Dedication, athleticism, and poise... … Three words that come to mind when I think about cheerleading. The question is often asked, “Is cheerleading a sport?” If you have ever asked a cheerleader, you have no doubt gotten an earful. As a former cheerleader, former cheer coach and a current cheer mom, I have plenty to say and was really excited when Texarkana Monthly asked me to be a guest writer. … Did you know that cheerleading actually dates back to the late 1800s, and it was originally an all-male sport?
Remembering to Move Forward … Ah, 2021! Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? While the spectacular shenanigans of your predecessor are, for the most part, best left to the recesses of our minds, some things are worth noting as we begin with you. Whether good, bad or ugly, many lessons were learned, and are necessary to remember, to move successfully into brighter days. … THE GOOD … While 2020 proved to be a very trying year, it was not unfruitful. Yes, there were shutdowns, reopenings, natural disasters, a public health crisis, social discourse and very scary circumstances in abundance.
Six Things You Should Do in Texarkana During the Month of January! … All I have to say is… good riddance, 2020! There’s nothing quite like turning to the brand spankin’ new first page of the next chapter. I’m usually more the type to roll my eyes when I hear people talking about “fresh starts” at the beginning of each new year, and don’t even get me started on the “new year, new me” people. But not this year. I too am holding onto the hope that things in 2021 will shape up to be better. If not, I’ll certainly be stretching to reach some type of clarity on why this has all happened.
I remember going into 2020 thinking it was going to be my year and plotting my world domination. I remember racking up one New Year’s resolution after another at the end of 2019. I remember planning out all the things I wanted to be a part of and everything I wanted to accomplish, including going off the grid for the first few months of the year so I could lose a bunch of weight.
A spicy version of a sourthern favorite, and you don't have to soak the peas! … 1 tablespoon olive oil … 1/4 cup finely chopped onion … 2 ounces country ham, chopped … 1 tablespoon minced garlic … 1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas … 1/4 teaspoon chili powder … 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin … 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper … 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes … 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander … 4 cups chicken stock … 1 teaspoon salt … freshly ground black pepper to taste … Heat oil in 2-quart heavy saucepan over high heat. Add onions and saute 1 minute.
Weeks ago, Christmas decorations began popping up in windows and yards all over our area. Truly, this has been a year like no other! In the 1966 Broadway musical Mame, Angela Lansbury introduced us to the song, “We Need A Little Christmas,” and it has become a classic. No doubt we could all use a BIG dose of Christmas right now! This year has taught us a lot about what truly matters. Many of our “normal” holiday activities have been cancelled, but there are so many ways to enjoy every moment of this season.
5 Roma tomatoes … 1/2 yellow onion, diced … 1 tablespoon garlic … 6 large basil leaves … Parmesan cheese, shredded … 1 tablespoon black pepper and kosher salt … 1 cup heavy cream … 2 cups tomato juice … 2 cups dried crusty French bread … In a pot, sweat onions with 1 tablespoon of oil for 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook 3/4 on medium heat. Add 2 cups tomato juice, basil, salt and pepper, garlic and crusty bread... Cook for 10-12 minutes on medium heat. Use a mixer to purée. Cook for 5 more minutes with heavy cream. Garnish with fresh basil and a little shredded Parmesan... Always taste.
We are of no relation, but Janice Porterfield is what I call a “constant” in my life. She lives in my hometown and I can always count on her to be watching my family from the outside looking in. I take comfort in knowing that she’s just a phone call away when I need encouragement or sound advice. It should also be noted that Mrs. Janice can cook you the best Texas sheet cake known to man, even though she hails from Tennessee.
If you can believe it, Christmas is ten days away. Say what!? I have no clue where the first two weeks of December went. … If you’re anything like me, you still have gifts to wrap, shopping to be done and maybe even need to put up your Christmas tree. Luckily, somehow everything seems to always magically come together in the end, leaving time to sit back and enjoy the festivities with a cocktail in hand. Here is a must try Christmas punch that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol!