Ours - October 2015 by Do South Magazine

速

OURS

October 2015 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Patti Polk-Casey Marcus Coker Catherine Frederick Rusty Henderson, DVM Lee Anne Henry Kerry Kraus Jessica Sowards Heather Steadham GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Wooden

PROOFREADER Charity Chambers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Emma Sullins PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

INSIDE 24

28 36 56

DEAD FRED

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500 Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

This story begins with one innovative Arkansan, the mosquito that almost killed him, and his love of old photos featuring people he felt needed to reconnect with their long-lost families.

Scott Frederick - 479.459.6672

TRASH TO TREASURE

Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com

Before you throw away those T-shirts, think about this. You can turn them into one-of-a-kind totes, for everything from grocery shopping to your kids' Halloween bags.

HOME, BUT NOT ALONE An Arkansas college professor discovered the house he just bought was already occupied, by a GHOST! Read this story with the lights on!

CANDY CORN COOKIE CURE Just when you thought candy corn couldn't get better, we put it in a scrumptious cookie! You're welcome.

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Scott@DoSouthMagazine.com

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116 息2015 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South速 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速 or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South速 reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

FOLLOW US Annual subscriptions are $30 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 7030 Taylor Avenue, Suite 5, Fort Smith, AR, 72916. Single issues are available upon request for $7. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

letter from the editor

The Unexpected, a project of 64.6 Downtown, certainly delivered on its

or to just take a trip to the market, with our DIY handmade totes

name. I must admit, when I first heard of the project, I expected artwork

made from recycled t-shirts. Looking for a fun day at a pumpkin patch

depicting days gone by, muted colors, dare I say...drab?

or corn maze? We've rounded up a few for you to try.

The mural artists delivered anything but. In the span of one week, world-

And, it wouldn't be Halloween without something sweet. We have some

renowned artists converged in Fort Smith, breathing new life onto some

to-die-for candy corn cookies you’ll want to make again and again.

of our oldest buildings, with the support of several volunteers, generous sponsors and a whole lot of paint.

In the mood for a little fright? We're taking you to meet two ghost hunters who spend much of their free time investigating paranormal activity.

They created a vibrant, lively landscape for our downtown area. But they did

Want to know what it's like to live in a haunted house? We have the

much more than that. They gave us an invaluable gift – worth more than the

story of a family who lives in one—and you can pay them a visit.

gorgeous art painted on the exterior walls of these buildings. They gave us one more reason to love our city the way it deserves to be loved. And they

From there we're taking you to meet Joe Bott, a man whose life changed

gave us yet another reason to be proud to call Fort Smith home.

dramatically after a mosquito bite nearly killed him. Find out how that incident led to an innovative website called Dead Fred. We're taking you

On our cover we feature a portion of the expansive mural, “The

to Charleston, Arkansas to introduce you to a third grade teacher who

Catira,” painted by art duo Bicicleta Sem Freio, located on the SH

tried shooting a bow, just so she could spend time with her husband, and

Kress building’s west wall on Garrison Avenue. “The Catira,” a typical

now is teaching the sport to students.

dance from the interior area of Brazil, where Bicicleta Sem Freio are from, is performed by ranchers and farmers. It’s awe inspiring, and

Jessica Sowards weighs in with a beautiful essay on why it's not such a

every time I view it, I find something new to love.

bad thing to have dirty windows. We have tips on how to make your home cozy as the weather changes, and we have a special advertising

Downtown is coming back to life and our community is coming togeth-

section devoted to the Do South® woman.

er. On my ed letter, change to read: During that one week, there was a chalk art competition for kids, Art in the Park supporting local artists, a

We're glad you're spending some of your valuable time with us, and we

student art competition bringing together Northside and Southside high

can't wait for you to work your way through this issue. You're going to love

school students, as well as UAFS students.

these stories, recipes, and helpful hints to make your life better.

This is just the beginning, as plans are already underway for 2016. More

Finally, have a safe and happy Hal-

murals, more excitement, more to love.

loween, full of lots of great treats and once-in-a-lifetime memories!

This new infusion of art makes this time of year even better. After another visit downtown, my family is taking off to see some of the most beautiful fall leaves in Arkansas. You can plan your own trip by reading "Off the Beaten Path," our story featuring routes across the

~Catherine

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state. We're also getting you ready to carry all that Halloween candy, To reserve this free space for your charitable non-profit organization, email: Editors@DoSouthMagazine.com

calendar

OCTOBER 2015

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

View our calendar on dosouthmagazine.com for more events and details.

THURSDAY

(10/1–10/4) 25th Annual Corvette Weekend, Eureka Springs

FRIDAY

(10/2–10/3) St. Boniface Lawn Social, Fort Smith, 5pm-10pm

SATURDAY

Frontier Day Festival, Paris, 10am – 5pm Dash for the Dogs 5K 10K, Charleston, 8am

(10/2-4,9-11) Parade of Homes, Fort Smith

TobyMac in Concert, Walmart AMP, Rogers, 6pm

(10/6–10/10) Ozark Folk Festival, Eureka Springs

(10/7–10/31) Lovely: A Photo Exhibit by Tessa Freeman, Fort Smith Main Library

The Four Tops, The Supremes, The Miracles, and The Marvelettes Salute, Alma Performing Arts Center, 7pm

(10/9–10/11) Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Fair, Main Street, Van Buren

Wiederkehr Village Winefest, Wiederkehr Village, Altus, 8am10pm

Octubafest, UAFS, 3pm

Men’s Interdenominational Explorers Bible Study, Eastside Baptist Church, Fort Smith, 7pm

(10/10–10/11) Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival, Lake Fayetteville at Mae Farm, Fayetteville

The Mary McDonald Music Series Presents Jonathan Story, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith, 3pm

(10/24–10/25) Arkansas Symphony Pops Live! Cirque Musica, Connor Performing Arts Center, Little Rock

Bingo at I.C. Church, I.C. Church Parish Center, Fort Smith, 7pm-9pm

UAFS Chorale Ensemble, ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith, 7:30pm-10pm

(10/15–10/18) War Eagle Fair, Rogers

(10/16–10/17) Poteau Balloon Fest, LeFlore County Fairgrounds, Poteau

Survivor’s Challenge Walk/Race, Fort Smith, 8am-12pm Fest of Ale, Girls Inc, Fort Smith, 5pm - 9pm

Keep Arkansas Beautiful Great Arkansas Cleanup, Statewide, 8am-12pm

UAFS Symphonic Band, ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith, 7:30pm-10pm

he Chambers House Auction, Fort Smith Wiggle Worms: Museum of Discovery, Little Rock, 10am

(10/21–10/23) Artists of Northwest Arkansas National Painting Workshop, Holiday Inn and Suites, Rogers, 9am-4:30pm

Taste of Fort Smith, Fort Smith Convention Center, 11am-1pm and 5pm-7pm

WHOOOO KNEW? • • • •

(10/14–10/18) Spanker Creek Farm Arts & Crafts, Bentonville

75% of households plan to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. 78% of parents confess they dip in their kids' candy stash. 30% of U.S. adults will attend a Halloween party for grownups this year. 57% of us keep candy bowls filled at home and at work for Halloween snacking.

Van Buren Farmers Market, Van Buren Public Library Parking Lot, 7am-1pm

(10/22 – 10/23) Lilian Daniel speaks, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith, 5:30pm/2pm

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas’ The Big Event, Barn at the Springs, Springdale, 6pm-10pm

(10/23, 24, 29,30) Western Arkansas Ballet presents Thriller, Fort Smith, 7pm and 8pm

The Ward Haunted House, Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith, 7:30pm – 11pm Trick or Treat on the Square, Fayetteville

We hope you enjoy this issue. Read Do South's® digital edition at DoSouthMagazine.com. Get one year of Do South® for just $30. Subscribe online at DoSouthMagazine.com, or send a check to: Read Chair Publishing, LLC 7030 Taylor Ave, Ste 5 Fort Smith, AR 72916

source: National Confectioners Association

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UAFS 6th Annual Homecoming, 10:30am (10/23, 24, 29, 30) Murder & Mayhem Haunted Trolley, FSM, 5:30pm & 7:30pm

World Cheese Dip Championship, Little Rock, Noon-3pm

poetry

Some Starry Night

LINES Patti Polk-Casey

I use to fear the endless walls When shadows crept and moonlight fell, As night consumed both reed and oak The chaliced flower and nimble brook In tints of gray their beauty hushed, So you shared the stars Gave to me hope Now boldly I brave the dimming hours. My windows reflect candle warmth love, And I dread no more nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raven cloak Yet fear more the absence of you.

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

Kelley Linton, AuD Doctor of Audiology Owner of Center for Hearing MAJ US Army Public Health Command Green Pointe Center 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 15, Fort Smith, AR 72903 centerforhearing.net

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

About Center for Hearing Center for Hearing began out of a desire to work with patients and their hearing problems in a comfortable, Christian environment where friendliness and great service are the norm. I grew up in Crawford County and still live there today. Being able to come home to practice and help improve the quality of life of my friends and family, through better hearing, was a life goal. I love this area and love being able to raise a family in the River Valley. Going to work is fun, our team is like a second family, and we love spending time together. We are proud to be recognized as a “Hearing Angel” clinic, and have been for several years. This award is based on our dedication to fitting hearing impaired people in our local community who couldn’t afford hearing aids otherwise.

What's your favorite thing about your career? The diversity. I may be educating workers on the hazards of noise exposure one day, another day I might be checking the hearing of a newborn or changing someone’s quality of life through better hearing with hearing aids or even wearing an army uniform helping our soldiers preserve and protect their hearing. Favorite Halloween costume when you were a kid? Cowgirl. Most inspirational book you've ever read (besides the Bible)? Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. It should be required reading for every American. Favorite song when you were a teen? I was a complete rocker! What's your favorite meal on a chilly fall night? My husband’s fresh elk steaks. No one cooks them better! When do you start buying Christmas presents? We have five children, so all year long! What's on your playlist right now? Praise and worship, Luke Bryan, Coldplay, Linkin Park, Nickelback, meditation classics, Brantley Gilbert, Elton John. I love music of all kinds. If you could learn anything at all, what would it be? To fly a helicopter. What's the farthest you've been away from home? Ireland. Last movie you saw? The original Wizard of Oz. Our youngest let me know she had never seen it, so we rented it a few weeks ago. Favorite place in Arkansas? Our cabin on the White River. Strangest place you've called the Hogs? Guaimaca, Honduras, on our annual mission trip. What are you looking forward to this fall? The smell of wood burning in the fireplace, cool nights and the changing leaves.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 3 products Kelley can't live without: My playlist on my iPhone or iPod.

When's the last time someone surprised you? My husband picked me up on Valentine’s Day when I was returning from Honduras this past year, with a wonderful gift in hand. What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m in the Army: boot camp, combat boots and all! What's been your biggest success up until now? Completing my music diploma in piano and obtaining the Paderewski Gold Medal. I only play for personal meditation these days. What's gone out of fashion that you wish would come back? Home-cooked meals as the norm and living a slower paced lifestyle. What's in your car's console right now? Sunglasses, earbuds, Garmin™ Forerunner, bandana of the day. All things I use for my morning runs. What do you love about living in Arkansas? The great outdoors and all the activities we can enjoy around the state.

A “few” good books.

What's the most sentimental thing you own? An American flag that belonged to my grandfather and my husband’s Army war medals from Desert Shield and Desert Storm. What would you do if you could take a year off from work? Hike Colorado and read a library of books along the journey.

My running shoes.

What's the nicest compliment you've ever received? I love working for you and being a part of your clinic’s team. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

entertainment

Our Souls at Night review Marla Cantrell

The proposal doesn't involve anything physical, just companionship. But it does change everything about their lives, after Louis is seen several mornings in a row leaving Addie's house. Townspeople gossip, heads turn when the pair shows up at their favorite diner, and their lives, which seemed minimal before they got together, suddenly become interesting. It would have been easy for Haruf to make this a sweet love story, showing that we are essentially the same whether we're seventeen or seventy. But the story of Addie and Louis does not end simply. The two are tested, first, when Addie's grandson comes to stay, and later when her son begins to cause trouble. Big questions surface. What would you give up to be with some-

By Kent Haruf Alfred A. Knopf, Publisher 179 pages | $24

one you love? How would you choose between family obligations and the life you've always dreamed of? And what do those choices mean about the person you are? As I read, I thought about Haruf, and how he wrote this novel

It was with great sadness I started reading Our Souls at Night, not

knowing he was dying. There is a quickness about it, an urgen-

because I expected the book to be morose, but because it is the

cy, and you find yourself turning the pages swiftly, needing to

last book Kent Haruf will ever write. The award-winning author

know what's going to happen next. He's a sparse writer, even

died in November of 2014 at the age of seventy-one, and this

forgoing quotation marks around the dialogue. He doesn't use

book was released earlier this year.

the usual tags of "Louis said," or "Addie said." Instead he puts their conversations on the page and lets the reader drop into

It is set, as all his novels are, in the fictional town of Holt, Colo-

their world. Seamlessly.

rado. This time, he followed the lives of Addie Moore and Louis Waters. Both are seventy. Both have lost their spouses. Both

Toward the end of the book, Louis tells Addie: "You have been

are lonely.

good for me. What more could anyone ask for? I'm a better person than I was before we got together. That's your doing."

