Natural
TEXA LIFE IN THE PINES OF SHELBY COUNTY
naturaltexan.net | M/A 2016 | 1
Get your crawfish boiling with McAdams Propane!
191 US Hwy 96 North Center, TX 75935 2 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
800.293.2907
PANOLA IS OPPORTUNITY “A chance to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse” - 2015 Student, RN Program
PANOLA.EDU #LIVEPANOLA naturaltexan.net | M/A 2016 | 3
4 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
FROM GABBY
G A SPORTING CHANCE. Growing up, my dad farmed and mother coached sports. I had the best of both worlds. My mother went to college on a basketball scholarship and played semi-pro soft ball. My father and Uncle held track records. In my heart, I always wanted to share both of my parents’ best qualities with my children by having both a farm and time for sports in their lives. This time of year, we brush off our sports attire (whatever sport you indulge in) and anticipate the rush of grabbing a win. Even though I currently do not play sports, my brother does. I enthusiastically support him as he participates on the track team for SFA as a pole-vaulter and I can’t even begin to describe the adrenaline high that rushes through my body every single time he takes that first step to plant the pole into the pit!! Whether it is basketball, track or soft ball, I love the exhilaration I feel when watching the games. Not only do we as a family love sports, we love roping as well. This time of year, our days are consumed with track meets, roping, working and being “super mom”. This year, I intend to insert a garden somewhere in the mix. One I do without the help of Daddy and can get my daughter involved. I want her to experience all the fullness of life that is ahead for her. As we all know, shoving so much into your calendar is overwhelming at times, but it’s what we live for and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
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DEPARTMENTS
13
ON THE COVER Getting to know J.C. McSwain.
10
GET OUTSIDE!
18
GUY DIY
20
FRESH
Dig in and get your hands dirty and your family healthy with spring garden planning.
What better way to step into the boat than with your own hand-made lures?
What’s fresh and on-trend this spring brought to you by I’m So Fancy Boutique.
22
AROUND TOWN Assisting young ladies with limited funds to own a beautiful gown and raising money that will be put back into the community.
24
NATURAL BEAUT Y
26
OFF THE APRON
For a clean face and heathy, beautiful hair natually.
Going green in a glass. Detox water, herbal teas and green smoothies promote health and happyness.
27
LOCAL MARKET Find just what you’re looking for at the Shelby County Local Market. You can advertise in the mrket too! Just call us!
S
Natural
TEXA
5 SECONDS... Axe’em Jacks! I hear the chants and I feel the rush! I can still remember the count-down and rhythm of our cuts. 5.6 sec-
Publisher | Editor-in-Chief GABRIELLE WEST
onds; that’s how long it took two young women to cut through a 10” diameter log. 5.0 seconds; that’s how long it took us the next year, finishing in first place both times. For over a decade, SFA Sylvan’s held the Women’s Crosscut Champions title. Their competition spanned across the Southern United States with many colleges in the South-
Layout Director SAMANTHA MILLER
ern Forestry Conclave. Many times, they brought the Conclave Champion’s Cup back to the Arthur Temple College of Forestry & Agriculture (ATCOFA). Since 1958, Forestry
Editor REBECCA MOTT
Conclave is the annual meeting and competition between Forestry Schools in the Southeastern United States. Today, it includes fifteen southern forestry schools and more than 250 contestants. Events are composed of traditional timber sporting events as well as technical events. What I remember most about the time I participated isn’t the trophy or glory. I remember the friendships and practice. I remember the sweat,sun burns and tears. I remember the campfires and comradery. I remember my SFA Sylvans. I am proud to see the spirit still running strong. Congrats on bringing home the 1st place trophy again in 2014!
Ad Design JILL MATLOCK Cover Story Photography STEPHANIE DAVIS
8 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
HONEY & BEES This time of year, I find myself pushing the calendar. I’ve had
you may have in your personal vegetable garden. Having honey
enough cold air, wet weather and any other reminder of winter.
bees close to your vegetable garden means higher produce yields.
