Slice - November 2016

®

SLICE

November 2016 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / OWNER Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Cat Donnelly Catherine Frederick Dwain Hebda Laura Hobbs Addi McNeel Jessica Sowards Stoney Stamper James Stefiuk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays

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PROOFREADER Charity Chambers PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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INSIDE

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Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

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GET PERSONAL

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SMALL BUT MIGHTY

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HAPPY HARVEST

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ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500

The holidays are just around the corner. Celebrate those you love with these easy, personalized DIY gifts that are a snap to make and show how much you care.

Two local women are fighting hunger in a small but mighty way by offering food to anyone who needs it, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

We're offering you a new take on an old Thanksgiving favorite, green bean casserole, along with savory bread pudding and a fresh twist on your cranberry sauce recipe.

HOME SWEET SOMA In Little Rock, one of the oldest neighborhoods has become a destination for foodies and shoppers alike.

Before you visit, get our tips from those in the know.

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EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116 Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com ©2016 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South® or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893 Cover Image: Natasha Breen

FOLLOW US Annual subscriptions are $30 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues are available upon request for $7. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

letter from the editor

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for

We also have a beautiful story from Jessica

and assurance about what we do not see.

Sowards, about how faith transformed her

~ Hebrews 11:1

family. Stoney Stamper, usually the writer who makes us laugh out loud, brings us a

Someone asked me the other day what I

breathtaking story of love, devotion, and

was most thankful for this year. It was an

biscuits. You read that right: biscuits.

easy answer. My faith. But it hasn’t always been so.

And one of my favorite DIYs ever, are the personalized gifts for Christmas. I espe-

Growing up I heard things like "Let go

cially love the pillow cover I made with

and let God," and it was hard to put

these words, "Let your faith be bigger

those words into action, mostly because

than your fear."

I've always been a self-diagnosed control freak. So, letting go of worry or doubt and simply having faith

I get asked from time to time if we do "themed issues" at Do

that God had a plan when I thought of myself as the ultimate

South. What that means is whether we devote an entire issue

planner, was really tough for me. In the past when life threw

to Southern foods, for example. I always answer by saying that

me a curveball, I'd dive into action, making lists and delegating

we look for the best stories we can find, each and every month,

tasks, and then my mind would work overtime. I’d lie awake at

that reflect our pride in Arkansas and the people who live here.

night planning and creating a particular outcome in my head, rarely inviting Him to take the wheel.

But many months, faith plays a role in most of our stories, just as it does in our daily lives. As a former black belt in the art of

While I always believed, I recently made the choice to trust God

control, I'd like to say that learning to trust makes life a whole

completely, in all things. I handed over all of my worries and

lot easier.

doubts, even when I felt the need to control things, even when what lay ahead looked like a scary mess. In that instant, when I

It also keeps me from writing all those to-do lists that I once

made the decision to trust, my faith grew bigger than my fear. I

thought kept the world spinning. That's another plus in this

felt completely at peace, an odd feeling in the face of challenges.

journey called faith. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. May your faith truly be bigger than your fear!

At this time in our history, when our country feels so unsettled, many are leaning on their faith. For some, that means more prayer, and for others action. Like Destiny Potter and Barbie Johnson, two local women who are fighting hunger twenty-four

~Catherine

Follow Do South® Magazine

hours a day, seven days a week.

To reserve this free space for your charitable non-profit organization, email: Editors@DoSouthMagazine.com

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

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UP CLOSE PERSONAL

John Mays Jewelers 5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.2140 | johnmaysjewelers.com Images Kat Wilson

John W. Mays IV

John W. Mays III

Kathryn A. Mays

Kevin R. Mays, RJ

Graduate Jeweler Gemologist (GIA)

Gemologist, (GIA)

A.J.P. (GIA)

Graduate Jeweler Gemologist (GIA)

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About John Mays Jewelers

by John W. Mays III John Mays Jewelers is a family owned and operated jewelry store that was founded in 1999. I got a taste of the jewelry business in 1969 as a young man and never looked back. I earned my Diamond degree in 1973 with help from the GI Bill, and learned the importance of education through Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Over the next years, I worked hard to earn my Gemologist title from GIA in 1992. Along the way, I also became interested in pocket watches and watch repair, and began repairing them at home, with the help of a friend. After thirty years of employment, I decided the time was right to open my own store in 1999.

Since then, we have hand selected everything in our store. We have been a proud supporter of Hearts On Fire diamonds since we began our business and have founded our store on selling Hearts On Fire A.G.S. Ideal Cut diamonds. We are a member of the American Gem Society and are all GIA alumni. I instilled in my family that education is what has led to my success.

My wife Kathryn and both our sons, John and Kevin, have degrees from GIA. When we started designing the new store (we moved to a new location on Rogers Avenue in October) we wanted it to feel as warm and welcoming as our home would be if you stopped by. We look forward to seeing all of the familiar faces we have seen for years as well as meeting new customers and starting traditions with their families.

We invite you all to join us for our Chamber Ribbon Cutting and giveaway, on November 17th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

Q&A with John W. Mays III WORDS TO LIVE BY OR FAVORITE QUOTE:

Never stop learning.

YOUR BUSINESS IS A FAMILY AFFAIR. WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING YOUR FAMILY IN BUSINESS WITH YOU?

When you have all of your family working together, everyone has a common interest. John Mays Jewelers is our family legacy and something we're proud to pass on to our sons. We've all worked very hard together to achieve the common goal of making our business a success.

IS THERE ANYTHING DIFFICULT ABOUT SPENDING SO MUCH TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY?

As with any business, there are day-to-day obstacles to overcome, but we are a family and family comes first. Our business is nothing more than an extension of our home. Working with our family every day has come to be routine and a way that we can spend more time together.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOUR SONS WANTED TO JOIN JOHN MAYS JEWELERS?

From Day One we knew they wanted to be a part of the business, but as with any growing new business, the timing had to be right to have everyone here. We are proud that we were able to send both of our sons to Carlsbad, California, to earn their Graduate Jeweler degrees from Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Since then, both John and Kevin have become Graduate Gemologists as well. Kevin has now achieved his Registered Jeweler from the American Gem Society. We are honored to be a part of this wonderful organization.

WHAT MAKES YOU MOST PROUD ABOUT JOHN MAYS JEWELERS?

The accomplishments we've achieved in the jewelry industry as a family, for being a new store, and for how long we've been in business, make us proud. We have always strived to provide our customers with the finest quality merchandise. We are firm believers in education and are proud that we all have a foundation from Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

HOW WILL YOUR FAMILY SPEND THANKSGIVING?

Thanksgiving is a time for our family to catch our breath and relax as the holiday retail season gets into full swing. We have a simple tradition of a good, home-cooked family meal, followed by us relaxing by the fireplace (weather permitting) and watching the movie, Christmas Vacation.

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE TO BE YOUR BIGGEST SELLERS?

The biggest seller is always our Hearts On Fire diamonds. They are called “the world’s most perfectly cut diamond” for a reason, and it definitely shows to everyone who sees them. Jay Strongwater giftware is a big hit with just about everyone, and, of course, Tag Heuer and Shinola timepieces hit a homerun with men.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FORT SMITH?

We love this area and all the seasons this part of the country provides. The whole family was raised here, and actually, all went to the same junior high, Darby, and Northside High School. We have a relationship with the community, by having grown up here, that can’t be acquired any other way. On any given day, one of us generally knows or went to school with a customer that walks into our store.

We like that about Fort Smith.

YOU RECENTLY MOVED YOUR STORE TO A NEW LOCATION ON ROGERS AVENUE. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF THE MOVE?

By far, figuring out the layout and design of the structure. The new store had to equal the quality and craftsmanship we're known for.

Everything had to line up just right, and fit just so, to make it all come together the way we dreamed it would.

GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES BUY JEWELRY FROM YOU. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES THEM RETURN TO YOUR STORE?

Relationships are built on trust. The quality of our product, our integrity, as well as the knowledge of our products, provided by our education at Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has helped build that solid foundation. This month marks my forty-eighth year in the jewelry industry, and I believe the knowledge I've accumulated over that time has helped me select quality products that our store is known for.

WHAT'S THE MOST SENTIMENTAL PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU OWN?

The most sentimental piece of jewelry I own is my wedding band that I have been wearing for forty-eight years. My favorite piece of jewelry would be the first custom ring I made for myself with all Hearts On Fire diamonds.

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poetry

Sunday Breakfast Parfait

(He Doesn’t Think There are Twenty-seven Chickens Anymore) LINEs Cat Donnelly

Dark spots bleed through the white napkin covering frozen berries perched on top of Greek yogurt.

He is still upstairs; she takes over his barnyard chores, counting chickens as they burst out of the barn.

Sixteen hens; no rooster: Only one Light Brahma left, no Dark Brahmas, a few Araucanas, a few Dominiques, one of the chicks he raised from an egg.

Where could they all be?

She delivers the news to him, as he stirs defrosted berries into white cream.

Over hands of cribbage, they discuss the clues: several dead chickens down by the pool, not eaten, one in rigor.

Maybe a stray dog, maybe a ‘coon.

After more than a decade, they are used to these discussions.

He thinks he sees a hawk, grabs a shotgun.

She watches him bolt up the hill.

The hens are nonchalant, scratching dirt.

They would be frantic if there was a hawk.

She doesn’t say this out loud, lets him protect his flock after the damage is done.

He returns and beats her in cribbage, two out of three.

She gets up and does the dishes.

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calendar

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Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com

Chubby Carrier Arkansas vs. LSU Border War Party Fort Smith facebook.com/thesoundroomfs

Lights of the Ozarks Fayetteville thelightsoftheozarks.com

Grammy-winning Zydeco artist, Chubby Carrier, will perform at the Arkansas vs. LSU Border War Party, beginning at 8pm at the Sound Room. See website for details.

The Downtown Square in Fayetteville lights up for the holidays, each evening from 5pm until 1am. Enjoy carriage rides, hot chocolate, Christmas music, all beneath a half-million twinkling lights.

An Evening with Ron Hall Fort Smith riverviewhopecampus.org Hear Ron Hall, author of the New York Times platinum best-selling Same Kind of Different as Me, share his story at Community Bible Church at 7pm. Tickets are $10 and proceeds go toward funding homeless programs in the Fort Smith area.

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Veteran's Day Parade & Fall Festival Fort Smith chaffeecrossing.com Honor our veterans and enjoy this fall festival. The parade begins at 7313 Terry Street at noon. The festival includes food, live music, and great family fun.