The two are neighbors living a few houses apart on Cedar Street. They know of each other, but nothing more. That is, until Addie

That's a great message to take away. Being kind, helping those

shows up at Louis' house. She tells him she's tired of being alone,

who are lonely or stuck or sad, makes all the difference. Haruf

and makes this plea: "We've been by ourselves for too long. For

knew it, and he thought it was so important, he spent his last days

years. I'm lonely. I think you might be too. I wonder if you would

making sure you knew it too.

come and sleep in the night with me. And talk."

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people

About Matt Matt Jones is a singer/songwriter from Fayetteville, Arkansas, currently living and recording in Los Angeles. He grew up listening to a lot of Motown records, some rock and roll, and pop songs, so his music is a blend of all those. He calls it “Alternative R&B.” His new EP, titled Not So Long Ago, features material he's recorded over the last seven years. Some of the songs are older tunes he used to play around town in Fayetteville, and some are brand new. Do South® sat down with Matt to talk about what it's like to earn a living as a musician, and what he misses most about Arkansas.

words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Matt Jones

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people

What instrument did you first play?

One thing people get wrong about L.A. is?

I got my first guitar when I was probably two or three years

That it’s nothing like what you see in the movies. It’s not all Beverly

old. Just a little toy one that I could play around with. I remem-

Hills and movie stars. I mean, there are those things, sure, but it’s the

ber being maybe about four and getting a full-sized guitar for

minority. But the weather is exactly what you think it is: perfect.

Christmas and just falling in love with it. As with most kids though, I preferred playing outside to playing chords. It wasn’t

What do you miss about Arkansas?

until I was twelve or thirteen that I took the guitar seriously and

Sweet tea! And the southern hospitality. There’s a slower speed that

really started to learn the instrument.

everyone runs on in the South and that’s a nice breath of fresh air when I come back to visit. Not to mention the actual fresh air!

When did you know music was going to be your career? I can’t pinpoint exactly when I first had the thought but it feels as

What's the hardest lesson the music industry's taught you?

if I’ve known pretty much my whole life. I do know when I was a

That success is something you ultimately have to define for yourself.

teenager I thought it was going to be this amazing thing where I’d be

Others will try and define it for you based on things like how many

rich, famous, with the world in my hand, you know? It wasn’t until

albums you sell, or how much money you make, but it really comes

my early twenties that I realized that’s not really what I was craving.

down to what makes you happy. Do you enjoy your life? Are you

It was then I turned my focus to writing songs that really deal with

fulfilled in what you’re doing day-to-day? If so, you’re probably more

being a human on this crazy planet. I found peace knowing that what

successful than a lot of people in this world.

I wanted to do was to connect with people, no matter what kind of salary came with it.

What would you tell an aspiring artist who's feeling a little

When did you first perform for an audience?

I'd say, "Every single artist I’ve ever known has been exactly where

I think I was fourteen years old. It was at U.S. Pizza on Dickson Street

you are right now. And sometimes, we find ourselves back there

in Fayetteville, and a good friend of mine and I played in the set break

from time to time. The key, as artists, is to find a way to put that

for his dad’s band. It was probably horrible, but it felt amazing. My

into our craft, because the truth is most human beings have feel-

mom once told me she felt like I was singing straight out of the womb.

ings of hopelessness. You’re not alone. These emotions in songs

She definitely helped me early on to grasp melodies and such. Still,

(and all other forms of art), are what draw people into the song

to this day, I credit her as the reason I can pick out harmonies at all.

itself. The more honest you can be about how you’re feeling actu-

hopeless right now?

ally has a redeeming quality to someone listening, who’s feeling

Who are you listening to these days?

exactly like you are."

My playlists range from Bob Marley, to Tool, to Clapton, to Queens of the Stone Age, to The Temptations. One of my favorite bands of

What's the biggest thrill of performing for a live audience?

all time is Third Eye Blind.

There’s such an interesting relationship that develops between a performer and an audience. It’s sort of intimate while still maintaining a

What does it feel like after you've finished writing a

good distance. It’s hard to describe, I suppose. The thrill for me comes

song you're particularly proud of?

from the fact that I’m literally sharing some thoughts that I wrote

The best songs feel like I’ve just magically stumbled upon this fully-written

down in a private journal somewhere and am now basically just shar-

song that someone left behind for me to find. It’s kind of like falling in

ing them in front of a room full of strangers.

love, really. Your heart swells and you are lifted into a higher state of consciousness. There’s nothing else like it. In this world, at least.

What are you doing for Halloween? I will be in my favorite place, the recording studio.

What made you decide to move to L.A.? My girlfriend is the main reason I decided to move. She really encour-

Where can we buy your album?

aged me to head out west and pursue my dream, and that was long

My new EP is available digitally on my website (mattjonesmusic.net)

before we were even dating. She’s just been the most amazing sup-

as well as iTunes™, Google Play™, Amazon™ and tons of streaming

porter of my music and the best friend anyone could ask for.

platforms such as Spotify™ and iHeartRadio™.

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pets

Someplace to Call Home The Humane Society of the Ouachitas has more than 50 adoptable cats and dogs. Your best friend is waiting! Call to learn about monthly adoption events in Fort Smith and Hot Springs.

Goliath

Kara

Good Thor

Leo

Gracie

Shiloh

Humane Society of the Ouachitas Donations are always needed and greatly appreciated. 368 Polk County Road 50 | Mena, AR | 479.394.5682 | Tue. - Sat. 10am-2pm | www.hsomena.org | 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. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

shop

Falling for the Season

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shop

We’re a little bit in love with a whole lot of must-have items for the season! With some help from our loyal advertisers, we’ve discovered just what you need to get your home ready for Fall and Halloween. Of course we couldn’t resist some great gift items for that someone special in your life! Shop local, shop often, and tell them you saw it in Do South®!

Baubles 18K Stacking Bracelets by Syna Jewelry J O H N M AY S J E W E L E R S – F o r t S m i t h

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Amish Wedding Butters, Muck® Boots, Bonnie Plants™ Cabbage Cole Crop

Harvest Gourd Easel, Hannah’s Handiwork Fall Leaf Pumpkin and Harvest Fox

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pets

ASK THE PET VET

Do South's 速 resident pet expert, Rusty Henderson, DVM, weighs in on dressing your pets for Halloween, feeding them pumpkin, and why your candy dish is scarier than any haunted house! Have a question for our pet vet? Email editors@dosouthmagazine.com. images freeimages.com

Q A Q A

I want to dress my cat up as a witch for Halloween. Is this a good idea? You can, but remember: don't put masks on your cat or dog, anything that might trip them, or anything that covers their eyes or ears. And make sure they're comfortable. If they aren't they'll do things like look sideways, roll their eyes back, hunch over, or tuck their tail. Dj Alemao

What can I do if my dog gets in the Halloween candy bowl and chows down? The results can range from a bit of an upset stomach with diarrhea and vomiting to seizures and death. It depends on the size of your dog and the type and amount of chocolate, sugarless candy or other goodies consumed. Chocolate has three ingredients that can cause problems in dogs, with theobromine being the most sinister. Kidney damage, central nervous system symptoms, and liver dysfunction are not uncommon when consumed in toxic doses. Keep candy away from Fido! Do call your vet if your pet eats chocolate, so they can determine the proper response based on your case. Esteban Sosa

Q A

Can I feed my dogs the inside of the pumpkin I'm carving? I see no reason that good, fresh, healthy pumpkin would be harmful. We use canned pumpkin in clinic to treat diarrhea, vomiting and upset stomach in pups. Just make sure you don't let the pumpkin sit for too long in the dogs' pet dishes, so it doesn't spoil. Kostya Kakaskind

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home

Changing Seasons words & IMages Lee Anne Henry, Whiteline Designs

Now that it's cooler, I love walking in the morning and seeing the early-morning dew covering the fields around my home. You can feel the change in the air, and it makes me want to get things ready for the coming season! My husband is busy cleaning out the garage, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m making the transition from summer to fall inside our home. What I find myself looking forward to at the end of a busy day is a sliver of time to curl up with a soft blanket and a book. You're probably thinking about making your home cozy and inviting this time of year, as well. Here are some affordable and easy changes to do just that.

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home

Change the pillows on your sofa. Switch out bright and cheery summer colors to pillows featuring warmer hues, like chocolate brown, golden yellow, bronze, and burnt orange.

I suggest adding texture to the living room or entry area, and a rug will do the trick. Pick one with a mix of warm color hues, selecting again from a chocolate brown color palette. You might even consider using a sisal rug to define a living area, since it has a strong, repeating woven pattern. They come in beautiful, rich colors.

Pick some great throw blankets to toss over the arm of a chair or over the sofa, to create visual texture and warmth in your living room. It's not only a beautiful touch, it’s also functional. It makes it easy to sit down and relax. One of my favorite blankets is described as a “luxuriously thick, butter-soft chenille braided throw that is rich in color and character.” I was excited to find it online at Restoration Hardware, but there are many other sources for a similar product. An oversized chenille throw is a perfect way to blend deep texture, color, and functionality. I’m betting you’ll look forward to coming home if an oversized chenille throw is waiting patiently for you!

Find the perfect brushed-gold floor lamp to shed a warm light over your cozy sofa or upholstered armchair. Put the lamp on a timer so that when you come home at night there’s a standing invitation to grab the blanket and lose yourself in a book. Remember, there are no strict rules when it comes to designing your home. Whatever you choose, do it because it makes you happy!

Lee Anne Henry, owner of Whiteline Designs in Fayetteville, Arkansas, expresses her love of art through interior design. She looks forward to getting to know her clients and creating a sense of calm in their personal spaces.

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people

words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Joe Bott

Joe Bott, with his mane of white hair, seems to catch the atten-

The illness makes the brain swell, which was why Joe felt

tion of everyone inside the Fayetteville, Arkansas diner, where

so disoriented. There are only 2,000 cases reported to the

he's come for lunch and to share his story. He is tall and an-

Centers for Disease Control each year, so the odds of get-

gular, and when he speaks, he says this: "It all started with a

ting encephalitis are slim. Joe is philosophical as to why it

mosquito bite." He laughs. "I swear, it did!"

happened to him. And while he didn't enjoy his four-month recovery, it did have its perks.

What Joe is referencing is the beginning of a website called Dead Fred, that reunites orphaned vintage photos with their

For one thing, he could suddenly draw, something that

rightful heirs. Joe and his team are like the Sherlock Holmes of

was foreign to him before the bite. (He's so talented,

the genealogy crowd. They track down old photos, find clues

those closest to him are pushing him to have an art show

about the people shown, and then post them on the site, and

in the near future.) Joe is a doer by nature, so the time he

they are wildly popular because of it.

was spending recuperating left him fidgety and bored. He drew, but that didn't take up all his waking hours, which

How the mosquito fits in is this: On June 2, 1998, John woke

led to the next good thing.

at two in the morning. His head was pounding, he had a fever, and he didn't feel like himself at all. He woke his wife.

"I was probably driving my wife crazy," Joe says. "She bought me

They headed to the hospital and from there to the Mayo Clinic,

a computer, and I started looking up my family history." And while

where he was diagnosed with encephalitis, caused by the mos-

he did find a wealth of information, he found very few vintage

quito. "It was touch and go for awhile," he says.

photos online. And Joe was a big believer in photos.

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people

He'd been collecting them since 1965 when he was in the

ing with Joe. "One thing I like about him is that he's naturally

Navy. One day, while he was off-duty, a downpour started.

curious, and he's always trying new things."

