September 2022

Texarkana Magazine

SEPTEMBER • 2022

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE September| 2022 | Volume 3 | Issue 9

72. THE MONTHLY MIX Coffee Table Style 74. TXK ROOTS Poteet Victory

12. BUSINESS Making Something Good 20. REALTOR SPOTLIGHT Get to Know Local Realtors

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54. ENTERTAINMENT Good Evening TXK 60. STYLE Perfectly Blended 68. LIFE Where Everybody Knows Your Name

28. COMMUNITY A Pop of Color 40. cover/CULTURE Every Piece Tells a Story 52. SPORTS Peace, Love, and Pickleball 12.

74.

60.

What do you collect?

txkmag.com letstalk@txkmag.com 903.949.1460 OFFICE 911 North Bishop Street Building C • Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas 75501 MAIL 2801 Richmond Road #38 Texarkana, Texas 75503

CASSY MEISENHEIMER Cardinals

TERRI SANDEFUR I started with cherries, moved on to frogs, then Christmas

SHELBY AKIN Wine Corks

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

ornaments. Now, I just collect dust.

terri@txkmag.com SHELBY AKIN shelby@txkmag.com KARA HUMPHREY kara@txkmag.com LEAH ORR leah@txkmag.com MATT CORNELIUS matt@txkmag.com BRITT EARNEST britt@txkmag.com

LEAH ORR We get a magnet anytime we go somewhere new!

BRITT EARNEST Coffee Cups

KARA HUMPHREY Books

Local Sources CLARE ANGIER JOHN LUKE ANGIER MARY CAROLINE ANGIER

PHILIP ANGIER ANGELA EVANS LESLI FLOWERS TAMMY LUMMUS VICKI MCMAHON JOE REGAN

MATT CORNELIUS Guns, Ammo, and Coffee Cans

HILLARY CLOUD Cookbooks

BAILEY GRAVITT Vinyl Records

CRAFTED IN TEXARKANA. EMPLOYEE OWNED AND LOCALLY SOURCED.

#txkmag

MEGAN GRIFFIN Flying Pigs

TIFFANY HORTON Nothing, I have too much junk already!

EMILY SARINE Mini Australian Shepherd hairballs

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 .

CONTRIBUTORS

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THE DESIGN OF OUR HOME SETS THE BACKDROP FOR OUR LIFE, AND HOW WE FUNCTION THERE WRITES OUR STORY.

D orothy was on to something when she said, “There’s no place like home!” It is one of the most famous quotes from one of the most classic movies of all time. Dorothy simply needs to get back home. I find it interesting that Dorothy’s home is far from perfect, yet she still has a powerful connection to it. The movie’s entire plot revolves around Dorothy returning to her little farm in the middle of tornado alley. Only a solid connection to home could make you want to return to that circumstance. This is proof that making the creation of a home and life is distinctly intertwined. For some, home is not necessarily a

specific place but a feeling of safety and contentment you only experience when you are with the ones you love. As I age, I realize home is the only place I truly long to be. Though I enjoy the adventure when I travel, I cannot wait to return home to my pillow, bed, and safe place. I cannot find a destination that puts my mind and heart at ease as much as the space I share with my husband, my two boys, and my dog. It is personal… THEY are personal. In many ways, our homes represent who we are and what we value. These spaces and our experiences within their walls define us. I am a sucker for something sentimental that reminds me of my family, childhood, or heritage. I love photos of loved ones and significant moments, and I cherish my kids’ artwork; this is something you can tell the minute you walk through my door. It reflects the mood of the life we are building. When our homes reflect our heart, soul, life, and family, we cannot help but feel those warm and fuzzy feelings. This month we are featuring some stunning local homes. Each one speaks to its occupants and all those who visit. I love the experience of creating this issue as our gracious hosts invite us into their most precious spaces to give us a glimpse into their experiences and the surroundings they find most comforting. I love hearing their stories about the unique pieces of art and the meaning behind each beloved keepsake. We consider it an honor to share each one with our readers. Many of the homes in Texarkana rival those of top designers across the world. This year’s Home Edition even includes designer details such as specific paint colors used by each homeowner to make their spaces unique and beautiful! Home is where we all belong at the end of the day. Let’s make each moment there beautiful!

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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MAKING SOMETHING GOOD BY TIFFANY HORTON, HORTON DESIGN STUDIOS PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

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OWNERS Natalie and Cody Peek Rendi and Dr. Josh Wiggins

LOCATION Nash, Texas

BUSINESS Local Habit Coffee Co. SIZE Over 2,200 square feet

LOT SIZE 1 acre

DESIGNER Justin Scurlock, Scurlock Studio

RENOVATED 2022

“GO MAKE SOMETHING GOOD HAPPEN”

is more than just a motto for the new coffee shop in Nash, Texas; it is a way of life. Local Habit owners Rendi and Dr. Josh Wiggins and Natalie and Cody Peek exemplify this phrase in many ways. Whether through their other businesses, their children’s schools, volunteering, or simply through the relationships they have built, they strive to make a difference in our community every day. With Local Habit, they make a positive impact both locally and globally each step of the way. Local Habit possesses a unique story of how it came to fruition. Cody and Natalie come from construction and architecture backgrounds and love rehabbing old buildings. They also have other companies and properties in the Nash area and, as a result, spend a lot of time in that community. They noticed how busy New Boston Road was and how much potential the area had for growth. At first, they bought an old vacant school in Nash and started plans for a boutique hotel with a restaurant. Then one day, Natalie and Rendi went to an estate

