AdventHealth.com/Polk 828-894-3718
CONTRIBUTORS
Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer
Mark is retired from a career in education, both in and outside of the classroom. He enjoys traveling in his campervan and finding stories about the people and places encountered along the way. You can follow his blog at FoothillsFaces.com as well as at youtube.com/ TheCountryLifeWithColumbusMark.
Linda
List, Writer and Photographer
Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.
Clay Johnson, Writer and Photographer
Clay is an award-winning documentary producer and writer as well as a contributing producer for PBS NC’s “North Carolina Weekend” show. He also produces educational videos and writes magazine and newspaper articles. Johnson and his wife Debra moved to Tryon in June 2021 and enjoy exploring the outdoors. He can be reached at cj@ clayjohnsonproductions.com.
Emily Williams, Writer and Photographer
Emily Williams is a recent graduate of North Greenville University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing while working as a substitute teacher. In her free time, Emily loves to explore Western North Carolina, try out new coffee shops, and write fiction and nonfiction alike.
Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer
Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.
Pebbles, Writer
Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org
Jeff Allison Publisher
Welcome to the January edition of Life in Our Foothills! As we step into 2025, there’s no better time to embrace what brings us joy. This month, we celebrate inspiration—whether it’s reigniting old passions, chasing new dreams, or savoring life’s simple pleasures. With 2024 behind us, let’s look ahead to fresh beginnings, renewed energy, and moments of discovery that spark happiness.
In this issue, we explore the KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum in downtown Rutherfordton. Mandi Williams, the museum’s deputy director, shares how “learning through play” unlocks creativity and curiosity for young minds. Contributor Emily Williams dives into popular New Year’s resolutions, offering thoughtful insights on health, personal growth, and relationships.
We’ll also meet Michelle Fagan, a talented dollmaker from Landrum who has crafted a unique space in the world of collectible dolls. Each creation reflects her exceptional artistry and passion, offering a glimpse into this intricate and fascinating craft.
And, as always, our beloved spokespony, Pebbles, has something special to share!
You’ll find all of this and more in this month’s edition! We hope you enjoy what we’ve put together for you this month, and as I do each month, I encourage readers to reach out and help us share your story. Email me at jeff.allison@tryondailybulletin.com with any thoughts or ideas for upcoming issues. As always, thanks for reading!
Jeff Allison Editor
Publisher and General Manager
Jeff Allison
Graphic Design
Jagdish Jadhav
Marketing
Lynn Cromer
Distribution
Jamie Lewis
Alex Greene
Administration
Stacey Tully
FOOTHILLS life IN OUR STAFF
Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Columbus Winter Market
January 4 and 18, 10 am - 1 pm
Iron Key Brewing 135 Locust St., Columbus
Free Yoga
January 10 and 17, 9:30 am
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon FENCE.org
East Coast Elites College
Meet Track & Field
January 11, 1-6 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center
25 International Blvd., Mill Spring resort.tryon.com
Movie: Fargo
January 14 at 7 pm
Tryon Theater
45 S. Trade St., Tryon tryonarts.org
Friends of Agriculture
Breakfast
January 15, 7 am Green Creek Community Center
2382 Coxe Rd., Tryon 828-894-2281
Business After Hours
Balanced Weight Loss and Wellness
January 16, 5:30 pm CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com
Triptych Musica
January 17, 6 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
34 Melrose Avenue, Tryon Tryonconcerts.org
Gail Devers Sprints & Hurdle and Coaches Clinic
January 18, 9 am - 6 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring resort.tryon.com
Before & After: All Member Exhibit
Opening Reception: January 25, 5 to 7 p.m. On display through March 1
Tryon Painters & Sculptors
78 N. Trade St., Tryon TryonPaintersAndSculptors. com/gallery
Drawing Marathon
Opening Reception: January 26, 2 pm
On display through Feb. 28
Upstairs Artspace
49 S. Trade St., Tryon UpstairsArtspace.org
Annual Chamber Awards
January 30, 6 pm
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
Tickets: CarolinaFoothillsChamber. com
JANUARY
28
Trio Bohémo
January 28, 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
34 Melrose Avenue, Tryon tryonconcerts.org/concert-series
Columbus Christmas Parade
Photos by Mark Levin
The Polk County Honor Guard continues their tradition of leading the Columbus Christmas Parade.