My appreciation for the occasional hint of warmer weather to
What better idea than as a beekeeper than to have a garden to
come yields and impulsive “throw open the window” reaction,
support your bees and bees to support your garden? Either way,
welcoming fresh air into my home. As always, that spring air
you have the bonus of liquid lusciousness in a jar!
brings with it airborne pollens and allergens. However, I am blessed to know the secret to overcoming these allergies; raw
Getting cranked up for another year is exciting. Being committed
local honey. In our house, we take a spoonful of raw honey daily.
to the more “natural” way of life, I wholly believe in taking care of our pollinators, taking care of the land around us and in
Allergies, pollen and pollinators go hand-in-hand. My favorite
return, taking care of the tender life given to us by our Creator.
pollinators are honey bees. As the daughter of beekeepers, I
Being careful with all of these blessings can only increase our
grew up appreciating the world of honey bees. Spring time
quality of life.
means preparing them for the seasons to come. Checking for strength of colonies, supplying the hives with space to enlarge their colonies and making sure the hives are placed efficiently for nectar harvest. Every decision on behalf of honeybees should be made keeping both their fragility and production yields in mind. Here in East Texas, great pollen-producing plants include yaupon, oak, wild flowers, red clover and (of course) any plants
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My unrestrained interest in plants consumes me, whether it’s the sheer beauty of a plant or the nutritional/ medicinal possibilities they may provide.
GET OUTSIDE!
DIG IN... I garden from a different perspective; I find it more rewarding to assess my nutritional needs before I plant.
If you enjoy the outdoors, there’s a slight chance you will enjoy
nurseries before I purchase. Often, one nursery does not provide
gardening. I do. For me, gardening is a slippery slope; I begin
all of my needs. One nursery may have the vegetables I am look-
with landscaping and ebb off into vegetables and then trees and
ing for while another could have trees or shrubs. It’s important to
whatever else I can get away with. My unrestrained interest in
know your area nurseries. Knowing the layout of your planting
plants consumes me, whether it’s the sheer beauty of a plant or
area, what crops you are expecting to foster and the budget you
the nutritional/medicinal possibilities they may provide.
have to spend will give you a heads up for your planting.
This time of year finds me assessing my position (because I en-
I garden from a different perspective; I find it more rewarding
joy preserving food, as well). Winter months are a handy time
to assess my nutritional needs before I plant. Since food is all
to plan my gathering focus for the coming year. As we all know,
about nutrition anyway, I begin by assessing my family’s state of
home grown crops are more nutritionally rich than their super-
health. What are we in need of nutritionally? What vitamins are
market counterpart. For this reason, I always shop the local farm
our bodies crying for? Blood work and/or physical exam, advice
markets and road-side stands before I shop anywhere else for my
of a nutritionist or help from an iridologist is a good way to give
fruit and vegetable crops, if what I am looking for is absent from
us an indication of what our bodies need currently.
my personal garden.
This year, I need to pump into our bodies anti-oxidants, seleni-
If you choose to purchase seedlings for your personal garden, this
um, foliate and magnesium. For foliate and magnesium I will be
is the time to begin planning for that as well. I like to scan the area
gathering greens, spinach and kale.
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Blueberries, black berries and strawberries are my favorite choices to nourish us with antioxidants. Even plums contain worth-while levels of the good stuff. As part of my “venture for diversity” in our diet, I am hoping to find safe and efficient ways to preserve the juice from these crops. The juiced greens will easily be hidden in soups soups or stews. The fruit juices will be smoothly implemented in the evening shakes/slush we have learned to love in the place of Oreos or Nachos. Of course, there’s no way I can imagine allowing a growing season slip past without rejuvenating my herb beds, planting my pepper beds and staking some tomatoes. Summer without squash or okra just isn’t summer to me. Being able to sit in the living room with a base ball game on the TV and purple hull peas in my lap makes the home runs real in my house. I know whatever I can gather that has been raised local and organically is going to nurture my family so much better than fries and cheese sticks from the local “grease-on-
Knowing the layout of your planting area, what crops you are expecting to foster and the budget you have to spend will give you a heads up for your planting.
the-go” drive thru. I hope you can be motivated to roll your sleeves up and plant something that is nutritionally pleasing to your pallet this season! As they say, “You are never too old to grow!”
