September 2024

Texarkana Magazine

SEPTEMBER • 2024

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE September | 2024 | Volume 5 | Issue 9

32.

62. SHARE THE LOVE Milestones 64. MONTHLY MIX Oasis 66.

10. cover/HOME It’s All in the Details 26. REALTOR ® SPOTLIGHT Get to Know Local REALTORS ®

TXK ROOTS Jenna Ruhe

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54. ENTERTAINMENT Good Evening TXK 58. LIFE If These Tables Could Talk

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32. HOME Southern Radiance

64.

42. HOME Retro Reno

What does your front porch say about you?

CASSY MEISENHEIMER Dog owner and procrastinator. My dog loves to dig in the front flower beds and leave a ball laying around. We need

TERRI SANDEFUR On permanent vacation.

ALANA MOREL Desert oasis. Welcome to my front porch, where plants come to test their resilience! My green thumb is more like a dry thumb.

KARA HUMPHREY I hope it says, “Come in, make yourself at home, take your shoes off and stay a while!” But you may want to bring a jacket. My husband keeps our house way too cold.

to update our front door and repaint.

MATT CORNELIUS Decorated with Amazon boxes.

LEAH ORR My front door says I have too many delivery apps! You can find anything from groceries to science

BRITT EARNEST Don’t judge a book by its cover.

BRITTANY ROBLES The DIY spirit is alive and well here. Come back next week to see the same unfinished porch with even more tools.

We just finished a year of interior renovations. Bless the whole outside’s heart—you’re phase two. I promise!

fair project supplies on my front porch.

BAILEY GRAVITT Now, wait one second because I don’t have a front porch.

TIFFANY HORTON I’m afraid my front porch probably says, “I did not inherit my mom’s green thumb.”

TAMMY LUMMUS It says the woman who lives here is very hodge-podge. There’s a fern, lanterns, ceramic rabbits, and a summer wreath. Nothing goes together, but it makes me happy!

CONTRIBUTORS

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

txkmag.com letstalk@txkmag.com 903-949-6886 OFFICE 911 North Bishop Street Building C • Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas 75501 MAIL 2801 Richmond Road #38 Texarkana, Texas 75503

Fred grew up in Gladewater, where he was an active FFA member, raising farm animals. So, even though we now live in the city, it’s hard to shake our country roots. Now, let me explain how we ended up as “those” neighbors. First, there is the dog that barks all the time—we are still trying to figure out what’s up with him. I think we are simply feeling the repercussions of making a swift decision on what type of dog to get. Then, there was the camper parked in our driveway for what might have been a tad too long. Our DIY remodel took a bit longer than expected. And the mini farm? That started with an abandoned duckling we found in our backyard. After a quick online search, we learned ducklings should not be alone, so off we went to Atwoods and Tractor Supply, coming home with four baby chicks and two ducks. Unfortunately, the original duckling did not even survive two weeks, leaving us with the leftovers of our compulsive (yet well-intentioned) purchase. (I guess we didn’t learn our lesson from the compulsive dog purchase.) Today, we have two chickens and two ducks left, and on the bright side, we recently gathered our first fresh eggs! Our chickens, Biscuit and Belle, have grown on me. I can step outside and call, “Hey girls,” and they come running. Maybe if I share some fresh eggs with the neighbors, they will let us stay… fingers crossed. In this month’s issue, we are showcasing some incredible local homes owned by people who are the opposite of “that” neighbor. These are the homes you dream of living next door to—the ones that elevate the entire neighborhood. Each has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the homeowners’ unique lifestyle and taste. I’ve seen more stunning lighting and fabrics this month than ever before. We are so grateful to each homeowner who welcomed us into their private space; they truly made putting this issue together a joy. We hope you enjoy it! As always, remember to shop locally and support our wonderful community!