The Davis family from Columbus enjoys another holiday tradition.
The Godfrey family joins “the Grinch” for the parade. Some bystanders are thinking that the Grinch is part of the Godfrey family?
The Hix family from Tryon waits to see the rest of the family who are in the parade.
FOOTHILLS DISCOVERIES
Compiled and Photographed by Mark Levin
Each month, you’ll be introduced to something in our area that’s worth some exploration. Some of these will be familiar, but perhaps you’ve never been or haven’t been in years. And others might be things you have never heard of or thought to visit. All of these will be family-friendly and either free or inexpensive. Get out there!
THE POLK COUNTY LIBRARY –KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES TO WARM THEM UP ON A COLD WINTER DAY.
When I was growing up when I thought of a library…I thought of books and only books. Okay, maybe there was also a file box of index cards to help you find a specific book. But libraries today, and especially ours in Polk County, are truly a wonderland of opportunities just waiting to be discovered. Kids (of all ages) can lose themselves in this place. It’s the perfect getaway on a cold day this winter…or on any day.
If you haven’t taken your children to the library, it’s time. They should become regulars, and a library card (for Polk County residents) is free. Reading is an important habit that pays big dividends.
Some of these activities are especially geared toward younger children, but plenty of opportunities are also available for tweens, teens, and adults.
Story Time
Story Time is every Wednesday morning at 10:30. Join the staff for books, songs, and a fun craft or activity. Storytime is designed for ages 2-5. On the fourth Wednesday, there’s a bilingual story time.
World Wanderings
This is a program for kids aged five and older and their families. Each month, you will explore a new country and its holiday traditions through food and other activities. On January 14, the country will be China and its Lunar New Year. Space is limited, so registration is required. World Wanderings is held on the second Tuesdays at 3:30 PM.
Yogi Bears Yoga for Kids
Yoga isn’t just for adults you know. Join Allie every first Tuesday for a fun, themed session of kids’ yoga! Through song, mindfulness, and movement, you will stretch your bodies and calm your minds. Wear comfy clothes to move in. Yoga mats will be provided. Recommended for ages 5-9. Registration is required as space is limited.
Pajama Storytime
The third Thursday of the month at 6 PM is the time to join some library staff for a special evening story time. All ages are welcome to wear pajamas and bring stuffed animals and blankets.
Chimney Rock Animal Programs
A ranger from Chimney Rock State Park brings in one of the park’s animal ambassadors for a meet and greet on the fourth Tuesday of the month through March. The program, for all ages, starts at 4 PM.
SOME OF THE OTHER PROGRAMS…
There are also many programs, activities, and offerings that are on-going. Just drop in and check them out.
Stearns Park Storywalk
As you walk around the park, you’ll fill in the pieces for a complete story. Stories change on an on-going basis and rotate with stories provided by the library and the Polk County Rec Department.
Community Creation
Every three months, the library has a different kit to pick up. A recent kit included a rock, paints, and a small brush and participants were encouraged to paint a special rock to place on the new Library Loop Trail that’s part of the ICC Trail.
Tiny Art Show
This month, library patrons are given the opportunity to pick up a mini 4 X 4 inches canvas to paint their own creation which will be put on display.
Jen Pace Dickenson, Youth Services Librarian
Lilian Jackson Braun and Earl Bettinger Music Garden
Just outside its own exit is a special kids’ deck with some cool instruments to play. Make up a tune without even taking a lesson.
Zoom Pass
The Polk County Library has teamed up with local attractions to offer free admission with a Zoom pass. You’ll need to check the website (polklibrary.org/zoom-pass) to get started. Places offering free admission with this pass include Team ECCO Aquarium, Hands On! Children’s Museum, WNC Nature Center, NC Arboretum, KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum, Children’s Museum of the Upstate, and Chimney Rock State Park (when it reopens).
Board Game Checkout
Library of Things
The Library of Things includes a variety of items bagged up and ready for you to try at home. Examples include soccer ball, bocce ball set, light-therapy lamp, cake decorating set, backpacking hammock, horseshoe game set, hiking kit, yoga mat, and many more.
NOTES:
The Polk County Library is located at 1289 West Mills Street in Columbus. The Saluda branch is currently closed for repair work. Check the website (polklibrary.org) for days and hours of operation as well as links to additional opportunities. Telephone: 828/ 894-8721.
