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MAY 2025
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
All guys have two egos. We all want to be tough like Clint Eastwood, but we know the goal is to be wise like Andy Griffith. CLINT EASTWOOD OR ANDY GRIFFITH? Several years ago, I was confronted with an unexpected and nearly impossible situation. An angry parent approached me and accused me of allowing cheating. He questioned what kind of man I was and how I was raising my son. He was loud and threatening. I had never seen the man in my life. His accusation was absurd, and his taunts went on for several hours. It was an uncomfortable situation, one in which I needed to try to remain calm and set a good example. We somehow managed to get through the ordeal, but it was unforgettable. It was the worst behavior I have ever witnessed in children’s sports, and that is saying something. We later learned I was not the only person to experience this father’s wrath. Which Dad Are You?
Surprisingly, a few months ago, I did run into him. He came up to me and said not only was he sorry but to please forgive him. He said he was in a bad place at that time and that he was trying to live his life through his son’s accomplishments. He said he had hurt a lot of people and let down his family, his son in particular. He said his competitiveness was destructive. His demeanor was so humble, so authentic that I instantly forgave him. We have run into each other several times since then. We always speak to each other and ask about the other’s families. I have found I actually like him. I doubt we will ever be best friends, but it is clear to me there is no lingering hostility between us. If I had tried to be Clint Eastwood, the situation would have gotten way out of hand. Don’t get me wrong — I did not know how to handle it. I was not Andy Griffith (who, by the way, got to write his own script, so of course he was wise). At the time of the incident, I am sure I could have handled things better. Forgiveness is hard. I tried to figure out why it came so easy in this situation. It is not because I am a forgiving person. Believe me, I can nurture every ounce out of any grudge. But in this case, it was because someone asked for forgiveness. That is so different than saying I am sorry. He genuinely wanted me to forgive him. I was overwhelmed by his humility, a trait I desperately need to develop.
At the time of the incident, the Clint side of my ego wanted to just take the guy aside and settle this physically — you know, “Go ahead punk, make my day.” But the rational part of me wanted to try to avoid escalation. For years, I have dreaded running into this individual again. I have replayed the scene dozens of times, anticipating just what I would say to this character the next time we met.
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A Recipe for Renovation TIPS FOR A WELL- PLANNED KITCHEN UPGRADE
FRONT YARD FACELIFT The Hottest Curb Appeal Trends of 2025
A great kitchen is the secret ingredient to the perfect home-cooked meal, but it might be the ideal time for a remodel if yours feels a little bland. Whether your cabinets are stuck in the past or your kitchen decor is beyond its best-by date, a kitchen upgrade can take you from groans to gourmet. But before you start whisking up big plans, it’s essential to devise a solid strategy to keep your project from boiling over. Let’s get cooking! Researching the Recipe Whether you want to handle most of the project yourself or hire professionals, it is essential to do your research. Decide what aesthetic or specific features you want to focus on so you can provide examples to contractors or start getting inspiration online. If hiring a professional, look at their portfolio to see if their qualifications match your kitchen goals. Get several quotes to compare and find the right team for your remodel — or do it yourself. Planning With a Fully Baked Budget A kitchen remodel can be costly, with an estimated average cost of about $25,000. To create a perfectly baked budget, keep in mind the size of the space, your desired materials, and how drastically you want to change the layout. If you plan to remove walls or install new flooring, you must increase your budget. You can keep your costs down by tackling many of the tasks DIY-style with budget- friendly materials. Carefully consider big purchases, like new appliances or an island, but don’t forget to calculate for the little things, like nails and hardware. Prepping the Perfect Plan Once you know your goals and budget, create a project timeline and plan. Choose the cabinets, appliances, decor, and other items you want, as well as backup options, so the project stays on track if a product is delayed. Record different measurements in your kitchen, like counter heights, so you have that information handy. If you are making structural changes like plumbing or electrical, contact your local municipality to apply for permits.