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sale in an old home on New Boston Road, where they learned that the house would soon be for sale. Once Cody knew it would be on the market, he was on high alert. As soon as it was available, he made an offer. At that time, he

Taking their new venture from concept to reality started once the group decided on a type of business. While general planning and discussion took almost a year, they were able to design, remodel, and open the business in an unheard-of five-month time frame.

was unsure what to do with the house, but he knew the home was full of potential and could be an asset to the area. “I bought it and thought, now what do we do? Then, I thought a coffee shop would be a great idea,” Cody said. “It would be a good place for that. Nash is underserved with some of those things, and it would be really compatible with other projects we have planned.” “[Cody] wanted to do something that would protect the house, keeping some of the architectural interest because this house is one of the older homes in Nash,” Josh added. “There is a lot of history around the house with the school and different students, so a big part of it was finding a business that would

During this time, Josh also found a coffee school where he could learn the ins and outs of opening and running a successful coffee shop. “It has all the coffee information, but then it also had a significant amount of minutia about cups and what percentage of our cost can be in a drink for us to be okay,” Josh explained. “We learned a lot about the equipment, ordering, how to flow things, and how to organize the equipment in a way that allows the baristas to do what they need to do in a way that is comfortable and allows them to interact with the customer.” While Josh was busy learning about running a coffee shop, Cody oversaw the renovation process. Though he had crews

fit.” You may be wondering how they landed on the concept of a coffee shop and what gave them the confidence that they had the proper knowledge to install one. “Nobody I know enjoys coffee like Josh,” Cody laughed. “He has talked about getting into the coffee business on some level, either with a roaster or a shop, so I talked to Josh, who said, ‘Let me get with Rendi. It’s a maybe.’ Rendi liked the idea too, so we said, ‘Let’s do it!’”

available to do the work, and both he and Natalie have extensive backgrounds in design, the group gives a vast amount of credit to Justin Scurlock with local business Scurlock Studio for his help with the design and his very hands-on approach to the whole project. Natalie was able to work with Justin on both the function of the overall design and the aesthetics. Josh and Justin spent time reviewing each piece of equipment and how it would function

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within the coffee-making process, so ideally, the baristas would not have to cross paths to get their jobs done. Rendi stepped in for the legal components and worked with a marketing company on logo design, but the group gives her credit for naming Local Habit. “It was really cool. We had been working on a name for a while,” Josh said. Natalie elaborated, “We were working, trying to put words together, and when Rendi said [Local Habit], it was like—that’s it!” Once they had a name, they completed their vision for the house, the business, and how it would tie into the community. The Local Habit team expressed their gratitude to the City of Nash and City Manager Doug Bowers for their support and excitement around Local Habit’s presence. “I think that other areas in this district could foster Cody’s vision,” Natalie said. “It was important to create a sense of place within Local Habit.” The whole team wanted the shop to be a place where people were comfortable to hang out with a nice cup of coffee, have a meeting on the patio, or lead a Bible study on the porch. Their vision is for so much more than just a great cup of coffee.

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As for the coffee itself, the team worked hard to curate a cup as good as, or better than, any other in the world. To accomplish this, they decided to purchase their beans through micro-roasters such as Greater Goods out of Austin, Texas. “They are a smaller company, that affords them the luxury to experiment and do what they want to do in the way they want to,” Josh said. “Everything is roasted there in Austin. They have team members onsite at the farms, allowing them to know exactly what that particular lot tastes like that year. They can then get exactly the lots they want [and] develop a profile specific to those beans.” The Peeks and Wiggins were also very excited that micro-roasters buy directly from the farmers, cutting out the wholesaler in the middle, so the farmer can better support his/her family. “We want to be great citizens of Nash and be local, present, and part of our schools. Because of our choices with the specialty coffee industry, those growers who are steps back in the coffee chain are also enjoying a better quality of life,” said Josh. Due to the detail that is put into every ingredient and item on the menu, Local Habit is already building up a regular clientele and developing relationships with the community around them. Manager Carington Bright added, “It has been really cool to see the different regulars. Even each barista has his/her own regulars that come at specific times of the day or when they know that person is working. It is also cool to see downstairs where people are having meetings. People have a Bible study or just sit, laugh, and drink, creating that place for community to happen.” Carington then shared stories about some of the regulars, telling about a particular customer who grew up playing with one of the kids who lived in the house, Mr. Brown. He still comes almost daily to sit on the front porch and reminisce. Two other noteworthy customers are

the granddaughters of the lady that owned the house for so many years. They enjoy seeing the house full of so much life and love, and they always seem to have a story to share when they come by. It is safe to say that the community the Peeks and Wiggins dreamed of is coming to fruition and that Local Habit is becoming one of the best habits around. “Food is a comfort thing. Coffee is a comfort thing. We wanted people to be able to come and enjoy that inner feeling in a space where they were comfortable. What better place than an old home, right where somebody was comfortable,” said Natalie. “And what better way to send them out the door than encouraging them to ‘go make something good happen.’”

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2022 REALTOR SPOTLIGHT 10 REASONS TO UTILIZE A REALTOR 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 Realtor can actually save a homeowner. Realtors bring their knowledge of the housing market and experience to the table to provide a potentially cost-saving experience to buyers and sellers.