To be fair, Landrum residents also have an amazing library with many of the same opportunities.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum
KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum in downtown Rutherfordton
Story by Clay Johnson, Photography by Erik Olsen
DeeDee Watkins babysits her three-year-old granddaughter Whinley when Whinley’s parents are working. She takes her to KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum in downtown Rutherfordton two to three times a week.
“She just loves it. She begs to come here,” says Watkins. “Every day I get her, she’s like, ‘Are we going to KidSenses? Are we going to KidSenses?’ She just loves it here.”
The museum is in an 11,000-square-foot building with 14 exhibit spaces, all with interactive features. It also has a 7,500-square-foot garden that’s open to children seasonally.
“We have all kinds of things here,” says Mandi Williams, the museum’s deputy director. “There’s something new almost every time you come in.”
The museum has miniature
replicas of real-life places, such as a grocery store, a café, a veterinary clinic, and even a television newsroom. There are also places to play with gears, gadgets, magnets, bubbles, puppets, and spaces just for children to create.
“Basically, learning through play,” says Williams. “Learning is the work of childhood. We all like to think that play is for fun, and that’s it, but actually, it’s one
of the critical milestones. We want children to learn and be happy to learn about their environment, the world they live in, culture, life, a little bit of everything.”
The centerpiece exhibit is a real 1950s LeFrance fire truck.
“The kids love to go in there, ring the bell, do the alarm, make the lights go off, and dress up. That is definitely a hit,” says Williams.
Williams says that physical interactivity is important to the learning process.
“Kids learn less from being told something versus experiencing something and linking that to a positive memory, a positive experience,” says Williams. “We have toddlers who use our grocery carts to learn how to walk in these spaces. They’re learning how to hold things properly when they play with our magnets or hold our markers. There’s a lot of early development that’s critical and it’s physical.”
The museum has a classroom space to host curriculumbased workshops for field trip groups focusing on STEAM education, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Elementary schools in the area bring students to the museum to participate in those programs.
The museum also participates in the international “maker” movement with programs that help children develop the hard and soft skills they’ll need later in the workforce.
DeeDee Watkins and granddaughter Whinley
Kids “shopping” in the store at KidSenses
“They’re hands-on like everything else we do, but they require building,” says Williams. “They build the foundational blocks for growing up, learning what life is really like and what it takes to live the way that we do.”
The museum also hosts summer camps for kids from kindergarten through fifth grade.
KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum began as the dream of a local parent who visited a children’s museum while on vacation with her young daughter and, after returning, encouraged town leaders to include a children’s museum in their downtown revitalization plans in 2001. The town eyed a vacant 1927 building that had been a car dealership and later a “Five and Dime.”
“And we said, this is perfect. This is downtown. It’s big. Let’s do it,” says Williams.
Three years and $2.5 million later, KidSenses opened in 2004. It has hosted over half a million visitors from all over.
“Anybody who finds themselves wanting to see the mountains, enjoy a little small town and play, they come see us,” says Williams. “As long as you want to pretend play, we’re the spot for you.”
The museum currently serves children under ten, but it’s working on expanding to serve children aged eleven and up. Williams says educational programs are for a very different age group and require a different kind of museum facility to engage them. The new 5,000-square-foot addition will be called The Factory. It’ll be a place where
Children learn and play in “vet clinic” at the museum
Kids enjoy an educational program about worms
DeeDee Watkins and granddaughter Whinley
Kids playing at KidSenses
youth can meet friends, ask questions, share ideas, make things, and pursue their passions. The museum says that what those children make and do will not only reflect their own personal interests but will also provide connections to their future aspirations in the world of work. Increasingly, jobs are requiring STEM education to align with the demands of a new economy. The Factory will be designed to provide children the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the future.
In the meantime, work is probably the last thing on the minds of children who visit the museum. While there may be important learning going on, they just want to have fun.
“We just want them to find a good place to be themselves, get some energy out and make some good family memories,” says Williams.
That’s what KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum has been for Whinley and her grandmother.
“I think this is a great thing that they have here for the kids to come here,” says Watkins. “I mean, this is just a wonderful place to come because they just learn so much.”
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. To learn more, visit kidsenses. org.
Thank you for your generosity.
