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www.HuskeysPaint.com | (828) 214-7100 | September 2025
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LESSONS IN KINDNESS ONE PAGE AT A TIME
It’s amazing how a kind word or gesture can completely change a person’s day. Even the simplest acts of kindness can have a significant impact. A smile from a stranger, a door held open, or an enthusiastic compliment can fix a sour mood and strengthen our connection to those around us. And the best part is that kindness is contagious. One kind act can have a ripple effect that spreads positivity to multiple people. I saw this just the other day at my local coffee shop. One person’s decision to pay for the order of the person behind them at the drive-through led to a chain reaction of kindness. The barista told me that more than 50 people had decided to pay it forward, and the kindness hadn’t stopped by the time I left. Sadly, negative news articles and social media posts often overshadow these uplifting gestures and make us more aware of the things that divide us than those that bring us together. And all the negativity online isn’t harmless — it damages our mental health. Spending too much time reading negative news stories or hateful comments increases feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
biography shows us the man on TV was just as kind in real life as he was on screen.
• “The Language of Kindness: A Nurse’s Story” — More than a simple medical memoir, Christie Watson’s account of her 20-year nursing career is an inspiring book about what it means to care and the impact of those who have made caring their profession. • “Every Little Kindness” — In this wordless children’s book, Slovenian illustrator and author Marta Bartolj shows how the ripple effects of kindness can spread through a community and bring joy to one person after another. • “Wonder” — R.J. Palacio’s debut novel about a child with severe facial abnormalities navigating school for the first time is a refreshing narrative celebrating how kindness can bring us closer together. • “Humankind: A Hopeful History” — If you’ve gotten lost in the cynical view that humans are inherently nasty and selfish, Rutger Bregman’s thought-provoking book will help you see that kindness and cooperation are the driving forces behind history’s greatest achievements. In today’s world, where it can feel like things are moving too fast and people are too focused on themselves, books can bring us back to what really matters. A good read slows us down and allows us to reflect on what it means to be kind and what our kindness can do for ourselves and everyone we encounter. So, if life’s daily stresses are weighing you down, take some time to read a good book, and don’t forget that kindness is everywhere — and it’s just waiting to be shared.
So, where can we find relief? Books. Sure, the bookstore has plenty of negative reads, but it also has many optimistic options to inspire you to do good yourself. Books shape our perspectives, make us feel understood, and even encourage us to be gentler with ourselves and others. If you’re looking for a reminder that kindness is more powerful than negativity, check out these five books that share the power of kindness.
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“The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers” — Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood inspired many of us to be curious, kind, and empathetic, and Maxwell King’s
— Trent Huskey
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GET YOUR HOME COZY, COMFY, AND COLD-WEATHER READY Bundle Up Your Home Before Fall Blows In
As the air turns crisp and the sweaters come out, your home needs some seasonal love, too.
Give your furnace a fine-tuning. Before the temperatures dip too low, ensure your furnace is ready to keep you warm. A professional inspection can help it run safely and efficiently, possibly preventing a costly mid-winter breakdown. Plus, a well-maintained system can save on energy bills. Tidy the yard and prep the garden. Give your yard a final clean-up before winter. Trim any overhanging branches, rake up leaves, and clear out dying plants. Don’t forget to plant spring bulbs now for a colorful surprise when the snow melts. Protect your outdoor faucets. In colder areas, frozen pipes are no laughing matter. Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off interior valves if you have them. Add insulated covers to help prevent freezing and bursting. Get the fireplace chimney ready to glow. Whether you’re dreaming of holiday fires or warming up on cold nights, ensure your chimney is clean and safe. Have it professionally inspected and swept to enjoy those cozy moments worry-free.
Taking care of a few key maintenance tasks now can help you avoid surprise repairs and set the stage for a cozy, stress-free fall. Think of fall maintenance as a wellness checkup for your house, catching issues now to spare you from winter headaches later. Clear gutters to let rainwater flow. Falling leaves may be whimsical, but not when they’re clogging your gutters. All that debris can trap water, sag gutters, damage siding, and even lead to icy problems later. Clean them out or call in a pro; it’s one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage. Swap screens and seal out the chill. Pack up those summer screens and give your windows a once-over before the cold settles in. Clean the glass, check for gaps, and install storm windows if you have them. This is also the perfect time to refresh your front door with a new coat of paint and seal up any sneaky drafts.