Publisher CARDINAL PUBLISHING Staff CASSY MEISENHEIMER cassy@txkmag.com TERRI SANDEFUR terri@txkmag.com

ALANA MOREL alana@txkmag.com KARA HUMPHREY kara@txkmag.com LEAH ORR leah@txkmag.com BRITT EARNEST britt@txkmag.com BRITTANY ROBLES brittany@txkmag.com MATT CORNELIUS matt@txkmag.com

E very neighborhood has “that” neighbor—the one whose choices cause the rest of the block to cringe a little. Maybe they leave their trash cans out too long, their lawn is not manicured as neatly as the others, they have campers and boats parked in the driveway, or they have a dog that greets every passerby with endless barking. You know the type. The real surprise, however, comes when you realize you might be that neighbor. I adore my neighborhood and its people, but I am not sure they feel the same way about us. They might just be ready to kick us to the curb—or even kick us out entirely. Just last week, during her morning walk, one of my neighbors sent me a text: “There are some chickens in your front yard.” Oops. I had been trying to keep my backyard mini-farm a secret, but the jig was up. I quickly replied, “That’s all Fred’s fault.” Moments later, another text came through: “There are also some ducks… are those yours?” Yep, guilty as charged (also Fred’s fault). As Garth Brooks would say, “I blame it all on my roots.” Growing up in Queen City, we had land, which naturally meant we populated it with animals—horses, goats, a donkey, dogs, cats—you name it, we had it.

Local Sources CLARE ANGIER JOHN LUKE ANGIER MARY CAROLINE ANGIER PHILIP ANGIER JOE REGAN

CRAFTED IN TEXARKANA. EMPLOYEE OWNED AND LOCALLY SOURCED.

#txkmag

Texarkana Magazine is a multimedia publication showcasing the Texarkana area and is designed and published by Cardinal Publishing, LLC. Articles in Texarkana Magazine should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Ideaology, products, and services promoted in the publication are not necessarily endorsed by Texarkana Magazine .

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

It’s all in the... LOCATION Pleasant Grove LOCAL SOURCES 316 Landscaping Solutions Lindsay Kate Designs MLM Construction Soundtowne

The Carpet Shoppe The Design Center at Red River Lumber

PAINT COLOR Sherwin Williams Modern Grey

HOMEOWNERS’ FAVORITE ROOM Primary Bedroom

CUSTOM FABRICS Texture

INTERIOR SPLURGE Lighting

EXTERIOR SPLURGE Pool by Morehead Pools FUN FACT “Fandeliers” were used in several rooms

LOCAL ARTISTS Nicole Brisco Joseph Raymond Paul Whitt

PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS I n this vibrant family home, every color, fabric, and finish tells a story of craftsmanship and creativity. Originally, the house was full of potential but lacked a well-thought-out layout and efficient use of space. Through a meticulous renovation, it has been transformed into a space brimming with custom details that make it truly one-of-a-kind. Here, it’s all about the bespoke touches—from the rich, bold colors that breathe life into each room to the custom fabrics that drape elegantly across precisely crafted window treatments. The attention to detail extends beyond the interiors to an outdoor space that is just as impressive, featuring an award-winning infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape. This outdoor oasis, along with the thoughtfully redesigned interiors, makes this home a perfect reflection of the family that calls it home. Every corner, inside and out, has been expertly crafted, turning this house into a harmonious blend of luxury, comfort, and style.

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REALTOR ® SPOTLIGHT Selling a home by owner is tempting with websites such as Zillow to help with information acquisition. Some do not realize, however, how much time and money a R EALTOR ® can actually save a homeowner. Bringing their knowledge of the housing market and experience to the table provides a potentially cost-saving experience to buyers and sellers.

2024 TEXARKANA MAGAZINE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Linda Leach

How do I define my success… My successes have been built by assisting my clients in achieving their goals and dreams, not from dollar amounts or sales figures. I define success by seeing the satisfaction on my client’s faces when we secure the best possible price for their homes or find their dream property. It’s the phone call from a client who was referred to me by a friend or family member that truly defines my success. Knowing that my dedication and hard work earned their trust and recommendation is extremely rewarding. My typical workday… In real estate, there is no typical day, and no two days are ever the same. One day might involve working in the office, managing contracts, and negotiating offers. At the same time, another could find me delivering staging items to prepare a home for professional photos. I might spend another day showing multiple properties to an out-of-state client and convincing them to call Texarkana home. The unpredictability of the job is what I love most. I start each day early with a workout before diving into the “typical day.” The most rewarding part of my job… Preparing a home for the market is a passion of mine. I take pride in attending to every detail, from decluttering and rearranging furniture to staging the home to its most luxurious potential, regardless of price point. I often work right up to the arrival of the photographer to ensure everything is perfect. Seeing the final result when the property goes live is truly gratifying and one of the most rewarding parts of being a REALTOR ® . The funniest thing that has ever happened to me during a showing… It involved a seller’s cat determined to escape as we showed the home. I chased that cat down the street in a dress and heels and coaxed it back inside. I am sure it provided quite a laugh for any neighbors who witnessed it!

