valuable, historic Acadian buildings. Along with the Cottages, they found and refurbished the structures that make up the Cabin Restaurant in Burnside (a 180-year old former slave cabin) and the Cajun Village, a group of shops sitting across from the
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Cottages that were built inside Acadian houses and sell antiques, pottery, homemade candles and more. Al, who has a passion for creating businesses in these restored buildings, discovered the run down houses (originally ten buildings before two burnt down) in a section of Baton Rouge called Spanish Town. They were secured in 1997 and moved to their current home in Sorrento. “People thought Al was crazy for moving these old houses but it turned out to be a very good thing,” said Theresa. Each of the cottages features 10 foot ceilings, original pine flooring, front and back porches, early 20th century furnishings and clawfoot tubs with handheld showers. A complimentary breakfast is served next door at The Coffee House located in the Cajun Village. Guests can visit any number of the stately plantations in the area, brush up on local history at the River Road African American Museum or take in some shopping at the Greater Baton Rouge Flea Market. Mary White is the author of “Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies” and an avid B&B goer. She has stayed at bed and breakfasts all over the world and particularly loves the inns of Louisiana. In 1998, Mary founded BnBFinder.com, a top on-line bed and breakfast directory that lists thousands of B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels worldwide.
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Louisiana Native Honored for Service SMSgt. Von A. Fish of the 159th Fighter Wing (also known as the Bayou Militia), of Belle Chasse, Louisiana recently received the 2011 Chief National Guard Bureau Outstanding Achievement Award in Washington, D.C., presented by General Craig R. McKinley. Fish was selected from nominees in 50 states and three territories. Originally from Springhill, SMSgt. Fish was honored for his service before, during, and after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Gustav. During Hurricane Katrina, he was assigned in New Orleans and then to Zephyr Field where relief efforts were staged. During Hurricane Rita, he served as a Supervisor at the storm shelter in Bossier City. SMSgt. Fish was activated to go to GOHSEP (Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness) in Baton Rouge during Hurricane Gustav, then sent to assist in the B.P. Oil Spill. He was also requested for the Morgaza Spillway Openings. Fish says, “I was very honored to receive the award and the recognition as Louisiana is my home.” Along with his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Christopher and Rhiannon, LRT Magazine salutes SMSgt. Fish and his accomplishments.
Reily Shares God’s Gifts The last Friday of 2011 found a flurry of activity around Reily Memorial United Methodist Church in Collinston. Inside, ladies were taking down and packing up Christmas decorations. Outside, men were planting 2,000 tulip bulbs that had been refrigerated for several weeks to ensure a good show come mid-March. Yellow Monte Carlos and red Abbas will grab your attention as they zig-zag around the church, located at 4571 Keller Drive. Take a minute to relish in the smell of flowers as the honey-scented Monte Carlos add much to a warm Spring breeze. The picturesque setting is an inspiration for painters, photographers, and writers. One local painter has been seen with canvas and paints in hand, sitting on her stool. If you aren't artistic, just come enjoy the efforts of Reily Methodist Church's congregation. The tulips are just one of many ways this church gives back to the community.
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ALL THINGS SOUTHERN
By Shellie Tomlinson
"Mama's New Gig -- Extreme Vacuuming" Hello folks! It's good to see y'all. Make yourselves comfortable and let’s chat. ~smile~ With the economy on the skids, I’ve been casting about for money making ideas to supplement the family income, you know, beyond my work here at All Things Southern. I mean, there are only so many times I can work the title of my books into a porch chat regardless of how important it is to Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On and even though Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy!