First impressions are everything, and when it comes to your home, curb appeal sets the tone before anyone even steps inside. Whether you want to sell your house, refresh your entryway, or give your neighbors something nice to look at, keeping up with this year’s biggest trends can give your space that wow factor. From bold colors to statement doors, 2025 is all about turning heads and creating an outdoor facade that steals the show. Get ready to make a sidewalk statement with these must-try curb appeal trends. Bold Colors Statement colors aren’t just for accents in the living room anymore! This year, homeowners are diving into a playful palette of brighter, more vibrant hues for their exterior walls. Think bold blues, striking copper reds, and gorgeous green tones. Create a splash with colors that provide striking contrasts or tone down with subtle shifts in hues. You can create a cohesive look by pairing your big colors with a similar theme indoors. Doors With Character Your front door can serve as a grand entrance when you go for something with a lot of character. Pump some personality into your entryway by adding decorative trim or painting your door an interesting color. You could also replace a typical door with a unique vintage one. Bare Brick If your home is brick, you’re in luck. Bare brick is a popular style this year, beating out painted brick, a popular option in the past. Red brick can shine if you paint the window trim or add new shutters. Though its natural state is attractive and easier to maintain, you can also paint it a darker color that works well with your roof. Natural Landscaping Native landscaping is a wonderful way to highlight the natural beauty of your community and is also good for the environment. The idea is to create a more self-sustaining outdoor setting with beneficial plants, healthy soil, and solid rainwater management. Standout features are rainwater gardens, fruits and vegetables, cisterns, and wildlife walkways.
By embracing the latest curb appeal trends, you create a welcoming and stylish space that stands out for all the right reasons.
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Cinema Dreams on a Popcorn Budget
How to Build a Home Theater for Less
Lights! Camera! Couch!
money on that rather than a new streaming service. And if you already have excellent speakers or a wide-screen TV that will fit perfectly into your plans in other rooms, you can shuffle your furniture around and reduce your costs. Create Star-Studded Effects Proper lighting, sound, and other features can transform a TV room into an authentic theater experience. If you can afford it, add ambient lighting, spotlights, and blackout curtains to set the mood. While a big-screen TV can do the job, projectors can create a real cinematic view. They also tend to be more compact, allowing more room for additional seating or a popcorn maker. Give your screening space the surround sound feel by installing a soundbar, a space-saving audio system that delivers rich, theater-quality sound. Set the Stage Complete your family theater by adding movie-themed decor and extra cinema
Ready to reel in the perfect movie night without breaking the bank? You can bring the theater into your living room by building a budget-friendly cinema your family will enjoy. You don’t need a Hollywood actor’s salary to bring the magic of film to your favorite sofa. With some creativity and planning, you’ll be directing a screening room remodel in no time, saving you money on tickets and popcorn at the chain movie theater! Let’s get the credits rolling on the home theater of your dreams — no blockbuster budget required. Cast Your Dream Scene Is your family a fan of TV show binges or video game competitions that last for hours? Since you are working with a limited budget, choose the entertainment options most important to you and focus on those. Maybe a new game console is the top item on your wish list, so it’s worth spending
comforts. Display movie posters of your family’s favorite films, and consider creating a mini concession stand. You can use a bar cart or inexpensive cabinet as a snack area, complete with a mini fridge full of drinks. So, gather your crew to turn your living room into a movie lover’s paradise! Now, all that’s left is to push play and let the good times and tasty snacks roll!
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Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Ironically, for Lent, Jill and I were in a faith- sharing group at our church, and the guide we used was “Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody” by Allen R. Hunt. I will conclude with the following paragraph from that book: “Forgiveness will unleash a power in your life that is underrated and often ignored. Frankly, that power is life-changing. It is underrated mainly because it is underused. We fail to capture the power of forgiveness because we are afraid of it, because we have grown comfortable in our familiar wounds, or because we are simply stubborn. But the power is there waiting for us. That’s why I’ve written this little book. Because everybody needs to forgive somebody.” I have come to see that forgiveness is the most powerful force in the universe. –Melvin Upchurch
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Ingredients
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Directions
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
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205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com 300 UNION HILL DR., STE. 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1
Which Dad Are You?
2
Home Sweet Stunning
Cooking Up a Timely Remodeling Plan
3
Theater Vibes Without the Ticket Price
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
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Where Nature Meets Neutral
The Art of Japanese-Inspired Living Spaces FROM MEH TO ZEN
If your living room feels more “meh” than “zen,” it might be time to take a page from the Japanese design book. With its sleek lines, contemporary flare, historical elements, and notes from nature, this design style helps create a serene and stylish space. Blur the lines of outdoors and indoors by adding plants into your living room or creating a peaceful backyard garden. Textures like wood, bamboo, and marble continue the nature theme throughout your home. Say “Konnichiwa” to minimalism, as this design aesthetic embraces simple, small furniture in neutral colors. Keep your decorations, art, and other items purposeful to create a tranquil setting. Clutter is the opposite of this design style’s core ethos, so less is more.
Focus on one or two vintage statement pieces, as Japanese design honors history and the past. Keep it simple, stylish and zen-sational !
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