PRICE. Homeowners who sell their homes on their own typically generate less than homeowners who work with a Realtor.

ACCESS TO BUYERS. Through the Multiple Listing Service, professional contacts and their own database of prospects, Realtors can help you reach the widest range of customers.

MARKETING EXPERTISE. Realtors know the best ways to advertise to attract buyers, plus they can use the marketing muscle of their brokerage to promote your home.

NEGOTIATION SKILLS. With bargaining experience and expert understanding of the market, Realtors can help you close the deal at the price and terms you want. SALES SKILLS. Realtors can evaluate your home and suggest improvements to get you maximum value, and they’re skilled at handling showings to generate a positive response.

TIME. Realtors have the time and expertise to handle open houses, showings, inspections and the dozens of other tasks that would take you away from your work and regular routine.

EXPERIENCE HANDLING PAPERWORK.

Buying or selling a home involves reams of paperwork that can be hard to understand. Realtors thrive in this world.

KNOWLEDGE OF SERVICE PROVIDERS. Realtors can refer you to their network of top-quality lenders, lawyers, inspectors and repair people to make sure you get the best result in every stage of your deal.

KNOWLEDGE OF NEIGHBORHOODS. Realtors know local communities and can help you find a home in the neighborhood that works best for you.

ADVICE AFTER CLOSING. An experienced Realtor will continue to support you as questions pop up after the deal is done.

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LAUREN CALLAWAY HOW I DEFINE SUCCESS...

Success to me is simply being happy. I have a very strong drive to be the best I can be, so I work extremely hard every day towards that in my real estate and design careers. Working hard makes me happy, so therefore, I feel very successful.

Hometown Texarkana First Thing You Do At The Office Turn music on Good Read Do You Believe by Paul David Tripp

LAUREN CALLAWAY rea estat agen

5120 SUMMERHILL ROAD • TEXARKANA, TEXAS 75503 903.280.8360 • LCSELLSTXK.COM • LAUREN@LCSELLSTXK.COM

KRISTI CRANE WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK TO MY JOB EVERY DAY.. I have always had the desire to help others! I enjoy talking to people about houses, what’s going on in their lives, and helping them figure out the best deal and house for them. Everyday is a challenge, and who would not want to shop and see all these amazing and different homes.

Favorite Food Steak Binge Watch Alone on The History Channel Favorite Sports Team Kansas City Chiefs

903.244.7168 • WWW.TXKHOMES.COM 1901 MALL DRIVE • TEXARKANA, TX 75503 • 903.792.4444

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LORRAINE BELL MOST REWARDING PART OF MY JOB... The moment a buyer becomes an owner. MY FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN TEXARKANA... The people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made since moving here in 2010. BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED... Give more than you expect to receive. NONPROFIT I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT... Homes for Heroes

Hometown Texarkana, Texas Favorite Meal In Town Mexican Food Favorite Food Steak Dream Vacation Family Gatherings Good Read The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

903.280.5655 1901 MALL DRIVE TEXARKANA, TX 75503 903.792.4444 WWW.TXKHOMES.COM LORRAINE@TXKHOMES.COM

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VIRGINIA ANN PRAZAK BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR... Winning Realtor of the Year in 2020 was a big moment. They have each Realtor’s name listed on the trophy. Having my name in print 45 years after my grandmother received the honor in 1975 and 33 years after my dad in 1987 was special.

Hometown Texarkana Favorite Food Sonic Diet Coke, easy Ice Binge Watch Dateline

903.277.3333 • WWW.TXKHOMES.COM 1901 MALL DRIVE • TEXARKANA, TX 75503 • 903.792.4444

DARLA WILF BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR...

Celebrating five years in real estate this year! It’s like a badge of honor to make it five years and be successful at it. I feel blessed! Five years has flown by and I’ve loved every minute of it! I’m a people person and I love all the awesome people I get to meet and work with in this profession: my sellers and buyers, other agents, the title companies’ employees, inspectors, lenders, appraisers, handymen, electricians, roofers, plumbers, etc. It takes having a good working relationship with all these people to get a real estate transaction from an offer made to closing.

First Thing You Do At The Office Read all my e-mails Favorite Food Mexican Hobby Tennis

4035 JEFFERSON AVENUE • TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS 71854 225.921.6922 • REALTYSOLDBYDARLA.COM

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AMBER GIDEON STEWART BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR... Every closing is exciting for me! As an owner, I enjoy seeing the other agents succeed as well. HOW I KNEW THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO DO... After being in education for several years, I was ready for a change, but I knew I still wanted to work with people in the community. In real estate, I’m still able to teach and guide clients through their transactions. MY FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN TEXARKANA... The relationships! Having lived here most of my life, I really enjoy the connections I have made and continue to make through real estate. HOW I DEFINE SUCCESS... A healthy, happy family, and helping others achieve their goals!

