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Gift Ideas for Dad Celebrating Father’s Day While Social Distancing

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June 2020 | Volume 17 | Issue 6

June Hot Hunk Hunt! The May “Hot Hunk” was Dr. Anthony Fauci on page 20 in the Newcomers’ ad.

Eddie Vedder Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!

Congratulations to: Susan A. Bowman, Kingsport, TN as the winner in the May Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: July Hot Hunk Email:

Hunt!

The April “Hot Hunk” was Robert Downey Jr. on page 31.

HOT HUNK LOCATION: Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

Perfect Pedicure... at home!

7 Ways to Celebrate June

Different Ways to Treat Dad for Father’s Day

Bristol Bridal Station

Celebrating Father’s Day While Social Distancing

How to Create an Eye-Catching Gallery Wall

Mail this submission form to: Voice Magazine P.O. Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605

Deana Landers 8

As the selected winner, you must contact Voice Magazine for Women at 423-926-9983 within 90 days to claim and receive your prize. After 90 days, winning becomes null and void and the prize cannot be claimed.

My Dad’s Best Advice: Make Eye Contact

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is June 20, 2020. PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD

Pam Blair 9

Relaxation Garden April Hensley 12

Backyard Oasis 13

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Jan-Carol Publishing New Releases 18

Great Outdoors Month 21

Exercising During the Pandemic 23

Migraine Awareness Month 26

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VOICE Speaks

he rapid spread of COVID-19 reminds us how our wellbeing is so fragile and we are all interconnected. We have seen and heard heartwarming responses of people to total strangers in this crisis. It reveals our tremendous willingness and ability to help one another. We are all faced with the same challenge, and we are all interconnected battling the same enemy. Being borderline germophobic to begin with, this cleaning and wearing gloves and a mask, are stretching the seams of my sanity. I have to remind myself, that each day is a new day and a new way. We are all in this together. I do choose to wear a mask—either to protect me from you, or you from me—but for now, it is the new normal. Many of you have reached out to JCP with questions about the staff, work and the company, and seeking ways to help us. Thank you! We continue to work and have not missed a beat. Voice Magazine for Women/JCP survives because all of you. Thank you for your support to us, to our small businesses who advertise in the magazine, and to our talented authors. Please continue to show your support. Here at JCP, rather than fighting for ways to get back to our usual routine or even just waiting for this crisis to end, we have taken a better approach and embraced it as a time to redirect and find new routines and methods of doing business. We are all working from home, however, we will continue to get the magazines to you, book orders filled, manuscripts published, and our work is almost as usual. Here at Voice Magazine/JCP, we want to help you celebrate someone’s courageous act(s) of kindness during this pandemic. Do you have a COVID-19 Hero? Would you like to honor them in the magazine? Please email their photo and why that person(s) is your hero. Email: communications@jancarolpublishing.com. As always, we want to let all of you know how much we appreciate you for supporting our advertisers in Voice Magazine for Women and our authors. Visit our JCP website, jancarolpublishing.com, for books available for purchase. Our books are also available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. We offer different genres written by many talented authors from the region and around the world. JCP has grown to publish to over 300 books, including children’s books, historical fiction, romance, mystery, sci-fi, young adult, and more! Please continue to show your support for our local authors and JCP as a local small business. Stay Safe and healthy and Happy Father’s Day to all Dads! Thought of the month: “Do not judge me for what I have if you are not willing to do what I do to get it!” —Joyce Meyer, Christian author and speaker and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries Verse of the month: “For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” —Deuteronomy 20:4 KJV

“ every story needs a book”

voicemagazineforwomen.com • jancarolpublishing.com Serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia! PUBLISHER Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Nancy Binder Pam Blair

Ken Heath Katina Rose

Deana Landers Jan Howery

TLC PUBLISHER/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nancy Williams nancywilliams@thelauruscompany.com SALES Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 OFFICE Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com Cheryl Allen - Typesetting Assistant Chanie Garner - Project Editor DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff JCP Internships Available PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 17, Issue 6) While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the published material, Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. / Voice Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions or facts provided by its authors, advertisers or agencies. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission. Agencies, Advertisers and other contributors will indemnify and hold the publisher harmless for any loss or expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism and/or copyright infringement. The views expressed in Voice Magazine for Women are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2020 EDITORIAL MISSION: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

4 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Perfect Pedicure…at home!

f the coronavirus has you wondering how to get that pedicure and maintain the six feet social distancing, you are not alone. While some have happy feet at the salons’ doors opening, others may be a little hesitant. Not to worry! Here are 7 simple tips for giving yourself the perfect pedicure at home. 1. Remove Old Nail Polish: Choose an acetone-free nail polish remover (which is gentler) to get rid of all traces of your last pedicure. 2. Soak Your Feet: The perfect time for a pedicure is after a bath or shower. Fill a small tub, bowl, or basin with warm water, add some bubble bath and Epsom salts, then sit back and relax. Soak your feet for about 10 minutes. Be sure to pat your feet dry before the next step. 3. Remove Dead Skin: This is when the ladies at the nail salon take out one of those scary razor blades and rub expensive scrubs on your feet. We like to use both a foot scrubber (such as a pumice stone) and an exfoliating rub. Pay special attention to rough heels and rinse away sloughed-off skin when done. 4. Clip and Shape Nails: Long toenails are creepy, so get yours back to a respectable length with a pair of clippers and a file. There are a plenty of different styles of toenail clippers on the market at varying price points, but there’s no need to get fancy. 5. Tackle Your Cuticles: By this, we mean for you to reach for one of those angled wooden tools, a cuticle remover, and push overgrown cuticles back into place. Perhaps the most important step, you’ll need a cuticle trimmer or nail “nipper” to help you remove dead, rough skin from all around your nails. Be careful—these tools are sharp!

6. Moisturize: Slather on a coat of rich moisturizer or cream and give your feet a mini-massage. Wipe any lotion off your nails before applying polish. 7. Polish: Choose a fab nail color and apply two even coats to each nail. Finish your pedicure by applying a top coat, which will keep your nail polish from chipping and also helps your nails dry super quickly.

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Different Ways to Treat Dad for Father’s Day

his year Father’s Day takes place on Sunday, June 21, and marks the 110th anniversary of this day for dads. Even though Father’s Day began as a regional event in the state of Washington, nearly 60 years later it would be recognized as a national holiday across the United States. Father’s Day also is commemorated elsewhere in the world at various times of the year. According to the most recent census data and statistics, there are 8.6 million fathers and father figures in Canada and 72 million in the United States. The following are some ways to treat dads this Father’s Day. Participate in his hobby Dad likely has some favorite hobbies, such as playing a favorite sport, boating, hunting, woodworking, or restoring a classic car. Asking to join in to learn the ropes of his favorite hobby can be an ideal way to spend time with Dad and show you care.

Tackle his chores Provide Dad a weekend off from his normal tasks around the house if they are within your skill set. Volunteer to mow the lawn, weed the garden, run for groceries, or get the car washed. You also may want to help him finish a project he started but hasn’t yet completed. Take in a show or a game Maybe Dad has a favorite team he follows or a comedian he loves to watch. Purchase tickets so you can go in person. If that’s not possible, make home viewing a special event by clearing a few hours of your schedule and setting up a comfortable viewing area. Make some special snacks and stream his favorite programming right at home.

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Give him “his” space Dads often make sacrifices for their families, and this could mean compromising on his comfort and pleasure to ensure everyone else has what they need. Create a spot that is entirely his own. This may involve renovating the basement or garage for hobbies or hanging out. Even a free-standing shed in the backyard can be billed as a “Dad Zone,” giving your father a place to which he can retreat for some peace and quiet. Start thinking of special ways to show Dad he deserves top billing!

Celebrating Father’s Day While Social Distancing

o say that COVID-19 changed life as we know it would be an understatement. Many people likely never imagined how much their daily routines would be affected when this novel coronavirus was just a blip on the radar at the end of 2019. Social distancing may have become the new normal, but it doesn’t mean that holidays like Father’s Day have to be a washout. As evidenced by holidays that have already taken place amidst social distancing guidelines, people are finding creative ways to celebrate special occasions. Here are some ways to make Father’s Day special even while social distancing. • Turn to social apps. Virtual meeting applications, like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime provide invaluable opportunities to speak and connect face-to-face when in-person gatherings are not possible. They also can be used to break bread together or to play games or relay stories. • Deliver gifts. Take a few cues from the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus and plan to drop gifts and run. Seniors and people who have compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting contagious illnesses. While it may be tempting to visit your father or grandfather in person, even a short visit could put his health at risk. Instead, leave gifts outside the house. For added fun, hide the gifts and provide scavenger hunt clues. • Dine out at home. If dining out was something you typically do on Father’s Day, replicate the experience at home. Try to recreate Dad’s favorite meal from the restaurant he loves or see if that restaurant offers curbside pickup. Transform the dining table into a restaurant table, or take the meal outdoors for some al fresco fun. Let kids serve as the wait staff.