Hometown Garden City, Kansas Favorite Food Thai Hobby Barrel Racing Dream Vacation The beach, books, and frozen drinks.

First Thing I Do At The Office My day begins by

Most Used Apps Podcast and Audible. I love to learn and I’m always

listening to something even while walking my dogs or driving.

creating a plan of action. I prioritize urgent tasks, review the MLS for new listings, price changes, market status, and address any overnight calls or emails.

If My Life Were A Reality Show, It Would Be Called... Texas Cowgirl Realtor

903-556-2223 5120 SUMMERHILL ROAD TEXARKANA, TEXAS 75503 LINDALEACH.REMAX@GMAIL.COM LINDA-LEACH.REMAX.COM

Karrie Morse

Best Career moment so far... Getting my brokers license in Texas and Arkansas. It was the best career decision I have ever made. What inspired me to become a Realtor... My mother. I am a second generation REALTOR ® and broker. My mom had her own commercial brokerage in Dallas, which inspired me to open my own brokerage in Texarkana.

Hometown DeSoto, Texas Dream Vacation Italy Binge Watch Anything that is a period piece style movie.

903-223-0055 707 NORTH KINGS HIGHWAY | WAKE VILLAGE, TEXAS

KARRIE@TEXARKANASTAR.COM WWW .TEXARKANASTAR. COM BROKER

Best Career moment so far... Being named the 2022 Arkansas Realtor of the Year! The best advice I ever received... If you find a career/job that you love, you never dread going to “work.” Dream Vacation It is a tie…Any beach with a close second being Disney World. Sarah Griffin Sealy

903-277-6101 2012 ARKANSAS BOULEVARD | TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS

Favorite Sports Team Arkansas Razorbacks If My Life Were A Reality Show, It Would Be Called... Sarah Sells Texarkana!

SARAH@GRIFFINREALTORS.NET WWW. GRIFFINREALTORS .NET BROKER/OWNER

Amber Gideon Stewart

My favorite part of living and selling real estate in Texarkana… Whether reconnecting with childhood friends, former colleagues from my years in education, or meeting new faces through real estate, I enjoy getting to know people at their current stage in life. It is fun to see how connected our community is, with people and events intertwining in many ways. The best advice I ever received... “Strength through adversity.” One of my teachers said this to me when I was in the ninth grade. Every time I encounter a tough situation, I remember this. The most rewarding part of my job... Helping people! Whether it’s helping someone buy their first home, guiding them through the sale to find their next, or supporting those selling due to a loss or relocation, I enjoy assisting people through every stage of life. Nonprofit I wish more people knew about... I have two— 1. Opportunities, Inc.— Many people do not realize the number of children and adults with disabilities in our community who benefit from this organization. 2. Junior League of Texarkana— You hear of Mistletoe Market (formerly Mistletoe Fair). Still, most people do not realize that these women work tirelessly that weekend to raise money to give back to the underprivileged children of our community. I choose to support both on the local level. What advice I would give to first-time homebuyers… Start by saving money and finding a REALTOR® you trust— don’t hesitate to interview a few. Let your trusted REALTOR® help you find a lender, and then go from there. There are so many steps in this process. It is important to work with people who have experience. If you choose a Realtor or lender who is new to the market (we all start somewhere), ensure they have the guidance needed to get you to your goal.