"I walked into an antique shop to get out of the rain. I was a poor sailor trying to look like a customer. I found this family

This website was a stretch for Joe, and he spent four months

album from the 1880s, and I fell in love with it. Those were

scanning and uploading thousands of photos, a tedious pro-

the first photos I bought."

cess since Joe had a dial-up connection that was painfully slow. He didn't know what to expect when Dead Fred launched. But

By the time the mosquito had done its damage, Joe had 15,000

within the first few days, there were more than 9,000 hits, and

old photos. He loved to imagine the back stories, who these

the emails came flooding in. Soon, fans of the site were mailing

people were, what their lives had been like.

Dead Fred old, unidentified photos.

He was thinking about that as he pecked away at his keyboard.

The first to be returned was of a mother with her child, taken

He came up with this idea: What if he could reunite the photos

in 1900. The baby's name was William Griegson. On the back

with their rightful owners? And that's why, in March 2001,

of the photo was William's birth date. Joe put on his detective

he launched the website. Finding the right name was impor-

hat, searched records online, and found William's son in New

tant, and after several suggestions, he chose Dead Fred. The

Jersey. "I called him, and he thought I was lying. I had to call

name refers to Frederick III, German Emperor and King of Prus-

him back. It was a time with a lot of phone scamming going

sia, who took the throne in March and died in June 1888. Joe

on," Joe says, adding that he returned the photo, much to the

doesn't typically like post-mortem photos, but he did buy the

delight of the Griegson heir.

one of King Frederick III, and that photo seemed the perfect "Something clicked for me when I reunited that photo. I thought,

symbol for his new venture.

Wow, that's amazing. I get emails from families now, who say that Once the name was decided, he concentrated on posting his

they found their ancestor's only existing photo on Dead Fred. Peo-

images, with any information he had, such as names, dates,

ple tell me they've cried when they found family photos," Joe says.

and locations. If someone claimed a photo Joe owned, he shipped it to them at cost. The process of getting the website

Since the launch of Dead Fred, the crew has gone to many

going involved the work of several people, including copywriter

genealogy conventions. They pull up the site on a laptop and

Jeannette Balleza Collins, who is now a co-owner, and Amanda

search the surnames of those who've come to their booth,

Shertzer, also a co-owner. Jeannette remembers her first meet-

seeing if they have any photos that could be family. "When

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people

you get a hit," Jeannette says, "it's just amazing. The photos

heard stories of old photos ending up in the garbage, some-

we have of their ancestors will be so similar. The features will

thing that makes them exceedingly sad. More often, they end

look the same. The genetic apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

up in thrift or antique shops.

"From the get-go, we were trying to take something typically seen as old and dusty, and turn it into something fun."

That's why Joe travels with an empty suitcase. He learned his lesson when he went to Duluth, Minnesota. An antique shop was

The plan worked. Now, visitors are adding photos from as far

going out of business, and they had a file cabinet full of photos

away as Japan. Jeannette got on board as well, adding a wed-

from the 1800s. Joe went to K-Mart and bought the biggest suit-

ding photo of her maternal grandparents. "It feels good to

case they had and filled it with the pictures. "It cost me a hundred

know it's out there, that it will never be lost. That's the beauty

bucks to get it on the plane, but it was worth it," Joe says.

of having it on Dead Fred," she says. "Think about how much photos mean," Jeannette says. "When As the site grew, more and more people took notice. One of

you ask someone what they'd take if they fled their home, they

their biggest accomplishments was getting mentioned on the

usually say, 'My kids, my pets, my photos.' We're finding those

Today show. They heard from a producer several days before

orphan photos and sending them back."

and tried to get ready for the influx of traffic, but the site still crashed. It seemed as if everyone who watched that morning

Joe grins. This venture that started because a mosquito bite

show wanted to see what Dead Fred was all about.

threatened to kill him is one of his greatest accomplishments. Sometimes, he says, there is a silver lining. You just have to be

Since then, they've put together a book, Desperate Genealogist's Idea

willing to find it.

Book, Creative Ways to Outsmart Your Elusive Ancestors. They got some big names in the world of family history, like Megan Smolenyak, from the Who Do You Think You Are TV show, to contribute. "My one claim to fame is that I got to write one of the chapters," Joe says, and then grins. This hobby of his turned out to be a big part of his life. He works in research and development for Tyson Foods, a job he loves. He gets to travel, which is another thing he loves. But he is nearing seventy, so retirement is approaching. And when it arrives, he plans to spend even more time growing Dead Fred. Dead Fred Team

Every time an orphaned photo goes home, Joe and his team feel a great accomplishment. They also understand how easy it is to abandon them. There's usually one person in a family who ends up with old photos. When that person dies or leaves their home for

Visit DeadFred.com or visit them on Facebook. You

health reasons, the pictures sometimes end up with someone

might find a long-lost relative.

who doesn't understand their value. Joe and Jeannette have

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diy

words and images Catherine Frederick inspiration Pinterest 速

TRASH TO TREASURE

T-Shirt Tote

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diy

e are a t-shirt loving family, meaning we all have too

Materials:

many of them lying around. I’ve been saving any of

• T-shirt

my son’s t-shirts that hold sentimental value to make him one

Tip: Don’t have a t-shirt to use?

of those awesome t-shirt quilts I see on Pinterest® - but there

Check your local resale shops!

are many more of his, and ours, that need to find new life.

You can also use a tank-top.

You can guess how happy I was when I found this upcycle

• Scissors

t-shirt project, turning old ones into usable tote bags. Better

• Embellishments or paint (optional)

still? It's a no-sew project!

Remove Sleeves Turn t-shirt inside out. Cut sleeves off at seams. Fold shirt in half and cut both off at once, or remove one at a time using the cut side as a guide for the other sleeve.

Remove Neckline Trace outline of a round shape onto fabric, using chalk or washable marker. If you prefer an oval shape as I do, trim by hand.

Bag Depth Determine how long you want the bag to be and mark a line across the intended bottom. Tip: Depending on the fabric used, the bag will stretch when items are placed inside – keep this in mind when determining depth.

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Tie Together

Cut Strips Cut 3/4” vertical strips from the bottom of the shirt up to the line you marked. Make sure you are cutting through both the front and back of the shirt at the same time, so the strips match up perfectly.

NOTE: If you want your strands to show, be sure to turn your shirt back right side out before tying strands together!

Start on the left side, tie the front and back strip into a knot, then continue, tying two more pairs of strips into knots. (As you tie, you may notice that your strips get longer, don’t worry!) You’ll also notice that although the strips are tied together, there’s a tiny hole in between each knot. Take one strip from the middle knotted strand and tie it in a knot with a strip from the left knotted strand. Then, take the other middle strip and tie it in a knot with a strip from the right knotted strand. Repeat this process until you reach the other end of the shirt. Inspect for missed holes. If you find any, tie adjacent strands together to close them.

HALLOWEEN CANDY BAG IDEA! Now’s a great time to upcycle an old t-shirt into a Halloween candy bag for trick-or-treating! Let the kids embellish an old t-shirt with paint pens or puff paint for a one-of-a-kind, custom bag, or use an inexpensive Halloween t-shirt!

Finish It

Make a tote? Show us! Tag Do South® Magazine on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Turn your bag right side out after tying the strips. If your shirt was plain, you may chose to embellish with paint pens, iron on transfer, monogram, or another item of your choice. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Dirty Windows words and images Jessica Sowards

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Motherhood is overwhelming sometimes. It catches me in the

to motherhood or else we fail.

night sometimes. In the form of a whisper that says, “You don't play with them enough. You don't read to them enough. Their

It wants us to believe that we are measured in parenting by

rooms aren't clean enough. You aren't home and focused on

what we do, by the crafts we make for birthday parties or

them enough. Their dinner wasn't healthy enough. Not enough.

the rigorous homeschool curriculum we pieced together from

Not enough. Not enough. YOU ARE NOT ENOUGH.”

scratch. It wants someone to ask us who we are and us to respond, right off the bat, "I'm a mom."

It's a lie. I know it's a lie. I preach that it's a lie. But sometimes in the night, when I wake up for a late night feeding and cannot find sleep

It wants us to feel like we aren't enough. And we, mothers, part-

again, I lie in bed and hear that whisper. And sometimes I believe it.

ner with this mindset instead of fighting it. Because fighting means saying I have dirty windows. And my three-year-old wouldn't pot-

I believe in doing life out loud. I believe in presenting

ty train so I bribed him with gummy worms and he ate

the real truth and then standing by it. And be-

a whole pound or two before he stopped pooping

cause of this, when I take photos of my cute kid playing with Play-Doh® in front of a smeared and smudged window, even though I'm tempted to clean said window and take said photos again, I don't. Because I am a woman with messy windows. And other women with messy windows need to see that they aren't the only ones. The kid with the Play-Doh® matters. The mom lying in bed at night listening to lies matters. And that's why

his pants.

I am a failure and it's OK because JESUS is enough.

I'm writing this. To show you my windows and tell

Fighting means saying sometimes I don't put my kids in bed until way too late. Sometimes they watch too much TV. And I suck at birthday parties. And once, when my son was away to his dad's for the week, I completely forgot to care for his guinea pig and she died. I killed my kid's guinea pig. Like, actually. Even writing this now, I wanted to say that she got sick.

I wanted to give reason to why I forgot. But I believe

you: I am enough.

in life out loud. So I will tell you the truth. I made a mistake and killed my kid's guinea pig and I hated myself for it.

You are enough, too. Fighting means admitting the reason why I fall for the voice of the Why don't we tell this to each other more? Why don't we exhort

night-whisperer, why it gets in my head and I listen instead of call-

each other more? Why are mothers behaving like this mother-

ing it a liar is because sometimes, it tells the truth.

hood thing is a competition? Like we need to put on our best face and get in the ring and go at each other.

How can I admit these things and still say I am enough? Are you judging me now? Or are you remembering your failures? Are you

Why aren't we in each other's corner? Why do we believe the late

remembering the messes you hide with creative angles in your

night lie? Because we hear it all the time. From more than just a

Instagram® photos? Do you feel the ache of those old wounds,

whisper in the night. That voice wants us to worry. And so does

those times when you failed your children and you hated the

the world. So does our society. It wants us to believe the lie that a

mother that you were? Or maybe you are tired. Because you keep

mother anxious and stressed about pleasing her children is a good

giving and keep doing and you are so dried up and empty, you

mother. It wants us to believe that a woman who won't loosen

just run off the fear of burning out. Of not being enough.

her grasp on her babies is the only kind of good mother. Why can I say, on the same page, "I am a failure," and "I am enough." It wants us to scrutinize the working mom for not being home and scrutinize the stay-at-home mom for not getting out of the

Because I am both. And it's OK. I am human. And I believe in grace.

house. It wants us to be whatever we are not. It wants us to buy into the idea that we have to give every single iota of our identity

When I try to be infallible in the eyes of my children, I run the risk of

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screwing up Jesus for them. Wait, what? Screwing up Jesus? Yeah, I don't want to mess up how they view Him. I don't want them to be like so many people I know and love who struggle with faith because of a person they idolized who was too paralyzed by the night-whisperer to say, "I am a failure and it's OK because JESUS is enough." If they spend their childhood viewing me under the guise as a savior, and I introduce them to Him under the same title, what will it do to them when I fail? Will I be setting them up to expect it of Him too? I won't do it. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play savior and I won't let my love be measured by my worry. No person has ever been driven to a better place because of fear. Instead, I will shut up the tormenter and trust God for my kids' protection. I won't pretend crafts and dinners and curriculum are an accurate way to define my love. They aren't. I will do what I can out of love for my kids because I want them to have every good thing. But when I fall short, and I will fall short, I will point them to their good, good Father who gives all good gifts to His children. When I make mistakes, the kind that are as permanent as death or the ones that are fleeting, I won't try to hide it. I will justify their hurt by saying, "I was wrong." I will teach them to forgive by asking for their forgiveness. And when someone asks me who I am, I will not respond, "I am a mother."I will respond, "I am a daughter of the one true king. Because it's only when my identity is firmly placed in Him that I am enough to do anything. Then when the night-whisperer comes and convinces me I am losing, I will cling to the promise of the cross. I will ask Him to fill in my gaps. I will ask His Spirit to lead me in this motherhood thing, in this everything. I will strive, every day, to love my children the way God loves me. And when I can't do it, because I'm human, I'll lean on the perfection of Jesus. I'll wake up and post photos of my dirty windows. I'll fight the worldly standard of motherhood that is destroying the hearts of women. I will say boldly that I am a failure. But I am enough. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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HOME.

