The Minute Magazine July August 2014 by The Minute Magazine

July / Aug 2014 Volume 9, Issue 4

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You’ve known her for so long. Now, suddenly, something has changed. If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in the ability to cope with daily living, Senior Care at Minden Medical Center is here to help.

You’ve known her for Senior Care is available to persons age 55 and over with so long. Now, suddenly, something has changed. a mental or cognitive decline that hinders daily life, who has become a threat to self or others, or is limited in selfIf you or a loved one is experiencing changes in the ability to cope with daily living, Senior Care care ability. Our mental health professionals are available caring yourQuality health. Make it a smart one, to help. For at for Minden Medical Center is here s named one of the nation’s top performers through our 24 hour referral line to discuss treatment Senior Care is available to persons age 55 and over with asures two in a row. to caring for years your health. Make it a smart one, a mental or cognitive decline that hinders daily life, who was named one of the nation’s top performers needs and are devoted to helping patients get back to has become a threat to self or others, or is limited in selfhe Joint Commission, the leading accreditor measures two years in a row. care ability. Our mental health professionals are available ation, for our achievements in quality… but through our 24 hour referral line to discuss treatment The their optimal level of functioning. Joint theMedical leading accreditor hosen byCommission, you. Minden Center

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needs and are devoted to helping patients get back to e nation, for our achievements in quality… but to patients and their families – safe and their optimal level of functioning. e chosen by you. Minden Medical Center providing the highestfamilies quality care possible, st toOur patients and their services include: – safe and gtoedge technology thatquality you expect at larger providing the highest care possible, • Free initial consultation • Management of secondary veniently close to home. ing edge technology that you expect at larger • Thorough assessment medical needs onveniently close to home. • Customized treatment • Continued care planning plans and referral assistance eed, choose Minden Medical Center. • choose Group, individual, and need, Minden Medical Center. family counseling nmedicalcenter.com denmedicalcenter.com

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from the

Editor L

ife is best lived. Our columnists have filled this issue with some great challenges and thoughts about how to accomplish pretty much anything. Whether it's training to run a 5k, figuring out how to take action when you see someone in need, or learning to love yourself just as you are right now, these pages are loaded with inspiration and words of affirmation. You can do anything you set your mind to. You can live life fully right now. All you have to do is take the first step and start the journey.

We encourage you to be engaged in your own life and the lives of the people around you. Be challenged to change, to grow, to learn, to be exposed. Sometimes it takes stepping out of our comfort zone. And sometimes it means taking a good, long look in the mirror and learning that our most important relationships are intricately shaped and molded by the relationship we have with ourselves. Marjorie Pay Hinckley says it best, "The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead." You only get one today. Go live it.

Tiffany Byram Owner/Editor

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Straight Off The Vine: Tomatoes by Vicki Caskey This Is The Life by Chalaine Scott Helping Hands by Elizabeth Simpson Pickett Life Is Best Lived by Tiffany Byram

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other side of his desk and looking out the window out of embarrassment. I couldn’t look him in the eye and I was feeling very anxious about what he was going say.

rants of an

old hen

written by Chris Broussard

-----------------------------------

Bumps in the Road -----------------------------------

was only seventeen when I graduated from Doyline in 1969. I registered at Louisiana Tech University for the fall quarter that same year. I moved into my dorm room at Pearce Hall that summer. Being the over achiever that I am, I ran for dorm president and won. Now that I look back, it was an easy win because nobody really wanted the job. But I was proud I got it and I was eager to serve. My major was in advertising design and most of my early classes were all art classes. I took drawing and design and made A’s in everything art related. General studies was another story. The last real art class I took was when I lived in France. I really didn’t have much experience in technique but I did have a natural talent that came through in my drawings and design work.

I signed up for my first painting class. I had never painted before other than a few watercolors and tempera paintings when I was in the 7th grade. But I was eager to see how I would do since I had done so well in all my other art classes. I don’t remember the teacher’s name but he was a young teacher. Every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:30am, I would drag myself out of bed to make my way to the studio. I was so eager to learn. On the first week, it was obvious which students had come from schools with an arts curriculum. They knew instantly what to do and how to do it. I on the other hand had to ask questions. Lots of questions. My eagerness to do well spilled over into my off time. I spent many hours painting. I didn’t miss any classes. I turned in all my assignments. But I could tell that there was something wrong. When it came time to critique our work, the teacher never seemed to like what I did. He was very drawn to the students in class whose work seemed more contemporary and abstract. I didn’t know how to paint that way.

At the end of the quarter, my teacher called me into his office. We had all turned in our portfolios. I had no clue as to what was going to happen next. I entered his office. He was sitting behind his desk. The window behind his desk was open and you could see the students walking across campus. I remember sitting on the

He opened his grade book and said “You have an F in my class.” He said it so matter of fact and without any feeling. I was speechless. He went on to say that because I had attended every class, he was going to change it to a D. I was stunned. “I’m really not sure why you’re even in college,” he told me. “You have absolutely no talent.” That was all he said to me that day but it was enough. I went back to my dorm and sobbed. It was the last quarter of my first year. It was time to go home for the summer. I packed up my belongings to spend the summer at home. I never told my parents about that incident.

I was so embarrassed. I spent my summer at home and when it came time to register for the next year, I told my parents I had decided not to go. I dropped out of college and that September accepted a proposal of marriage.

it is their artistic expression and that’s all that counts! I love teaching art. I don’t have a degree. But over the years of teaching art at The Children’s Center, I have developed a teaching technique that works. Many of my students have gone on to win awards for their art and so have I. And while that experience with my college art teacher was sad. It was just one of many bumps in the road.

It would be nearly ten years before I ever picked up another paint brush. Neither my spirit nor my self esteem was strong enough to overcome those words. ….”you have absolutely no talent.” ----------------------------------Chris Broussard, coI have told my students founder and chairman that story because I don’t of the board of Cultural want them to allow anyone Crossroads is an artist, an to steal their dreams. entrepreneur and currently And I tell all my sweet the art enrichment teacher art students that there is for Glenbrook. She started NO BAD ART, JUST BAD writing down her personal ATTITUDES. I want them accounts of whimsical and to be fearless with their heartfelt experiences in a creations and confident blog called "Rants of an old that they can do it. It might hen." And will now share not be perfect. It might not her favorites with Minute be an award winning piece. readers. But it is their creation and -----------------------------------

Come be

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Time for Dessert -----------------------------------

does one satisfy a serious craving for junk food while not buying anything that may not be used up in the next couple of weeks? I can’t make a fruit crisp without buying oats, I can’t make a cake without buying flour, I can’t even make chocolate chip cookies since I’d have to buy the flour and the chocolate. Well lucky for me that I came across a couple of quick and easy dessert recipes using ingredients that I could handle. These recipes are so easy that even cooking-challenged people can painlessly whip these up for a party. Recipe #1 is for Brownies with a peanut butter cup surprise inside and a chocolate chip cookie bottom. It uses a tube of chocolate chip cookie dough, a handful of peanut butter cups, and a box mix. Recipe #2 is a peach upside down cupcake that uses frozen peaches and another box mix. No flour or weird ingredients needed.

t has certainly been wild around my apartment lately. We’re moving to New York City in less than a month so I have boxes everywhere and I’ve been trying to use up the little food still in my pantry. It just seems weird to bother packing ketchup, pancake syrup or flour. I’d rather use up what I already have and buy new stuff once we get to the new house. Everything would be fine (it’s not like I haven’t done this before) except this move has been accompanied by a strong sweet tooth. Cakes, cookies, pies, etc… I’m craving it all. Normally, I’d have all the ingredients for these treats and I could ----------------------------------easily make something, Loaded Brownies but since I’m moving soon, my cupboards are looking Ingredients: pretty bare right now. How I small tube of refrigerated

chocolate chip cookie dough 1 large bag of peanut butter cups 1 box of your favorite brownie mix Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 glass pan with cooking oil and press the cookie dough in to completely cover the bottom in an even layer. Begin the tedious chore of unwrapping the individual peanut butter cups and place them on top of the cookie dough in an even layer. In a large bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to package directions. Pour the batter into the pan covering both the cookie dough and the peanut butter cups. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. These are quite rich and super sweet so pair them with a nice strong cup of coffee. ----------------------------------Peach Upside Down Cupcakes Ingredients: 1 bag of frozen peaches, thawed 1 box of your favorite

Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package directions. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and the brown sugar. Spray a muffin tin with cooking oil and spoon 1 tbsp of the brown sugar mixture into each muffin cup. Chop the peaches into small bitesized pieces and spoon into each muffin cup. Top with the cake batter until each cup is about halfway full. Place the muffin tin in a baking tray to catch any possible spill over and bake for 12 minutes or until a toothpick pulls out clean. Let cool and then flip over onto a plate. Pineapple may be traditional, but I think I like this version better. The peaches really add their sweetness to the cake; I think I could eat this for breakfast. It was a big hit with everyone else too. ----------------------------------Melissa is a happy-golucky, thirty-something from Chalmette, Louisiana. She studied culinary arts at the Chef John Folse Culinary School at Nicholls State University. Between spending time with her family and immersing herself in books, she lives for exploring new places, bringing smiles to everyone she meets and sharing her passion for Southern cuisine with that unique Cajun twist. -----------------------------------

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headlines &

hemlines

written by Rachel Pardue

-----------------------------------

Fighting for a Place on the Front Lines -----------------------------------

merican women are a breed entirely of their own. Fiercely independent, proudly courageous and wonderfully unique, the modern woman has left her impression on every part of American society. Today’s generation of women has been incredibly blessed to have inherited the equal rights of their male counterparts. However, as a result of being born into an era of vast opportunity, the battle for gender equality seems ancient and outdated. Millions of Americans are unaware that some women are fighting to earn the right to work within the same field as men. These women are none other than the very people who sacrifice their lives for the defense of our nation. They are our troops.