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Lee Ann Womack Pocola choctawcasinos.com Country music star Lee Ann Womack, whose album I Hope You Dance sold more than 3 million copies, will perform CenterStage at Choctaw Casino Resort, beginning at 8pm. See website for details.

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Lights at Creekmore Park Fort Smith fortsmithparks.com Creekmore Park turns into a wonderland beginning the day after Thanksgiving when the holiday lights go live. The fun continues in December, when the Holiday Express train starts taking passengers on trips across the park. See website for details.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea waballet.org

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The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea, hosted by Western Arkansas Ballet, takes place at the Riverfront Pavilion from 2:304:30pm. Meet Nutcracker characters, enjoy desserts and snacks, make crafts, and shop. See website for pricing.

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Courtesy AR Dept Parks/Tourism

A&M Holiday Express Pajama Train Van Buren amrailroad.com The A&M Holiday Express Pajama Train ride leaves from the downtown Van Buren Frisco Depot. Santa and his friends will be on board for the onehour round trip! Rides begin at 11am and run until 7pm. See website for pricing and to make reservations.

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NOVEMBER 25DECEMBER 31 S T Courtesy AR Dept Parks/Tourism

Caroling in the Caverns Blanchard Springs blanchardsprings.org On certain days and times from November 25 through December 18, you can hear live holiday music inside the great Cathedral Room at Blanchard Springs Caverns. See website for times and pricing.

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Season's Greetings Concert Fort Smith community.uafs.edu Kick off the holiday season in grand style with live performances of your favorite holiday hits. The Season's Greetings Concert starts at 7pm at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center.

Admission is free and it is open to the public.

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entertainment

The Book That Matters Most

by Ann Hood W. W. Norton & Company | 358 pages | $25.95 review Marla Cantrell

The question of what happens when a long marriage ends is

But the book club is just half of the story. Ava has two grown

the fodder for countless novels. One of the parties leaves, the

children, a boy, and a girl. Her son is fine, but her daughter

other deals with the fallout, and both are forced to change in

Maggie is in deep trouble. The novel toggles back and forth

ways they never imagined. This is how The Book That Matters

between Ava's story and Maggie's.

Most by Ann Hood begins. Ava, middle-aged and nearly falling apart is mourning the exit of her husband Jim who left her for

Maggie, who's supposed to be studying art in Italy, is actually

a woman he knew years before.

living in Paris with an older married man. He supplies her with everything she wants, including an array of increasingly more

Ava's story starts the week before Christmas. With her marriage

dangerous drugs. As she becomes addicted, her life hangs in

in tatters, she tries to rebuild her life. Her friends step in, one of

the balance.

them asking her to join a book club. Each of the twelve members must pick the book that mattered most to them, to be read the

Because of the chaos Ava's experiencing, and because Maggie

following year. Each month, they'll tackle one book. Ava, since

is so good at lying to her mother, it takes Ava a while to figure

she's a new member, is given the month of December.

out that something ghastly is going on with her daughter. As Ava realizes Maggie is not where she's supposed to be, and

While the rest of the novels are those you'd expect—To Kill a

begins to search for her, we learn more about Ava's childhood,

Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye, Anna Karenina—Ava picks a

and the tragedy that took both her mom and her younger sister.

book that's so rare the club members can't find it. But Ava insists the book, From Clare to Here, changed her life and that she can

The Book That Matters Most looks at how quickly life can

get the author to come speak to the group about it.

change, the effect of childhood trauma, and the consequences of family secrets. But the author doesn't leave readers there.

That is the first lie Ava tells. She also cheats on her first assign-

She also shows how strong we are. And how forgiveness works

ment, watching a movie based on Pride and Prejudice instead

miracles. And how beautiful life can be when we're given a

of reading the book. These indiscretions are a symptom of

second chance to get it right.

her situation, of feeling lost and hoping this new group will somehow save her.

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shop

Keep it Local & Shop Small! words Catherine Frederick imageS Catherine Frederick and vendors

Decorative Pumpkin Set, Burlap Decorative Pumpkin, Wooden Table Décor

SUNSHINE SHOP AT MERCY FORT SMITH 479.314.6079

Seasonal Cookie Cakes

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES 479.452.9999

Kosta Browne 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Anthill Farms 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, EnRoute Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Brighton Christo Cuff Bracelets

GALLIVANTING LADIES APPAREL

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

479.646.7555

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

479.783.8013

shop

There’s never been a better time to shop local. Stop in for the best selection of seasonal décor and products from some of our favorite shops, just in time for the holidays!

Hearts On Fire, Fulfillment Round Band, .88cts., 18k White Gold

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

Versace Sunglasses

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020

Holiday Platter and Stand, Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

Happy Turkey Day Décor, Ceramic Polka Dot Pumpkins, Metal Turkey Décor

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH 479.441.4221

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pets

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS M

M

F

Akelies

Sasha

M

F

Wyatt

Buck

F

Nana

Penny

3 Girls Animal Rescue is a foster-only rescue, so there is no facility. All animals are currently in foster homes being socialized and cared for by loving families. All are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and heartworm negative. 3 Girls is run completely by volunteers and operates solely on public donations.

CONTACT: Angela Meek 479.883.2240 • Mitzi Burkhart 479.651.4445 www.facebook.com/3GirlsAnimalRescue • threegirlsanimalrescue@outlook.com Each month, Do South® donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

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November Mornings words & images Jessica Sowards

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November mornings all start the same. The alarm screams at

feet, I make my way back to my bedroom where I sit in the soft

5:45 in the morning. Slippers and a sweater lie next to my

chair next to the lamp with warm, yellow light and have a cup

bed to build my bravery and challenge my excuses. I rise and

of tea with Jesus.

beeline to the stove where a pre-filled kettle is put on high heat. There I wait.

Our house is full. When we bought it in 2014, we filled the extra rooms in the basement with junk we didn’t need, just using it

One of my husband Jeremiah’s brothers, Noah or Elijah, will

as storage. We dove head-first into homesteading and a newly

usually pass me at my tea-making post on their way out to

revived relationship with the Lord. I look back at that season of

tend the farm. I start the coffee pot for Jeremiah and his sister,

our life and marvel at the faithfulness of God. Because while we

Mikela. And then, with tea in hand and bravely be-slippered

were working hard on fences and coops, struggling to home-

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people

school with four boys and a pregnancy, we were praying the

Then in 2014, we moved onto our farm, and everything changed.

whole time. Sure, we were asking for direction and help but even

While we were working hard on our fences and praying fervently

more than that, we were praying for our lost and hurting family.

for healing in our family, it felt like the divide between Jeremiah and his siblings couldn’t get any greater. That Thanksgiving was so

Jeremiah is the third of nine kids. He has five brothers and three

strained. We had more friends than family at our house. There was

sisters, and since I’ve known their family (long before I’d ever

muttering. Everyone left early, and I cried over leftover dressing. It

laid eyes on Jeremiah), they have always been incredibly close.

felt like following God had cost us everything we knew. And even

There was so much hurt, though. When I came into the inside by

if it had been a mess, it felt like an awful lot to lose the mess I was

marrying Jeremiah, I learned of the great dysfunction and pain

familiar with in order to walk into unchartered waters.

swirling just under the surface, and I saw a family that wanted so desperately to love each other, but just didn’t know how.

Being a family with so many kids and very little money for gifts, the Sowards never really celebrated Christmas in a big way.

Thanksgiving was their holiday, and when I joined the family, I quickly learned that the Sowards' way of doing things was very different than what I was accustomed to. My family was broken growing up, so holidays like Thanksgiving were often sectioned into different houses, traveling and spending slices of time on Mom’s side and Dad’s side. We always had great holidays, but Christmas easily took the show and Thanksgiving sort of just

The unchartered waters where we relinquish our mess is God’s favorite place to move. And He did. Shortly after the loneliest Thanksgiving ever, our family started to change.

puttered out the older I got, as grandparents no longer hosted and aunts and uncles began to focus on their immediate families.

The unchartered waters where we relinquish our mess is God’s Then came the Sowards. They may have been broken under the

favorite place to move. And He did. Shortly after the loneliest

surface, but they had managed to stay together. Sometimes out

Thanksgiving ever, our family started to change. By the next

of stubbornness and sometimes out of fierce love, they clung to

year, we sat around the turkey with a completely different

each other with a sheer refusal to give up. And in their family,

dynamic. Over the course of a single trip around the sun, the

Thanksgiving was a week-long event, with siblings traveling in

veil had been torn off. All the hurt had a light shined on it and

from all over and giving their best efforts for convention. I jumped

God, with His completely inconceivable plan, began to heal the

right in. Always eager to host and absolutely loving to cook, this

Sowards' family.

family’s big heart for Thanksgiving and each other was a dream come true to me. It felt like fertile ground full of weeds, and I felt

We saw one brother delivered from a decade of drug use, saw

like maybe if I worked hard enough, I could see all my desire to

one sister walk away from a long string of abusive relation-

establish healthy traditions come to fullness.

ships, and saw another brother repent of years of destructive behaviors. Testimony after testimony, story after story, miracle

Within a few years, Jeremiah and I had the designated house

after miracle, much like a tapestry is woven, our family began

for the holiday festivities. I would work myself ragged cooking,

to come together. And when they needed a place to land, to

and everyone would come together with great anticipation.

gather their bearings and recalibrate the compass of their lives

Footballs were thrown, cards were played, turkey was served,

onto Jesus, we cleaned out the junk in the basement and said,

then the old hurts and grudges would surface and even despite

“I can make room for you.”

their great love, the Sowards’ family would often leave the holiday weekend even more bitter than they came. It was text-

In that year, we had five different siblings pass through our spare

book dysfunction when wounded souls tried for normalcy and

rooms. Two brothers have gone on to establish their own homes.

fell woefully short.

Mikela, Noah and Elijah, the youngest of the Sowards' nine, are DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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I see it all the time. When we're working on pulling a tree down on the farm, three brothers pulling a rope tied to its branches while Jeremiah cuts the trunk with a chainsaw, I nervously laugh while I take pictures of how they work together. When we stand at the altar and pray for damaged people, I watch them and how they love together. These wild and hilarious people, this family that God gave me, I see the Jesus in them. still with us, having found their place and calling here for now.