But not Alone. words and IMAGES Heather Steadham

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he circumstances leading to Mark Spencer’s occupancy of the Allen House in Monticello, Arkansas are just a little too coincidental for comfort. In

2004, Mark, a tenured professor at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, had his heart set on becoming the new Dean of Arts and Letters. He updated his CV and scanned the Chronicle of Higher Education’s job listings every day that academic year, waiting for the position to be advertised so he could apply. But on the very day the Cameron job became public, Mark saw another listing that piqued his interest. “The day the Deanship at Cameron appeared in the Chronicle, right next to it was an ad for the Deanship at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. It caught my eye. I wasn’t thinking of applying anywhere else, to tell you the truth. But it caught my eye, and I thought, well, you know, maybe I should have a plan B. What if they don’t offer me the Deanship at Cameron? The ad made it sound interesting: it was a small school, and I wanted to be able to continue teaching. So I applied for the job on kind of a lark. I had no intentions of applying for other Deanships.” But apply he did, and when he and his wife Rebecca headed to the Delta town for an interview, something else unexpected happened. “Our intent was to just drive around, and we happened to drive straight here. We were coming down North Main Street, and it was like, Wow! We’d instantly found the historic part of town. We were admiring all the lovely old houses, and then we came to this house. We stopped the car in the middle of the street, and Rebecca said, ‘If you buy me that house you can take the job here.’” But that house, The Allen House, wasn’t for sale. That didn’t stop Mark, though, from taking the job in Monticello. He thought it would be fun to move to a new place and work with new people, so he and Rebecca and their two sons moved into a rental house located on Highway 425. They even went on to buy a different old home—the Hotchkiss House on Boyd Street. But at work and around town, Mark and Rebecca couldn’t help telling anyone and everyone how much they really loved the sprawling Queen Anne/Gothic/ Neoclassical home on North Main. People would tell them, “You don’t want to buy that house.” “Why?” they’d respond.

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So Mark and Rebecca went to visit. “She liked us,” Mark says. “And she said she had a feeling that we were supposed to live here. She’d never had that feeling. She never thought she’d sell the house, but now she thought she would.” And she did. In the summer of 2007, Mark and his family moved into the notoriously haunted house. At the time, he didn’t believe that ghosts roamed the 8,000-square-foot home. He knew the history of the place: How Allen Boyd, grandson of original owner Joe Lee Allen, died in 1944, and residents of the house often heard his mother, Ladell, talking to him late at night after his death. How Ladell, at the age of fifty-four, had poisoned herself in the upstairs master bedroom on Christmas night in 1948 after an affair with a married man had gone sour. How, for more than half a century, residents and guests and townspeople alike knew of the six or more ghosts that haunted the place. But Mark just flat didn’t believe. In fact, for the first year they lived there, he declined any paranormal investigator who asked permission to enter. But pretty soon, he and Rebecca began to have “experiences.” “My wife had seen things, smelled things,” “Because it’s haunted,” was the invariable answer.

Mark explains. “We had some interesting experiences with our son Jacob—it’s called doppelganger phenomenon (a

Mark thought that was just as funny as could be. But in a small

doppelganger is an apparition or a double of a living person).

town like Monticello, word travels fast. Pretty soon, the flam-

For instance, one morning shortly after we moved in, I was in

boyant lady who owned the Allen House called Mark and said,

the kitchen downstairs with Jacob. Rebecca came downstairs

“I hear you want to buy my house.”

and stopped in the doorway and looked at Jacob and said, ‘How did you get down here so quickly?’ And I said, ‘Well,

“Well, my wife and I really love your house,” Mark replied.

he’s been down here with me for twenty or thirty minutes,

“Would you consider selling it?”

and she said ‘No, he was just upstairs in the hallway.’”

“I might,” she declared. “If I like you.”

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Mark himself had a brush with a doppelganger on the very day

ling about this wasn’t just the fact that she distinctly answered

the family moved into the Allen House: “I was carrying boxes in

my questions; I mean, she answered me in complete sentences.

the side door and Jacob was standing right here by this side stair-

I said, ‘Do you like being here?’ and she said ‘Yes, I like being

case. He was watching me carry boxes in and I kind of turned and

here.’ She wanted me to know that she was deliberately an-

as I set the boxes down I said, ‘Well, how do you like your new

swering my questions. That’s when I became a believer.”

house?’ He didn’t say anything, and when I turned back he wasn’t there. A few minutes later I went upstairs and found him watch-

Mark has had innumerable encounters since that time. One

ing a movie. I said, ‘Why didn’t you say anything? I asked how you

of the eeriest happened early one summer morning. He woke

liked the house.’ He said, ‘What are you talking about?’ I said, ‘A

up with a feeling that he should go up into the 2,000-square-

few minutes ago you were standing by the staircase downstairs.’ ‘I

foot attic. He tried to ignore that feeling—shake it off—but

haven’t been down there since breakfast,’ he told me.”

after about thirty minutes of a ceaseless, nagging sensation, he gave in and marched upstairs. “I walked directly over to

As time went by, Mark did allow paranormal investigators to ex-

the edge of the south turret room and looked down at a

plore his home. The Allen House has been featured on the Bi-

little opening in the floor. I just stood there and stared down

ography Channel’s My Ghost Story and Discovery’s A Haunting

at it, wondering what I was doing. There was like a voice in

and SyFy’s Paranormal Witness, to name a few. But even after

my head telling me I needed to look more closely, and I got

a group called Louisiana Spirits recorded forty-seven EVPs (Elec-

down on my knees and looked and finally I noticed that there

tronic Voice Phenomenon, sounds found on electronic record-

was a brown piece of paper under the floorboard.”

ings that are not easily explained as anything other than the voices of ghosts), Mark still wasn’t convinced.

He reached under the floorboard, thinking there was a little newspaper, maybe, down there, and he pulled out a brown envelope.

“I didn’t know why someone would be conning me—why

Inside that envelope? Love letters. Almost ninety in total. “They

they would fake these EVPs—but there was still that nagging

were addressed to Ladell Allen Bonner,” Mark says. “Addressed

doubt,” Mark says. “So I went up to the attic one night by my-

‘Dearest’ and signed ‘Love, P.’ I realized this was a love letter writ-

self with a recorder and I decided to have my own EVP session.

ten to Ladell two months before she committed suicide."

I went up there and asked Ladell some questions. I didn’t spend more than fifteen minutes up there. I played back what I had

How does Mark explain this sudden urge to go to the attic? Why

recorded, and she had answered me. What was really compel-

was it so significant that he found those letters when he did?

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“The explanation I have is that Ladell wanted me to find those letters,” he postulates. “She decided it was time. She wanted me to tell her story.” Ridiculous, right? Just because he ended up in Monticello for a job he never intended to apply for, and bought a house that wasn’t for sale, and found some letters hidden beneath a floorboard—that’s not enough to justify the existence of a haunting, is it? By the end of our visit, I wasn’t so sure. Remember that rental house the Spencers lived in when they first moved to Monticello? Turns out the original owner of that home was Virginia Lucky, Ladell’s best friend. And the Hotchkiss House—the one they bought before they moved into the Allen House? It belonged to Sylvester Hotchkiss, the architect for the Allen House. Still not convinced? Mark says, “Rebecca and I were doing some research regarding the individuals mentioned in the letters. One was Martha Jones, Ladell’s niece. Ladell and Martha were very close. Ladell lost her son in 1944 , the same year Martha lost her mother, so Ladell became Martha’s surrogate mother. And one of the things we found the day after I discovered the letters is that Martha had just died that week. She was the last living person who knew Ladell—who’d had any kind of relationship with her. Martha was the last person who would feel any embarrassment about the revelations, so once Martha passed, it was time.” So many things Mark says make sense—that he was destined to come to Monticello and live in this house and find the letters and tell Ladell’s story. But once I’m out of the house, that mystical, otherworldly feeling dissipates immediately. It’s like I’m just waking up from a spooky dream caused by watching too much Twilight Zone.

Mark has written a book about The Allen House, A But when I get home, and listen to my own recording of the

Haunted Love Story. Find it on Amazon.com. Or better

interview, I find that at twelve minutes and nine seconds into

yet, head to Monticello, Arkansas, on October 30 or 31

our conversation, when I am asking Mark how he came up with

for a guided tour of The Allen House at 705 North Main

the names of his other children—born since they’ve lived in the

Street from 6-11 p.m. Visit The Allen House on Facebook

Allen House—there is a whispery voice that I just cannot quite

for more information.

explain away saying “I would know.” DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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tied up in a

BOW words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Stacy Mitchum

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people

hen Stacy Mitchum was a girl, she stayed home while her

Stacy smiles as she tells the story. The irony is not lost on her.

father and uncle traveled to Africa and Australia and Alas-

This quest her husband took her on, out in the woods of Okla-

ka to hunt. After she married, her husband Donnie hunted

homa, was so that she could spend more time with him and

alone because Stacy never considered going. Still, the two worked

learn to shoot a bow. What he couldn't have known at the time

hard to find other things to do together. They played softball, and

was how much Stacy would love the sport, and how much of

their dream was to have their three kids on a team with them.

their life it would encapsulate.

"We finally made it," Stacy says. "We finally accomplished it one Eventually, the two became the managers of Gellco Outdoors

summer when the entire infield was Mitchums.

archery range, which is on land where as many as 100 shoot"But your knees wear out, and you

ers at a time show up to compete.

have to try something else," Stacy

They are also the leaders of the Riv-

says, and then grins. "And the kids

er Valley Bowhunters' group. Stacy

grew up."

is on the shooting staff of six organizations, including Shoot Like a Girl,

So they dabbled in golf. But

Inc. And, she's become a certified

they were not golfers. And then

instructor for the National Archery

one day four years ago, Donnie

in the Schools Program (NASP) .

couldn't take being in the woods without Stacy any longer. He was

The NASP is near and dear to her

part of a hunting lease in Oklaho-

heart. Stacy loves her job teach-

ma that was bow-only. "He said,

ing third graders at Charleston El-

'If you're going to spend any time

ementary, she's devoted to all the

with me, you're going to have to

students in the system. Charleston,

learn how to shoot a bow.' And I

Arkansas is a small town in Franklin

said, 'I'll go with you, but I'm not

County, population approximate-

going to shoot.'"

ly 2,500, where most everybody knows everybody else. Many of the

There was another man on the lease

students had parents and grandpar-

with Donnie, and he brought his

ents who went to the same school.

wife, Shasta, along, and Shasta shot

In fact, Stacy teaches in the very

a bow. "She told me she'd teach

Stacy Mitchum

me. Donnie bought me a bow and

room where her husband sat when he was a student there.

put it in my hand and said, 'Shoot it.' I still didn't want to, but I did it. After that, Shasta took over,

It wasn't long after she fell in love with archery that she

teaching me how to shoot."

began campaigning to bring it to Charleston. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers grants for schools wanting

Not long after that first hunt, Shasta's husband invited

to participate. They even designate the money they collect

Donnie and Stacy to a 3-D bow shooting tournament. (3-D

from fines (for instance, from someone who's caught fishing

means the targets are foam replicas of the animals you'd

without a license) for the program, divide it by the county

hunt, instead of flat targets with a bull's eye in the mid-

where the offense took place and offer it to the schools.

dle.) That was all it took. There was something about the

There are 550 Arkansas schools, which include 57,000 stu-

competition and the camaraderie; everyone seemed to like

dents, currently participating. The Game and Fish Com-

everyone else. "I was hooked," Stacy says. "Now I'm drag-

mission sets up regional and state tournaments and offers

ging Donnie everywhere so I can shoot my bow. I think

scholarship money as prizes.

he's really proud of me." DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

With that information in hand, Stacy approached those in charge.

The sport also helps those who don't have an affinity for foot-

"I was like the squeaky wheel, talking and talking because I be-

ball or basketball or baseball, and wouldn't participate in sports

lieved in it so much," she says. "I knew how much this program

without this program.

would help the school. We needed to raise some money to match the grant, and once that was done, we were set."

Stacy says plans are underway to expand. She wants an afterschool club of archers. Additionally, she'd like for the Charles-

Last year, during the second semester, the Archery in the

ton students to start competing in the competitions. That's

Schools program began at Charleston, for those in third

where she sees those deeper connections starting since stu-

through eighth grades, which includes 350 students. (The

dents will meet kids they would never have known otherwise.

total school population is nearly

That's exactly what happened when

900.) It's taught as part of the P.E.

Stacy started competing.

curriculum by Stacy and two of the coaches, inside the elementary gym

"There are five of us women who

where they've set up all the needed

train together and shoot togeth-

safety precautions.

er," she says. "Four of us are from Arkansas, and one of us is from

Stacy believes it's doing exactly what

Mississippi. At the National Cham-

she hoped it would. "It helps with

pionships, we got to shoot togeth-

hand-eye coordination, and with

er, and we ended the year ranked

concentration. But it also builds

one through five. In the last twelve

self-esteem. Kids hit that target

months, I've been to tournaments

and their eyes light up. It's even

in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Geor-

helped with discipline because they

gia, and Kentucky. These people

know if they don't behave they

become like family. If I had one re-

won't be able to participate. And

gret it would be that I didn't start

we're always looking for ways for

sooner," she says.

kids to succeed because the more they succeed, the more they'll like

The kids in Charleston's program

school. And the more they like

won't have the same regret be-

school, the better they'll do. So

cause Stacy is making sure they

it's all connected.

get an early start. When she thinks about her contribution, she feels

"The first day of school this year I had kids come up and ask,

honored she was able to help. Being part of something

'When do we get to shoot?' And this summer at a camp I

that builds confidence is wonderful, she says. Being able

helped with, I had a boy ask, 'If I brought you money from

to teach it to the kids she cares so much about is one of

my piggy bank would you come back every day?'

the great joys of her life.

"And think about how long they can do it. We gave up softball because it was too hard after you get a certain age. But at forty-two I started this sport, and I plan to do it for a really long time. At the shooting range, I've seen kids as young as three and those as old as eighty. As long as you can pull your bow back, you can do this.

For more information on the River Valley Bowhunters,

There's a perception that women only shoot with bows designed for

find them on Facebook. For more on archery in the

them. Often, they're the pink ones. But I started with a child's bow,

schools, visit agfc.com.

moved up to a woman's, and now I shoot a man's bow." DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

adventures in

Ghost Hunting words Marcus Coker images Marcus Coker and courtesy Arkansas Paranormal Investigations

DO DS OO SU OTUHTM HA MG AA GZ AIZNIE N. E C.O CM OM

people

It’s dark outside, the air is heavy, and the wind moans. Inside an old

are like round balls of floating light. Usually, it turns out to be light

Victorian house, Jeff Young, forty-nine, steps through the doorway

reflecting off a dust particle or insect, which is visible if the image

of the attic. A board creaks beneath his weight, and then all is quiet.

is blown up or if the orb falls, like dust would, on a video. But once

His heartbeat increases as he prepares to take the next step and

Jeff was using a voice recorder to capture what’s called an EVP

readies himself to find a ghost. As his foot strikes the ground, the

(electronic voice phenomenon), voices that electronics can pick up

door behind him slams shut with an echo and Jeff turns on the spot.

that humans can’t hear. And Jeff recorded a male voice saying, “He

There’s nothing there.

got one.” Later, when looking at photos, there was a big orb above

Jeff’s head. In cases like these, things aren’t so easy to explain. That day, Jeff, who hunts ghosts with Arkansas Paranormal Investi-

“That’s the kind of stuff we get excited about,” says Jeff.

gations (API) in Rogers, Arkansas, determined that the attic wasn’t haunted. “It was a swollen floorboard, and if you stepped on it just right, the door closed,” says Jeff. Sometimes that’s what happens. People hear noises in their home, and it ends up being a squirrel under the porch or a leaky toilet that sounds like mumbling voices in the dark. But Jeff still believes. “I have a healthy skepticism. We

MY PARENTS TOLD ME IT WAS JUST MY IMAGINATION,

don’t take things at face value.”

BUT WHEN SOMETHING

For each experience that has a rational explanation, there is one

HAPPENS TO YOU, YOU

that doesn't. Jeff says, “Once we were at an abandoned hospital on the third floor at night. All of our equipment was off. I looked down the hall and saw what I thought was another team member, a solid figure with light reflecting off him. The woman beside me and I joked that it was a ghost. Well, he took a few more steps and was gone. Then the person who we thought it was walked up the

KNOW IT’S REAL NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS.

stairs behind us.” Experiences like that one, called full-body apparitions, are rare. But

Jeff has been with API for the last three years. As part of the group,

it’s what got Jeff interested. “When I was younger, I was staying

he conducts one or two investigations a month, free of charge, usu-

with my grandparents at their old farmhouse. I was in one of the

ally at a private home or business. The group shoots for a two-week

spare bedrooms and saw someone who wasn’t there. And it’s star-

turnaround and uses equipment including infrared cameras, elec-

tling to feel like someone is watching you, and then you see this

tronic voice recorders, and devices that monitor changes in tem-

guy who’s not part of the family. My parents told me it was just my

perature and static electricity. “We’re looking for anything out of

imagination, but when something happens to you, you know it’s

the ordinary and assume there’s a normal explanation first,” says

real no matter what anyone else says.”

Jeff. “Some people say, ‘If you can prove my building is haunted, I’ll advertise it.’ But we don’t gain anything either way. We don’t sell a

When people call API for an investigation, it’s often because they’ve

service of ghost-be-gone. We just present them with what we find

encountered something they can’t explain. They feel like they’re be-

and let them decide.”

ing watched, they hear strange noises or feel a cold spot in their house. Maybe an item has been moved, or their pets refuse to go

Daniel Brown, who’s twenty-nine, a veteran, and lives in the Arkan-

to a certain part of their home. Jeff says, “People can be sensitive to

sas town of Farmington, has been with API for a couple of months.

electricity and old wiring. It can make you anxious. It can make you

He says, “I got interested when I was stationed in Germany, on

feel like you’re being watched. It can even make you see things.”

leave from Iraq. No one went to the fourth floor of the barracks, but we’d hear doors slamming and people speaking German. Later we

Often, it’s that simple. For example, many ghost hunters use cam-

found out that the barracks were formerly a German base during

eras and video recorders to look for something called orbs, which

World War II. The Allies bombed it, and a lot of guys died there. It

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

made me really curious about what happens after death.” Along with API, Daniel can often be found at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, a site rich with both history and paranormal activity. On December 7, 1862, Union and Confederate forces converged, ultimately ending in a Confederate retreat. By the time it was over, nearly 1,500 were dead. Daniel says, “I have EVPs of gunshots going off here that only show up on recordings. As a combat vet, I would notice if it were real-time. Sometimes spirits will directly talk to you, answering questions. One time we captured a voice saying, 'How can you hear me with that [device]?' We call it a class A EVP, which is different than a residual imprint when you might hear footsteps the same time every night." One of the theories about ghosts is that when people die suddenly, they don’t realize they're dead or aren’t ready to move on. They stay because an area is familiar, or even to protect a person or place. Many simply want to be acknowledged, for someone to communicate, “you’re here.” In rare cases, ghosts can be angry. “They were human once,” says Jeff. “They have emotions. My wife and I were walking along a paved path at the battlefield one night, and we stopped. But behind us, there were two more steps, and I heard what’s called a disembodied voice, one that you can hear with your ears. It said, ‘Go away.’ It was unnerving. It didn’t sound friendly.” “We try not to provoke them,” says Jeff. “Still, one time I was physi-

teers. For me, the findings let me know I’m not crazy, but I’m not here

cally scratched with no provocation.” At this point, Jeff pulls out

to convince anyone else. People will believe or they won’t.”

his phone, showing a picture of his leg with three scratches, two down his calf and one across his ankle. “It doesn’t happen often,

Paranormal, by definition, simply means that something isn’t scien-

but when it does, it feels like a hot sensation. I didn’t even notice

tifically explainable. It’s something we don’t understand just yet. But

at first, but we have video of orbs flying around my leg. We asked

plenty of people, like Jeff and Daniel, want to understand. And as they

if anyone intended to harm us, and an EVP came back, ‘Yes.’ I saw

seek answers, perhaps the rest of us come to understand that the veil

the scratches that night. They say that a spirit can attach itself to

is thinner than we think and that death

you in those instances, but I don’t think that happened. We always

is still the greatest mystery.

pray before and after an investigation that our team is protected.” As a hobby, ghost hunting is like fishing, which means you can spend as much time and money as you’d like. However, most of the equipment API uses costs twenty-five to fifty dollars and can be purchased locally or online. “People are more interested than you might think,” says Jeff. Then he laughs and says, “But we don’t get a lot of volun-

For more information about Arkansas Paranormal Investigations, visit paranormalbeliever.com or email apighosthunter@gmail.com.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

travel

PigTrail

Harrison

OFF THE BEATEN PATH words Kerry Kraus, travel writer, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism images Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

ARKANSAS IS BLESSED WITH MORE THAN ITS SHARE OF BEAUTIFUL VISTAS ANY TIME OF THE YEAR, BUT AUTUMN IS A SHOWCASE SEASON FOR THE NATURAL STATE. EVERY COLOR ASSOCIATED WITH FALL—CANDY APPLE RED, LIME GREEN, PUMPKIN ORANGE, SUNSHINE YELLOW, BRASSY BRONZE—IS ON DISPLAY, USUALLY FROM MID-TO-LATE OCTOBER INTO NOVEMBER.

The Natural State has its noted drives: Scenic 7 Byway in the Ozarks,

JOE DAVID RICE, TOURISM DIRECTOR:

the Talimena National Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas, Crowley’s

“Arkansas 16 from Clinton all the way to Fayetteville can be spec-

Ridge National Scenic Parkway in the Delta, the Pig Trail in the

tacular when conditions are just right. It’s a nice quiet drive through

Ozarks, and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in the

the very heart of the Ozarks, winding through quaint little towns

Delta, just to name a few. But there are numerous back roads that

like Crabtree, Ben Hur, Deer, Fallsville, and a dozen or so others.

traverse the best of small town Arkansas while affording some of

Also, the roads in Village Creek State Park near Wynne are an unex-

the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer.

pected fall delight in eastern Arkansas. Stop in at the Park and visit The Ridges at Village Creek golf course even if you don’t play the

I decided to ask the people who know Arkansas the best – some of my

game. The scenery is gorgeous.”

co-workers at the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism whose job it is to promote The Natural State – to find out their favorite “off the

LEAH DIPIETRO, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

beaten path” scenic drive. Below are their suggestions.

“The fall color on U.S. 64 traveling west from Russellville to Altus can be quite beautiful, and I’ve enjoyed many trips on this route. Start the

RICHARD W. DAVIES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

day at Lake Dardanelle State Park off Marina Road in Russellville, with

“I like Ark. 22 from Dardanelle through Subiaco to Paris. It’s a mix-

its gorgeous views of one of the most popular lakes in the state. The

ture of pastures and mountains that is just, well, scenic, and Ark. 21

park’s lakeshore visitor center includes interpretive exhibits that share

out of Clarksville to Ponca is often overshadowed by the Pig Trail,

information about the park and the area’s history. Hiking trails and

and it can be spectacular.”

rental kayaks are also available. After leaving the park, turn left onto DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

travel

Steel Creek Road

Marina Road and follow it to the end, and then take another left

Arkansas River, take the first Maumelle exit and follow Ark. 365 north

onto U.S. 64 west, which will lead you straight to the Altus wine

towards Conway. You’ll be driving alongside Lake Conway on this road

country. Six wineries now operate in the Altus area, and each pro-

where you’ll find many places to stop, look at birds, fish or explore.

vides free tours with tasting rooms. The downtown pays tribute to

Then past Conway, there are two choices that can turn the excur-

the area’s coal mining history while offering visitors unique shop-

sion into an overnighter. Take either U.S. 64 east towards Vilonia

ping experiences in a classic square setting.”

and head up Ark. 36 to Harriet, enjoying a gorgeous view along the way until it junctions with Ark. 5, which goes north to Heber

A.C. “CHUCK” HARALSON, CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER:

Springs. Or take U.S. 64 west and follow it to Ark. 9, spending the

“Take Ark. 7 to Jasper where you can grab a great meal at the historic

evening around Greers Ferry.

Ozark Café or overlook the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks while dining at the Cliff House Inn and Restaurant, then go right on Ark. 74 east, a

JILL ROHRBACH, TRAVEL WRITER FOR NORTHWEST ARKANSAS:

favorite of motorcyclists, with scenic overlooks, windy roads, and not

I think the Old 71 (Boston Mountains Scenic Loop/U.S. 71) and I-49

much traffic. Take Ark. 74 to Ark. 374 west for more nice scenery and

are beautiful. And, it's unique because U.S. 71 is less traveled now and

a view of Red Rocks, also a favorite of motorcyclists and sports car en-

gives a more intimate feel while the interstate gives sweeping vistas.

thusiasts. From there go south on Ark. 7 to Lurton and take Ark. 123

Or how about Ark. 154 up and over Petit Jean; Ark. 74 along the Buf-

to make a side trip to Sam’s Throne parking lot from which a short hike

falo National River; Ark. 59 from Siloam Springs to Fort Smith (not to

takes you to great rock formations and an awesome overlook of Sam’s

be confused with the Hwy. 59 on the Oklahoma side); Ark. 10 from

Throne. Continue north back up to U.S. 65.

Greenwood to Havana; or Ark. 16 from Fayetteville to Greers Ferry?”

”Another one is from Mountain View; take Ark. 9 south to Ark.

KIMBERLY WILLIAMS, TRAVEL WRITER FOR

263 to Ark. 14 then go east to Ark. 341 for a less traveled route

EASTERN ARKANSAS:

with some nice overlooks and great roads. Continue north to

“One of my favorite drives is Ark. 147 around Horseshoe Lake between

Ark. 201 into Mountain Home.”

West Memphis and Hughes. The road winds around the lake, which is so pretty, and then it crisscrosses through Delta farmland. There is a

CASEY CROCKER, VISUAL COORDINATOR/PHOTOGRAPHER:

beautiful pecan grove that's probably over 200 years old. The drive also

“My suggestion is good for both tourists and even for those who com-

highlights some of the richest soil in the Arkansas Delta—and the fields

mute to Little Rock from Conway and surrounding areas. I think the

around you are abundant with the crops of the season. There are old

drive is pleasant and conducive to motorcyclists or others who want

abandoned shotgun houses and general stores that remind drivers the

a different view than the one from Interstate 40. After crossing the

area was once a bustling agricultural community.”

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

travel

Highway 7 Bridge

Highway 74

ZOIE CLIFT, TRAVEL WRITER FOR SOUTHERN ARKANSAS: “I've always found U.S. 82 to be interesting. It traverses the whole southern section of the state providing an opportunity to see varied terrain, small towns, nice state parks (Logoly, Moro Bay, Lake Chicot) in the region. Extend your trip by getting a cabin at Moro Bay State Park or a waterfront one at Lake Chicot State Park. I think if you stay on it the whole width of the state, starting at Texarkana to the Mississippi River, it's around 200 miles in length.” KERRY KRAUS, TRAVEL WRITER FOR CENTRAL ARKANSAS: “I have two favorites for Central Arkansas. One is Ark. 10 west after you get past all the population of west Little Rock. Heading toward Pinnacle Mountain and Lake Maumelle is al-

Scenic Hwy. 16 West

ways a pretty drive but is really special in the fall. By the time you reach that area, you’re in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and the scenery is rolling hills and an abundance of trees. Ark. 10 ends at Ark. 9, also a scenic drive. If you head north on Ark. 9, you’ll come to the pretty little town of Perryville where you’ll find a quaint museum and a really good restaurant in Mustang Sally’s. Another personal preference is U.S. 165 southeast out of Little Rock. It takes you through the farmlands of Scott and Keo, two special small towns in Central Arkansas. You’re in the flatlands, so it’s a different type of scenic drive. The crops take

Highway 7 Overlook

on a color all their own and the fields stretch out before you. At Scott, you can stop at the Plantation Agriculture Museum and Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, and Scott Plantation Settlement. Stop in for a hubcap burger at Cotham’s, a historic general store and restaurant. In Keo, you can visit an antiquer’s heaven at Morris Antiques, with 60,000-sqarefeet of shopping bliss. Top your day off with a piece of prize-

For more information on autumn activities, additional scenic drives and fall color updates, go to www.Arkansas.com/fall.

winning pie at Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

community

Days of Corn and Pumpkins

OCTOBER IS A GREAT TIME TO GET OUTSIDE, EXPLORE ARKANSAS, AND CHECK OUT A FEW OF THE AREA'S CORN MAZES AND PUMPKIN PATCHES!

Frog Bayou Farms

Farmland Adventures

West Main Street, Alma 72921

5355 Parsons Road, Springdale, AR

frogbayoufarms.com

farmlandadventures.com

479.437.9680

479. 799.5033

Saturday/Sunday from 1-7 PM, through October 31

Fall hours, through November 7: Thursday 3-9:30 PM

Adults and Children 13 and Older - $10;

(in October only); Friday 1-9:30 PM; Saturday 9 AM - 9:30 PM.

Children 4-12 years - $6; Under 4 - Free

13+ $10; 65+ $8;12 and under, $9; 2 and under Free with paying adult.

This family farm is transformed this time of year. The pumpkin patch is ready for picking. There are hayrides, a hay tunnel and

Wagon rides, nine acres of giant and mini corn mazes, petting farm,

maze, a duck race, and plenty of farm animals for you to see.

pig races, pedal karts, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, pony rides. Note: Wagon rides, pig races and pumpkin patch close at dark.

Wild Things Farm

Schaefers & Collins Pumpkin Patch & Farm

700 Beaty, Pocola, OK

861 Lollie Road, Mayflower, AR (near Conway)

wildthingsfarm.com

501.269.7903

918.626.4053

Open through October 31

Open through November 8

Fridays, Noon - 10:30 PM Saturday 10 AM - 10:30 PM;

Thursday and Friday 2-6 PM; Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM;

Sundays 1 - 6 PM

Sunday NOON - 5 PM. Night maze/ hayride October 23, 24, 30, 31, from 7 - 9 PM.

Adults $8; 60+ $7; 3-12 $6; 2 and under FREE

Adults $8, Kids 18 months -15 years $10

If you flew over this corn maze you'd see an eagle, an Ameri-

Kids super pass $15 (includes pony ride and train ride)

can flag, and the words" Let Freedom Ring." The maze covers

Family of four $40 (includes 2 pony rides and 2 train rides)

approximately fifteen acres, and for those who want out early,

Night maze/hayride - $6

there is a shorter route. There are also hayrides, a commercial playground, hay tunnels, hay bales to play on, and lots of conces-

Just minutes from Fort Smith is Wild Things Farm, where there's

sion foods. You can even bring your own meal, if you like.

a seven-acre corn maze, hayrides, pony rides, train rides, and a petting zoo. There's also a night maze (be sure to bring a flashlight!) on October 23, 24, 30, 31, 7-9 PM

Tip: Looking for a pumpkin closer to home? Shop Parks Brothers in Van Buren or Farmers Coop in several locations.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

taste

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

taste

CANDY CORN COOKIE CURE image Catherine Frederick

Tis the season for candy corn. Combine it with the most delicious cookie dough recipe for a real treat!

INGREDIENTS ½ cup unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract 2 Tablespoons half-and-half 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon baking soda Salt, just a pinch 1 cup candy corn (10 - 11 ounces) ¾ cup white chocolate chips

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

taste

METHOD Makes about 24 cookies Preheat oven to 350Ë&#x161;. Prepare cookie sheet with non-stick spray, or bake on a Silpat. Combine butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla in medium bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium-high until fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl, add half-and-half, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Beat on low until combined. Roughly chop candy corn into pieces. Mix candy corn and white chocolate chips into dough with rubber spatula. Form dough into medium sized balls, approximately one-and-ahalf-inch. Place onto baking sheet. Press balls down a bit and cover with plastic wrap. Put in refrigerator for 3 hours. Refrigeration is a step that cannot be skipped. NOTE: The pieces of candy corn CANNOT lay directly on the Silpat/ baking sheet, if so, they will melt out of the cookie. Cover any candy corn pieces on the bottom of ball with a piece of dough. Space dough balls two inches apart on baking sheet. Place in oven, bake for 8-9 minutes. Watch the cookies at the seven-minute mark. Remove cookies from oven-they will look slightly undercooked. DO NOT OVERBAKE! Let cookies cool completely before transferring them to a platter. Enjoy!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

taste

Creamsicle Crush recipe inspired by annsentitledlife.com image Catherine Frederick

INGREDIENTS 3 ounces Crush Orange Soda 1 ounce Smirnoff Whipped Cream vodka 1 Tablespoon sweetened condensed milk Can of whipped cream Orange sprinkles

METHOD Fill glass with ice. In a mixing tin, combine vodka and sweetened condensed milk. Add Crush Orange Soda and stir gently to combine. Pour mixture into prepared glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with orange sprinkles if desired. Always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

southern fiction

What Brings Us Home FICTION Marla Cantrell

hen Bobby Romeo was going on nineteen, he left the hills with his tail afire. I never seen a body want to leave home as much as he did. He said, "Sister, the world's awaiting," and then he jumped in his

rattle-trap truck and he gunned the engine and smoke rose like boom-diddly. Well, Mama took to her bed for a day and a half. She didn't love nobody the way she did him. When she died, Bobby Romeo come back for the services, smelling like liquor, and he sung at the church. He sung "Always on My Mind" by Willie and everybody just balled and balled. He had a city girl by thenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a big girl with a twitchy left eye and great big bosomsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and she sat on his lap at the graveyard, in the chairs marked FAMILY, and I like to have died myself. After that, he come back to the house, filled up a plate with fried chicken and Cat's Head biscuits and then he told stories about mama that made everybody in the room fall-out laughing. When I got up the next morning, he was gone again. No note. No nothing. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

southern fiction

When I thought about Bobby Romeo in those years after Mama died,

"The thing that goes in the paper after you die, that tells folks who

I'd remember riding behind him on his dirt bike, my scrawny arms

you was. I want people to smile when they read mine." He winked.

around his waist, the wind on my face. He'd whoop and holler when

"I want them to tump over laughing."

he popped a wheelie. I only saw him sad that one time when Mama died. When Daddy died, he didn't even come home.

"Now, Bobby Romeo," I said. "No need to get ahead of yourself."

Bobby Romeo was living in Nashville by then, where he'd collected a

When the sun come up the next morning, I found him propped up in

slew of old lovers and ex-wives. I picked up the phone on an ordinary

his bed, scribbling on the back of a paper sack.

Tuesday and he was on the other end. It'd been so long, he had to I took it from him. It said, "Bobby Romeo DuPree died on _____,

tell me who he was.

2014. He loved fried chicken, Mountain Dew, PayDay candy bars, "Twyla," he said, after that.

and foxy ladies."

"Bobby Romeo," I said. "What's your trouble?" Because I knew there

Bravery breaks my heart, and right then my brother was the bravest

was trouble.

person I knew. I sat on the edge of his bed and sobbed.

"The doctor says I'm dying. I didn't believe it at first, but this morn-

"That's not the effect I had in mind," he said. And after a minute,

ing...," he said, and then stopped.

"Why don't you help me? It'll be fun. You'll probably learn a few things about me, stuff you can tell after I'm gone. I lived a big life,

And just like that, he asked to come home.

Twyla. Most of it was better than a picture show."

I will spare you the things I wish I could forget my own self. The body

For the next three weeks I listened to his stories. And I took notes like

struggles long after it ought to give up. But there were times when it

I was a secretary for a Big Wig. My thought was I'd use it to write a

seemed like he might make it, and at night, when we sat on the front

proper obituary, something that made Bobby Romeo sound digni-

porch and looked out over the old home place, I was as happy as a

fied. Some of what he said made me blush. But there were other

pig in a peach orchard.

things, such as how he played Santa every Christmas, passing out gifts to kids in the worst part of Nashville, that made me love him

"The ladies still call," he said on one of those nights. "Can't get Bob-

anew. "Don't write that down," he said. "I don't want it to seem like

by Romeo off their minds." He laughed. "My last Old Lady's daddy

I was patting myself on the back."

called me the other day. Told me I was at the tip-top of Our ReBy late November, he was getting too tired to talk much at all, and

deemer's prayer list."

on a Friday, the doc told me to call the family in. There were folks I'd "Everybody on the hill is praying for you. The whole valley's praying

never seen before who showed up on my doorstep all through the

for you, too," I said, and swept my hand from left to right to show I

day on Saturday. I guess one of his foxy ladies started spreading the

meant all the houses and all the people down below.

word, and everybody who loved Bobby Romeo decided to come say their farewells. It looked like the inside of a honky-tonk in my living room, with all the low-cut blouses, and all the cigarette smoking, and

"Folks are mostly good," he said.

men pouring alcohol and passing it around. It was early October and the air smelt of wood smoke. The moon was full as a rich man's belly, and the stars winked above us.

I was the last one who talked to Bobby Romeo. He called me in after a lady named Betty come wailing out of his room, her high heels

"It's time I wrote my finals," Bobby Romeo said.

catching on the throw rug. She almost fell, but then a big man in a cowboy hat caught her in his arms, and the two stumbled out onto

"Your finals?"

the porch. It must of been twenty degrees out there, but I guess if you're drinking, it don't matter much. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

southern fiction

His room was dark except for a lamp on the chiffarobe. I stood a

got married young, but it didn't work out. He tried three more times

ways away and he said, "Twyla." The way he said it near about

just to be sure, but it always ended the same. Still, he kept those

stopped my heart.

ladies as friends, and loved them till the day he died.

I sat on his bed and took his hand, and he said, "You remind me

"Bobby Romeo," I said, "was killed when he skydived into a burn-

of Mama," he said. "Same good heart. I know you wonder, so I'll

ing building to save a passel of adorable children. Or maybe not.

tell you now. I'll be seeing Mama soon; I've made my peace." He

We all know how much he liked to tell his stories."

coughed when he tried to laugh, and then he said, "I would've made The little brunette laughed then, but she also had tears in her eyes.

a terrible old man, anyway."

I said, "I bet a lot of folks watching this are chuckling right now, I was beyond crying then. I laid on my side next to him, and told him

and that's just what my brother wanted. He left these hills when

how when I was six, I wanted to grow up and be just like him, and

he was just a pup, because he knew this grand old world was itch-

how, somewhere along the way, I'd lost my nerve. When the story

ing to get hold of him. But when he knew he was dying, he come

was over, so was Bobby Romeo.

back, and he wrote this down because he wanted to tell the gospel truth about the life he lived and the people he loved. I didn't

When the funeral director asked for it, I handed over the obituary

always agree with his life, but I'll tell you now, at least he lived it."

I'd so carefully written. But then I went home, and in the nightstand drawer in Bobby Romeo's room, I found the one he'd done. It was so

The news lady stopped me. She said they had to go cover a fire,

much better than mine.

and then she hugged me real quick and took off. After they left, I took a walk, going down the same rutted dirt roads me and Bobby

After it came out in the paper, the TV station called. A itty-bitty bru-

Romeo traveled as kids. I could almost see him there beside me,

nette showed up on my front porch and asked me questions about

this lanky boy grinning down at me, trying his dangest to get me

my brother. They were going to tell his story on the six o'clock news.

to do some foolish thing or another.

They used the picture I gave them of Bobby Romeo wearing a cowboy hat cocked back on his head, and a satin shirt unbuttoned to his

In those first days after someone you love passes, it's like they're

belly, and his hair long enough to touch his collar. The brunette made

not quite gone. Sometimes, walking around a corner, you think

me read the obituary aloud.

you catch a glimpse. Could they still be there? I don't really know. But I do know, on that walk on that day, I felt an arm go 'round

I pulled my coat tight around me, and I started listing the family he

my shoulder, and the sun popped out from behind a cloud, and

left behind, real somber, because of course it was. And then I read

two kids I'd never seen before, a little tow-headed boy and girl,

the rest of what my brother had written. "Bobby Romeo DuPree died

came bobbing up the path, holding hands and laughing.

on November 23, 2014. He loved fried chicken smothered in cane syrup, Mountain Dew, PayDay candy bars, and foxy ladies. He loved

That was enough of a sign for me. Bobby Romeo had made it to

Jim Beam, his sister Twyla, and watching Two and a Half Men, and

glory. Someday, I would too. But not before I did a few foolish

catching trout on the North Fork River just as the sun was coming up.

things of my own. No sirree, not until then.

He hated vegetables and hypocrites. Not necessarily in that order. He built his own house, popped wheelies on his Hog going 60 mph, and hit Coke bottles with his .45, from thirty-five yards away. "Bobby Romeo had heroes, most of them on TV. He learned how to be a good man from Marshall Dillon and Ben Cartwright. He learned

This story is based on an actual obituary I read a few years

other useful things from Charlie Harper. There isn't enough space

ago. It's been on my mind ever since. When I was thinking

here to list all the foxy ladies he loved. Goodbye to Happy Harriet,

about what to write, this character, Bobby Romeo, showed

Loosey Lucy, Big-Bosom Betty, Stacked Stephanie and Marvelous

up, and the story just seemed to take off.

Macy. He attracted more women than a shoe sale at JC Penney's. He DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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The Woman's Guide

Fall is finally here, and things are settling down. Kids are back in school, and we women are finally taking a little time for ourselves. We've gathered some great information to help you find just the right products and services for you.

Our Do South® experts are here with tips on everything from

Make your own hand-painted Christmas gifts at Cross My Art:

the latest in home decorating trends, to how to stage a great

Choose from a wide selection of ornaments, platters, mugs,

dining room table, to details about an innovative weight

and so much more. We can help you create beautiful hand-

loss program. They have tips on stress relief and the latest in

painted, personalized gifts. These are great for teachers and

cosmetic procedures. They even have the inside scoop on two

grandparents. Many are under $20! We also have more than 25

annual events you won't want to miss. Want to know more?

styles of door hangers, from Razorbacks to monograms.

Give them a call. They'd love to hear from you! Everyone can do it: We're here to help with ideas, designs, and even lettering. If you can dream it up, we can draw it. We make

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it easy. We often say, "It's like paint-by-number for adults." You will walk away with a professional piece of art, and learn some tips

Angela Vennum Avlos

along the way.

Cross My Art Studio

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Jody Neumeier Trending in Home Décor: We're seeing lots of neutral colors

Neumeier Nursery & Florist, Fall Festival

(tone-on-tone) and classic shapes. Less clutter and sleeker

Saturday, October 10, 10 AM - 4 PM

patterns. That translates to our products. We have a wide

Sunday, October 11, Noon - 4 PM

selection of wooden fall shapes for your front door. We are also painting scriptures, inspirational quotes, or monograms on old

Our Fall Festival started back in the early 80s as a way to say

windows, which are great for decorating your front porch. We

thank you to the community for their patronage and support.

have pumpkins and turkeys galore. As for trendy colors right

Many who attended as kids now bring their own children. It’s

now, my favorite is layering cream and taupe with a touch of

a fun family event with live music, great food, arts and crafts,

champagne for a classic look.

pony rides, gorgeous fall plants for sale, as well as pumpkins!

Feeling Lucky? Our $5 raffle, available to shoppers and non-

and Thanksgiving. Bedford's Camera and Video takes free

shoppers, is an 18kt white gold Forevermark® diamond pendant

pictures of the kids in our pumpkin patch, so those attending

from Newton's Jewelers valued at $3,695.

have a reminder of what a great time they had for years to come. For our Girl's Night Out ticket holders, we have a new Diamond We also have great vendors — things like fire pits, hand-painted

Bar raffle. Pick your lucky number (or numbers) attached to

ornaments, handmade bags, soaps and scrubs, original art,

a filled champagne flute at $25 each, to be entered to win a

and much more! Our gift shop and nursery will be open, full of

1.00ct De Beers Forevermark® loose diamond from Newton's

decorating and gift ideas you'll just love.

Jewelers, valued at more than $6,500.

Junior League Holiday Market

Deborah Clark

November 13, 14

Season’s – Fashion, Gifts, Home

Fort Smith Convention Center

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Just walking around puts you in the mood for fall, Halloween,

We invite you to shop Seasons for all your holiday decor. What to expect: New this year is Mochas, Muffins, and Mimosas, on November 13, from 9 - 11:30 AM. Available only to the first

Decorate your fireplace mantle: For interesting mantels, always

500 people, your $15 ticket will allow you to beat the crowds

mix heights of items displayed. Group tall candlesticks together,

and shop first. The first 100 shoppers will also receive a special

use pumpkins and a fall leaf garland for a natural look. You can

VIP bag filled with goodies!

always put items on a pedestal to make them taller.

Our Girl's Night Out fashion show is also getting a new look!

Doors decorations: Spray paint an old picture frame or a rake

The lights will be dimmed, the spotlight will be on, and all eyes

head and attach flowers and ribbon. Monogrammed and

will be on the things our merchants want to highlight for you.

seasonal door hangers are extremely popular, as well. Magnolia

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leaves can be used for a natural look, or spray-paint the leaves in

Springs速 hot tubs, with up to $4,000 off retail pricing. We will

a copper or bronze finish to dress them up for fall or Christmas.

also have great deals on grills, pool cleaners, hot tub covers,

It's not too early for Christmas: Trends this year are lots

umbrellas, and patio furniture.

of blues, from pale, icy blue to turquoise. New metals are hot, like bronze, pewter, and copper finishes. Mix them with

Is it a good time to buy outdoor furniture? The fall season is a

traditional colors to make colors pop. Retro 1950s d辿cor is

great time to buy outdoor furniture. With the weather changing

big this year, in red and white with apple green or turquoise.

and leaves falling, outdoor furniture helps you enjoy the

And whimsical is in! You'll see things like elf legs sticking

outdoors even more.

out of trees or potted items. Natural wood, either light birch or dark walnut, is popular for those who like a traditional, natural look. And finally, traditional green took an exit for

BEAUTY

several years, but it is popular again this year. Dr. James E. Kelly, MD Caleb Burton

Western Arkansas Plastic, Hand and

Burton Pools & Spas

Reconstructive Surgery Center

Fall, another great season to grill! Most of our grill customers

No more saggy arms: The brachioplasty is a surgical procedure

grill all year long. Our most popular grill is the Big Green Egg速.

performed to correct sagging of the upper arms. Some people

One of the reasons we see our customers grilling through the

reference it as "bat-wing deformity," and patients sometimes

year is due to the versatility of the Big Green Egg速.

call it an "arm lift." The procedure is ideal for adults with

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significant upper arm skin laxity. It also addresses adults who Don't miss our Warehouse Event October 23 - November 2.

have lost a significant amount of weight, and have excess skin

During our warehouse event we will have great deals on Hot

because of it.

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As with any procedure, patients should elect a board-certified,

after she'd come to me, someone asked if she'd gotten Botox速.

experienced plastic surgeon to perform the surgery. If the

Nope, just got her brows done!

procedure is performed in an office-based surgery center, it's important to ensure the facility is accredited by a nationally

Seek help: Most people need help shaping their brows. It's

or state recognized accrediting agency, or that it is Medicare

easy to take off too much, or get them uneven if you're not

certified. Accreditations such as these reflect high standards

sure where you're going. A skilled brow artist can map out

of healthcare settings, and let you know that facilities have

exactly where your brows should start, arch, and end.

been inspected routinely. Holistic skincare: Holistic skincare works WITH the skin, to Downtime varies, but in general patients can expect a 1-2 week

heal it and achieve the best result possible. Most holistic lines

recovery period before returning to regular activities.

are also free of irritants such as sulfates and parabens.

Fall and winter are ideal times to have the procedure. This

Facials: Regular facial treatments are an essential part of

generally allows patients ample time to recover from the

a healthy skin regimen, especially when clearing acne!

procedures, scars to lighten, and as a result, to be beach-ready

Benefits include professional exfoliation and extractions to

for spring and summer months.

clear clogged pores. The ingredients we can use as licensed professionals

can

help

stimulate

collagen

production,

Sarah McDaniel

lighten pigmentation, bring nutrients to your skin, and calm

Sarah McDaniel Aesthetics

inflammation. Facial massage helps release tension held in the face, and your esthetician will have the opportunity to

What lush brows can do for you: A full brow, shaped/colored to its best potential, is one of the quickest and easiest ways to

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take a few years off your face. I once had a client tell me that

adjust your homecare to achieve your goals.

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a garden. Keeping those follow-up appointments will help

Basinger Aesthetics

keep their legs looking better and feeling more productive!

Who's the perfect candidate for Scitonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pro-Vâ&#x201E;˘ laser treatment

Amanda Paxton

for veins? Varicose vein treatment is not just for bulging or rope-

Southern Bliss Salon

like veins. This in-office treatment might be right for adults (who are not pregnant) who are experiencing any

Hair colors that are trending: You can stay on the classic side

of the following in their lower extremities: pain, swelling,

with a rich chocolate with caramel highlights or copper hues.

edema, itching, burning, aching, cramping, heaviness,

If you've always wanted to recreate those gorgeous sun-kissed

restless legs, or venous stasis ulcers. Some patients have

strands you had as a kid, baby lights are the perfect thing. If

come to us for assessment because they've noticed it's

you want an edgier color, while still staying sophisticated, then

becoming difficult to stand for long periods of time.

colors that resemble red wine are a great option. While everyone

After laser treatment, most return to work the following

has been trying to cover those gorgeous gray/silver strands, they

day. Patients having ultrasound guided sclerotherapy

have become extremely popular.