Until January of 2013, the role of women within the military was clear. Women who serve in the military are not allowed in combat. This means that the opportunity to work within the infantry, armor, field artillery, air defense artillery, army aviation, and Special Forces is denied from capable soldiers simply because of their gender. Biologically speaking, women are on average physically smaller and weaker than men. Based on genetics, men are better equipped for battles of brute strength, such as combat. Although these generalizations seem to argue against women serving in combat, the “average” size and strength of women certainly does not apply to everyone. Cadet Madaline Kenyon who is in training at West Point completed an indoor obstacle course that is designed to test a soldier’s ability to succeed in combat in 2 minutes 26 seconds, earning an A+ on the men’s scale (The Washington Post). If Cadet Kenyon were a man, she would be considered more than capable of partaking

in combat. However, Cadet Kenyon’s own genetic makeup prevents her from gaining her dream job of serving in the Army’s Artillery Corps. Even more tragically, our nation is being denied an incredible defender as the gender restriction laws force Cadet Kenyon to the sidelines. The immense physical capability of female soldiers forced Defense Secretary Leon Panetta into action in January of 2013. Panetta ordered the Joint Chiefs of Staff to study and consider the possibility of opening all military jobs to women by 2016. Panetta stated in an interview with NBC in front of The Pentagon that “if [women] can meet the qualifications for the job then they should have the right to serve”. Although Panetta’s order for consideration is a step in the right direction, female soldiers are awaiting the right to serve the country that they volunteered to protect, and that deserves swifter action than a threeyear deliberation that is not guaranteed to grant gender equality within the military.

It is a largely expressed concern that the front lines of the military could potentially be weakened by the admittance of female soldiers, but Major Mary Hegar, a decorated helicopter pilot, testifies that “there are people who do well in combat and there are people who don’t. Its not a gender question”. It is time that combat positions are granted to the person who is best qualified for the job, regardless of gender. William Denn, an army captain and Harvard graduate, believes that the addition of women to military combat will strengthen the nation’s defense. During Denn’s own deployment in Iraq he recognized the disadvantage of having only male sodiers in his platoon. Many of the women who lived in areas that had been terrorized by Al-Qaeda wished to communicate valuable information to the American soldiers in hope of gaining support. However, the traditions of the Middle East established a fear of men within the women and in some instances, their husbands forbade them from speaking to or being in the presence of another male. Denn says that because of the male American soldiers inability to communicate with local women, “having women in [his] platoon would have dramatically increased [their] ability to elicit critical intelligence. This could mean the difference between a mission’s success or failure, with lives in the balance” (Washington

Post). Allowing women to serve in combat zones could open an entirely new opportunity for the American military to establish better relationships with peaceful bystanders who are trapped in the chaos of war. This Fourth of July season as we honor our nation and soldiers, let us be thankful for the strides that we have made towards equality. However, we must not forget the battle that female soldiers fight everyday against foreign dangers as well as within our own country.

and she is a proud member of the Lady Cougar varsity basketball team. Rachel is a member of the All-American Dance team and preformed in the London New Year’s Day Parade in England this year. In her free time, Rachel loves horseback riding and jumping her thoroughbred Pete. This summer she will be attending The National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University and will be competing with the Emerald Entertainers at the National Dance Association summer camp this June.

As for college and her future, Rachel is keeping ------------------------------an open mind and figuring it out along the way, but Rachel Pardue is a student she is excited to see what at Cedar Creek where God has planned. she is the junior class president, co-captain of the Cedar Creek dance line, ------------------------------the Emerald Entertainers,

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lives away but that is my goal. I will try to find the joy in each day instead of focusing on the negative and letting it consume me. -----------------------------------

ice cream & other things that should be discussed written by Ashley Maddox I realized that out of most of our friends, I was the ----------------------------------- oldest wife. Granted my cousin and a few others The Clock Never are older than me but it had never occurred to Stops me that most of the other ----------------------------------- wives were younger. Sure in some cases it’s only a few months but my shock few months ago still resonated. I turned the big 3-0. I really wasn’t concerned It’s so funny how we focus or worried about it. As on age as we get older. everyone says, getting Instead of being grateful older is a part of life. Plus, for what we have, we long there are multiple articles to drop back a few years. that tell us that your 30s Even if we are the happiest are the best years of your we have ever been, life. I approached this birthday with no trepidation or moaning about my lost youth.

My husband threw me a surprise birthday party. He invited friends and family. It was such a wonderful evening. As we lay in bed talking about it that night, I teased him saying “I bet all of the other wives are jealous because my husband threw me such a wonderful party.” My husband replied, “None of the other wives have turned 30 yet.” My stomach dropped. Total blow to my ego. TKO to my vanity. In that moment,

we start thinking about wrinkles and cellulite. It also doesn’t help to have your husband remind you that you are older than the majority of the wives in your social circle but I have much to be grateful for and little to complain about. I hope to learn to enjoy each year of life and forget about my age. I want to enjoy each day to its fullest. Enjoying the little things like the sound of the rain falling outside or the feel of a warm summer breeze. It is so hard to not wish our

Ashley is originally from North Louisiana but now resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her experiences growing up in the country and being transplanted to the big city give her a unique perspective into life's quirks and hilarities. She is active in the New Orleans lifestyle and she has a great group of friends from which to draw her inspiration. She is a member of the Krewe of Nyx, attends numerous Mardi Gras Balls, runs, and enjoys reading and ice cream. She is married to her loving husband Jerry (who may or may not have written this bio) and they have a dog named Turkish. -----------------------------------

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Minimum to open is $100 for GBT Hometown Rewards Checking and $1.00 for GBT GBT Hometown RewardsQualification Checking: if qualifications are met each monthly qualification cycle:prior (1) Domestic ATMday fees of incurred during statement qualificationcycle cycle through will be reimbursed credited account qualifying REALSaver. debit cardFor transactions. "Monthly Cycle" means a period beginning one day to the first the current one dayand prior to thetoclose of on the current the lastThe day advertised of monthly statement cycle; (2) balances to $15,000 receive APY ofon 4.11%; and (3) balances over $15,000 earn 0.51% interest rate on Rewards the portionChecking of the balance over $15,000,transferred resulting in 4.11% GBT Hometown RewardsupChecking APY is based compounding interest. Interest earned in GBT Hometown is automatically to GBT Homestatement cycle. to 0.57% APY depending on the balance. 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Straight Off The Vine...

Do you have a garden full of fresh tomatoes and not enough recipes? Here are a few of our favorites. Summertime is here and that means and abundance of fresh tomatoes. I usually eat so many that I get sores in my mouth. Oh don’t act like it has never happened to you. If you are a lover of tomatoes then you can certainly relate. While I enjoy them sliced and piled high on a plate with lots of salt & pepper, I do have a few other ways to eat them as well, let me share a couple of my favorite ways with you.

TOMATO SANDWICH Now one could fancy this up in many different ways, I choose to slather lots of Hellmann’s mayo on fresh white bread, slice up a tomato or two if they are small, load up with salt & pepper and devour it. Usually I inhale it and want another immediately. Like I said, you could add all sorts of things to make this more of a gourmet sandwich to which I would never snub my nose. I am just more of a simple girl who doesn’t need to make a fuss about her tomato sandwich. We would love for you to share your favorite tomato sandwich on The Minute Magazine facebook page. Go ahead, share with us, don’t be stingy. INGREDIENTS: Fresh white bread (or bread of choice) Hellmann’s Fresh white bread Mayo(or(my breadmama of choice) only used Hellmann’s, therefore Hellmann’s Mayo (my I only mama use Hellmann’s) only used Salt & Pepper Hellmann’s, therefore I only use Hellmann’s) Salt & Pepper

TOMATO PIE

BLOODY MARY

If you were raised in the south you have probably had a tomato pie at some point in your life. On the off chance you have not I beg you to try this recipe. It is simple, so simple even my friend Rachel who never cooks could pull this off. It is warm with just the right amount of ooey gooey cheese to allow your fresh tomatoes to be the star of the show. Not to mention it looks very pretty when you serve it. That is if you don’t eat the whole thing yourself. I may or may not have done that once, ok maybe two or three times. It's a perk of being married to a man who for the love of God would not touch a tomato with a ten foot pole. Yes he is crazy, and yes I would say that to his face. Praise Jesus I don’t have to share my tomatoes and I hope you don’t have to either! Happy baking!

BLOODY MARY MIX: (yields 4 servings) 1 quart V8 juice (or fresh juice directions below) 1 cup vodka 1/2 cup lemon juice (3 lemons) 3 tablespoons lime juice (2 small limes) 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish 2 tablespoons hot sauce 1 tablespoon olive juice 1/2 teaspoon celery salt 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INGREDIENTS: 1 deep dish frozen pie shell (yes I can make my own but I don’t have time) 4-6 peeled & sliced tomatoes (of course I use 6) 2 cups grated Parmesan/Reggiano cheese (or your favorite cheese) Basil leaves (as many as you want) Salt & Pepper to taste Peel & slice your tomatoes. I let them sit on paper towels to drain for at least an hour. Not really, only about 15 minutes is all I can ever wait. But by all means if you can hold out give them babies an hour. You may want to deseed them, I would never go to the trouble. But hey, I like seeds in my blackberry jam and some think that’s weird. So deseed away if you prefer. Mix your mayo, cheese, salt & pepper in a bowl Place a layer of tomatoes in your pie shell. Spread half of the cheese mixture over your tomatoes. Then layer in half of your basil. Repeat layers Bake at 350* for 30-35 minutes. Now enjoy and try not to eat it all in one sitting. I will not judge nor tell a soul if you just can’t help yourself!