All Things Southern “Bringing you the charm and heritage of the South…” ph 318-559-0319 • cell 319-282-2508 tomtom@allthingssouthern.com
By the way, I keep telling Beloved Hubby that we should just spend our way out of any financial stress, but he still isn't sold on that theory. I can't imagine why not. The Experts, term used lightly, think it's a fine idea. Oh, well, the right idea hasn’t hit me yet, but I remain convinced that there’s a creative product out there I can develop and sell to hunters. (I know this because my men pay good money for deer urine, fresh deer urine.) I’ve also considered hiring one of those screaming loud telemarketers from the shopping channel to come down here and hawk the products in my online store, but I’m afraid somebody in my immediate circle of family and friends would shoot him on the spot—with a tranquilizer gun, of course. No harm, no foul. Well, it pays to keep your ears open. I’ve just stumbled upon a most unusual sport that could hold the answer for my family: Extreme Ironing. These wrinkle hating competitors hold obsessive compulsive contests in remote locations all over the world. They say the sport
combines the thrill of extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a wellpressed shirt. No, we’re not joining ‘em. They sound a little shy of center. However, they’ve given me an idea and I’m gonna pitch it to the Home Improvement Channel. Ready for this?! Extreme Vacuuming! Yes, and Mama, of course, will be the contestant to beat. That last little surgery she had a while back has slowed her down some, but I feel good about our chances of getting her in tip top shape before the season opens. I’m telling you, she’s a natural. For heavens sakes, this is the same woman who once vacuumed her attic. Vaccumed. Her. Attic. Once she starts racking up the wins, I expect Electrolux to cough up big bucks to be her sponsor and we’ll be on our way. It’s just a matter of time before you see us on all the major networks—with our stomachs sucked in and our color on, naturally! ~Hugs, Shellie
Help Feed a Duck Guide! By Johnny Wink Well, hunting season is over and I ate my last frozen hamburger that I had wrapped up during hunting season. You see almost every night my hunters would grill enough food for themselves and me. That was great because I don’t cook, I just microwave frozen stuff and hope for the best. At my lodge, I have two ranges – one gas and one electric, in case we lose power, but I since don’t cook, they’re useless to me. I only have one oven because I unhooked the other one to have the 220 outlet for the hot tub. Priorities, you know. But two things I have to have are a working microwave and ketchup, lots of ketchup. I put ketchup on the expensive tv dinners that I microwave most everything else I eat. That explains why when I go to town, my first stop is always for some real food. I like plate lunches best of all. I remember my dad loving those and on vacation he would always try to find a place that served them. Now I look for those places, too. When I tell people what I eat after hunting season, they look at me like I’m crazy. But every now and then, someone will tell me about something good to microwave but I end up forgetting about it before I try it. I need to clean out my refrigerator, too. My cheese is blue and my milk is yellow. Even the cat doesn’t want any. And you don’t even want me to tell you what my mayo looks like! I’m using this month’s column to ask for some much needed help. If you know of a good dish I can buy or throw together to microwave that tastes great, then here’s your time to help out a single man that lives alone. I live in the country and it takes about 30 minutes to get to Wal-Mart or any place with gas and food (other than ducks
and geese) so if ya’ll want to clue me in on good microwaveable food, I’d be grateful! Nothing too big or complicated, just something I can blast for a few minutes and DING! Supper’s ready. Keep in mind that I’m a non-cooking duck guide that likes good tasting food that’s both good and bad for you! In the meantime, I’ll be dining on Dr. Pepper, sweet tea, ice cream cake, and ketchup. I put ketchup on everything – steaks, potatoes, Johnny’s pizza, eggs, bacon, and even grits. I use a lot of jelly, too. I really need your help so please take a minute and send me a good recipe or recommendation on a frozen dinner. Better yet, invite me over for a home cooked meal. And if you’re traveling near Jones, Louisiana with extra food, drop by Megabucks and I’ll pour us some tea with our meal. Me and my cat Tom Jones will even wash the dishes. I hope I don’t get in too much trouble for this but I have to ask. Do women still cook these days or eat every meal out? I just don’t know anymore. Well, I guess I’ll go see what’s in the freezer. I won’t turn on the light because I might not want to see what color the food is until right before I eat it. Wish I had a color chart that would tell me when things are bad. Working as a duck guide is great during the season when I eat really well but now I’m back to the old stale stuff. I could really use some help…
My cheese is blue and my milk is yellow.