Turn Any Corner Into a Plant Paradise A GREEN TRANSFORMATION FOR A SMALL NOOK
Looking to bring life to a quiet nook? Create your very own plant paradise that’s equal parts stylish and soothing. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting, this setup blends charm with nature’s best. Float Fresh Greenery Suspend your favorite plants to add visual interest. Wall-mounted planters or boho- style hangers give your space an airy, whimsical ambiance. Garnish With Glass Gardens Tiny terrariums are big on personality. Fill them with moss, stones, and mini plants
for easy, eye-catching charm. These small glass gardens can be placed on tables, shelves, or hung from the ceiling. Go Big or Go Home Anchor your corner with a bold botanical centerpiece. Large leafy greens like monstera or snake plants bring structure and elegance. Finish With Flair Warm woods, soft ceramics, and natural- toned accessories set a serene scene. Add a gentle spotlight, and watch your plant corner glow by evening.
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(828) 214-7100
HOME CAFÉ VIBES The Viral Trend Making Mornings Magical
Apples Aster Coffee Constitution
Foliage Grandparents Labor Lunchbox
Pirate Sapphire Virgo Waffles
If your morning coffee run is the highlight of your day, you’re not alone. But what if you could bring that cozy café vibe home? That’s the idea behind the wildly popular home café trend circling the internet, where people are turning their kitchens into photo-worthy coffee and bakery pop-ups. The best part is that you can do it, too! This trend taps into the power of cozy rituals and aesthetic spaces. It goes beyond just making a cup of coffee; it’s about creating an experience. Think rustic pastry displays, handwritten chalkboard menus, syrup pumps lined up like your favorite café, and fresh- baked muffins in a tiered stand. The vibe is charming and personal! Clear a designated “café corner” in your kitchen to get started. This doesn’t require a remodel — a small counter section or rolling cart works perfectly. Add your coffee essentials: a machine, frother, and your favorite mugs. Then, style it up! Install baskets for pastries, a tiny vase of flowers, and even a café bell for fun. If you want to go the extra mile, you can print a mini menu for your family with drink or bakery specials, try your hand at homemade syrups or infused cold foam, or even use glass jars for sugar and stirrers! According to The Eater, an online resource for all food-related trends, the home café craze exploded as a creative outlet during the pandemic and has stuck around to slow down and make mornings feel special. Hosting “pop-ups” for your family or friends on the weekend is also incredibly fun. Set out croissants, brew something fancy, and let them “order” their drink. You don’t need to be a trained barista, just someone who enjoys making a little magic. So, whether you’re channeling cozy bakery vibes or your favorite local roaster, a home café is a great way to have fun hosting. All it takes is a little creativity, some coffee beans, and the desire to add a little extra to your routine.
Inspired by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com ALMOND BUTTER SKILLET BLONDIES
INGREDIENTS
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup almond butter
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2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Set oven to 350 F. Butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugars, and almond butter until smooth and creamy. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. 3. Stir in flour and salt, and then fold in the chocolate chips. 4. Spread the batter evenly into the skillet, and bake for about 25–28 minutes, until the edges begin to set and turn golden brown. 5. Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy!
Your dream café may be one kitchen counter away!
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. Box 261, Whittier, NC 28789
Clean - Courteous Painters - You Can Trust!
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Books to Inspire a Kinder World
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Don’t Let Autumn Catch You Off Guard Creative Ways to Style a Lush Plant Corner From Countertop to Coffee Shop Almond Butter Skillet Blondies
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The French City That Has It All (and Then Some)
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BORDEAUX IS FRANCE’S BEST-KEPT SECRET MOVE OVER, PARIS
When you hear about people taking trips to France, your mind likely conjures images of the Eiffel Tower, delicious high-end French cuisine, and a view of the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum. However, there’s much more to France than the scenic beauty and decadent flavors found along the streets of Paris. If you want to experience the best of France, you must spend time in Bordeaux. While we often refer to Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California as wine country, Bordeaux is the original wine region. Its history with wine dates back over 2,000 years, and you can still experience the area’s love of wine today. Le Bar à Vin and Le Bistro du Fromager are beautifully decorated wine bars that will
leave you stunned, unlike anything you can experience stateside. And if you want to take it up a notch, you can visit La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s interactive wine museum, and enjoy a glass under a chandelier made from a thousand bottles. Even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s plenty to enjoy in Bordeaux. Those interested in fashion or shopping will love walking down Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street. If that’s too crowded for your liking, you can enjoy shopping in the historic Chartrons district. As you walk through the city, you’ll surely see towers that look straight out of a fairytale or Disney movie. If you’re visiting during the first Sunday of
any month, you’ll get to hear the Grosse Cloche belfry ring its 250-year-old bell! For adventurers, just 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux is Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, also famous for paragliding. Now, it wouldn’t be a visit to France without taking in some art, and Bordeaux won’t leave you disappointed. The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the contemporary arty museum CAPC are both worth a visit, and your trip won’t be complete until you stop by the awe-inspiring Monument aux Girondins, a free-flowing fountain over a beautiful bronze sculpture. If a European vacation is on your bucket list, consider visiting Bordeaux when you go. It might just be the highlight of your entire trip!
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