GARNISHES: Pickled Green Beans, Manzanilla Olives, Lemon/Lime Wedges, Pickled Okra, Celery Stalks In a large pitcher or mixing bowl, combine all Bloody Mary Mix ingredients. Stir well, cover and refrigerate for two hours (or overnight) until flavors meld. To serve, divide mix between four cups filled with ice. Garnish as desired. FRESH TOMATO JUICE: 6 pounds ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped 6 celery ribs, coarsely chopped 2 cups very coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley sprigs (from 1 large bunch) 1 tablespoons fine sea salt Purée tomatoes, celery, parsley, and 1 tablespoon sea salt in several batches in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and chill at least 1 hour. Force through a food mill or medium-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids (you’ll have about 10 cups juice). Tomato juice can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.

Written By:

Vicki Caskey 17

fresh mint leaves for a lovely touch. Keep the simple syrup mixture in the fridge for several days! ----------------------------------Gazpacho

written by Rosemary Thomas -----------------------------------

A Shift in Perspective -----------------------------------

fter dinner (and a few glasses of wine) with some friends, a conversation evolved about how we wanted to be remembered. The old “what do you want on your tombstone” kind of question. And although we weren’t talking about what would actually be carved in stone (because most of us were of the cremation/ donate to science type mindset), it was a challenging question. Of course, we all wanted to be thought of as a nice person. I mean, who wants to be remember with a comment like “well, she was a big ‘ole Capital B, that’s for sure”. Some of the group were leaning towards being remembered for what they had accomplished or how good they were at their craft. “That boy could pick a mean banjo” type of sentiment. That is all well and good, but I am thinking that it goes deeper than that for me. After quite a bit of thought (and another

glass of wine), if I could only have one word to describe me, I hope that world would be GRATEFUL. I am grateful. Now… I do my fair share of whining, and I have been known to throw myself a pretty impressive pity-party from time to time, but I try to keep a feeling of overwhelming gratitude close at hand. Even in the face of terrible losses (the death of my son and my brother), I have always tried to hold on to the feeling that I really am so very lucky. I have so much. I have so many concrete and intangible things to be grateful for. Having a feeling of gratitude gives birth to so many other affirmative feelings like compassion and empathy and hope and … well the list is endless and it turns into a glorious cycle. So, maybe if we make a conscious effort to shift our perspective from what we want to what we have… from what we’ve lost to how much we have been blessed with… from petty inconveniences and irritations to small joys and simple pleasures… Maybe if we can make that shift this summer, it will be our best summer ever! Instead of fussing about how hot it is, let’s talk about how

gorgeous the crepe myrtle trees are. Let’s enjoy this summer with picnics and get-togethers and light meals and lemonade. Let’s enjoy going to the Farmer’s Markets, cooking outside and good fresh tomatoes and peaches and corn and okra and … well – you know. In the spirit of gratitude, here are a couple of recipes for light meals… These would be perfect for a warm summer evening picnic at the park. Enjoy your summer…. No matter what! ----------------------------------Rosemary-Mint Iced Tea (We serve this every day at Rosemary’s Kitchen, but it is so easy for you to make at home!) Make a simple syrup by heating equal parts water and sugar in a small pan (maybe two cups of each). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add one or two sprigs of fresh Rosemary and 3 or 4 sprigs of fresh mint. Heat gently (on low) for about 10 or 15 min. Remove the herb stems. Add about 2 T (more or less to suit your taste) to a glass of unsweetened iced tea. You can even add some

1 clove garlic, chopped 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped 1 1/2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt (or less to taste) 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) 1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice Place all vegetables in a large container; add Worcestershire and lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and basil. Pour in tomato juice, stir well and chill at least 6-8 hours. Serve with crackers or fresh baked bread, this soup is delightful on a hot summer day!! ----------------------------------Pea Salad 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced 1/4 cup vinegar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/3 cup sugar 2 (15-ounce) cans petite green peas 1 cup chopped onions 1 cup chopped nuts 1/4 cup mayonnaise Place water chestnuts in container; add vinegar, vegetable oil and sugar; marinate overnight. Drain

thoroughly and add peas, onions, nuts and mayonnaise. Refrigerate until ready to serve. This simple twist on a classic pea salad will be so refreshing on a Sunday afternoon picnic! ----------------------------------Spicy Catfish Amandine 1 2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted 3 Tablespoons lemon juice 6 (6-ounce) catfish fillets 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning 2/3 cup sliced almonds

flakes easily with a fork. This is a great summer dish! Light flaky fish is sure to satisfy without leaving that “heavy” feeling. Pair it with the Gazpacho, Pea Salad and Rosemary Mint Tea for a fantastic summer evening meal! ------------------------------

Rosemary Thomas is an avid cook and gardener who enjoys the challenge of owning a restaurant and working with her daughter. She is an RN Combine butter or and continues to work margarine and lemon several days a week in juice; dip each fillet in Shreveport where she butter mixture and arrange lives with her husband, in a 9X13 inch baking dish. three dogs, two cats Sprinkle fish with Creole and 80 chickens. seasoning and almonds. Bake at 375 degrees for -----------------------------25-30 minutes or until fish

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This is the

Life

WRITTEN BY CHALAINE SCOTT life feels just as it should. But the reality is, that those moments aren’t really the life, they’re just a part of it, and a small part at that. The reality is, that this, this, is the life. The life of hitting snooze and rushing to get ready and running late to meetings and arguing with people we love and forgetting to take the trash out. This is the life, the real life.

"This is the life," I said

as I swayed in my hammock, sipping a cool drink and watching the waves roll in beside me. It was noon and I had just woken up, the sun reflected off the water on the beach in front of me. Behind me, the sound of pots and pans rattled together, louder than the dishes were two of my best friends rapping lyrics back and forth as they washed them. The bedrooms were littered with suitcases, bathing suits hanging over the deck to dry, empty pizza boxes in the kitchen, and scattered throughout the house were all of my best friends. I closed my eyes behind my dark sunglasses and beneath the rim of a straw hat. “The life.” I think I wait for the moments to say this, because it is in these moments I feel most relaxed or at a place when

But life feels good when the sun is shining and the waves are rolling, when the worries are few and the friends are many. But is that really the life? Because I tend to think so in those moments. But the truth is that right now it’s a quarter to 11, and I’m scarfing down a microwavable dinner while spreading peanut butter and jelly on bread and stuffing chips into a plastic baggy for tomorrow’s lunch. And ugh! My cable bill was due today and I have to pay my car note tomorrow and I haven’t finished that project that needs to be completed before my 9AM meeting. And tonight, as I lay in bed stressing out about the day and tomorrow and next week, this is the life. This is my real life. And its crazy stressful and admittedly annoying and sometimes cruel, but this is it. The life I’ve been given, the one that I’m adjusting to and creating each day. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I fear I spend too much time waiting for the chance to feel like I’m living life to the fullest. Like I need a lot of money to spend or clothes to wear or cities to roam or oceans to float. Like I need a moment to feel that life is fair and fun and fulfilling. Like I need a certain situation to feel that life is how I want it to be. But the truth is, life is just as it should be. Life doesn’t promise us anything except breaths to be taken throughout it, and we don’t even know how many of those we will get. But each one we do, this is the life! So instead of trying to schedule vacations or events where we might feel in those moments that life is best, why don’t we try to see our life, our very hectic and stressful and busy life, as “the life.” Because if you have food in the fridge, someone to hug, a framed photo in your house and a memory that makes you smile, chances are, you have the life. It’s just up to you to make it the best one yet. Two months ago I didn’t know how to cook a steak. I didn’t know how to plant a flower garden or repair a broken appliance. But I wanted to know how to cook and plant and fix. So I learned. And I did. And I added new accomplishments to my life. This life that I’m living, not the one on a cozy hammock alongside the beach. If I could rewind the clock, I’d love to spend more time right there in that moment, basking in the Florida sun with my best friends, because those are the moments that make my life special, but all the rest of the moments, those are what make my life mine.

music on a bad day. Wash my heart out with a good cry. Pass hours on the phone with an old friend. Dance until my feet hurt. Jump off a dock with my dog. And I don’t just live in the moment, I live for more of them. I try not to focus on the past ones I didn’t like, because it’s not who I was, but who I am. It’s not who we were, but who we are. And we choose that. We choose who we’ll be and how we’ll live. We pick our moments, and the ones I choose, they’re what I feel, in my heart, to be living life to the fullest. It’s wind through open summer windows. Feeling your skin warm in the sun. Forgiving yourself for who you were. Ripping up the pages you don’t like and replacing them with fresh ink. It’s laughing loudly and learning boldly and loving whole-heartedly. It’s crying your heart out, and screaming just because you need to and saying that thing you shouldn’t have and feeling sorry and saying sorry and making up and letting go and letting in. It’s living on.

And this, all of this, is the life. How are you living yours?