• Spend time together. One of the silver linings of social distancing is the opportunity for family members who reside under one roof to have more uninterrupted time together. Chances are having the kids nearby and sharing some stories and laughs together will be a perfect way for Dad to enjoy Father’s Day. With some creative thinking, dads across the county can still enjoy the special day they deserve.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas Cool duds: Modern dads are fashion-forward and might enjoy a piece of clothing or a gift card to their favorite retailer. If you know a store where Dad loves to shop, stop in for some inspiration. Pampering products: Mom is not the only one who likes to indulge in some pampering from time to time. Put together a carefully curated basket of men’s grooming products. Fitness finds: If you haven’t already gifted the special man in your life with a fitness tracker watch, now is the time to do so. Cookbooks: The stereotype that dads are hopeless in the kitchen has long since been refuted. Many men are top-notch home chefs and will appreciate some new recipes to try. Combine the cookbook with a new culinary tool, like a castiron skillet or a mandoline slicer, so he can try out his skills right away. Support the team: If Dad is a sports fan, find a baseball cap or a jersey of his favorite team/player. Craft beers: The craft beer movement has expanded exponentially in recent years. Visit with a local brewer and purchase bottles or growlers of a favorite brew. If you know the flavor profile that Dad favors, find a beer that suits that preference while also giving some new varieties so he can put together his own flight. voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 7

My Dad’s Best Advice: Make Eye Contact By Deana Landers, Morningcoffeebeans.com

y friend laughed when I told her how persistent my dad was about making eye contact when speaking to or listening to someone. She said her dad taught her the same thing. I hated it when he would say, “Look at me when I’m speaking to you.” The rule wasn’t just when he needed my attention. It was when anyone was talking to me. “You know, Deana, when babies are born, making eye contact with them is their first connection with the people who love them.” My friend is right. Eye gaze is one of the most exciting milestones babies achieve! I remember the first time I saw my baby’s eyes recognize me—her mom. During the COVID-19 quarantine, it has felt odd that social distancing and wearing masks have become a part of everyday life. I didn’t realize how many visual cues I took for granted before the lockdown started. “I miss seeing people’s smiles and the lines around their mouths,” I told my friend. “I notice that some people turn away when you walk by, while others seem to be afraid to make eye contact.” She said she noticed that, too. Making eye contact and listening with our ears is probably the most powerful way we communicate. A single fleeting look from across a room or the change or hesitation in someone’s voice can speak volumes. About 80% of the information we receive from the environment comes to us through our vision. Like it or not, our eyes are also involved in telegraphing cues to others about our emotions, health status, social attractions, and behavioral intentions. A quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American poet and philosopher, said, “An eye can threaten like a loaded and leveled gun, or can insult like hissing and kicking; or in its altered mood, by beams of kindness, make the heart dance with joy.” Wow! What a powerful statement of how important our eyes are in our communication with others. Maybe that’s why there are so many songs written about the eyes. Songs about Lyin’ Eyes, Crying Eyes, Cheating Eyes, and Loving Eyes tell stories. Think about all the emotions and messages conveyed through our eyes; the love in our partner’s eyes, the trust in the eyes of a friend, the truth you see or do not see when

8 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

dealing with the world, and the joy when a child can see the pride in their parent’s eyes. Keeping eye contact with the person you are talking to is also respectful. It indicates that you are focused and paying attention. It means that you’re essential to them. My friend continued to say, “As we get older, we stop looking into the eyes of those we love, and sometimes that’s why relationships begin to fail.” With computers and phones becoming our constant companions and social partners, we are having more conversations without actually hearing or seeing each other. It is easy to feel like an intruder who should come back later when you’re trying to have a conversation with someone looking at their phone instead of you. Shakespeare said, “The eyes are the window to your soul.” Maybe that is why we don’t know what’s going in our children’s lives or our partner’s hearts. If we are not looking at each other, we may be missing something. In matters of the heart, if we look closely into the eyes of those we know, we can sometimes see feelings they have no words for, like pain, fear, anger, despair, or intent. Our eyes also reflect integrity, sincerity, and comfort when communicating with others. They tell us if the conversation is going well, and when the conversation is not going well. When I was dating my husband, he looked at me one day and said, “You have the most beautiful brown eyes.” I moved away and said, “My eyes are green.” He blushed and said, “I’m sorry; I’m color blind.” That is the day I knew he loved me. I saw it in his eyes. It also explained why his clothes never matched. My dad could tell how much it irritated me by the way I rolled my eyes when he was trying to teach me this communication skill. But it was some of the best advice he gave me. I understand that social distancing is necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I hope it doesn’t become the “new normal,” because we need to see each other. It will be beautiful when our world opens up again, we can say what Katherine Mansfield wrote in her 1888 poem: “Ah, what happiness it is to be with people who are all happy, to press hands, press cheeks, and smile into another’s eyes.”

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Deana Landers, a retired nurse and health educator, is Christian speaker who strives to educate and encourage. She may be contacted at dlanders1511@ gmail.com or 276-780-7355. Visit her website at morningcoffeebeans.com.

7 Ways to Celebrate June By Pam Blair

f it feels like every day of the year has some special designation, you are correct. Anyone can proclaim a special day, but to be considered a true “National” day, there must be a presidential proclamation or an act of Congress. So, let’s forgive the sometimes-mistaken use of “National” and look at some weird, wacky, and fun days to celebrate in June.

June 17 – National Garbage Man Day is designed to pay our respects to those people who work so hard to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. In 2019, it was renamed National Waste and Recycling Workers Week, to be celebrated June 14 – 20, 2020. Take some time during this week to thank these unsung heroes who provide weekly curbside collection with a gift card, thank you note, or even a simple, in-person “thank you.”

June 19 – National Flip Flop Day. Who doesn’t love a good pair of flip flops? They are a simple

June 5 – National Donut Day originated as a day to form of sandals that date back to 4,000 B.C, when ancient celebrate a group of women volunteers, called the Salvation Army Lassies, who served baked goods to soldiers during the First World War. On this day, you might score a free donut at a local shop, but if they aren’t your cup of tea, June 5th is also National Ketchup Day and National Moonshine Day.

June 8 – National Best Friends Day (BFF Day). In 1935 Congress designated June 8th as a tribute to the benefits of having close friends. My BFF of 30+ years lives out of state and sometimes we get busy and don’t talk on the phone for ages but when we do, we start laughing and pick up right where we left off. We’ve helped each other through good times and bad, including some major life events. Take time on this day to let your best friend know you love and appreciate her.

Egyptians wore them. They were on to something, as this footwear is so simple, comfortable, and inexpensive that many of us own several pairs. Flip flops are the go-to shoe for summer, so prop your flip-flop-clad feet up and wiggle your toes. Your feet will love the freedom and you can wear them all summer long.

June 25 – 28 – Watermelon Seed Spitting Week. Do you hate watermelon seeds? Well, spit them out! An entire week is devoted to this pastime, and if you get in a seed spitting contest, there are rules to follow and tips that guarantee success. To be fair, each contestant gets two spits, just in case one goes out of bounds. And my favorite tip: Beware of laughing as you can inadvertently swallow your projectile.

June 11 – National Corn on the Cob Day. June 28 – Paul Bunyan Day celebrates the mythiFresh-picked corn on the cob is summertime’s sweet treat. You can boil it, steam it, roast it, or grill it, but it is always delicious no matter how you fix it. As a child, I liked it so much that on one occasion I ate five ears for supper. That was my alltime record and I won’t try to break it, but I still love the taste! Now I drizzle the roasted corn with a mixture of melted butter, gorgonzola, and fresh basil, which makes my mouth water just to think about it.

cal giant lumberjack and Babe, the Blue Ox. He is credited with many legendary deeds, but is most famous for scooping out the Great Lakes to water Babe; clearing the entire states of North and South Dakota for farming; training carpenter ants to do logging work, and creating Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes with his footprints. June is full of fun and unusual holidays that are guaranteed to make you smile, so let the celebration begin!

