Voice Magazine for Women 1218 by Voice Magazine For Women

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December 2018 | Volume 15 | Issue 12

3–7 PM ERYDAY V E R U O HAPPY H BEERS ON TAP 20 IC LIVE MUS

Couture with a Cause YWCA 7

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Jan-Carol Publishing New Releases 18

Okonjima Reserve, Namibia $5 LUNCH MENU & GLUTEN FREE MENU

Holiday Recipes

Nancy Binder 8

The Precious Present

Get Your Manuscript Published 21

Pam Blair

VoiceMale

Ken Heath 22

DIY Christmas Blanket

Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season

Savannah Bailey 12

Christmas Greenery April Hensley 13

Tips to Help You Realize Your Goals in the New Year 25

Gift-Wrapping Tips 14

December Hot Hunk Hunt! The November “Hot Hunk” was on page 9.

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Email:

Santa Claus 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 $20 gift certificate for lunch.

Congratulations to: Christy Davis Bristol, TN

Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

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

as the winner in the November Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

HOT HUNK LOCATION:

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is December 20, 2018. PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD 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.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 3

FREE

From the EDITOR

Celebrating our 15th year! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you! LITTLE CREEK BOOKS MOUNTAIN GIRL PRESS EXPRESS EDITIONS ROSEHEART PUBLISHING DIGISTYLE

he holidays! You will hear people say that they love ’em or dread ’em or fall somewhere in between. Isn’t that a choice? Deciding to look forward to the holidays can be difficult. However, Christmas can rekindle that childhood feeling of innocence and wonder. That childhood feeling still resonates with me each year when I start to decorate the Christmas tree. Decorating the tree brings back childhood memories of my excitement of traveling to my grandmother’s house to see Santa, and then waking up on Christmas morning to find all the gifts Santa left for me under the Christmas tree. How can you rekindle that childlike excitement during the holidays? Take a good look around you and find something special about your life and the people who fill it and make it special. They are ‘gifts’ to you and it will be a ‘gift’ to yourself by letting them know that you appreciate them. And doesn’t that capture the real meaning of Christmas? Sharing a gift of love? As a Christian, I believe that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and His gift of love to all. Here at Jan-Carol Publishing, we want to let all of you know that you are special gifts to us! This year has been about change and we appreciate all of you traveling with us on this year’s journey. Brace yourselves—there are changes ahead for the New Year! Remember to check out JCP’s websites—voicemagazineforwomen.com and jancarolpublishing.com, and ‘like us’ on Facebook and on Instagram. Remember in gift giving, JCP books make wonderful gifts. If you are an owner of a retail business and would like to retail our books or promote your business with a book signing, call our office, 423.926.9983 for information. A BIG ‘Thank you’ goes to all of you for your continued support. We appreciate your loyalty to us, our advertisers, and our authors. We hope your holiday season is about spreading good cheer, listening to joyful music, and spending time with family and friends. From all of us to all of you—Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thought of the month: “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.” —Coco Chanel Verse of the Month: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 23–25 KJV

Janie C. Jessee, Editor

We Asked Our Facebook Fans:

What do you love most about December? Kelly Jeanette Swift—Christmas, family get-togethers, lights everywhere, people smiling and happy, hearts opened up to giving. Jane Frye Nichols— My son’s birthday & Christmas. April Ford Hensley—Family time. Ted Bradford II—Time with family.

Sally J Dodson—My birthday!!! Andy Bland—December 31, New Year’s Eve. And the end of the crazy month LOL!

Morgan King—The first second after it’s over....Happy New Year! Bev Clay Freeman—I love the cheer, the decorations and the look in Kid’s faces! My heart is thankful for baby Jesus!

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“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 Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 editor@voicemagazineforwomen.com publisher@jancarolpublishing.com DECEMBER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Cindy K. Sproles

Nancy Binder Pam Blair

Ken Heath

SALES Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 OFFICE Brandon Goins - Office Assistant office@voicemagazineforwomen.com office@jancarolpublishing.com Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com INTERN Publishing Research/Marketing Chanie Garner, ETSU DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff JCP Internships Available PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 15, Issue 12) 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. © 2018 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.

Have a ‘Furry’ Christmas! F

rom cool to cold, this winter season captures warmth with fur coats, fur accessories, fur accents in footwear, and fur hats! But with the growing number of consumers putting pressure on the modern day fur manufacturers, designers have gone fur-free. In the recent months, designers including Versace, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Furla, John Galliano, Donna Karan, Tom Ford, and Michael Kors have announced that they will no longer be using fur in their lines. What’s more, San Francisco has become the largest U.S. city to ban the sale of fur. Although real fur is on the way out, faux fur is quickly rising up to take its place. From coats to shoes to keychains, designers and fast fashion brands alike have jumped on the faux fur bandwagon.

Here are a few reasons to jump on the faux fur bandwagon: You’ll be on-trend. Now, the high-fashion style of faux fur has trickled down to major retailers, making furs affordable, and these furs are offered in bright colors and patterns. It’s easy to clean. Generally made of synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester, faux fur can be a lot easier to take care of than actual fur. If you have a spill—even tough stains like red wine or coffee—spot cleaning works well. Though some faux fur must be dry-cleaned, you can find versions that are hand or machine washable on a very gentle cycle. Just be sure to shake it well so the fibers don’t become distorted, and hang it to dry—heat from the dryer could damage the fibers. It can last a long time. Compared to the real thing, faux fur may look better after years of wear. Real fur, especially if it has been dyed, can fade or change color in as little as one year. If made well, synthetic fibers are more resilient and can stand up to frequent wear. It’s easy to store. Real fur should be professionally cleaned and stored. If not, you risk damage from moths and fluctuating temperature and humidity conditions. (There are even professional services that will store your furs in the warmer months.) However, faux fur, along with your coats and sweaters, can be stored in a cool, dry place all summer long. But as a shopper, if you long for ‘the real thing’, a wonderful option is to buy ‘new to you.’ Many consignment shops and thrift stores offer previously owned ‘real furs’ at bargain basement pricing. (Photos fromshopdailychic.com and target.com)

129A east main st abingdon va open mon–sat 11–6 just a block down from Barter Theatre

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 5

National Wear Your Pearls Day

he beautiful result of nature’s design, one irritating grain of sand can cause an iridescent pearl to form. National Wear Your Pearls Day, observed on December 15, reminds us that when life throws dirt our way, we all have value in the end. Best-selling author and motivational speaker, DeAnna Bookert, founded National Wear Your Pearls Day because pearls represented the story of her life and how she struggled through depression. “I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value.” The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved National Wear Your Pearls Day in 2015, and its inaugural year is December 2016. Just as pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so do people and the kinds of trials thrown into our lives. We create our own beauty from the tragedies of our lives but often do not see it. We devalue ourselves and as a result, lose motivation to be a part of life. Like pearls, we develop a process to protect ourselves from further damage, layer by layer becoming stronger and more resourceful. Recognizing the collective value of our strengths is like wearing our pearls. When life throws dirt your way, put on your pearls as a reminder that you have value, regardless of your current circumstances. Use #NationalWearYourPearlsDay to share on social media, and on December 15, wear your pearls.

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National Gingerbread House Day is a holiday observed annually on December 12, and each year, the Omni Grove Park Inn of Asheville, North Carolina holds a National Gingerbread House Competition. The competition is held in November, but the winning creations will be on display through January 4, 2019. For more information, visit www.omnihotels.com.