Original building before KidSenses moved in to the space (Photo submitted)
New Year’s is a great time to implement veggies into a diet
New Year, New Resolutions: Finding Contentment in 2025
Story and photography by Emily Williams
Every year, we are faced with the great, burdening question that hangs over us like a storm cloud refusing to dissipate: What will my New Year’s resolution be?
Many feel pressure to set a new goal at the beginning of the year, viewing the season as a necessary time for a fresh start. Fresh starts can be wonderful, but I often find myself racking my brain on December 31 for something new I can strive for in the coming year. Even more so, I find myself wondering why I am even attempting to come up with a New Year’s resolution.
We all know that most people fail to keep a New Year’s resolution going for the whole year, with various polls concluding only about 8% of those who make a resolution will stick to it. What is the point of making a resolution if I am essentially doomed to fail before the next year rolls around? In my search for the meaning behind New Year’s resolutions, I look
to some popular ones people make and how they can become habits that last rather than fads that fade.
The word “resolution” stems from the term “resolute,” which is characterized as being firmly determined in an action or decision. I believe everyone who has a New Year’s resolution begins with a mindset of determination, claiming to themselves, “This is the year that I will meet my goal,” only to drop that firm mindset a few months later. Let’s face it, the goals we set in the New Year are often hard to keep because they take a lot more work and discipline than we would like. The best goals, though, are the ones that require greater effort because with great effort comes great reward.
Why don’t we look at some of those common resolutions? I have found that many resolutions fall into one of these three categories: health, personal growth, and relationships.
In the New Year,
Many make the point to carve out time with friends in the New Year
Families prioritize quality time in the New Year
many people become hyperfocused on physical health. Perhaps this is because we are coming off the holiday season, when we gorged ourselves on copious amounts of delectable, highcalorie foods. Thanksgiving and Christmas only come around once each year, though, so it is impossible not to enjoy the delicious treats that accompany those holidays. Nonetheless, some can feel a sense of guilt after
eating such foods, and so they feel the need for change in the New Year.
A common healthforward resolution is to eat more healthy foods. Nothing is wrong with this resolution. In fact, it can do a lot of good. Whole foods like unprocessed meat, vegetables, and fruits hold vitamins our bodies need to function optimally, so eating healthier will naturally lead to people feeling
better. Accompanying the health food craze that happens at New Year’s is a desire to cook at home more often, which allows people to control what goes in their food. Not to mention, eating at home makes the wallet feel a lot better. However, these great resolutions could turn into something dark and sinister: the dreaded diet! America is known for diet culture, so people can easily get swept
up into an unattainable diet that is too restrictive to keep long-term.
Those with health resolutions also focus on exercising more. Physical movement is beneficial for the body—it allows joints to stay flexible and limber longer, helps you feel more positive, and can even improve the immune system. There are also so many ways to exercise and move the body that
Exercising, such as running, is popular come January
Many want to travel more during the year
Many people make the plan to drink more water
it can become a favorite pastime for many. Joining a pickleball team, taking a dance class, 10k training, water aerobics, and other activities are wonderful forms of exercise that many people enjoy implementing into their daily routine. However, this resolution goes south when exercise becomes something that is a requirement for your day to be considered “successful.” In my experience, the more you feel like you must do something, the less you want to do it, and so that resolution falls to the wayside as well.
Now, on to the resolutions of personal growth. Personal growth is a beautiful thing. We as humans are made with a desire to learn, change, and be a better person today than we were the day before.
One of the most common personal growth resolutions I hear people make at the beginning of each year is to read more books. Whether fiction or nonfiction, books can open our eyes to make us more empathetic human beings, teach us valuable lessons, or even just make us laugh until our bellies hurt. However, whenever my non-literary-inclined friends make this resolution, I often check in with them around March and ask, “How many books have you read so far?” Sadly, this question is often met with a nervous laugh and an “uhhhh…” so long I feel my friend might pass out from all the air exertion. For those who are Christian, specifically reading the Bible in the New Year could be the resolution of choice. However, when mornings, nights, and mid-days get
YEAR-ROUND DINING
Some people resolve to read the Bible more often
busy, the resolution is often forgotten. Community service and personal travel are also resolutions that lead to growth. Serving others puts self to the side and others first, which allows us to be more attuned to the needs of others. Traveling expands our minds by presenting us to new cultures, foods, lifestyles, and activities that also connect us with other people. Oftentimes, though, these two resolutions can become mere dreams and not real action due to lack of time and resources.