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Pam Blair is a former medical librarian and communications manager who gets nervous when she doesn’t have something to read. She loves descriptive writing and has authored and edited a book and numerous other publications. Contact her at pblair919@aol.com.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 9

Bristol Bridal Station

Find the Wedding of your Dreams at a Fraction of the Price

ristol Bridal Station isn’t your typical bridal boutique. Not only do all of their proceeds go to a great cause–YWCA programming including teen pregnancy support, affordable childcare for low-income families, a

free afterschool STEM program for at-risk girls, women’s leadership, and advocacy for young victims of crime– Bristol Bridal Station is fortunate to have partnered with over 30 bridal salons from locations all over the country who donate an incredible selection of designer styles– typically floor samples and overstock selections–that are rare in our region, offering brides the chance to find the wedding dress of their dreams at a fraction of the price. They receive shipments weekly with new inventory and typically have over 900 wedding gowns and over 700 formal gowns in stock. Thanks to this successful model, Bristol Bridal Station has now outgrown their current location inside YWCA NETN and SWVA and they’re now renovating a new location to move into at the beginning of the summer. This new location will allow them to offer a chic and comfortable environment with ample space to view the many dress options and great lighting to help brides see all of the wonderful details. Their staff is working diligently to create a welcoming atmosphere for a wonderful dress-finding experience. Bristol Bridal Station has also recently unveiled a new website, where they’ve posted a portion of their stock for brides to browse or buy online and have their dress shipped directly to their doorstep. To see gowns available for sale online, visit bristolbridalstation.com. Be sure to follow them on social media for announcements on their new opening date, grand opening specials and giveaways, and to see their new stunning dresses.

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JOIN OUR TEAM

Jan-Carol Publishing and Voice Magazine We are hiring representatives for advertising and book sales. Established, growing, and expanding! Be a part of our team! Email resume with references to publisher@jancarolpublishing.com.

How to Create an Eye-Catching Gallery Wall

allery walls, also called moment walls, are one of today’s hottest home décor trends. Gallery walls enable homeowners to create visually appealing groupings of photos, frames, wall art, and much more to dress up any room in the house. Gallery walls can make a statement in the living room, add finesse to an entryway or showcase special items along a staircase. One need only do a quick internet search or browse through lifestyle magazines to see examples of gallery walls for inspiration. Anyone with a little determination can design a gallery wall. • Find your muse. The first step to creating a gallery wall is to choose a theme. If floral prints are your thing or you love abstract art, build your gallery around these elements. You can even use color or frame style as the coordinating factor. • Take your time. Some people rush into creating gallery walls, and that can be a mistake. Spend time picking out pieces

•

and trying different combinations before you take out the hammer and hardware. The mix should be captivating and look like it was a curated collection. Some pieces can be highend, while others may be picked up at flea markets or even be your own artwork or photography. Experiment with dimensions and levels. Gallery walls need not be restricted to flat photos on a wall. Texture and depth can be used in wall designs. Intersperse shelving, sconces, wooden letters, clocks, and more to make the gallery even more eclectic. Feel free to build the gallery around items that are in the house, such as windows or televisions. This can help electronics blend into the design. Establish your focal point. Pottery Barn suggests making the center of the display at eye level, roughly 66 inches off the ground. Then build the gallery out from around that focal point. Create a template. Lay the gallery design on the floor and cut newspapers or other paper to the size of each piece. Use masking tape to position these guides on the wall, trying a few arrangements until you are happy with the finished product. Then replace the paper with the artwork. Hang items with precision. Don’t skimp on technique. Use a ruler, level and the right tools. This ensures pieces are straight and in line with others.

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Relaxation Garden By April Hensley

everal studies in recent times have shown that just a few minutes a day spent in nature helps to relax us and relieve stress and tension. We and our children put so much into work, school, and sports. The on-the-go lifestyle might achieve a lot, but it wreaks havoc on our bodies and immune systems. Now more than ever we need a gentle place to unwind. Not many of us live where we can go for walks across rolling hills and take naps in wildflowers. We can go to local parks, but sometimes there just isn’t time and most parks are overflowing right now. Let’s create a special place at home to escape from stressors. We can use the area for prayer, meditation, time with family and friends, or just a quiet place to let go of the day. First, pick a space for relaxing outdoors to experience the sounds, sights, and smells of nature. It could be the balcony of your condo, your front porch, or under a shady tree in your backyard. • Does your spot need some privacy? Don’t worry about looking anti-social. This is going to be a place to disconnect. Bushes, privacy panels, or lattice help shield harsh views and noises. If you are renting ask your landlord for permission or use tall potted plants or a movable structure. • Water seems to calm frantic nerves, so you may want to incorporate a water feature into your area. If you are lucky enough to have a pool or hot tub, that area would make a great place to kick back. A small goldfish pond or an

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electric fountain for a tabletop can also provide soothing water sounds. Comfortable seating is a must. A lovely arrangement of outdoor lounge furniture on a porch, patio, or deck will provide an area for company too. Something as simple as a bench or a hammock will work great as well. Plants whether potted, hanging, or planted will draw bees, butterflies, and birds teaching us and children to appreciate nature. Bird and hummingbird feeders will attract beautiful, colorful wildlife to your yard. Bird baths are another way to add a water feature. Some people relax from nature sights and sounds, and other people unwind while watching flickering flames in a firepit. Make sure to place your fire pit in a safe area away from anything flammable, as well as children and pets.

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April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer, and greenhouse hobbyist. April loves the outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached at aprils1105@embarqmail.com.

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ur backyards are some of the best places to spend the summer months, especially if you’re practicing social distancing and are tired of being cooped up indoors. Fortunately, it’s possible to transform your outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat. Bring the indoors out. We often hear about bringing the outdoors inside, but the reverse is also true when designing a luxurious extension of your home. Homey, lived-in touches can take your outdoor space from sterile and unfinished to cozy and inviting. Think patterned throw pillows, fluffy blankets for chilly evenings, outdoor rugs, colorful lanterns, and decorative accessories like painted terracotta pots or metal tins. Invest in comfy furniture. What’s the best part of your living or family room? Chances are it’s your comfortable couch or recliner. To recreate the same feeling, splurge on some soft furniture that will make you want to stay outside for hours reading a book or working remotely. It doesn’t have to break the bank either—you can DIY a cozy lounging bench with reclaimed wood and hand-sewn cushions with outdoor stuffing and fabric. Add a relaxing pool or spa. Water has a calming effect and is often linked to our favorite memories at the cottage or on vacation. A pool or spa can help transport you somewhere far away without leaving your home. A pool can help you and the kids get some exercise while swimming laps, while a spa can soothe tired muscles after a long day hunched over your laptop. To reduce energy costs and increase longevity, consider using Nudura insulated concrete forms, which provide superior insulation. ICF pools also can be custom-made to accommodate any design, making them a very versatile and efficient way to build pools.

Go wild with greenery. Live plants can help you feel connected with nature, and tending to them can help you feel relaxed yet productive during isolation. A vertical garden can add visual interest, while trees and shrubs can provide shade and character. Aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary offer pleasant scents and can spice up your cooking. And don’t be afraid to cut some flowers from your garden to place in vases or pots for beautiful finishing touches.

