She Said:
What makes you the most proud to be an American? When I think about the struggles of the generations who came before me to build this nation, and those who fought to defend the freedoms that we enjoy, I am very proud to be an American. I do not always agree with some of the decisions made by the country’s leaders, but I have the right to vote to change the leadership. Gail Johnson
The fact that we have civil liberties that most take for granted, such as being able to practice any religion we choose or love whomever we choose. That is a blessing. Even though there are still people in the country with outdated philosophies, I wouldn’t want to live any place else. This truly is the greatest country in the world! Beth McCain When a tragedy strikes, the spirit of the American people amazes me. How we, from many differing opinions, lifestyles, socioeconomic backgrounds, race, gender, religion can come together as one to help one another, even other countries, in times of need. I think this trait is truly unique to Americans. Elaine Abercrombie I am most proud to be an American because of the men and women in our military services. Those who started the fight for freedom, those who have fought and given their life, those who have served and those who continue to serve and fight to ensure our freedom. They are the brave ones who put everyone else first. Elaine Snow
Freedom to worship. ... Enough said. Angie Dickens
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“I just hope they bring a smile to someone,” she said. “Because the people who buy them bring a smile to a child. I serve the Lord by painting them, and it is like a ministry to those who buy the paintings and then those who buy, minister to the children who get their smiles. They aren’t great art, but people like them.” A recent customer who bought an angel, felt like the painting did indeed speak to her. “A woman who had cancer bought one of my angels because she said she felt like the angel was special and was speaking to her and helping and comforting her,” said Hoyt. Hoyt’s paintings are available downtown at Living & Giving, she said. “You can purchase them there or through me,” she said. “People can email me at bzdreamr@aol. com, and I can send them a photo of something or I can take the painting to Living & Giving for them to come see.” This artist in demand is nothing if not humble, however. “Someone once tried to talk to me about my style, and I said ‘What style?,’” she laughed, clapping her hands together. “I don’t really have a style for them. Most of the time, they almost create themselves. I can sketch an idea I have in my head, but then start painting and she ends up looking completely different. But, every single person is different, so my angels are all different, and they call out to different people. Then, they send a blessing across the ocean to those babies.” Originally, Hoyt felt her gift was her voice, but circumstances changed.
‘I just hope they bring a smile to someone. Because the people who buy them bring a smile to a child. I serve the Lord by painting them, and it is like a ministry to those who buy the paintings and then those who buy, minister to the children who get their smiles.’ “When I was in college, I was a voice major,” she said. “I had been doing solos since seventh grade. That was my gift. But in college, I found out I had a tumor on my thyroid. Luckily it wasn’t malignant, but it was all around my vocal chords. That ended the singing voice. I was lost for a while. I was wondering how I would best serve the Lord. I wrote a lot and enjoyed that, but I still felt like something was missing. Then, when Chloe was born and I started painting, I felt like I’d found it.” One thing she does hope to do is visit the children her angels help. “I hope, before I am too old, that I will be able to go with the Smile Train team,” she said. “I would love to go and see that. I’d love to get a chance to meet these little people who get new smiles every time I sell one of my paintings. That is the part that gives me that wonderful — oh, I don’t know — just wonderful feelings.”