Hometown Texarkana, Arkansas First Thing You Do At The Office Check the mail Favorite Meal In Town The mahi at Benchmark Favorite Song “Love Like Crazy” by Lee Brice Favorite Sports Team The Arkansas Razorbacks

903.277.9930 4110 RICHMOND PLACE TEXARKANA, TEXAS 75503 WWW.COLDWELLTEXARKANA.COM AMBER.GIDEON@COLDWELLTEXARKANA.COM

2022 REALTOR SPOTLIGHT

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A POP OF COLOR BY HILLARY CLOUD PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

T he Chambers’ beautiful blue house with its vibrant, yellow front door adds a pop of color to the street much like the family adds a pop of color to their historic Texarkana neighborhood. Kate and Trent have chosen to stay in their beloved historic neighborhood and make their house a home. They contemplated selling or staying but could not stand the thought of leaving, so they settled on a whole house remodel. They have achieved an aesthetic and functionality that serves their family and reflects their eclectic taste and style.

paired with her renovation ‘splurge,’ a beautiful chandelier that her husband grew to love. “Trent could not understand why I was obsessed,” Kate said. “And then we had it hung, and now it is his favorite part of the room.” The back wall leading into the kitchen matches the outside of the house, a nod to the navy with romantic details that make it a feature. Their kitchen is centered around a custom, oversized butcher block island. “I love being able to cook, help the boys with homework, and talk with Trent, all in one space,” Kate said. The two steps leading to the couch create a comfy nook. She jokes that it serves as the designated shoe step, works really well when there are many people in there, and is the unintentional stadium seating behind the couch. Unique features such

Although most of the house received a facelift, Kate has balanced the new with heirloom pieces she showcases in various rooms. The dining room table was a piece of her parents,

The former formal living room now functions as a dining room equipped with Kate’s antiques, a “splurge” light fixture, and a naval blue accent wall. Kate’s dream was to keep this room neutral so that she could decorate for holidays, including Christmas when she puts up five trees.

BEFORE

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During the renovation, the Chambers prioritized opening up the kitchen to create room for cooking and family activities. They included a large cutting board island and a distinct backsplash to portray a farmhouse aesthetic.

BEFORE

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BEFORE

The primary bedroom was transformed by replacing the olive green walls with the home’s signature naval blue paint. The fireplace was recovered in the kitchen’s signature tile, adding texture and pattern to the room. Mid-century modern furniture and floral bedding complement the space.

BEFORE

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The dark, wood-paneled dining room was replaced with a comfortable, classic family room. Although both rooms function as a place for gathering, the new family room provides a place for friends and family to watch movies and play games.

BEFORE

The boys’ bathroom underwent a dramatic transition in color and style. Updating the dark paint and dated fixtures, including upgrading to a barn-style sink, made all the difference in this small, functional space.

BEFORE

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as the steps, split backdoor, and the original paneling is thoughtfully paired with the furniture. Kate laughed and admitted, “This is Ikea and Wayfair. It is great for us since we can take off the covers, throw them in the wash because you know… boys.” This home is packed with the perfect amount of character. Choosing to renovate their beloved home, built in 1950, was a process and took an eager amount of collaboration. Kate explained how she was more inclined to neutrals and blacks when choosing color. “The older I have gotten, the more I have toned down on colors. I am drawn to neutrals because you can decorate with pops of color, change it seasonally, and they go so much further.” Kate grew up in the historic district. It was important to the couple to raise their children in the same neighborhood. “It is one of those places where I can borrow sugar or eggs from a neighbor,” Kate said. “I know all of them, and they know us. I love living here. This is where we wanted to raise our family.” The Chambers’ investment in this old neighborhood is one of the many reasons the historic district is unique and a lovely collection of families.

Transformed from a white exterior to a fresh coat of Sherwin Williams Naval, the Chambers’ home stands out on the street. The front door, painted Sherwin Williams Lemon Twist, adds a pop of character and charm to the already cozy home.

BEFORE

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Upon entering the front doors, you are greeted with colorful ceramic stalks dawning a seasonal decoration. From flower toppers in the summer to Santa hats in December, the fountains and their accessories provide an opportunity for conversation and awe upon entering the house.

HOMEOWNERS Caroline and Mike Craven

LOCATION Texarkana, Arkansas

YEAR BUILT 1975

BUILDER Larry McGowan

LOT SIZE Over 1 acre

SPLURGE A Gino Hollander piece of artwork FAVORITE PIECE Louise Craven’s (Mike’s mom) paint-by-number original artwork FUN FACT Built by Gayle and Henry Moore. Henry Moore grew up in the Ace of Clubs house in downtown Texarkana.

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Every Piece Tells a Story BY SHELBY AKIN PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

Every view of the living room is exquisite. Looking up, a white lantern gently lights the room. A tiled piece of art brings memories from San Miguel. Caroline carried the piece home on an airplane, tile by tile, in her bag. Perfect for entertaining or an intimate conversation, the living room accurately reflects the Cravens’ attention to detail and appreciation for art.

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C aroline and Mike Craven’s mid-century modern home in Texarkana, Arkansas, is a pure reflection of their style and personality. Built in 1975, the custom home was built by Gayle and Henry Moore. Growing up in the current Ace of Clubs House in downtown Texarkana, Moore decided to build a home with the help of a commercial builder and architect, Larry McGowan, to create a home with space for entertaining and functional living. Throughout the house, you can feel the historical inspiration, custom choices, and the impact of natural light from windows facing the backyard pool and entertainment area. The original textured wooden front doors painted a bold orange set the tone for the rest of the home. An entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home, displaying fountains centered in the room used as vases, and bold planters on each side of the doorway. The rest of the home continues the reasonable mixture of creativity and functionality, and the Cravens have designed each room to feel comfortable yet chic. With an art collection that started during Caroline’s college years, each piece holds a story that brings a smile to Caroline’s face when she talks about it. “I choose things for my home that make me happy,” Caroline said. “I love to sprinkle whimsical, little surprises throughout that make people stop and think.” Making the way from the living room to the primary bedroom, the hallway holds a wet bar with easy access to the pool and entertainment areas. Standing boldly in the windows, Asian-inspired statues hold wine glasses gifted to Caroline by a friend. A contemporary painting sits between the statues, bringing the colors of the home together in one place.