“Moving Forward”

Robin Miller

Real Estate Professional

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 13

Voicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

My One Album T

hat one album. Folks are playing a new game on Facebook, where you post an album cover without comment. Y’all know me way too well to know I don’t withhold comment on much, so here goes. If I had only one album to listen to for the rest of my days, it would be one I discovered still wrapped in the original plastic in the graveyard of never-played tunes squirreled away in the musty bomb shelter at WMEV, sometime in the winter of 1985. I’d just started at ETSU, finally embarking on my dream career in radio after a false start, a family move, near homelessness and bankruptcy, and a stint as a hamburger waiter/gas pump operator at the local tavern known as “The Cliffside.” All of that was followed by two years of going to school with my daddy, and it’s all true, though too long of a tale to squeeze in here. But then there I was, Living away from home for the first time in my life, still working weekends at my hometown radio station, pulling a class overload, helping run the campus radio station, and doing my work study for grocery money in Mr. Patterson’s Sound and Lighting Crew at DP Culp Student Center. On a good night I’d gaff tape, set microphones, and sit back and watch some student sponsored skit, waiting until it was time to tear down and head back to the radio station before getting a few winks to carry me into tomorrow’s classes. There were classic movies, interpretive dancers, motivational speakers, all a numb backdrop to my studies. Until one night, I was doing my usual, all set up and pacing the cage until this guy with a guitar and a backup singer would finish. I’d never heard of him, and when he started singing in that nasal, three cord ballad style, I honestly thought I’d not last the night. How could anybody make a living that sounded so rough, so unpolished? But that was mid-week. And I noticed, as the hours slipped by, my inner melodies were oddly familiar. “Sam Stone, came home, to his wife and family . . .” “Make me an Angel, came from Montgomery”. . . “Daddy, won’t you take me.” That nasal voice wouldn’t leave; the lyrics haunted my head. That Saturday, as my radio show got cranked up and back down, I still was humming those tunes. As the midnight guy took over, I ventured into the vinyl graveyard, just in case. 14 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

And there it was. Pristine Prine. His self-titled debut album, never opened. I carried it home, broke the seal, and ran the needle through the grooves as I listened over and over. I’d never been drawn inside a song like John Prine did. And still does. Over the years, I’ve bought most of his library, watched his performances on tv and now on the net. I’d tried like the dickens to get him here, in my hometown, but just never got that done. And after that one night, I never saw him perform live again, as much as I wanted to. Now he’s gone. Those lyrics, those simple melodies live on. But for one night, a happenstance meeting between a chubby college geek running microphones and an Illinois mailman, two lives crossed, and another part of the soundtrack of my life was written. “I’ll be halfway to Heaven with Paradise waitin’, just five miles away from wherever I am.”

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Ken Heath is a Marion, VA hometown boy who expresses his passions in his writings and through music. After his ‘real job’, Ken is owner of the legendary Cliffside Roadhouse, doggie dad to Miss Reagan and their rescue Scottie the Wonder Dog with his wonderful wife, and a professional mobile DJ with Bow Tie Pro Music and Sound. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

“Virginia's Most Awarded DJ Service”

(276) 759-1102 | www.kenheath.com

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God is Good. All the Time. By Jim Liebelt

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28 KJV Interpretation: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” —Romans 8:28 NLT

“God is so good.” Most of us have heard this phrase before. It’s a phrase often heard within the Christian community. And, without question, the phrase is true! Still, almost always, the phrase is connected with another positive statement, like: “We won the lottery! God is so good!” Or, “My house was spared in the tornado. God is so good.” These examples may overstate the case, but you get the picture. We tend to notice God’s goodness when things are going well; but what about when a child or spouse gets cancer? What about when we lose a job, or our marriage heads for the rocks? When was the last time

Hope By Katina Rose “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13 NIV

ope is a beautiful thought, feeling, and action of faith. In my own life, hope and peace have intertwined with each other to encourage and provide during difficult times. During this period of daily routines constantly changing and basic uncertainty, hope is a gift that blooms beautifully and shines brighter when it’s cast against a dark backdrop. The lines of hope become clear and more defined when it’s needed the most. Hope guides me to live in the moment. I don’t want to waste a precious minute while spending time with someone close to me. I want to live a life that proclaims hope in all situations. I have been blessed to have people in my life that share hope with me by checking in with me, texting a Bible verse, or word of encouragement. They encourage me to extend that same message of hope with people I encounter in my daily interactions. Sometimes the gift of hope comes in the middle of a storm and other times it comes as an unexpected gift on a day when the sun is shining and life is bright.

you heard someone say, “I can’t afford to pay my mortgage this month, but God is so good”? It’s entirely appropriate to reflect on God’s goodness in the good times. And, there’s nothing to be happy about when difficult life circumstances come our way. Circumstances, however, never determine God’s character. God is good. All the time. Period. In this life, there is no escaping pain. It falls on us without warning or concern for our schedules, and regardless of how much pain we are already facing. Sometimes, just when you feel you can’t handle another ounce of pain, one of life’s dump-trucks stops by and drops a load of it right on your doorstep. Pain is an equal opportunity distributor. No one avoids pain. Pain happens. Here’s an important reminder even in times of pain: God is good. God always provides growth opportunities for us in the midst of pain. God uses the painful experiences of our lives to build character, if we respond appropriately. In James 1:2-3 we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The challenge today—and everyday—for us who follow Christ, is to be able to say whatever our circumstances, “God is good.” May God give us grace to trust in His goodness in the good and bad times alike. Source: www.homeword.com

As I reflect and remember feeling fearful emotions over a situation I couldn’t control, I also remember the ways that God was always providing and giving me hope when I turned my focus and my thoughts on Him. Hope provides the truth while clearing the path, tossing fear and worries aside. I don’t live in fear now because of my hope and faith and I refuse to go back. I praise Him during the trials, because I have learned to completely lean on the hope I’ve been provided. Hope continues to flow as the gentle streams of water in a river. It’s in all of us when we open our hearts to sharing messages of truth, love and kindness. The gift of hope can look different during various seasons in life. It may come in the form of a material box of necessities, household items and food. It may also be presented in the form of the written word, a verbal exchange or sometimes it’s found in presence, just being completely present in the moment with the person around you. Whatever you may be facing today, celebrations or heartache, happiness or sorrow, remember to choose joy and hope in the present day and share that with others around you. I leave you with this quote. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” —Bil Keane May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13 NIV

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Katina Rose is a mother and a fan of traveling, food, fitness, and good books. Rose lives by faith, hope, and prayer. She is the Program Development and Tech Manager at Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency. Contact her at katinarose71@gmail.com. voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 15

Alamogordo, New Mexico Article and Photographs By Nancy Binder

lamogordo is located in south central New Mexico. Although people lived in this area for over 11,000 years, it was established as a town in 1898 when the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad was constructed. The city was named by the brother of the head of the railroad because he liked the name. Alamo (cottonwoods) gordo (fat) in Spanish translates to “fat cottonwoods.” It is located at the north edge of the Chihuahua Desert at an altitude of 4336 feet. The Sacramento Mountains are to the east and Holloman Air Force base is situated to the west. It has a population of about 32,000 people. The city is probably best known for the Trinity Site Tularosa Basin Museum of History where the first atomic bomb test explosion took place in 1945. The site is part of the White Sands Missile Range into the groves, roasting, processing and packaging of pisand is about 75 miles northwest of Alamogordo. It is only tachios. And best of all, samples of the pistachios and open for tours by appointment on the first Saturday of pistachio gelato after the tour. There were many pistachio and New Mexico related gifts to purchase. April and October. Oliver Lee State Park is just south of Alamogordo The Tularosa Basin Historical Museum has many artifacts from the area including a model of a wickiup, an in the Sacramento Mountains at Dog Canyon. The first Apache temporary dwelling. Bill Maudlin, the cartoonist, European settler, Francois Jean “Frenchy” Rochas, homewas born in the area, and the museum has a small exhibit steaded here alone in the early 1880s along a stream at the mouth of Dog Canyon. He built a one room stone dedicated to him. Pistachios are grown in this area. At McGinn’s Pis- building and later added a second room. Amazingly he tachio Land there is a photo op with the world’s largest built a stone wall up into the mountain to separate his pistachio along with samples to try, and the best pista- cattle from his orchard. The wall is still standing. He was also a skilled carpenchio brittle and other delights ter best known for “The to purchase. The largest pisMiracle Staircase” in the tachio grower in New Mexico Loretto Chapel in Santa is Heart of the Desert PisFe, New Mexico. He sold tachios. During a tour we water rights to other ranchlearned that they have 13,000 ers, including his neighbor trees and there are male and Oliver Lee. During the female trees. The male tree time of water rights disis larger and the branches agreements, Frenchy died grow upward and the female of a gunshot wound to his branches point downward. chest on Christmas 1894 The female trees are wind polthat the sheriff ruled a linated, so they plant the male suicide. Oliver Lee came tree upwind of the female. to the area in 1893 and One male tree can pollinate approximately 10 to 12 female trees. A tour included a ride continued on next page World’s Largest Pistachio

16 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Pistachio Trees in Winter

Creosote bush Sacramento Mountains

established a 320 acre ranch self-guided tour. The tour of adjacent to Frenchy’s and the Dunn Solar Telescope was installed an irrigation system. especially interesting. He was an influential man White Sands National and later was a New Mexico Park is located about 15 miles state senator. He built a ranch southwest of Alamogordo. It is house for his family and had a our newest national park estabhuge cattle operation. The state lished on December 20, 2019. park has tours of the Oliver Lee Previously it was a national ranch house. A walking trail monument dedicated in 1933. with informational signs along After viewing the orientation Frenchy Rochas’ homestead film, we entered to park. The remnants, and his orchard was very white dunes are from the very interesting. Frenchy must gypsum rock in the mountains. have been a very tough and It is the largest gypsum dune New Mexico Space History Museum ambitious man to labor and field in the world. The park is survive in such a harsh environment. There are also lots of 228 square miles with 115 square miles of dunes. The tallest hiking trails. dune is 60 feet high. The park is adjacent to White Sands The New Mexico Space History Museum has large exhib- Missile Range. When there is a test on the missile range, the its outdoors as well as inside the building. One of the impres- park closes during the test and US Highway 70 is closed. sive outdoor artifacts is Little Joe 2, the rocket used to test We walked a boardwalk in between two dunes. It is certainly the Apollo launch pad escape module and parachute. In the beautiful with the gleaming white sand contrasted against the building there are rockets, information about how the astro- clear blue sky. There were signs telling us about the different nauts live and work in space, and information about New plants and animals and how they have adapted to life in this Mexico’s contributions to space exploration. In the New harsh environment. There are hiking trails through the dunes Horizons Dome Theater we watched “Journey to Space” on marked by plastic poles. The picnic tables are sheltered by the giant screen. The first half of the film chronicles the Space metal shields that look like sails, which prevent sand from Shuttle program, and the second half was about the Orion the almost constant breeze from getting into your food. If you spacecraft that will take astronauts to Mars by the 2030s. If bring a snow saucer, you can sled down the dunes. We stayed they achieve the goal early in 2030, I just might get to see it until sunset climbing a shorter dune to watch the sun descend happen. Recently, they are showing a 4K laser full dome plan- behind the dunes. What a wonderful way to end a day! etary show twice daily. A drive out to Sunspot, New Mexico will reward you with Nancy Binder is a retired application software developer turned freelance writer combining her love of travel with her desire to share her experiences. She is a visit to the National Solar Observatory atop Sacramento passionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African Peak. Researchers watch and study activity on the sun. It has safari bug,” now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or travel questions at nancybinder@sbcglobal.net. a small visitor center with exhibits and information about the

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 17

NEW RELEASES

“every story needs a book”

Where are the Goats?

OUT NOW A sophomore track star falling in love with the senior campus sweetheart rocked the University of Kansas with scandal. Their love produced a little girl who thought her father was dead, but secrets about her father lay deep at the bottom of a safety deposit box. This is a biography—a true story of the life of my father, Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D., and his legacy. It explores his family’s genealogy, his life at the University of Kansas, his married life, his secret, and the tragedies that colored his life.

Family photos of my father, Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D.

Ready to

RISE

“Mile Markers by Doreen Oberg is an intimate account of the author’s spiritual journey, captivating the reader with emotional soul-searching and irresistible humor. As she rejects her strict religious upbringing, a multitude of questions permeate the tapestry of her everyday life. This deeply inspiring story brims with warmth, forgiveness, and a huge dose —Susan Noe Harmon, of insight.” Author of To Hide the Truth

The Untold Story of Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D. The following story is the author’s account of leaving the Nazarene religion. Rote answers from the Bible could not change the turmoil that erupted within Oberg or her family. Leaving her religious roots was anxiety evoking, but Oberg’s story includes more comical moments than horrible. The experiences of becoming a mental health therapist, getting married, and learning how to motorcycle two-up have brought Oberg the greatest surprises in life.

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan

DOREEN J. OBERG resides in Sierra Vista, AZ and teaches music and piano part time at a local community college. She holds a Master’s in music from Southern Methodist University. In addition, she holds a Master’s in education from Northwest Nazarene University and has obtained licensure as a professional counselor in both Oregon and Arizona. Oberg’s first fiction novel, Skyland: The Mars Colony is available through Brighton Publishing LLC. Also, her first motorcycle magazine article is available online at the BMW ON September 2017 edition.

Women Ready to Rise

Written by Jenn Sadai Women Ready to Rise tells the unique stories of how twenty-two women turned tragedies into remarkable triumphs. It is real life evidence that women, and all human beings, have the ability to rise from anything that attempts to knock them down. COPYRIGHT 2020 COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE AUTHOR PHOTO: PETE MECOZZI JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

Rich Girl

Written by Joy Ruble Kathy is a small-town girl in the 1980s who is desperately seeking to escape her dismal life. As she comes of age, she learns that escaping one set of problems only leads to new ones. Her journey to discovering herself takes her down an unlikely path that will keep you laughing and cheering for her along the way.

Three’s a Crew

Doreen J. Oberg

Written by Doreen J. Oberg The following story is the author’s account of leaving the Nazarene religion. Rote answers from the Bible could not change the turmoil that erupted within Oberg or her family. Leaving her religious roots was anxiety evoking, but Oberg’s story includes more comical moments than horrible. The experiences of becoming a mental health therapist, getting married, and learning how to motorcycle two-up have brought Oberg the greatest surprises in life.

Burrito the Donkey

Written by Diane S. Barna

Silent Cries—Book 1 a novel

Written by Charlotte S. Snead Illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson Each family has its unique foibles and in this wonderfully illustrated book, Three’s a Crew, the author shares a family story and how they work together as a family. Written in an easy to read rhyme, the family of two boys became a family with three boys, and this is the beginning of the story. Charlotte S. Snead

A Memoir

Mile Markers: A Memoir

The Silent Trilogy

Joy Ruble

Mile Markers

Written by Diane S. Barna Burrito the donkey is a very curious critter. He lives on a large farm with several other farm animals. He enjoys his job keeping them all safe, and he is definitely the barnyard boss.

Jenn Sadai

bles, es hers.

Doreen J. Oberg

WOMEN

that colored his life.

Dennis Brown was born and grew to adulthood in Oklahoma City during the time of the Great Depression. He lived this story as a child. He later lived for many years in New England where he was a City Planner.

Your Secrets Will Find You Out

Mile Markers: A Memoir

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan’s professional career encompassed 48 years as an administrator at Keuka College, Central Florida Community College (now College of Central Florida), Florida State University, and the University of North Florida. She received her BA from Keuka College, M.Ed., and advanced studies from the University of Florida. In her retirement, she founded the Jacksonville, FL, Christian Women’s Job Corps. Mrs. Boyles-Jernigan lives in Blountville, TN.

Written by Dennis W. Brown An oldPerkins man in Oklahoma remembers with pleasure the Illustrated by Kenneth dust bowl days with his mother and father as they looked for a place to live, took care of goats, and those goats tried An old man in Oklahoma with to burn down remembers the world. pleasure the dust bowl days with his mother and father as they looked for a place to live, took care of goats, and those goats tried to burn down the world.

The Safety Deposit Box Shock

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan

Written by Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan A sophomore track star falling in love with the senior campus sweetheart rocked the University of Kansas with scandal. Their love produced a little girl who thought her father was dead, but secrets about her father lay deep at the bottom of a safety deposit box. This is a biography—a true story of the life of my father, Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D., and his legacy. It explores his family’s genealogy, his life at the University of Kansas, his married life, his secret, and the tragedies

The Safety Deposit BOX Shock

The Safety Deposit Box Shock: Your Secrets Will Find You Out

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is a small independent publishing press with a motivated force of authors. Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, DigiStyle, Broken Crow Ridge, Fiery Night, Skippy Creek, and RoseHeart Publishing are all imprints of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson

18 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

To young Randy Collins, the only thing he could do was run away. He was sure his dad was involved in dog fighting, and Randy had to protect his dog Cookie, a Pit Bull. Follow Randy’s adventures through the foothills of Central Pennsylvania. Learn how he threw the search party off his trail, how he hid on an Amish farm, and how he hooked up with a mountain woman who had an agenda all her own.

Silent Fears—Book 2

Someone is stealing horses, but who and why so many from the same surrounding farmland? Follow the trail of these stolen horses bound for slaughter in Canada and find out how a team of rough riders is called into action.

Silent Suspicions— Book 3

Dr. Susan West had her hands full. Many of her equine clients were anemic even though they had no other health issues. Dr. West had no clue what was going on until she confronted her vet tech. Find out what Adelphi Labs was sending to the old abandoned school building where a bizarre horse experiment was in progress behind locked doors.

NEW

Ask the Book Editor

Submit Your Favorite

Judi Light Hopson

Family Recipe!

Cookbook!