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MASTERSON
INSURANCE AGENCY Mary P. Masterson
312 Tenaha St | Center, Texas 75935
P (936) 598-4359 | F (936) 598-4664 | C (936) 488-2940
mastersoninsurance@gmail.com
HOME
AUTO
LIFE
RANCH & COMMERCIAL
12 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
ON THE COVER
He Just Knew
Timber
You just don’t know who you don’t know. That’s what I’ve been told. When you think about it, it’s true and that’s the way it was with Mr. J.C. McSwain. I didn’t know him until I sat down with him recently.
What a joy to get to know him.
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ON THE COVER
He grew up in a different generation. In his day, money was hard to come by. His parents were farmers and when the farming fell through; they learned the art of merchandising.
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He grew up in a different generation. In his day, money was hard
come back and get you in the business world. Treating the land
to come by. His parents were farmers and when the farming fell
owners poorly meant no repeat business. And so, the “Chris-
through, they learned the art of merchandising. In the 1950’s,
tian” values he had been taught were put into action instead of
not many people had vehicles. First of all, very few people could
words. Every business deal was a vow. He kept his word to those
afford one. Secondly, if your family had one you sure didn’t go
he logged for, regardless of the hours, the expense and care re-
to town every day; more like once a month or two. There were
quired to complete the deal he had made.
families who just couldn’t get to town so, Mr. McSwain learned
By 1958, he was getting ready to make another vow he intended
to take town to them. He had a “grocery store on wheels”. It was
to keep; the vow of marriage. He had been able to save some
a living and made ends meet for his family of two boys and two
money so when he proposed, Ms. Venora could be proud that he
girls. One of those boys was J.C.
could offer her both a house and the furniture to go with it! His
J.C. liked going to town every now and then. When he and his
proposal was reciprocated with consent and it was a deal. The
brother would go, they knew they’d need a little pocket money.
best one he ever made. Before too long, he realized he had more
At an early age, they learned to go back into Daddy’s woods, cut
mouths to feed; as a matter of fact, four more mouths before it
some (fence) post and sell them. Gradually, they started selling
was all said and done.
utility poles. They liked it; it was pretty good money. J.C. wasn’t
More mouths to feed meant more money. There was no way he
too good in school. Between being shy and having conflict with
intended to allow his children grow up wishing they had what
spelling lessons, it was just a bit too awkward for his comfort.
they didn’t. That meant long hours and often days when daddy
So, as soon as he could, he and his brother took to the woods to
didn’t come home until way after dark. Sometimes, he didn’t get
make good money. That was somewhere around 1951. It is true
to spend the time he coveted with the reason he even lived - his
that every decision you make in life opens one door and closes
family.
another. Little did J.C. know that he had just opened the door to his life-long profession; logging. How could a young man so shy walk into the woods, make a deal and take care of his own business without a single hesitation? He just knew timber. He knew he could make money doing it and he knew he had to make it happen for himself. And, that’s exactly what he did. In 1954, he began working with a team of mules for Southern Pine Lumber Company from Pineland. In 1957, he signed on with Mr. E.L. Bruce with Atlas Plywood. He and his brother bought a Ford 5000 Log Hog and said good-bye to the mule team. He learned by watching and saw very soon that cheating could
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ON THE COVER Time rocked on. By the mid ‘60’s, he had a few men that were just
By the mid ‘90’s, Roscoe had established his own crew. He also
what he needed; dedicated. With dedicated men, he had to make
opened his own tire store in Nacogdoches. Stacy was running
sure they had a steady wage. In order to offset the slow winter
his own crew, as well. J.C. gradually weaned himself off of boys
months that come with bottom-land timber, J.C. decided to buy
and out of the woods, confident the boys could make it on their
and sell his own timber. Southern Pine Lumber Company had
own. His two girls, Cecilia and Tonya, did go to college. Cecilia
become Temple Industries and he rejoined that company, as well.