And Thanksgiving at the Sowards' house? Mama Jana and I

This year, we started our family business. Jeremiah and four of his

will wear ourselves out cooking. We will make dressing from

brothers work for Sowards Services, remodeling homes and doing

chickens out of our yard, pies from apples saved from a friend’s

lawn care. We all serve in the same church. This fall, multiple

tree, everything will be from scratch and the most perfect

members of our family have traveled to India and Africa on

balsamic and fig-glazed turkey will grace the table. It will be

missions, and even more have traveled the United States minis-

an extended gathering, coming and going with breakfast and

tering the gospel. Once or twice a month, we all get together for

lunch and leftovers, with football tournaments in the yard and

Farm Day, pouring manpower into the farm to see it grow.

card games until midnight. Our door will be open to families with no place to go. It will be unthinkably loud. There will be

And now Thanksgiving is upon us again. I’ve approached this

tears from laughing so hard, and there will be heartfelt prayer.

year’s holiday season with something that feels a little like veneration. It’s almost like this holiday, meant to embody gratitude

It won’t be a group of broken people grasping at tradition;

has taken on its true meaning for me in the last few years. I’ve

rather, it will be a group of mending people living it. I cannot

gone from having something, giving it up and gaining something

imagine how Thanksgiving will continue to change. Year after

I didn’t even know was possible.

year, as our family grows and matures, I know it will get even better. I don’t even try to think about it. I’m already walking

Honestly, on a surface level, you might know that absolutely

in territory I would have never been able to imagine. It truly is

everything has changed. You might focus on the areas of our lives

a beautiful tapestry. And we may be scarred, we may still be

that are still rough around the edges or the parts of our family

healing, we may live in a house full to the brim with the Sowards,

that haven’t yet answered the call. When I look at us, though, I

but even still, we have Jesus. Every morning, every holiday and in

see a family full of prodigal sons. I see rich tradition and the most

everything we do, and I am so thankful.

stubborn, fiercest love I’ve ever known.

Follow Jessica on her blog @thehodgepodgedarling.blogspot.com

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diy

Get Personal words and image Catherine Frederick

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diy

It’s almost gift-giving time again! You can personalize a gift and keep it simple this holiday season by purchasing readymade pieces, like burlap and canvas totes or canvas pillowcases, and customize them with Sharpies made just for fabric. There are so many options. Aprons for the cook, oversized totes for travelers and sports moms, even small clutches for makeup!

MATERIALS Gift item (I got mine at Hobby Lobby) Sharpie fabric markers Stencil

METHOD Place cardboard between front and back of the material you're working with to keep the marker from bleeding through.

Place stencil over material and tape down the edges with Painter's tape if needed. Use the Sharpie to fill in the stencil areas one small area at a time, being careful not to move stencil. Carefully remove stencil and let piece dry completely.

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the & the

Bitter

Sweet

words Stoney Stamper images April Stamper

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people

"Rise and shine, Stone! Coffee's hot, biscuits are on!" I can still hear my grandfather's voice bellowing through his big house. Every morning, just like clockwork, he'd wake me up at six in the morning with those words. It was actually fairly generous of him to allow me to sleep until six because he'd already been up for an hour or so by that time. But he liked to spend that first hour by himself each morning.

He'd put the coffee on, take a shower and get dressed, except for his starched dress shirt that had the initials "CWS" stitched on the cuff.

He'd wait to put that on until he'd finished Stoney with his grandfather

with his breakfast. So each day, when I first saw him after waking up, he'd be wearing a tight, white undershirt. His legs crossed, drinking his coffee from

everyone began to pack up and leave, I asked Papa if he'd want

a cup with a matching saucer, and reading the Bible. Every day.

me to stay with him. He smiled for the first time in days and said, "Well, sure!" I told my mom and dad I wanted to stay with him,

I'd take a quick shower and get dressed, then join him in the

and they said that was fine.

dining room by fifteen after six, because when you're a thirteenyear-old boy, it doesn't take too long to get ready. Our timing was so precise that when I came into the dining room each day, the biscuits would be ready to come out of the oven. I'd tell him good morning, and he'd answer, "Good mornin', honey."

I'd pour my own cup of coffee and then go to the kitchen to take the biscuits out and set them on top of the stove. Then

Ain't nothing that some butter and strawberry jelly can't fix.

I'd get out the butter and strawberry jelly. I loved our mornings together. We had our routine down pat. But it wasn't always that way. Let me back up a tad.

The next morning, I heard him in the kitchen. I heard cabinet doors slamming and pots and pans rattling and banging together.

When I was eleven years old, my grandmother, Clarice June

I walked in to find him opening a can of biscuits. The coffee was

Stamper, began having trouble with her leg. At first, the doctors

already made. I said, "Good morning. Do you need any help?"

thought she had a pinched nerve, but after some more testing,

He said, "Good mornin', honey! Nope, I got it under control. Go

we discovered that it was much more serious. She had ALS,

get you a shower, and I'll have it ready when you're done." I did

more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The disease was

as I was told, but when I came back, there was a cloud of smoke

swift. In just two years, it had taken over her body. On December

hovering near the ceiling, and on the stove sat a pan of burned,

28, 1992, after spending the Christmas holiday at Saint Francis

black biscuits. He said, "Mighta left 'em in a minute or two too

Hospital in Tulsa, her suffering finally ended. Our family was

long." I laughed at him and said, "You reckon?" He said, "Ain't

lost, but even more so, my grandfather was lost. He had lost his

nothing that some butter and strawberry jelly can't fix," and

partner. They'd been married forty-four years and together since

then we sat down at the table to have one of the more memo-

high school. Even though we'd all known this day was coming,

rable breakfasts I've ever had. An old man, a young boy, a plate

we really didn't seem as prepared for her leaving as we should

of burned biscuits, and a conspicuously empty chair where only a

have been. That night, we went to Papa's house to sit with him.

few days ago my grandmother had sat. Neither of us really knew

The whole family was there. My loud family was eerily silent. It

what to say, which was an uncommon situation for both of us.

seemed that all of the air had been taken out of us. Later, as

As I watched my papa slather his burned biscuit with butter and

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strawberry jelly, he quietly said, "Lord, I miss her." I tried to say something, but I knew that if I opened my mouth the slightest bit, I wouldn't be able to control the crying that bubbled near the surface. So instead, I nodded my head, while staring blankly down at my plate. I fought back those tears with all my might and ate that burnt biscuit and strawberry jelly.

Over the next few weeks, I gradually moved more of my clothes and other items from my family's house to Papa's, which was only a couple hundred yards across the pasture. I stayed with him every night. He needed me there, and it made me feel useful. On most nights, we'd get dinner at a restaurant in town.

My mom, or my aunt, or my cousin would come by a few times each week and do our laundry, and I did the dishes every night before bed. And then each morning, of course, we had our biscuits and jelly.

It tickled me how much he enjoyed his jelly in the mornings. It wasn't some special brand. As a matter of fact, it didn't really matter what brand it was; he'd eat it and act like it was the best thing he ever ate. Shoot, he'd even eat the little free packets of it that sat on the tables of the greasy-spoon diners that he loved so much. It makes me wonder, Did he just like the taste, or was it something else? Was it because the taste or the smell of it took him back to another time? Maybe back to a picnic with my grandmother when they were young, or perhaps to an early morning breakfast, sitting at his own grandpa's knee.

It's been twenty-five years since those mornings. Such a long

later, she came back and said, "The biscuits are ready if you

time ago. But just a few Saturdays ago, I was sitting alone on

want one, but I burned them a little bit." I grinned at her and

the front porch, drinking my coffee, when my twelve-year-old

said, "You know, my grandpa used to tell me, 'It's nothing

daughter, Emma, came onto the porch where I sat. She said,

that a little bit of strawberry jelly can't fix.'"

"I'm going to cook some biscuits." About twenty minutes

Stoney Stamper is the author of the popular parenting blog, The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife April have three daughters: Abby, Emma and Gracee. Originally from northeast Oklahoma, the Stampers now live in Tyler, Texas. For your daily dose of The Daddy Diaries, visit Stoney on Facebook or on his website, thedaddydiaries.net.

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people

WHEN WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH words Marla Cantrell images courtesy The Richland Group

Huy and Penny

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people

On the drive to The Richland Group in Fort Smith, Arkansas, traffic is loud. A horn blares, music rolls from the open window of an Escalade, a plane zooms overhead as it nears the city's airport. Each sound tells part of this day's story. The woman whose heavy hand is on the horn can't get where she's going soon enough. The man with his radio turned up taps the steering wheel while he moves down the road, smiling as if he's just won something. The plane, so far above, is impossible to judge, although it's a safe bet that passengers are already clutching cell phones, waiting for the moment they're able to tell those they love that they've touched down safely.

Once inside The Richland Group, a marketing company staffed with seven creative people, the outside noise falls away. Still, people are talking, phones chime, and in the background music plays. At one of the desks sits graphic designer Huy Nguyen, an intern who's been here for seven weeks. His head is down, and he's working intently. He is not privy to the conversations taking place around him, not because he ignores them but

Every day, we communicate through websites and on social media to get our clients' messages across. I thought it would be another great avenue to learn to communicate with someone who's deaf.

-Cheslea Harper

because he can't hear a syllable of what's being said. Huy has been deaf since birth. He was twelve when he and his parents

None of this would have happened if Cheslea Harper, the

moved more than 8,000 miles from their home in Vietnam to

company's co-owner, hadn't responded to a request from

Fort Smith. One of his first challenges was learning English

Huy's school, SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf in Big

and adapting to the way we use sign language in this country.

Spring, Texas. Cheslea had gotten an email asking if The Richland Group would be interested in having Huy intern, and she

In a chair across from Huy sits his interpreter, Penny Wolga-

thought it was a unique opportunity. "We're in the communi-

mott, who has been brought in to work with Huy. In the

cation business. Every day, we communicate through websites

weeks since he's been interning, Penny has learned a lot about

and on social media to get our clients' messages across. I

Huy, and a lot about the world of marketing. She's intrigued

thought it would be another great avenue to learn to commu-

by both; however, it's Huy who makes her day. When she

nicate with someone who's deaf.

describes him, she uses words like "sweet" and "funny" and "thoughtful." And then she points to a nearby table, where

"When Huy came here to meet us, he brought his portfolio and

a box of doughnuts sits, a gift from Huy to his co-workers on

his drawing skills were amazing. We learned that he had all the

this Friday morning.

hours he needed to graduate, but he had to have an internship to do it. And that clinched it; we had to help him."