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. and Voice Magazine for Women are now accepting submissions for our 2020 cookbook! Do you have family dishes you’d love to share with the world? Are you an artist or inventor in the kitchen and ready to spread the joy that accompanies your tasty creations? Send your recipes to us for a chance to be published in our upcoming cookbook, Voice Magazine for Women Presents: Taste of Appalachia.

Judi, I am so embarrassed. I’ve announced to my friends and family that I’m finally writing my first novel. But suddenly, I’m scared. What if I’m not that good of a storyteller? I want to quit before I start. Any ideas? —Jeanne T., San Francisco

Jeanne, if you can talk and feel emotions, you can write. Imagine your characters in “tension-filled” scenes. Cook up problems for your characters and narrate what’s going on. Write your book as one tension-filled scene after another. If you feel the drama in your gut, so will your readers. –Judi Light Hopson

Categories in the cookbook include: • Appetizers • Soups & Salads • Main Courses • Desserts • Breakfast or Brunch Submit recipes via email to communications@jancarolpublishing.com or by mail to P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605. Please limit all submissions to two pages or less. Submissions must include the sender’s name, email, city, state, and intended category. Recipes should be original to sender. Accompanying photos are welcome! Don’t have an on hand recipe but still want to participate? Don’t worry! Submissions don’t end until July 2020, so you have time to craft something really special!

June is GLBT Book Month!

The holiday was originally established in the early 1990s by The Publishing Triangle and takes place annually for the month of June to honor the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. (Source: seattle.bibliocommons.com) For GLBT Month JCP is honoring author Cynn Chadwick’s Things That Women Do. In Things That Women Do Anna Shields receives an invitation from her estranged Aunt Lydia and flies to Tennessee to find a number of older women—Tasha, Sadie, and Chloe—also living on Lydia’s farm. After losing power during a blizzard, the women share dark and startling secrets. Skating between past and present, they reveal frighteningly desperate things that they have done. Anna begins to realize, to her shock, that these things are connected to her own past and become key to her future. Available at Jancarolpublishing.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com

Appalachian Authors Guild Meeting The Appalachian Authors Guild will hold a meeting on Tuesday, June 9th at the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator. The board will meet from 12–1 pm followed by a virtual presentation from 1–3 pm with Kathleen Sweeney from Book Brush. Book Brush is a media tool and also does book covers if you choose that level. It is an easy and affordable way to do some marketing for books — an author’s handy tool! You do not have to be a member if AAG to attend, but you must sign up by contacting Victoria Fletcher at vfletcher56@gmail.com or by texting her at 276-492-8314.

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Purchase Jan-Carol Publishing Books at the Harvest Table! “every story needs a book”

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This Month’s Featured Books — Martha Garden, Children in the a Tryst and a Terror, and Revelation Author of A Trip, !, Redemption, Truth, Revenge The Moment of

egl,

— Stacey Schl

ntain, Tiny Learns Author of MerMou

to Listen, and Little

Frog

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Appreciate Dads from All Walks of Life with These Books Kevin L . Schewe, MD, FACRO

Dale P. Rhodes, Sr.

Dale Crotts

Joe Tennis

Bad Love Strikes

Next Summer

Death Watch

Swamped!

In June 1974, an adventurous group of teenage friends, who call themselves the “Bad Love Gang,” discover a tunnel leading to the White Hole Project. They learn how to use the time machine and become the first known humans to travel back in time and return. Their mission is to save Jews and Gypsies from the Holocaust in November 1944 by using a U.S. Air Force B-17 bomber that was known as “The Phantom Fortress.”

When lifelong best friends, Da Juan and Sterling, head to school on the first day of their senior year, they are excited to be the top dogs. They never expected their rookie history teacher to throw down the gauntlet on the first day and make a challenge that would engulf the whole senior class, but that’s exactly what he does. This group of friends, however, backs down from no one and nothing. In their last year of high school and the mission trip that becomes their journey the next summer, they prove there is nothing that true friendship cannot overcome. From school books to pranks, to lending a helping hand to giving your life, these friends hold nothing back and carve out a legacy that will propel them into the rest of their lives.

Macy Merit leaves Naval Special Ops after a bizarre mission goes awry to become “The Avenger.” Her first case involves the death of Jack Jordan, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, whose wife Vanessa is a U.S. Senator from North Carolina. Ruled a suicide by the local police, Macy uncovers evidence that points to murder. While working diligently to find the killer, Macy stumbles on a plot to develop a biological weapon to be used against civilians, not by a terrorist group, but by high-level officials within our own government. As the clues unfold, and the body count rises, Macy discovers the connection between Jack Jordan’s death and the biological experiments. Death Watch combines political and legal issues of our time with romance, mystery, murder, and suspense to create an exciting and thought-provoking journey into the world of power and corruption.

Wind, waves—and a broken boat oar— force four teenagers from the suburbs into a saltwater swamp. There, they struggle to survive while constantly getting sidetracked in conversation. This comical adventure also becomes a ﬁery debate between two types of teens: ones who dream to make a difference and those who never dare to be different.

In October 1939, Albert Einstein warns President Franklin D. Roosevelt that Nazi Germany is actively pursuing an atomic bomb and urges him to make sure that the United States develops the bomb first. Roosevelt commissions Einstein to secretly construct a usable time travel machine code named the “White Hole Project.”

Flyin’ Floyd

David M. McGee

“Flyin’ Floyd” Gilbert was a blue-collar hero from the golden age of dirt racing. Hailed as an “icon of dirt track racing” during his induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, Gilbert earned some 500 feature race victories and 16 track championships during a 30-yearcareer, all while racing door to door against other legendary drivers on rugged ovals across Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and the deep south.

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A review of Swamped! states: “Joe Tennis leads the reader into the world of four teenagers who find out that entering adulthood isn’t as much fun as they thought it would be in this coming of age novel. They were stranded, swamped, and on a marshy island without any way of getting home, or so they thought. You must read the book to find out what they each found out about each other and themselves.” —Linda Hudson Hoagland, Author

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ECO-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

ime spent in the great outdoors is often its own reward. But taking measures to be eco-friendly while spending time outside can make such leisure time even more rewarding. People who want to get out and be ecofriendly at the same time can try the following activities. • Cycling: Cycling is a fun activity that’s also great exercise and incredibly eco-friendly. While it’s certainly an enjoyable leisure activity, cycling also can provide a great alternative to more popular modes of transportation like driving. According to Bay Area Bike to Work Day, a movement dedicated to promoting cycling as a means of commuting to and from work, drivers of small vehicles (those that get 35 miles per gallon of gas) who commute 10 miles per day, five days a week can expect to consume 68 gallons of gas in a typical year during their commutes. During those commutes, their vehicles will produce 0.7 tons of CO2. SUV drivers will consume nearly double that amount of fuel while their vehicles produce nearly three times as much CO2 emissions. Cycling to work won’t consume any fuel or produce any emissions, and cyclists won’t be forced to sit idly in rush hour traffic. • Hiking: Hiking is another eco-friendly outdoor activity that can pay dividends for both the planet and the people who call it home. Lawmakers in towns and cities with thriving hiking communities may be encouraged to support legislation that preserves hiking trails and parks and prevent potentially harmful construction from taking place. And individuals can reap a number of benefits from hiking through the great outdoors. A study published in the journal Environmental Science

If you love getting out and about and enjoying yourself, Great Outdoors Month is the perfect month for you! It’s a great opportunity to encourage children in the importance of outside play and how getting out and about can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

& Technology found that outdoor exercise such as hiking can decrease feelings of tension, confusion, anger, and depression. In addition, hiking provides a great full-body workout that might appeal to people who have grown tired of more traditional gym-based fitness regimens. • Fishing: Fishing devotees tend to be wildly devoted to their craft, but one need not be an expert angler to enjoy fishing and help the planet. According to the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, fishing supports wildlife and fisheries management. The DGIF notes that anglers help to set seasons and creel limits, ensuring that wildlife populations remain stable and even flourish. Many anglers also find fishing is a great form of stress relief that provides a peaceful escape from the daily grind. • Running/walking: In lieu of running or walking on a treadmill indoors, men and women can get outside and do their jogging or walking in the great outdoors. While treadmills are not necessarily big energy consumers, running or walking outdoors consumes no energy and provides a great opportunity to spend time outside, especially for professionals who spend most of their days in office buildings. The great outdoors comes calling for many people when temperatures begin to climb. Answering that call can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your mood. The great outdoors comes calling for many people when temperatures begin to climb. Answering that call can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your mood. voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 21

How Families Can Volunteer Together

ccording to the Mayo Clinic, research has shown that volunteering can lower rates of depression and promote better physical health compared to not volunteering. In addition, an analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not. With so many benefits to volunteering, it’s no wonder that families often seek ways to volunteer together. Such efforts can be a great way to spend time together and give back to a community, all the while affording families a chance to reap the many rewards of volunteering. The following are a handful of potential volunteering opportunities that families can consider.