Couture with a Cause

s 2019 going to be the year you say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do?â&#x20AC;? If so, be sure to shop first at the Bristol Bridal Station for your wedding gown and accessories. Not only will you be saving up to 75% on new wedding dresses and formal gowns from top designers, you will also be supporting the programs of the YWCA. Through partnerships with several bridal salons, the Bristol Bridal Station is able to offer new couture gowns from designers such as Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, and others. These gowns are donated from salons in Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and other locations throughout the United States. Typically, these new gowns are floor samples or overstock from larger salons. A variety of dress sizes are available, as well as a considerable selection of colors, silhouettes, and lengths. We have gowns suitable for every type of wedding, from a formal affair to a casual beach wedding. We even have a selection of new couture gowns for as little as $99. The salon has staff and trained volunteers available to assist you with your gown selection and make your shopping experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Accessories, including veils and belts, are also available for purchase. Your gown purchase supports much needed programs at YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. These programs provide sliding-scale child care, after school STEM based activities for at-risk middle school girls, and education and support for first time teen parents. All of these programs help to improve the quality of life for women and families in our service area. The Bristol Bridal Station is open Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and

it is located in the YWCA building at 106 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are also available. For the optimum shopping experience, bring or wear the type of shoes and undergarments you anticipate wearing with your gown. Please consider the number of people in your shopping party. Groups larger than three crowd the intimate space of the salon. Call 423-968-9444 for more information or to make an appointment at Bristol Bridal Station.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 7

Okonjima Reserve, Namibia Home of the AfriCat Foundation

Article and Photographs by Nancy Binder

n September, four girlfriends and I joined 8 other ladies on my fourth annual safari. Again, we traveled with Road Scholar: www.roadscholar.org. It was not intended to be an all ladies safari, but it turned out that way. I have done 45 Road Scholar programs, and this is the first time it was all women. Namibia is in southwestern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean, and it is south of Angola, east of Botswana, and north of South Africa. Its world ranking by area is 34th, with a population of about 2.5 million people. The reason the population is so sparse is that a great deal of the country is arid, and it has the least rainfall of any sub-Saharan African country. The landscape is very different from the countries we have visited so far. We flew from Chicago to Amsterdam, then to Johannesburg, South Africa, where we stayed overnight and flew the next day to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. After one night there, we were on our way to our first stop at Okonjima Reserve, a 50,000 acre private reserve. On our way Namibian sunset

View from room at Plains Camp

into the lodge area, we saw two white rhinos, mother and son! It was so amazing to see them, as they are pretty rare, and to have such a clear view from the road. Southern white rhinoceros are threatened, with only 20,000 left in the world. The white rhinos are not white, but grey. They have a wide upper lip, and in Afrikaans, the word for wide is “weit,” which was mistaken by English speakers for white. After we checked into our beautiful lodges, which had a wall of windows looking into the bush, we climbed into our safari vehicles. The next amazing sighting was even rarer, a leopard trying to figure out what to do with a pangolin. White rhinos are rare, but to tell you how rare sightings of pangolin are, one of our guides who was 50 years old and has been guiding since his 20s has NEVER seen one. Unfortunately for him, he stayed in camp doing paperwork, as Okonjima had their own guides. Pangolins are nocturnal animals and are unfortunately highly sought after by the Asian market and are poached, as are rhino horns and elephant tusks. We watched as the leopard tried to bite and then paw at the rolled up pangolin, just like a domestic cat would do with a mouse. The rolled up pangolin, with its very hard scales, was too big for the leopard to get its mouth around. Lucky for the pangolin!

White Rhinoceros 8 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

continued on next page

Pangolin and leopard (Photo credit: Lorelei Hunt)

Leopard trying to bite pangolin (Photo credit: Lorelei Hunt) The next day on the reserve, we got out of our safari vehicle (a VERY rare occurrence on safari) and walked near two cheetahs that were raised by staff on the reserve since they were a few weeks old. As long as we didn’t approach them, run, or scream, they pretty much ignored us. Later in the day, our vehicles entered a separate enclosure of quite a few acres, where five young cheetahs were being introduced into the wild and observed to be certain they could fend for themselves before releasing them into the large reserve. The third most exciting happening at the reserve was watching two large, male lions being fed. These two lions were also raised by staff on the reserve and associate people with food, so they cannot be released into the reserve. They are in their own 35 hectare fenced area. We sat in a concrete bunker that had three strands of electrified wire in front of it with an 18” opening for viewing. We are always told that if we are charged by an animal, to “stand your ground.” After one of the lions finished eating, he walked along the bunker and then turned around and did a charge up to the wires. We all jumped back, and the guide dropped a wire grate over the opening. The lion’s head would not have fit into the opening, but his paw would have if he could stand the electric charge. Whew, that scared all of us! So much for “stand your ground!”

Cheetahs We visited the AfriCat Foundation on the grounds of the Reserve. Its mission is to make a significant contribution to conservation through education. It is committed to long term conservation and survival of Namibia’s large carnivores in their natural habitat. This is done through various projects, such as youth environmental conservation education, and its goals are to teach and encourage sustainable living practices to promote greater tolerance of large carnivores outside of protected areas and to reduce farmer-predator conflicts. We toured the veterinary facility and saw how they trap a large carnivore for removal from a farm or to bring a carnivore living in the reserve in for its annual checkup. One of the most surprising things I learned was that if a dominant cheetah is removed from a territory, which includes a farm, more cheetahs come into the area to try to take over the territory, causing a farmer more loss of livestock. They encourage farmers to protect small livestock by keeping them in enclosures where the carnivore cannot see them. Many farms we passed in Namibia had an area fenced with green plastic sheeting that eliminated the view of the livestock. This stops a predator from going into the enclosure. A waterhole provided an interesting view from the dining area. Warthogs, springboks, black backed jackals, kudus, and many other antelopes and birds were regular visitors. At night, we left our patio light on so that we could see the animals that walked through the bush, which were mainly springboks and jackals. This was a wonderful place to start a Namibian Springbok adventure.

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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 passionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African safari bug,” now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or travel questions at nancybinder@msn.com. voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 9

he holidays are a time to celebrate. But for hundreds of people each year, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day proves fatal. According to fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over the last five years, an average of 300 people died in drunk driving fatalities between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Holiday celebrations tend to include alcohol, raising the stakes during this festive, yet too often fatal time of year. The sobering statistics provided by the NHTSA don’t have to prevent people from toasting a new year. In fact, there are many ways to have fun during the holidays without putting yourself in harm’s way.

• Don’t overindulge in alcohol. For many people, overindulging in alcohol is part and parcel during celebrations. Such behavior puts everyone at risk, even people who don’t drive. • Arrange for transportation. If you need a car to get around and plan to drink alcohol, arrange for someone else to do your driving for you. Groups of friends should choose someone to be their designated driver or pool their money and hire a taxi or bus service for the night. • Host responsibly. Even people who don’t intend to leave their homes can take steps to make the holidays safer for everyone. If you’re hosting a party at home, do so responsibly, making sure none of your guests overindulge and making the party less about drinking and more about fun. Make sure to have plenty of food and nonalcoholic beverages on hand, and encourage people who are drinking to eat full meals and drink water throughout the night. Don’t stock up on too much alcohol. Hosts also should keep the phone numbers of local taxi services handy, just in case some guests cannot drive themselves home safely.

DEER IN HEADLIGHTS!

e probably all have heard the holiday song that tells how ‘grandma got run over by a reindeer,’ but when a reindeer jumps into the road in front of a moving vehicle, it can not only be deadly for the deer, but also for the driver and occupants in the vehicle. Deer are vehicle destroyers. Deer are erratic, unpredictable, and big enough to cause massive damage to your car if contact occurs. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), deer-related accidents cause an estimated $1.1 billion in vehicle damage every year.

Understanding deer behavior is one of the first and best ways to avoid accidents, so here are some of their habits: • Deer are social animals and generally travel in groups — if you see one, there are invariably more behind. • Because they travel in packs, deer operate on the follow-the-leader principle: Once one animal crosses a road, the others are likely to follow. • They also tend to make split-second decisions regarding movement: Just because a deer is sitting on one side of the road as you approach, it doesn’t mean that it won’t change its mind and dart across at the wrong moment. • Deer are most active from dusk until dawn, when ambient temperatures are cooler and predators aren’t as much of a threat. This means they’re most active when your eyes are least equipped to spot them. • Deer come factory-equipped with something called tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer of ocular tissue that makes their eyes easy to spot at night. Scan the darkness constantly for two shiny greenish-yellow dots looking your direction. • Like all animals, deer need water to survive, and they’ve got their favorite watering holes. When you drive down the road and see a sign warning of possible deer crossings, it’s likely because there’s a stream or pond nearby. So, this season, drive cautiously in areas that you suspect deer can be nearby. 10 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

