Voice Magazine for Women October 1023 issue

We Asked Our Facebook Fans:

The changing light. –Jane Hicks

The fall leaves. –Cherie Jackson Chapman

All the pumpkin spice! –Rebecca Elswick

Decorating, fall weather, fall leaves, fall smells, fall food, sweater time, fall clothing, new nails, new hair, new shoes, cool mornings! I can go on and on. Oh yes, the festivals! –Shirley Barker

Down time! The men are away hunting. My time becomes MY time. I can say yes and go and do and be seen, or I can say no, and slow down, sleep in, not put on a bra, wear pajamas alllll day long, and just be. –RD Dawson

Cool, crisp air in the morning. –Sandy Ritterbusch

The food—like chili, stew, warm cornbread. Also fall leaves and decorations (not Halloween). –Lorraine DeLucia Massey

Changing my closet over from spring/summer to fall/winter.

–Teresa Stutso Jewell

College football. –Janice Wyatt Pearson

The weather. –Joan Leonard McCray

I can still play outside a lot but the garden and yard work have lessened, and my time outdoors feels more expansive in the sun and colorful spookiness of the transition to cold weather.

–Cole Smith Writes Leaves. –Livewire 103.9

VOICE Speaks

Autumn is the season for different, colorful decorations for the indoors and outdoors. But one thing that isn’t different this autumn, as with last year...is discussing and preparing for Covid—again. I read a sign recently that summarized it all: “Normal is not coming back.” I do find myself making reference to changes in my life as “prior to Covid” or “it used to be, before Covid.” I guess I am still trying to embrace my “new normal” as my “normal,” because normal ain’t coming back!

But one “normal” for all of us is holiday shopping. JCP is excited this year with the continued growth of our bookstore. Our customers are returning, and the word is getting out about us. The support has been outstanding! This year, among our different gift items, we added Christmas and holiday ornaments for writers and authors. We are, also, offering book gift baskets again this year. Each gift basket will offer at least one book and a theme. If you are looking for a special gift for the holiday gift-giving season, check out the JCP bookstore and ask about our gift baskets. Place your order now!

Mark your calendars! JCP is hosting a writing and marketing workshop at our bookstore on Saturday, Oct. 21! Our workshop will feature food, drink, free gifts, handouts, and great publishing tips for everyone in attendance. See further details and find out how to sign up on page 21. We’re excited to see you there! Books & Gifts is centrally located in the Food City shopping center in Blountville on Hwy 394, Blountville, Tn.

Wednesdays are important days! JCP’s book blog, Bookmarked , has been resurrected on a new day—Wednesdays! It features insights on book publishing, topics of the month, spotlighting authors and books, highlights of Voice Magazine for Women, engaging questions, and much more. Keep in the know and follow our blog and sign up for our newsletters for our latest news and book discounts.

Thank you to all of you—fans, supporters, readers, advertisers, authors, our contributing writers, and more! We could not be here without all of you! Thank you!

In remembrance: Daddy—Miss you, Daddy (March 29, 1928 –October 21, 2010)

Thought of the month: “Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.” Delia Owens

Verse of the Month: “To every thing, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

Celebrating

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

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

Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com

Allison Chudina Editorial/Retail Assistant office@jancarolpublishing.com

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

Tara Sizemore Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com

Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983

Books & Gifts: 423.212.0200

DISTRIBUTION

Karen Corder Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 20, Issue 10)

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. © 2023

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.

Pam Blair Don Grimm Ken Heath

April Hensley Raven Howell Deana Landers Cindy Sproles

5 Ways to Ensure a Greater Work-Family Balance

ecent data indicates that many people are trapped in unhealthy work-life balances and can’t find the time to unwind and enjoy themselves. The e-commerce company Groupon asked 2,000 Americans about stress at work and 60 percent indicated that pressures and responsibilities of the workplace and home life do not have boundaries. Learning to balance work and life better may come from following these tips.

1. Limit distractions as much as possible. Distractions pull attention away from tasks and that can make it harder to complete jobs on time. Schedule tasks that require your utmost concentration when others are not around. Perhaps this means coming into the office during off-peak hours or waiting until a spouse or the kids go to their respective places of work or school before you start on things that require greater concentration.

2. Figure out your home priorities. Schedule your home priorities just as you would work meetings and other responsibilities. While you may not be able to attend every sports practice or game, make it a point to get to as many events as possible. Put it in the calendar or planner as a must-do.

3. Maximize your PTO. Chances are you are entitled to a certain number of days off. Do not squander the opportunity to use these days. It will not make you a hero if you give up on time off. Map out priorities for the next couple of months and see where your time away from work will be needed. Then utilize PTO for these events as well as vacations.

4. End work at a certain time. There is a saying that “work expands to fill the time allotted.” It’s easy to let work infiltrate home time especially for those who are remote workers. Set a distinct end time for the job and reinforce it by turning off your computer or other devices, or physically lock the door to your office. Schedule tasks directly after work that are important to you, so you won’t be tempted to continue working.

Finding work-life balance can take time and require breaking established habits, but it is one way to reduce stress and feel more personally satisfied.

How to Master Shopping Early for the Holidays

Savvy shoppers have long touted the importance of starting early when looking for holiday gifts for loved ones. Seasoned procrastinators may never embrace early shopping, but others who want to a less hectic holiday shopping season can consider these tips.

• Begin with a plan. Holiday shopping excursions, whether they take place in town, at the mall or online, can take longer than expected when shoppers have no idea what they’re looking for. Prior to your first holiday shopping trip, jot down gift ideas for each person on your list. Then scour stores or websites for those items. Starting early affords shoppers time to bargain hunt and ensures supply shortages or other issues won’t get in the way of a happy loved one come the holiday season.

• Recognize the notion of “early” has changed. Early holiday shopping used to be synonymous with the retail holiday Black Friday, which occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. However, many holiday shoppers now begin buying gifts long before they’ve purchased a Thanksgiving turkey. In its 2022 Consumer Pulse Survey, McKinsey & Company found that 56 percent of consumers started their holiday shopping in October. A host of variables may have influenced that shift, but supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic have lingered, which undoubtedly compelled consumers to get an especially early start on holiday shopping. Shoppers who want to ensure everything

arrives on time for the holiday season must recognize that “early” shopping now involves beginning around Halloween, if not earlier.

• Take the (local) road less traveled. Shopping local merchants in person is a strategy savvy shoppers have long since embraced, but it’s one that’s especially beneficial in an era marked by supply chain issues and inflation. Local merchants don’t have the overhead or sizable staffs of big box or chain stores, which enables them to keep costs low. And since local merchants produce many of their own products, it’s likely there’s something in store that shoppers will love and less likely that they will have issues filling orders.

• When in doubt, go gift card. If the right gift is proving elusive even when shopping early, shoppers should not hesitate to go the gift card route. Shoppers need not feel as though a gift card is a nonstarter, as a 2022 survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of survey respondents indicated gift cards were the most desirable gift of the holiday season.