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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE
By Pro Angler, Joe Joslin
The Lake’s Rising and All is Well! Dealing With Cold Weather – In my fishing career, I have fished a massive amount of time during the coldest days of the year, usually in December, January and February. Staying warm is normally not an issue for me, plus I have the best cold-weather gear on the market since it’s a necessity. However, through the years, I have observed physical symptoms in the winter which are not an issue during the warmer months, like a slight, dull headache, increased neck and leg cramps, and fatigue while fishing. Like most men do, I ignored it until the cramps got so bad they would wake me up numerous times at night. Once I had them in the boat so badly I could hardly move my neck for 30 minutes and had to sit till the muscle relaxed. I thought it was the cold weather but after ‘Goggling’ it, found a major cause of such cramps was dehydration. I wasn’t drinking much, if any, water while on the lake in the winter months but did have 2-3 mugs of coffee (5-6 cups) each morning and that much caffeine was not helping the dehydration issues. In my research, I also
found that it is very important to drink barely enough water to swallow a pill much water in the early part of the day and not less launch a boat most places. For months wait until your body is thirsty as it takes a we had the best boat launch on the entire lake while to catch up. in my back yard, Texas SRA #7 off Consumption of water also of Highway #255 just above the helps maintain energy, as dam. There was a time last Fall dehydration was causing my where only seven public boat dull headache. Case solved! launches were usable and most of Since I have greatly increased those were a challenge. Currently, my water intake during winter numerous launches are open and fishing trips, 90% of my cramps by publication we should be are gone, I have more energy looking at a 165' msl (or higher) and no dull headaches. One of reading. When you have been the doctors in this research study used to running the lake at 160', stated that possibly 75% of the then 165' is a cake walk!! And… population is under-hydrated the fishing the past several Toledo angler, Pat and he also stressed the months has been outstanding, as Peterman, with a big Rat- in fantastic! My guide bookings importance of L-Trap bass caught in Mill children getting are excellent for Spring and boat Creek. enough water as and vehicle traffic are noticeably they have minimum reserve. up over last Spring and Fall. Hopefully, the Now my boat cooler is usually worst is behind us. We have really been loaded with bottle water. getting some wet, slow-moving weather Toledo at highest level – systems that have been responsible for some My Favorite Fishing Hole substantial rainfall. Thank You, God! If you continues to make progress and is at the want a current Toledo fishing report, go to highest level in over a year. Although some our website www.joejoslinoutdoors.com. cold fronts are dry fronts, most this winter Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, have been rain producers and we are over 5 tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and feet up from the "bottom" level which was Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848, reached mid-November 2011 with a historic joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com, or low of 159.7 msl (mean seal level). That was www.joejoslinoutdoors.com. a tough pill to swallow. Actually, there was
Since I have greatly increased my water intake during winter fishing trips, 90% of my cramps are gone.
Tarzan Swings Again in Louisiana Believe it or not, Tarzan turns 100 years old this year. In August of 1917 an eclectic band of filmmakers, actors and circus acrobats fought malaria, unbearable heat and the swamp of the Louisiana Atchafalaya River Basin to bring to the silver screen the best-selling book Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It was an instant hit with audiences, considered one of the top six motion pictures of the silent era, and one of the first 10 films to earn over one million dollars at the box office. The film was shot in Morgan City, Louisiana. The character of Tarzan turns 100 years old this year. In celebration of that milestone, Bossier City’s Al Bohl and his daughter, filmmaker Allison Bohl now of Lafayette, have teamed up to produce a featurelength documentary entitled, “Tarzan: Lord of the Louisiana Jungle.” “My interest was first peaked when I was told many years ago that after making the movie the monkeys and apes refused to get back in the cages so they left them,” said Bohl. “After research, I found out that the making of the film was as amazing as the movie itself.” Over a period of four years, Al and his daughter combed through hundreds New film documents Louisiana’s first blockbuster of photos and documents and videotaped up to seventy hours of production, 1918’s “Tarzan interviews and locations. They of the Apes.” interviewed scholars, authors, historians, Louisiana Road Trips
fans, experts in merchandise, actors, an expert in primates, the curator of the Burroughs’ collection and the family of Edgar Rice Burroughs. The documentary and new version of the silent Tarzan film will be premiered on April 13 and 14, 2012 in Morgan City during the first Tarzan Festival in the character’s history (www.cajuncoast.com). The Louisiana State Museum in Patterson, LA opens a year-long exhibition entitled “Tarzan: Lord of the Louisiana Jungle.” It features a wide variety of Tarzan memorabilia from the last one hundred years. “Tarzan continues to be famous on an international scale,” said Bohl, “I believe people will be absolutely amazed by this very large exhibition.” One item of note is an actual painting done by the chimpanzee that died recently who was believed to be the oldest living “Cheetah” from the Tarzan movies. For more information contact the Louisiana State Museum at 800-568-6968.