Hometown Texarkana, Arkansas Binge Watch Friends Favorite Song Currently “People Like Us” by Micah Tyler

Favorite Sports Team Arkansas Razorbacks If My Life Were A Reality Show, It Would Be Called... Coordinated Chaos

Use One Emoji To Describe Working In Real Estate

4110 RICHMOND PLACE | TEXARKANA, TEXAS AMBER.GIDEON@COLDWELLTEXARKANA.COM WWW. COLDWELLTEXARKANA .COM

Virginia Ann Raffaelli Prazak

What keeps me coming back every day… I have the privilege of working with some of my absolute favorite people in town, and they have brought so much joy to my life. It is amazing to be surrounded by those you admire and those that make you belly laugh daily. The most rewarding part of my job... The hugs are the best. When you find the property, win the bidding war, or close the impossible and find yourself jumping up and down like a kid. Those moments make the hurdles worth it.

Binge Watch Bluey, DCC on Netflix, and Superstore Splurge Taylor tickets for my Swifties Favorite Food Caprese Sandwich from Julie’s Deli on Tuesday

903-792-4444 1901 MALL DRIVE | TEXARKANA, TEXA VIRGINIA@TXKHOMES.COM WWW. TXKHOMES. COM BROKER

Best career moment so far... After over four years and around 200 transactions later, this career is made up of so many unforgettable moments. There are some tough days for buyers and sellers in this process, and I ride those out right alongside them. Still, the joy of making their goals happen has given me an abundance of moments that are all part of the career I have always dreamed of. What I love most about living and working in Texarkana... My dedication to my community is unwavering. I love walking into a store or restaurant and seeing familiar faces. It’s heartwarming when someone asks about my mom or comments on the latest pictures of my grand baby. Helping the people of my community, who are so dear to me, find or sell a home is a fantastic gift. And when they refer you to their friends and family, it is the absolute highest honor. Because of them, my circle has grown so much since I began four years ago.

Go To Beverage Diet Dr. Pepper One Emoji For Real Estate

903.792.4444 | 903.826.4150 1901 MALL DRIVE | TEXARKANA, TEXAS

TESSA@TXKHOMES.COM WWW. TXKHOMES .COM

Dream Vacation I’ve always wanted to stay in an overwater bungalow.

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SOUTHERN RADIANCE BY TIFFANY HORTON, HORTON DESIGN STUDIOS PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

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W ith its eye-catching stone facade and sleek, simple lines, it’s clear why the current owners were instantly captivated by this beautiful property. It took years of patient searching for them to find the ideal place to raise their family. “We had been working with Amy Warren for about ten years trying to find the perfect house. Every time I asked her to show us a house, I know she probably thought, ‘Oh, it’s her again,’ but one day, we were on vacation, and she sent these pictures. I thought, ‘This is not Texarkana. There’s no way. Where is this house?’ As soon as we got back, she showed it to us, and luckily, it all worked out because we love it.” Inside and out, a space has been curated that is traditional and welcoming without being fussy. When you first enter, there is a large curved staircase accentuated by a circular light fixture. Tucked into the bend of the stairs is an antique sideboard showcasing a sterling silver tea set that once belonged to the owner’s grandmother. This level of personalization and attention to detail continues to be exemplified throughout the house, and this is not at all surprising, considering that the owner has a degree in interior design and previously worked in the design field. On top of this, she grew up in Tennessee, where she developed a love for all things truly Southern, and this taste is reflected throughout the house in her

choice of both colors and accents, such as the blue and white chinoiserie porcelain pieces in the living room. Particular attention has been paid to each of the art pieces across the house. “Art is a big thing for me. I don’t like to hang just anything on the wall just to fill up space. I’ll leave things blank until I find something I really like,” the homeowner explained. In

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addition to the various collected pieces, a lot of the art is personalized. In the living room, a series of watercolor portraits of the owners’ children hang near the fireplace; this set was commissioned by former Pleasant Grove exchange student and now professional artist Alla Bartoshchuk. The master bedroom displays two pieces that were made as a collaboration between the family and local artist Nicole Brisco. “The boys each did one of those. I picked out some paint colors and let them just go to town,” she explained. “Then Nicole came back, toned it down, and added her signature look.” Also commissioned by Brisco is a large mixed-media piece at the back entrance. At first glance, the work looks like simple abstract art, but upon closer inspection, significant dates can be found discreetly worked into the piece so as not to distract but to enhance. “Those are dates that were important to our family— when my in-laws were married, when my husband was born, when I was born, when my parents were married, and other dates like that,” she said.

