Minute Magazine March April 2014 by The Minute Magazine

March / April 2014 Volume 9, Issue 2

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Introducing

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April is

Child Abuse

Prevention

Month

You can act to support families and protect children all year round! While April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, you can make a big difference year-round through small acts that help protect children, strengthen families, promote traits that help protect families and, ultimately, prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

For your family:

• As a parent, block out 15 minutes a day to play one-on-one with your child — doing anything he or she wants. We know from studies that the more parents engage in positive activities with their children, the less they use negative physical and psychological discipline. •Tell the children or youth in your life how much you care for them and appreciate them. All children deserve to have someone who is “crazy about them” and loves them unconditionally. • Connect with grandparents to preserve cultural heritage. Grandparents are an incredible source of cultural heritage — from traditions to language to food! Encourage them to tell stories to their grandchildren and even visit their schools to share where they come from.

For friends and neighbors:

• Compliment a father — someone you know or even someone in public — on something positive you see him do with his children. Dads contribute uniquely to children’s development. • Offer your time to baby-sit for the child of a friend, neighbor or family member. All parents need help sometimes — even if it is just to rest or “recharge” for an hour or two. • Arrange a pot luck event in your neighborhood to get to know other parents and their kids. Friends and neighbors can give outstanding support to families in times of need or stress.

For your community:

• Do volunteer work for a youth-or family-serving organization in your community. Some families just need a little help from time to time, and community organizations are designed to do just that. • Take action on legislative issues that affect children and families. Call your elected representatives, join demonstrations and be sure always to vote to show that you support services to help families raise healthy children. • Ask yours or another faith-based organization in your community about donations — even small ones — that can be made to support families in need. Some families need help providing for their children’s basic needs. • If you have reason to believe a child may be at risk of harm in their home, call your local child abuse hotline. Anyone who is worried about the wellbeing of a child can call to report their concerns.

For more tips and information on child abuse prevention, visit: www.americanhumane.org/april 4

from the

Editor S

pring is right around the corner.The cold and gloomy winter gives way to a fresh burst of new life. Flowers spring up, greenery comes alive, everything is bright and cheery. Anything is possible.

You’ve known her for so long. Now, suddenly, something has changed.

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a mental or cognitive decline that hinders daily life, who was named one of the nation’s top performers 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 Joint theMedical leading accreditor hosen byCommission, you. Minden Center 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

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For more information or to schedule a free, confidential assessment, call us at 318-371-5646. Hope is only a phone call away.

Even The Minute Magazine has embraced the dawn of new growth. We have several new columnists that we can't wait for you to meet. This issue of The Minute is packed with editorial content that is uplifting, inspirational, and sometimes downright funny. We are so excited for you to meet our newest members of The Minute Magazine family. We are also excited about our two feature articles: The Art of a Sunday Drive and The Art of the Cocktail. Special thanks to our guest photographer LeAnne Rozelle, our cover and feature models Heather Gantt, Richie Burke, and Leo and Renee Tripp's 1963 Corvette. A big thanks to Hugh Durham of Devine Wines and Spirits in Ruston for teaching us the lost art of the classic cocktail hour. We hope that these stories inspire you to go out and do. Spend time with friends and family. Schedule a get-together. Live in the now. Cherish every moment. The rest can wait.

Tiffany Byram Owner/Editor

www.MindenMedicalCenter.com #1 Medical Plaza | Minden, LA

Need health insurance? Laura Horton, Agent 129 Minden Shopping Drive Minden, LA 71055 Bus: 318-377-5556 laura@laurahortonsf.com

If you’re between jobs, in school, or starting your own business, don’t sweat it. I have plans from Assurant Health designed with your needs in mind. To find out more about short-term, student, or individual medical coverage, call me today.

See a local State Farm agent for more details on coverage, costs, restrictions, and renewability. Assurant Health products are underwritten and issued by Time Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, which is financially responsible for these products. No member of the State Farm family of companies is financially responsible for these products. Assurant, Assurant Health and Time Insurance Company are not affiliates of State Farm. ®

P097300.1

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inside this

issue FIND US ONLINE!

TIFFANY BYRAM Owner/Publisher/Editor Graphics/Layout

VICKI CASKEY Sales Manager

LEANNE ROZELLE

Cover/Feature Photography Art of a Sunday Drive Art of the Cocktail

HEATHER GANTT & RICHIE BURKE

For a list of locations near you, or to catch up on past issues, visit www.theminutemag.com or like us on Facebook! For article suggestions and queries email Tiffany Byram at theminutemagazine@gmail.com The Minute Magazine is distributed throughout Caddo, Bossier, Claiborne, Bienville, Ouachita, Webster, & Lincoln Parishes in Louisiana. They are FREE for you to enjoy. Take a few to your friends, relatives or anyone else that you think might need a refreshing, enlightening â&#x20AC;&#x153;minute.â&#x20AC;?

Cover/Feature Models

JENNY REYNOLDS Founder

12 15 16 20 23 28 30 32 34 47

Handshake Recycling by Jean Jones Ice Cream & Other Things by Ashley Maddox

Art of a Sunday Drive by Chalaine Scott Art of the Cocktail by Hugh Durham Rants of an Old Hen by Chris Broussard Strangers at My Coffeepot by Darla Upton Thirsty Southern Soul by Judith Roberts Guest Columnist by Rachel Pardue A Fresh Perspective by Rosemary Thomas One Glorious Day by Bobbie Jean Shepp Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced without permission. The Minute Magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials. The editorial content of The Minute is prepared in accordance with the highest standards of journalistic accuracy. Readers are cautioned, however, not to use any information from the magazine as a substitute for expert opinion, technical information or advice. The Minute cannot be responsible for negligent acts, errors and omissions. The opinions expressed in The Minute are those of our writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher has the right to accept or reject any advertising and / or editorial submitted.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Office Phone: 504.390.2585 Ad Sales: 318.548.2693 P.O. Box 961, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

March / April 2014 Volume 9, Issue 2

contributors Donna Arender Chris Broussard Tiffany Byram Vicki Caskey Shelley Duran

Hugh Durham Barbara Ellis Durbin Winnie Griggs Wesley Harris Liz Hines Jean Jones

Ashley Maddox Jason McReynolds Ashley M. Nygaard Rachel Pardue Judith Roberts Lela Robichaux

Chalaine Scott Bobbie Jean Shepp Melissa Teoulet Rosemary Thomas Erin Turner Darla Upton

cover

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This cover was taken of Heather Gantt by LeAnne Rozelle. Special thanks to Leo and Renee Tripp of Ruston, LA for the use of their beautiful 1963 Corvette.

that with eating out of the same ice cream container and well, folks, I was a goner. Whether this turns into more, I'm not sure. But Olive is hopeful, which makes me kind of hopeful, too.

a season of

becoming in new orleans

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

written by Shelley Duran

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

Canine Companion -----------------------------------

ike any selfrespecting modern woman, I am more than slightly obsessed with my dog. You saw that coming, right? Olive is my five year old Cocker Spaniel who kills you with kindness and that everso-pitiful look that she uses to her advantage to get table food. Always down for a party (and a car ride), there aren't too many places I don't take her to - another plus of New Orleans living. She's the ultimate greeter and the best way to start a conversation with a stranger. Of all these things I love about her, it only makes sense that I avoid her meeting potential suitors at all costs.

Olive is a great judge of character, and it's heart melting to watch her love the people I love. Combine that with the hopefulness of a relationship and I am a M-E-S-S. This is the very long way of saying, that I invited a man to my home for dinner and the way my dog looked at him made me think I was in deep trouble. A low key weeknight meal didn't seem like a big deal to me, and he and I have been hanging out long enough that inviting him over while in my yoga pants didn't seem like a big deal either (which that in itself says a lot). I made the meal, he brought wine and ice cream for dessert. When I walked into my living room post meal and caught this man sipping his wine as my dog peacefully lay on his lap asleep I was disappointed. In her. I kept thinking, 'this is why women should have giant guard dogs - to avoid this moment'. Alas,

I do not have a guard dog - I have a twenty pound snuggler who found her new victim. I sat beside him and asked 'What exactly are you doing to my dog?' I used the word 'to' and not 'with' because, well it was alarming. Olive has always been welcoming to the female generation, but with men it's really touch and go. His response? 'I don't know but I think she's falling for me'. Combine

Shelley is a twenty something gal making moves in New Orleans, Louisiana. When she's not working as a Project Manager at HERO|farm ad agency, she can often be found running through her neighborhood park in order to enjoy New Orleans' cuisine on a regular basis. Her beloved dog, Olive, can often be found by her side. Follow her rants and quips on Twitter @ shellbellduran. --------------------------------------------

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Glaze: 1 c. powdered sugar 2 tbsp. milk Colored sugar Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch glass baking pan with some cooking oil.

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

One More Slice of King Cake! -----------------------------------

y favorite time of year has come and gone. The time of year when no one is on a diet. I’m not talking about Christmas or even Thanksgiving. Here in Louisiana, Mardi Gras is our ultimate “I’ll just have one more slice” holiday. Seriously, who can pass up a slice of

king cake? No one can. But have any of you ever tried to bake a king cake? I have (a couple of times actually) and they always turn out wrong. I have yet to accomplish the perfect recipe. One time I was so distracted from a 3 year old trying to “help” me that I even forgot to add the cinnamon sugar. It was so bland and tasteless that I couldn’t even call it king cake. Apparently making a good king cake is a skill that I don’t think I have. Fortunately I don’t have to. I’ve found a couple of king cake inspired recipes that are pretty tasty. One is a cheesecake bar with the addition of cinnamon and the other is sort of like a cinnamon roll

cupcake. Both have the traditional glaze and colored sugar in purple, green, and gold. So if you didn't get enough king cake this season and need just one more slice, these recipies are perfect for you.