She Said:
What is your favorite thing about summer? Family cookouts! Wilma Ochoa
It’s my birthday month! My birthday is the 21st and it is always special because it’s not only my birthday but Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and sometimes falls on Father’s Day and it kicks off the summer! Scharla Battle My favorite thing about summer is the fullness of it. The rich harvest of fresh veggies and fruits, the long days for fitting in so much living, the lushness of the landscape. I love just drinking it all in! Monica Sheppard
Sun tanning and thunderstorms. Marina Vaughn My favorite thing about summer is school being out and the schedule being less rushed and being able to spend more quality time with my two children, especially the week of July 4th when our entire family (grands, aunts, uncles, cousins) goes on a vacation together. My children have enjoyed it since they were toddlers and they will tell you that week is better than Christmas! Karren Green
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She Said:
When you shop, do you look for Americanmade products? Why or why not? Absolutely, positively but it is so hard to find many, I will certainly buy American whenever I can! Susan Cooley Yes! Because we need to buy things from our own country and help keep jobs here in the great USA. I have noticed one thing. It appears that the large discount stores seem to have more items made in America than the more expensive boutiques, etc. Carol Grajzar I always look for “Made in America” when I shop. It is important to support American businesses and to keep as many jobs here as possible. I won’t buy seafood in the grocery store if it’s caught or packaged overseas. Rosie Walker It is sometimes difficult to buy “made in America” products, especially clothing and now food. I am really working on the food right now, but it does require focus and planning. At one time I made mine and my children’s clothes. I just don’t have the time or patience for that anymore. Teresa Lumsden When I shop I do try to take the time to look for American made products. It is very important that we stand by our American companies to help restore our economy. I feel that we all should take the time to look for the American made products. This would help Americans to have job security and continue to produce good quality items. I am guilty of being in a hurry to get in and out of a store at times and just grab what I need quickly. With our lives being so busy and rushed, I am sure I am not the only one making purchases that are not American made from time to time. Maybe we all need to think about this. It could help our economy. Lena Crooker
Ladies Night Out
Ladies from the previous pages are identified in flowers clockwise, starting at bottom left:
1st Flower: Erin Hernandez, Gena Agnew, Berenice Vasquez and Sylvia Castillo 2nd Flower: Kathy Mathis and Ann Hortman 3rd Flower: Magnolia Foundation founder Lisa Smith 4th Flower: Mary Sib Banks and Magnolia Editor Charlotte Atkins 5th Flower: Ansley Seville 6th Flower: “Dixie Swim Club” cast, Marie Kindred, Jeanette Long, Mary Walker, Donna Riordan and Liz Tierney Vase: The Bunco Babes — (from left): Cathy Kerce, Jan Musick, Evie McNiece, Jamie Saffigan, Barbara Beninato, Laura Mumber, Kim Mauer, Fran Jordan, Beth Sumner and Melanie Morris — were among the women who turned out for the Ladies Night Out benefit showing of “Dixie Swim Club” at the DeSoto Theatre to help raise money for the Magnolia Foundation.
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She Said:
What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life? The only regret I would have is not having enough time. Enough time to travel the country experiencing the language, food, culture of each state. Tasha Toy I would like to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate people. After surviving cancer three times, I wonder why I am still around and what can I do to make a difference. I don’t know what God has planned for me, but I hope it will be something to improve the lives of others. Linda Forsyth I wish I had known how much I love art ! I love painting with Frank Murphy. I wish I could be lucky enough to paint every day. I am so thankful to have found a passion for something I love to do. I will be satisfied for the rest of my life. Karen Jordan I regret not staying with art from college forward. I wish I had stayed where my passion was. But I’m thankful to have found my voice, even if later. Tracy Page
Living. I mean really living and not just existing. Angela James
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She Said:
What American woman in history do you admire? Why? Being an Alabama girl, I would choose Rosa Parks, “the first lady of civil rights.” I admire her for the courage she had to stand up for what was right for herself and for others. I had the opportunity to make a stand against racism in the late ’80s that would have made Rosa Parks proud. Karon Mauney
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy: Because of the way she held our country together in the aftermath of President Kennedy’s assassination. Plus the fact she made sure her children came first, regardless of the burden placed on her shoulders. She is someone to admire and look up to. Trish Benefield Martha Berry immediately springs to mind! She saw a need in her community and was fortunate enough to have the financial backing of her family to tackle that need, educate children and by having them work for what they want, she taught them to appreciate all they have and all they can be. Gena Agnew Florence Nightingale. She was brilliant, revolutionizing wartime hospitals and as a nurse never lost compassion for the wounded. Robin Cater Condoleezza Rice. Very long list of impressive achievements — author, administrator, very very bright woman. Would love to meet her one day. Julie Windler
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