At The Richland Group, Huy has been part of projects that have thrilled him. He's learned to do animation for ads on

In the days that followed, Cheslea and her husband and busi-

websites, and he is in awe of the process. He's created content

ness partner, Mark, found out new things about their team.

to promote the local Boys Shelter, for the Pea Ridge National

They loved having Huy under their wing, and they became fast

Park, and he's gotten to be part of a professional team. At

friends with Penny. What surprised Cheslea most was when

times, Penny has been signing for three or four people, making

Huy met Hannah Jay, the company's lead developer. "I knew

sure Huy doesn't miss a word of the group conversations that

Hannah baked a mean cupcake, and I knew she loved horses,

keep him up to date on the company's goals.

but I had no idea she could sign a little," Cheslea says.

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The office uses a large marker board to keep up with projects

He's looking forward to seeing what will happen. His whole

and their lead designer, Ashley White, worked with him the

life, he's walked through challenges like a traveller crossing

most, adding Huy's name to the board, making sure he under-

a bridge. From birth, he's been deaf. At twelve, he moved to

stood his assignments.

a new country. All along the way, he's found caring people, like Mr. Holmes, his art teacher at Northside High School, who

Since he's settled in, everyone at the office knows some sign

encouraged him to keep creating. His parents love him so

language. They sign "good morning." They sign "good night."

much. "Dad is proud," he says. "My mother tells me I'm her

Their effort makes Huy happy. In fact, he says, every day he's

only baby; I'm their only child." He has old friends who make

spent here has been a joy.

his life bright and new friends from The Richland Group who keep encouraging him to aim high.

Asked what she and her team have gained and Cheslea says it's respect and admiration for Huy, and patience, but not in

If he could pass on one bit of advice, it would be this. "People

that "this is so frustrating" way. Instead, the patience they've

struggle, but you can ask for help. You can get a tutor or a

learned has been a blessing. In the field of communications,

teacher. If you want to do something, you can find someone

ideas fly swiftly. Having to slow that train of thought down to

to help you. And if a new student comes in, you be supportive

pass on an idea or instructions has so many benefits, including

of them. Just like people were supportive of me."

finding a certain clarity that comes from taking a few seconds to get a message across.

As he signs these words, he smiles. The light above his desk illuminates him as he sits there, this young man dressed in a

On a personal note, The Richland Group has stopped to consider

pressed blue shirt and khakis, his fingers moving swiftly and

what life would be like if it suddenly went silent. Even typing on a

Penny nodding as he does, ready to convey his thoughts. The

keyboard has its own sound. We choose music to calm us down

light that shines from above seems to go directly to Huy's

or pick us up. The sound of a friend's voice can be a lifeline tossed

heart and then out again, into this room, across the nearby

out across rough waters when times get hard. Morning sounds

desks, to everyone lucky enough to be in its path.

different than night. A city street different than a country road.

On Huy's last day, he brought in a box of chocolates and a card.

"In the card he thanked us," Cheslea says. "He said nobody else would give him a chance, and I just wanted to cry."

In that note is so much gratitude.

Next month, Huy will graduate, and the job hunt will begin.

Right now, The Richland Group is at full capacity, so there are no openings. But when Huy begins his search, he'll have a much better portfolio, real-life experience, and an excellent reference The Richland Group with Huy

for potential employers.

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community

small BUT MIGHTY words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Destiny Potter and Barbie Johnson

Two women who haven't met— Destiny Potter in Van Buren, Arkansas, and Barbie Johnson in Fort Smith—are fighting hunger in a small but mighty way. Both believe they were called to help their neighbors, and both owe their calling to another woman who lives a little over an hour away.

That woman is Jessica McClard, who started the first Little Free Pantry in Fayetteville. She got the idea from the Little Free Libraries that were showing up in the area, small wooden boxes with Plexiglas doors, typically sitting atop a post, filled with books donated by people in the community. The message was simple: Take a book if you want; leave a book if you like.

When Jessica looked at the libraries, she wondered what would happen if instead of books, the boxes were filled with food for anyone who needed it.

Both Destiny and Barbie followed Jessica's story online. As they read what she was doing, they were determined to do the same, and each had her own reason.

For Destiny, the pull came from a childhood of need. "My mother," Destiny says, "was heavily addicted to drugs (she's since overcome her addiction), and my father worked multiple jobs for very little pay just trying to make ends meet."

Destiny was a little girl who struggled through nights of too little food.

After school, she'd often head to a neighbor's house, the smell of supper cooking too much to resist. She felt like an intruder every time, inviting herself in, but she did it anyway,

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community

and that caused shame to well up inside her. In November of each year, she'd go with her family to a big church near their home in Northwest Arkansas, where she sat through a two-hour service in order to come home with the makings for Thanksgiving dinner.

Even now, when Destiny recalls those times, she's thankful for the pantries, for the churches, for everyone who helped. Still, needing help took its toll. "There were food pantries where you could only go once a month, so we'd find four in the area and go once a week to

Destiny Potter

Barbie Johnson

a different one to have enough," Destiny says. "The saddest part was seeing these beautiful women

What she loves is that nobody has to know who's getting the

in their beautiful clothing telling me it was going to be okay. Even

food. And while she's a Christian, she makes sure no one leaves

at ten, I knew they didn't have a clue about what my life was like.

religious pamphlets inside the pantry, and she doesn't go outside

I thought it was fake then, but now I know it wasn't."

and pray with anyone. "I'm a believer. I have deep faith. But I think that my Little Free Pantry glows Jesus without saying a word."

When she heard about the Little Free Pantry, her heart opened.

Now married with two sons, she doesn't lack for anything. She has

Sometimes, sitting inside her house, Destiny has seen her elderly

a job she loves with the Van Buren School System. She can go to

neighbors, walking with canes, use the pantry. She's seen the kids

the market anytime she wants and buys anything she needs. Her

in her neighborhood open the door with delight. She's met a man

children have never gone to bed hungry.

who was a regular recipient who now, since he's gotten a raise at work, has become a regular donor. Those in the community who

Destiny asked her father and grandfather to build her Van Buren

do extreme couponing, bring items to her.

Little Free Pantry that she set up beside her house in August. In her neighborhood, there are apartments for the elderly, along with

Since opening her Pantry, a few others have been built in Van

houses where lower-income families live.

Buren. That fact delights Destiny, who believes giving freely is one of the best feelings in the world.

Once her pantry was finished, Destiny stocked it, spending eighty dollars to do so. She put a sign beside the pantry, letting

Barbie Johnson, life coach, author, inspirational speaker, and

passersby know that they could take whatever they needed,

Realtor for Sagely and Edwards, agrees. In March of this year, while

whenever they needed it. Now, she fills the pantry three times

reeling from the effects of Empty Nest Syndrome, she decided it

a day, and others stop by intermitently to do the same. And while

was time to do something about it. "There's joy in giving," Barbie

she still spends approximately one hundred dollars a month,

says. "It gets us out of ourselves."

others donate through her Paypal account. (Full meals seem to be greatly needed: pasta and sauce, Hamburger Helper and

She had been watching the success of Jessica, in Fayetteville, and

canned vegetables, cereal, and oatmeal.) Sunday is the best

later, Destiny, in Van Buren. Barbie thought about the years when

day, with families bringing their kids with them, teaching them

her son and daughter were little, and how they'd gone to Fort

the importance of giving.

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community

profession brought food to donate. At times, she's seen people at the park who don't seem to have any extra money, but they're armed with items to donate. Even the workers at Dollar General, beside Creekmore, where Barbie often shops, have gotten excited about what's going on. "I had one of the checkers tell me she was going to see about getting us a discount. That's the generosity of people." There was also a young boy whose wish for his sixth birthday was to fill the pantry, which he was able to do.

Already, there are plans for three more Community Pantries in Fort Smith. Barbie has friends and colleagues who want to help, and she's excited to see what happens. One of the best things about this system is that anyone can do it. You can stop by and stock the shelves with whatever you like. "It's pure giving because you never know the recipient. You don't get a pat on the back. What you do get is pure joy," Barbie says.

Both Barbie and Destiny are busy planning for the holidays.

Destiny is taking donations for a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner at her home in Van Buren. Barbie is looking to stock the Community Pantry with socks, gloves, blankets, even small gifts parents could Smith's Creekmore Park because it didn't cost a dime to do so. "In

give their children. And eventually, they want to meet in person,

thirty-one years of marriage, I've experienced times of plenty and

since they're on the same mission.

not-plenty. I remember gathering pennies to buy things," Barbie says. Because of her connection to Creekmore, she thought the

Barbie sums up giving beautifully, looking to God's example, to

park was the perfect spot.

His overflowing kindness. We should give the same way, she says.

Freely and without conditions. And then she smiles again, happy

A carpenter friend built the shingled wooden box, that's thirty-

to have this opportunity, and grateful for the generosity she's seen

one inches high and twenty-one inches wide. They painted it

in this community she loves so much.

Razorback red and attached it to a post and put it near the entrance, close to the swimming pool. On a Sunday in September, after getting the blessing of Fort Smith's Parks Department, the baby food, diapers and wipes, pasta and sauce. The Community

For information on how to start a Little Free Pantry, visit littlefreepantry.org.

Pantry, which has already garnered the nickname Little Red Box,

Van Buren's Little Free Pantry

quickly emptied. When she decided to do this, she realized it

522 South 7th Street Find the Van Buren Little Free Pantry on Facebook, or at paypal.me/littlefreepantry.

pantry opened. Barbie bought applesauce, pudding, juice boxes,

would take a commitment of time and money. "I just thought I'd sell more houses if I needed to," she says and smiles. "But I also believed the community would get involved."

Community Pantry

That's exactly what happened. Since the pantry empties so quickly, donors are bringing fresh fruits and vegetables, along with nonperishables. A man who stays home to care for his son who has a progressive illness comes by three times a day to make sure

Creekmore Park in Fort Smith Stop by to donate items, or contact Barbie at fscommunitypantry.org.

Find the Fort Smith Community Pantry on Facebook by searching The Little Red Box AKA The Community Pantry.

the pantry is filled. At a recent Realtors' lunch, those in Barbie's

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taste

How to Cook a Turkey Ask an adult how to cook a turkey and the methods will be quite similar. But ask second-graders and you'll get answers that will keep you smiling for days. The following recipes were donated by second grade students from years past at Woods Elementary School. (Spelling has not been corrected.)

Micha’s recipe Dire ct io ns

t it in a and big turky. Pu Go shoot a nice Then you to you’re house. it ke ta d an g ba . Next skin off the turkey d an rs he at fe e cut th u put some minutes. Then yo you co okit for 16 pam on the . You also ne ed salt on the turkey t the turkey on the turkey. Pu er pp pe t Pu n. pa degrees. set times on 16 on the pan. Then ady to eat it. done you are re Then when it is ey.