Finally, the New Year’s resolutions involving relationships are often beautiful and begin with wonderful intentions. After spending so much time with loved ones over the holidays, it is natural to want to keep that connection alive. We enter the New Year with
Some people choose to stay off technology more in the New Year
a determined desire to set aside quality time with family members, significant others, and friends. Yet, like so many other New Year’s resolutions, when the calendar fills up with meetings, soccer matches, ballet lessons, and church groups, the time to invest in relationships is all but gone.
So, back to my original question: what is the point in making these resolutions
this New Year if they will inevitably be lost in the daily grind of life? All these resolutions discussed above are good, lovely, profitable things. They are not resolutions without point, promise, or potential. I have concluded that a major reason why we cannot seem to stick to resolutions is because of how we frame them in our minds. Goals are to be met, and if
not met, then we can see ourselves as failures. What if we saw our resolutions this year not as obligations but as opportunities? How could that change our mindset?
I think it could change quite a lot. Cooking from home can be seen as an opportunity to be creative and make a meal with your own hands. Exercising can be seen as an opportunity
Reading more is a common resolution
to get out, do something fun, and meet new people. Reading books or the Bible can be viewed as moments to cherish and learn from. Volunteering and traveling can be seen as exciting opportunities that can be taken on joyously when the opportunities arise. Spending time with loved ones can become even more memorable when we realize just how rare and precious these moments are.
Resolutions can be maintained and firmly established when seen as something worth doing rather than something required to check some box off an imaginary list. If we choose to practice this in the New Year, I believe we can feel content because, in this light, we can finally find pleasure in our New Year’s resolutions.
Volunteer opportunities often start during the holidays and continue into the New
Year
The Art of Dollmaking
A Journey of Passion and Precision
Throughout history, dolls have served as the beloved companions of children. One artist in Landum has transformed her childhood love for dolls into a thriving craft. Michelle Fagan, a dedicated dollmaker, has created a niche for herself in the world of collectible dolls, each one a testament to her artistry and passion.
Michelle’s journey began in her childhood, growing up in a household of collectors who adored Himstedt dolls.
“I had a couple of my own, and as my children were small, I decided it might be fun to try making one myself,” she shares. This spark of inspiration led her to gather a group of artistic women, where they were fortunate to learn the intricacies of doll sculpting from celebrated doll artist Rita Rich. Over a three-day workshop, Michelle and her friends created their own baby dolls from start to finish, igniting a fire of creativity that would shape her future.
When it comes to sculpting her dolls, Michelle describes
By Storme Smith
her creative process as deeply personal and meticulous. “I start by examining countless newborn baby photos, searching for an expression that resonates with me,” she explains.
Capturing that fleeting moment of innocence in clay is no small task, taking much time and effort.
“Once I nail the expression, my excitement takes over, and I can’t wait to see the completed doll,” she adds. This attention to detail reflects Michelle’s commitment to authenticity in her work.
Relocating from New York to South Carolina in 1990, she finds solace in Landrum’s slower pace and mild weather.
“It reminds me so much of where I grew up. It’s a beautiful community and has a really welcoming town vibe,” she says. While she sells her creations locally, her reach extends far beyond, with collectors from across the United States and even international buyers eagerly seeking her unique works.
However, the journey hasn’t been without hurdles. One of
Michelle’s greatest challenges as a doll artist has been managing collectors’ expectations regarding timelines.
“I used to work from a yearlong list, and it was challenging for buyers to wait for their dolls,” she admits. Over time, she learned to work at her own pace, which she discovered led to the best results. “Now, I create dolls at my own speed and share them once they’re fully complete. This way, collectors can purchase a finished product without the wait.”
Looking ahead, Michelle’s goals remain focused yet ambitious. “I want to continue on my current path, and hopefully, as the economy stabilizes, more manufacturing companies will be interested in purchasing dolls,” she expresses. Currently, her creations, priced between $1,500 and $3,995, cater to a niche market that many collectors find challenging to access. She hopes for more opportunities at various price points through collaborations with established companies like Ashton Drake or Lee Middleton.
Support has played a vital role in her journey, notably from her husband, who serves as her primary cheerleader. “He’s always there to help me pursue my passion,” she says, illustrating the strength of their partnership. While Michelle meticulously crafts each doll, she occasionally enlists the help of friends, especially for tasks like applying hair, ensuring that her personal touch remains in every piece.