Litter cleanups The National Park Service estimates that plastics account for up to 90 percent of the trash floating in the ocean and littering shores. Many national and local organizations aim to combat plastic pollution via beach cleanups, and these efforts welcome volunteers of all ages, making them ideal ways for families to give back together. Litter is not just a problem for oceanfront communities. The organization Keep America Beautiful notes that 66 million pounds of litter and recyclables were collected in 2019. KAB hosts various litter cleanup programs in towns and cities across the country and encourages families to join their movement.

Combat homelessness According to the 2019 “The State of Homelessness in America” report from The Council of Economic Advisers, in January 2018, more than a half a million people were counted as homeless in the United States. Volunteering at a nearby homeless shelter is a great way for families to help this often underserved segment of the population. Contact a local homeless shelter to learn about specific volunteering opportunities, which may involve preparing and serving meals; tutoring homeless men, women and children; and involvement in other services shelters offer.

Clothing drives Clothing drives not only benefit the homeless, but they also help people who simply don’t have the means to purchase new clothing. Families can donate their own slightly used clothing to nearby goodwill organizations and organize clothing drives through their schools and places of employment. Encourage neighbors to follow suit and donate their own slightly used items. Volunteering together is a great way for families to give back to their communities.

22 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

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How to Exercise During the Pandemic

ife changed overnight for millions of people across the globe in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, which shuttered businesses and forced many people to follow stay-at-home measures issued by their local governments. These measures not only affected the overall health of those infected with the virus, but also those who experienced no symptoms and even tested negative for COVID-19. In recognition of the mental toll that social distancing and stay-at-home measures can take, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised people to exercise regularly. But opportunities to exercise seemingly dried up when stay-at-home guidelines were issued and gyms were shuttered. People without exercise equipment at home suddenly found themselves wondering how they could stay fit and keep their bodies in the best possible condition to fight a virus that has claimed thousands of lives. Thankfully, there are ways to stay fit and keep immune systems strong without violating stay-at-home measures. • Access online exercise programs. Many gyms that were forced to close to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus began offering exercise tutorials and classes via social media or websites such as YouTube. These videos can be invaluable resources, teaching people how to stay fit at home even if they don’t have weights or other equipment on hand. In addition to gym-sponsored exercise tutorials, the internet is loaded with free exercise videos and advice that can help people

without access to a gym get fit or maintain their fitness routines. • Go back to the basics. Many people no doubt recall gym class from their school days. Such classes teach youngsters the basics of physical fitness without employing dumbbells or advanced exercise machines. Those same basic exercises that work for youngsters, including push-ups, sit-ups and lunges, can be effective for adults as well. If it’s been awhile since you’ve done your most recent push-up, access an online tutorial so you can be certain your form is correct. • Do some yard work. It might not feel as high-intensity as a spinning class or a Pilates session, but yard work can be a great workout. Dust off the push mower the next time the grass needs to be cut, and get to work on pulling weeds in garden beds. The added benefit to yard work is it provides a great opportunity to get some fresh air without violating social distancing guidelines. • Go for a jog. Perhaps the simplest way to exercise during the pandemic is to go for a daily jog. According to the Mayo Clinic, aerobic exercise repeatedly moves large muscles in the arms, legs and hips while engaging the immune system and helping it to ward off minor viral illnesses. That makes an early morning jog an especially valuable, not to mention easily accessible, way to exercise during the pandemic. Exercise can help people maintain their immune systems in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and there are many simple ways to fit in a little physical activity even while social distancing.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 23

Properly Use Masks and Gloves

ersonal protective equipment is well-known and utilized often within the health care community and various other industries. It only is in recent months that personal protective equipment, or PPE, became something the general population learned more about as the COVID-19 outbreak took hold in the western hemisphere. Gloves and masks are only effective if they are used in the proper manner. The following are some guidelines for proper PPE use.

Gloves

Masks

The CDC says that gloves should fit the users’ hands comfortably. Gloves can only prevent the spread of pathogens if hand hygiene is performed before and after wear, states the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. To remove gloves properly, pinch the outside of one glove at the wrist without touching bare skin. Peel the glove away from the body, pulling it inside out. Hold the glove just removed in the other gloved hand and dispose of it. For the remaining glove, slide your fingers inside the glove at the top of the wrist, being careful not to touch the outside of the glove. Again, turn the second glove inside out while pulling it away from the body. Dispose of the glove properly.

Masks, sometimes referred to as respirators, also need to fit to be effective. Masks should be tight-fitting to the face. Clean hands and put on the mask, molding the mask over the bridge of the nose and sealing it around the face. One strap should be high on the head, the other low around the base of the neck. To remove the mask, tilt your head forward and pull the bottom strap over the back of the head, followed by the top strap without touching the front of the mask, says APIC. Keep straps tight during the removal process. Don’t snap the straps or touch the front of the mask, as this can spread germs. (Directions provided are for N95 respirators. Other mask designs should be removed according to manufacturer recommendations). PPE has become a household term. Proper usage is necessary to stay safe if and when masks and gloves are utilized.

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Tips to Confront the Mental Challenges of Social Distancing • Make time for fun activities. • Get news from reliable sources. • Maintain virtual connections with others. • Maintain a healthy lifestyle. More information about social distancing is available at www.apa.org.

Puzzles and Brain Health M

any people enjoy the challenges posed by puzzles such as crosswords, word finds and Sudoku, among others. Some even wonder if puzzles are more than simple fun and something that can actually benefit the brain. Data published in USA Today indicates that solving puzzles may help reinforce existing connections between brain cells and the generation of new relationships. This may improve mental speed and thought processes. Doing jigsaw puzzles could help with short-term memory, namely remembering shapes and colors, and visualizing the larger, finished picture. Researcher Keith Wesnes, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Exeter in England, studied the impact of crosswords on attention, reasoning, and memory. Wesnes found a direct relationship between solving puzzles and the accuracy of varying ranges of functions, including reasoning, attention and memory recall. Puzzles can keep the brain active. Tangible results not withstanding, one can reason that engaging regularly with word-based puzzles can improve

Storyteller

Cindy K. Sproles

vocabulary fluency and keep people in tune with turns of phrase and even current events. Puzzles also may assist with thinking creatively and employing reason to solve problems. Achieving success with puzzles may pave the way for tackling larger challenges by thinking outside of the box. Even though studies are ongoing, there is some belief that doing puzzles can slow decline in memory among healthy individuals as well as those who have been diagnosed with dementia. A 2014 trial funded by the National Institutes of Health found that the benefits of cognitive training for older adults can last as long as 10 years. The researchers recommended that older adults try any cognitively stimulating activity, such as solving crossword puzzles and playing cards. Puzzles are stimulating and fun and can be social when shared with others. These are factors that can stimulate the brain and may even help it to maintain optimal function.

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 25

MIGRAINES DIFFER FROM OTHER HEADACHES

igraine sufferers are adept at recognizing when migraines begin to form. Many people only find relief after spending several hours lying down in pitch-black rooms. Calling a migraine a headache is somewhat misleading, as migraines produce an assortment of symptoms and may not feature pain at all. The Mayo Clinic says sinus headaches, which occur with sinus infections or symptoms like congestion and facial pressure, sometimes are mistaken for migraines. But migraines often are much more menacing than sinus headaches. Migraines stand alone because they are often intense and severe and have other symptoms in addition to head pain, states Healthline. Symptoms associated with migraines include: • pain behind one eye or ear • temple pain

• seeing spots or flashing lights • nausea • sensitivity to light and/or sound • temporary vision loss • vomiting Changes in brain activity can affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues that contribute to migraine symptoms. That’s what makes migraines more than just severe head pain. Penn Medicine states that migraines occur in four different phases. 1. Prodome phase: This pre-headache phase includes painless symptoms that can occur days or hours before the migraine. Mood swings, stiffness in the neck and food cravings are some of these symptoms. 2. Aura phase: Auras are sensory disturbances that occur before or during a migraine. Auras can affect vision, hearing, touch, or speech. 3. Headache phase: If pain appears, sufferers are in the headache phase. Pain may range from mild to debilitating. It’s important to note people can have a migraine without head pain. The American Migraine Foundation notes that silent or acephalgic migraine is a type of migraine that can be very alarming. During these types of migraines, one experiences dizzying aura and other visual disturbances and nausea, but no head pain. 4. Postdromal phase: This is when the migraine pain has subsided. People may feel tired and unwell during this phase. Migraines generally have triggers. Finding the cause can help sufferers avoid these triggers and tame the severity or frequency of migraines. Allergies, hormonal changes, family history, changes in weather, certain aromas, and lack of sleep can contribute to migraines. Learn more about migraines at Americanmigrainefoundation.org.