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Perhaps more important than being the perfect place to awe guests and display meaningful art, the house is also the perfect place to raise three kids. Upstairs, the children’s rooms have each been designed to reflect the tastes and personalities of each without disrupting the cohesiveness of the property. One of the boys requested antlers he had mounted from a couple of successful hunting trips be included. The owner was able to work the real antlers in with a modern, decorative mount, hinting at a hunting theme while also maintaining the overall style of the home. In her other son’s room, she intentionally layered masculine textures and patterns to create

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a space that will continue to grow with him. Across the hall, their daughter’s room is all things girl—florals, pinks, and dainty details. “Those two lamps were my grandmother’s. I’ve always thought they were so sweet,” she said. The antique lights are perfectly situated atop a white dresser and in front of a beautiful pink and gray floral wallpaper for another feminine layer. This home, with its blend of tradition, personalization, and thoughtfulness, truly reflects the family that inhabits it. Beyond being a building with beautiful design, it is a place where memories are made and cherished, and each room tells a story of its own.

LOCATION Pleasant Grove

CUSTOM FRAMING Christopher’s Frame Shop

LANDSCAPING Brothers Landscaping

SHUTTERS & BLINDS Blind Ambition

INTERIOR WALL COLOR Sherwin Williams Alabaster

ELECTRONICS AND MEDIA Soundz Good Audio & Video

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Retro Reno BEFORE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CORIE AND ANDY WOODMAN AFTER PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

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BEFORE

S tep into the Woodman residence, where the past meets the present in a seamless blend of nostalgia and modernity. This 1976 home, originally crafted by Margaret and George Bull, has undergone a thoughtful renovation that honors its rich history while infusing it with fresh energy. Over the course of 13 months, the Woodmans meticulously remodeled and added onto the home, preserving many of the original fixtures, cabinets, and wallpaper while breathing new life into these classic elements. The result is a home with a unique feel—where a custom painting of Jerry Garcia greets you with a playful nod to the era. Today, retro charm and contemporary touches come together to make the space feel both timeless and distinctly personal. “Our family has definitely made it a home,” say the Woodmans, reflecting on the journey that has transformed this house into a warm, welcoming haven that honors the past while embracing the future.

BEFORE

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BLINDS INTERIOR —Blind Ambition

PAINT COLORS INTERIOR WALLS Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil

HOMEOWNERS Corie and Andy Woodman LOCATION Northridge Country Club

EXTERIOR —Two Blind Guys

TRIM WORK Sherwin Williams Greek Villa

SECURITY, ELECTRONICS, AND MEDIA

ARCHITECT Ginger Patterson

Complete Computing Solutions, Mike Smith

CABINETS AND BEAMS Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

INTERIOR DESIGN PH Design, Danielle Patterson and Lauren Callaway Francis FLOORING, TILE, STONE, AND COUNTERTOPS The Design Center at Red River Lumber

HOMEOWNERS’ FAVORITE FEATURES Steam Shower and Exterior Blinds SPLURGE Adding circle drive for curb appeal