The study provides pops of humor and whimsy, but the true showstopper sits above the fireplace.

A Gino Hollander piece, a striking drawing of a woman looking to her right shoulder, provides a focal point and tone for the study.

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Walking the hallways, every turn of the head brings a new view. “I love the little vistas throughout our home,” Caroline said. From the kitchen, you can see an art-filled hallway with a stunning lit vase in the media room. The media room transports you to another time period with a white leather couch.

Immediately to the right of the entry, a wallpapered dining room with strategically hung bamboo and custom art by Kathi Couch greets guests. A James Hayes bowl sits atop the glass dining table made by Tom Chandler. The light fixture, previously owned by Dr. Freddy Contreras, sets the tone for an elegant dining experience.

A modern, simple kitchen holds one of Caroline’s favorite art pieces. A one-eyed clown by Alex Popoff overlooks the kitchen’s happenings, demanding attention from all who pass by. Two pieces of art draw near to the Cravens’ hearts in the laundry room. “Mike lived on Alcatraz for a short time during his childhood, and his mom, Louise Craven, completed a paint-by-number of farm houses while living there,” Caroline said. Completed in 1954, and beautifully framed and surrounded by Caroline’s signature orange paint color, the pieces bring nostalgia and a personal touch to the space.

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The Cravens’ backyard is equally as elegant, relaxing, and charismatic as their home. A true beauty at night, the home’s distinct paint colors shine through the windows. The front doors are painted Caroline’s favorite orange and unmistakable to passersby.

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The primary bedroom displays the perfect mixture of functionality and contemporary flare. The space feels modern yet comfortable with custom bedding and non-traditional bedside tables. Three unique fixtures light the closet, perfectly aligned with chosen vases for those “extras” you accumulate.

The home echoes the vibrant, creative personality of the Cravens with a sense of who they are and their appreciation for both local and international artists. A few of Caroline’s self-made pieces are even mixed into the art on the walls. Each room provides a new experience. The eyes first draw in the paint color that drifts onto the ceiling from the walls. Each room’s personality comes to life, from a warm orange to light sea salt on the walls, with furniture to complement the space. Two recovered Chicago wormwood chairs sit in the living room windows. “I bought the chairs 30 years ago on Olive Street at an estate sale for $35,” Caroline said. “I do not think the woman selling the chairs appreciated what she had.” A salvaged architectural remnant sits on the coffee table and a river rock in the fireplace bring a bit of natural form to the room. The hallway to the main bedroom displays distinct statues holding beautiful

wine glasses given to Caroline by a dear friend. The main bedroom displays everything from a playful Etsy Rubix cube kleenex holder on the nightstand to a concrete lion’s head on the wall. Each bedroom in the home is a different color, evident from the backyard in the evening when the windows are open. “Sometimes we sit outside at night and admire the individuality of each bedroom, almost as if it was built this way on purpose,” Caroline said. From the custom front doors to the exquisite backyard, the Cravens have created a home that prioritizes freedom of artistic expression. They share the love of their home with their friends and family. With a recent retirement, Caroline looks forward to spending more time at home and their recently completed lake house (another sight to be seen!) A true beauty and nod to culture, the Cravens’ home compiles pieces of art and individuality that come together for one perfect story.

The distinctive turquoise guest room gives guests an oasis. Purposely painted to complement the bright blue water of the pool, the room gives access to the backyard and pool. “One of my favorite things about this house is that guests have their own space,” Caroline said.

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Peace, Love, & Pickleball PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

With the popularity of pickleball on the rise, this homeowner could not help but combine her family’s love for tennis with the recent pickleball craze to build a pickleball court in their backyard. According to USA Pickleball , 4.8 million Americans play pickleball, and the sport has gained double-digit growth every year for the past five years. With this in mind, the homeowners added the pickleball amenity to their already eclectic and adventurous backyard.

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Through the backdoor, you step onto a cozy, unique porch fit to entertain or relax with family. With a fireplace, heaters, and industrial fans, the space is versatile year-round. Peace signs, an elk’s head, dartboard, and a miniature tie-dye bus are in plain sight. The outdoor ceiling, made from a barn’s reclaimed wood, holds a small disco ball in the center. The style is eccentric without being over-the-top.

Off the back porch, the backyard is a child’s dreamland. A giant playhouse with a rock climbing wall, fireman’s pole, slide, and fort await children of all ages. Placed just in front of the fort are custom Arkansas cornhole boards. A volleyball net and trampoline are just steps away.

A bright blue graffiti wall stands tall in the back corner of the yard. Painted by the homeowner on one side and marked by visitors on the other, the wall brings additional individuality to the yard. The homeowner drew inspiration from signature murals around the country, her favorite quotes, and memories.