The Precious Present Article By Pam Blair

nce again, the holiday season is upon us, and everyone I know is asking, “How did this happen?” Maybe it has to do with growing older, but the weeks and months are simply flying by, and suddenly, it’s time to think about how we’re going to celebrate the holidays. The season gets underway well before Halloween, when the stores start pulling out Christmas decorations and putting them on display, usually around August. This is the signal that the holidays are coming, and it seems to begin earlier every year. As if that weren’t enough, we get constant reminders of how many shopping days are left. Oh, the pressure of the countdown! I always think, “Can’t we just celebrate Thanksgiving first?” Long before then, lighted Christmas trees can be seen throughout the neighborhood while pumpkins are gaily decorating our porch. Somehow, it doesn’t feel right to toss them when they’re still so colorful and perfectly happy right where they are. I stand my ground and won’t remove them until Thanksgiving is over. This race to the end of the year can be overwhelming, causing undue stress as we obsess about all the presents we need to buy, the cards we have to mail, and the goodies that must be baked. At this time, more than any other throughout the year, I just want to press ‘pause’ and savor the precious, present moment when something amazing is happening right in front of me. These moments are all around us as the fall season, with its spectacular colors, comes to a close. A frosty morning signals the start of the cold, wintry months that lie ahead, and Daylight Saving Time brings darkness at an obscenely early hour, when the sun sets around 6 p.m. and we feel like we need to rush home and get ready for bed. And yet, early in the morning or right before that too-early sunset, there’s clarity of light and crispness to the air that makes everything appear to stand out more than before. I call these

my “jump-out-of-your-skin-feel-good days,” and I want to hold on to the way they make me happy to be alive and the feeling that maybe, in this minute, all is right with the world. Instead of worrying about buying the perfect present, let’s take time to savor the precious present, the here and now that will be gone as soon as we round the next corner. I invite you to think about the moments that are special to you, the ones that turned your head or took your breath away. Gather those thoughts and keep them in a special place, your own virtual box that you can open when things get a little too hectic and time feels like it’s racing away. To help you get started, here’s a sampling of the ones that have given me a precious present. • Crystal clear days and sunshine so brilliant that all things seem possible • Grocery stores stocked with seasonal foods that bring happy memories to mind • Rounding a curve in the road that reveals a snowcapped mountain in the distance • Sipping something warm while fireplace logs are glowing • Mountain vistas that can only be seen when trees have lost all of their leaves • A tree full of cardinals on a snowy day

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Pam Blair is a writer who has authored and edited numerous publications, including LIFE IS PRECIOUS: LESSONS IN HEALTHY LIVING, SURVIVING CANCER, AND RECOVERING FROM GRIEF (Chapel Hill Press). She can be reached at pblair919@aol.com.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 11

DIY Christmas Blanket By Savannah Bailey

he holiday season is the best time to cuddle up under a warm blanket, and those snuggly moments can be made even more special if the blanket was made by someone you love! One of my favorite gifts to give is a f leece, DIY blanket. It’s a quick and easy project that can withstand years of use and love. To start, head to your local craft store and pick out your fleece. I prefer to have one pattern for the front of the blanket and a different pattern (or a solid color) for the back. Depending on who the blanket is for, ask the store attendant to measure out and cut the appropriate length of each type of fleece. When it’s time to make the blanket, all you’ll need is a napkin and a pair of scissors. Line up the two pieces of fleece and lay one on top of the other. Use

your napkin as a guide to cut out a square on all four corners of the blanket. Make sure you are cutting both layers of fleece! Then, cut the edges in strips two to three inches long and one inch wide. Once all of your strips have been cut, start tying top layer of fleece to the bottom layer until your blanket is complete! There are infinite ways to personalize and spice up this blanket design. Some of my favorite suggestions include embroidering a name or phrase, adding a third layer of fleece in the middle to make the blanket warmer, and changing the type of knot used for the edges. Do you have plans to DIY a blanket this season? Have you made one in the past? We want to see it! Post a picture of your blanket to our Voice Magazine for Women Facebook page and have the chance to have your photo featured in our January issue!

Robin Miller

Real Estate Professional Call

508 Princeton Rd., Ste. 106 • Johnson City, TN Today! RealtorRobinMiller@gmail.com Office – 423.722.3223 www.premierhomestn.com Direct – 423.647.9476 12 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Hobbies can provide health benefits. The American Institute of Stress notes that some hobbies can help people reduce their stress. The AIS notes that some 56 million women in the United States now knit or crochet. That marks a 51 percent increase over the last decade. That revival is attributed to the stress-reducing properties of knitting and crocheting.

Christmas Greenery

By April Hensley

ondering through the aisles of seasonal decorations at the local, big-box store, I felt I had stepped into a magical evergreen forest. Treasures of green, red, silver, and gold reflected the overhead lights. It really dawned on me how much we use of the outdoors and plants to decorate our homes for the holidays. With the landscape outside brown, brittle, and dead, the displays and cheerful carols playing put me right into the festive spirit. I am in Christmas heaven. Many of the decorating traditions we have now are because of the cold and drab outside during winter. Past generations lived closer to the land than we do now, so the changing of the seasons had a bigger impact on their day to day living. Our ancestors wanted to bring life and color into their homes to brighten their celebrations and also to remind themselves that spring would arrive again soon. Here’s the scoop on a few easy-to-find and natural things you can use for decorating. Feel free to use artificial plants also. They are so lifelike, it’s hard to tell the difference. • Holly–Holly, with its bright, red berries and glossy, green leaves, is long lasting and a traditional favorite.

• Mistletoe–It is native to North America and Europe. It is still a tradition to give someone a kiss under the mistletoe. • Rosemary–Rosemary is the herb of love and remembrance, so it’s great for gift giving. Decorate as miniature Christmas trees during the holiday, and then use for cooking all year. • Poinsettias–Available in an extraordinary array of colors, the plant is a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. It is known as Flores de Noche Buena in Central America, or Flower of the Holy Night. • Pine garland–Cutting evergreen branches and placing them as decorations over windows and doorways is a tradition that goes back centuries to signify everlasting life. • Pine cones–Plentiful if you have access to a tree. Use as ornaments and to decorate wreaths and garland. • Magnolia–Magnolia leaves, whether dry or fresh, make great decorations for the holidays. Use natural, or paint as accents for center pieces or in wreaths. • Eucalyptus–Another evergreen, eucalyptus clippings are pretty when tucked into vases and used for swags and wreaths. • Paper white bulbs and amaryllis–Forced bulbs look cheery as center pieces on a festive table or decorating a mantel.

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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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voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 13

Gift-Wrapping Tips and Tricks M

uch of the focus of each holiday season is on gift-giving, but all those gifts will eventually need to be wrapped. Stacks of presents just waiting to be covered with paper and ribbon can overwhelm gift givers, prompting them to put off wrapping gifts until the last minute. Hesitant wrappers with a pile of gifts to wrap can use these tricks to make the process go smoothly.

Find inspiration.

Instead of looking at wrapping as yet another chore, try to envision how the recipient will feel when peeling open the paper and finding the gift inside. Wrapping can be the prelude to the gift itself and intensify the anticipation. The wrapping paper or style also may draw on aspects of the gift itself. For example, a knit scarf can be placed in a crocheted stocking.

Handle oddly-shaped items.

Wrapping rectangular boxes can be a snap, but what about something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s round or full of angles? Think about placing oddly-shaped items inside another item to make the shape more uniform. Shoe boxes, coffee cans, and even paper towel rolls can hold items.

14 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Cover prices. To enable easy exchanges or returns, do not cut off the price tags of gifts. Instead, place a festive sticker over the dollar amount, but leave the scan bar visible.

Keep supplies at the ready. Devote a bin or bins to wrapping supplies and tools. Having scissors, paper, tape, ribbon, and more in a designated spot will cut down on having to hunt and peck when it comes time to wrap.

Wrap on a firm surface. Devote a table or counter to wrapping gifts. This will keep the paper taut and neat and make it easier to cut and position. You risk tearing the paper or puncturing it when working on carpeting or bedding.

Color- or pattern-code gifts. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to visualize who gets what gift when each recipient has his or her own special wrapping paper. This is also a handy idea when wrapping gifts from Santa, as it will differentiate the Santa gifts from the ones being given by Mom and Dad.

Pine Cone Cheese Ball

3. Starting at the tapered end, press almonds into the cheese cone so that the tip of the almond is facing out and down, and cheese cone is completely covered with almonds and resembles a pine cone. Place rosemary sprigs at the top to resemble pine needles. Source: All Recipes

Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs Ingredients 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 4 ounces goat cheese, softened 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flatleaf parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1/2 clove garlic, minced, or more to taste 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 cup whole almonds, or as needed 3 large fresh rosemary sprigs 1. Stir cream cheese, goat cheese, parsley, tarragon, thyme, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until smooth and well-mixed. 2. Turn cheese mixture out onto a serving platter and form into a tapered oval shape to resemble a pine cone.