Shopping early is a great way to enjoy a less hectic holiday season.

SAFETY TIPS

Home holiday decorations are a tradition in millions of households. Though the tradition helps make this special time of year even more festive, decorating a home exterior for the holidays is not without certain safety risks. Homeowners must prioritize safety when decorating their home exteriors for the holidays. These tips can ensure the holiday season is as safe as it is special.

• Never decorate alone. A second person can ensure a ladder remains steady while hanging lights and can help lift potentially heavy lawn decorations, thus reducing the risk for injury.

• Use the appropriate decorations and tools. The American Red Cross urges individuals to use only decorations designed for outdoor use when decorating their home exteriors. Indoor lights should never be strung outdoors, even on small spaces.

• Plug decorations into the correct outlets. The energy experts at FirstEnergy note that outdoor lights and inflatable decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Older homes may not be equipped with such outlets, particularly on their home exteriors.

• Utilize a timer for exterior lights Utilize a timer so lights come on at night and turn off around bedtime, if not earlier.

• Inspect decorations. Damaged wires pose a significant fire hazard, so any damaged strands should be discarded and replaced.

• Pick the right day to decorate. Consult the weather forecast prior to decorating the exterior of a home. Pick a day when efforts to decorate won’t be compromised by wind, rain, snow, or other inclement weather. It’s also unsafe to work on a snow-covered roof. Decorate on a day with ample daylight and pause decorating if weather takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse.

It can be fun to decorate a home’s exterior for the holiday season. But homeowners must prioritize safety and take every step necessary to reduce their risk for accident or injury.

Adapted by Christopher Sergel From

Lee

Chelsea Carneal

Curating Lasting Memories

By Allison Chudina

For Chelsea Carneal, curating a home is second nature. As the owner of Sonder Home + Travel, Chelsea has been revitalizing the historic Greenway-Trigg building, located at 152 E. Main St. Suite 2W, Abingdon, Va.

Guests staying here will observe unique décor, local art, and quality products, which complement the already beautiful architecture, stained-glass windows, and deeprooted history of the house built in the late 1800s. Chelsea, who has worked in construction and interior design for the past seven years, is now finding herself managing a retail space, which she calls “a whirlwind experience.”

Rob Carneal, Chelsea’s husband, owns a development company, as well as a real estate investment company, which Chelsea has worked with for the last seven years. They moved to Abingdon six years ago with their three children to live in the second story of the Greenway-Trigg building, which is where they became inspired.

“We absolutely loved our stay there, and it was the perfect location to get to know Abingdon and its rich history,” she said. “We appreciate everything about this building and want to preserve the incredible architecture and the story it has to tell.”

Chelsea and Rob began updating most of the units in

Sonder:

2022 but have been hosting guests since 2018. Chelsea then launched Sonder Home + Travel, a retail space to serve as an extension of Short-Term Stays, located in the building.

When asked how Sonder Home + Travel came about, Chelsea said, “When we began transforming rooms in the Greenway-Trigg building to accommodate guests traveling to that area, we began filling the rooms with unique décor. Providing a space for guests to make memories and be immersed in the history of this building and town became such a passion for us. That eventually led to opening Sonder Home + Travel to share the items we had grown to appreciate, love, and use ourselves.”

The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

Guests staying in this building can walk downstairs and purchase items found in their unit—anything from public goods, décor, or the local art found on the apartment walls—to take a piece home for themselves.

“We truly just wanted to extend what we do on a daily basis to our retail space by curating a collection of our favorite products we use in designing, decorating, and hosting guests,” Chelsea said.

The definition of Sonder is, “the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.” Chelsea aims to curate items that hold beauty and authentically represent this definition of Sonder.

Chelsea’s store is full of live house plants, gifts for loved ones, and even a kids’ nook where they offer unique toys, décor, and clothes.

Sonder Home + Travel also features items from a wide array of vendors, many of which are from this area. A few local vendors and artists include Marcy Parks, Sam Case with Mud Magic, Abigail Morris with The Mountain Sprout, Kyle Buckland, Laura Lamb, Appalachian Teas and Botanicals, and Grass Roots Vintage.

Chelsea added that they are excited to expand the back room of Sonder into a space that will showcase interior design items and home goods. Here, Chelsea plans to offer design consultations and interior design services.

Sonder Home + Travel is coming up on a very exciting milestone this month—a one-year anniversary—and Chelsea couldn’t be prouder of everything she’s accomplished. “Reaching one year feels great!” she said. “We are so grateful to those who have put in the work to help us get to this point. We appreciate each and every customer who has supported us.”

Chelsea promised people can expect a fun celebration for this milestone. “We are planning a day full of all things Fall to celebrate the anniversary,” she said. “We’ll be giving tours of the building, doing vendor pop-ups, and there will be an outdoor bar, food trucks, and face painting! We’ll have pumpkins, fall décor, flowers, jam sessions, art openings, and many other things available that day.”

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Chelsea hopes that people visiting her shop leave feeling inspired by the beautiful space and creativity, as well as a new-found inspiration for “all things home décor, Abingdon, and gifts.”

She said, “Remember Sonder as a special place to find the perfect gift for anyone in your life. Take something unique and memorable home from your trip to Abingdon.”

Chelsea also imparted some advice for any woman who may be looking to start or grow a business, because she emphasized that owning a retail space has its fair share of challenges. “We’ve learned a lot in this first year,” she said. “Sonder has pivoted in a few directions as we continue to curate products that people want and that we stand behind.”

She advised, “Don’t be afraid to get started and don’t be afraid to adjust or pivot when you feel it is needed. Owning a business is a constant evolution of who you are, and adjusting as you grow is 100 percent a part of that.”

You can book your stay at the historic Greenway-Trigg building in downtown Abingdon at www.welkindesign. co/sonderstayabingdon/. (Photographs Contributed)

The Power of Wallpaper

By Pam Blair

What is the biggest trend in home decorating this year? You might be surprised to learn that the emphasis is on self-expression, color, and creativity. Instead of promoting a certain style of décor throughout the home, like farmhouse, modern, or traditional, the door is wide open to try something new, which is exactly what we did by hanging wallpaper in our guest half bath.

The long wall in our half bath was like a clean slate just begging for some kind of artwork and luckily, the new varieties of wallpaper can double as art. The inspiration for our re-do was a gorgeous sink with colorful flowers and a butterfly floating on a black background. The walls were painted pale lavender, but the room seemed kind of bland and it did not complement the sink. It was time to try a fresh approach.

When making a change in your decor, it’s a good idea to start with something small like a half bath. You can be more dramatic in smaller spaces, so the hunt began for a pattern that would really pop in that room. The problem is that there are at least 57,784 styles to choose from! We searched on Etsy,

Pinterest, and other websites, but it took a while to narrow the choices to something that would showcase the sink and make the room look more creative and interesting.