In a food processor, pulse the flour and sugar until combined. Add in the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like wet sand. Add the milk and pulse just until it begins to stick together. Transfer it to the baking dish and press to form an even layer for the crust. Make sure the bottom is fully covered with dough. Set aside.

Now in the food processor, add all of the ingredients for the King Cake Bars filling and mix that until it resembles a smooth, Crust: thin batter. Pour into the 2 c. flour baking dish and spread 1 c. butter, cubed evenly. Bake for 20-25 6 Tbsp. sugar minutes until the crust 2 Tbsp. milk is golden brown and the filling is set. While that is Filling: 2 8-oz blocks of cream baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl add the cheese, softened powdered sugar and 1 c. sugar the milk and whisk until 1 egg a thin glaze is formed. 1 tsp. vanilla Once you take the ½ tsp. cinnamon -------------------------------

Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a food processor, mix all of the ingredients for the filling until it is a smooth, thin batter. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for ------------------------------- the dough. On a lightly floured surface, unroll Cream-Cheese Filled one tube of dough and pinch all the seams King Cake Cupcakes together. Make sure you close all the seams Dough: 2 tubes of crescent rolls well so that the filling does not leak out during ½ c. sugar baking. Now, sprinkle a 1 Tbsp. cinnamon good bit of the cinnamon sugar mixture on the Filling: 1 block of cream cheese, dough and slice into 4 rectangles. Spoon some softened of the filling along one ½ c. sugar of the long edges. Roll 1 tsp. vanilla the dough along the long edge to create a Glaze: cigar, carefully pinching 1 c. powdered sugar the seams together. 2 Tbsp. milk Now very carefully roll Colored sugar the dough again to cheesecake out of the oven, pour the glaze on top and decorate with the colored sugar. Let it cool completely before slicing. Makes 15-20 squares.

create what looks like a cinnamon roll. Repeat with the remaining rectangles and with the other tube of dough. You now have 8 rolls.

cream cheese can be omitted for a plain king cake flavor. Makes 8 cupcakes.

Place each roll into a greased cupcake pan, seam side up. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 more minutes until the rolls are golden brown.

Melissa is a happygo-lucky, 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.

While they’re baking, make the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar and milk together.

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

Once the rolls are done, let them cool for about 10 minutes before removing them from the pan. Drizzle with the glaze and sprinkle the colored sugar on ------------------------------top. If you prefer, the

we can gr w

t gether written by Jean Jones

Handshake Recycling is on a mission to recycle waste products in North-Central Louisiana. Add your business to their "Green Circle" for free.

and staff collect recyclables on-site and bring huge quantities of recyclables from their homes to the collection receptacles. The school has begun a “Going Green” elective course this year that has become a favorite with the 300 students.

Steve Jones is leading something of a “green revolution” in North Central Louisiana. Since starting his Handshake Recycling business in Farmerville nearly a year ago, he has enlisted 128 customers located in a four-parish area. “Each week, we are collecting more than 16 tons of recyclable materials ---paper, cardboard, plastics, and metal cans --- in Union, Lincoln, Ouachita, and Claiborne parishes,” he says. “It’s growing and that is exciting to me.” Handshake places receptacles at each site and picks up contents as often as needed, all at no charge.

Jones is blatantly passionate about recycling and what it means for the people and environment of this region. “I am excited to see so many enthusiastic people who want to recycle,” he says. “It’s like they have been waiting for someone to come along and give them the opportunity. So here I am.” He and his crew pick up recyclable materials from commercial customers, sort and bale at the Farmerville facility, then truck the bales to buyers who turn materials back into usable consumer goods.

Schools, churches, and communities like Homer and Sterlington are joining the green movement, too. Dozens of individuals each week bring items directly to the Handshake Recycling Center, and a Monroe waste management company delivers recyclables to the facility. An especially enthusiastic Handshake customer is I.A. Lewis Elementary School in Ruston, where students

This business venture is an encore performance for Jones, who thought he would be retired by now. “Recycling, I guess, is a natural extension of my long career in forestry. I have always loved working in the quiet beauty and majesty of the woods. Now I want to help protect our environment and leave it better for my grandchildren.” When Jones ticks off the current state of environmental

concerns, the discussion turns gloomy: toxins leaching into drinking water, soil and surface water contamination, over-use of natural resources such as forests and petroleum, wildlife harm, air pollution, giant plastic “islands” floating in the Pacific Ocean, idyllic beaches littered with plastic shreds washed in by the waves. “These are huge problems on a global scale, but you and I can do our little part in tackling these problems right here in our back yard. We can recycle. We can reduce our use of plastics, paper, and metals. We can reuse items instead of tossing and buying more stuff,” he says. Electronic waste is another area of enormous concern, says Jones. “Computer monitors, cell phones, televisions, computers and other electronics contain toxins such as lead, mercury, and cadmium which should never be burned or buried in landfills.” Instead, he urges everyone to take such items to certified electronics collection centers such as Best buy and Office Depot. “Or I’ll take them for you!” Even recycling paper goods can be a big positive for the environment and the nation’s supply of natural resources, says Jones. “One ton of cardboard, newsprint, or office paper equals about 17 trees. Add to that all the fuel needed to take out timber and process it into paper products.” The timber industry, he says, is focusing its efforts on recapturing forestry materials through recycling, and thus reducing the pressure on resources in the U.S. and other timber-producing nations. So what does the future hold for Handshake Recycling? More community leaders are talking with Jones about setting up collection centers in their towns so that individuals can easily drop off recyclables. More businesses large and small are joining his customer list daily. Now he is wondering if his current facility will be adequate for his ever-growing space needs. “I feel the future is bright. I’d even say…bright green,” says Jones, the optimist. “I have a great crew of people who work hard every day and are enthusiastic about this business. Together, we will continue to give people in North Central Louisiana the opportunity to join the recycling movement.” ________________________________________ Handshake Recycling does not pay for recyclable materials, and does not charge customers for its services. Funds to operate the business come only from selling materials to receiving companies. Handshake Recycling does not accept glass, Styrofoam, or medical waste. All plastic or metal containers should be rinsed out before being placed in recycling receptacles.

Handshake

Recycling with your help we can make a difference 318.608.1306 1012 S. Main St., Farmerville, LA 71241

Handshake Recycling Center

www.HandshakeRecycling.com

withstood so much rain. But what I haven’t expected has made me exactly who I am. And all the plans that have been broken and rain that has interfered has had its part in making me into exactly who God intends me to be.

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

Scheduled Rain --------------------------------

had a plan when I was growing up. There were goals to hit and milestones to pass. There were love affairs to be created and stories to be lived. I had a planned out list to be completed with boxes to be checked. Well, I am approaching my 25th birthday and that list lies incomplete. And at this point in my life, I am not sure it will ever be finished. But that’s okay, because some of my best moments have been the unplanned ones, the ones that have unfolded themselves and somehow mystically came to be. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about plans, it’s that they were made to be broken.

We’re three months into 2014, and as we welcome a brand new year, we hope for good times and great blessings. We plan for fun events and happy moments. What we don’t hope and don’t plan though, is starting the year off losing a job and having to count our pennies. We don’t plan on losing a loved one or being broke up with or dealing with a family crisis. We plan for the sunshine and don’t expect the rain. And when the rain comes, it comes hard and cold and strong. They say when it rains it pours, but maybe that’s the best kind. The kind of rain that pours down, blurring your eyes and flooding your feet, carrying winds that knock you over. Because when you get back up, you know how to push through better the next time it hits. When your vision is clear and your feet are dry, you’re more thankful.

Because without this rain, we wouldn’t be so happy when it lets up. Without this rain, it wouldn’t clear out the trash and grow the trees. It wouldn’t clean all it’s landed on and purify all it’s touched. Without this rain, we wouldn’t know just how good the warmth of the sun feels or see just how big a flower can bloom. We plan for the sunshine and don’t schedule in the rain, but the rain is what makes us who we are. The storm may be a struggle to fight through, but it gives us the ability to grow.

Our plans are sketched in pencil, but God’s are written in ink. And He has placed the rainstorms in the areas of our life where we need the most growing. But one things for sure, He also controls the sun, and the sun…well that always follows the rain. -------------------------------A copywriter, novelist, and columnist, Chalaine lives by her pen. She is always traveling and never settling, making memories wherever she roams. Living off her dog's cuddles, her brother's humor, and sweet iced tea, she is just a girl in love with the simplicities. Mostly though, she is just a mess in stilettos, living off God's grace and living to serve Him, welcoming inspiration from wherever it comes and pursuing her dreams with whatever it takes. Follow her @Chaleezy