The wall also bounds the pickleball court. With the entire family being avid tennis players, the pickleball court felt like a fun, practical addition to the already entertaining backyard.

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GOOD EVENING TXK COLUMN BY BAILEY GRAVITT Broke Living

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S eptember could not be a better time for me to write this article because exactly one year ago this month, I finally faced my fear of moving out for the first time on my own. I faced the fear of failing, of making a mistake, and of not being able to manage my money, and I finally moved into my own apartment! Update: I still cannot manage my money, but I made it a solid year on my own and enjoyed every second of it. I want to let you in on a little secret. You, TOO can enjoy every second of living in your own apartment with nothing more than the necessary money you need to be able to pay your rent! Did I ever accomplish the vinyl record wall I wanted? Absolutely not. Did I ever have a dining room table? Nope. Did I ever have anything but Pop-Tarts in the pantry and eggs in the fridge? No! And yet, my year of living on my own was everything I wanted it to be and more. Here is my guide to living independently without a dime in your pocket.

LOCAL EVENTS September 9-18 Annual Four States Livestock Show

Four States Fair September 10

Friends for a Cause Kickball Tournament Karrh Park, 9:30 am September 12

33rd Annual Opportunities Invitational Golf Tournament Texarkana Country Club, 3:30 pm September 16-18 & 23-25 9 to 5 The Musical Tex*Rep Fridays—7:30 pm September 16 & September 24 Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walk Kress Gap, 8 pm September 17 Kulture Con Texarkana, Texas Convention Center, 12 pm-6 pm September 17 First Annual Suicide Prevention Poker Run Harley Davidson Texarkana, 10 am September 18 Tim Hawkins Saturdays—7:30 pm Sundays—2:00 pm Four States Fair September 22 Texarkana Resources Under the Harvest Moon Drawdown Ramage Farm Weddings, 6-9 pm September 26 FREE Opioid Conference First Baptist Church, 4-8 pm September 27-October 2 Barrel Race Four States Fair September 30 Destination Downtown Downtown Texarkana, 5:30 pm First Baptist Church, Moores Lane, 7 pm September 21-25 American Heritage Tour

LIVE MUSIC September 2 The Standalones Redbone Magic Brewing, 7-10 pm September 2-3 Aces & 8’s The Hideout, 9 pm September 9 Haywire The Hideout, 9 pm September 10 Nicci McCarty Hopkins Icehouse, 7-9 pm September 10 Alex & Liv The Hideout, 9 pm September 16 Dusty Rose Band Whiskey River, 10 pm September 16 Tailgate Poets Live Red Bone Magic Brewing, 5 pm September 17 Paul Holder & The Hot Snakes The Hideout, 9 pm

THIS IS BROKE LIVING 101...

1. GET A JOB.

Tip #1 is plain and simple! To accomplish broke living, you cannot be completely broke. You obviously need a small form of income. Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag set the bar ludicrously high for us as tweens when they moved into a dream apartment (complete with stairs!) in the middle of Los Angeles at only 19 years old. WAKE UP, PEOPLE! This is not MTV, and you do not have a reality show. Some people work three jobs and never sleep. Others magically land a job that happens to pay lots of money. Everyone’s journey is different. Work hard, and you will find your way! I believe in you!

2. 4 FOR $4’S FROM MCDONALD’S ARE YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND!

I know what you are thinking. McDonald’s? Gross! It’s an acquired taste, but if you are determined to live on your own and you want to save money, you cannot have a scrumptious meal (Raising Canes, Chick-Fil-A) every single night of the week! Trust me. I learned that the hard way. Those fast food prices have skyrocketed! Keep it simple and keep your wallet from panicking with a double cheeseburger, four chicken nuggets, a small fry, and a drink for $4! Guys, you cannot beat that. It is impossible. You will learn to love it. Trust me.

September 24 Moss Brothers Whiskey River, 9 pm September 24 The LaRouxs The Hideout, 9 pm September 24 PHED The Arrow Bar, 8 -11 pm September 30 Clay Logan Whiskey River, 9:30 pm

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3. IRONWOOD GRILL IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN HAVING A DINING ROOM TABLE.

let you down! You may not be able to afford the fourth night out in a row with your friends who are spending daddy’s money, but you will ALWAYS have the bathtub. All of the answers to life’s problems are in that water. Experience it yourself.

There has been an empty space in my apartment the entire year I have lived there. Some may say, “Oh, don’t you want a dining room table where people can come over and eat?” What will they eat? Pop-Tarts? Eggs? I couldn’t care less about a dining room table! If you know me, you know that when dinner is served, it will be at the fabulous, delicious, iconic Ironwood Grill, right here in Texarkana. People ask me how I can afford to eat at Ironwood twice a week. Clearly, I had to make some big sacrifices! The main one is a dining room table. I live with absolutely zero regrets.

6. DECORATION IS OVERRATED.

A friend of mine moved into the same apartment complex a few months after I moved in. I walked into their space for the first time, and they had all these gorgeous decorations and stunning wall art. I beat myself up after pondering how I could not even afford vinyl album frames for $22 a pop if I still wanted to be able to make my car payment. A couple of weeks after, a different friend was over. She told me how homey and safe and calm my place was. I did not have anything in my apartment but a couch, a TV that was off, and a candle burning. It is really not about the materialistic things you have in your private space. It is about the love, warmth, and openness you bring to that space. That is what others will remember.