There were many choices that were beautiful, but we kept returning to a wallpaper mural that was gorgeous and reflected the color of the flowers in the sink. After that, we were ready for the next step. If you are not skilled in hanging wallpaper, find a friend who knows how to do it or hire a professional. They will measure the space and tell you how much to order and advise you of any pitfalls to avoid. We hired someone recommended by a trusted friend and were very pleased with his skill and expertise.

There is a happy ending to this story! Our half bath is now a fun-filled space that is full of character and color and is a great example of the power of wallpaper. If you have been tempted to do something different in your home, consider using wallpaper. It has made a comeback in a big way and can elevate a project from good to great.

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.

By April Hensley

The first signs of fall for me are hot days followed by chilly nights and morning jackets. The second sign is the awesome decorations at every turn. Cheery potted mums, hay bales, and corn stalks brighten porches and businesses. I’ve even seen a few scarecrows. Pumpkin spice season has arrived.

Even though cornstalks make great decorations, before they were cut, they were busy growing delicious ears of corn, either for our culinary enjoyment or for animal feed. We grew a bigger crop of corn this year, so finding stalks to decorate with is not going to be a problem.

Growing even a small patch of corn has been a huge learning process. To the average eye, all corn stalks appear the same. But underneath there are many differences. Corn fields look peaceful but there’s a lot of work that goes into those graceful, lovely stalks. Here are a few things I’ve learned about growing corn.

• There are several kinds of corn. Sweet corn is the favorite for devouring right off the cob dripping with butter. Dent corn is what we grew for the second time this year. We are

going to grind it to use for delicious cornbread, but it can be used for animal feed too. Colorful heirloom corn is dried for fall decorations and food.

• Plant in warm soil after the last frost.

• Growing in full sun works best.

• The seed pack may say to plant one inch deep, but two to three inches won’t hurt the germination and helps the roots grow deeper and stronger to resist uprooting during heavy winds.

• Corn loves nutrients in the soil and will eat them up. Plan to fertilize at least once a month.

• Corn is loved by wildlife. To me, they seem to munch on the heirloom varieties more. Tie some aluminum pie pans by string to posts placed throughout the garden. Even a gentle breeze moves them, and they make a clanging sound when they bump the post.

• Everyone’s thoughts right now are on preserving their corn. Sweet corn can be frozen whole or cut off the cob. Cut sweet corn can also be canned or dehydrated.

• Other varieties for grinding and decorations are air-dried by hanging in bunches or spread out on clean cardboard in a dry area such as a garage or outbuilding. Any mature corn can be dried to save seeds for planting next year.

Thinning

By Jim Burns

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. —Matthew 11:28–30 KJV

Interpretation: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. —Matthew 11: 28–30

Ihaveonly recently become a person who enjoys working in the garden. We put in a pool a few years ago and I decided to grow a bunch of tropical plants in our backyard. The first year, everything looked beautiful. But by the third year, the plants were so full that I needed to thin them out. Basically, I had to get rid of some of the good stuff in my garden to make room for the best.

Most people need to take a look at their schedules and do the same sort of thinning. Why do so many of today’s

Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce to hold 46th Annual Apple Festival

The Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce will hold the 46th annual event on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 7, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day in downtown Erwin, Tennessee.

Stroll along the downtown streets of Erwin where more than 400 talented artisans from across the country will display their creations. This is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts, home décor items, and other one-of-a-kind works.

Enjoy the sounds of live music throughout the weekend as a diverse range of musical acts will take the stages. Two stages of headlining entertainment will be included in this year’s festival.

Satisfy your taste buds with an array of mouthwatering food options available at either of the two festival food courts. From classic festival fare to local specialties, there’s something

families think kids should have French lessons, soccer, violin, and tutoring by the age of five? And that’s just on Mondays! One of the reasons we see so many kids rebelling from academic life and sports and burning out by the time they reach college is because we have allowed them to be too overcommitted with extra things and projects. Kids shouldn’t need a DayTimer. My good friend, Doug Fields often says, “We have to learn to say NO, even to many of the good things, so we can say YES to what matters most in our life.”

If you were going to begin thinning your family’s schedule, what would it look like? One thing is certain: every family has to come up with their own thoughts and actions that best suit their needs. With this idea in mind, we should begin by scheduling our priorities and not prioritizing our existing schedule.

First, make a list of your family’s activities and responsibilities. Now, start slashing. For some of you, this will be one of the more difficult exercises of your life. Once you have taken a shot at it, review your schedule and look for places to insert a Sabbath. Remember, Sabbath simply means rest. A Sabbath changes the pace of your life; its purpose is to restore strength and help you be still. The biblical term to be still literally means to “let go of your grip.” Is there a day, a half day, or just a couple of hours when you can experience the renewing of a Sabbath rest?

I hope that you will learn this lesson from my simple gardening illustration: thinning can be painful as it removes some good things. But, doing so creates a healthy space so the best things in life can grow strong. Source: www.homeword.com

to please every palate. And don’t forget the apples! Explore a variety of apple-licious treats from candy apples and fried apple pies to apple dumplings and apple cider.

The large children's area is a festival within a festival, uniquely designed with rides, inflatables, interactive games, face painting, and much more. Located in the parking lot of Erwin Town Hall, the 2023 children’s area is a place where the young festivalgoer can let their imaginations run wild.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for two-days of Apple Festival fun in Erwin, TN! For more information, call the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce at (423) 743-3000, visit the website at www.unicoicountyapplefestival. org or stop by the Chamber office located at 100 South Main Ave.

The festival spans across a 5-block section of downtown Erwin and includes adjoining side streets. From Interstate 26, take Exit 37 into downtown Erwin. Admission to the festival is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all. Several parking areas around Exit 37 have been secured for festival attendees.

YWCA 2023 Turkey Trot 5K

The 43rd Annual YWCA Turkey Trot 5K run/walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, beginning at 8 a.m. A holiday happening since 1980, the YWCA

Turkey Trot is the longest running all women’s 5K in the region. Its unique positioning as a women’s-only race highlights the YW mission to empower women, giving the moms, daughters, grandmothers, and friends who participate an opportunity to shine! Make this the year you become a part of this long-standing tradition.

No one is too young or too old to take part in this race and leashed pets and strollers are welcome. Participants have the option to run or walk a USTAF-certified route through historic Bristol, Tennessee starting near the iconic Bristol Sign and ending at the YWCA building. Start a new family tradition by participating in the YWCA Turkey Trot and collecting a finisher’s medal. Men can register for the race and receive a tee shirt and finisher’s medal, but they are not eligible to win a race category.

The YWCA Turkey Trot 5K is only one component of the YW’s health and safety initiative. As a part of our mission to encourage health and wellness, the YW hosts self-defense classes and provides physical activity in our childcare center and in our Tech

GYRLS program. We also host several volleyball leagues and clinics.