and husband (Mr. Ken Boles) and Tonya and husband (Mr. George
He would work for Temple until he left the woods, some thirty
Andrews) all live in Center and are a daily part of J.C. and Venora’s
years later. The business just kept doing better, forcing him to
lives.
step up to the plate. He saw it was necessary, so he hired a profes-
J.C. was blessed to watch his own children grow, get an education
sional forester, David Robinson.
and be established in life. He was blessed to watch the children of
At the age of fifteen, his son, Roscoe joined him in the woods. The
those who worked for him do the same. Mr. J.C. Boykins, just to
trade came as natural to Roscoe as it did J.C. Not long afterwards,
name one, worked with him for 49 years. Logging paid for college
Stacy joined him, too. He was eighteen. Even though J.C. prompt-
for both of his children. When Mr. Boykins retired, J.C gave him
ed them to go to college, the boys insisted that they intended to
a pick-up as a token of appreciation for his dedication.
follow in Daddy’s footsteps. So, he taught them. Not only did he
Life is different, now. On Sunday afternoons, all the kids and
teach a business, he also imparted his values. He passed to them
grandkids come rolling in to share Sunday dinner. Even though
an education that doesn’t come from a tuition- paid classroom.
Sunday dinner has always been “the thing” it just seems sweeter
Those same values and wisdom are now gravitating with a third
now days. J.C. knows come Monday, he doesn’t have to hit the
generation. There’s a lot to be said for knowing about Tigercats,
woods. His days are spent in other ways now, whether it’s time
grapple skidders, shears and loaders. It’s good to know how to fix
with Ms. Venora or the cows. . . . life is good. . .!
what needs to be to get out of a tight and finish a job. But, there’s nothing that can replace the legacy of faith and values.
16 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
How could a young man so shy walk into the woods, make a deal and take care of his own business without a single hesitation? He just knew timber. He knew he could make money doing it and he knew he had to make it happen for himself. And, that’s exactly what he did.
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GUY DIY
Lure ‘em In
In light of the anticipation of spring fishing, what better way to step into the boat than with your own hand-made lures? The art of fishing coupled with the art of recycling is not a new idea, so with a few around-thehouse items we see how easy and quick it is to add to your tackle box. Materials: •
Bottle caps of your choice. (the brighter the better)
•
Treble hook
•
Split rings and 15 cm wire
•
Swivel
•
Needle nose pliers
•
A couple of weights
•
Wire cutters
•
Nail and hammer
• Feathers/spinner •
Tools:
blades/googly eyes or other decorative materials
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[1] Make a loop in the top of a piece of the 15cm
inside the cap and bend the cap together. Not only will
wire by looping it around the nail. Incorporate a swivel
the weight help sink your lure, it will “rattle” as well,
in the hole. Use this as a rod to thread everything
attracting fish.
else onto.
loop in the wire to finish off. Connect the hook now, by
[2] If you wish to use a spinner blade,
[4] Add another bead(s) Create a
place that on the wire “pole” and add a bead. Bright
using a split ring.
beads are fun to experiment with.
of your lure by wrapping the hook with feathers!
[3] Next, take
[5] You can add to the personality
the bottle cap and flatten each side of the bottle cap. With the nail, tap a hole in each side here. Run the “rod” through each hole, place some of the weights
Re g i s t e rYo u r Br i da lSh o we r o rHo u s e wa r mi n g Wi t hUs ! We're Blooming this Spring!
“D
wn ” o t n ow
www.etace.com 128 Tenaha Street, Center, TX 75935 naturaltexan.net | M/A 2016 | 19
FRESH The
earrings
are
from a new line we just started carrying called Pink Panache and we are loving all our new pieces.