I never expected to be laid off. I never expected to have my heart broken or turn 25 without a boyfriend. I never expected to live in 7 different states or be welcoming a birthday while planning a crosscountry move. I never expected to have an -------------------------------incomplete list without all it’s boxes checked. I never expected to have

ice cream & other things that should be discussed written by Ashley Maddox almost 8 years now. He has traveled from Houston ----------------------------------- to Beaumont to Baton Rouge to Prairieville and The Long finally to New Orleans. We have loved him and he has Goodbye loved us. He has brought ----------------------------------- us much aggravation as well as much joy. He is one of those dogs who doesn’t know he is a dog. He thinks e love many he is a person just like us. things in our lives: people, pets, places. All of these You never think about dogs things we love affect us having cancer but my dog in different ways. They does. We found out from may bring us happiness, the vet about a month ago. heartache, aggravation, or I took him to the oncologist challenges but we know who confirmed he had a that all of these emotions bladder tumor and that are worth it for these things he would die from it, in 6 we love. months. I was shocked. You always hold on to a One of the things I love little bit of hope that things is my dog Turkish. My aren’t as bad as originally husband and I got Turkish thought. Things turned out from the SPCA in Houston worse. when he was just 4 months old. I didn’t have a job at How do you say goodbye the time and I desperately to a friend you’ve had for 8 needed a friend. Turkish years? How do you accept and I had about a month the inevitable? After the together before I got a job. initial shock, I convinced We spent the time taking myself I had accepted it naps on the couch and but every day I come home watching movies and then and when I turn the key in quickly getting dressed and the lock I pray he lifts his the house in order before head and wags his tail. my husband got home. I am terrified of coming home and him not being We have had Turkish for here anymore. I know this

is incredibly morbid but it’s constantly on my mind. I have cuddled with this dog and fed him treats and been impressed with his ability to open peanut butter jars (true story). If he dies who will lay on the couch with me curled up behind my knees and take naps or watch tv when my husband isn’t home? Who is going to sit by me during meals because he knows I am the gullible person who will give him a bite of food off my plate? Every time he doesn’t eat his food or he comes inside and is shaking I worry if the end is close. I don’t want it to happen. I don’t know how I will deal with it. I keep trying to remind myself that he is just a dog but he’s not just a dog to me. He’s my friend and I am saying goodbye to him every single day, not knowing when he will really go. I know that he is not in pain but it’s almost sad to see him so happy and know that he doesn’t know anything is wrong. He doesn’t know why I would rather pet him than play with him.

time for me, I am happy to have had my dog for 8 years. I am happy for the memories and the love he has given me. I really hope that dogs go to heaven because nothing would make me happier than getting there and seeing my sweet dog waiting for me. ----------------------------------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. -----------------------------------

While this is a very hard

A Trip With No Plan By Chalaine Scott

Some days, I think these days are long past, distant in history to never be relived. And then, I take a drive.

There’s an age old saying, “time flies when you’re having fun.” I’m not sure this is necessarily true. In my experience, time seems to fly whether you’re having fun or not. Whether you’re laughing or crying, the hours continue at the same pace, the seconds circle the same. And no matter how we try to slow it down, time speeds by. We attempt to stop the clock, slow the ticks from tocking, keep the years from passing, make the days last longer. But still, it ticks on. And in this day and age, time seems to disappear faster than ever, spent bombarded with apps, saturated with media, distracted with television and obsessed with social networks. Some days, I long to live in a universe that soaks in every moment--that breathes country air and notices blue birds and collects seashells and counts stars and wishes on dandelions.

The fresh spring air drowned through the rolled down windows of Colonel Woodie’s 1964 baby blue Chevelle. We had nowhere to go and nowhere to be. Just two best friends riding passenger with the music turned up as the sunshine poured down. My friend’s dad held the wheel as we cruised along an old Louisiana road, the gravel crunching below as the breeze carried through the car. I have taken thousands of trips, traveled highways and ridden shotgun on numerous drives, but I will never forget that Sunday drive in the Colonel’s prized old car. There’s something about a lazy weekend, a clear blue sky and a dear friend in the seat next to you. There’s something about time when you’re not looking for a clock.

When your phone is off and your watch is home and your mind just gets to wonder. When distractions aren’t tempting and you get to see and hear all the things you generally miss. When you get to see time as God intended, through whistling trees and blooming flowers, clouds that dance with a backdrop of blue and a sun that slips behind them, disappearing until tomorrow. There’s something about the wind flowing through your hair and the world outside passing by as you watch. Something that pushes worries to the rearview and brings happiness to the dash. We spend hours in our cars on drives we don’t really want to take. We reluctantly drive to work, speed to make appointments, buckle kids in for school and rush to practices. We use our cars to transport us where we need to be, but seldom do we use our cars for where we want to be. They drive the same familiar roads and park in the same familiar spots. Their radios replay the same songs and their seats carry the same people. We become accustom to daily routines and necessary routes, unknowingly letting time slip away from us that we cannot get back. Of course we have to live life with regular habits and daily schedules, of course we have to drive the same roads and pass the same places, but we’re allowed to change these routines every once in a while when we can. And we should change them. We should stuff a bag full of our favorite treats and invite our favorite person to take a drive with us. We

should dust off our favorite CD and blare it through the speakers as we turn down a road we’ve never been down. We should buy an ice cream cone and sip an icee from the front seat. We should make our dashboard a movie screen that we get to live in. We should plan an afternoon that has no plan at all. We should shut our phones off and keep our watch at home and see the day go by on a blanket miles from home with our car parked in a spot it’s never been before. Past the old barn and the abandoned house. Down the dirt road and across the rickety bridge. On a blanket beside your best friend as you share a bag of popcorn and fill the passing minutes with conversation and laughter. Travel back in time, while living in the moment. There’s no need for a destination or an ETA or a map. There’s just singing off tune and discovering new places. Admiring the sky and carving your name in a tree. Etching your mark into time. The clock will keep spinning and the days will keep passing. So park your car alongside a field, lay in the grass. Trace a cloud with your finger. Pluck the petals from a flower. Take a nap in the sun. Skip the short cut and take the long way. Blare familiar songs and travel unfamiliar roads. Pack a lunch and hit the road. Go and find your new place. The minutes are passing, and so is your life. ____________________________________________

of the

Cocktail

The Art

Written by Hugh Durham of Devine Wines and Spirits in Ruston, LA

Revival of the Classic Cocktail Hour With the advent of social media and many distant and impersonal ways for people to communicate, the impetus for the classic cocktail hour seems diminished. However, its universal appeal and utility are not. There’s a renaissance afoot in the classic cocktail realm that has seen the rise of small low key bars that serve cocktails beckoning the days of Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford. A “Rat Pack.” Men dressed in classic black and jackets showing lots of cuff to women seizing the occasion for their little black dress and that favorite set of earrings. Gathering to see and be seen and discuss the order of the day. Much has changed, but the simplicity of the three to four ingredient straightforward timeless cocktail has not. The late 50s and early 60s were the height of an era that is re-emerging. It features a cast of characters from twenty and thirty somethings starting cocktail bars utilizing homemade handmade ingredients and small production high quality distilled spirits as well as familiar liquor labels we’ve all heard of to soon-to-be-emptynesters inviting their favorite friends over for something “shaken not stirred.” Enter the cocktail club and small scale progressive parties that seek to remind us of the time when the invitation cocktail hour--either in the home or at the local casual but slightly upscale bar--was part of the fabric that aided in keeping us all grounded as well as aiding the digestion of the coming evening meal. It served to perpetuate now fading arts of rich personal interaction and high banter among men, among women and among the mix. In this day of high speed, low drag, information at an instant, just Google it, many are rediscovering the simple and satisfying appeal of an Old Fashioned, a Sazerac, the French 75 or a double dirty vodka martini among friends. Most don’t know how to make them or if they

even like them, but Carol and I recently invited a few of our favorite friends over for cocktails and banter around the sound of the shaker to remind us of something… classic. Interestingly, we arrived at a few things while they were there… We wanted to give ourselves and the effort a name, our own “Rat Pack”, a designation, something that might endure, a well-conceived name perhaps with an appealing acronym and a meaning known only among the invited--a gathering hosted at a different home or establishment with a frequency loosely forecasted by rotating hosts foretelling the coming of any one of a set of uniquely American events—the Kentucky Derby, Veteran’s Day, the World Series, the Fourth of July, the Super Bowl, Daytona, the Master’s, Indy or on shorter notice a snow day. We seek to elevate our dialogue beyond that you hear daily and pay a little homage to solid discourse and conduct. And we wanted to facilitate a growing revival of the art of the classic cocktail. Seek to create your own platform and then… Consider, that while there are thousands of mixed drinks, the classic cocktails are those that have endured the passage of time and circumstance. While there is room for more or different, I have a list of my personal preferred classics. Any aspiring or experienced cocktail host will require the essential ingredients and tools necessary to mix it up either on short notice to accommodate an unannounced guest or lubricate a planned event or gathering of those who enjoy the cocktail. With the proper tools and ingredients you can cover a range of the top classics. Pick your top ten, assemble and maintain all the necessary ingredients and tools and enter the realm of the classic cocktail. Neat (liquid only, no ice) or “on the rocks” (over ice), there are many variations on the classics which you should discover, explore and have fun with, but the following is my essential list. It’s a great point of beginning:

1. The Dry Martini Known among all, it is likely the king of cocktails. Gin or vodka, dry vermouth and a couple of olives. To make it “dirty” add a little olive juice. 2. The Old Fashioned My personal favorite. Bourbon, simple syrup (or sugar), orange slice, bitters. Try orange bitters. Try rye whiskey, too. 3. Brandy Cocktail Brandy, simple syrup and bitters. A timeless variation is ANY spirit, simple syrup and bitters. Call it your, “insert spirit name here” cocktail. 4. The Manhattan Whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry garnish. 5. Sazerac Official cocktail of the City of New Orleans. Rye whiskey, simple syrup, peychaud bitters, absinthe or a substitute, lemon twist for garnish. Not for the faint of heart… 6. Mint Julep Official drink of the Kentucky Derby, a drenched in the south southern favorite. Bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves… 7. The Daiquiri Reportedly, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite, therefore, one of mine. Not the popular frozen commercialized machine drink, the classic. Rum, lime juice, simple syrup, shaken, poured into the glass neat. 8. The Fizz—or New Orleans Fizz Many variations, one timeless classic. Gin, lime juice, lemon juice, cream, a little egg white, orange flower water, club soda. Shake it all up, except the club soda, shake twice as much as you think you must, strain over the rocks, top with club soda. 9. The Martinez Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, angostura bitters, lemon twist. Mix it all with ice, stir well, strain into the glass neat. 10.The French 75 Gin, cointreau, lemon juice, champagne. Shake it sans the champagne, strain into a chilled flute, slowly add the champagne…

It seems all of them are best when offered in a wellchilled glass. Educate yourself about the simple process of “muddling” and “shaking”, assemble your favorite friends and begin your journey. Many before you have done so with the list referenced above for more than a century. Elevate matters a little. Cheers.