EXTERIOR COLOR Sherwin Williams Enduring Bronze

LANDSCAPING Studio 230, Bryan Callaway

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T here’s something about stepping into an open house that feels a little like sneaking a peek into someone’s diary—except the diary is an immaculately staged living room, and the deepest secrets are in the form of quirky Pokémon knick-knacks on a dusty shelf. It’s a strange, fascinating glimpse into lives we don’t know and will likely never meet, yet here we are, wandering through their space, absorbing the little details that make up their world. I spent a day indulging in this curiosity with Sydney Wicks, a local realtor who also happens to be the older sister of my childhood best friend. There’s a certain magic in seeing someone you’ve known forever in a different light. Sydney isn’t just the girl who used to babysit us; she’s a force in the real estate world, showing homes, making deals, and doing it all with a smile that says, “I’ve got this.” But it wasn’t always that way for her. On our delightful ride in between house tours, Sydney confessed, “That first year I had my license, I didn’t tell anyone I was doing real estate but the people closest to me. The way I thought about it back then, I didn’t want people to know what I was doing until I thought I had a solid understanding of what I was doing myself. I wanted to KNOW MY STUFF.” And aren’t we all just trying to know our stuff? Whether it’s writing an article or even working in social media management like I do, we often feel like we need to have everything figured out before we’re willing to share it with the world. But I’m glad Sydney reminded me that learning never stops. “I was scared to not know everything. I like to appear like I know everything now, but I’m humble enough to recognize that I don’t, and I’m still learning every single day.” As we walked through the homes, some were filled with perfectly fluffed pillows, gigantic bathtubs (the most essential part of my future home), and others with snacks out on the kitchen counters for visitors (that I most definitely ate), I couldn’t help but draw parallels between these open houses and the act of opening ourselves up to others. When you walk through an open house, you’re not just inspecting square footage; you’re peeking into someone’s life, seeing the choices they’ve made in colors, textures, and the little quirks that speak to a story you’ll never fully know. And let’s be honest, we know some of y’all are nosey! Yes, I’m talking to YOU! Y’all know you want to glide through somebody’s home and judge their furniture or decoration choices, or peek around their kid’s bedrooms and see if you can get some inspiration ideas from them. I see you. But no shame, I do it too! In many ways, I feel like an open house. Every month in this very magazine, I open myself to being “seen,” to being judged, and to being misunderstood. It’s a vulnerable place to be. Sydney’s journey in real estate, from keeping her new career a secret to selling $6 million in her first year, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of learning about the market, about others, and about oneself. By the time we wrapped up our last house tour, I realized Sydney had not only given me a glimpse into the world of real

GOOD EVENING TXK COLUMN BY BAILEY GRAVITT

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estate but also into her life—her fears, her triumphs, and her relentless drive to keep growing. It was seeing an old friend through a new lens—one that made me appreciate her journey even more. As we parted ways, I couldn’t help but reflect on something Sydney said that stuck with me: “There’s always more to know.” It’s a simple truth, but one that carries so much weight. We open ourselves up, not just to

being judged, but to learning, to growing, and to making space for the new and better things that lie ahead. In many ways, we’re all open houses—offering glimpses of our lives to those who pass by, hoping they see the value we’ve created and the potential in what we’re still building. So, the next time you find yourself at an open house, reading one of my articles, or simply talking to strangers in the grocery

store, take a moment to appreciate the unique stories hidden in those little details shared. Sometimes, just like when getting a house ready to sell, it takes a lot to clean it up, fix the defects, and make it presentable. And that’s a lot like life. But the rewards of moving on to something new are always worth the effort.

LIVE MUSIC September 6 Lane Bricker Whisky River Country 9 pm September 10 The Magic of Motown Perot Theatre 7:30-9:30 pm September 13 Paul Holder & the Hot Snakes 1923 Banana

September 21 70’s throwback party with the Fabulous Freak Bros. Fat Jacks Oyster & Sports Bar 8 pm September 26 Lee Mathis &

LOCAL EVENTS September 3, 10, 17, & 24 Fall Market Spring Lake Park 4-7 pm September 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, & 26 Tai Chi Class Southwest Center 1:30-2:30 pm September 4, 11, 18, & 25 Free Wednesday Yoga Southwest Center 5:30-6:30 pm September 4, 11, 18, & 25 Weekly Line Dance Class Texas Elks 6:30-8:30 pm September 7 HandsOn Texarkana Adult Prom The Collins Home 7-11 pm September 10 Silver 55+ Bingo Texarkana Public Library 10 am

September 13-20 Four States Fair Livestock Show Four States Fair Entertainment Center September 14 Run Teal There’s a Cure Spring Lake Park 9 am September 14 5th Annual Just Love and Kindness Golf Event Texarkana Golf Ranch 9 am September 20 & 27 Cycle Through History Tours Texarkana Texas City Hall 5:30 pm September 21 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Spring Lake Park 8 am-12 noon September 21, 25, & 28 Walking Through History Tours Spring Lake Park 10 am