4. CLOSET CLEAN-OUTS WILL NEVER FAIL.

So let’s say my friends want to go out of town for the weekend, but every cent I make is tied up in this ridiculously overpriced rent I pay monthly! No problem! A quick closet clean-out on your own Facebook page will do the trick! Hey, homeless chic is in right now! So what if you are not wearing the most expensive clothes in Texarkana? Those wearing the best are probably in serious debt. You are walking around your apartment naked because no one else is there! Seems like a VERY fair trade-off to me.

7. WE ALL NEED TIME TO BE ALONE.

You will find in your time alone that without being able to buy, buy, buy—because all of the money you have is due on the first of the month—you will have to sit and just be with YOURSELF. You cannot numb things with a night out every night unless you want to go into the negative in your bank account, and you cannot have friends around you at all times. The party ends, everyone goes home, and sometimes you are just alone.

5. BATHS ARE FREE.

As I get older, I am finding that people are just so darn disappointing. But a long, hot bath’s warm embrace will NEVER

In a generation where being alone is perceived as a negative thing, I want to tell you now that it is NOT! The dopamine shot to your brain from letting the world see your totally awesome life through your social media highlight reels will never compare to truly knowing yourself from the inside out. Sitting with yourself and figuring out what is next for you is good for your SOUL! You are bored? Good! Be bored! That is healthy! If you are scared to take the first step to be on your own, trust the process, do not be an idiot—make sure you have enough to cover rent—eat a honey butter chicken biscuit meal with the last $7 you have, and JUMP! Allow yourself to free fall into the unknown. You will not regret it!

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PERFECTLY BLENDED BY TIFFANY HORTON, HORTON DESIGN STUDIOS PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

W hen Christy and Dr. Jeff Young decided to get married in 2019, they began the search for a house they could call theirs. However, after continued searching, they realized that the house Christy and her girls already lived in had all the makings of the perfect place to bring their families together. “At the time, nobody lived with us, but we still wanted a space for everybody. This is not just the girls’ house; we wanted the boys to feel at home too,” Christy said. So instead of buying somewhere new, they hired Richard Grounds and Lynlee Harvey to help them turn the existing space into a blended one that met all their needs. One of the first areas they focused on was creating a space for the boys. They decided to finish the area above the garage to do that. Christy elaborated, “It is kind of a bachelor pad. It has two queen beds, a full couch, a big TV, and even a microwave and mini-fridge to

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ensure they have everything they need to be comfortable.” Jeff’s oldest son, Garner, is currently working in Texarkana and living in the boys’ room until he starts school this month. Christy even joked that she sometimes feels like she has not seen him in a week or two but loves that he feels comfortable coming and going according to his schedule. Downstairs, the Youngs made several changes to open up the floorplan and enhance the home’s flow. They turned an office space into a large, beautiful dining space, so they would have plenty of space to gather as a family or with friends. They reworked the mudroom, pantry, and butler’s pantry into a more functional space with plenty of room to easily access the dining room. It is definitely “a place for everything and everything in its place” kind of space, which speaks to Christy’s love of organization. They removed a wall and added a large island as you continue into the kitchen. Behind the island is a seven-burner gas range with a double oven, perfect for cooking for a crowd, and a large white vent-a-hood with gold accents that pulls in the color of the cabinet hardware. The backdrop to the large kitchen is handmade, glossy tile in varying shades of blue for a touch of personality.

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Another area downstairs that had a major facelift was the master bath. They extended it into a breathtaking space full of natural lighting. A soaking tub sits nestled under a gold chandelier and an oversized shower with multiple showerheads. Christy’s makeup area was thoughtfully placed under a window to maximize light. The bathroom addition also allowed the Youngs to add a closet space for both, perfectly designed from finishes to layout with either Jeff or Christy in mind. Upstairs, the girls’ [Mary Claire and Sarah Jane] former hangout space was remodeled into an area for Christy to work, wrap presents, or simply relax. The adjoining storage space has fun multi-color print wallpaper and navy barn doors to give the room character. They designed built-in storage, desk areas, and a comfortable seating area to make the space functional. Throughout the house, the Youngs used a neutral backdrop that allowed them to layer fun, bold colors with the furniture and art, helping to further combine the traditional bones of the house with the fresh modern updates. Just before the renovation was complete, COVID-19 happened. “When COVID hit, I said to my contractor, ‘Please don’t leave me in the middle of this,’ which he never did, but the entire downstairs was still under construction, and both girls had moved back [from college]. My washer and dryer were hooked up to a sink in the middle of the construction zone. We contacted the city, and they allowed construction to continue.” Luckily, the job was able to be completed that year. Since completion, the family has been able to spread out and enjoy the space. They have plenty of room to gather and plenty of room to entertain. The days of it being “the girls’ house” are long gone as “the Young’s house” has truly combined the families into one and continues to foster new memories for everyone to enjoy.