We had accomplished what I wanted. The children had embraced the beauty of the arts through their dance, music and spoken word or painted images. We captured it in time, at the time, for the moment and for the experience.

rants of an

old hen

written by Chris Broussard

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

Twenty Years in the Making -----------------------------------

his spring, the idea that I had twenty years ago will be celebrated. I still can't believe it. Twenty years ago, we started the Spring Arts Festival. I had waited for the arts to be included in the public school system because now I had my own little fella in the system. Then I realized that it probably wasn't going to happen. Instead of more concentration on the arts and validation that there was value in arts-ineducation, I saw a decline and I saw more and more of what was offered slowly but surely being eliminated. Having established the first afterschool enrichment center in Minden with the emphasis on the arts, I came to recognize an enormous opportunity to bring the arts to the community sans public education. So, I pitched the idea of a festival for children to the board of

Cultural Crossroads and it was an easy sell. Well, I say that now, maybe I didn't give them much of a chance to disagree. When you're talking about children and what they need, Minden is a great town to pitch. We started planning and our first festival was held downtown with our now ever popular hands-on museum held in the same building that now houses City Artworks. We blocked the downtown area and brought in every imaginable arts discipline from music to theatre. Harmon Drew Super Group performed on the brick streets of Minden. Privately, I was disappointed in the turn out. I thought Harmon and his group deserved a bigger audience. But through the years, I would see disappointment again in many things that I thought would be cheered, celebrated, promoted and most importantly appreciated. And not that they weren't but not to the degree that I thought they should be. It's been a labor of love and of heartache these twenty years. But I guess anything worth the fight is worth the

battle. And I am admitting now that it has been a battle. As an advocate for the arts and certainly an advocate for children, I thought combining the two would be an easy sell. But to be honest, it hasn't. Every year I would agonize over what could we do this year that would really get their attention? What could we offer that would really show them that this is truly a good thing? And when would the school system finally understand that they need Arts-In-Education? So, now here we are 20 years later and I am looking over the many 'moments in time' that we captured on film and it makes me ponder. So, what did we want to accomplish? What benchmarks did we hope to reach? I guess in my heart of hearts, I was hoping that the town and more importantly the children would see the beauty in the arts. I thought they would come to understand as I have that the arts makes life so beautiful. And sometimes art makes life bearable.

I am proud to tell you that after 20 years, I am still amazed at the talent we have in this little community. I am still appreciative of the many volunteers who seem to find the time each year to help us give to this town the gift of the moment! It's our birthday! We're 20 years old and still growing! We don't need any birthday gifts but we do take monetary donations so we can continue to do what we love. ----------------------------------Chris Broussard, cofounder and chairman of the board of Cultural Crossroads is an artist, an entrepreneur and currently the art enrichment teacher for Glenbrook. She started writing down her personal accounts of whimsical and heartfelt experiences in a blog called "Rants of an old hen." And will now share her favorites with Minute readers. -----------------------------------

As I gaze over the many photographs that captured the beauty of the moment, I realize that I was wrong.

written by Liz Hines with their own kids alll day. It's easy- that's what makes them -------------------------------- happy.

How Do You Do It? --------------------------------

ids get sick. Kids get hurt. Kids die. Too harsh? Well, that's the reality. And that's also the world that I live in every single day. From anyone outside of the child life world there is always the question: "How do you do it?". I wonder- how do they do their jobs? How do they sit behind a desk and crunch numbers all day? How do they wrangle 30 unruly kindergartners? How do they stay at home 24

these things are not easy. But is every aspect of your job easy? I bet not. But are there rewarding You know what makes parts of it? I bet so. me happy? Playing walkie-talkies with You see, I'm one of an 8-year old that's the lucky ones. I love in the emergency my job. Not everything room for the 3rd time about it, but most of this month. Making a it. It was a long, hard 2-year old laugh for road to get here, but the first time in days. I wouldn't change Calming the fears of a single day of it. a 6 year old girl who Every day at 'work' is just POSITIVE she is different. Some is going to die from days I walk out of the breaking her arm- hospital and think "I because her Nana can't believe they are came to the hospital paying me to do this". once and she died, too. Reassuring the So for those of you first-time parents reading this (Probably whose 18-month old at work.. ;-) ) , that's busted his forehead how I do my job. It's open that it will heal, not for everyone, just he will be ok, and he like your job is not. So can still be a childhood enjoy your numbers, actor. And yes, even your paper work, and comforting the parents your ringing phone of a child who just died line, Lord knows I makes me happy. couldn't handle your position. Of course some of

But instead of wondering how in the world a Child Life Specialist can deal with the difficulties of their job, just ask for them the next time you have to take your child to the hospital. And if the staff does not know who you're talking about- use our code name- "the toy lady". ---------------------------Liz is a typical southern girl that decided to take on the big city. After taking the scenic route through college she packed everything up and decided to try out life as a New Yorker. Her dog, Charmin, is adjusting well and meeting lots of city dogs in Central Park. Liz is living her dream and is bringing a little southern charm up to the Big Apple. ----------------------------

Big Hearts Needed Children in Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson and Webster Parishes are in need of volunteers who will advocate for their best interest. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children is seeking volunteers in the Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson and Webster Parish Area.

neglected children stay in temporary foster care for an average of three and a half years. When CASA is appointed to a case the time spent in foster care is reduced to 18 months.

Annually, foster care costs US tax payers more than $6 “Anyone who will volunteer and complete training is billion and more than 7,000 Louisiana children are put needed,’’ CASA Supervisor Deanna Curtis said. ‘’The through court, through no fault of their own. system is heavy with children who need adults to look after their best interest.’’ ‘’These children they have had such a hard start in life, ‘’Curtis said. ‘’They go through the court and the system Being a loving, responsible adult with a dedication to and the only thing they are guilty of is being a victim of seeing children in the best environment possible are all violence, psychological torment or sexual abuse. Most that is needed to be a volunteer. of them are frightened and confused. They need an adult voice that will speak for them. That is what a CASA ‘’You don’t have to have a degree or experience in child worker is and we need more. care or even children of your own,’’ Curtis said.. You just have to care about others.’’ CASA volunteers have three responsibilities, to serve as a fact-finder for the judge by thoroughly researching CASA believes that every child should have a safe and the background of each assigned case, to speak for the permanent home and works toward that goal by training child in the courtroom, representing their best interest volunteer to speak on the best interest of abused and and to continue to act on behalf of the child during the neglected children. life of the case, ensuring the case is brought to a swift, appropriate conclusion. ‘’When a judge appoints CASA to a case, that CASA volunteer becomes an official part of the judicial Volunteers must complete 15 hours of training in the proceedings as an officer of the court, ’’ Curtis explained. classroom, Contact Deanna Curtis at 318-263-2292 ‘’Unlike attorneys and social workers, CASA volunteers or email deanna.curtis@vyjla.org or Sandra Samuel speak exclusively for the child’s best interest.’’ at 318-371-0722 or email Sandra.samuel@vyjla.org to find out the next classroom training dates or for more According to Volunteers For Youth Justices, which information about CASA. oversees CASA in northwest Louisiana, abused and

Volunteer with CASA today 25

strangers at my

coffeepot

Next booth, "Oh he is just precious! You are so blessed to have a perfect little angel!"

written by Darla Upton

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

He was an Angel -----------------------------------

efore my eight year old Atticus Gregory was born, I read everything on parenting. I was overly prepared for his arrival. I had a plan. I was ready. Then, he arrived. And it was very clear he had not read a single book I had! He was a hard, hard baby. He wouldn't nurse correctly. He had trouble latching. He always wanted to be held. He didn't want to sleep. He just all around hated his new environment.

this rotation of trying to get him to latch and feed; then he would fall asleep; then wake up hungry and screaming. If you tried to keep him awake to eat, he screamed. He screamed if he was not held. He screamed if you tried to put him down. He hated the bouncer. He hated the swing. He wouldn't use a pacifier. He scratched his face and screamed. He screamed at the mittens on his hands that kept him from scratching his face. He screamed at the bottle. He screamed at the boob. He didn't even like to be swaddled! What baby hates swaddling?! He was a nightmare! So, two weeks into his life I was a wreck. Hugh would leave the house and come home eight hours later to find me in the same spot he left me; only with stains on my pajamas, crusty hair, and a smell.

It was on a day that I must have had that blank stare of despair The first two weeks that Hugh said, "Come of his life there was on! We are taking him

Next booth, "Nadine, come 'er and look at this precious angel! Oh, that sweet face!"

and you out. The Quilt Show is going on. It'll do everyone good to get out of the house." So, Hugh held him while I showered and put on fat pants and a nursing shirt. We went to the Quilt Show but we both still look like death because Atticus Gregory wouldn't eat or sleep or leave us alone! It was like the longest babysitting job ever with no chance of ending! But, it was our first family outing and we were determined to look like we were doing just fine. Ok, so maybe we didn't look fine, but I, at least, had some mascara on and there wasn't a stain on my shirt.