September 22 CASA Songwriters on the Edge of Texas Northridge Country Club 5 pm September 25-28 Texarkana Showdown Four States Fair Entertainment Center September 28 COTR Community Health Fair Church on the Rock 10 am-1pm September 28 Tough Kookie 1st Annual Cancer Seminar Texarkana Arkansas Parks and Recreation Center 10 am-4 pm September 28 7th Annual Friends for a Cause Kickball Tournament Grady T Wallace Park 8 am

the Brutally Handsome The Duke Bar & Grill 7 pm

September 27 Majestic Jazz 1923 Banana Club 8 pm September 28 Stephanie Urbina Jones Perot Theatre 7:30-9:30 pm September 28 Moss Brothers Fat Jacks Oyster & Sports Bar 8 pm

Club 8 pm

September 17 Live Dead and Brothers Perot Theatre 7:30-9:30 pm

RECOMMENDATIONS

Nan Thao-Prestridge Aliens on Disney+

Courtney Thomas A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham

Mark Thomerson Barstool Radio

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TALK TUESDAY IN PRINT IF THESE TABLES COULD TALK BY TAMMY LUMMUS

The living room, the very words denote the place in a home where life is lived, and families come together. This may be true in most homes, but not in mine. Earlier this year, I was given a table that holds a very sentimental place in my heart (more about that later). It made me realize that my whole life, and each of its many chapters, has taken place around a table.

S ure, there have been some good meals shared, but when the food is all cleared away, it’s the conversation around these tables that has been invaluable. From childhood to my teenage years and now, raising my own family, the table still stands as the focal point in my home and my heart. Memories have been made, lessons have been learned, and family has come together—all around the table. I grew up next door to my grandparents. It is a blessing that I wouldn’t trade for anything. To add to that blessing, I had two cousins who lived on the other side of my grandparents, and three more cousins lived a whopping two and a half miles away on the other side of our small town. Because of our proximity, those five cousins, my two sisters, and I grew up spending lots of time at my grandparents’ house. The eight of us ate many Sunday lunches there. I can remember the food being spread from one end of the dining table to the other. My whole family would surround that table and listen to my Pawpaw thank the Lord for the food and for the ones standing there. During those prayers, I vividly

remember staring intently at that long, dark wooden table. I’m hoping God gave me a pass for keeping my eyes open during some of those sacred Sunday moments. I felt it was survival of the fittest and had to make sure my cousins hadn’t made strategic moves to get ahead of me in line. After plates were filled, the cousins would spread out to eat because the dining room table was also the grown-up table. It was a place where only the VIPs (parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents) could sit. However, a couple of times a year, my grandparents would invite just their grandchildren over, and the eight of us would get to eat a meal (usually pizza) at the table like we were the VIPs. We would talk about what was going on in our lives and watch my grandparents laugh and smile, not understanding that they were soaking up every minute with all of us. Our childish minds also got to listen to the two people we still refer to as “Mawmaw” and “Pawpaw” tell us stories of the way they grew up. Even though one cousin is gone now, and the rest of us are separated by life and distance, I can still hear those

young voices talking and laughing around that long dining room table. The table in the dining room was one thing, but the kitchen table at my grandparent’s home was quite another. As my teenage years approached, it was there I spent more of my time. As teenagers often do, a few bad decisions were made on my part, and my dad would always take my sisters and me over to my grandparents’ house to confess our wrongs. My Pawpaw would sit at one end of the table, and I would sit at the other. Usually, through tears, I would recount what I had done. Please understand that my Pawpaw is the epitome of a family patriarch. I would rather have stood in the church pulpit and confessed my sins to the entire congregation. After staring at the dull finish on that kitchen table for the duration of my confession, I’d lift my head only to see Pawpaw looking at me. He rarely said anything to me in a disciplinary tone. He didn’t have to. The “look” was punishment enough. All he would ever say was, “We love you.” So, as a teenager, the most important lessons I learned at my grandparents’