The lace up sandals have such a fab retro vibe with the perfect modern twist.
We love this outfit because of it's trendy and fun style! And the best thing about it is that it’s so comfy. This will be a favorite go-to outfit for spring and summer!
1110 Tenaha St. Ste 3 Center
936-332-3292 or 936-332-5031 20 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
What can we say about this dress except it is just perfect! Floral is so on trend for spring and summer. Definitely a Our Druzy earrings
must have for any wardrobe.
and necklaces make each outfit perfect.
Who can go wrong with
these
neutral
flats? You can’t!
naturaltexan.net | M/A 2016 | 21
AROUND TOWN
resses -forreams Eta Rho, one of the local Chapters of the National Sorority,
total of more than a hundred ball gowns, cocktail dresses and
Beta Sigma Phi is a non-profit organization comprised of
prom dresses were collected. Anyone donating five or more
young local young women dedicated to giving back to the
dresses was given a ticket (one for every 5 dresses) which was
community. Known for their annual scholarship in memory
entered in a raffle drawing. The prize in the raffle was a Louis
of Jenny Malory Wright, this year they have embarked on a
Vuitton handbag. If you didn’t have a dress to donate, a brand
new charity; Dresses for Dreams. With the assistance of
new dress could be donated in your name by giving a $50
Lisa McAdams and Linda Miller, members of the preceptor
gift to the Balcony. February 4th, the drawing for the Louis
Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, local members have come
Vuitton handbag took place. Ms. Christie Foster of Center, TX
together to organize an event that will hopefully not only assist
was the excited winner of the handbag! The final stage of the
young ladies with limited funds to own a beautiful gown but
event will take place on March 5th at the Community House
also raise money that will be put back into the community.
(located next to the Watson-Tucker Florist) from 10 AM to 2 PM. These dresses will go on sale, priced by condition of the
The “Dresses for Dreams” began in November of last year with
dresses. Price range is from $25 to $200.
three stages of the event in mind; donating, a raffle and the sale. Kicking off the function began by the group promoting the event and accepting donations of dresses. An estimated
Christi Foster
was the lucky winner of the Louis Vuitton handbag. 22 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
Eta Rho collected over 100+ dresses!
This is a one day event. For those young ladies looking to participate in the local Ms. Shelby County, What-A-Melon Festival Pageant, Poultry Festival Pageant, proms, weddings and more, this is an event you do not want to overlook. Beautiful gowns will be offered with affordable price tags. A portion of the gowns not sold at this event will be donated to the District 5 Special Needs Prom. Sponsors for this event include: McAdams Propane, Boles Feed, The Loft, B&W Chipping, Harkness Litter Services, Shelby Veterinary Associates, Dr. and Mrs. Clayton Windham and Hughes Florist. Other local businesses aided in the success of this event as well. Traci Willoughby, owner of The Balcony, donated dresses. Other local businesses, Pineywoods Beverage and The Sign Shop, were important to the success of this event. Anna Lee, President of Eta Rho, says they are hoping this is the first year of many that they are able to hold this event. Anyone with questions or donations can contact her at: alee@shelbysavingsbank.com
Sponsors for events are: Dr and Mrs. Clayton Windham Boles Feed The Loft McAdams Propane B&W Chipping Harkness Litter Shelby Vet Associates High Roller Whitetails Eta Rho members: Caroline Hutchins, Sharisse McAdams, Anna Lee, Lacie Payne, Jackie Windham, Alyssa Belrose, Erin Miller, Holly Nichols, Camille Stanfield,
Michele Askew, Ginny Bailey, Raegan Best, Lindsey Blackshear, Kristen Chumley, Hannah Collins, Brittany Foster, Jessica Hopkins, Sara Hughes, Callie Jamison, Jenny Lightfoot, Kim McElroy, Kristen Pinkston, Emma Whitehead, Misty Wilburn.