This went on and on. Booth after booth. Compliment after compliment. As an infant he did look like a cherub with his blue eyes and blonde hair. And as luck would have it, the entire time we were walking around the show he was asleep. He was asleep because I was holding him. Finally, we saw another white haired woman approaching, arm extended ready to peek at the sleeping angel. With a dazed smile all new mother's wear I listened again as she patted my hand and said, "he is a perfect angel, isn't he?" I nodded, looking down at Atticus Gregory, thinking of how I had missed my chance to nap with him. Any mother will give sage advice to nap with the newborn if you can because it will give you some relief. The quick naps while he slept was what had been keeping me sane. As she spoke about my "beautiful angel" all I could think was how badly I needed that nap.

The Quilt Show is booth after booth of quilts or quilting supplies. The women manning those booths typically look the part of a person that quilts. At every booth a little old lady would come up and exclaim something about our little newborn bundle. "Oh he's an angel! Look Hugh must have sensed this on my face. He at him!" must have recognized

the pending doom that Atticus Gregory would wake up and this bliss would end because at that time Hugh Lewis leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Lucifer was an angel, too!" I 'bout peed my fat pants, I snorted so loud! That's when I knew we were gonna be ok. That maybe I hadn't made a huge mistake becoming a parent. That I had a partner in this fight. Now, eight years later that screaming newborn is one of my closest companions. He didn't do what any of the books said to expect, but we figured it out.

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 Texas, ------------------------------- Texarkana, where she met Hugh Darla lives in Jefferson, while working at the Texas, where she raises Texarkana Gazette as a her eight year old son, production assistant. Atticus Gregory with her significant other, Hugh Girl meets boy, girl falls Lewis II. Hugh owns in love with boy, girl the Alley-McKay House has a baby and gets a Bed & Breakfast. Atticus bed and breakfast? It Gregory is the Eloise of happened. the McKay House. So, she was smart and Prior to being a self- professional at one time employed, stay at home and now she can't find mom she was a Civil her keys, has more toys We also figured out how to laugh at our new life as parents with a child that does nothing by the book. We also figured out birth control because we may be laughing but we aren't stupid!

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 sense of humor, vodka and her typewriter. -------------------------------

Opens April 4 at Louisiana’s Only

magazine

On the Downtown Shreveport Riverfront

www.sciport.org · (318) 424-3466

written by Judith Roberts

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

That Moment -----------------------------------

year and a half ago, I intricately planned every detail of her room. The color: salmon rose. The furniture: brown. The curtains: green and white gingham. My husband Kyle painted a tree in white on the wall and nailed in shelves on the branches to hold a small portion of her overwhelming book collection – and that was before she was even born. Her eyes always dart up to the chandelier that Kyle and my father hung. Kyle rolled his eyes when I told him that our little darling had to have a chandelier in her room. Wasn’t that a given?

in that chair. I have spent many a day and night in that chair, feeding and rocking her, breathing in every aspect of her. The way her little head rests against my shoulder. The way she pulls her blanket up to her cheek. The way she puts her right thumb in her mouth and closes her eyes. Yes, I love that chair. In that moment, Kyle was sitting in the chair, playing that cheap harmonica. That little red toy may have been the best $1 spent. I bought it on a whim at Toys ‘R’ Us, thinking as much as she loves music, she might enjoy that. Kyle, the musician of the family, learned to play song after song on the toy, capturing her attention with apt wonder. Just like then. Just like in that moment. She sat on her floor, clapping. Our daughter – our beautiful, blue-eyed Alice. Her eyes twinkle mischievously on a regular basis because she’s always up to something. She loves to explore. She loves to play. She loves to live life.

She has an overstuffed white rocking chair beside her reading tree. I love that chair, not because it’s anything special but because of the special memories made in that chair. Kyle reads her “My Everything is a new Jesus Storybook Bible” adventure to her. Every day

has something to learn, someone to meet. I know so much about this little person who came into our lives a year and a half ago. She loves animals like her mother. She wants to play music like her father. And she’s stubborn like her father – and, well, like her mother. Kyle began to play a different song, and along with her clapping, Alice giggled and grinned as our Chihuahua, Vicki, sniffed around, searching for her own toys that she likes to hide in Alice’s room. And then there was me. I was lying on my side on the floor, watching the scene unfold like a picturesque dream. But the seconds were ticking by too quickly. I needed to memorize every detail of this second – and then the next – and then the next! Memory is a funny thing. When I look back at that night, my mind’s eye doesn’t see the bedroom floor that needed to be vacuumed. I don’t see Alice’s toys strung around. I don’t see the laundry in the hallway that needed

to be put up. I see my husband, playing music for my baby. I see the love in his eyes, the love he has for his daughter and that he has for me. I see him engaging his daughter, making sure she knows how much he wants to spend time with her. I see my baby, relishing the affection and attention, listening and learning about music. And I see me, who really played such a minor role in this scene. I was just lying down, after all. I was just there. But I was there – soaking up every ounce of that moment. ----------------------------------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. -----------------------------------

age-old act of springcleaning. As warmer weather finally approaches and the winter coats make their way into storage, a unique opportunity is presented that is much more effective than an outlandish goal. Springcleaning is an event that written by Rachel Pardue expands beyond overly stuffed closets; it is a chance to take what you only marred by an finally applying for the have been given and adventurous yearning promotion, Americans present it in a new, more for new experiences. haven’t given up yet. colorful, light. As Winston Churchill once said, “to improve is Spring Cleaning to change; to be perfect is to change often”. for the Soul Although perfection may ----------------------------------- be outside the realm of reality, we have the incredible ability to reinvent ourselves at any given time, if only the hange is an courage can be found. inevitable occurrence that is despised by Remember those long mankind because it forgotten New Year’s brings the comfort resolutions or the brand found in a routine life to new treadmill that is a screeching halt. It is now an abstract piece an alteration of life that of decor? Every year happens without consent thousands of Americans and often despite nobly aspire to become numerous attempts to a better version of alter the course of fate. themselves, but the new The future is inevitably in fitness plan vanishes God’s hands, but how we somewhere between adapt to the inconsistent Valentines Day and a environment is what sale on chocolate hearts. creates a positive After years of repeatedly experience from a committing to reach the tragic scenario. After all, same goals of losing ten the human inclination pounds, spending more to avoid change is time with the family, or -----------------------------------

Although spring may be a time of new birth, it is inevitably the place where New Year’s resolutions come to die. In fact, a statistic found by the University of Scranton states that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals. With a 92% chance of failure it’s amazing that nearly half of our country makes some form of a declaration for personal betterment annually.

When sorting through a closet, you don’t throw away everything and start from scratch. The savvy organizer evaluates every piece based on their value and significance in the owner’s life. It’s okay to let relationships, jobs, and homes have an expiration date just like the pair of crocs from 2009. As we evolve as individuals into a more polished version of ourselves, letting go of the things, or even people, that discourage a positive lifestyle or prevent a lifelong dream from becoming reality is not only a refreshing way to redirect a monotonous life, it is a necessity.

Despite the seemingly morbid world of 2014, we are, surprisingly, still a society of dreamers hopelessly journeying towards our own ideas of an unreachable form of perfection. The problem lies within the unrealistic search for a quick fix to all life’s problems. Luckily, a new form of self-improvement is An improved life is introduced through the rarely achieved by one

giant declaration of change; it is enhanced by repeatedly making the smallest alterations to daily actions. After all, replacing one grey sweater with a colorful dress can change the mood of an entire day. The most rewarding part of spring-cleaning, however, is donating the items we no longer need to someone who does. Undoubtedly, the best way to improve your own life is to enrich the lives of others. Volunteer work is the most effective form of meditation, as an hour devoted to something as simple as cooking an elderly neighbor dinner can change the disposition

junior class president, co-captain of the Cedar Creek dance line, the Emerald Entertainers, and she The most reliable method is a proud member of of achieving success the Lady Cougar varsity in a true resolution of basketball team. improvement is to lose yourself by devoting time Rachel is a member of to the areas of life that the All-American Dance bring joy and happiness. team and preformed in the London New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Think of this spring as Day Parade in England a time of catharsis, a this year. In her free time, purification of your life Rachel loves horseback and closet. After all, riding and jumping her the world needs more thoroughbred Pete. colorful dresses and less This summer she will be grey sweaters. attending The National Leadership ------------------------------- Student Conference at Yale Rachel Pardue is University and will be a student at Cedar competing with the Entertainers Creek where she is the Emerald of the recipient, but it will certainly bring a feeling of peace to the volunteer.