What sets Michelle’s work apart in a crowded market is the unmistakable serenity reflected in her dolls. “My babies
have a unique, peaceful look. I take personal responsibility for every detail. When collectors order one of my dolls, they know it’s entirely crafted by me,” she explains. This level of authenticity resonates with collectors looking for a deeply personal connection to their dolls.
Michelle proudly recalls being nominated multiple times for the Dolls of Excellence Awards among her many accomplishments. “It’s an incredible honor to have my work recognized and appreciated by collectors. It encourages me to keep pushing my craft,” she adds.
Staying motivated is easy for Michelle. “The excitement builds as I start working on a doll; seeing the head take shape keeps me going.” Each new creation fuels her imagination, driving her to finish the limbs and ultimately assemble the doll to see the final product come to life.
Michelle offers heartfelt advice to aspiring dollmakers:
“Don’t give up. Creating the perfect doll takes time and practice. It’s okay to take baby steps. Focus on working a little at a time, and don’t rush the process.”
She recently married, and she plans to change the name of her business in the near future to coincide with her married name, Michelle Dumoulin Choate.
For those interested in
connecting with her work, Michelle operates a Facebook page, “Michelle Fagan Originals Soft Silicone Babies.” Although she does not have a website, she welcomes local inquiries via phone or text. With passion and dedication to her craft, Michelle Fagan continues to enchant collectors with her exquisite creations, one doll at a time.
The Name Game
Ihave learned during my fascinating life that each of us is a unique, free-spirited individual with a name that seems to suit us.
The names we are given become the cornerstone of our identity. Your name is often your first introduction, a word you learn to respond to, even when whispered in a crowded place. Each time your name is called out, a tiny piece of your identity is acknowledged. It is intimately connected to our sense of self. I think names are picked for us that possibly chart the course for our personalities.
I was named Pebbles for my dappled, rare river rock coloring. Pebbles is a modern English
By Pebbles
name that is rarely used as a given name. The bubbly appeal of this casual name is an enticing factor. Let’s face it: I have such an irresistibly cute personality; the name is perfect! Yes, there is something to this name game that sets us on our course of action.
When Ruby, a five-year-old chestnut Haflinger-cross mare, was saved by our rescue, Helping Equines Regain Dignity (HERD) we let the donor who helped us select her name. Ruby is a girl’s name with a Latin origin meaning “deep red precious stone.” She also decided on a name for Ruby’s newborn colt upon his arrival six months later. The name chosen was Zippy. It
suits him perfectly as he is the definition of that word: speedy, appealing in style, and brightspirited.
All of us can be extreme opposites in physical build and temperament, even if we are the offspring of the same parents. Maybe when given our names, the deviation of personalities begins. I have a fine example of how two equines can be so different even when they are full sisters, two years apart, raised on the same farm. Meet my two large stepsisters, Promise and Sophie. Like me, they have fine pedigrees. They are premium Oldenburg mares. Both were sired by the stallion, Sempatico, delivered from the
Zippy galloping around his pasture.
Gusto showing his joy for life.
mare Valentine’s April at Shilo Sports Farm in Ocala, Florida. They may have the same coloring, but the similarity ends there.
Sophie is a French and Greek name that translates to “wisdom.” Our Sophie has an all-knowing, prissy attitude here at the farm. She is in your pocket-friendly with a delicate constitution. Sophie is also more highstrung and demanding. She can be reactionary at horse shows depending on her mood, requiring lots of attention to win her over to settle and focus.
Promise, the older sister, is much bigger boned, taller, and has an aloof personality. Her name is an English word referencing “a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified.” There is no question that Promise is the boss mare out in her pasture. However, she is never mean to her herd mates. At horse shows, she puts on her Sunday best attitude and performs perfectly like a star, staying calm and focused on the task at hand.
I chuckle at how vastly different the two young colts we currently have in HERD are. Only two months apart in age, they are as different in size and temperament as night and day. The newcomer is a palomino color, gaited five-monthold colt that came with the name Gus. We amended the name to Gusto, based on his lively personality. Presently, he lives with his mother Zeida in their private field. He can see Zippy and Ruby, but they have not interacted yet. Both are handsome individuals. They share a love of galloping at full speed around their pastures, leaving their mothers’ sides
to explore. However, the similarity ends there. While Gusto enjoys being brushed and handled by HERD volunteers, Zippy would prefer humans to keep their distance. “Just leave my feed in the trough and move on, please,” is the message we get from Zippy each morning at breakfast service. Zippy is exceedingly independent.