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kitchen table were mercy and forgiveness, something the rest of the world needs a little more of. That same kitchen table saw me into adulthood. As a young mother with three stair-stepped babies, a 40-plus-hour-a-week job, and little money, I once again found myself (several times) at that table, either beating my head against it or crying my eyes out. I remember telling my grandmother how guilty I felt for leaving my children every day to go to work to take care of other people. I would tell her how I could not see a light at the end of the financial tunnel and how I was just about to break from exhaustion. Mawmaw would put a glass of tea on the table in front of me and look at me with eyes that resembled my own. She would remind me that working outside the home didn’t make me a bad mother, and the guilt I felt was just a distraction from my blessings in life because my children were healthy and happy. She’d say she had been where I was financially and that not knowing how we would make it to the next payday was where faith came into the picture. More than once, in the midst of a pity party, Pawpaw would walk into the kitchen and say, “You don’t know it yet, but the best time of your life is when all of your children are at home, and you don’t have two nickels to rub together.” It turns out he was right. That kitchen table was a place of encouragement and where the wise words shared still ring true today. When my husband and I had children of our own, we thought it was very important to eat dinner together at the table. Of course, I remember the stage when highchairs replaced their regular chairs. Then, through their childhoods, there were lots of declarations such as, “You don’t have to like what your mother cooked, but you’re at least going to try it,” from my husband. The five of us took turns praying. We taught table manners. Expectations for school were discussed, and conversations about the most random subjects were followed up with laughter. “Hey, Mom! Will my lungs explode if I stick a leaf blower in my mouth?” is a specific question I remember my boy child asking one night at dinner. I may or may not have told him to go try it and see. Being together around the table each night brought consistency to my young family. During their teenage years, it was harder to gather around the table every night for the evening meal, but my husband and I were determined to keep our tradition going. There were several times we didn’t eat until 9 pm when my teenagers finally got home from their many extra-curricular activities. That was okay. There were no phones at the table, and though dinner didn’t last long, it was the 15-20 minutes a day where we, as parents, could find out what was going on in their adolescent world. It kept the lines of communication open and our family close during a time when distractions from the outside were at their peak. Sure, there were times of devastating news shared at that table, but mostly, there was love, loyalty, and respect. Looking back, I’m convinced one of the reasons we survived parenting was because of our family time at the table. It is literally the place we raised our children. Now, when those adult children come home to visit, they don’t congregate in the living room. They naturally gather at…you guessed it, the table. The end of last year brought back a long-forgotten table that holds a very sentimental place in my memory. It’s the coffee

table that has been in my grandparent’s house for as long as I can remember. It has a round tabletop, it’s very heavy, and quite large, and it’s the place my cousins and I would retreat to when we were banned from the adult table and left to our own devices. There were Christmas cookies made on it and forks jabbed into the wood when one of the cousins would get their feathers ruffled. This coffee table also saw its fair share of crayon marks and orange juice stains. It even stood strong when my cousin, Simon, would run through the kitchen into the living room, sliding across this coffee table onto the couch. He did that impressive Dukes of Hazard slide across that tabletop until his legs got too long. I could go on and on, but let’s just say it held its own over the years and became quite a coveted piece of furniture. In fact, it was so coveted that earlier this year, my grandparents, now in their 90s, decided to give it to one of us. To be fair, they drew names out of a hat. My aunt did the honors of recording the event and texting it to the cousins. I need you to know that the only thing I’ve ever won in my 46 years was a donut for being the one-thousandth customer on the first day Krispy Kreme opened its doors in Little Rock, Arkansas. So, you can only imagine my surprise when the name drawn for the well-worn coffee table was mine! As expected, I immediately began receiving cheeky text messages from my sisters and cousins saying things like, “You better lock your doors. I’m coming for that table,” and, “Mawmaw told me that the winner of the table has to host Thanksgiving at their house.” (The hazing in this family never goes away. It’s how we show love.) Anyway, when my dad brought the coffee table to my house, he told me he could sand it and refinish it for me. I politely declined. There are lots of memories tied up in that old table. I love every scratch and every blemish. It reminds me of a childhood spent at my grandparents’ house and that no matter the imperfections acquired along the way, the foundation stands firm…just like the table. Someone once said, “To share a table is to share everything.” So, all this to say, be intentional. Take time to sit with your family at the table—talk, laugh, cry, and love. It’s time you’ll never regret spending. I’ve wondered, if the tables in my life could talk, what would they say? After all, they’ve heard a lot. I think they would tell me to pull up a chair. This life of learning around a table isn’t over yet.

Tammy Lummus is a wife and mother of three grown children and one perfect grandson. She is currently adjusting to

an empty nest while constantly on the hunt for the next good story.

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