Ingredients 12 eggs 1/2 cup mayonnaise 4 slices bacon 2 tablespoons finely shredded Cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon mustard Green onions 1. Place eggs in a saucepan, and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, and cool. To cool more quickly, rinse eggs under cold running water. 2. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Alternatively, wrap bacon

in paper towels and cook in the microwave for about 1 minute per slice. Crumble and set aside. 3. Peel the hard-cooked eggs, and cut in half lengthwise. Remove yolks to a small bowl. Mash egg yolks with mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, and cheese. Stir in mustard. Fill egg white halves with the yolk mixture, top with chopped green onions, and refrigerate until serving. Source: All Recipes, Photo by “Doyle”

Sugar Coated Pecans

Ingredients 1 egg white 1 tablespoon water 1 pound pecan halves 1 cup white sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Grease one baking sheet. 2. In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, salt, and cinnamon. 3. Add pecans to egg whites, and stir to coat the nuts evenly. Remove the nuts, and toss them in the sugar mixture until coated. Spread the nuts out on the prepared baking sheet. 4. Bake at 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes. Source: All Recipes, Photo by “SavedByGrace”

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 15

oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. 2. Stir in corn, hominy, chiles, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes. 3. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, cheese, and chopped green onion.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients 24 fresh oysters, shucked, juices reserved 4 bacon slices, minced 1 onion, minced (about 11/4 cup) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 quarts milk 1 bay leaf 1 cup heavy cream, heated 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste Oyster crackers

Ingredients 1/2 cup butter 1 onion, chopped 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli 4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth 1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed 2 cups milk 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2/3 cup cornstarch 1 cup water 1. In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. 2. Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder. 3. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until thick.

1. Drain the oysters in a colander over a bowl. Reserve the juice. 2. Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. 3. Add the onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent, about 6 minutes. Do not brown. 4. Reduce the heat to low, add the flour, and cook, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. 5. Add the milk and reserved oyster juice in batches, using a whisk to work out any lumps between each addition. Add the bay leaf and simmer, 20 minutes, skimming as necessary. 6. Add the whole oysters and continue to simmer until the oysters are barely cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. 7. Add the hot cream and season with salt and pepper. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with the reserved bacon and oyster crackers. Source: “The Culinary Institute of

Source: All Recipes, Photo by “vlinn”

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth 1 1/4 cups water 1 cup whole corn kernels, cooked 1 cup white hominy 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces crushed tortilla chips sliced avocado shredded Monterey Jack cheese chopped green onions 1. In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, 16 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Oyster Stew

Source: All Recipes, Photo by “Lucky Ducky”

America Book of Soups” (Lebhar-Friedman)

NATIONAL PEAR MONTH All December long, National Pear Month recognizes the flavor and versatility of this delicious fruit. Whether they are enjoyed fresh off the tree or as a preserve, pears add significant nutritional benefits to any diet. In the United States, there are ten varieties of pears. They range in color, texture, and sweetness, making them useful for a wide range of dishes. Pears offer so much with their variety and abundance. During National Pear Month, enjoy all they have to offer! Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

Pear and Almond French Toast Casserole

Ingredients 1/4 cup butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 (29 ounce) can pear halves, cut lengthwise into 4 slices 1 (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 1/2 cups eggs 1 1/2 cups milk 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup sliced almonds

1. Evenly distribute the butter cubes into the bottom of a 10x14-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter. Arrange the pear slices into the bottom of the dish. Arrange the bread cubes into a single layer over the pears. 2. Mix the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract together in a bowl until fully blended; pour evenly over the bread cubes, assuring all pieces are evenly covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and chill overnight in refrigerator. 3. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to warm while the oven preheats. 4. Bake in the preheated oven until the top of the bread is golden brown and the eggs have solidified, 45 to 60 minutes. Top with the sliced almonds to serve. Source: All Recipes

Pear and Gorgonzola Cheese Pizza

Ingredients 1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated pizza crust dough 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese 1 Bosc pear, thinly sliced 2 ounces chopped walnuts 2 1/2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). 2. Place pizza crust dough on a medium baking sheet. Layer with Provolone cheese. Top cheese with Bosc pear slices. Sprinkle with walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese. 3. Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned. Remove from heat. Top with chives and slice to serve. Source: All Recipes

Roquefort Pear Salad

Ingredients 1 head leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces 3 pears—peeled, cored and chopped 5 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled 1 avocado—peeled, pitted, and diced 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup pecans 1/3 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard 1 clove garlic, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt fresh ground black pepper to taste 1. In a skillet over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces. 2. For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. 3. In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve. Source: All Recipes

National Cookie Day National Cookie Day is a minor holiday celebrating cookies in all their sugary glory. It occurs on December 4th of every year, but is not widely observed.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 17

“every story needs a book”

NEW RELEASES

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.

OUT NOW Today humanity faced extinction. The earth started gasping for oxygen. A horrified earthling called 911. Brian Diamond leaped through a high security lab window. The medicine for planet Earth had been stolen by an unsuspecting Chinese Agent. Diamond’s anti-gravity vehicle cut through the air like lightning as he roared down the road in the fastest jet-propelled land rover in the US arsenal, determined to complete his mission.

James Clayton Taylor honed his skills under the

ecently widowed, Lily Roberts leaves her Appalachian hometown seeking serenity in the Carolina coastal town of Eagle Hills. Instead, she stumbles into a world of intrigue, murder, and passion. Lily’s encounter on the beach with a mysterious stranger arouses an unquenchable thirst. Will she satisfy her desires or fall victim to a secret political agenda?

Written by Kristine Cabot Recently widowed, Lily Roberts leaves her Appalachian hometown seeking serenity in the Carolina coastal town of Eagle Hills. Instead, she stumbles into a world of intrigue, murder, and passion. Lily’s encounter on the Kristine Cabot beach with a mysterious stranger arouses Kristine Cabot an unquenchable thirst. Will she satisfy her desires or fall victim to a secret political agenda? This fiction story is a fascinating tale of romance, murder, and mystery. Surprise twists and turns are woven with passionate love scenes, scandalous secrets, and an ending that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Red Alert

“Soaring Passion in Eagle Hills is a fascinating tale of romance, murder, and mystery. Every time I thought I figured out where the story was headed, it took another surprising turn. Kristine Cabot captures the readers’ attention right from the start and holds onto it tightly through passionate love scenes, scandalous secrets, and an ending that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.”

is the pen name of a well-known author, published in various genres. Soaring Passion in Eagle Hills is her first book in a series featuring adult content, sex, murder, and political intrigue.

U.S. $15.00 CAN $19.45

James Clayton Taylor

Written by Kathleen M. Jacobs THE PUPPETEER OF OBJECTS: A Lyrical Poem asks the question, “What might objects see in us as Molly has just moved to a new city with her family. they set their gaze?” rather than what might we see She knows no one and is very lonely. Thattwelve changes when seemingly she meets Spirit, the friendly in them. Through the exploration of spirit who lives on the roof of her house. inanimate objects, the reader is invited to peel back their intricate layers to reveal the voice behind these “Molly and the Shadows of Time is a wonderfully illustrated tale of love and compassion the realms of two dimensions. As much as Tom and Tara mute, yet ever-faithful friends. And, inwithinthe process, fear for their daughter’s well-being, Molly knows that the world of shadows and those who live there seek nothing more than to fill the world with a sense pretensions are dropped and reality itswill Spirit way into of purposefinds and well-being. But ever return, and will Molly's life ever be the same again?“ even the most remote places.

Written and Illustrated by Genadiya Kortova Molly has just moved to a new city with her family. She knows no one and is very lonely. That changes when she meets Spirit, the friendly spirit who lives on the roof of her house.

—Gavin Hill, Author of The Maze series and A Lesson in the Jungle

—Cheryl Livingston, Author of The Crayon Wrapper

Growing up and Going Back

Growing Up & Going Back

ennifer Johnson left her southern roots behind after college to start over in New York City. Now just shy of turning twenty-nine, Jennifer is let go from her job as a public relations manager and returns to her hometown of Edmonds, Virginia for the summer. Jennifer makes a deal with herself; she will continue freelancing while applying for jobs, and when the summer is up go back to New York City and start a new job there. While flying back to her hometown, Jennifer is seated next to an old friend from high school, Aaron Scott. He doesn’t recognize her at first—or so she thinks—as she’s changed since their junior year, in more ways than just her physical appearance. Jennifer must learn to readjust to living life under her parents’ roof with her younger sister while beginning a new summer job in the most surprising of places.