Enjoy you’re turk

nt s: Li st of in g re d ie Salt Pepper Pam 16 minutes

Lis t of ing re di en ts:

Kaiden’s recipe

turky butter salt pepper garlic spices

Anthony’s recipe Lis t of ing red ien ts: spice turkey oven garlic butter salt pot

Direc tio ns

e the fethers off First, kill a turkey. Next, tak turkey on a pot. the turkey. Then, po ot the the turkey and Next, po ot the pot under ot the degre es po ot it in a oven. Then, po rlic, butter and on 16. Next, po ot spice, ga cook a turkey. salt. Now you know how to

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Dire ct io ns

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Kill a turkey Shave all the feathers off the turky.

Put the turky in the oven .

The degrees of the oven is 45 degrees F. Let the turkey be in the oven for 1 hour.

Then take it out of the oven.

Next put the turky on the table.

Now you can have a gla mourous turky.

taste

Lis t of ing re di en ts:

solt and peper you ckak it four 5:9

Maia’s recipe List of ingredients: spicy sauce banana peppers salt pepper hot peppers jalapenos red peppers crunching chips 15 minutes hot jalapenos juice

Melissa’s recipe Dire ct io ns

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

First you get a gun and kill a turkey.

Then you pick off the fea thers.

Next you cko ok the tur key Then you get it out of the microwave Then you get it out and eat it.

Directions first you kill a turkey. Next you take all the fethers off and guts and blood. Then you put the turkey in oil with a lot of spicy sauce, banana peppers, salt, pepper, hot peppers, crunching chips, hot jalapeno juice. Then you put the turkey in the pot!

Next you put the pot in the oven, for 15 minutes. Then take it out. Now you can enjoy a spicy turkey.

Gabe’s recipe List of ingredie nts:

Gracyn’s recipe Lis t of ing red ien ts: mustard turkey vinicer be ef grapes pock barbckw taco meat saws sandwich meat 1 hour chikin

kill a turkey get tomato juice get chicken juice get barbcue sauce get spices get hot sauce cook it 25 min. get cheese

Direc tio ns 1.

2.

3.

4.

You will ne ed a turky.

1 hour Put the turky in the uven for meat, o toc ef, then put the pork, be n. cke sandwich meat and chi it Take it out then dekerate s, po ot musterd, vinicer, grape barbckw, sawes. go od You should be redy to eat me if it me bla nice hot food don’t tast bad.

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Dire ctio ns 1. Sho ot a turkey with a gun.

2. Then put chicken juice on the turke y.

3. Next get spices from the cabnet.

4. Get hot sauce from the refrigerater.

5. Next get cheese from the frige.

6. Get tomato juice from frige.

7. Then get barbcue sauce.

8. Last cook it 25 min.

Now go eat your turkey.

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Happy Harvest recipe and images James Steufix

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Gourmet Green Bean Casserole

Method

Ingredients

Cook green beans in boiling salted water until tender but still crisp

° 2 lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed

(about 7 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

and halved

Spread green beans on paper towels and pat dry.

° 1/4 cup, plus 2 Tbsps. extra virgin olive oil ° 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms, chopped

In a large saucepan, "sweat" mushrooms over medium heat until they release all of the moisture and it evaporates. Add the balsamic vinegar.

° 14 ½ oz. chicken or vegetable broth

Once absorbed, add the olive oil and let it heat. Add 1/4 cup of flour and

° 1/4 cup flour

stir well to blend. While whisking, gradually add the broth, and then

° 1 cup whole milk

milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the green beans with the mushroom

° 1 Tbsp. aged balsamic vinegar

sauce, transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with the crumbled goat

° 3 oz. goat cheese, crumbled

cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 425° for 15 minutes. Add crispy shallots (recipe follows) before serving.

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Crispy Shallots Ingredients

Method

FOR THE CRISPY SHALLOTS

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Use a candy thermometer

° 1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil

30-40 minutes until golden brown, being careful to keep the temperature

° 5-6 shallots, peeled and sliced into

thin rings

and when the oil reaches 220°, reduce heat to low and add shallots. Cook below 260°. Stir shallots to brown evenly. Remove shallots with a slotted spoon onto a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Once cooled and crisp, you may store them covered for two days to use in your dishes.

Savory Butternut Squash & Mushroom Bread Pudding

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taste

Ingredients

GARNISH

FOR THE BREAD

° 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

° 9 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

° 2 Tbsps. extra virgin olive oil

° 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsps. extra virgin olive oil ° 2 tsps. fresh thyme, chopped

Method

° 2 tsps. fresh sage, chopped

Prepare croutons: Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly oil a large cookie

° 1 large garlic clove, pressed

sheet with a little olive oil. In a large mixing bowl, toss bread cubes with mushrooms and measured olive oil, thyme and garlic.

Place on prepared cookie sheet and bake until toasted and golden

FOR THE SQUASH & MUSHROOMS

brown. Remove from oven, and cool bread on pan.

° 1 large butternut squash, peeled,

seeded and cut into ½-inch cubes –

about 3 cups of cut squash

Prepare squash and mushrooms: Increase oven heat to 400°.

Arrange squash on a cookie sheet and toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to coat squash evenly. Sprinkle squash with the

° 3 Tbsps. extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper. Bake squash at 400° until tender (10-15 minutes).

° 3 Tbsps. aged balsamic vinegar

While squash is roasting, prepare mushrooms. In a small skillet, sauté chopped onion until tender. Stir in pressed garlic and cook

° 1/4 tsp. salt

for 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and set aside.

° A few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper Place mushrooms in a separate, large skillet over medium heat.

° 1 large onion, chopped

Allow mushrooms to “sweat” in the pan, stirring frequently, until

° 1 clove garlic, pressed

browned and cooked through. Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar.

° 1 lb. fresh baby bella mushrooms, sliced

Remove from heat, add salt and pepper to taste. Remove squash from the oven and set aside to cool.

FOR THE CUSTARD ° 1/4 tsp. salt ° 2 cups milk ° 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Prepare custard: Reduce oven heat to 350°. In large bowl, whisk together salt, milk, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, nutmeg, eggs, egg whites and parsley. Add squash, sautéed onions and garlic and sweated mushrooms to the bowl. Gently fold toasted breadcrumbs into the mix. Let mixture stand for about 10 minutes.

° 1/4 tsp. black pepper ° 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Lightly oil a 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish with olive oil. Spoon bread pudding mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top

° 3 large eggs

with Parmesan cheese. Bake bread pudding at 350° for 45 minutes

° 2 large egg whites

or until lightly browned. Remove bread pudding from the oven

° 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

and cool for 15 minutes. Drizzle with oil just before serving.

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taste

Port & Fig Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

Method

° 2 cups Ruby Port

Combine first six ingredients in medium saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring

° 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar ° 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar ° 9 dried black Mission figs,

stemmed, chopped

until sugar dissolves.

Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Discard rosemary. Mix in cranberries and 3/4 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat until liquid is slightly reduced and berries burst, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes.

Cool. Transfer sauce to bowl; chill until cold.

° (1) 6-inch sprig fresh rosemary ° 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Make ahead: Cranberry sauce can be prepared one week ahead of time.

Cover and keep refrigerated. Makes about 3 1/2 cups.

° (1) 12-oz. bag fresh cranberries ° 3/4 cup sugar

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LET's Talk Turkey (baked iN A 325° OVEN) UNStuffed

Stuffed

WEIGHT

TIME

WEIGHT

TIME

8 - 12

2¾–3

8 - 12

3–3½

pounds

hours

pounds

hours

12 - 14

3–3¾

12 - 14

3½–4

pounds

hours

pounds

hours

14 - 18

3¾–4½

14 - 18

4–4¼

pounds

hours

pounds

hours

18 - 20

4¼–4½

18 - 20

4¼–4¾

pounds

hours

pounds

hours

20 – 24

4½–5

20 – 24

4¾-5¼

pounds

hours

pounds

hours

TIP: When the internal temperature of the turkey reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Check the temperature from the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the turkey breast. (Source: USDA)

Frozen turkey? Plan ahead. Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Keep in original packaging and thaw in the fridge, breast side up, in a container or tray. Temperature must be 40 degrees or below. Thawed turkey can be kept in fridge for 1-2 days before cooking. (Source: stilltasty.com) If you must cook a frozen turkey, increase the cook times by at least 50%. For serving suggestions, thawing, and cook time calculators, visit butterball.com.

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pumpkin rice pudding thanksgiving remix

recipe and images Laura Hobbs 0riginally published November 2010

O

hBoyOhBoyOhBoy - my favorite time of year has arrived! It’s

parents’, where Mom likes to put an unconventional twist on the

time to throw out any sense of dietary moderation, surrender

classics. She’ll add bold seasonings and atypical ingredients to the

any inkling of self control and promise myself that I’ll get back to

basic flavors of Thanksgiving dinner, making for a different meal

my once-draconian workout regimen as soon as I finish off that

every year, but one that’s always a crowd pleaser.

third helping of mashed potatoes. Eh, maybe tomorrow. Yes, the holidays are upon us!

In keeping with Mom’s nonconforming ways, I recently made a Thanksgiving-themed dessert that is a comfort classic with a few

Around our house, Thanksgiving is a two-part affair. Part one

unexpected ingredients. I took a standard rice pudding recipe and

takes place down in Figure Five on Thanksgiving day with Hubby’s

turned up the volume by adding pumpkin, spice and a generous

family (if anyone can point out Figure Five on a map, you score

helping of brown sugar and bourbon whipped cream. I started

some serious bonus points). There we have the basics and the clas-

by using Arborio rice, which is the short-grain Italian rice most

sics: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, Sage’s famous green bean

commonly known for its starring role in risotto. With a high starch

casserole, pumpkin pie, pecan pie – the list goes on and on. The

content and creamy texture, Arborio would compliment my rice

flavors are simple, the ingredients are traditional and the portions

pudding’s consistency perfectly. The remaining ingredients for a

are enormous. Part two takes place on Friday in Fayetteville at my

classic rice pudding can’t get much simpler: milk, cream and sugar.