One of the Youngs’ favorite artisits, Poteet Victory, hails from nearby Idabel, Oklahoma. Jeff first met Poteet in 1999 when Poteet was a patient at Jeff’s satellite dermatology office in Idabel. Shortly after their first meeting, Poteet brought two art pieces to Texarkana for Jeff to view. Jeff immediately purchased both contemporary Native American pieces. Over the years, their friendship grew and Jeff purchased several more pieces. Poteet’s art now hangs in Jeff’s home, office, and cabin at Little River. In the early 2000s, Poteet began to change gears and paint more abstract pieces. Shortly thereafter, he painted MLRN MNRO (Marilyn Monroe), which became the first piece in what was later named his Abbreviated Portrait Series. These paintings are “hints” of a person rather than full on portraits. “Jeff and I first saw this series on a visit to Poteet’s gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and immediately fell in love with it,” said Christy. The original pieces hang in his gallery. Numbered and signed prints are available to purchase. Christy confessed, “I secretly purchased a WL E NLSN (Willie Nelson) print, which was one of our favorites, and gave it to Jeff for Christmas several years ago. Since that time, we have purchased 15 more prints in the collection. I believe there are three that we do not have yet, but hope to acquire in the very near future.” “It is really fun when guests come to the house and try to figure out who the subject is in each portrait. While some are easy to guess, others take time to figure out. We absolutely love these pieces, the beauty they add to our home, and the conversation that they bring to any gathering!” Read more about Poteet Victory in “TXK Roots” on page 74.

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I f you watched television in the 1980s and 1990s, I know you just sang that title line in the tune of the Cheers theme song. You are not alone. I totally hummed it while I typed! But do not let the title mislead you. I am not about to talk about my favorite coffee bar or hang out (true confession: I am a literal teetotaler). Nope. I want to talk about what it means to be home, and at least for me, that means being known and knowing others. I grew up in a small town. Being raised in Sulphur Springs, Texas, is one of the biggest blessings of my life. With a small population of 15,000, most of my family has lived in Sulphur Springs for over 70 years. My mom was an elementary school teacher when I was in school and taught at the campus where I attended kindergarten through fourth grade (#LamarPanthers4Life). My mom taught many of my friends, and I also had some of my friends’ parents as teachers. My dad coached some of my sports teams, and I was coached by the dads of my classmates. There was only one high school in town, so every student in Sulphur Springs was a Wildcat from day one. I LOVED it… until I thought I did not. Anybody from a small town knows that the information superhighway of the world wide web cannot compete with the speed of information circulating in a small town. I swear, sometimes people did some crazy stuff just because they heard they had already done it, and it sounded like a good idea! When I say information traveled fast, A SARINE THOUGHT… OR TWO COLUMN BY EMILY SARINE Where Everybody Knows Your Name

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I mean like a speed-of-light kind of movement. My mom always knew where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with. While that does not sound impressive in the day and age of cell phones and GPS trackers, it was amazing what she knew with just a cordless phone and a digital clock! Do not get me wrong, I was not a particularly wild child by any stretch. But when you are a teenage girl, your privacy is sacred. You only share what you want others to know. Maybe I did not want everyone to know that I was possibly switching from Diet Coke to Diet Dr. Pepper. Or maybe it was my secret that I thought little Bobby So-and-So on the basketball team was a total stud. But in a small town, when this girl drank three Diet Dr. Peppers in a row in the cafeteria and cut side eyes at Bobby So-and-So in between classes for a couple of weeks, it was rumored that I was addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper, and my name had changed to Emily So-and-So! Crazy! Now, those are silly examples, of course, but word did get around fast. I had some diabetic episodes at school a few times in middle and high school. Even though they happened in front of very few people, everyone knew I had fallen out in class by the end of the school day. This was the epitome of embarrassment for a teenage girl who always liked to give off the impression that she was cool as a cucumber and did not have a worry in the world. At times like those, I would think about how nice it would be to live somewhere where I could be anonymous. Some people might see what happened in a situation I was experiencing at the moment. Still, their interest would be short-lived because they did not know me. What an intoxicating thought! So, when Ross and I got married and had the opportunity to live in a new town where we knew very few people, I was super excited. I thought I would love not being known. But boy, was I wrong. We lived in two places at two separate times where we did not know more than two or three people: Texarkana in 2003 and Houston in 2010. The experiences that I thought would be freeing

turned out to be isolating. I missed going to Walmart and seeing seven people I knew also shopping for Ziploc bags, dryer sheets, or chocolate syrup. I had not considered what it would be like to go to church and not have people a generation or two older than me ask about my family and what was going on with us. I had not even thought about not having those friends you can call at 3:00 a.m. when you have an emergency and need to leave your baby with someone you love and trust, and they would not think twice about keeping him. I had completely misjudged the value of community. But what I really missed the most was knowing others. I missed knowing people well enough to ask how their mom was doing after her stay in the hospital or if their child was ready for camp. I missed having people I prayed for in specific areas of their lives. I missed knowing others and being known in return. So how could I get back to that place of small townesque community? I had to get my little anonymous behind in gear and get “nonymous” with some folks! I had to make friends. Game changer of life: when God leads you to people you mesh with, and He creates a loving community where all the members care for one another. It was a privilege to have my own little “small town” groups within the larger places I lived. Those people who knew and understood me and whom I got to know and love back are true treasures in my life. All the things I thought I did not want people to know when I was younger, I now know, are the things that make life grand. Having others know your preferred carbonated beverage or what brand of shampoo you like best, or what you need prayer for is so comforting. And knowing that information about others is such a privilege! So, you know what? I believe I will continue striving to live where everybody knows my name. Not because I am popular or famous, but because I know them, and they know me on a deeper level. And that, my friends, at least to me, is what it means to be home.

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