US $15.95 / CAN $20.75 JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING

Written and Illustrated by

BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE AWARD

Genadiya Kortova

WINNER

Written by Melissa Sneed Wilson Jennifer Johnson left her southern roots behind after college to start over in New York City. Now just shy of turning twenty-nine, Jennifer is let go from her job as a public relations manager and returns to her hometown of Edmonds, Virginia forMelissa theSneed summer. Wilson Jennifer makes a deal with herself; she will continue freelancing while applying for jobs, and when the summer is up go back to New York City and start a new job there. While flying back to her hometown, Jennifer is seated next to an old friend from high school, Aaron Scott. He doesn’t recognize her at first—or so she thinks—as she’s changed since their junior year, in more ways than just her physical appearance. Jennifer must learn to readjust to living life under her parents’ roof with her younger sister while beginning a new summer job in the most surprising of places.

Coral’s First Sleepover

Written by Jocelyn M. Lacey Illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson Come with us as we meet Coral, a mermaid who has been invited to her very first sleepover and is nervous about going. Does she have a reason to be worried? Join us and find out!

Melissa Sneed Wilson

is a native of Columbia, SC and grew up in Kingsport, TN. Her first screenplay Whose You Are was a semi-finalist for the Kairos Prize for Uplifting Screenplays in 2009. Melissa currently resides in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and their son. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Come with us as we meet Coral, a mermaid who has been invited to her very first sleepover and is nervous about going. Does she have a reason to be worried? Join us and find out!

Return to Walkers’ Mountain L

ife isn't always fair, and Olivia has experienced more than her share of it. At the tender age of two, she lost her big brother, whom she adored. Then, as a young adult, she loses her father and then her sister. Has God packed up his suitcases and moved out of her life? Sometimes she wonders. Loving is hard—too hard—because it means risking losing someone else. But could joy and love await her, beyond the days of whys, the wishful thinking, and the regrets? She finds herself drawn to Jack, the landscape architect for The Ragweed Garden, but so much has to happen in her own heart first.

The Madison McKenzie Files Book 3

—Dr. Robert R. Shelton, Pitt Memorial Hospital, NC

—Lynn Payne, CRM, Barnes and Noble

U.S. $15.00 CAN $19.75

Hunter D. Darden

Written by Bev Freeman Return to Walkers’ Mountain is a work of fiction, however, the Walker’s story is true. Bev Freeman “Readers who have lost loved ones and questioned remembers the story since she was only 12 years God’s presence in the process will find comfort here.” old. She never knew the outcome of the man who “Tapestry could well be the next Tuesdays with Morrie. murdered the family. The fiction story is Itcentered with touches the sore spots we all feel when we lose someone we love.” actual events, but develops into fiction with the main A poignant, life-changing story widely used by hospices and church character, Madison, and how she goes on her own tolibraries Featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine solve the mystery.

Ilustrated by

Teresa Wilkerson

JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

Tapestry: A Story of the Healing of the Soul

When you lose someone you love, you lose a little piece of yourself...

Written by

Jocelyn M. Lacey

Jocelyn Mooneyhan Lacey wrote this story in 2011 when she lived off the coast of Maine the first time. A native of Johnson City, Tennessee, but after moves up and down the east coast, she recently relocated back to Kennebunkport, Maine with her husband, dog, cat, and fish. This was the first story that she wrote, but her second to be published after Pierre the Peacock earlier this year. You can find her on Instagram at Hapigirl10.

U.S. $14.95 CAN $19.00

18 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Kristine Cabot

Molly and the Shadows of Time

“Whimsical and dream-like, Molly and the Shadows of Time takes the reader on an imaginative journey, ending with a satisfying twist.“

In Eagle Hills

— Jenn Sadai, Author of Her Own Hero

“Soaring Passion in Eagle Hills is a combination of mystery and intrigue with a hefty dose of sensuality mixed in. Kristine Cabot reminds us to never give up on our dreams, and that we are never too old to discover the many joys that life has to offer through the characters of Lily and Max. You will enjoy Lily’s road to discovery!” — Mike Grindstaff, Author of Moon Over Knoxville

The Puppeteer of Objects: A Lyrical Poem

JCP’s Believe and Achive Winner!

Soaring Passion

KRISTINE CABOT

professional eye of Tamara Quidaro in a Gotham fiction writing class, where he received praise and encouragement. In re-birthing the idea for his first futuristic novella, Earth’s Future: Red Alert, Taylor has transformed today’s headlines about climate change, floods, and beach erosion into a thriller about survival: the survival of humankind. Taylor’s writing is adventuresome and will take you on a wild ride you won’t soon forget. James can be found on Authorsden, WordPress, and Facebook.

Soaring Passion in R Eagle Hills

Earth’s Future:

Soaring Passion In Eagle Hills

—Willie Dalton, Author of Three Witches in a Small Town and The Dark Side of the Woods

James Clayton Taylor

unique and exciting new story! Written by James Clayton TaylorJames“ATaylor’s novel Earth’s Future: Red Alert to be loved by fans of science fiction.” Today humanity faced extinction.is sureThe earth started gasping for oxygen. A horriﬁed earthling called 911. Brian Diamond leaped through a high security lab window. The medicine for planet Earth had been stolen by an unsuspecting Chinese Agent. Diamond’s anti-gravity vehicle cut through the air like lightning as he roared down the road in the fastest jetpropelled land rover in the US arsenal, determined to complete his mission.

Earth’s Future: RED ALERT

Earths Future: Red Alert

Tapestry

A Story of the Healing of the Soul

Hunter D. Darden

Written by Hunter D. Darden Life isn’t always fair, and Olivia has experienced more than her share of it. At the tender age of two, she lost her big brother, whom she adored. Then, as a young adult, she loses her father and then her sister. Has God packed up his suitcases and moved out of her life? Sometimes she wonders. Loving is hard— too hard—because it means risking losing someone else. But could joy and love await her, beyond the days of whys, the wishful thinking, and the regrets? She finds herself drawn to Jack, the landscape architect for The Ragweed Garden, but so much has to happen in her own heart first.

Ask the Book Editor “every story needs a book”

AUTHORS on the ROAD

Melissa Sneed Wilson

Growing Up and Going Back Thursday, December 20, 2018, 5 pm —7 pm Book Signing at Style Boutique Kingsport, TN Daytime TriCities Morning Show December 20 at 10 a.m. on WJHL-TV

Rose Klix

God, My Greatest Love Saturday, December 8, 11 am — 4 pm, Arts & Crafts Fair, Samadhi Healing Arts Center, 423 W. Walnut St, Johnson City, TN

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Snooping Can Be Scary; Snooping Can Be Uncomfortable; Snooping Can Be Helpful – Sometimes; Onward & Upward; Missing Sammy; Snooping Can Be Doggone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious; Snooping Can Be Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; and These Haunted Hills Saturday, December 1, 2018, 9 am – 3 pm Prices Fork Elementary School Christmas Bazaar, Book Signing Blacksburg, VA Monday, December 3, 2018, 7 pm Tazewell County Habitat for Humanity Meeting, Vice Chair Tazewell, VA Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 2 pm – 4 pm, Clinch Mountain Writers/Creative Writing Class Southwest Virginia Community College, DEL 149 Richlands, VA Thursday, December 6, 2018, 6:30 pm Rural Retreat Library, Book Signing Rural Retreat, VA Sunday, December 9, 2018, 12 pm –5 pm Bluefield College – Dome, Book Signing Bluefield, VA

Judi Light Hopson

Q: Judi, I’ve gone over my new book manuscript several times, and I’m ready for

a real editor. The problem is this: I’m worried that my finished book will still have errors. Help me with my anxiety! As you can tell, I’m in “procrastination” mode. –Janice K., Charlotte NC

A: I promise you that there is no perfectly edited book. The senior editors at

Simon & Schuster have told me: “We do round-robin editing, because we all fear we’ll miss something.” Every published book, almost without exception, could use some tweaks. Focus on the writing itself, and you’ll be fine. –Judi Light Hopson

EXPERT BOOK EDITING SERVICES

2018 Is Your Year! Let’s Edit and Publish Your Book!

Judi Light Hopson Call:

As the editor of over 500 books, I know how to polish your manuscript. There’s no charge for an estimate. Let’s discuss getting you across the finish line.