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NATURAL BEAUT Y
Cleaning makeup is a necessary evil. However, there are so many products on the market that contain harmful chemicals. If you are one of the growing numbers of individuals who are becoming more chemical-aware in your lifestyle, this is a wonderful way to not only sidestep some of those harmful products but also leave a few more coins in your pocket book.
Ingredients:
Directions:
•
1 – 4 Ounce Jar
Place cotton pads in the glass jar. Mix the fractional
•
Organic Cotton Pads/Balls
coconut oil and castile soap together in a separate
•
1 1/2 – 2 Tablespoons of
bowl. Pour it over the cotton pads/balls. Make sure
Fractionated Coconut Oil
the pads absorb the liquid evenly and then pour just
•
1 Tsp of Castile liquid soap
enough water over the pads to moisten them. Put the
•
Distilled Water
lid on the jar and shake well. Keeping the lid on the
•
2-4 Drops of Essential Oils
jar between uses ensures the pads will not dry out.
Homemade
Makeup
Remover Wipes
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Ready for a spring time curls, or for summer highlights. Chemical treatments to our hair can definitely stress. We have put together a few DIY natural fixes.
Nutrient-rich
Hair wraps For dry/damaged/frizzy hair: Make a blend of any of the following: • Avocado • Banana •
Egg yolk
• Honey • Yogurt
For fine/flat hair: If your hair is flat and lifeless, it may
•
be due to excessive styling products. Using excessive styling
Coconut oil
products causes oil build-up and results in bland strands. Mix well a blend of two or more of these wonderful ingredients. Begin at the bottom or your strands and apply the mixture little at a time until you have covered your hair. Wrap with a towel and allow to condition for 15 to 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Try this: In a spray bottle, put 4 oz Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 TBS distilled water. Shake to mix well. Spray this on your hair until thoroughly dampened. It’s good to message the moisture into your scalp. You may feel the “tingling” often associated with this treatment! It’s wonderful to know a natural product is cleaning and conditioning your body! Leave this in for about 5 minutes. You may also choose to use a sea salt spray. You can do this before shampooing, as well. Add 4 tablespoon sea salt to 2c hot distilled water. Spritz on hair and message in. Leave for about 5 minutes. Shampoo and rinse as usual.
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OFF THE APRON
Peppermint Grapefruit Detox Water I love making vitamin infused water. The possibilities are endless. Choosing what fruit/vegetable is in season can really optimize the flavor. Remember, there is no need for sweeteners, since fruit is the best way to have something sweet, naturally. This is a great drink to cleanse your kidneys, help bloating and brighten your skin. INGREDIENTS: •
½ gal purified water
•
½ lemon, sliced
•
½ lime, sliced
•
½ grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
•
1 sliced cucumber, not peeled
•
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (If ginger doesn’t agree with you, you may omit it.)
•
Peppermint leaves
Layer all ingredients in a pitcher. Cover with ice and water. Enjoy!
Mean Green Smoothie Making a mean smoothie is all in your hands! A handful of this, a handful of that. Add what you want and load up on the greens! Here are a few of our favorite green smoothie add-ins.
26 | M/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net
•
Kale
•
Spinach
•
Green Apple
•
Cucumber
•
Avocado
•
Kiwi
•
Pears
Fennell Tea Fennell tea has been used for generations from China to Europe and all over the world, from ancient times until present days to aid in digestion problems. Not only is it caffeine free, but it also helps in the production of gastrointestinal juices. It helps in menstrual cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, colic, stomachaches and digestion. It is exceptionally beneficial for IBS bloating and gas. A daily cup of fennel tea actually helps prevent IBS bloating and gas, but if you are already suffering from these symptoms, Fennel will gently relieve them. DIRECTIONS: Steep tea leaves in distilled water. After serving yourself a cup, sweeten with a bit of local honey!
LOCAL MARKET
Builders of Quality Poultry Houses
naturaltexan.net | M/A 2016 | 27
LOCAL MARKET
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LOCAL LOCAL MARKET MARKET
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