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 she is excited to see what God has planned. -------------------------------

or walnuts instead of almonds Try balsamic or red wine vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing Add grilled chicken, shrimp or scallops for a heartier main-course salad

written by Rosemary Thomas

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

A New Look At Simple Pleasures -----------------------------------

he blue jay I named Kamikaze has claimed the bridged elm near the back deck as his own personal territory. He is absolutely fearless and will divebomb the Golden Doodle (Samwise), the Chiweenie (Mr. Wilson) and the calico kitten (Cricket) with equal vigor. You just can’t buy this kind of entertainment. Watching Cricket performing back flips and Mr. Wilson running for cover is rather Hilarious (as my mother would say)! It is almost as much fun as watching my chickens. No, I am not being sarcastic. Those of you who may

have chickens know what I am talking about. There is something both mesmerizing and laughout-loud funny about chickens. Because Kamikaze is at it again, I know that spring has arrived – finally – no matter what the calendar says. It seemed like a long time in coming this year, but we made it! I guess I channeled the spirit of the bear this winter, and judging by the fat stores I built up, I was planning on hibernating for quite some time. Heavy Sigh. But now – with the arrival of Spring – I think I am going to channel the sparrow. Light, active, social and fun! So, light spring food is what I am craving now. Here are a couple of recipes for what I am calling “sparrow-food”. Don’t forget to check out the Farmer’s Market for the freshest food available! Enjoy these salads, watch some chickens, or blue jays, or

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

PEA AND ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH MEYER sparrows – and enjoy! LEMON DRESSING Lighten up for Spring! 2 cups shelled English ------------------------------- Peas (about 2 pounds unshelled) 2 pounds asparagus STRAWBERRY(cut into 1 - 2“pieces) SPINACH SALAD Zest and juice of 1 (This is one of our Meyer lemon (or regular most popular salads at lemon is fine) Rosemary’s Kitchen! ¼ cup EVOO (extra Lots of different options virgin olive oil) and ways to serve this ¼ tsp sugar (if not using Meyer lemon) salad) Salt / Freshly ground ¼ red onion – thinly black pepper sliced 2 (6 oz) bags baby Blanch peas in boiling salted water for 1 min spinach 1 (16 oz) container and then scoop out with a strainer and dip in ice strawberries 1 (4 oz) pkg crumbled water for 1 min. Scoop out of ice water and set feta cheese ½ cup sliced toasted aside to drain. almonds Dressing of your choice Do the same with the asparagus, except Layer or toss spinach, blanch for 3-4 minutes, onion, strawberries, drain and cool in ice cheese and almonds. water. Drizzle with dressing! Combine asparagus, peas, zest, juice and Options: Use blue, gorgonzola, EVOO (and sugar if or goat cheese instead needed) and toss to combine. Add Salt and of feta Pepper to taste. Serve Try pecans, pistachios on a bed of lettuce.

Options: Add pea shoots if you can find them (no need to blanch, just add to salad)

of owning a restaurant and working with her daughter. She is an RN and continues to work several days a week in Shreveport where she Add blanched or raw lives with her husband, snow peas three dogs, two cats and 80 chickens. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, pine nuts or ------------------------------pistachios Use combination of green, white and purple asparagus if you can find it Serve over flavored couscous or quinoa ------------------------------Rosemary Thomas is an avid cook and gardener who enjoys the challenge

so injured and know that I couldn’t protect him from this one. But I can arm him – I can make sure he understands the importance of not using this word himself and to respectfully ask others not to use it, as well. Please take the time to think about your words, choose them carefully and try not to use them to hurt. He looked shocked, deflated and sad all at the same time. His optimistic outlook at life dimmed just a bit. --------------------------------

The "R" Word --------------------------------

just had a discussion with my son about the word “retarded.” This is not a discussion I ever wanted to have, but it was a necessity. The look in his eyes when he realized that people were actually using this word in a derogatory manner broke my heart. Almost like one of those innocence-lost moments, like finding out the man in the red suit isn’t real.

I thought about how glibly people use this word these days. It’s thrown around to mean everything from “that’s silly” to “you’re stupid.” I’ve heard parents use this word with their children, telling them not to behave in a certain way because it’s “retarded.” When I hear this, my outlook on life dims a bit, too. I am shocked that parents, adults, people who are supposed to know better are using this word with their children just as casually as the kids are using it with their friends. But this is why they do – it comes from somewhere. It really needs to start with us, as parents, teaching our kids that this word can be hurtful and shouldn’t be used.

After all, there are other words to describe their unhappiness with a situation or their disdain at the nonsensicality of a friend. Originally, the word “retard” meant to hinder, to keep back or impede and it has gradually, over time, evolved into something completely different. Amazing that a word would go through these changes but, it actually took centuries to come to mean “stupid” or “dumb” in today’s vernacular. The word was first seen in print circa 1489. It wasn’t until the 1900s that it came to be a derogatory or slang term for someone who was mentally disabled. It had now become synonymous with being “dumb.” It hurt my son to realize this. It hurt him to realize the parallel that draws with him, as a person. And it hurt me, as a parent, to see my child

There are real people out there who do have mental disabilities and they do understand the hurtful nature in which this word is being used. There are children with mental disabilities who know this. When you use this word, you are hurting them, whether directly or indirectly. Words are powerful, use them to uplift and praise, not to tear down and harm.

-------------------------------Anarrativewrittenby LelaRobichauxabout herteenage son's life on the Autistic Spectrum. --------------------------------

Girl Scouts:

Smart Cookies

Written by Erin Turner

Decision making. Goal setting, People skills. Business ethics. Money management. All from a box of cookies.

an buying Girl Scout Cookies do more than satisfy your sweet tooth? According to April Goebel it absolutely can. April is Troop Leader to Girl Scout Troop 1293 in Shreveport and mother to seven year old Madilyn. “I think Girl Scouts has good skills for them to learn and apply to real life,” says April. She says the girls in her troop gain confidence and learn to be team players because of the cookie program. The girls learn five essential skills from the Girl Scout Cookie Program: decision making, goal setting, people skills, business ethics and money management. Girl Scout Brownie – Amy (age 7) adds more to that list saying, “I’ve learned how not be a bully, how to spell cookie and I’ve learned how to make friends.”

The girls have also been busy setting goals and working on marketing their booths. She adds, “the girls voted on what they wanted to do [for the council wide Bling Your Booth contest]. They have picked having a bakery for one and a tea party for the other.”

This is the troops' second year selling cookies, but for some new girls in the troop it will be their first. When booth sales are over the troop will know if they have met their goals and get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The girls have big goals this year. Most of them want to sell 1000 boxes or more! The proceeds of which will be spent on a Girl Scout horseback riding camp, shop merchandise and other things. All proceeds minus what is paid to the baker stays within the local council. So next time you Girl Scout Cookie Booths are only a small part of cookie buy that sweet treat, remember, you are doing more than season. The girls become CEOs of their very own cook- you know to help a young girl build skills for a lifetime. ie business and begin planning in January for the cookie booths and participate in cookie pre-orders in January and February. “We had our own cookie rally this year and the girls had a wonderful time doing that. We asked Kendra from Red River Bank to come and speak to the girls about money, saving vs. spending,” says April.

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Parents With Small Children vs. Those Without -----------------------------------

pring is here! For many of us that is great news! For those of us that have small children it means that the house no longer contains them. We can no longer get things done around the house while they play or watch tv (or so my wife tells me). Now they have to go outside, sweat, and play. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing for sure, but it got me thinking, only a parent of a small child would think this way. Parents are pretty incredible creatures. They can do things that those without children

cannot. As I’ve thought about this I’ve come up with a few things that I’ve learned. Measure this against your current status (parent of a small child or not) and see if you can relate! You might be a parent of a small child if: - You know how to buckle more than one brand of child's carseat. - You have spent more than 5 minutes investigating what your child is trying to say to you. - You have the ability to mentally place yourself in Hawaii while mass chaos is occurring around you. - You have sworn you'll never own a minivan, you have ever looked at a minivan, you now own a minivan. - You know how to stick your quarter size finger into a pea size nostril & retrieve an "item” and it doesn't gross you out. - You can pick that “item”, talk on the phone, & pour cereal at the same time. - You know what the "snip-snip" is.

- You've ever considered the "snip-snip". - You've researched the "snip- snip" & doubled over in pain afterwards. - You see most of your friends when u drop your child off at school. - The smell of your child's poopy diaper doesn't stink but other kid's do. - "Going out w/ the kids for the evening" means you'll be back by 8 pm at the latest. - It takes longer to get your kids ready for the errand than actually running it. - You've ever debated whether u have time to take a shower. - You can tell the difference between breast milk & regular milk by looking at it. - You've ever accidentally drunk breast milk & felt violated. - Doing the dishes sounds more fun to you than giving the kids a bath. - Most of your bath towels have hoodies on them. - You know the 2nd and 3rd verse to "Patti Cake".

- You can fall asleep sitting upright. - All of your videos are cartoons. - You downloaded a show because it said it would make your kid smarter & you thought it would be a win-win for both of you. - You smell a poopy diaper & know exactly which kid did it. - You know that cutting little fingernails requires two people - one for cutting & one for laying on the child to hold them still. - Wheel of Fortune qualifies as a proper form of teaching the alphabet. - Folding clothes is impossible until after bedtime. - Words like "crap" are now curse words. - Spelling words taxes your brain. - Your kids can transmit sickness & disease thru ESP. - Saturday morning cartoons are cool again. - You no longer have to hide the fact that you watch Saturday morning cartoons. - You are willing to lose feeling in your arm or leg as your kid falls asleep on you for an hour of peace. - No pink for boys, no truck wallpaper for girls. - Not every night is bath night. - Italian night is always bath night. - If you can't see or smell the dirt there is no dirt. - You wonder which side of the couch cushion has the least amount of stains on it before guests arrive.

So if you have experienced more than 5 of these, the chances are good that you are a parent of a small child. I’ve got a thousand of these but many of the others are too gross for those who haven’t experienced it! Parents, keep parenting because it is the most rewarding job in the world. You are teaching a young person how to behave and love, what is right and wrong, and about God’s amazing mercy and grace! I’m praying for you… even if you think you don’t know what you’re doing! --------------------------------

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Jason McReynolds is the pastor of New Orleans Community 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 Treasure! taking his wife out on dates. To learn more about him, or NOCC, visit: www.neworleans community church. com

OPEN THROUGH MAY 11! Included with Center Admission

Art and Logo Usage Guidlines

-------------------------On the Downtown Shreveport Riverfront

www.sciport.org · (318) 424-3466

CLAIBORNE REHABILITATION 6942 Highway 79 Homer, Louisiana 318-927-3586

SPECIALIZING IN REHAB THERAPY HOMETOWN PRIDE HIGHER PRIORITY IN PROVIDING EXCELLENT CARE

Established

in November 1984 as Claiborne Manor by natives of Claiborne Parish, we have provided excellent quality of care for our residents for 29 years. Today, we continue this tradition with an entire management staff of Claiborne Rehabilitation serving residents with 98 years of combined nursing experience, who take pride in the care they provide its residents.