So I kick a punching bag. Talk myself through a closet of what to wear on a date. Piece together patio furniture. Fall asleep in the sunshine. Blast the

not going to spotlight my dimpled thighs. I tried on the first suit. I pulled it up and over with ease; did a quick turn and snarled at the mirror. It covered too much. This was obviously left on the rack by an Amish designer.

strangers at my

coffeepot

written by Darla Upton

-----------------------------------

I most certainly am a size 10! -----------------------------------

However, when a woman is fat, at some point, she gets in a crazy cycle of gaining weight, hating the weight, getting depressed about the weight and eating because she is depressed. Last year, I was in the eating stage of my cycle. I packed on some crazy weight! And that weight was on top of an already substantial weight gain. So, while I was talking about how I needed to lose weight I was usually eating a hot roll with butter on it!

"I have always struggled with my weight." With all weight gains there comes a moment - every woman I know when you know it is time to get your head outta the gravy boat. Usually, what does this for me is a round of flu or some other ailment. Fat people could use the don't get on scales. Only above quote to describe skinny people do that. myself but it would be a We know we are fat; we lie. I don't really struggle do not need any further with my weight. What input. So, that trip to the I actually do is hug the doctor for an antibiotic fat girl inside with gravy. is the moment. That And biscuits. And fried wretched nurse says, catfish. See, I have been "Hop up on the scales," skinny and I have been and it is worse than you fat. There's not much of imagined. Like, it is so a difference between the bad that even if you said fat me and the skinny your shoes and clothes me. I dress trendy, I go weighed 25 pounds you out, I flirt with the FedEx would still want to cry. man no matter what size I am.

I usually do something crazy to lose weight and this time was no exception. About 20 weeks ago I decided to go on a juicing fast. I lost 69 pounds in 16 weeks. I eat raw and juice fast to maintain. I feel pretty good about myself even if every weight chart says I need to lose 30lbs more. I ignore charts and go with how I feel and I feel great! I apparently was feeling just a little too good. I was downright delirious because I took myself swimsuit shopping. I needed to put myself in check. I needed to cry in public. I needed to loathe myself under harsh lighting. I didn't completely lose my ever lovin' mind. I didn't browse the bikinis! I stuck with what every foul fashion magazine had ever preached. I avoided ruffles. I kept the bottom simple. I looked for something to accent "the girls." I didn't pull out smalls. I stuck to size 12/14. I had a nice selection of about 4 suits as I made my way to the dressing room. I was even tanned dark and was confident those fluorescent lights were

Suit two was acceptable, but not perfect. I wasn't snarling but I wasn't smiling. Suit three was a beautiful turquoise and it was by Kenneth Cole and it was on sale and I wanted it to look as perfect on me as it did on the hanger. I put one leg in the leg hole and began what would become the Great Dressing Room Shame of 2014. Getting this suit to my hips was no small task as I literally tucked in bulk like it was a shirt. I flipped the tag over and it said 12/14. I started tugging again. I pulled the front out trying to smooth out the spillage. I looked in the mirror. There was a bead of sweat and my cheeks were flushed. I should have turned back but I was light headed from huffing and puffing. I continued to pull because the turquoise looked incredible with my tan. I got it to my waist and over my ribs and sat down. I would have put my head between my knees to keep from passing out but I was scared to bend at the waist. I can't tell you why I kept going at this point but I did. I think it was because I looked at the other tag, the one from the store not the manufacturer and it too said 12/14. I couldn't imagine why

But because I am nothing if not a woman, I actually looked at the sale price and considered purchasing it with the promise to juice fast for 20 more weeks and wear it at Thanksgiving dinner. Feeling completely and utterly like a fat kid on Field Day taking home the "Nice Try" ribbon I started peeling this suit off. I vowed to get dressed and not cry. Pushing one side and then the other down my body I am literally turning this suit wrong side out to get it off. I have to peel it down over my hips and in the wiggle to be free notice another tag on the inside with a big red "10" on it!! It was a size 10! 10! 10! 10!

------------------------------Darla lives in Jefferson, Texas, where she raises her eight year old son, Atticus Gregory with her significant other, Hugh Lewis II. Hugh owns the Alley-McKay House Bed & Breakfast. Atticus Gregory is the Eloise of the McKay House. Prior to being a selfemployed, stay at home mom she was a Civil Litigation Paralegal for a defense firm in North Carolina. After leaving North Carolina, she lived in Houston for a short time. She eventually returned to her hometown of Texarkana, Texas, where she met Hugh while working at the Texarkana Gazette as a production assistant. Girl meets boy, girl falls in love with boy, girl has a baby and gets a bed and breakfast? It happened.

So, she was smart and professional at one time and now she can't find her keys, has more toys in her purse than pens, can't decide if she should color her hair again and sometimes she burns the bacon. Luckily, no matter what life hands her, she has a good So, basically I'm just letting y'all know--I'm a sense of humor, vodka and her typewriter. size 10! -------------------------------

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this one was not fitting better. The saving grace was the material was puckered so it gave a look that wasn't so stretched and rotund. I stood up like a soldier. I took a deep breath and began the hip wiggle squat that allowed me to give a final tug to get my boobs into this suit. I looked in the mirror. My hair was a mess, my cheeks were red and I was out and out sweating. But I was in that turquoise suit. The last one. I was in it. And I was a hot mess. I was a turquoise sausage! I would have sat down and cried but I couldn't sit and one sob would've surely cracked a rib.

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Written by Elizabeth Simpson Pickett How many times do we see people in need and pass up an opportunity to help simply because we don't know what to do? Let's learn to replace "Let me know if there's anything I can do for you" with action.

people in the dining area at the time. Everyone just stared at me. I kept looking around begging with my eyes for someone to help me. I was frozen, and couldn’t even utter the words “HELP ME!” Everyone continued to just stare. No one intervened. I grabbed my two girls and ran to the car as I struggled to get both of them strapped in their car seats so that we could get to a doctor.

few days ago, my two young daughters and I were enjoying a peaceful lunch at a local fast food restaurant. Suddenly, my 5 year old’s head began shaking uncontrollably in what we assume was a seizure. I have always thought that since I am a first aid/CPR instructor, I would be able to I don’t believe that those people sitting in that gracefully handle a situation like this. I was wrong. restaurant were cold hearted, uncaring people. I I panicked. I began screaming, “What’s wrong? think they were frozen like me. They didn’t know Tell me what’s wrong!!” There were about 15 other

what to do, so they did nothing. Later, as I talked with a friend about what happened that day, she told me that she probably wouldn’t have intervened either. “What could they have done?” she asked. As insignificant and simple as it sounds, I wish someone would have come over and asked if they needed to call 911 or asked if they could help me get them to the car. ANYTHING to make me feel not so alone in that moment. How many times do we see people in need and pass up an opportunity to help? How many times do we not know what to do when tragedy, illness, or a life struggle hits a friend? If you are like me, many times we give the standard response: “Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.” I don’t believe this statement is effective. Very rarely will someone who is going through a difficult time have the presence of mind or the strength to say, “You know, I’m grieving heavily right now. Could you make me a meal?” or “I’m too sick to get out of bed, could you run some errands for me and watch my kids so I can rest?” It is up to us to offer specific ways to help and allow the person who is struggling to accept the help. One of my closest friends taught me how to serve others and anticipate needs. Her advice to me was to try to put myself in their shoes. What would I need or want if I were in this situation? One of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me was to send me a gift card to a steakhouse when I was going through a very trying time. She sent an encouraging note and told me to take the night off from cooking and enjoy myself. Something so simple, but it meant the world to me.

our alma mater, a small private school where everyone knows everyone. Hundreds of friends and former classmates posted on her Facebook page, many with the standard “Let me know what I can do” response. But, really? What could we do? She lives hundreds of miles away. I began to wonder what I would need most at that time. What would I want people to do for me? My first thought was the financial burden of having to bury a loved one. I sent her a quick message, told her I was praying for her, and offered to set up an online donation page to offset funeral and other expenses. She graciously allowed me to set it up, and within 2 days, we raised well over $7,000. This allowed her to pay for all expenses and take a little time off work to deal with this tragedy. The power of people doing is amazing. We all want to help but sometimes we just need a little push to get the ball rolling. Next time you are tempted to say, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do”, replace that with a specific task you’d like to do. Maybe send a quick text saying, “Hey! I’d like to make you dinner next week. Which day is good for you?” or “Hey! I’ll be out and about next week running errands. What can I pick up for you while I’m out?” For my close friends, I’ve been known to be even more specific. For example, “Hey girl! I’m coming tomorrow to pick up my to-do list from you. Have it ready!” Maybe you aren’t in a financial position to help with some of those things. If that’s the case, use the power of social media. Start a meal train or a donation page, offer to babysit, clean the house, or do a few loads of laundry.

The world needs more kindness, and that starts with each of us.

A few months ago, a dear friend from high school who had recently given birth to twins tragically lost her precious infant son. It was completely unexpected. She lives out of town, but still keeps in touch with many of her friends from

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and do all of the things I know nothing about. More music, more people, more unfamiliar moments. So far, I’ve cheered the Cajuns through the Regional and Super Regionals in baseball and said “yes” to beer with people I barely knew. I’ve stayed out later on (some) weeknights and even went to a movie solo.

a season of

becoming in new orleans

written by Shelley Duran

-----------------------------------

The Shelley Shakeup -----------------------------------

alling myself an over-thinker would be an understatement at best. “I want you to stop saying you overthink things and starting calling it being thoughtful. You’re thoughtful”, my sweet friend since college recently told me. We had decided to take a long walk around our old campus while catching up. This is something I’ve always found equally loveable and squeezable (not in a good way) about her – she is immensely positive. Even in her struggles, she smiles. It’s remarkable, actually, but also that sort of thing that makes you want to shake her (again, in a not so good way).

when I say the things I’ve been mulling around in my mind. If you know me well enough, you soon figure out that my saying something aloud, means it’s A) happening or B) on the verge of happening. So when I told this sweetshake-able-smiley friend about needing to switch things up because I felt a funk coming on, she knew I meant business.