For more information about the YWCA Turkey Trot contact the YWCA at ywca@ywcatnva.org . The first 200 who preregister for the Turkey Trot will receive a unique race tee shirt and freebies. Forms are available at the front desk of YWCA NETN and SWVA at 106 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee. Online registration is available at ywcatnva.org.

Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

So Long, Jimmy

Lastmonth, over the Labor Day weekend, Jimmy Buffett died.

I’d met him back in my radio days, and he made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. And I’m learning he had that way with everyone that crossed his path.

But even bigger than that, Buffett’s music touched my soul.

I discovered his tunes by chance—tracking a Waylon Jennings album late one night on my air shift, I accidentally played “He Went to Paris.” I was immediately taken in. The song transported me from a darkened control booth on a hill in my southwest Virginia hometown to ports of call oceans away. The writer was listed as “J. Buffett,” and before the days of Google and the internet, I had to do my own searching through the volumes of records. With each new tune I found by Buffett, I was drawn in closer.

Soon, I was collecting vinyl, later cassettes, then CDs, and the tunes of “Marvin Gardens” era Jimmy Buffett became my heartbeat.

The summer between community college and ETSU, I decided I was going to see Buffett in concert at Carowinds. With a Texaco gas card (for fuel and service station hot dogs), and just enough squirreled cash to pay for a ticket, I left Marion one midnight after my radio shift. With my foot on the brake and gas at the same time at stops to keep the failing alternator from leaving me stranded, I drove my ’72 Charger with bald tires a state away for an event that changed my life. The people were amazing, and the show was all I had dreamed of.

I saw him several more times, from Carowinds to indoor gyms to arenas to his huge summer tours. I made

lifelong friends from just being a part of this “Parrothead pirate phamily.” And the stories we could tell…

Now he’s gone.

And here I am, a 61-year-old guy, now lost in a sea of uncontrollable tears at the striking of a familiar note, a turn of an all-too-familiar lyric as a phrase in an overheard conversation, a random memory from college days long ago.

People expect to grieve a family member, even a friend, but for the life of me, I can’t find a suitable way to explain the profoundness of this loss. Maybe it’s in realizing the playfulness of a Buffett-tune-filled summer sun is forever gone, or that my own mortality is mirrored in seeing fewer calendar pages in front of me than have passed. I don’t have an answer. But this is as real as any death I’ve mourned.

Knowing JB suffered so privately for four years to leave “Bubbles Up” as the final tune in his soundtrack to my life makes it even more poignant—and I can only hope that I will be so considerate and thoughtful when my time shall surely come, not burdening those that love me with worry, or seeing the fear and pity in their eyes as they know the destined curtain is drawing near. Watching his surprise final performance from February, his body was showing signs—thinned arms, gray hair—but his boyish smile and his perpetual energy hid the pain he had to be suffering.

Tonight, I’m burying the needle in a well-worn collection of vinyl I’ve treasured for over forty years. The melodies and lyrics springboard so many memories, and again, I’m a 20-something college kid cruising in my old junker with a caseload of cassettes, singing along with my musical hero as I loved, laughed, and lived.

Thank you, Jimmy Buffett, for touching so many of our hearts in ways we’ll never fully understand.

It’s been a lovely cruise indeed.

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. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

Dear Don,

“For the male perspective”

By Don Grimm

DEAR DON: I’ve been having the worst luck with men for as long as I can remember. I feel like a magnet that only attracts scumbags. All I want to do is find someone who will take me seriously, but my track record is making me feel discouraged and hesitant to even consider sharing my life with a man again. How can I break this cycle? – THANKS, FARRAH

HEY FARRAH: I’ve heard this from a lot of women, and every one of them ended up discovering some discomforting things about themselves. Without knowing you personally, there’s no way I could pinpoint the one specific thing that’s fueling the fires of your struggle, but what I can do is provide you with some insight on a couple of the most common issues. The number one thing I hear from women who are caught in this cycle, is that the men they date seem so sweet and kind at first, but end up being (insert expletive of your choice). The only countermeasure is to take things slower. I’m not accusing you of being a fast lane-dwelling floozy or anything like that. All I’m saying is that whatever your normal

pace is for getting to know a new potential love interest, slow it down a notch or two. It’ll make it more likely that the man shows his true colors before you’ve allowed yourself to get attached. The reason they eventually show their true colors is because it’s exhausting to maintain a facade, so the power of patience is on your side. And if he’s really a good guy who’s interested in you for the right reasons, he’ll be patient as well. This next issue may be a hard pill. Nobody likes to admit, or even acknowledge, the possibility that they might unwittingly be the cause of their own woes. Ask any old man with a fishing pole how he catches the fish he wants, and he’ll tell you, “It’s all about the bait.” Well, the same concept applies to attracting a potential love interest. What you reel in is determined by what you put out there. Keep in mind, I’m not talking aesthetics. It’s mainly behavior and how you carry yourself. Men with less than noble intentions will keep a safe distance from women who exude confidence. They want women they can manipulate to tolerate their behavior, even when that behavior reaches toxic levels. So be real with yourself when assessing how you’re perceived by others. You may love everything about yourself, and that’s great, but if you really want to break the cycle, you need to be able to see yourself through the eyes of others. Just to be clear, I’m not telling you to change, or to place any sort of value on the way you’re perceived by others. Just be aware, so you can establish control over the situations you’re dealing with. I hope that helps. Good luck and God bless. – DON GRIMM

Don Grimm is an author, poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and illustrator, as well as a former radio co-host, music producer, and video content creator. Some of Don Grimm’s current books can be found on Amazon. Send your questions to Don at office@jancarolpublishing.com.

NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!

Second Chance to Die

Written

by Mike Grindstaff

Marwin Gelstone has had a rough year. His partner’s wife committed suicide, and he was almost murdered by a local gynecologist as he uncovered the doctor’s murderous intentions. The trauma of the assault derailed his life, and he spiraled down, almost losing everything important to him. As he struggles to regain normalcy and rebuild the relationships dear to him, Marwin becomes involved in another pharmaceutical investigation. Will his new lease on life only give him a second chance to die?

Click here to order.

Always Remember, Your Story is Still Being Written...

Daily Devotional

Written by

Crystal Gilpin Jones

Always Remember, Your Story is Still Being Written... is a daily devotional to encourage those who are going through tough times. Their story is not over, God is still writing their story. To encourage others not to lose focus, don’t lose hope when circumstances seem impossible, and know that He still controls the pen to

The Goddess of Promise Land:

Goddess of Promised Land: Lamentations, the baby Sophia-Emma is now a teen of color struggling with her parents, Loving and Pulsar, while protecting her little brother, Christopher, in historic Africatown, Alabama. She is slowly discovering an innate power to calm a hurricane and heal those closest to her. Her Creator seems to be calling her back to her roots at Promised Land. Her quest will eventually lead her to dangers even a Spirit-Goddess would find challenging.