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GOING NATIVE
By Larry Brock
On the Brink of Spring Changes! Some are expected like the Spring Equinox, gateway between winter’s dormancy and summer’s exuberance. It’s the doorway for renewal in the natural world – sprouting, leafing and blooming … mating, nesting and birthing. The earth has come alive, ready to reveal its secrets. But some changes have been unexpected, like spring in January! In 2012, the first signs of spring emerged weeks early due to mild temps. January overflowed with colorful sasanquas, winter honeysuckle, sweet olive, flowering quince and mahonia. Golden daffodils burst from yard and garden, nodding Leucojum snowflakes too. By month’s end, every purple magnolia in Lake Providence had open blossoms! Forsythia followed in February, along with camellias, spirea and Bradford pears. Among indigenous plants, maples, elms and trumpet honeysuckles bloomed in January, followed by Carolina jessamine and cherry laurels. Spiral woodland ferns uncoiled and damp mossy bark greened. Wildflowers included yellow tops, sow thistle, dandelion, henbit, shepherd’s purse and buttercups. “Each leaf, each blade of grass vies for attention,” wrote poet Marianne Poloskey, “even weeds carry tiny blossoms to astonish us.” And up to mid-February, there’d been only one significant freeze to slow the colorful advent of spring. Some changes have been long-term,
like the summer droughts of the past few years. According to the Drought Monitor, seasonal precipitation has rescued much of Louisiana from winter drought. But I fear deep soil deficits remain that will impact us if we experience below average rainfall again next summer. Another change was USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map, reissued in 2011 and reflecting what growers already knew – it’s getting warmer! For example, the top of Zone 8 that was just above the Louisiana line in 1990 is now near Helena and Little Rock. That’s quite a leap in just 21 years! Even among wildlife, persistent flocks of sandhill cranes now winter in northeast Louisiana. And a vagrant Anna’s hummingbird, a West Coast species, was documented at a West Carroll feeder last December! Their range has been extending eastward in recent years and some now nest in far west Texas. Some changes are cyclical. Here on the brink of spring, the last of the fall fruit has dwindled. Squirrels have eaten the acorns and pecans, burying the leftovers. Robins and waxwings indulged in remaining drupes and berries. Nothing is wasted in nature. Migrant goldfinches, house finches, dark-eyed juncos, white-throated sparrows, yellow-rumped warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets, yellow-bellied sapsuckers and cedar waxwings continue to grace late winter landscapes. To better cope with change, remember the advantages of native plants – they’re hardy and help gardeners deal with climate issues. How? They’re adapted to our environment. That is, they’re generally resistant to local pests, require less irrigation and need almost no chemical fertilizer. And they promote
Spring in January!
biodiversity. To plant native plants is to welcome wildlife. The plant of the month is coral honeysuckle vine (Lonicera sempervirens). Clambering over fence or trellis, this native evergreen vine is a spectacular sheet of tubular, coral-red blossoms in early spring, just in time for returning hummingbirds. A woody perennial, it’ll continue to bloom sporadically all year for hummers and butterflies while producing red berries in fall for birds. Unlike its Japanese cousin, it will not spread aggressively. Mine takes the morning sun. Ask for it at your local nursery. As of this writing in mid-February, mild temperatures persist and the season’s pace is accelerating. While many leaves and flowers are still budded, take time to view the diversity of the natural landscape. Frogs, skinks and spiders have become active. On warm days, butterflies emerge in flickering flight. Roly-poly bugs and earthworms are stirring. Woodpeckers and sapsuckers are easily tracked by their hammering. On sunny days, bees gather pollen from every open blossom. Dozens of resident bird species are busy scratching, pecking, probing. And deep tracks betray the nightly passage of deer through the neighborhood. Some things don’t change, they stay the same. Beginning in mid- to late-March, start looking for swallows, martins, monarchs and hummingbirds returning home. It’s an annual reward for Going Native! A life-long resident of Lake Providence, Larry Brock was inspired by his grandfather’s passion for gardening and his own desire to recover the horticultural uniqueness of this region. Larry is drawn to the relationships between plants, birds, insects and soil and can be found puttering outdoors in his yard most any time, weather permitting.
I’ve learned more about Louisiana history from reading Terry Jones column [Louisiana in the Civil War] than I have anywhere else. His articles are very informative and easy to read. My wife bought me one of his books for Christmas. Bobby E., Houma
ouisiana
K C A B K TAL
Answers …
1. King Louis XIV. 2. Parishes 3. Lake Pontchartrain 4. Atchafalaya Basin, with every type of outdoor recreational activity imaginable 5. The “Crawfish Capital of the World” 6. 20 7. $15 million 8. BUY-you\ n. a French name for slow-moving river 9. William C.C. Claiborne 10. St. Francisville
I was thrilled to read the article about Mobile [LRT, Feb 2012], my hometown. It’s so similar to New Orleans, where I now live. I can say without a doubt, after having traveled and lived all over the world in my 73 years, that I love both cities equally. Jan P., New Orleans Nice article on beekeeping last month. I may even give it a try. Larry M, via email
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RECIPES
by Stacy Thornton
We’re already into the third month of the year! Read Across America is celebrated on March 2nd honoring Dr. Seuss on his birthday so I see green eggs and ham being served then. On March 11th, we’ll spring forward for Daylight Savings Time, losing an hour of sleep but gaining an hour of sunshine. St Patrick's Day is on the 17th and the first day of Spring on the 20th. With our mild winter, we’ve already experienced some wonderful Spring-like weather. Just remember that March winds bring April showers. Enjoy March!