This is where I state the obvious: Lafayette is not like New Orleans. It’s taken about six months for the transition of moving to really hit me. Things are at a slower pace, the men are bearded, traffic is worse (who knew that was possible?!) and if you talk to enough people you’ll later figure out they’re all related in some way. I’ve developed a nice routine here, but I can’t say it’s much different than the routine I had in Nola. Different faces and scenic views of nature rather than homeless people and you get my point. Having to get out of my comfort zone, here are some of the things I’m in the process of These kinds of talks are my changing up: favorite. They’re usually

1) Develop a Workout Community: No, this does not mean Crossfit. While I prefer not to drink that Kool-Aid (no offense if you do) I wanted some sort of class environment with strangers that I hope will become fit fabulous friends. I currently lift heavy on my own at a generic 24 hour gym, and while I’ve made friends, I wouldn’t say they keep me motivated and I have no desire to see them outside of the gym. Since I enjoy feeling super strong I thought I’d give boxing a whirl and signed up for a free class. Getting my hands wrapped/gloved was a surreal experience, and while I haven’t fought anyone yet, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much they’ve kicked my butt. Bonus: my Coach said I have a ‘beautiful plank” and am in “pretty good shape.” Both of which are my kind of compliments. 2) More Experience: This city has really changed in the last 4 years and I need to get with the program and try

3) Shutting Up About Dating: Instead of letting things play out and the chips fall and whatever cliché statement could apply, I’m being too thoughtful about the whole dang thing. I’ve asked my buds to quit asking about it, since I feel like not having something BIG to say each time might mean things are going badly. I’m significant with or without a significant other (someone put that on a t-shirt!) and I’m finding advice given to be all the more distracting. 4) Visiting Family More: It’s been years since I’ve lived this close and I should be making the most of it. I’m making the drives to shop with Momma on Saturday and going to my niece’s school functions. I’m attending more Sunday suppers and then stealing the leftovers. 5) Spiritual Push: One of the things that gave me the most comfort about moving back was knowing exactly what church I would attend. Now that I’ve developed a routine there, I’d like to get more involved in ways

I never have before in the church. I started with a Lent Bible Study where the material was over my head but the discussion wasn’t. I’m getting to know my Priest and letting him get to know me which I can’t say I’ve done before. And I’m going to Confession on a monthly basis.

-----------------------------------

Shelley is a twenty something gal twostepping in Lafayette, Louisiana. When she's not working as a Marketing Manager for the Chamber of Commerce, she can often be found running through her neighborhood in order Right now, none of to enjoy Cajun cuisine this feels normal. It’s a on a regular basis. Her constant act of small beloved dog, Olive is decisions, of saying yes often by her side. Follow when I sometimes don’t her rants and quips on want to. You can’t hold on Twitter @shellbellduran. to the old while bringing in the new. ----------------------------------Here’s to Shakeup.

the

Shelley

Written By: Tiffany Byram

Life is Best

Learning to Love Yourself Between the Before & After

y self-worth is not determined by a number on a scale. That statement is hard to say but I'm working on it. As a new mom, it is very easy to feel inadequate because I haven't lost the "baby weight" or because I have some new cellulite on the back of my legs that wasn't there before. But my challenge to myself (and to you) is to learn to love what I have. And what I have is beautiful. I am healthy. I am strong. I have been blessed beyond measure. And still I struggle. My body is far from perfect. I could lose about 50 pounds and I will continue to try (probably for the rest of my life). It would be nice to have a 6 pack or wear a 2 piece. I along with every other woman in existence want to

change the way I look. But in exchange for wanting a different body I think we are all missing something very important. People love you for who you are, not what you weigh. People remember you for the things you say and do, not how well you dress. Actions speak much louder than any stretch mark or scar. The people who are important to you can see through the veil of how you see yourself. And if they can't, they obviously don't have anything to contribute to a healthy relationship with you. Your life is just as valuable RIGHT NOW as it would be if you lost that last 10 pounds. Today is just as important as the day you make it to "perfect". BUT the problem with "perfect" is that it's always just out of reach. Our goals change as we change. Ask anyone - a supermodel, a fitness instructor, a triathlete. Think of some people

you know that you consider "perfect". I guarantee that Get over it. It doesn't matter if you have a camera full they could all rattle off a list of things they would change of pictures you hate? Surely there is one picture that about themselves. you hate less than the others. And now you have it. Your children have it. As a mother who has suffered It is in our nature to be unsatisfied, to want what someone the terrible heartache of losing an infant, I personally else has. We compare ourselves over and over again beg you to do whatever it takes to get over it. I vividly to what we see on the television, in magazines, and remember hating my body after childbirth. I didn't want in public. Our distorted view of reality makes us hate to be photographed. But I took a few pictures anyway. I ourselves. cannot begin to tell you how important those photos are to me. When you look in the mirror, what words come to mind? Are they negative or positive? Disgusting, Beautiful, Pay the money to have a family portrait taken. Have Frumpy, Strong, Pudgy, Worthy. Surely it doesn't hurt people take your picture. Let them take a picture of all anyone if we think negatively about ourselves, right? of you, not just your head from a very high angle. Do it Wrong. It damages every relationship we have. We get often. Show them your movie star smile. You cannot get in fights with our spouse because we don't feel "pretty today back. Stop staring at your hips or your lips or your enough" (you know what I'm talking about). We refuse ears in every photograph. You are the only one who sees to reconnect with old friends because we fear what they your flaws. Everyone else sees a beautiful family and a will think about how we look now. And most importantly, beautiful woman who knows how important it is to be we pass our self-loathing on to our children. present in her children's lives. It's summertime. That means beach weather. It also means it's time to pull out the dreaded swimsuit. This year I will not be ashamed. I will not hide under my sarong and umbrella praying no one looks at me with judgy eyes. As I said earlier, I have some new cellulite on the back of my legs. But you know what? I'm gonna flaunt those dimples and jump into the deep end. My baby wants to swim with his Mommy. We are making memories that cannot be relived. When he's old enough, I will chase the waves with him. We will have splash wars. I dare old judgy eyes to shake her head at me... maybe I'll splash her too. This life we have been given is so short. Why do we live day after day with all this negativity? Life is best lived. It is best lived RIGHT NOW. We have to learn to love ourselves between the before and after. Wherever you are in your journey today, you are beautiful. You are strong. You have been blessed beyond measure. Whatever you are dealing with, you can overcome.

In conclusion, I've compiled a list of thing I would like to pledge to. I am making a conscious effort to love what I've got. Feel free to do the same.

I REFUSE

to give my insecurities a foothold. I am strong, brave, beautiful (fill in whatever additional adjectives necessary).

I REFUSE

to talk negatively about myself to others, especially my children.

I REFUSE to lose out on memories and moments

simply because I am afraid people will be watching. If that means jumping around in a swimsuit while playing with my children, so be it.

I REFUSE to be intimidated by other women. Chances are they feel exactly the same way I do and that look in their eyes is probably directed at themselves.

The final rant I would like to go on has to do with to pass self-loathing on to my children. something we all struggle with. Taking pictures. No one likes to do it, we immediately go into the defensive hands in front of face mode or the "I have to see it first so I can to hide behind the camera. If I don't like delete it" mode. In an age of selfies it's hard to believe the picture, I won't post it. But at least I'll have it and my that people still fear the camera but I know for a fact that children will have it in the future. many of you are cringing right now. to miss out on living life right now. This will be difficult to hear but you aren't taking pictures for yourself. You are taking pictures for the future. Your to hate my body. I will continue to work children will want them. Women are literally missing on improving it but I will not hate myself in the process. years of their lives in family photo albums. We hide I will learn to love myself at all stages of my journey, behind the camera instead and come back from vacation whether before, during, or after. with only a picture of our feet in the sand and no proof that we were ever there with our family.

I REFUSE I REFUSE

Love youself first and everything else falls into place. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. - Lucille Ball 32

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a collage of southern stories and recipes:

seasoned moments written by Barbara Ellis Durbin -----------------------------

Softly Billowed Macaroons -----------------------------

saw the sun rise on my way in this morning. It came to my mind that my heavenly Father was out to impress me this day. As I watched the early morning sky, I saw the most astonishing miracle occur. Before my very eyes, it appeared his divine hand began to paint shades of orange and red cotton, and it seemed he tossed them upon the eastern sky. With each touch of the sun’s rays, I was able to observe a different angle of this morning room painting. It appeared his eternal fingers had blended those vivid colors into waves of glorious reflections. Those brilliant shades etched their way across a softly billowing sky. The colors became so vibrantly visible and then sweetly faded

into the looming horizon of Tomorrow, if I am not his great green earth. escorted into his presence Magnificent, majestic, before then; I will be glorious, are not proficient allowed the thrill of a new adjectives with which to picture painted by my describe the omnipotent Father. God is so good picture which emerged. To and yet we get so wrapped think that I was allowed to up in our worldly cares observe the artist of the that we fail to see the daily universe as he painted this miracles he provides us. morning portrait. We should realize it is in I realize the miracle I was Him we live, move, and allowed to observe. Never have our very being. His again will I see the exact love for us is beyond His intense same textures in the sky. measure. Never again will the light desire for a relationship be in exactly the right place with us is so great; he to see an exact replica of allows the beauty of our what I was given this day. surroundings to proclaim His heavenly portrayals are the glory of his character. like his mercies; they are new every morning. ----------------------------------This picture given to me by the one who sings over me, I will place it deep in my soul. When the world has me tossed and I can stand no more, I will remember the “soft billows” in the coffers of my memories. I will take them out; recline upon them in my thoughts, and allow the peace of God which surpasses all understanding to take me away.