These Haunted Hills: A Collection of Short Stories (Book 5)

These Haunted Hills: Book 5 is compiled of frightening stories from eight skilled authors. Here in Appalachia, you’ll find abandoned abodes and supernatural entities sure to have you checking under your bed. The frightful tales within make this yet another unforgettable installment to Jan-Carol Publishing’s annual anthology series. For the nightmare-loving reader, These Haunted Hills has everything you need, except, maybe a nightlight. Click here to order.

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.

Compelled: From the Yazoo Pumps to Polar Bears and Back

Written by

H. Dale Hall

Compelled is a chronicle of H. Dale Hall’s career, but focuses on the conservation issues he personally worked on. They include, but aren’t limited to, the Clean Water Act and wetlands, the Endangered Species Act (northern spotted owl, polar bear and others), his involvement working on the agreements for operation of the Missouri, Colorado and Sacramento-San Joaquin rivers, his rise to become Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service and, most importantly, the people he worked with on these issues. Click here to order.

Waves Coming Soon!

Written by Addy May

Evelyn lives in Hawaii and always had the perfect life. One day, her wonderful life came to a screeching halt. Her sister Madeline started acting strange and having terrible headaches. After several doctor visits, Madeline was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Evelyn’s life shattered. There was no cure coming for her sister; she would have to say goodbye. Evelyn must learn to savor every moment she has with Madeline. When the time comes, she has to learn to process her grief in waves, learning to smile at the memory of Madeline instead of holding on to the sadness. Evelyn leans hard into surfing to help her ease the pain, letting every wave help her find the balance of love, loss, grief, and learning to be happy again.

Stories From a North Dakota Cheerleader

Coming Soon!

Written by Carol Owen Reynolds

Stories From a North Dakota Cheerleader follows real snapshots of the author’s life. With more tales packed away in the author’s brain, this book promises to be the first of many. Only God can stop Carol Owen Reynolds from writing.

the little orange t

Coming Soon!

Written by George Bove

Illustrated by Kristi Lynch

What happens when a letter is rejected from the alphabet soup? Join little orange t as he journeys around Tennessee and finds his place leading a crowd of adoring fans as a great, big uppercase T in the world’s largest bowl of alphabet soup!

Appalachian Authors Guild

On Tuesday, October 10, from 12 pm – 1 pm, the Appalachian Authors Guild will conduct a Board Meeting at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, located at 852 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, VA. The workshop will be from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and the program “Content Editing Services” will be presented by Jan Taylor. All are welcome to attend the business meeting and the program.

Jessica Brimer

These Haunted Hills Book 5

Saturday, October 21 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Barnes & Noble Johnson City, TN

Crystal Gilpin Jones

Author of Always Remember, Your Story is Still Being Written…

Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Book Signing

Fall Fling at Alva Church of God 21361 N. River Rd, Alva, FL

Michael Gryboski

Author of Carla Series

Saturday, October 21, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. West Virginia Book Festival

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Lee Street E, Charleston, WV

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Author of The Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series, The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers; Daffodil Dreams; and These Haunted Hills

Friday, October 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Big Stone Gap, VA

Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City

Blountville, TN

Tuesday, October 10, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Appalachian Authors Guild meeting Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator

Abingdon, VA

Friday, October 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Coeburn, VA

Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Abingdon, VA

Sunday, October 15, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Big Walker Lookout

Wytheville, VA

Friday, October 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City

Volunteer Parkway, TN

Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City

Chilhowie, VA

Sunday, October 22, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Big Walker Lookout

Wytheville, VA

Friday, October 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City

Bonham Road, VA

Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City

North Eastman Rd, Kingsport, TN

Sunday, October 29, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing at Big Walker Lookout

Wytheville, VA

This Month’s Featured Books

These Haunted Hills: Book 5 is compiled of frightening stories from eight skilled authors. Here in Appalachia, you’ll find abandoned abodes and supernatural entities sure to have you checking under your bed. The frightful tales within make this yet another unforgettable installment to Jan-Carol Publishing’s annual anthology series. For the nightmare-loving reader, These Haunted Hills has everything you need, except, maybe a nightlight.

Various Authors Willie E. Dalton Jeff Geiger Jr. Linda Hudson Hoagland

Three sisters are called home to their small town to learn the old ways of mountain healing and magic. Guided by their aging grandmother, the sisters embark on a path of self-discovery. Through good times and heartbreak, the sisters stick together and learn a new appreciation for their unique family heritage and one another. Witches, potions, romance, laughter . . . you will find them all in Three Witches in a Small Town.

For Detective Barry Kendall, the loss nearly broke him. It’s been almost thirteen years since Holly was killed, but he’s still haunted by the sound of his girlfriend’s piercing screams. Now, so many years later, Barry is working a case where two young boys have been kidnapped right out of their bedrooms. As he investigates, it becomes clear to him that the witch is not only responsible for the kidnappings, but that she’s back to end his life as well.

Monica Riley Kohler

Ghosts and a haunted house are the enticements that pull Emily and her friend, Tim Riley, into the dilemma of being held hostage along with two of the local legal authorities who felt it necessary to search for the teenagers. Lindsay, Ellen, Ryan, Jed, and Marnie look for the truth and the kids.

Noodle is searching for the perfect Halloween costume. Join her in her search as she gives you clues as to which costume she will try on next! Beautifully illustrated with bright colors and an entertaining story to capture a child’s attention. Wonderful teaching tool and great for a classroom with the use of colors and words. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for Bradley Bee!

Order all of these book directly from JCP — for a discounted price and FREE shipping in October! Go to the “JCP Book Shop” at www.jancarolpublishing.com.

Journey to Your Self – How to Heal from Trauma begins with the author’s own experience of child molestation, sexual assault, bullying and rape, the moment she hit rock bottom and from there on out successfully healed her trauma and transformed her life. Sandra Cooze then continues by taking you on a journey through the mysteries of trauma, and the effects it can have on your body, mind, and spirit.

Books You May Have Missed!

Yesterday’s Books and Tomorrow ’s Reading

Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman follows the author on her journey from a drugaddicted thief who felt trapped in an abusive relationship to a confident and capable marathon-runner. It is filled with intense drama, troubled romance, and all sorts of dirty little secrets.

To Hide the Truth is a true story of the disturbing relationship between a daughter and her father. It speaks the truth of an era when family abuse and alcoholism were subjects of taboo, revealing a culture that accepted violence as a way of life. Within the walls of the tiny house, the mother suffers not only physically, but emotionally, and nine-year old Susan becomes her mother’s protector in a role reversal necessitated for survival.

Shattered But Not Broken is an autobiography of being blinded by love at first sight. Author Tawana Campbell shares personal details of falling for and living with a controlling and abusive husband. Although her marriage was filled with overwhelming challenges and heart-wrenching tragedy, Campbell shares her inspiration accounts of finding the strength to survive and thrive.