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A unique addition to my pudding was vanilla sugar. Having scored

To compliment the spiced flavors of the rice pudding, I added a

a Ziplock bag full of vanilla beans from a friend’s recent trip to

kick to basic whipped cream with Kentucky bourbon, a few spices

India, I used a coveted few to make a jar of vanilla sugar. I simply

and a little brown sugar. I also added a thin layer of brown sugar

cut the beans in half and then split them lengthwise down the

between the pudding and the whipped cream – the brown sugar

center, then stuck them in a 16 oz. mason jar with a tight fitting

slowly melts into the warm pudding, creating a super-sweet,

lid. Every day the sugar gets a little more vanilla-y – and every day I

syrupy layer between the two.

have a harder time not sprinkling it over everything from oatmeal, to fruit, to my tongue.

Pumpkin pie again this year, huh? Why not spice things up with something comforting, decadent and unique? This pudding can

To put a Thanksgiving spin on my version of this classic, I substi-

be served hot, chilled or at room temperature – whichever you

tuted half the sugar for brown sugar, added a few sprinkles of

like best. A cute way to serve this holiday pudding is in individual

pumpkin pie spice and a dollop of pumpkin puree. Half an hour on

portions, by using 8 oz. canning jars and wrapping each with

the stovetop with an occasional brisk whisk, and my pudding was

a cheery bow. Your guests will feel special – and they certainly

done: thick, creamy and decadent. But why not just take it over

won’t have to share. Enjoy!

the top? Next stop: whipped cream, and lots of it.

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ingredients

48

method

pudding 2

cups of milk

1/2 cup of heavy cream 1/2 cup of Arborio rice 2

Tbs. brown sugar

2

Tbs. vanilla sugar*

1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin 1

tsp. pumpkin pie spice

extra brown sugar for sprinkling

*If you don’t have vanilla sugar, substitute regular granulated sugar and add 1 tsp. vanilla extract.

whipped cream 1

cup of heavy cream, whipped

2

Tbs. bourbon

2

Tbs. brown sugar

1/2

tsp. pumpkin pie spice

In a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, ½ cup of cream, rice, sugars, pumpkin and spice, whisking to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook over low

heat for half an hour, whisking occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan. Remove from the heat. Divide into jars or serving bowls, and top each with a generous sprinkle of brown sugar.

In the bowl of a standing mixer with the whisk attachment, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, combine the chilled cream, bourbon, brown sugar and spice, and beat at high speed until stiff peaks form.

Spoon the whipped cream over the rice pudding and serve immediately, or chill up to 6 hours before serving.

Side note: I got different textures when using whole milk versus 2% milk. With the whole milk, the texture of the pudding was grainier but thicker, probably due to the higher fat content. With the 2% milk, the texture was creamier but ever-so-slightly runnier. To ensure creaminess, try using 2% milk.

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Serve It Up WORDS Catherine Frederick

Every family differs not only on what they serve up for the Thanksgiving feast, but also on how many types of dishes they serve. Take a peek at the chart below and see if you need to amp it up, or scale it back. Although, we think this chart is spot on with the wine!

5 PEOPLE

10 PEOPLE

20 PEOPLE

TURKEY

5-7 LBS

12-14 LBS

24-28 LBS

APPETIZER 1

2

2

SALAD (green) 1

1

2

STARCHY SIDE

1

2

3

VEGGIE SIDE

1

2

3

DESSERT

1

2

3

6

12

BOTTLES OF 3 WINE

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Hello Honey image James Stefiuk recipe adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Ingredients 6-8 Servings

- 3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish) - 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped - 1 orange, thinly sliced - 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine - 2 cups apple cider - 3/4 cup brandy - 1/2 cup orange juice - Juice from 1 lemon - Club soda, to taste

Method Place cinnamon sticks, apples, and orange slices in large pitcher. Add wine, apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Place in refrigerator for at least six hours. Taste test. Want it sweeter? Add 1-2 tablespoons of agave. Rim glasses with water, then swirl in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Add ice to glasses, pour in wine mixture. Add a splash of club soda, garnish with cinnamon stick.

Drink responsibly.

Never drink and drive.

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Arkansas' Autumn Ales Words Addi McNeel images courtesy venues

Core Brewery

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taste

The air is crisp, the leaves have fallen, and we're in the mood for some of the best beers in Arkansas. We've gathered a list of several breweries for you to try this season. Enjoy! And remember, always drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.

Core Brewing & Distilling Co. 701 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith corebeer.com Core was founded in 2010 and has been expanding ever since. It is one of the fastest growing breweries in the state with Core beer now expanding to Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, South Dakota and Oklahoma. Core pubs are popping up left and right, but one of their newest locations in Fort Smith is sure to be a mainstay for years to come. The founder, Jesse Core, is a Fort Smith native, and it was only a matter of time before he opened up a pub in his hometown. The Core Public House in Fort Smith was built with community in mind. It’s family-friendly, casual, and welcoming.

Although food is not sold in the taproom, it may be brought in.

This fall and winter look for the Pumpkin Pie beer and the Kaya Imperial Chocolate beer, which will be introduced in the winter.

The Pumpkin Pie, despite its name, is surprisingly light-bodied. “It was brewed with sixty pounds of pumpkin with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices,” said Jay Richardson, vice president of Core. “This brew is fermented clean and carbonated cleanly. It is an extremely drinkable beer and not overly sweet as one would expect. It is definitely one of my favorites!”

Apple Blossom

Apple Blossom Brewing Co. 1550 East Zion Road, Suite 1, Fayetteville

Columbus House Brewery

appleblossombrewing.com

701 West North Street, Fayetteville

This restaurant and brewery is a jack-of-all-trades. It's a brewing

columbushousebrewery.com

company, a restaurant, and a bakery. The Fayetteville taproom

This three-barrel brew house is exceptional. Columbus House

is a slightly upscale brewery with a traditional Irish pub vibe.

Brewery is small, friendly, and a great place to grab a beer after

Apple Blossom has a constant rotation of fun events going on,

a long day. Two of the brewery’s regular taps are perfect for the

and on Fridays, they introduce new beers that are just slightly

fall and winter season. The Nutty Runner Nut Brown Ale is packed

tweaked from existing versions, as a way to experiment and

with flavor but not too heavy. It's a traditional nut-brown ale that

keep things fresh. The Polka Party Oktoberfest is a traditional

is slightly roasty, but not overpoweringly so. The chocolate malt

Oktoberfest brewed with Vienna and Munich malts, which

flavor gives way to a smooth finish with a lingering nutty flavor

has a rich, clean flavor and leaves a crisp finish. The Biere de

and aroma. The Spottie Ottie Oatmeal Stout is also a great fall

Garde will release in mid-November. It is a farmhouse ale with

or winter beer. It is bold, dark and complex. Each sip starts with

touches of caramel and nougat and subtle hints of herbs and

surprising sweetness, which quickly gives way to coffee and choc-

spice. The Bloodhouse English Barleywine will arrive just in time

olate malt flavors. All of the flavors blend well to make it easily

for Christmas. It is a malty beer with dark caramel and toffee

drinkable, smooth and warming.

flavors, making this beer one that will carry you through the fall months all the way to the end of winter.

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winter months. It's thick and smooth. The wheat adds extra

Fossil Cove

body, making this creamy stout rich, with a lot of chocolate notes and some undertones of dark caramel.

Ozark Beer Company 1700 South First Street, Rogers ozarkbeercompany.com At Ozark Beer Company in Rogers, you get a sense that everything is crafted with precision – down to the tiniest detail. This fall, stop by and try the new October Saison beer, which will be offered in November until their supply is depleted. Brewed with rye and Munich malts with a Belgian yeast strain, this beer is the

Fossil Cove

perfect choice for someone who enjoys fall seasonal beers but

1946 North Birch Avenue, Fayetteville

not so much the heaviness that comes with most. The October

fossilcovebrewing.com

Saison is hopped with the German hop Hersbrucker, as well as the

Fossil Cove is one of the most popular and fastest-growing brew-

American hop Sterling, and is a light-bodied ale. It has notes of

eries in the area. Although the tasting room is relatively small,

black tea, lemon, and has a crisp finish.

patrons can sip their beer while watching where it's made. Large windows provide a view of the brewing area. Outside, a patio

Bentonville Brewing Company

welcomes the community to mingle and try different brews, and

1000 Southeast 5th Street, Bentonville

food trucks will often make an appearance. Their popular fall

bentonvillebrewing.com

seasonal beer, Blizzle, is a black IPA that features notes of roasted

Since opening in June of 2015, COO Katie Boykin has reported

dark malts and cacao, which is balanced by a crisp pine and grape-

a twenty percent increase in production and said Bentonville

fruit character. This winter Fossil Cove will release its Coffee IPA.

Brewing Company is now in more than seventy locations in and

This India Pale Ale is brewed with locally roasted coffee beans

around Northwest Arkansas. The taproom is casual, eclectic and

from Northwest Arkansas’ own Onyx Coffee Lab.

welcoming. “There is a really good variety of people who come in,” Katie said. “Some people come right out of the office, some

New Province Brewing Company

people right off their bikes, so there could be someone with

1310 West Hudson, Rogers

helmet hair sitting next to one of the CEOs of Walmart. It’s just

newprovincebrewing.com

a place where everyone can come and be comfortable.” Down

New Province Brewing Company is one of the newest breweries

the middle of the taproom are long, wooden tables, inviting

in the region. It opened in March of this year and has been well

customers to sit next to one another, as opposed to individual

received by the community. The taproom is refined but rustic,

tables in separate groups. Although this will only be the brew-

and modern with a homey feel, which makes it the perfect place

ery’s second fall and winter season, it has already brought back

for a casual date or meeting up with friends. The brewery is dog-

a popular winter beer from last year, the Roundabout Chocolate

friendly too, not only on the patio but also in the taproom, so

Milk Stout. This stout is brewed with locally sourced cocoa nibs

feel free to bring your pup along! They recently launched their

from Hello Cocoa in Fayetteville. Kölsch, a German-style beer,

first fall seasonal beer, a Belgian-style tripel called Citadel. It is

is new to the brewery. It came out in late September and is

not your typical dark, heavier, fall seasonal beer, but still has

extremely flavorful, tastes a lot like a lager, but is light-bodied—

the flavors and scent of crisp autumn leaves with a mild spice.

a perfect choice for those who want a fall seasonal beer with all

It's light, malty, sweet and has notes of apricot or white peach.

of the flavor, but none of the heaviness.

Citadel uses a lot of raw cane sugar during the beginning of fermentation to get the beer to ferment at a higher rate but

There you have it, several breweries to try in the fall and winter

doesn’t leave behind residual sweetness. The new Wheat-stout

months. As you do, let us know what you think. You can contact us

launched in mid-October and will run throughout the fall and

at editors@dosouthmagazine.com. We'd love to hear from you.