Lori’s Miracle

by June Barrett (Founder of The Crumley House)

On a sunny September day in 1981, fourteen-year-old Lori Beth Ford was involved in a tragic car accident that left her with a TBI — traumatic brain injury. The doctors and medical staff tried to convince Lori’s family that she would not live, or if she did live, she would be incapacitated for the rest of her life. However, with hope, love and a refusal to believe the worst, Lori’s family and friends showed nothing but support and patience through her ongoing recovery. As a popular teenager with lots of friends and extracurricular activities, it was a hard transition for both Lori Beth and her family to accept the fact that she would never be the same. Told through her mother’s voice, Lori’s Miracle is the inspiring story of a girl whose childhood dreams were shattered, but her success was redefined in a way that no one could have ever imagined. Published by Jan-Carol Publishing • Available at Jancarolpublishing.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com

26 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month This is an opportunity to hold a conversation about the brain, and share the fact that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are a major public health issue. Everyone who has a brain is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s, the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

Turkey and Blue Cheese Meatballs 6 Servings

Spinach and Feta Turkey Burger 8 Servings

2 eggs, beaten 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 ounces feta cheese 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 2 pounds ground turkey 1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate. 2. While the grill is preheating, mix together eggs, garlic, feta cheese, spinach, and turkey in a large bowl until well combined; form into 8 patties. 3. Cook on preheated grill until no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. Source: www.allrecipes.com

Tex-Mex Turkey Soup 6 Servings

1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup minced onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon oregano 4 cups water 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 cup salsa 4 cups shredded cooked turkey 1 tablespoon dried parsley 3 chicken bouillon cubes 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed, drained 2 cups frozen corn 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Toppings

6 cups corn tortilla chips 3/4 cup chopped green onion 1 cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 cup sour cream 1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced onions and cook until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 2. Stir in water, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, salsa, shredded turkey, parsley and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until bouillon cubes dissolve. Add black beans, corn, sour cream and cilantro. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. 3. Serve soup with crushed tortilla chips, chopped green onion, shredded cheese and additional cilantro and sour cream. Source: www.allrecipes.com

4 cloves garlic ½ onion, cut into chunks 2 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded 1 pound ground turkey 3 tablespoons blue cheese ½ cup bread crumbs 3 egg whites 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon chili powder 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside. 2. Pulse garlic cloves in a food processor until minced. Add onion and jalapeño, and pulse until minced again. Scrape the onion mixture into a large bowl along with the turkey, blue cheese, bread crumbs, egg whites, and olive oil. Season with soy sauce, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, pepper, and chili powder. Mix well. 3. Roll the mixture into 2 inch balls, and place onto prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, and no longer pink in the center, about 25 minutes. Source: www.allrecipes.com

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Make the most of your Staycation

hile they might not be as exotic as venturing off to parts unknown, staycations need not be limited to days spent lounging by the backyard pool or laying out on the living room couch. The following are a handful of activities that can help people make the most of their staycations. • Spa experience: Who doesn’t like the chance to engage in a little pampering when staying in a fancy hotel? That same luxury can be enjoyed during a staycation by booking an appointment at a local spa that offers all the amenities, including a sauna, steam room, beauty treatments, and, of course, massage services. • A day on the links: The opportunity to test one’s mettle on a new course in an idyllic setting is one golf lovers simply cannot pass up while vacationing. A similar challenge can be found when staying at home. Do a little homework to find the most challenging course within driving distance of your home and then book a tee time, treating yourself even further by indulging in a good meal in the clubhouse once your 18 holes are up. • The wonders of nature: Professional and personal lives can make it hard to enjoy the great outdoors, even when it’s steps from your front door. During a staycation, commit to exploring local parks, hitting the trails to hike or mountain bike or renting a boat or kayak and taking to the water. • “Go” camping: Parents of young children can make a staycation more special by spending a night camping in the backyard. Leave your devices indoors as you sit around the firepit telling stories and making some delicious s’mores.

28 | June 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Then set up the tents and sleep under the stars for a memorable night in the “wild.” • Rainy day: If the weather is not cooperating during your staycation, create a backup plan to add a little life to rainy days. Plan a daylong film festival in which each member of the family gets to choose a movie everyone can watch together. Make sure you have plenty of popcorn on hand and order in a few pizzas so everyone can focus on the films. Families planning staycations can make these relaxing respites at home more enjoyable by incorporating a few unusual activities throughout the week.

Enhance Staycations with Themed Fun Days

nhancing staycations with entertaining themes can improve the fun factor. While any themed day can be inspired by an active imagination, these ideas can get the creativity flowing. • Superhero day: Embrace your favorite superhero by dressing up in his or her colors, donning a superhero T-shirt or watching an action-packed superhero movie. • Pajama day: This is a fun theme for rainy days when Mother Nature keeps you indoors. Stay in your pajamas all day and enjoy a cozy, lazy day. • Throwback day: Take a step back in time by playing games or engaging in activities from your youth. Teach youngsters about the toys you enjoyed or watch movies from the era in which you grew up. • Crazy hair day: Embrace bed head, plug in the curling iron, double down on hair gel or pomade, or put those wacky coiffures into full effect. • Cultural day: Tap into your personal heritage by researching your family tree and then preparing a meal that coordinates with your heritage. • Arts and crafts day: Get crafty by tackling a creative project that the family will enjoy. Or engage in individual projects before comparing the final results collectively. Push staycations to the next level with entertaining days based on certain themes.

We asked our Facebook fans to send us photos of their cats from the shelter. Fancy and Ella, submitted by Jessica Walling Murray

Neko, submitted by LaDonna Cable

voicemagazineforwomen.com | June 2020 | 29

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

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CLUES ACROSS

1. American composer 6. Very fast aircraft 9. Workplaces 13. A mount on a surface 14. Small freshwater fish 15. Double-reed instrument 16. Canadian flyers 17. Famed astronomer 18. Smooth, shiny fabric 19. Profited 21. Conspiracy 22. Infections 23. Chum 24. Secondary school (abbr.) 25. Resistance unit 28. Sound unit 29. Ancient city of Egypt 31. Crease 33. Polished 36. For goodness __! 38. College basketball tournament 39. Scorches 41. Describe precisely 44. Thick piece of something 45. Frocks 46. Indicates near 48. Senior enlisted US Army member 49. A note added to a letter 51. A nose or snout 52. Clumsy 54. Satisfied to the fullest 56. Display of strong feeling 60. Popular awards show 61. Cuisine style 62. Expresses pleasure 63. Monetary unit of the Maldives 64. Utah city 65. Fight 66. Messenger ribonucleic acid 67. Body part 68. Suspiciously reluctant

CLUES DOWN

1. Fruit of the service tree 2. At some prior time 3. Mongolian city __ Bator 4. Strongboxes 5. Russian river 6. Gurus 7. Horse mackerel 8. Pearl Jam’s debut album 9. Confines 10. First month of Jewish ecclesiastical year 11. Famed Idaho politician 12. Prevents from seeing 14. Indicate time 17. Male parents 20. Tab on a key ring 21. The Great Dog constellation: __ Major 23. Frying necessity 25. Former CIA 26. The leader 27. Produces 29. London soccer club 30. Closes 32. Region in the western Pacific Ocean 34. Not present 35. Small drink of whiskey 37. Begat 40. Helps little firms 42. Pointed end of a pen 43. Fencing swords 47. Inches per minute (abbr.) 49. Hymn 50. Philippine island 52. Flemish names of Ypres 53. A way to inform 55. Small lake 56. Linear unit 57. Central Japanese city 58. Partially burn 59. Sports award 61. Part of your foot 65. Atomic #21

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