Sandra Cooze Jenn Sadai Susan Noe Harmon Tawana J. Campbell

PATRICE WILKERSON, AUTHOR OF

My Favorite Season is Spring

1. How old were you when you got into writing as a hobby? What inspired your love for writing to start and flourish? I was eight years old when I started writing. My favorite genre to write growing up was poetry, and my inspiration came from being able to share my thoughts and feelings in a poetic rhyme.

2. Has it always been your goal to publish your work? How does it feel to see your books available for all the readers of the world? Yes, it has always been a goal of mine to publish my work. When I was 25 years old, I lost my father and it really devastated me. Writing helped me cope with my loss. It also taught me that tomorrow is not promised. After going through that, it made me want to pursue publishing my work. It feels great to write a book, and to see it all come together is really amazing. It is such a huge accomplishment for me.

3. What are your favorite genres to read? What about your preferred genres to write? My favorite genre to read is poetry. As for my writing, I prefer poetry and picture books.

4. What is one thing a reader has shared with you about your work that will stay with you forever? One reader told me that my newly published book reminds her that life can be so positive. She also shared that my book brings her joy and gives her peace of mind. Her words will stay with me forever because it feels great to know that my work can make such a huge impact on someone’s life.

5. Do you have a favorite work of yours—published or unpublished? Why is it your favorite? My favorite work would be my newly published children’s book, My Favorite Season is Spring. It’s my debut children’s story, and it has always been a dream of mine to publish a picture book. When I first saw the finished product, I burst into tears. It was such an emotional moment to see my work being published.

6. What is something you want readers to know about you as an author and about your writing? I truly enjoy writing and I love to inspire others through words. I want my work to impact others in a positive way.

7. What surprised you about writing or publishing once you got into the process? When I wrote my first book, Through It All, I’m Going to Make It, I was surprised at how difficult it was to come up with marketing strategies. I wanted to let the world know about my book, but I was stumped as to how to go about doing it. It was a hard process because I wasn’t quite sure which marketing ideas would work or not.

8. If you could change one thing about the publishing world or the stereotypes and expectations around being an author, what would it be? I wish that there was an easier way to get people to buy an author’s book. It’s hard to sell books, especially if you are a newly published author.

9. What are you most excited about right now in your writing career? Right now, I’m excited about marketing my children’s book and trying to get my book to as many readers as I can. This is such an exciting adventure, and I’m learning so much along the way. I’m hopeful that readers will enjoy my book and I plan on writing more books in the future.

10. What is one thing you hope readers remember or take away from your most recent published work? I hope readers are able to connect to my book and find positivity and joy in my most recent work. We live in a world where things can get so hectic and chaotic. I hope my book can bring families closer together through the joy of reading.

Patrice’s debut children’s book is available now through Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and directly through Jan-Carol Publishing.

7 Signs Your Child Might Be Experiencing Bullying

Bullying continues to be a major problem across the country. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that one out of every five students reports being bullied, although many people do not admit to it occurring, so bullying might be even more prevalent than statistics indicate. The primary reasons for being bullied include physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.

In the past, bullying may have ceased when students left school. But since the internet and digital devices provide round-the-clock exposure and access, bullying now takes places even after school hours through social media posts and texts.

Discovering the signs of bullying early on may help students get the help they need. Parents and other adults may not be sure how to identify signs a child is being bullied. Here are seven signs that could indicate a child is being bullied.

1. Reluctance to go to school: Students being bullied may make excuses to stay home, such as saying they are sick.

2. Mood changes: Children may appear sad, moody, teary, or depressed more often than usual.

3. Changes in friendships: Loss or changes of friends could be signs of bullying. A reluctance to hang out in a once familiar social circle could signal bullying is taking place within that group.

4. Bad dreams or trouble sleeping: Bullying could cause worry at night or subconsciously while a child is dreaming, interrupting sleeping patterns.

5. Intense emotional reactions: Intense emotional reactions to school or social activities could be indicators that bullying is occurring.

6. Signs of physical abuse: By and large a majority of bullying tends to lean toward the verbal and emotional. However, RaisingChildren.net, an Australia-based parenting website, reports bruises, cuts, scratches, torn clothing, or missing property might be indicators of physical bullying.

7. Withdrawal from devices: Students being bullied online or over social media may decide not to use mobile phones or gaming systems as frequently as they once did.

Maintaining an open dialogue with a child may help him or her feel more comfortable, which can lead to the child sharing details of bullying at school or elsewhere.

Depression and the Elderly

By Cindy K. Sproles

Today’s world almost flaunts depression. The advertising, discussion, and over-diagnosis tend to make it the newest “go-to” mental illness. Everything is blamed on some sort of depression; the sad part of this label is that it lessens the severity of the illness.

Depression is a genuine thing that not only affects the young, but it is a severe issue in our elderly. The questions become, how do we know our aging parents are depressed, and what can we do to help them?

The best way to begin is with the physical aspects. One clear hint of depression is a lack of eating. Seniors can appear perfectly fine on the outside, but internally they are not. My mother was active, driving and meeting friends, but when I offered her lunch, she could hardly fathom eating half of a sandwich. She scolded me for trying to make her eat a paper-thin slice of turkey on one piece of bread. A lack of appetite is the first sign of depression. Other physical symptoms include lack of conversation, excessive sleeping, and refusing to leave the home. Should you see these signs, take heed.

Socialization is vital for our senior parents, especially if they’ve lost a spouse. Aging parents who have spent over fifty years with their spouse may find socialization after their loss nearly impossible. All they have known has been the presence of their loved one, and when that person is gone, adjusting to life alone is difficult. Depression can set in quickly.

A lack of desire for personal body care, dressing, and even cleanliness for the once meticulous elderly parent who now has lost interest in how they dress or present themselves is an example of depression.

Becoming proactive in caring for your loved one is critical to their well-being. Sometimes, your help is welcome, and other times not, but this doesn’t mean you brush it aside. At the first signs of depression, schedule an appointment with your senior’s primary care physician. Go with them to the appointment and express your concerns. The tricky thing about depression is that many seniors are very

good at hiding it. When you present your concerns to the doctor in the presence of your parent, the issues will be addressed. A good physician, well-versed in geriatrics, will know how to discuss this issue and how to manage it medically. It may be with counseling or medications but do not ignore the signs.

Take note if your parent has lost a spouse and is not adjusting well. Remember, grief is different for every person, but if you see signs of your parent declining, it’s time for action. Broken heart syndrome is a real thing. Statistics show that it is not uncommon for the second parent to pass within six months of the first due to broken heart syndrome. Supporting and special attention to your loved one is vital. They need a sense of being needed, something they lose when a spouse passes.

Finally, become an active part of your loved one’s life. Share memories, encourage family visits, and get out of the home. Help them rekindle friendships and locate hobbies or reignite old passions. Know your parent so you can recognize signs of depression early.