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Dr. Norma Basinger

can return to work from their appointment. Something for everyone: We serve the whole family, from kids The majority of patients have more than one vein needing

to moms and dads to grandparents, which makes getting your

laser treatment. Large veins are closed with our Sciton

hair care needs met a whole lot easier. We even have senior

Pro-V laser. Smaller veins are closed with ultrasound guided

citizen discounts, and discounts for military, police, and EMS

injections of a sclerosing fluid. We follow the patient every

(with valid ID.) We also offer Woody's for Men, a great product

6 months after initial treatment is complete to look for new

line. Woody's not only offers an amazing line of shampoos,

problems and treat them early. We tell our patients that

conditioners, and styling products, but a line just for shaving

taking care of varicose vein disease is much like weeding

and taking care of beards.

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Eyelash extensions: Extensions give you those long, voluminous

at the injection site. At Luminessence, we are proud to offer

lashes you've been longing for without having to fight with false

a wide variety of products like Botox®, Dysport®, Juvederm®,

lashes every day. Eyelash extensions fall out with your natural

Restylane®, Radiesse® and Sculptra® to keep you looking your

lashes and will need to be filled within two to three weeks.

absolute best. When it comes to your face, don’t compromise.

Dr. Sumer Phillips Luminessence Medi-Spa

HOME

Botox®: Who's the perfect candidate? Anyone who has wrinkles!

Sean Burger

Botox is a perfect treatment for women AND men who are

Luther Stem Pools & Spas

unhappy with fine lines and wrinkles that develop over time due to repeated facial expressions. It is a perfect solution for someone

Benefits of Micro Silk Spa® by Marquis® Spa: Increased skin

who has forehead lines, frown lines, and wrinkles at the corners

metabolism, enhanced skin cell growth, deeper cleansing

of the eyes. Before deciding on a treatment method, tell your

of the pores to remove impurities, reduced fine lines and

board-certified physician if you have any health problems that

wrinkles, relief from the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis,

could affect the quality of your treatment.

and increased hydration.

What about fillers? Fillers, unlike Botox®, fill the line or wrinkle

You can feel the difference! Each and every time you use the

and restore volume loss. Fillers typically last 6 months and can

Micro Silk® pump it will leave your skin feeling silky and smooth,

be done in about 30 minutes. No filler is perfect for all wrinkles;

from the very first time you use it.

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that’s why you should always have injections done by a boardcertified physician with ongoing, specialized training. Side

Targeting sore muscles: The true therapy of the spa comes from

effects are rare, but can include swelling, redness, and bruising

the high flow, low pressure pump that is your jet pump. Micro Sil

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is a separate oxygen pump that you can kick on to enjoy the many

a base for your arrangement. You can easily work in

benefits while soaking in the oxygen-enriched, warm water.

candlesticks, greenery, even ornaments. Go crazy! When you want to serve guests at the table, you can easily pick

Maintaining the spa: Marquis速 Spas are one of the lowest

up the tray without having to disassemble it. Just return it

maintenance spas in the industry. With Constant Clean water

to the table when your meal is over.

technology, Smart Clean cycles after every use, and the implement of the Frog Inline chemical cartridges, spending just

Looking ahead to Christmas: The trend of natural, earthy colors

10 minutes once a week to maintain water balance, water level,

has come back. We saw a lot of use of canvas ribbon, wildlife

and cleaning the filters, is the typical maintenance for the spa.

ornaments, pine cones and other natural elements being reintroduced last Christmas, and it's continuing this season.

Terri Glasco, Allied ASID Interior Design T. Glasco Designs

HEALTH

Dress up your entry: Pumpkins symbolize fall and all things Ann Passmore, MD, FACS

missing during the hot summer months. Arrange different

Passmore Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

colored pumpkins and gourds with greenery. Incorporate any Halloween decorations you may have as well, then simply

What are Mommy Makeovers? A new baby brings new changes

remove them to carry you through the Thanksgiving holiday.

to your life, and to your body. To return to pre-pregnancy shape, many women choose to undergo breast augmentation and/or

Your divine dining room table: The only way to get

breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. Breast volume can be

elaborate with your dining room table during the holidays

restored by an augmentation. Alternately, the saggy, deflated

is to MAKE IT PORTABLE! Use a large platter or tray as

breast can be restored by a lift procedure, which elevates

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wonderful. It reminds us of the crisp air that we had been

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PASSMORE PLASTIC SURGERY 3017 South 70th Street, Fort Smith 479.274.6600 | 800.333.1305 passmoreplasticsurgery.com | monthly specials | e-news Changes that make you feel better about you. Do you ever wonder how you would look if you could correct Mother Nature or turn back the hands of time? Maybe you're bothered by droopy eyelids, breasts that are too small, or sagging, wrinkled skin that makes you appear older than you are. With the expertise of Ann Passmore, MD, there are safe, affordable treatments that can help you look better and feel better about yourself. A native of Fort Smith with more than 18 years experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Passmore provides a wide range of surgical procedures including breast enhancement, liposuction, facelifts, and tummy tucks, as well as scar, skin cancer, and tattoo removal. She also performs non-surgical body and facial treatments such as Liposonix®, injections, fillers, chemical peels, and Ultherapy®. The hallmark of her practice is providing advanced treatments with the highest degree of skill. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Passmore is highly trained in facial anatomy. This helps her achieve the best possible results using fillers and injections of Botox® Cosmetic. You can trust Dr. Passmore's experience and training — for changes that make you feel better about you.

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LOOK GREAT & SAVE: 15% DISCOUNT on Ultherapy® and/or Liposonix® paid for in October.

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existing breast tissue higher into the chest wall. Then, if more

responsibilities and eliminating unnecessary tasks, women can

fullness is desired after healing from the lift, an augmentation

make more time to care for themselves. It also means setting

can be performed. Another area that concerns many mommies

boundaries and not assuming additional roles. Sometimes

is the abdomen. Excess skin that doesn’t retract well after

volunteering for the PTA fundraiser or agreeing to host the

pregnancy and weight loss can be removed. At the same time a

office Christmas party are things we feel we need to do, even

tightening of the body wall is done to provide a sort of “internal

if we don’t have the time. As a result, women have become

corset.”

Hard to lose hip and flank fullness can be subtly

“multi-tasking superwomen” who have forgotten how to take

sculpted away with liposuction. The fullness under the chin can

care of their own physical, emotional and mental health. A life

be injected with Kybella™ to subtly dissolve fat. There are many

coach, self-help books, gym memberships, leisure hobbies, and

"Mommy Makeover" options that can get you back in shape.

regular medical care are a few ways we empower women to

These procedures are very affordable through options such as

reduce the stress.

CareCredit financing. Plan a visit to my office for facial and physique analysis to customize your Mommy Makeover today,

How to help:

and visit us at PassmorePlasticSurgery.com.

The first step in encouraging a loved one to seek help is to listen health treatment is what keeps people from seeking help. We

Valley Behavioral Health

can help them feel more comfortable by learning more about their symptoms and letting them know they're not alone.

Women and stress: Women are often caught in the hustle and bustle of taking care of everyone else. Juggling careers, rearing

Dr. Cody Friddle

school-aged children, and caring for aging parents are a few

Friddle Dentistry

common stressors many face daily. One key in helping deal with these and other pressures is to alleviate stress. By prioritizing

What is cosmetic dentistry? To me everything we do falls under

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to them without judgment. Many times the stigma of mental Crystal Lougin, LPC

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the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are one example,

Also, some patients bite down in a destructive way, grind

but everything we do is to improve people's smiles. This is

their teeth at night, chew on ice, or open things with

why for years our restorations have all been metal-free. When

their teeth, and these habits can cause damage, but with

my patients smile, I don't want them to feel like they can't

the advancement in dental materials, and quality labs

smile very big because they've had a root canal and a metal

and products that we use in our office, cosmetic dental

crown on a back molar. At Friddle Dentistry we consider all

restorations are lasting longer than ever.

our restorations to be in the "cosmetic zone" of a patient's smile, even if it's the back molar.

Darryl Eckes, MD, FACS, General and Bariatric Surgeon Cooper Clinic Weight Loss Program

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Sometimes cosmetic dentistry would include an all-porcelain crown to replace fillings that have leakage at the margins

What is the ORBERA™ managed weight loss system? Orbera™

that cause stains between front teeth. Sometimes it would

is a balloon-like device which is inserted non-surgically into

be straightening teeth with our almost invisible tooth-colored

your stomach during a brief endoscopic procedure. Once it is

orthodontics system called "Six Month Smile." Other times it‘s

inflated with saline, you will be able to eat less and still have

bonding teeth or doing veneers.

a feeling of fullness. Dietary counseling will be provided to teach you healthy habits so you can lose weight and keep it

If done properly,metal-free restorations can last just as

off after the balloon is removed in six months. Studies show

long, or longer, than traditional crowns. It depends on

that Orbera™ patients lose an average of 50 pounds.

many factors, including how the patients treat their teeth. They can still get cavities underneath them, so brushing

How do you maintain this weight loss after the balloon is

and flossing, and cutting back on sugar, are still important,

removed? Participants are involved in a multi-disciplined

even if all their teeth are veneered.

approach to maximize the weight-loss effect of Orbera™. When the balloon is removed, this program continues for an additional

yourself and keep you more satisfied. Also, don't let one bad

techniques, nutritional concepts, and behavior modification.

moment dictate the rest of your day or the rest of your week.

The Orberaâ&#x201E;˘ balloon is an effective tool to help patients achieve

As soon as you have you favorite thing, get back on your diet.

healthy weight loss that can be made permanent through new

Progress, not perfection, is what you should shoot for.

behaviors learned through this program. Will diet alone keep you in shape? Not necessarily. You Why is this preferable to surgical procedures? We perform

can manage weight with diet alone; however, that doesn't

three types of bariatric surgeries with excellent results, but

mean you're in shape as far as cardiovascular conditioning

some patients don't qualify for, or simply are not interested in

or having more lean body mass. Also, working with weights

surgery. Orberaâ&#x201E;˘ is non-surgical. It gives patients a unique,

helps prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia. More weight

FDA-approved, safe alternative to surgery. You can learn

training helps with bone density, which in the long run could

more at cooperweightlossorbera.com.

lead to less bone breaks as we age.

Brandon Morrison

I'm trying to work out alone and I'm failing. Do you think I'd

Body Tailors

be better off in a class? Absolutely! The team training we do

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six months. Patients are educated in weight loss and fitness

here at Body Tailors develops into friendships that soon turn Halloween: candy and parties. Thanksgiving: food, food,

into accountability.

food. Christmas: cookies and more parties. How do you stay on track this time of year? This time of year is always

Kris L. Gast, MD

hard, but I've found that instead of completely eliminating

Fort Smith Radiation Oncology, P.A.

all of your favorite goodies, try to use portion control and eat slowly. Enjoy your favorite foods in limited quantities and

After the diagnosis: Picking the right doctor is extremely

savor. This will keep your brain from thinking you're depriving

important. Your cancer doctor, whether he/she is a radiation

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oncologist or a medical oncologist, will be part of your life for

SEE YOU IN NOVEMBER

a very long time. Choose someone you can talk to, someone who understands, and who will spend the time answering

As we're thinking about November, our thoughts automatically

your questions. Never hesitate to seek a second opinion.

turn to food. Thanksgiving, lots of family get-togethers, and cozy nights around the dinner table. Food unites us, and that's

Dealing with the word "cancer": First, I listen to my

why Do South速 features recipes every month. We want to make

patient's concerns, then answer all their questions. If

it easy for you to find great dishes, simply made, that you and

there is information I haven't covered by answering their

your family will love.

questions, I go over the gaps so they're fully informed about the type and stage of their cancer. We will go over

Afraid you've missed out on some of our scrumptious recipes?

their treatment options as a team. At this point I review

Check out our back issues of Do South速. All our recipes are there,

the information and answer more questions. Knowing that

just waiting for you to try them! After you do, send us an email at

most patients are overwhelmed with information, I always

editors@dosouthmagazine.com to tell us what you think.

make myself available. Also in November, we're unveiling our Gift Guide in our Special Being someone's rock: I often see friends and relatives

Advertising Section. With just weeks until Christmas, it's time

try to tell the patient all about cancer. Unfortunately, the

to start thinking about gifts for those we love. The Do South速

information is usually of the negative variety, adding to the

Holiday Gift Guide will help you find dazzling gifts and services

patient's stress. The best way to take care of your loved

for everyone on your list!

one is to be there, listen, and help them continue to do the normal things they love.

Are you a business owner who's interested in advertising with Do South速? We'd love to talk to you about this great opportunity. Just give us a call at 479.782.1500 or 479.459.6672.

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Hungry for Recipes?

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Read Chair Publishing, LLC 7030 Taylor Avenue, Suite 5 Fort Smith, AR 72916