423.743.9052 Email:

judihopson@earthlink.net

Perfect Reading for the Young or Young at Heart! How the Dog Saved the Squirrel from the Hawk by D.L. Luke

Sam, the red squirrel with the screwy tail, caused trouble for the German Shepherd and the woman who lived in the old Dutch Colonial. Trouble began with the bird food scattered on the ground, bird feeder, and suet that hung from the shepherd's hook in the fenced in backyard.

NOW AVAILABLE Jancarolpublishing.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com Available Print or E-Book

find us:

Judi Light

Hopson

www.jancarolpublishing.com

Purchase Jan-Carol Publishing Books at the Harvest Table!

/JanCarolPublishingInc @jancarolbooks jancarolpublishing

“every story needs a book”

13180 Meadowview Square • Meadowview, VA • (276) 944-5140 voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 19

powder keg explodes and leaves us searching for clues to make sen world that includes a ‘death watch’.” —James Taylor, Earth’s Future: Red A

This Month’s Featured Books

Macy Merit leaves Naval Special Ops after a bizarre mission goes awry to “The Avenger.” Her first case involves the death of Jack Jordan, the Directo Centers for Disease Control, whose wife Vanessa is a U.S. Senator from North C Ruled a suicide by the local police, Macy uncovers evidence that points to While working diligently to find the killer, Macy stumbles on a plot to d biological weapon to be used against civilians, not by a terrorist group high-level officials within our own government. As the clues unfold, and t count rises, Macy discovers the connection between Jack Jordan’s death biological experiments. Macy soon realizes that she and her former Na members are on opposing sides in a race against time to reveal the ones be experiment and stop the massacre of innocent victims. Death Watch combines and legal issues of our time with romance, mystery, murder, and suspense to c exciting and thought-provoking journey into the world of power and corrupti

Dale Crotts was born in High Point, North Car

grew up in Randolph County. After attending Randlem School, he went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in administration from High Point College. Later he obtain from the University of North Carolina at Greensbor mid-nineties his career took him to the Midwest, where h extensively throughout the region. Many of the chara setting in his writing come from his travels. He currently North Carolina. You may contact Dale through Facebo website at www.rdcrotts.com.

Historical

Children’s

Mystery

Thomson’s Pulp Mill: Building the Champion Fibre Company at Canton, North Carolina: 1905 to 1908 by Carroll C. Jones This book details the story of the building of the Champion Fibre Company at Canton, North Carolina between 1905 and 1908. It is an intriguing story of Peter G.Thomson going to the western North Carolina mountains more than a hundred years ago in search of a proper site to build his mammoth pulp mill. Through extensive research, the author has gathered information including scattered mill documents, drawings and letters, old journals and photographs, memoirs, and interviews with former and current employees and their families.

Adventures of Piddle Diddle, The Widdle Penguin: Piddle Diddle’s Lost Hat by Wayne and Ralphine Major Piddle Diddle is a penguin for every child reader. Piddle Diddle will hold the attention of a child with her mischievous and adventurous actions. Despite her small size, she can be an example to children. Lessons in the story. Size is an obstacle only if you let it be. Piddle Diddle entertains and engages the child reader with beautiful illustrations.

The Ruby Earring by Dale Crotts Accused of murdering his wife, bank executive Josh Stephens hires ace defense attorney Adam Drake. With the help of Macy Merit and Spencer Rawlings, it’s a race against time and the judicial system, as Macy, Spence, and Drake navigate their way through a maze of evidence, witnesses, and unsuspected twists and turns on a mission to free their client.

Buy Jan-Carol

Mystical Fiction Publishing Books

Romance

Betrayed by Ann El-Nemr U.S. $16.95 • CAN $20.00 Ron Rian’s sole desire is to marry his only son, Bernard, to another prominent family, to gain an heir to the Rian fortune. But Bernard falls in love with Gabrielle, a stranger and a foreigner vacationing in the United States. Bernard’s father enlists his security officer to investigate Gabrielle who is not Bernard’s social status equal. Bernard uncovers his father’s spy tactics and confronts him. But Bernard’s father thinks he should end this relationship before his son make a tragic mistake. Follow the twists and turns in this unacceptable romance. COPYRIGHT 2018 JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

at:

www.jancarolpublishing.com, www.amazon.com, and www.barnesandnoble.com 20 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Get Your Manuscript Published Enter Today!

“The Believe and Achieve award opens doors for authors who believe in their story and want to achieve recognition for their talents.” –Janie Jessee, Publisher Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., includes the imprints Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, RoseHeart Publishing, Broken Crow Ridge, Fiery Night, Skippy Creek, and DigiStyle. Each imprint specializes in a particular genre—from Appalachian stories to children’s books and more. At JCP, we believe ‘every story needs a book.’ For more information or to schedule a book signing, call Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., at 423.926.9983, or visit jancarolpublishing.com.

an-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, is proud to announce that submissions are open for the 2019 Believe and Achieve Novel Award! The Believe and Achieve contest is a chance for aspiring authors to break into the market by submitting their novel to Jan-Carol Publishing. One novel will be chosen for a publishing contract. That contract will include book cover design, professional editing, and a three-year publishing contract for paperback and e-book editions of the winning novel. To submit, authors must be a U.S. Citizen age 21 or Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. older. The manuscript must be a minimum of 45,000 P.O. Box 701 words but no more than 60,000 words. Manuscript sub- Johnson City, TN 37605 423.926.9983 missions must include a cover page with the author’s www.jancarolpublishing.com name, phone number, email address, the title of the www.facebook.com/JanCarolPublishingInc manuscript, the word count, and the genre of the novel. To submit a novel, authors must pay a non-refundable reading fee of $20. Multiple nclair Weiss Si Sylvia entries are allowed, but must be submitted separately. Entries WINNER must follow the Jan-Carol Publishing manuscript format, which can be found at jancarolpublishing. FLEDERMAMA’S com/believe-and-achieve-award. SON html, along with more information about the contest. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2019. Current JanCarol Publishing authors are ineligible to enter. Email entries for the Believe and Achieve Novel Earth’s Award to submissions@jancarolFuture: publishing.com. Red Alert Previous Believe and Achieve winners include Melissa Sneed Wilson and her book Growing Up Today humanity faced extinction. The earth started gasping for oxygen. A horrified earthling called 911. Brian Diamond leaped and Going Back, Sylvia Weiss Sinthrough a high security lab window. The medicine for planet Earth had clair in 2017 for her novel, Flederbeen stolen by an unsuspecting Chinese Agent. Diamond’s anti-gravity vehicle cut through the air like lightning as he roared down the road in mama’s Son, 2016 winner Charlotte the fastest jet-propelled land rover in the US arsenal, determined to S. Snead, author of A Place to Live, complete his mission. and the 2015 Believe and Achieve NOW AVAILABLE James Clayton Taylor Jancarolpublishing.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com winner, Willie E. Dalton for Three Available Print or E-Book Witches in a Small Town.

Believe and Achieve Winners JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING

BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE AWARD

Earth’s Future: Red Alert Red Alert

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 21

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Male

By Ken Heath

It’s Hard to Believe It’s Christmastime Already!

t seems like just a moment ago, we were soaking up the sun on the back deck as the sweltering heat of the day finally surrendered to a bit of summer nighttime relief. Now, we’re finally shaking our turkey hangover, choosing gifts, dragging the tree out of the attic, and wrapping the porch in greenery and twinkling lights. Other than the occasional tussle in a Black Friday shopping line, we tend to get friendlier around the holidays. Maybe it’s the music. Maybe it’s the snowflakes that catch us by surprise. Maybe it’s because we’re still hoping Santa is taking notes—and these more recent notes override some of the times we’ve been more naughty than nice. No matter. I love it. Winter weight wools, colorful scarves, my derby, or even my top hat dug out of the closet to cover my balding head and to give me a little kick in my step. Family and friends near, we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve. We give more. We smile more. We walk around with a tune in our heads, sometimes looping from the endless carols playing on the PA systems in stores and restaurants this time of year. But it’s much more than that. It’s a time to remember those not so fortunate. Our veterans serving away from their families. Nurses, medics, firefighters, police officers, radio and tv folk, convenience store staff, and all those who are working to keep the world moving. Those without gifts, without food, without shelter, without others. Without hope. It’s with that in mind, I started a holiday tradition two years ago. We’d lost both our beloved yellow labs