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Home Sweet

SOMA

One of Little Rock’s oldest neighborhoods is the city’s newest place to be. words Dwain Hebda images Arshia Khan: South on Main, and Dwain Hebda

A

Along downtown Little Rock’s southern edge is Interstate 630,

city to Community Bakery seeking fresh pastries and lined up

a tendon of six lanes of concrete that binds the eastern and

into the The Root Café parking lot waiting for a burger. Visionary

western enclaves of the city.

developers took notice of the luxury automobiles idling a few feet from the homeless’ shopping carts. City planners’ phones

For years, the Interstate marked the line between the haves and

rang. Something was happening here.

have-nots in Little Rock. Even though the area is peppered with hulking turn-of-the-century mansions and the city’s crowning

The neighborhood got another boost with the buy local and

gem, Little Rock Central High School, for many years life here

foodie explosion. Authenticity and atmosphere were suddenly

has been the life of the city’s poor and disenfranchised, penned

in high demand, and SOMA had that in spades. One by one, the

in by the highway and dire social and economic realities.

ratty buildings lit up with new and interesting tenants including boutique retail and higher end antiques. New restaurants

That was then; this is now. Today, South on Main (SOMA) is

embraced the neighborhood’s vibe, leaving just enough grit to

rapidly experiencing rebirth as one of the hippest neighborhoods

lend a patina to spaces that turned out some of the most inter-

in a city defined by its neighborhoods.

esting food in the city.

It’s a transformation that was unthinkable thirty years ago, when

The crowds of millennial professionals, college students and even

vanguard businesses such as Community Bakery, which has

the stray young family who are drawn by the neighborhood’s

resided here since the 1950s, remember being wedged into a

charm and amenities are generally oblivious to the area’s sketchy

block that also included seedy bars and a peepshow.

past, and today the neighborhood has reached infill sufficient for a visitor to spend the better part of a day’s diversion here. And

Over the past two decades, Community Bakery, The Root Café

more is coming with planned mixed-use residential and retail

and other early commercial interests became important litmus

projects in the wings. The snapshots that follow are but a slice

tests for the potential of the neighborhood, given the right

of the attractions for an afternoon or a weekend in one of Little

product. And it was substantial. People came from all over the

Rock’s most interesting neighborhoods.

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South on Main

Chef Matt Bell and his wife Amy opened this relaxed, upscale gem as a restaurant and performance space in 2013. Since then, South on Main has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in the state and cited as one reason for Little Rock’s growing reputation among foodies. The seasonal menu rotates with the availability of ingredients, which Matt sources as locally as possible. His fresh take on traditional Southern fare – the trotters and the boiled peanuts head the list of owners’ favorites – always delivers the unexpected.

What Locals Know: Social Hour commences at 4pm. Tuesday through Saturday featuring the aforementioned boiled peanuts as free bar snacks. Order an Old Fashioned (the best in the South) and munch like a king.

South on Main 1304 South Main Street 501.244.9660 | southonmain.com

T he Green Corner Store

The Green Corner Store is housed in the Lincoln Building of 1905, originally home to a drug wholesaler and this year listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The pharmacy is gone, but there’s plenty left behind that’s good for what ails you. Founder Shelley Green’s commitment to promoting green products is more than just a tagline – hers is the first and only eco-lifestyle retail store in Arkansas. It’s not every business that posts core values committed to the betterment of mankind on the wall, but The Green Corner Store does.

What Locals Know: The Green Corner Store takes the tradition of a general store a step further by hosting a variety of demonstrations on greener, cleaner living. The store is also the place for Arkies to find gifts that speak to their pride of place with the state’s iconic shape captured in pottery, soap, and cast on a variety of clothing items.

The Green Corner Store 1423 Main Street, Suite D 501.374.1111 | thegreencornerstore.com

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Community Bakery

One of the businesses that launched the neighborhood’s rebirth and one of the most familiar destinations for Little Rock residents, Community Bakery is a can’t-miss destination perched on the neighborhood’s gateway corner. At any time of day, Community Bakery welcomes a broad cross-section of the community from construction workers to college students, three-piece suits to sweatpants, first-name regulars to first-time visitors. Everything aligned in the massive display case is handmade daily in the cavernous bakery hidden behind the storefront – regularly voted Best Bakery in various polls. The café also offers breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches, salads and quiches. The Smoked Turkey and Goat Cheese Panini comes highly recommended.

What Locals Know: It is absolutely impossible to eat just one of Community Bakery’s iced sugar cookies. You’ve been warned.

Community Bakery 1200 Main Street 501.375.6418 | communitybakery.com

T he Root Cafe

The Root Café defies description as great food collides with eco-activism. Many places these days source their stuff more or less locally, but The Root draws 100 percent of its meat, eggs, and bread – and most of its produce – from Arkansas sources with names like Freckle Face Farms, Indian Bayou Rice and Tasty Acres. The space is tiny, but there’s garden and outdoor dining in nicer weather. Locals will stand the hour-long line for a Root Benny (eggs Benedict with a side of artisan ham), homemade buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy or, contrary to the wide vegetarian/vegan-friendly menu, what many consider the best burger in the city.

What Locals Know: It’s strictly breakfast and lunch at The Root Café, so get there before mid-afternoon or go hungry. However, with a recent expansion, happy rumors have surfaced that dinner hours may be in the works.

The Root Café 1500 South Main Street 501.414.0423 | therootcafe.com DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

travel taste

Moxy Modern Mercantile

The brainchild of husband-wife team Jon Estelita and Lara Kahler, Moxy is a funky boutique of reasonably-priced vintage furniture, witty new merchandise, and miscellany that you have to see to believe. You know that favorite coffee mug your dad carried around with him forever? Chances are they have it or a faithful reproduction. Maybe you need a security vest from the Apollo space program? Check. Derisive holiday partyware?

Check. Classic vinyl or a life-sized wooden pig in socks? Double check. You get the idea. Jon said stores like this are common in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district where he grew up, but there’s nothing like it in Little Rock.

What Locals Know: Moxy is on the threshold of big things as it gets set to expand its square footage and retro furniture selection.

Moxy Modern Mercantile 1419 Main Street 501.374.2474 | facebook.com/moxymodernmercantile

Raduno

A recent fire one door down put a scare in the spanking-new Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom, but to the owner’s relief the rustic, stylish space suffered only minor smoke damage. The news was equally well-received by the restaurant’s patrons who have grown rapidly since the place opened around Mardi Gras last year. Raduno, which in Italian loosely translates to a gathering of people in community, serves perfect crispy-chewy crust pizzas (get the Italian beef) and great sandwiches accompanied by the excellent house-made tomato bisque soup to make a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends. While you’re there be sure to sample the wine list or try a draw from the fine selection of regional brews as you sit on the front deck and watch the world go by.

What Locals Know: Brunch is a hidden gem at Raduno, both for the food and the eye-opener specialty drinks. Management has also hinted at special doin’s for Mardi Gras to celebrate the restaurant’s birthday.

Raduno 1318 Main Street, Suite 100 501.374.7476 | radunolr.com DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Loblolly Creamery

No trip to SOMA, or Little Rock for that matter, is complete without a visit to Loblolly Creamery. This little home-grown spot carries the city’s favorite ice cream handmade in small batches using fresh and whenever possible, local ingredients. Virtually everything Loblolly carries (save some sprinkles) is sourced and produced the same way, from the waffle cones to the syrups used in their sodas to the baked goods sold at the marble counter of the antique soda fountain they call home. Speaking of which, Loblolly is currently inside The Green Corner Store, but in January will move to their own digs next door.

What Locals Know: The salted caramel ice cream is practically the city’s mascot flavor; Loblolly dips about eighteen gallons worth in the soda fountain alone. Also, shop the store at Christmas to enjoy the best hot chocolate in all the land.

Loblolly Inside The Green Corner Store & Soda Fountain 1423 South Main Street 501.396.9609 | loblollycreamery.com

Planning a trip to SOMA? We'd love to see your photos and feature them on social media.

Send them to editors@dosouthmagazine.

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southern fiction

The view from the back door of Lovie's small house looks like a painting. She doesn't own a lot of land, but there's a field behind her property that a farmer uses to grow hay, and because of that it seems as if she lives on acres and acres. Beyond the hayfield is a gray barn, a few big houses, and in the distance, a jagged line of purple mountains. Right now, the sky is the blue of baby blankets, and the white clouds could be the filling from a quilt. Lovie sits on her back porch swing, a glass of hard pear cider in

Even When Good is Losing FICTION Marla Cantrell

V

her hand, and watches the clouds shift, changing shapes in a way that seems as easy as breathing.

Inside, one perfect pecan pie is baking in the oven. The nuts came from the trees in her front yard. A few weeks ago she spent an hour out there, a pillowcase in her left hand, scooping up the nuts with her right.

She likes the way pecans grow, how they develop inside a green husk that turns to brown and falls away.

Today, there are even more pecans on the ground beneath the trees. Lovie thinks about them and sighs. She should really go out and pick them up. She decides against it, takes another sip of cider, and watches a bald eagle swoop across the golden hayfield and scoop up a gray mouse.

Lovie has turned her cell phone off. She's placed a handwritten sign on her front door that warns visitors not to knock because she's sleeping (which is false) and because she works the graveyard shift at the local newspaper (which is just barely true).

Tonight, though, she's not going in. She takes another sip of cider. Last night, as she sat at her desk editing copy, her co-worker Margaret rolled her office chair up beside

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

southern fiction

Lovie, "Cutbacks," Margaret whispered and looked around the

thing wrong. Then her photo went missing from the employee

nearly empty room. "Again."

board in the hallway, and when she mentioned it to the top dog's assistant, she looked at her shoes and mumbled something

The news (inside the newsroom) was not a shock. They'd been

Lovie couldn't quite understand.

through downsizing before, three times in the last three years, and every time the unlucky ones were forced to carry out their

"You're not fat," Lovie said to Margaret, after a long pause, and

belongings, like someone thrown out of their home after a

her voice sounded like somebody else's.

terrible fight.