Our parents are valuable. Making them feel welcome and important to the family will help them overcome loneliness and depression. For further information on depression and your senior, visit the National Network of Depressions Centers at https://nndc.org.

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.

Healthy Habits that Could Help Women Reduce their Breast Cancer Risk

Like all cancers, breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, various healthy habits could help women reduce their risk for the disease.

• Avoid alcohol. The ACS reports that alcohol consumption is a clear risk factor for breast cancer. Risk increases with the amount of alcohol a woman consumes. For example, a woman who consumes one alcoholic drink per day has a 7 to 10 percent higher risk of getting breast cancer than a woman who abstains from alcohol. Drinking two to three drinks per day could increase risk by around 20 percent.

• Establish and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases breast cancer risk, particularly among postmenopausal women. According to the ACS, after menopause women get most of their estrogen from fat tissue. Fat tissue increases estrogen levels in the body, which in turn increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Elevated levels of insulin in the body, which is common among individuals who are overweight, also has been linked to higher breast cancer risk. Establishing and maintaining a healthy weight cannot prevent breast cancer, but it can help women reduce their risk for the disease.

• Maintain a physically active lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle increases a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases. Women who live such a lifestyle are at elevated risk for breast cancer. The ACS notes

that sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching television, or engaging with screen-based forms of entertainment that do not require physical activity can increase breast cancer risk, especially for women who spend most of their work day sitting down. A more physically active lifestyle that includes routine exercise can help women reduce their breast cancer risk.

• Adopt a nutritious diet. Eating right is another way for women to reduce their breast cancer risk. Vegetables, fiber-rich legumes such as beans and peas, fruits across the color spectrum, and whole grains are some components of a healthy, nutrient-rich diet that can help lower breast cancer risk. Women also can avoid certain foods, such as red and processed meats and refined grains, to lower their breast cancer risk. Though there’s no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, women can embrace various healthy habits to lower their risk for the disease.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST LUMPS

Breast cancer is a cause for concern for millions of women. Each year about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of the more notable symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast. Though not all lumps are malignant, it’s important that women learn about breast anatomy and lumps as part of their preventive health care routines.

Mount Sinai says that breast lumps can occur at any age in both men and women. Hormonal changes can cause breast enlargement and lumps during puberty, and boys

and girls may even be born with lumps from the estrogen received from their mothers.

It is important to note that the vast majority of breast lumps are benign. The National Institutes of Health says 60 to 80 percent of all breast lumps are non-cancerous. The most common causes of breast lumps are fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes. Fibroademomas are small, smooth, moveable, painless round lumps that usually affect women who are at an age to have children, indicates the Merck Manual. They are non-cancerous and feel rubbery.

Fibrocystic changes are painful, lumpy breasts. This benign condition does not increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Symptoms often are worse right before one’s menstrual period, and then improve after the period begins.

Additional factors can contribute to the formation of lumps. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that likely go away on their own or may be aspirated to relieve pain. Complex cysts may need to be removed surgically. Sometimes cysts also may form in milk ducts throughout the breasts.

Lumps also may be the result of injury. Blood can collect under the skin and form a type of lump called a hematoma. Other lumps may be traced to lipomas, which is a collection of fatty tissue or breast abscesses, which typically occur if a person is breastfeeding or has recently given birth.

Additional causes of lumps can be discussed with a doctor. Though the majority of lumps are not a cause for concern, it is important for people to regularly feel their breasts to check for abnormalities. Doctors may recommend annual mammograms to women age 40 and older. In its earliest stages, breast cancer may produce little to no visible symptoms, but a mammogram may be able to catch something early on.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a form of complementary medicine in which a licensed chiropractic doctor uses his or her hands as well as certain machinery to manipulate joints in the body.

Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping a person feel better without having to take pain medications. Chiropractors can treat musculoskeletal pain anywhere in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Adjustments can gently realign joints to decrease pain and increase range of motion. Soft-tissue therapy may be used to relax tight muscles and relieve spasms. A chiropractor also may be able to advise as to exercises and stretches that can maintain joint stability and mobility.

Chiropractic treatment also may decrease tension and boost blood circulation, which could help reduce stressful feelings in the body. Similarly, such treatment may alleviate tension headaches and migraines by realigning the joints in the neck and back that may be contributing to the headaches.

One of the more profound benefits of chiropractic adjustment is the potential to reduce reliance on opioid drugs prescribed to relieve pain.

Chiropractic care can help people live fuller lives without pain. Individuals with remaining questions can speak with their doctors about chiropractic medicine.

October Specials

Fire and Ice Massage

Fall Time Facial

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Decorating Homes for Halloween

Decorating for Halloween has become big business, with consumers spending a collective $10.6 billion in this category in the United States in 2022, according to a survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics and the National Retail Federation. In fact, decorations, particularly outdoor decorations, were the second most popular way to celebrate Halloween (candy still reigns supreme). Halloween is an opportunity to pull out all the stops for this fun fall celebration. The following tips can help to turn any home into a Halloween haunt to remember.

• Decide on a theme. Most people fall into one of two camps when decorating for Halloween. There are those who want their homes to be frightening and full of horrific details, and others who prefer more of a fall harvest look. Identify your preferences and then gather decorative items accordingly.

• Shop early/late. Ideally, the best time to buy Halloween decorations is the day after the holiday when prices get slashed (pun intended). This is the time to stock up on items for next year. You can save anywhere from 50 to 70 percent when buying late in the season. For those who need new items for this year’s Halloween, close-

out retailers like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx start putting out Halloween products in the middle of summer. Stock up as soon as you see items, as they’re not likely to remain on shelves for long. By the time October rolls around, decorations may be gone.

• Subtle touches can work. Though some people just love covering every square foot of a property with all things Halloween, it’s also possible to make a big impact with minimal effort. Lighting, or lack thereof, can create a spooky atmosphere. Swap existing porch lights with yellow or even black lights so everything glows. Candles flickering can add mystery. Place some battery-powered or electric candles in windows for an eerie feel. Swap out your typical curtains with purple or black ones to drape the house in even more spooky appeal.

• Wait on the carved pumpkins. Halloween seldom is complete without jack-o’-lanterns. But pumpkins often begin to degrade shortly after they’re first carved. Use artificial pumpkins if you plan to decorate early; otherwise, wait until a day or two before Halloween to add freshly carved pumpkins to the Halloween scape. Children can come up with the design, but ensure only adults cut into the pumpkins. Homeowners can quickly and easily transform their homes into spooky haunts this Halloween.

Black Magic Cake

8 to 10 servings

2⁄3 cup vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the baking pans

1 cup cocoa powder

1 cup boiling water

2 cups granulated sugar

1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 cup whole milk

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Filling and Frosting:

1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream

3⁄4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 teaspoon espresso powder

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch fine salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1⁄3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Decoration:

2 cups mini marshmallows (about 4 ounces) Cooking spray

1 or more candy spiders or two candy eyes for decorating

1. For the cake: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment and crease the parchment and the sides of the pans with oil.