"Softly Billowed" Macaroons 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk) 1 egg white, whipped 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract 1 (14 ounce) package flaked coconut

Preheat oven 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with foil and spray with Pam. Set aside. In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg white, extracts and coconut; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets; slightly flatten each mound with a spoon. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Immediately remove from baking sheets (macaroons will stick if allowed to cool); cool on wire racks. Store loosely covered at room temperature. If desired you may make Macaroon Kisses by pressing a solid milk chocolate candy in the center of each macaroon immediately after baking.

----------------------------------Barbara Durbin is a legal secretary and a published newspaper and magazine columnist. When not at her "real job", she works on her baskets filled with vintage books/ china for "The Vintage Bee." She loves a walk in the woods and her time with God. Barbara and her husband have four children, four grandchildren and a dappled dachshund named Bella. Look for her on facebook and follow her "Pocket Full of Moment" comments. -----------------------------------

Pictured: Top Left - Jo Gowan, Vicki Caskey (Sales Manager), Ruby Richie Top Right - Tiffany Byram (Owner) & Palmer Byram Bottom Left - Rachel Pardue (New Columnist) Bottom Right - Chalaine Scott (Feature Writer)

You Are Beautiful.

aughter, mother, grandmother. Whether high school or retired. You are beautiful. You are strong, inspiring, talented. No matter how difficult the journey, you can overcome. Live this life to the fullest by embracing the things that make you uniquely you. Shine bright and let the whole world see your beauty both inside and out.

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“Yes!” I exclaimed. “I gave it to my manager,” she said, and the manager hurried in the back to retrieve my phone (which, when she brought it to me, was beeping quite loudly). “I figured someone would come back for it.”

written by Judith Roberts

-----------------------------------

A Word of Thanks -----------------------------------

he doesn’t call me “Mom” or “Mommy” or even “Mama.” No, my 15-monthyear-old daughter calls me by my first name – Judith. My husband and I noticed Alice’s subtle calling for me, and we chalked it up to us just imagining she was saying that. Until that night in early June when I caught her on film very distinctly saying my name. I was so proud. I immediately posted the picture on Instagram and sent it to everyone who wasn’t on the social media site. “My baby’s a genius!” I wanted to scream from the rooftops, and I watched the video probably 20 times that night alone.

her phone to let him know The next day I lost my about the situation. I wasn’t phone. as upset about losing the phone as losing all of my I frequently misplace my pictures and my videos phone, and the situation is that hadn’t been backed magnified most of the time up – including the one of because I leave my phone Alice saying my name. on silent. I find it in random places in our home: on my Kyle informed me that daughter’s dresser. On the my iPhone had a tracking bathroom counter. On our device, so he logged into staircase. my iTunes account to find the iPhone. He triggered This particular day, a function on it that made however, I lost it the phone start loudly somewhere between beeping, hopefully helping my allergist’s office and us find the phone. Piccadilly in Monroe. We couldn’t hear anything. As usual, I was certain it At this point, the June was somewhere at the Louisiana heat was getting bottom of my large Kelly to all of us, and I was going Moore bag or hidden under to be late returning to work. the passenger seat of my My grandmother had an car. Alice and I had met my appointment creeping up, mother and grandmother too, and we had searched for lunch, so my everywhere. grandmother entertained the very tired child as my “Go in Piccadilly again,” mom and I searched the my mom suggested. “Just parking lot and my car for try.” the phone. When it didn’t turn up there, I went back This time, I found the to Piccadilly and talked to manager, and as I was the cashier and some of talking to her, our waitress the servers. None of them tapped me on the shoulder. had seen my phone, either. “Did you lose your We couldn’t find it. She phone?” she asked with a called it several times, and concerned expression. I called my husband from

I hugged her. Right then and there, I hugged her. However, I also started crying in the restaurant, so that was a bit embarrassing. But I had the video – the uncut video of my Alice saying, “Ju-DITH!” The video of her playing with her baby friends. The picture of her with her daddy. Of Alice in her bee pajamas. All because someone cared enough to show concern for a stranger. Thank you. ----------------------------------Judith Roberts is a journalism instructor at Louisiana Tech University and a born and raised Louisianan. She is an alumna of Tech, Grambling State, and the University of Southern Mississippi. She and her husband Kyle have one gorgeous and feisty child, Alice, and they are members of Temple Baptist Church. Judith has run three half marathons and also enjoys reading and writing -- but not arithmetic. -----------------------------------

jogging to ease you into running the full 3.2 miles.

--------------------------------

It Was There All Along

--------------------------------

everal years ago I started seeing all these people running and they just looked so perfect, for lack of a better word! They looked like they had it all together. They looked like they had all of their clothes clean, folded, and put away – not dewrinkling in a dryer for what could possibly be the 5th time today. They looked like they had a wonderful meal simmering in the crockpot, not a cold impersonal turkey sandwich they tried to serve for the 3rd time this week. They looked like they had perfect closets with perfectly hemmed pants hanging in them and

they always remembered to take their daily vitamin and drink their 8 glasses of water. I wondered if those runners had perfect lives first or if the running actually made their life that perfect. Well- it really didn’t matter- either way, I was going to start running. And the best part of it was that I had heard about this new app that made it all so easy! I could go from a gross, soggy couch potato to a sleek, sexy, got-itall-together 5K runner in just 9 weeks! 9 weeks?! I had some kind of mystery bowl in my refrigerator for more than 9 weeks! I’ve had laundry pile up for longer than 9 weeks! That is amazing! I am in. I began my journey with a goal – as the app suggested- a 5K. I scheduled it months down the road just in case my 9 week plan took me 10 weeks. I mean, you never know when it might snow here in the Deep South.

As I began the first week, I am amazed at how easy it really was. This is exactly why runners looked so good; they are filled with the joy of running because it is just so easy. I don’t want to say I was cocky, but there really isn’t another nice word for the attitude I was displaying. Now, this is where it got interesting. On week 3 I was struggling a bit, but I pushed on. For those of you that don’t know what this Couch to 5K plan is, it is a week by week plan that alternates walking and

When week 4 rolled around I thought that the makers of Couch to 5K must hate all couch potatoes and want them to die from oxygen deprivation. And shin splints. There I was running down my road remembering why I hated cross country in high school. I remember it vividly now, the crying, the begging, the pleading to quit. “Yes father I am an Honor Roll student, but no I did not realize cross country was a running sport”. No, I was not allowed to quit and I learned a very valuable lesson in life – don’t listen to your friends when they say cross country is “fun”. Yet, here I am again almost 20 years later running, voluntarily. I decided that I couldn’t quit now! I’d come too far. I pushed on. I repeated week 4 three times. Finally I made it to week 7, and then I knew for

certain that I hated running but I couldn’t quit. I hated all things associated with running and I especially hated those “perfect” runners who obviously just ran when someone passed by them because no one could like this torture. My 9 week plan finally worked itself out in about 20 weeks.

for no other reason than just to say you did- you’ll be as close as you can to “perfect”. -----------------------------------

April is a wife and mom living in Sarepta, Louisiana. When she's not working as a dental hygienist, she's out taking pictures or just following

her two cute kids around. Find out what she's up to by following her blog at lagirlrevelations.blogspot. com or follow her on twitter @lagirlrevs.

I didn’t stop when I felt like throwing up. I didn’t quit when my dog ran past me with a full uneaten corndog in her mouth just to mock me. I didn’t give up when my ribs felt as if they were on fire. I didn’t quit because I knew that it would never be easy for me and I’d never be those runners. I wanted to see if I could do it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could run that 3.2 miles, hate every single minute of it, but do it anyway. I ran my 5K- every excruciating, painful step. I never got to feel like I thought those runners looked, but I got something more important. I got to experience hustle and grit from sheer hate and I took that enemy down. I never stopped. It never stopped me and I made that choice. There are always options in this life, and we can always choose the one that gives us less trouble and less grief. But I can guarantee that if you choose the path that makes you gut it out

patience, the perspective, the boundaries, the time, the discipline, the selflessness, the humor, the balance, the honesty, the calmness, & the love, the unconditional love. All mundane boring things that every child looks back on and is so thankful for. This is this woman’s life whittled down to 2 verses in the bible.