22 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

within weeks of each other to chronic kidney disease, our Sophie leaving us at the end of October, sweet Sadie following December 9. In the midst of my grief, our neighbors in the Smokies were suffering their own grief as wildfires nearly destroyed their communities, taking away their income right as Christmas was coming. We rallied in my hometown under the title of “Rudolph’s Sled: A Mission From Sophie and Sadie, Two Fine, Fine Dogs,” and in a matter of days, we loaded five truckloads of gifts for kids who would have been left off of Santa’s gift list because their parents were out of work. Last year, I rented our drive-in and screened the classic “Smokey and the Bandit”, with every penny raised through sponsors and carloads of attendees going to kids all across the region. We did it again this year, and even with a cold night, our sponsors came through, and we topped last year’s donation! Soon, we’ll quietly pass out checks to folks, helping the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely to know a bit of the joy of Christmas. But they won’t be getting the biggest gift. That’s mine. My ol’ Grinchy heart grows and grows, knowing there are kids that for one day of the year will be just that—kids. Kids like every other kid, opening gifts on Christmas Day. And through those gifts, the memory of my girls lives on. Now, to me, that’s the best gift of all. Merry Christmas, from our new pups, Miss Reagan and Sir Scottie, the sweetest woman in the world, and a bald-headed, top-hat wearing hillbilly Grinch with a giant smile on his face and a carol in his heart!

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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 two yellow labs 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.

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Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia An inflammation of the lungs, pneumonia has many of the same symptoms as bronchitis, including: • Persistent fever (often high) • Cough, often with yellow or green mucus. • Chills, which sometimes cause shaking. • Shortness of breath. • Sharp chest pain. • Confusion (which occurs primarily in older people) When a cold or the flu sets in, you probably know how it’s going to unfold. Maybe it starts with that scratch in the back of your throat. You start to feel run-down. Next thing you know, you’re parked in front of the television with a box of tissues. But when it comes to bronchitis and pneumonia, it might be a little harder to know what’s going on and how to tell them apart. Bronchitis is when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, get infected and swollen. There are two kinds: Acute bronchitis. This lasts a few weeks and usually goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis. It’s more serious, and you’re more likely to get it if you smoke. What Causes Pneumonia? • Bacteria • Certain chemicals • Fungi • Mycoplasmas, which are like bacteria and give you milder symptoms (sometimes called “walking pneumonia”) Pneumonia is another infection in your lungs, but instead of the bronchial tubes, you get it in tiny air sacs in your lungs called alveoli. It can be mild, but sometimes serious, especially for the very young, adults 65 or older, and people with weaker immune systems.

Pneumonia Treatments If it’s caused by bacteria, you’ll get an antibiotic. If it’s caused by a virus, you may get an antiviral drug. And if it’s really severe, you may need to go to the hospital, though that’s not as common. To help ease your symptoms for both bronchitis and pneumonia: • Drink a lot of water. Eight to 12 glasses a day help thin out your mucus and makes it easier to cough it up. • Get plenty of rest. • Take over-the-counter pain relievers with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin to help with pain, but avoid giving aspirin to children. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with pain and fever. • Use a humidifier or try steam to loosen up the mucus; a hot shower can work well. Source: www.webmd.com

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Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season During the holiday season, look for ways to reduce the stress and stay healthy.

thing fun afterward? This way, you can remind yourself that in a few hours, you’ll be doing something that you enjoy. It will help you get through a potentially difficult time. 2. Are there holiday events or traditions you could live without? Can you gracefully bow out of gatherings or obligations you no longer enjoy? Do you really need to bake all those cookies? Can this be the year you send a Christmas email or a link to your Facebook page instead of all those cards?

Here are 7 tips:

1. Know your holiday stress points. Start by asking yourself what makes you feel most pressured or irritable, and then decide the choices you have to make to make the stress more manageable. Do certain family members put you on edge? Do you take on too much and then find you don’t have time for it all? If you have to see a difficult relative, can you arrange some-

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3. Are there non-holiday events you could postpone for a week or two? If your holiday to-do list is longer than Santa’s, perhaps schedule your next routine CT scan or mammogram after the holidays. 4. Remember your precious people. Schedule “together time” with those who may need you the most this holiday season, or those you most want to see. By scheduling ahead, you can make sure you make time for what matters most to you. 5. Keep moving. Physical activity is the clearest step you can take to benefit your health during the holidays and any time of year. Make opportunities to walk or take stairs for at least 10 minutes at a time. 6. Practice healthy nutrition. Know what foods help you feel and do your best, and then focus more on giving your body what it needs (such as fruits and vegetables) and less on trying to avoid certain foods. Eat sweets in moderation, and make sure you also get protein, fiber, and healthful fats. 7. Know how alcohol affects your health. If you drink, do so in moderation (one drink a day for women and two for men). Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as sparkling water with lime, to help pace yourself and stay hydrated. During the holiday season, remember you are more relaxed when you can get things done—not feeling that you have to get more things done. So, be realistic and do what you can do to keep yourself from being overwhelmed… and remember…just breathe…deeply! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Tips to Help You Realize Your Goals in the New Year A

t the dawn of a new year, many people set goals to motivate themselves to change. But as January 1 drifts further into the rearview mirror, it can be easy to settle into old habits and forget about the resolutions and goals established at the turn of the calendar. Staying on course and achieving one’s goals requires discipline. In addition to working hard, men and women who want to realize their goals in the year ahead can take several steps to increase their chances of being successful. • Examine your priorities. Achieving goals is easier when the goals can be among your biggest priorities. Examine your priorities to determine if you can fully commit to goals that may require significant time commitments. • Be specific in regard to planning. Being specific when choosing goals is important, but it’s equally important to be as specific as possible in regard to developing a plan to realize those goals. Before embarking on a journey to realize your goals, figure out how you’re going to achieve them. Create a new daily or weekly schedule that allots time to realize your goals. • Make note of potential obstacles. Recognizing potential hurdles in advance of their appearance can help you overcome these obstacles and stay the course toward achieving your goals. For example, men and women hoping to lose weight can look

ahead to occasions that might compromise their efforts, such as a loved one’s wedding or backyard barbecue. Recognizing these obstacles in advance gives people a chance to develop a plan to overcome them. In the weight loss example, men and women can choose vegetarian options from reception menus or resolve to avoid alcohol, which tends to be high in calories. • Start small, but start immediately. Lifestyle changes can be difficult, so make small changes initially and gradually work toward larger, more significant changes. Starting small can lay a successful foundation, but it’s also important to start immediately. Procrastination can reduce the likelihood of achieving your goals.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 25