Shepherd’s Pie 1 large onion, quartered and sliced 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 2 cups diced leftover roast beef 2 cups brown or beef gravy 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes 1 cup frozen peas, cooked salt and pepper, to taste 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup sliced or diced cooked carrots Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat; add onions and sauté until tender. Add diced beef, gravy, carrots, and peas. Heat through; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to baking dish. Beat the egg yolk into potatoes and spoon potatoes over the shepherd's pie meat and vegetables (press potatoes through a pastry tube, if desired). Bake at 400° for about 30 minutes, or until potatoes are browned and gravy is bubbling.
Corned Beef and Cabbage 1 cup water 3 to 4 medium carrots, peeled 4 to 6 potatoes, peeled and halved
1 head cabbage, cut in 6 wedges 3 small onions, peeled 1/2 cup water
Place meat on a rack in a large Dutch oven; add 1 cup water. Cover and bake at 325° for 2 1/2 hours. Arrange vegetables around meat; add 1/2 cup of water. Bake another 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Green Egg Scramble - Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss 3 large eggs 1 tablespoon butter Oregano Pesto 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped 1 large garlic clove toasted sunflower seeds, (optional)
2 large egg yolks fine grain sea salt 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, plus more to taste
Whisk the eggs, yolks, and a good pinch of salt until combined. Set aside while you make oregano pesto by pulsing olive oil, oregano, parsley, garlic, and salt in a food processor until the herbs are just little flecks of green. Season with more salt if needed. To cook the eggs, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add eggs and stir gently with a spatula. Continue stirring, folding up the cooked egg from the bottom of the pan until the eggs are nearly set. Season with salt and pepper and serve drizzled with pesto and a sprinkling of seeds.
Simple Rules For Living By Robert Lemoine It’s funny how you can look for something and not be able to find it, but when you take a break from looking, it kind of jumps at you. That has been the case lately as I searched bookstore after bookstore for a book on the laws of the Bible. Well, it doesn’t exist in one book. However, they do exist all throughout the Old and New Testaments. Sometimes when you just open the Good Book, a passage jumps out at you, like the other day when my wife, Summer, had been searching for a certain topic in her Bible using the reference section in the back. As she skimmed the pages looking for an exact verse, another one caught her attention. She had been telling me repeatedly to stop ‘aggravating’ the kids like I playfully do. As she flipped the pages, her finger stopped on Colossians 3:21.
In the NIV version, it says point blank, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” She uses an Amplified Bible and it gave the extra comments to not break their spirit. Of course, I had to look it up because in my mind I was just horsing around. But sure enough, it’s right there. There are also rules for living, especially in a Christian household. You ready? Here comes a portion of Colossians Chapter 3 as it is in the NIV. “1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
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Now granted, there are a lot more rules than these, but it’s funny how all of these are condensed right here in one place. I had looked through the bookstores for guidelines on how to be a Christian when all I had to do was open the only book worth immersing ourselves in. Like me, maybe you’ve never read the entire Bible with a comprehending heart from cover to cover. I encourage you to take time to read the letters from the apostles to gain the highlights of this awesome book. Make it really interesting and read several different translations with different commentaries to get the full picture. I was told about a great website, biblegateway.com, that offers many different versions of the Bible online for free. You can search a passage and then view the various versions. We are also told to devote ourselves to prayer, be wise in how we treat strangers, and to make the most of every opportunity. I hope you will take this opportunity to submerse yourself in the Lord. Remember, the fastest way up is to kneel down. May God bless you and keep you. A lifelong resident of Union Parish, Robert Lemoine is a Christian small business owner. He and his wife, Summer, oversee www.foreverandalwaysonline.com and also sell Christian merchandise at flea markets and fesitvals in north Louisiana and surrounding states. Robert's writings are most inspirational, Christian, and patriotic with occasional reflections on lessons learned. He can be reached at writing@foreverandalwaysonline.com.
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