the

journey written by Jason McReynolds

-----------------------------------

Mundane Mom -----------------------------------

ust like a father, every child needs a mom. They bring completely different qualities to the table. Both unique and needed. Mom’s, though, really know how to nurture. That’s something that we dads struggle with. We say things like, “Suck it up. You’ll be fine! Rub some dirt on it. Blood is ok as long as it isn’t squirting out!” Moms run at the hint of anything that even looks remotely like a wobble. My wife does it still, and my kids are 8, 7, & 5! In the bible (in Exodus 2:110) there was an incredible mom who was an amazing nurturer but also had the courage to do what had to be done to save the life of her newborn son. Let me set up the background for you: The people of Israel were living in Egypt

because there had been 7 years of famine and Egypt had food. Many years later they are still together and a new pharaoh takes over and he begins to enslave them. After a while, he decides to have all the Hebrew boys under 2 years old killed. Enter into the story a woman who has just gotten married, and, after a while, gotten pregnant, & given birth. Now this sounds like a standard marriage, pregnancy, and birth. But let me ask you something. Is there such a thing as a standard marriage, pregnancy, and birth? No. The answer is no (my wife is telling me this). Now we don’t even know who this lady is. The writer doesn’t tell us her name. Mom’s you do some amazing things! You know what you are like? Cake. And I don’t mean just any cake. Now, don’t take this the wrong way but you are like cake without icing. Some of you may think that would be boring, plain, mundane cake. Unfinished cake. "I wouldn’t eat that!” you might think. But here’s the thing. This is the foundation to every cake. You can’t have cake without this. This is mom. Because the things that matter most in our lives are the things that we don’t

even notice. They are the mundane, plain, boring things that mom does every single day. You are half of the stable foundation of a family (fathers being the other). Think about our society. And this applies to mothers and fathers. How many people have you met who grew up with a poor mom or dad who messed up their foundation. They were abusive or absent or neglectful. Now think about how many of those children are normal, stable people today. It is a small percentage. Stability does happen, but it usually happens with some serious substitute parental intervention to negate the damage that was done. It may be that God comes in to be that substitute mother or father or maybe another family took them in and loved them (which is also grace given by God). It is the mundane, plain, boring things of life that mother’s do that are the most incredible life changing events and you don’t even realize it because you are so consistent with it. It’s the no’s, the hugs, the driving, the meals, the consoling, the caring, the laundry, the extra job, the dishes, the vacuuming, the encouraging, the

After a while she realizes that she can’t hide the baby’s cries and stinky diapers any longer so she trusts in God and comes up with a plan. It’s a crazy plan. She decides to put him in a basket, place him in the river, and trust God. Now, moms, think about all that could go wrong here. The baby could drown, crocodiles, never found, someone finds him and kills him, etc. Here’s the thing, this Mother trusted God with her baby boy. There are going to be times when you, the mom, who has all the answers, does not have the answer for your child. There are going to be times when your child is on their own and will have to make their own decisions and their own mistakes and you have to force yourself to not intervene. There are going to be times when circumstances are outside of your control or are more powerful than you, and you can physically do nothing. This is the situation this woman finds herself in. And she trusted God. You are the cake. And without the cake every child tries to fill the void with icing. They try to fill the void with a constant diet of the exciting things of life - good or bad. But without the cake, without the foundation, the icing doesn’t fit and doesn’t make sense. It’s nice for a few spoonfuls but not when the stomach starts to

ache. But when you have the cake, the good icing, the pure exciting things in life are recognized as the blessings that they are fun, but not everyday life. This kid is too young to even realize the adventure he is on or the “icing” moment he is having.

man in the world at the time? All because the woman trusted God.

a pizza and eat on paper plates). Remember that there is a God in Heaven and in your heart that is It turns out this woman’s backing you 100% as a name is Jochebed, who mother and He will never is the mother of Moses give you anything that (Numbers 26:59). There you cannot handle without isn’t anything else about Him. In fact, He may be Jochebed in scripture. But using you to raise up a what an amazing story of world changer. But even I love the next part of the doing the mundane things if He is using you to raise story. The Pharoah’s until all her options were up an “ordinary” child (no daughter shows up at the exhausted and she had such thing), always trust river. She knew what the no other place to go but to Him. You represent all of standing order was for just trust God solely. Her the feminine qualities of the Hebrew baby boys. actions saved her son who God to your husband, your Maybe she was having a in turn was used by God to children, and everyone compassionate day or was save her people, Israel. else around you. You are compassionate in general. the cake. Embrace the Who knows. God knew. Moms, let me encourage mundane because those And she adopted this you to continue to do things are the foundation baby on the spot and God the mundane things in and stability to your family providentially brought this life because they are the for raising children who will baby into the house of the most important things in grow up to love the Lord. very man who was trying life. When you are sick of to kill him. How’s that for doing the mundane, plain, ----------------------------------irony? How’s that for God boring, everyday routine, sticking it to the arrogant remember how God is man? How’s that for a using you for the long- Jason McReynolds declaration of how much term health and well-being is the pastor of New wiser and powerful God of everyone around you Orleans Community is than the most powerful (and also, that night order

Church. He and his wife, Liev, have two boys and one little girl. Jason enjoys hanging out with his family and friends, watching and/or playing any kind of sports, and taking his wife out on dates. To learn more about him, or NOCC, visit: www. neworleanscommunity church.com --------------------------

Have a Safe & Happy Summer!

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Ben Bleich in the Fall

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Ben Bleich

You have to figure out where the money is going to come from for all the therapies, how to -------------------------------- hold your head high in the middle of screaming meltdowns in the middle Angry of public places and -------------------------------- how to maintain your dignity when someone offers their own brand of “advice” on what you’re doing wrong.

usually write about the “feel good” side of autism and our successes. I know I have expressed my sadness or fears once or twice, but I don’t think I have ever tackled the side of this journey that makes me angry. Angry because there isn’t a single thing I can do about it; any of it. It takes a while to adjust to the fact that you are facing raising a child who will need special care, attention and services. This is where the fear and sadness comes from, mostly.

However, as my son gets older, my anger grows. He will be sixteen years old this year and we are in the very heart of teenage angst. Every eye roll, every stomp and slammed door reminds me that he is very much like other neurotypical teenagers (thanks to years of that expensive therapy and services). But I am angry because the things that aren’t neurotypical are much more glaringly obvious. Not just to me, but to him…and to those around him. He wants to drive, but figuring out the

executive functioning skills it takes to actually maneuver a car through city streets is excruciating! He wants a job, but his social graces are still at the level of an elementary schoolaged child. He wants to move away and attend a college out of state, away from his parents, but the responsibility it takes to manage to pay bills, take medicine, buy groceries and do homework on your own are pretty much still nonexistent. I am angry that these things are so far out of reach. I am mad as hell that he sees all of his friends doing these things and I have to keep saying, “No. You aren’t ready for that yet. You need more time.” And I’m angry that he sees and understands just how different he is from his peers. We are working hard at helping him achieve the skills

he will need to do all of these things but it is painstakingly slow with huge doubt lingering over it all as to whether he will actually ever “get it” enough. I think he can and I believe he will. Eventually. Before he’s thirty. I hope. So sometimes when I see all these great success stories, I’m jealous. Then I get angry, because why can’t he have that? Why did he draw such a short straw with life? When he was younger it was more about us, the parents. It was on our shoulders. Now, it’s becoming more and more about him and whether he will sink or swim on his own. I am angry that it is so hard for him. Then I have to try to remember where we came from and how much better he is doing now than in the beginning and I have to remind myself that we have broken through all the goals we set for him so far. I have to learn to turn my anger into optimism. -------------------------------A narrative written by Lela Robichaux about her teenage son's life on the Autistic Spectrum. --------------------------------

Ashley Thomas, APRN, FNP-BC William K. Johnson, APRN, FNP-C

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FAMILY CLINIC

1175 Pine Street, Suite 100 Arcadia, LA 71001 318-263-7970

WELLNESS CENTER 1300 Pine Street Arcadia, LA 71001 318-263-9355

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Your story should be able to stand alone without the epilogue. If there are loose ends, it is best to find a way to resolve these in the final chapters of your story.

a novel

Because you as the writer hate to say good-bye to your characters or story world.

approach written by Winnie Griggs

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Epilogues - The Last Word On Your Story (Part 1) --------------------------------

ello everyone. In my last article here I discussed Prologues, so I thought this time I would discuss Epilogues. First a quick definition of what an Epilogue is, as it relates to a work of fiction. An epilogue provides a comment, conclusion or depicts consequences of the actions within the story itself and always appears at the end of the story, AFTER the climax. Today I want to discuss some of the things to consider when trying to decide if your story even needs an epilogue. The short answer is no. If you’ve done your work properly, and provided a satisfying climax, your story will not NEED an epilogue to feel complete. However, there may be a number of reasons why you would WANT an epilogue.

Think of it this way. Compare it to baking a cake. If you mix and bake the batter properly so that it comes out light and tasty, and then you top it with a yummy frosting, then the outcome is quite satisfying. However, if you as the baker sense there is a little something extra you can do to enhance the eating experience, say add some chocolate curls to the top, then by all means do so.

at least not for all of your characters. In that case, you might want to show the long term consequences of those wrong turns taken by your characters. To tie up any loose ends after the story’s climax. If, for some reason, your story called for an abrupt or traumatic ending, then there may be some issues relating to the fate of your characters that you want to clarify.

So let’s talk about when you might WANT to add an To plant seeds for a sequel. epilogue. Here are a few If you already have plans reasons. for a follow up story, there To show the ‘Happily Ever may be some teasers you can plant with an epilogue After’ in more detail. to whet your readers’ This is probably the most appetites. common type of epilogue, especially in the world of To show some impact on romance novels. If you’ve the world of your novel. done your job right, by the time you get to the end of This would most commonly your story, your readers be used in a story that deals should be totally invested with a political, sociological in your characters. An or world-in-turmoil focus. epilogue is an ideal way to In this case you could use make the jump to sometime an epilogue to show how in the future to show that the characters or events of the HEA (happily ever after) the story affected the story you gave them at the end world itself. of your story truly ‘stuck’. There are other reasons, To show the consequences but these are the most of some event or decision common ones. made by characters in your story. All that being said, there are a few good reasons Perhaps this is not the NOT to write an epilogue. kind of story that has a happily ever after ending, To wrap up your story.