Services We Provide Our Residents

Our Staff Dr. Scott Haynes, MD, Medical Director

Dr. Mark Haynes, MD Dr. D.K. Haynes, MD Dr. Clint Butler, MD Dr. Samuel Abshire, MD

Dr. Cliff Salmon, MD Kristi Cottrell, FNP (In House 2 days a week) Alice Fanning, FNP D. Baggett-Woodard, FNP

Our staff works hard to provide in-patient and out-patient therapy services to help you get back on your feet. Specializing in geriatric therapy, we also provide occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and sports medicine. Whether following up care from a hip replacement or getting back on a basketball court, our therapist are trained with the newest equipment to give you the quickest, fullest recovery and help you reach your maximum potential.

each other’s finger and a certificate of marriage that says we were united in the Bonds of Matrimony and Holy Wedlock. It’s been almost 30 years since we took those vows, and by the grace of God we still honor them.

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My Love --------------------------------

s I write this story, I hear the birds chirping out the window, the sun is peaking through the clouds and it's a very pleasant 70 degrees outside. Ahhh, spring is just around the corner and it can’t get here soon enough for this antique junkie. I’m not a cold weather person and during the winter months I get cabin fever. I can’t wait to be able soak up some sunshine and breathe some fresh air as the flowers begin to bloom and the bare branches begin to sprout new leaves. I’m also looking forward to my “annual trip” to Canton Trade Days so I can get my fill of treasure hunting at

this wonderful outdoor flea market. My husband, Mike, and I usually go every year the weekend before our anniversary in March. I love being surrounded by everything that is old, rusty and has chippy paint. It soothes my soul to see all the wonderful vintage pieces that have managed to survive for years and made their way from the past into this present era. The stories of such unique items are fascinating and we meet people from all over who set up booths and sell the “treasures” that await the “junkies” such as me. Meeting the friendly folks that share the love of just about anything you can collect is half the fun. A day of walking, talking, shopping and eating has brought us many happy memories as we celebrate our anniversary each year. For us, it is the time we spend together doing what we love, that makes our hearts happy. We know the real treasure isn’t in anything that we can buy and wag home; it’s in the relationship that we have

and the little things we do that say “I LOVE YOU” every day of the year. Don’t get me wrong, we do find things that we like and we usually bring something back that we just couldn’t pass up. Mike looks at guns, knives, tools and gadgets; you know… all the guy stuff. And me… well I like just about anything and everything but I usually look for oneof-a-kind primitive pieces. Even if we come home empty-handed, there’s nothing worth more than being with the one you love. Mike and I were married on March 5th, 1984 in the living room of the pastor of a small church in Ringgold, Louisiana. There wasn’t a big fancy wedding, a beautiful wedding dress, flowers, candles or a cake. We didn’t have a rehearsal dinner or a reception and we didn’t get to dance to our first song as “Mr. & Mrs.” We don’t have an album of pictures to look back on so we can fondly remember our “special day.” We have 2 plain gold bands we placed on

Marriage is kind of like a piece of furniture. When its brand spanking new and all shiny without a blemish, you treat it with respect and you’re careful not to dent, ding or scratch it and you try your best not to let anything damage it. But slowly over time, as the new wears off, it may begin to show a little wear and tear and before you know it, you begin to treat it differently. For some people, as the polish wears off, they decide to get rid of it and replace it with something new. I can’t sit here and tell you that our marriage has been like a fairytale where everyone lives happilyever-after. We’ve worked past the “junk” and we’ve proved that with some “refinishing,” we are worth keeping! Like many others, we quickly found out that marriage is not for wimps. You learn that it’s more about giving than receiving and that without God at the center of your life, your marriage will greatly suffer and it will struggle to survive. We’ve learned that sometimes we do hurt the ones we love and over time, the outside gets tattered and torn. But we’ve also learned that each “flaw” has helped build our

character. What may look a little rough on the outside has only strengthened what lies underneath; and just like a well-worn piece of furniture that has history and charm, it only increases the value. In God’s eyes, we are truly a one-of-a-kind treasure and He specializes in taking the old and making it new again. I always wanted to “renew our vows” on our 10th anniversary and have a simple ceremony with a small reception to celebrate our lives together. By that time we had two small children and we couldn’t afford it. So I kept the thought in

the back of my mind for our 20th anniversary; but by then, we had teenagers and they were even more expensive! Then our 25th anniversary came and went, and it was just as plain and simple as the night we exchanged our vows. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary… I’d like to say that if I had it to do all over again; I’d still choose the same junkin’ buddy who is the greatest treasure I’ve ever found! John Michael Arender, you are my constant friend, my faithful partner and the love of my life. In the presence of God, I continue my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness

and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as sorrow. I promise to continue to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live. From my heart to yours… Happy Anniversary with all my L-O-V-E. -----------------------------------

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 adopted 2 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!

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bring to a boil. Using a whisk, stir in grits and butter, return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Allow cool for about 5 minutes. *Substitute 2 & 2/3 cup water and 3 chicken bouillons in place of canned chicken broth. hominy. The word grits is actually a derivative ----------------------------- of the German word grists which means to grind. Our forefathers Southern Oatmeal: apparently ground the dried corn or maize and Grits made it edible for human by ----------------------------- consummation reconstituting with water and cooking. They used whatever means were available for flavoring. Some used meats, broths, or butter. Others rits have been sweetened with cane a southern breakfast sugar, honey or syrup. staple all my life. In fact my Dad used to say grits For those of us born in have been around “since the south, grits are not hammer was a hatchet.” only a breakfast food (Would that mean since but a side dish for many prehistoric time?) meals. Grits were a principal commodity Actually history has it in the depression era that the colonists of because they were Jamestown were met plentiful, cheap, and by friendly natives and kept many impoverished offered hot bowls of families from going “rockahominie.” Dishes hungry. of softened corn or maize seasoned with Grits are no longer salt and animal fat. considered a poor man’s These “peace treaty” “Southern Oatmeal.” servings were probably They are now found where we get our on restaurant menus modern day word for all across the country.

There are innumerable recipes available for cooking grits and depending on your family’s likes or dislikes; they can be served in many styles.

**The above quantities are for “Quick Grits”. If you are using a package that simply says “Grits” on the label, the cooking time is about 20 minutes and you will need to increase liquid by about 25%. If you are using “Stone Ground Grits” the cooking time is 3540 minutes and you will need an additional 15% more liquid.

I guess the old axiom, “Some like it hot, some like it cold. Some like it in the pot nine days old;” is especially true for those of us who appreciate and enjoy ***Depending on your the comfort food called preference you may grits. exchange a portion of the cheese with -------------------------------- provolone, mozzarella or pepper jack. Southern Style Cheese Grits -------------------------------2-10½ oz cans of condensed chicken broth undiluted* 1¼ c. water ½ c. whipping cream 2 ½ T. unsalted butter 1 c. uncooked quickcooking grits** 2 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese*** Salt & pepper to taste

Simply Sweet Grits 3¾ c. water ½ c. whipping cream 2 ½ T. unsalted butter 1 c. uncooked quickcooking grits ¼ t. vanilla flavoring ¾ t. salt Sugar, Splenda, or Maple Syrup to taste

Combine broth, water, Combine water, and and whipping cream whipping cream in a in a large saucepan; large saucepan; bring to a boil. Using a whisk,

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We also offer private hospital sitting and in-home recuperation assistance.

Find us on Facebook or at: www.southerningenuityinc.com stir in grits, butter, and salt and return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla flavoring and sweetener of your choice. Allow cool for about 5 minutes.

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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. 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.

logical reason to discuss other than to inform the reader. Backstory through dialogue is most effective when it both reveals the past and adds to the present situation.

a novel

approach written by Winnie Griggs

• Introspection: This is probably the most commonly used form of weaving in backstory. It involves having a character think about some event in his/her history that parallels or contrasts the current situation. This method normally employs trigger elements - some action or object in the here and now triggers a memory. Again, make certain you keep it relevant and tight.

-------------------------------- your backstory revelations. used properly, but use There are other, more them sparingly and keep

Backstory: Weaving it in Without Slowing the Pace

WHAT:

Include only the bits and pieces necessary to keep the reader with you. You want to trickle the information in rather than deluge the reader. In other words, don’t toss -------------------------------- in information for its own sake - it must serve a purpose (i.e.: foreshadow, show motivation, escalate hat is Backstory? tension/conflict, etc.). Quite simply, it’s everything that happened to your WHEN: characters BEFORE the background opening scene of your Provide story. So, by definition, information only when all backstory is important, it’s absolutely necessary because, for fully realized to further the action and characters, everything that development of your story’s came before shaped them current situation. In other words, it should answer a into who they are today. crying need for the reader However, while it’s to know this information important for you, the writer, at this point in time. to know all the minutiae of Revealing information too your characters’ history, soon can deflate tension you want to avoid the ‘info and steal the opportunity dump’ syndrome when to have a ‘sit up and take revealing backstory to your notice’ moment later in the reader. In other words, book. don’t serve up the details in a dense chunk, or in a HOW: contrived, author-intrusive There are a number of manner. methods you can use. So how do you give the Some are: reader the information she needs without making • Flashbacks: These are her eyes glaze over? By sections of backstory, told paying attention to the in present tense as if they what, when and how of are happening now. They can be quite effective if

them tight. Flashbacks tend to take the reader away from the current action of the story. If you run them on for too long you risk causing the reader to temporarily lose the thread of your story.