Zippy was born at Shingle Hollow Farm in June 2024 in Rutherfordton, NC. He was an exceptionally large foal for his mother to carry, and his birth time was most unusual, at 2 p.m. Most foals are born early in the morning hours of pre-dawn. For some reason, Zippy wanted to meet the world in the busier hours of the day, and he was up and about quickly. From the first week of his life, he consistently left his mother to zip off alone and explore, much to her dismay.
In contrast, Gusto was born in Palm Beach, Florida, in August 2024. His mother, Zeida, was saved from a kill lot in Bowie, Texas, and there was no information shared that the mare was pregnant. Upon arriving at her home in Palm Beach, it was soon apparent that Zeida was bred. The kill lot suggested the new owner reach out to HERD to see what could be arranged. We agreed to take care of the mare until weaning time. HERD will then keep Gusto in our rescue to grow up and find a safe home.
Time will tell us how important the names we have chosen for these colts will become for their future. Will Zippy stay zippy and full of bright spirit? Will Gusto continue to be a powerhouse, ideal for endurance trail riding? After all, Gusto means “zest
Sophie, the high score champion filly at the Oldenburg Inspection 2010.
Sophie with her full sister, Promise.
Zippy with his mother Ruby in HERD.
and enthusiasm for doing something.” Do these names shine a light on the path of these horses’ destinies? How will they progress for their future riding partners? This concept, known as “nominative determinism,” suggests that a chosen name can have an impact on one’s personality, life choices, and career path. Does the self-identity and behavior of an individual truly connect with their name? Well, I think it does. I am Pebbles, the irresistibly cute official “spokespony” for HERD rescue. To know me is to love me. My name rolls comfortably on the wind crossing the pasture as I am called to come in for dinner. I am acknowledged. Yes, there is significant importance in the decision-making of assigning one’s identity.
Please play the name game carefully.
Gusto, on arrival to HERD with his mother, Zeida.
QUICK BITES
LET THESE NACHOS BE THE HIT AT ANY GATHERING
Chips and dip always work when entertaining, and the potential flavor combinations of this classic party offering are endless. When it comes to nachos, the dip and the chip are melded into a single dish for a convenient and tasty offering that works as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. Of course, nachos also are a go-to dish while watching the big game with friends. Nacho flavors run the gamut from Latin-inspired to chili-covered to everything in between. These "Outrageous Barbecued Nachos," courtesy of Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook (St. Martin’s Press) by Neal Corman, pair the smoky flavor of slowcooked barbecue with the zip of some nacho standards like jalapeño peppers and cheese.
OUTRAGEOUS BARBECUED NACHOS SERVES 4-6
•3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled pork
•3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled chicken
•3 ounces (about 3 slices) sliced and chopped barbecued brisket
•1 1/2 cups favorite mild barbecue sauce
•3/4 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips
•1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
•1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
•15 pickled jalape–o slices
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. Combine the meats and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Spread half of the tortilla chips on a small cookie sheet. Cover the chips with half of the meat and sauce. Top with half of each cheese.
4. Repeat the process on top of this layer, using the other half of the ingredients.
5. Bake until the cheese is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove and top with the jalape–os.
SLOW COOKING CREATES FREE TIME
Who couldn’t use a little more free time in his or her day? Slow cookers can create that by enabling home chefs to set their ingredients to simmer early in the day and then head to work, school, recreational activities — pretty much whatever they need to get done — as the food cooks. Not being beholden to the kitchen is a benefit slow cookers offer. Since slow cookers cook foods slowly at low temperatures, they are quite handy and even can help people save money. Tougher cuts of meat or poultry tend to cost a little less, and they can be cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. The long, moist cooking environment tenderizes the ingredients during the cooking process. Stews and slow cookers often go hand-in-hand. Enjoy this recipe for “Chicken Stew with Herb Dumplings” from “CrockPot 365 Year-Round Recipes” (Publications International, Ltd.) by the CrockPot Test Kitchen.