An epilogue must serve a story purpose, must add something positive to the reader experience to earn its place in your book. If not, it runs the risk of being deadweight, resulting in having your story end on an anti-climatic note. In other words, the epilogue should impart something that adds to the reader’s appreciation of your story, but that depicts something that is clearly beyond the main storyline. Next time I’ll discuss with you some of the DOs and DON’Ts to keep in mind when you’re writing the epilogue itself. --------------------------------------------

Winnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. She and her siblings spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou. Once she ‘grew up’ she began capturing those wonderful adventures in the pages of her notebooks. Now a multi-published, award winning author, Winnie feels blessed to be able to share her stories with readers through her published books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs. com or connect with her at www.facebook.com/ WinnieGriggs.Author --------------------------------------------

successful for her antique business. Shirley listened to “that still small voice” in her spirit that said it was time to move on. Now, business is booming, she’s meeting new customers every day and she’s very happy in her new location.

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Time For Change --------------------------------

arlier this year, I got a message from my dear, sweet friend, Shirley Alexander, owner of First Street Antiques in Arcadia. I met her shortly after she opened her store and over the next couple of years, we developed a close friendship. When I worked in another antique store a few doors down, we saw each other regularly. I left the antique business in 2008 when my first grandson was born and my visits with Shirley became fewer as my life got busier; but we've always kept in touch. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised when Shirley announced that she was moving her store. In fact,

I was overcome with sadness when I first heard the news. Arcadia is only 30 minutes away and I could make a quick trip over there in the blink of an eye. First Street Antiques was filled with good times and happy memories. We’ve had picnic lunches out on the “veranda” many times as we were visiting. It was almost like sitting on a porch in Mayberry and you’d expect Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife to drive by any minute; a wonderful way to relax and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. Sometimes without warning, things can change… but life goes on. Decisions have to be made and we have to put our faith and trust in the LORD, to lead us and guide us down the right path. After several months of pondering and a lot of fervent prayer, Shirley decided it was time to move her business from Arcadia, where it was located for 14 years. She found an old building in Clay, Louisiana that used to be the Clinton’s General Merchandise Store. It was built in 1938 and it’s full of history and

charm; the perfect home for antiques, primitives and vintage collectibles. The structure had been vacant for a number of years and needed a lot of work, but Shirley saw past all the imperfections. With the support of her husband, Larry, and lots of help from family and friends, the dream became a reality. I recently paid Shirley a visit over at the new store and we spent the afternoon chatting about the history of the building. I was given a personal tour around her shop and she shared a few little “secrets” with me. For instance, I asked her how she managed to move a WHOLE store without being overwhelmed. She answered: just one box at a time. Her advice is not to worry about the big picture but to take things “one day at a time.” This was certainly an act of faith for Shirley, but she knew in her heart that it was time for a change. In order to grow, we have to get outside of our “comfort zone” and that’s exactly what she did. It was scary to think about leaving a familiar place that had been

If you’re wondering where to find the new store, which is now called JUNKTIQUES, it’s located about 8 miles south of Ruston on Hwy 167. The building is on the right (if you’re headed south) at the intersection of US Hwy 167 and LA- 148/LA818. Stop in and browse around, visit with Shirley and do a little treasure hunting while you’re there. You’ll get a history lesson if you want; there’s much to be said about the old store that sat across from a cotton gin also owned by the Clinton family. There’s a framed account ledger hanging on the wall in the store that reads “highest prices paid for cotton & country produce.” You’ve heard of “a hole in the wall” kinda places that have really good stuff, and this is one that you absolutely don’t want to miss. Part of the history actually is a hole in the wall! Yep, in the back corner of the store there’s a small hole in the bottom of a wall. Shirley planned on covering it up until she found out that it is original to the store. Back when it was actually a General Merchandise store, that hole served as the “pet” door. At closing time, the owners would open the door to allow the cats inside to catch the mice that came out

at night. Complete with lots of the original fixtures and unique details, this is the perfect place… except for a few leaks in the roof. But that doesn’t put a damper on Shirley’s positive attitude. Her motto is that “you’ve got to take a little rain along with the sunshine.” As I write this story, I’m filled with bittersweet emotions. Like Shirley, I feel God is leading me into a new direction, so I’m resigning as a columnist for The Minute Magazine. I absolutely love writing, sharing my faith/encouraging others and I love telling my

“trash to treasure” stories. My heartfelt thanks to everyone that has believed in/encouraged me along the way, as I’ve shared my true confessions; I’m forever grateful. I’m once again taking a huge LEAP of FAITH… as the LORD is taking me “out of my comfort zone.” This is one of those times when being obedient I can say, “My heart is willing but my flesh is weak.” I’ll still be around; you might see me swiping ”treasures” off the side of the road or doing a little “dumpster diving” around town; but one thing’s for sure… I’ll always be a “Junkie for Jesus!”

“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of- infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” Ephesians 3:20 (LB) -----------------------------------

Donna Arender has been repurposing furniture that she picked off the roadside since way before it became popular! Donna and her husband enjoy spending time with their children & 2 grandsons. Her family

"currently" includes 3 rescued cats and 2 adopted puppies. But more grandchildren & other pets are always welcomed additions to keep her family growing. She also has a passion to write & dreams of one day writing a book that tells her "trash-totreasure" story; how God repurposed her! Contact her at junk. gypsy713@yahoo.com

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Schools were closed so thousands of local children could join the funeral procession. Boy Scouts formed an honor guard for the viewing as people filed past. Carroll Foster gave the eulogy, and the flowercovered coffin was buried between two French guns that had served during World War I. An evergreen tree was planted at the foot of the grave. The American Legion flag was lowered to half-mast as a token of respect.

bringing back

the past written by Wesley Harris

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From Canada to the South Pole... to Louisiana -----------------------------------

eorgia Tucker School in Monroe is one of the most remarkable buildings in north Louisiana. Built in 1920 on land donated by railroad man Frank P. Stubbs in honor of his mother, Georgia Tucker Stubbs, the school is one of the last remaining examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture in the region. The architectural style enjoyed popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, evolving from rekindled interest in Italian Renaissance palaces and seaside villas dating from the 16th century. But the school’s most fascinating feature is not its architecture, but what’s buried in the front lawn. From 1928 to 1930, legendary explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd led an expedition to Antarctica to explore the continent by snowshoe, dogsled, snowmobile, and airplane.

In late November 1929, Byrd led a small crew to reach and fly over the South Pole successfully. After Byrd and his crew returned to the United States in 1930, a national tour celebrated their accomplishments on the ice, including the dogs that pulled their sleds. The tour reached Monroe in January 1931. Among the exhibits was Unalaska, the most renowned of the sled dogs. Admiral Byrd handpicked Unalaska to be the lead dog of his sled team. Born in northern Canada near the Arctic Ocean in 1923, he was a pure white mix of wolf, St. Bernard, Setter and Siberian Husky. Monroe’s children fell in love with the expedition dogs and Unalaska was the star attraction. On January 3, Carroll B. Foster, who had accompanied Byrd on the Antarctic expedition, took Unalaska and his mate Lady to Forsythe Park for exercise. The dogs crossed Riverside Drive toward the Ouachita River, and Foster called them back. Lady returned, but Unalaska was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The suspect was never caught. The death was reported nationwide. Admiral Byrd was notified, and a funeral was planned. Georgia

Tucker Principal Julia Wossman suggested the children handle the funeral. The city gave permission to bury Unalaska at Forsythe Park where he had played with the children. A burial spot was selected on the lawn of the American Legion Home. The body was embalmed by the Cory-Davis Funeral Home, and placed in a white velvet casket lined with pink silk cushions.

Local schoolchildren wanted a marker to place at the grave. The company building the nearby Neville High School donated a 700-pound Indiana limestone marker. A bronze plaque inscribed with Unalaska's name and history was attached. The inscription read, "Sacred to the memory of Unalaska, killed by automobile in this city Jan. 3, 1931, a dog of the Byrd Antarctic expedition, whose dauntless courage played an important part

in that great scientific adventure. ‘A great leader and a true friend – he never turned back’ – Admiral Byrd. Erected by the school children of the city of Monroe." On July 9, 1931, little Armand McHenry, Jr. gave a dedicatory address and

two young girls unveiled the marker.

River. It recovered.

The next morning, the marker was gone. Using some heavy equipment, someone stole it during the night. Some believed the huge stone was discarded in the nearby Ouachita

The theft may have been the work of curio seekers but rumors flourished of a bitter argument between Legionnaires over the propriety of a monument to a dog on Legion grounds.

was

never

Some believed burial on the grounds should be reserved for soldiers who had fought in the war in Europe. Sensing Unalaska’s presence was unwelcome, students at Georgia Tucker raised funds for a new marker. Unalaska’s remains were removed from the American Legion to the grounds of the school a few blocks away. A second funeral was held, and Unalaska was laid to his final rest. The new stone bore a carving of his likeness and the inscription, “Unalaska, a husky of Admiral Richard E. Byrd, South Pole Expedition, buried here. Jan. 1931.” The school closed in 1999 but Unalaska remains on watch near the entrance to the building, as he did for decades as children came and went, far from the ice cap that brought him fame. Developers plan to renovate the former school into an assisted living facility. Pictured: Unalaska’s replacement marker at Georgia Tucker School. Armand McHenry, Jr. gave a dedicatory address when Unalaska’s first memorial marker was revealed. Martha Chambers and Marilyn Bush unveiled the marker. Georgia Tucker School in Monroe. -----------------------------------Wesley Harris is a native of Ruston. Among his books are FISH OUT OF WATER: Nazi Submariners as POWs in North Louisiana during World War II and GREETINGS FROM RUSTON: A Post Card History of Ruston, Louisiana, available from amazon.com. Check out his Louisiana history blog at http://diggingthepast. blogspot.com. He can be contacted at campruston@ gmail.com.

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