When using a flashback, always provide some relevance to the current situation. • Prologues: This is a special form of the flashback. A prologue must provide essential information for the reader to know before the ‘here and now’ of your story. It should recount a significant event that is important for the reader to experience in real time with the character. Again, make certain the information is essential to have up front - that it wouldn’t be better served woven in later, and then whittle it down to the bare essentials. • Dialogue: Make certain the backstory-revealingdialogue flows naturally from the characters and the current situation. Take care to avoid the infamous “As you know, Jane” scenario where one character is relating something to another character that they obviously both already know and have no

subtle methods, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll save those for another discussion. So, next time you’re ready to impart a juicy nugget of backstory, take a moment to consider the WHAT, WHEN and HOW of your revelations. Your readers will thank you for it. --------------------------------------------

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

“I went to the eye doctor and got glasses today

hospital bed and portable toilet. Nurses came in to help her during her final days. They tried to take a special interest in my sister and me; one even gave us stuffed animals as gifts. As a ten-year-old, I believed I was too mature for teddy bears, but I appreciated the kind gesture on her part. I was glad The Hospice workers had told Dad that, even the nurses were there because they made it posthough Mom was in a coma, she could still hear sible for Mom to be home during this time. us. They also told Dad to make sure we had all told her we loved her. I struggled saying that to her, not This was the final stage in her five-year battle with because it wasn’t true or because it had ever been breast cancer. I was only five when she got the hard for me to tell my mom that I loved her. It was diagnosis, so I didn’t fully comprehend what was hard because I knew it meant I was saying good- happening. I just knew Mom was sick. But she still bye. It was the final “I love you.” lived her life to the fullest. She remained very active during the times she was in remission to the point Mom had battled cancer for five years before re- where sometimes I forgot she had ever been sick at ceiving Hospice care in our home. Our living room all. Mom had a vibrant personality and a contagious was transformed into her bedroom, complete with laugh. The cancer could not take that from her. Mom.” No response. There had been no response for days, and I knew this day would be no different. But I got glasses and thought that my mom should know.

Despite this, she still had something missing: full assurance of what would happen to her should the cancer take her life. The question of eternal destination became a daunting reality as Mom knew she could soon be facing her death. My parents began searching, or more accurately, God began pursuing us. During one extremely long hospital stay, something grabbed a hold of Mom’s life, making an impact greater than cancer ever could. As a visiting pastor shared from God’s Word, my mom’s eyes were opened to the glorious news of the Gospel: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that no good work on our part could ensure our salvation. She accepted Christ, and in the months that followed, my dad, my sister and I accepted Him as well. After this, life changed. With the full hope of heaven before us, we began living out our salvation in daily life despite the ever-present challenges with Mom’s cancer. We now had a personal relationship with Jesus. Mom’s frequent hospital stays continued, but this time Mom had a mission--to share this good news of salvation with the other patients! With her IV in one arm and her Bible in the other, Mom began going room to room, sharing the love of Jesus with others. Her faith in Christ continued to strengthen as her body continued to deteriorate. I remember when she became so frail that it became difficult to hug her. We had to be so careful that we didn’t hurt her. She was just so feeble.

tually the battle began affecting her mental state as well. “You look just like my Bobbi Jean,” Mom said with a confused yet pleasant look on her face one day in our living room. “Mom, It’s me.” It was then that I knew things would never be quite the same. The cancer had spread rapidly. The doctors informed my dad that, since there was not much more they could do, the best option would be to let Hospice take care of her at home during her final days. This is when we began preparing for her to leave us. On October 4, Dad picked up Sheila and me from school early. “Mom’s ready to go home,” Dad said after a few moments of silence. We both knew what he meant, and we both knew this day would be coming. No one spoke the rest of the way home. We walked into the house and saw her lying there in a coma as she had for the past few days. It seemed like minutes passed in between each breath. We took turns spending time alone with her. I didn’t really know what to say, so I asked Dad if I could play a song for her. I found an old recording of “As the Deer,” and played it while I just watched her and wondered if she really could hear. The song ended, and I looked at my mother one last time.

The cancer had spread to her eye and you could see a tumor on her face. But, when I looked at her, she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. This realization really gripped my heart the first time I had walked in on her praising God in her own personal quiet time. She had her Bible open on her lap and was just singing out loud to Him! Her voice was so weak and quiet and breathy as she hit barely recognizable notes, and yet the melody flowing from her heart was as clear as day. The smile on her face reflected the faith she knew in her soul. “Though the outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day.”

“I love you, Mom.” It was my goodbye.

As she continued to receive chemotherapy treatments, her body continued to fight. Even-

___________________________________

Moments later she slipped into eternity. As a ten-year-old girl, I had such a strange peace in my heart that is only explainable by the grace of God. I knew Mom was no longer in pain, but more importantly, I knew Mom was able to sing in person to her Jesus, “As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after You.” She was in the presence of the Savior that her soul longed to see. And I knew, that one glorious day, I would be with her.

bringing back

the past -----------------------------------

The Coushatta Massacre: A Carpetbagger Endures North Louisiana Resistance -----------------------------------

hen white Southerners referred to â&#x20AC;&#x153;carpetbaggersâ&#x20AC;? in the years following the Civil War, they had in mind men like Marshall Twitchell. Born in Vermont, Twitchell joined the Union army at the start of the war and fought in many of the major battles in Virginia. Severely wounded at the battle of the Wilderness when a bullet entered his skull through his eye, he was left for dead by army surgeons.

from white militias, first in the Red River Valley, and spread across Louisiana to oppose local and federal Republican rule.

The White League used violence against officeholders, running some out of town and killing others, and suppressed election turnout among black and white Republicans. written by Wesley Harris Twitchell feared for his life and only the for a black regiment the parish seat. Twitchell presence of Federal composed mainly of appointed blacks to local troops in Red River ex-slaves. Unlike other government and placed Parish protected him. carpetbaggers who his three brothers-injourneyed into the South law in the choice posts Twitchell left Coushatta after the war, often to of sheriff, tax assessor, in midsummer 1874 for the state Republican exploit and loot the and clerk of court. convention in New defeated Confederate disputed Orleans. In his absence, states, Twitchell The became an agent of the gubernatorial election the White League seized 1872 amplified control of government Freedmen's Bureau in of turmoil in in Natchitoches Parish Sparta in Bienville Parish political to assist emancipated the state, especially and moved on to Red slaves in their transition as the outcome was River. On August 29, brother unsettled for months. Twitchell's to freedom. Both Democratic and Homer, two brothersTwitchell met and Republican candidates in-law including Sheriff married a local woman, certified opposing slates Edgerton, and three Adele Coleman, the of local officers. The others were seized and daughter of prominent White League sprang held until they signed a Bienville Parish planter Isaac Coleman. Twitchell acquired land on Lake Bistineau and down the Red River to Coushatta, where he established a veritable Yankee colony of his Vermont relatives at a plantation called Starlight.

In 1868 Twitchell entered local politics and, with the support of newly enfranchised black voters, was elected as a Republican to the state senate. He After a miraculous was responsible for the recovery, Twitchell creation of Red River served as an officer Parish with Coushatta as

statement agreeing to “voluntarily” resign their offices and, in return for safe passage to Texas, leave Louisiana. While under guard on the way to Shreveport, a heavily armed gang of about 25 men intercepted the group. Ordering the escort out of the way, all six prisoners were murdered. In the meantime, south of Coushatta, whites seized a black leader named Levin Allen, broke his arms and legs, and burned him alive. Then, on August 31, the Coushatta White League conducted a mock trial of two of the black prisoners, Louis Johnson and Paul Williams, allegedly for shooting a white man. The mob that had killed the officeholders returned from their bloody work upriver, seized Johnson and Williams, and hanged them. Although four black men died in the Coushatta Massacre, it was the murder of white officeholders that grabbed national newspaper headlines. Coushatta marked a dramatic escalation of Reconstruction violence. If the White League could assassinate the officials of an entire parish with impunity, then Republican authority was doomed. Louisiana’s Reconstruction government never recovered from these savage blows.

Undaunted, Twitchell returned to Coushatta despite threats that he would die next. Refusing to be intimidated, he continued to defend the political and economic rights of blacks and poor whites. In May 1876, Twitchell, accompanied by George King, his only remaining brotherin-law who had not been assassinated, attempted to cross the Red River from the Starlight Plantation to Coushatta. A disguised gunman stepped into view on the Coushatta side of the river and opened fire on the tiny ferry boat. King was killed. The black ferryman was wounded in the hand. Twitchell, shot in both arms, a leg, and his neck, fell into the water. Whispering to the ferryman, Twitchell pleaded for him to tell the gunman he was dead. The assassin mounted his horse and rode away. Twitchell survived but both of his arms had to be amputated. He left Coushatta on a stretcher in the summer of 1876, never to return. In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Twitchell as consul to Kingston, Ontario, Canada where he served until his death in 1905. His life story was published as Carpetbagger from Vermont in 1989. Was

Twitchell

courageous man engaged in a righteous cause or an opportunistic entrepreneur who took advantage of his position and power to amass a fortune? Quite possibly, he was both. Photos: 1) 1872 cartoon of a carpetbagger invading the South 2) Marshall Twitchell with two wooden arms after he was nearly assassinated at Coushatta. ----------------------------Wesley Harris is a native of Ruston. Among his books are GREETINGS

FROM RUSTON: A Post Card History of Ruston, Louisiana and Neither Fear Nor Favor: Deputy United States Marshal John Tom Sisemore, available from amazon.com. He can be contacted at campruston@gmail. com. Check out his Louisiana history blog at http://diggingthepast. blogspot.com. ------------------------------

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