CHICKEN STEW WITH HERB DUMPLINGS
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
•2 cups sliced carrots
•1 cup chopped onion
•1 large green bell pepper, sliced
•1/2 cup sliced celery
•2 cans (about 14 ounces each)
chicken broth, divided
•2/3 cup all-purpose flour
•1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
•1 large red potato, unpeeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
•6 ounces mushrooms, halved
•3/4 cup frozen peas
•1 1 / 4 teaspoons dried basil, divided
•1 teaspoon dried rosemary
•3/8 teaspoon dried tarragon, divided
•1/4 cup heavy cream
•3/4to 1 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•1 cup biscuit baking mix
•1/3 cup reduced-fat (2%) milk
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine carrots, onion, bell pepper, celery and all but 1 cup chicken broth in the slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 2 hours.
2. Stir remaining 1 cup chicken broth into flour in small bowl until smooth. Stir into vegetable mixture. Add chicken, potato, mushrooms, peas, 1 teaspoon basil, 3/4 teaspoon rosemary and 1/4 teaspoon tarragon. Cover; cook on low 4 hours or until vegetables and chicken are tender. Stir in cream, salt and pepper.
3. Combine baking mix, remaining 1/4 teaspoon basil, 1/4 teaspoon rosemary and 1/8 teaspoon tarragon in small bowl. Stir in milk to form soft dough. Add dumpling mixture to top of stew in 4 large spoonfuls. Cook, uncovered, 30 minutes. Cover; cook 30 to 45 minutes or until dumplings are firm and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve in shallow bowls.
SLOW-COOKED BEEF STEW
MAKES AN IDEAL COLD WEATHER COMFORT FOOD
The term "comfort food" can be used in reference to a host of dishes. Some see Mom’s home cooking as the ultimate comfort food, while others may insist hearty dishes that fill the belly are the only true comfort foods. Regardless of one’s definition of comfort food, one characteristic many might agree about is that foods must provide more than mere sustenance to qualify for entry into this wide-ranging category. Beef stew certainly fits that criteria, as many feel nothing is more comforting on a cold winter day than a warm bowl of slow-cooked stew. As winter settles in, those looking for some slow-cooked comfort can try this recipe for "Crockpot Beef Stew With Potatoes and Peas" from Lines+Angles.
CROCKPOT BEEF STEW WITH POTATOES AND PEAS
MAKES 6 SERVINGS
•2 pounds boneless stew beef
•1 teaspoon coarse salt
•1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•1/3 cup all-purpose flour
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
•2 celery ribs, rinsed, trimmed and sliced
•2 cloves of garlic, peeled and pressed
•2 cups baby carrots, sliced
•6 small new potatoes, rinsed and cut into bite-sized pieces
•6 ounces tomato paste
•4 cups beef broth
•2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
•1 tablespoon dried parsley
•2 cups frozen peas
DIRECTIONS
1. Rinse the beef under cold running water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut the beef into generous bite-size pieces.
2. Combine the salt, pepper and flour. Place the cubed beef in a large resealable plastic storage bag. Add the seasoned flour and shake to thoroughly coat the beef with flour.
3. Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the flour-coated beef
and brown on all sides.
4. Place browned beef in the crock pot. Add onions, celery, garlic, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.
5. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 to 7 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas, cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Ladle stew into individual serving bowls and serve.
Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on age and size of crockpot.
SPAGHETTI IS A VERSATILE COMPONENT
IN MANY MEALS
SPAGHETTI WITH SHRIMP, FETA AND DILL SERVES 4
•12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 box)
•1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
•1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
•Kosher salt and black pepper
•2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
•1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
•3 ounces feta, crumbled (3/4 cup)
•2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
Spaghetti has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. While spaghetti is most often associated with Italy, pasta has deep ties to other Mediterranean nations like Greece, and several territories of the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula. In fact, centuries ago dry, durable pasta was one of the main sources of nutrition for Arab traders, including those who landed in Sicily. The flavor profile of spaghetti can change significantly depending on which ingredients are added. Cooks needn’t feel beholden to the standard "spaghetti and meatballs" recipe. "Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta, and Dill," for example, may take its inspiration from Greek cooking. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done! (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple.
DIRECTIONS
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and return it to the pot.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
Add the shrimp mixture to the pasta, along with the feta, dill, the remaining 1/4 cup of oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
The flavor profile of spaghetti can change significantly depending on which ingredients are added. Cooks needn’t feel beholden to the standard "spaghetti and meatballs" recipe.
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