2. Stir together the cocoa powder and boiling water in a small bowl and let sit to bloom for 5 minutes (this step intensifies the chocolate flavor in the cake).

3. Whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together the bloomed cocoa, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Pour the cocoa mixture into the sugar mixture and stir until smooth (the batter will be thin). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Bake until the cakes bounce back when pressed in the middle and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the pans on a rack.

4. For the filling and frosting: Heat the cream in a double boiler over low heat, whisking occasionally, until it begins to steam. Whisk in the cocoa powder, chocolate, espresso powder, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the butter until melted. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until incorporated. Let the frosting cool completely.

5. To assemble: Put one cake, bottom-side up, on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1 cup of the frosting over the top but not all the way down the side. Top with the other cake, bottom-side up, and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

6. For the spider web or mummy decoration: Microwave the marshmallows in a microwave-safe medium bowl until they swell and are soft enough to stir, about 1 minute. Let sit a few minutes until cool enough to touch. Spray your hands with cooking spray. For a spider web, pick up a tablespoon-sized blob of the melted marshmallow and stretch it over and around the cake; repeat so that the strings of marshmallow crisscross one another in many directions. Continue until you have what looks like a spiderweb. For a mummy, stretch the marshmallow so that all the strings on the top of the cake run in the same direction, leaving a small gap between strings for the mummy’s eyes to peak out. Garnish with a candy spider for the web cake or candy eyes for the mummy cake. Source: Food Network

Popcorn Treats

6 – 8 Servings

Vegetable cooking spray

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

6 cups (12-ounces) mini marshmallows

6 fun-size such as Snickers, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

3 chocolate chip cookies, crumbled

1/3 cup chopped salted almonds,

1/2 cup orange and black M&Ms

1. Spray the inside of a large mixing bowl with vegetable cooking spray, and lightly spray a baking sheet. Set aside.

2. In a 3 quart or larger, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil and popcorn over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and

shake gently. Cook until all the kernels have popped, about 3 minutes. Place the popcorn in the prepared bowl.

3. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over low heat. Add the vanilla extract and marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Using a spatula, sprayed with cooking spray, stir until the popcorn is coated. Spread the mixture over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the chocolate bar pieces, cookies, almonds and chocolate candies. Using a spatula, gently press the toppings into the popcorn. Allow the mixture to dry for 1 hour.

4. Break into 2-inch pieces and store airtight in a plastic container.

Source: Food Network

Spooky Black Caramel Apples

5 Apples

2 Tbsp corn syrup

2 Tbsp water

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

Pinch salt

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2–3 tsp McCormick black

food coloring

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

5 apples

1. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.

2. Prepare apples: wash, dry, and remove stems. Insert sticks or popsicle/craft sticks. Set aside.

3. In a medium heat proof bowl, add corn syrup, water, and granulated sugar. Microwave for 5–7 minutes until mixture boils and turns a light amber color. Watch closely and remove immediately after it has reached ideal shade.

4. Stir in heavy cream, followed by salt, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix until well incorporated. Finally stir in butter until smooth.

5. Immediately dip and coat one apple at a time. Tilt and rotate to coat completely. Hold over bowl with stick up, allowing excess to drip off or 10–15 seconds. Flip upside down, with stick down, letting caramel set for 15–20 seconds. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining apples.

6. Chill for at least 30–60 minutes to completely set caramel. Can be made up to a day ahead.

Source: www.bakedbyrachel.com

End of Summer Scaries

By Raven Howell

Ouch! I rub the top of my head. Now that the season is changing and nights are cooler, I’ve bumped myself crawling into the closet to put away my summer shorts and tees and pull out the sweatshirts.

If you’re dealing with what I call the “end of summer scaries” (like those “Sunday scaries”), you’re not alone. The end of summer forever signifies shorter days, more rigid daily schedules, and for some of us, concern over how long it will be until we’re shoveling snow again.

Regardless of whether you experience the end of summer scaries or not, October is a great month to dive into a fall activity to get your mind and spirit in good shape. Apple picking has always been a staple in our family. If a farm visit isn’t possible, plan a simple autumn day getaway such as hiking at your nearest parkland. Collect some October nature pretties like acorns to fill up a glass jar for your kitchen windowsill.

If your child appears to be struggling with moving from the languid, sunny vacation time into the cooler fall groove, take them out on a special pumpkin-choosing adventure. Do we want a silly oval shape this year? Big and round? Will our pumpkin have bumps on it so we can carve a

It’s A Classic!

Short and sweet film reviews of old, classic movies perfect for a girls’ night in!

By Allison Chudina

As we enter the spooky month of October, I want to recommend a horror movie from the ’60s that many people may not be familiar with. Everyone has seen Psycho (1960) and Frankenstein (1931), but likely not everyone has seen the French-language film, Eyes Without a Face (1962), directed

witch face? Bring it home, name your pumpkin, and have fun decorating.

For teens, share a minute of deep breathing with them before breakfast or prior to bedtime. My son thought it was ridiculous when I first asked him to try it with me. But we didn’t give up, and after a few days, he was doing it on his own and found it cleared his mind for the school day.

At any age, every so often, as chilly breezes begin to rattle the windowpanes, crank up some fun summery songs. There’s nothing like playing an upbeat Beach Boys tune, or dancing to a pop song like “Sunroof” by Nicky Youre to lift your mood!

Don’t forget to “fall” into a new season of books. In my picture book, Seasons , when children say goodbye to summer, they’re happily welcomed by colorful leaves, awe-inspiring glimpses of deer, and promises of a mischievous Halloween, reminding us to pack the end of summer scaries away with the bathing suits, and celebrate October!

{Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Her books have garnered honors such as Creative Child Magazine’s Best Book of the Year, Mom’s Choice Award, and US Book of Review’s Most Recommended. Her poetry is published in children’s magazines, she writes the “Book Bug” column for Story Monsters Ink , and authors storybooks for ReadingGate. Her book, Seasons , was published this year by Jan-Carol Publishing. Find out more at www.ravenhowell.com.

by Georges Franju. The film follows Dr. Génessier (played by Pierre Brasseur) and his once-beautiful daughter, Christiane (played by Édith Scob), in the aftermath of a horrible accident that causes the disfigurement of the latter. Dr. Génessier, riddled with guilt over his daughter, begins kidnapping other young women with the help of his accomplice and laboratory assistant Louise (played by Alida Valli) and bringing them to his mansion. After rendering them unconscious, Dr. Génessier removes their faces and attempts a radical plastic surgery to save Christiane’s beauty. It is a very eerie concept that examines the overlap between love and hubris, and it’s the perfect film to watch with friends on a dark and stormy night in October.

7.

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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