When they returned to the newsroom, Lovie cleaned out her Lovie looked around her cubicle. She'd taken home every

email. She purged her file drawer and found a dozen thank-you

personal trinket and photo the year before. She pulled the

notes from interns she'd taken under her wing in the twenty-plus

pushpins off the corners of the certificate that verified she was

years she'd been there. She switched on the small TV that sat on

the Employee of the Year 2004, back when she was a reporter

her desk. On it, a tired news anchor talked about the upcoming

instead of an editor, and slipped it into her purse. She returned

elections. "We're all doomed," Margaret said from her place two

to the article she was editing about a mid-level celebrity coming

cubicles away, and Lovie, thinking about her own future, said,

to town. The reporter had called him "infamous" instead of

"Don't I know it."

"famous." Both words were incorrect, but "infamous" led readers to believe the man was wicked, which, now that Lovie

On the way home, Lovie passed Joe's Grocery. She remem-

considered it, might have been accurate. Lovie replaced the

bered stopping there on 9/11, how the only noise had come

word with "well-known" and moved on.

from a radio the checker kept by the cash register, the news of the century playing out. Three shoppers had stood in line,

On their lunch break, Margaret talked Lovie into going to

shifting from foot to foot, rubbing their eyes with the heels of

Sparky's, the one diner in town that was open at three in the

their hands, as quiet as the dead. The next day, Lovie had written

morning. "I don't care if I get cut," Margaret said. "Tom's been

an article about the man she'd seen later, standing beside the

after me to quit anyway. He got that settlement after he hurt his

highway, dressed in an Army uniform, unfurling an American

back at the steel plant, so we could make it. I mean, it wouldn't

flag that flapped in the wind as cars and trucks zoomed by.

be ideal. Tom's obsessed with fishing, my lord, and fishing shows." Margaret wrinkled her nose. "But I wouldn't have to stay up all night." She patted her belly. "And maybe I could lose some of this weight. It's been proven night workers gain weight because their circadian rhythm gets totally thrown off." She pointed to her plate where only two french fries remained. "I could be eating nothing but kale, and I'd still be fat."

Margaret is thirty-three or thirty-four but dresses like she's twenty. Her hair is purple on the ends. Her nose pierced. If the company laid her off, she has a husband who'd teach her how to

"Sometimes all you can do is be a sign of something good, even when it looks like good is losing."

remove a fishhook from a fish's mouth. Who'd already bought a He'd said to her, "Sometimes all you can do is be a sign of some-

house boat. Who already had a plan.

thing good, even when it looks like good is losing."

Lovie knew that Margaret would not be cut and that she would.

Lovie's boss and his boss have been avoiding her lately, and last

This morning, once she was home, she pulled out a photo album.

week she had to have the IT guy reset her password to get into

She has pictures of herself with Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton

her work email, and he kept saying "sorry" as if he'd done some-

and Donald Trump, that time he was in Branson for a beauty

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southern fiction

pageant. If she'd not worked in the news, she wouldn't have

shouldn't pity yourself as long as there are other people worse

met any of them. She wondered if it was worth it, this life

off than you. She starts to name names, everyone she knows

attached to the pulse of what was happening. Mostly, it

with a bad diagnosis, a lousy marriage, an ungrateful kid. But

had felt as if she was opening other people's mail, revealing

this time, it doesn't work.

things the subjects of her articles would have given anything to keep secret.

In the next minutes, she cries wholeheartedly, the tears running down her face and onto her neck. When she stops,

Lovie looked at the clock. It was almost nine o'clock. She

she wipes her eyes, blows her nose, takes three long breaths.

called her boss. He didn't answer. "Not coming in tonight,"

She goes to the kitchen, washes her hands, checks the pie,

she said. "Sick as a dog."

refills her glass. But there is a point when a memory of her mother shows up, and in it, her head is down, a yellow pencil

When he called back, she didn't answer. Later, though, when

in her hand, and she's making out a budget, the numbers

she listened to his message, he'd said, "So sorry to hear you're

for rent and groceries and utilities in separate columns. Lovie

not feeling well, Lovie. Why don't you take the rest of the

must have been eight or so.

week off? We'll regroup on Monday." There was a pause. He cleared his throat. "Just plan to come to my office on Monday

When she'd asked her mother what was going on, she'd said,

morning at ten. It'll give us a chance to talk."

"Daddy hasn't come home from his hunting trip, and no one can find him." Lovie remembers how that sentence pushed

After hearing the message, Lovie put the sign on her front

her into a pool of fear so deep she couldn't feel the bottom.

door warning anyone away. She'd used it off and on for years, this note that told people she worked nights, slept

What bothered her at the time was how her mother didn't

days and didn't want to be bothered. She showered, made

cry, didn't mention her love for her father, or even, though it

her bed with fresh sheets, took a sleeping pill, and crawled

was hard for Lovie to imagine, her fear that he'd left them on

beneath her comforter.

purpose. But as she thinks about it now, she sees it differently.

Her mother, when faced with the worst thing possible, took a

Now, she's up again, a pecan pie in the oven, the view from

pencil and paper and made a plan that would save them both.

her back porch as beautiful as a postcard. She takes a deep breath and feels the cold air of autumn sting her lungs.

"I wish Mom was still alive," Lovie says, and just then, the oven timer dings, and she jumps. When she pulls the pie from

An eagle soars above her with the gray mouse in its clutches.

the oven, the smell is like every night before Thanksgiving,

If you look at life a certain way, the mouse was put here to

when she, as a kid, baked with her mother.

serve the eagle, Lovie thinks. She considers the pecan tree, how the nuts form inside thick green husks and how if you try

In an hour, the pie will be cool enough to eat. Lovie imagines

to open them before they turn brown, whatever they're made

setting the pie on her kitchen table, taking a fork and eating

of stains your fingers. But if you wait, the husks fall away, and

all she wants right from the pan, without one bit of regret.

the pecans are yours for the taking. There must be a lesson in

The idea makes her feel maybe a millimeter stronger, which is

that, and she tries to figure it out but can't. She frowns, looks

enough for now. Which is plenty.

at her glass and realizes all the cider is gone, and the realization feels like a thousand losses.

"What a world this is," Lovie says aloud, and as she does, her voice wobbles, and then it crumbles, and then every hurtful thing she's ever felt shows up. Lovie is of the opinion that you

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE DO SOUTH MAGAZINE

Sneak Peek Holiday Gift Guide 2016 E njoy this sneak peek into Holiday Gifts for 2016, then check back in

December for lots more local gift ideas from our favorite merchants!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Brow Bar facebook: browbarfortsmith 479.434.5680

Farmers Coop farmercoop.com 479.474.6622 Did you know Farmers Coop is your one-stop shop for all your holiday gift-giving needs? We're much more than just farm supplies and equipment! Farmers Coop carries

Stop in and check out our selection of cleansers, masks, lotions

fun toys for the little ones, and even a large selection of

and makeup, perfect for gift giving! And don't forget to make

food, toys, and unique items to keep your furry, four-legged

your appointment, so you're ready for upcoming holiday

friends warm and content. For those on your list who love

parties. We offer brow shaping, facials, and lash extensions as

the outdoors, check out our selection of Muck boots, Noble

well as makeup and hair styling.

Equine gloves, Boker knives, and Yeti products. We even have gifts for sports fans, bird-watchers, and gardeners.

Visit one of our 15 locations today!

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

First Baptist Church Lavaca Holiday Market firstlavaca.com 479.474.2293 Shop till you drop on Saturday, December 3rd, at the h2o Student Center in Lavaca. The Holiday Market is free to attend and begins at 10am. Vendors will be selling apparel, crafts, home décor, jewelry, custom designs and more. Concessions close at 5pm, but the fun has just begun. Girls' Night Out event will be a night you don't want to miss. Delicious dinner, holiday decorating tutorials, giveaways, and special guest singer/speaker, Dove Award winner Ellie Holcomb! Tickets are $10. Visit firstlavaca.com for more info.

Whether it’s a bride wanting a beautiful smile for her wedding day, or an accident victim who needs to restore the functionality of their mouth, or a graduate who is hitting the job market and wants a confident smile for job interviews, improving one’s smile can possibly transform their life. It’s amazing how empowering a healthy & confident smile can be! It’s our passion to help our patients enhance their smiles which in turn can improve their self-esteem & confidence in their day-to-day activities.

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available, including Chick-fil-A combo meals at lunch. Doors

New Health Dental newhealthdental.com 479.478.6060

DO SOUTH MAGAZINE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

This holiday season Shinola wallets and phone cases are going to be a huge hit with the younger generation. Shinola watches are a great gift idea for men and women of any age. If you’re looking for a unique gift idea for the man in your life, then look no further than William Henry Studios for knives, money clips, cuff links or ink pens. As for the special woman in your life, stackable necklaces and pendants in varying colors and sizes are the hot new trend.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

John Mays Jewelers johnmaysjewelers.com 479.452.2140

RiverPointe Wine & Spirits riverpointewineandspirits.com 479.434.6302 We’ve got some great recommendations for upcoming family gatherings and holiday parties! For beer lovers, try the Chocolate Stout. It tastes like dessert and can be used in many dessert recipes. If you prefer wine, you have to try the Ridge Three Valley Zinfandel. Zinfandels pair well with pumpkin, apple spices, and most meats. And finally, if liquor is your preference, don’t forget to grab a bottle of Rum Chata. Serve it the rocks or as a martini mixed with vanilla vodka.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Christmas Countdown Clip each of these ideas out, put them in a jar, then pick them out one at a time for a Countdown to Christmas adventure!

s u See the Lights

Go A-Caroling

Let's go see Christmas lights! We'll play Christmas music in the car, grab some snacks, and make a night of it.

We're picking our favorite Christmas songs and singing for the neighbors!

Maybe we'll even see Rudolph!

t f h Enjoy the Tree

Cocoa Bar

Picnic night! We're spreading out a blanket near our Christmas tree and eating dinner picnic-style. How fun!

Hot chocolate party night! Let's make sure we have marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream, even candy sprinkles.

Holiday Spirit

Cookie Night

Let's find a way to help others! We’ll get an angel off the Salvation Army's Angel Tree and buy a gift, or donate food to someone in need.

It’s baking time! We’ll bake up some cookies, then decorate the night away. We’ll save some for Santa and then neighbors, then gobble up the rest!

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Story Time

I Wish, I Wish, I Wish

Grab a blanket! We're snuggling and sharing our favorite Christmas stories!

This is going to be fun!

Let's decide what we're giving others this year.

I'll bet you have some great ideas!

Grinch Out

Merry Merry

We're staying home and watching our favorite Christmas movies! Let's make some popcorn to celebrate!

Let's look up a recipe for salt dough and spend some time making Christmas tree ornaments.

Who knows where we keep the glitter?

s

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