Preparing Aging Parents for the New Year By Cindy K. Sproles

the bank does not give you access to funds in the event of the loss of a parent. Check with all banking institutions, life insurrganization is the best way to end the ance, 401K providers, and retiree benefits to be sure the proper year and begin the next, especially if paperwork is in place. Otherwise, accounts can be locked by the your loved one has been ill. Arranging the institution and made inaccessible. needs of our seniors can be a long task, but Verify Insurance co-pays and coverages. Verify deductibles the effort more than repays itself. Follow and co-pays. Inquire about old coverages, and verify changes. these suggestions to start “new” in the New If changes have occurred, ask companies to mail an updated Year. coverage sheet so you are prepared. Never assume that insurance Make a portable carry file with individual file folders remains unchanged. Healthcare is changing continually. There inside. Name each file with doctors’ names, addresses, and is no longer security in what you “once” had. Failure to keep phone numbers. As medical bills, pharmaceutical bills, and up-to-date on insurance can cost your loved one thousands of EOB (Explanation of Benefits) forms arrive in the mail, they dollars. can be easily filed and accessible. If the expenses are extensive, Logs and calendars. Keep a log book of doctor visits, reason you may be asked to produce past paid invoices for physicians for visit, items discussed, any medication changes, and referor even hospitals. rals. It’s easy to forget instructions, and if an emergency arises, Update personal files. Update medication lists twice to the details are easily forgotten or confused. The faintest pen is three times yearly. Dispose of old prescriptions. Note of new better than the sharpest memory. If there is an in-home careones. Make several copies of this list, and keep them in your giver, having this log book provides up-to-date information for files for easy access in the event of emergency or new doctor the care of their patient, but for you, it provides accountability visits. Note when a drug is added/subtracted, purchase date, if in how those caregivers are providing services. Write upcoming the drug has been suspended, and when and who suspended dates on a large calendar so seniors can see the appointments it. Update all dosage changes. Changes will be in order of date clearly. Keeping a calendar can be one of the best things you do for easy reference. Keep a copy in your car in case of emergency. for your aging parent. It adds a sense of security and routine to Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney. Be their lives, and it reduces stress and worry. Large erasable calensure Power of Attorney and Power of Medical Attorney are in dars are wonderful. place, and keep copies with key family members, as well as in Personal Emergency Response Button. PERS units are your loved one’s personal file. Carry copies to doctor visits, and valuable assets for aging parents. Units are placed in the home, add them to your senior’s medical files. Place copies of these and the client wears a button around their neck. In the event of papers, along with Living Wills, DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), and a fall or an emergency, parents simply press the button. A call other end-of-life requests, in an envelope, and tape them to the center responds immediately, securing the necessary emergency refrigerator or inside a cabinet door in the kitchen in the event help. PERS units save lives by getting immediate response to EMT or Paramedic services are required. family members. Banking needs. Make arrangements with banks and Caregiver services are available to offer respite to families. lending institutions so key family members are able to access Many seniors may need minimal assistance bathing, dressing, funds in the event your loved one is unable to manage their and help with daily living skills. Caregivers placed by in-home, personal business. Simply being listed on the signature card at non-medical companies can provide this assistance. Seeking caregiver services through a company provides families with the security that individuals coming into the home are safe, reliable, and fully “Keeping the Comforts of Home” meet state licensure requirements for • Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care in-home care. • Dementia Care • Companion Care Start the year by being prepared. • Hospital to Home • Hospice Care Taking these advance steps will bring • Personal Care your loved one into the new year with a new sense of security and ease.

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Cindy K. Sproles is a novelist, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.

Enjoy the Holiday Spirit!

istoric Abingdon is full of charms during the holidays, and this season, the town is ramping up its offerings for families. Beginning Friday, November 16, Abingdon celebrates “A Season of Christmas Cheer,” a month of family-friendly, holiday activities. At the heart of the holiday schedule is Barter Theatre’s musical Elf, which provided inspiration for the Town’s holiday celebration. The fun continues with Santa Claus is Coming to Town, a holiday story for young audiences, the heart-warming Wooden Snowflakes, and The Santaland Diaries (better suited for adults). November 16th through December 31st, Abingdon’s quaint downtown will be transformed in to a Christmas wonderland, with concerts, magical storefront displays, a 20-foottall Christmas tree, and special events to celebrate the season. There will be plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift, as Abingdon’s merchants will stay open each weekend to accommodate shoppers. The Abingdon Farmers Market will hold a Holiday Market each Saturday morning from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with baked goods, crafts, and gifts.

Visitors can enjoy holiday concerts by the Virginia Highlands Community College Women’s Choir at Arts Depot on December 1st at 1:00 pm, at Virginia Highlands Community College on December 4th at 7:00 pm, and at Charles Wesley United Methodist Church on December 16th at 5:00 pm—all three concerts are free to the public. William King Museum of Art is offering Christmas crafts workshops for kids and adults. On December 15th, William King will hold the annual Elves Workshop for kids from 10:00 am to noon and a Holiday Paint Party for adults from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Photos with Santa are available on several different dates and locations: Breakfast with Santa at Heartwood on December 1st and December 15th from 9:00 am to noon; Welcome to Whoville at The Coomes Center on December 8th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Arts Depot on December 15th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Visit with Santa at Abingdon Cinema on December 22nd from noon to 4:00 pm.

Young Playwrights Festival at Barter Theatre

he Young Playwrights Festival is an annual event that cultivates and celebrates the talent of high school students. The purpose of this Festival is to encourage the development of students’ writing skills and creativity, with the added benefit of discovering talented playwrights in our region. Barter Theatre’s 17-Annual Young Playwrights Festival took place on November 5, 2018 with two performances in the morning at Gilliam Stage for over 800 students. It also included a public evening performance at Barter Stage II. The 2018 festival included 395 plays written by 633 playwrights from 14 high schools in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Since its inception in 2002, Barter’s Young

Playwrights Festival has included over 3,300 plays and over 5,000 playwrights. 2018’s first-place winner is Pauses, written by Aisling Ringrose from Abingdon High School, whose teachers are Christie Lawson and Crystal Hurd. The second-place winner is I Hear Ya, written by Rachel Womack from Chilhowie High School, whose teacher is Rebecca Peery. Third place is ‘Till Death Do Us Part, written

by Evan Mays from Volunteer High School, whose teacher is Justin Barton. The Honorable Mention plays, in no particular order, are: The Slaying of Non-Imaginary Monsters by Alexa Wheeler, Chilhowie High School, Teacher: Rebecca Peery; Irreversible by Abby Jack, Elizabethton High School, Teacher: Sara Hardin; Black and White by Josie Steward, Abby Leonard, and Marissa Merro, Carroll County High School, Teacher: Chelsea Wood; Detective Mitch Dash: And the Pied Swiper by John Luke Sage, Marion Senior High School, Teacher: Noel Todd Necessary; and You’ll See by Shawn Wohlford, John S. Battle High School, Teacher: Dr. Melissa Buckles. voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2018 | 27

and verbal reminder of unconditional love will give your children the ability to go on, even during tough times, and it will help them say no to temptation. 2. Show physical affection. Meaningful touches and hugs, kisses, and even high fives bolster a young person’s self-image. A real sense of By Jim Burns security, self-worth, and meaning comes from appropriate affection. 3. Listen. When your kids know you are really lisBut encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so tening to them, they will sense how significant that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. they are to you. Listening is the language of –Hebrews 3:13 love. 4. Use eye contact. As parents, we sometimes hen our children were much younger, Cathy become so busy that we can forget how importand I came up with a daily “A.W.E. (Affection, ant body language and eye contact are in letting Warmth, and Encouragement) To-Do List.” We didn’t our children know that we care. With our eyes follow it legalistically, but rather, we used it as our focused on them, we can show our hearts are guideline for intentionally bringing A.W.E. into the focused on them as well. home. We tried to keep the spirits of our children 5. Pray daily. A daily time of prayer with our chilopen and give them a sense of security and love. dren helps them grasp how important God is 1. Say “I love you.” Remind your kids every day in our lives. Prayer time should be a warm, that you love them. The positive reinforcement wonderful, loving part of our children’s lives. Creating a home with A.W.E. OptiNet and Cable Plus, Inc. isn’t always easy. This is especially Channel 3 true if you came from a shameScott County Cable Channel 84 based family yourself. But what Comcast (Norton system) kind of home would you rather Channel 266 have? What kind of home is more Sunset Digital Channel 3 successful? It starts with a proacSERVING FAR tive approach to parenting, and SOUTHWEST VA AND EAST TN the result is a close-knit family CONTACT US TO VIDEO YOUR SPECIAL EVENT! with kids ready to become respon(276) 679-1260 • (276) 452-8484 • htvintouch@gmail.com • www.heritagetv.com sible adults.

The A.W.E. To-Do List

Voice Magazine recognizes the

Reader of the Month 28 | December 2018 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Bev Freeman

Lives: Unicoi, TN • Occupation: Retired Dental Assistant / Author I’m obsessed with: Mysteries and solving them. The last book I read was: Susan Crandall, “Myth of Perpetual Summer.” If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be: Canada, by train.

My ideal meal is: Spring mix salad greens with cherry tomatoes, pecans, and raspberry vinaigrette dressing, Spaghetti and meat sauce with Italian bread, and a smooth, red semi-sweet wine. The top item on my bucket list is: I want my husband and I to return to Alaska for our third trip, spending the summer and fall.

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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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1. A great lunch 4. German composer 8. Expresses pleasure 10. Unit of energy 11. Genus of beetles 12. Type of respect 13. City in Netherlands 15. Showing lack of skill 16. Irish surname 17. Exaggerated or affected sentiment 18. Diversion 21. Journalist Tarbell 22. Wrath 23. Current unit 24. Sixers’ Simmons 25. Makes honey 26. Tributary of the Rhine 27. Once home to a notorious wall 34. Gets back 35. She was beheaded in France 36. Cheer 37. Tropical Asian palm 38. Darker 39. Figures 40. Old World trees 41. Protects a broken bone 42. Dried-up 43. An enclosure for swine

DOWN

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