Unlike a rose, which is a rose, which is a rose, country music isn’t country music isn’t country music. That’s the message Josh McCreary brought to an Institute for Learning in Retirement audience in a presentation on the history of country music. McCreary, the president of the Centurion history club at Co-Lin, traced American country music from its beginning as a popular genre in the pre-Depression 1920s up to its expression by composers, vocalists and players of musical instruments today, concluding that diversity is its hallmark. Country music, in general, often consists of ballads and dance tunes (most commonly known as "Honky Tonk music") with generally simple forms, folk lyrics, and harmonies accompanied by string instruments such as electric and acoustic guitars, steel guitars (such as pedal steels and dobros), banjos, and fiddles, as well as harmonicas. But that oversimplifies it. While it continues to be the music of common people that evolved from the folk songs and instruments immigrants brought to America, its varied subgenres with diverse motifs and instrumentation may bear little discernable resemblance to each other, McCreary pointed out. McCreary cited nine distinct Country subgenres, commenting on the nature of the music and the artists who brought them to the public with samplings: With the invention of the carbon microphone, which enabled smaller performance venues, and the dawn of commercial radio in the 1920, original country music in the style of The Carter Family made the initial footprint in popular culture, he said. The acoustic guitar was the primary instrument, sometimes with a fiddle. “The Carter Family reflected the public reception of the new genre, receiving $50 for their performances and earning ½ cent each on each of the 300,000 records the group sold,” McCreary noted. During the 1930s, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, other similar regional and local theater-like settings and barn dances spread the new musical genre nationally. Hank Williams, who died at age 29 with a spinal disease as a drug addict in search of relief from his pain, was the first Country super star. When Elvis and other rock musicians challenged the popularity of the new genre in the 1950s, Country artists, including Patsy Cline and Eddy Arnold – the “Country crooner,” brought background orchestration to their genre in the Nashville Sound, McCreary said. Charley Pride was the first black artist associated with the Nashville Sound. “The Bakersfield Sound, coming out of California in the music of Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakum, introduced the electric guitar and a full drum set to Country,” McCreary added. “Country met Rock in the electric sound.” The “fuzzy peddle” on the electric guitar was a mark of the genre. Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Marty Stuart and Rick Skaggs brought faster strumming and picking on mandolins and banjos in Bluegrass, with “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” as an example of a new direction for County, he said. Outlaw Country, through Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Jr., and Lynyrd Skynyrd, departed from the softer mainstream into traditional Honky Tonk, folk storytelling and counter-culture with songs about drinking and rebellion, in general, backed by bare instrumentation, according to McCreary. Hank Williams, Jr.’s “Family Tradition” captured the philosophy of the subgenre. Mainstream County’s music represented by Glen Campbell, John Denver and Dolly Parton – sometimes called Countrypolitan – contrasted with Outlaw Country’s break with tradition, McCreary pointed out. In the 1980s, Pop Country – or Urban Cowboy – started blending rock, pop and country to reach a broader mainstream audience, continuing efforts of artists associated with the Nashville Sound and Countrypolitan. By the mid-1970s, many country artists were transitioning to the pop-country sound, while many pop and easy listening artists crossed over to country. Alabama’s music exemplifies the sound, McCreary said. Neo-traditional Country music introduced in the 1980s emphasizes instrumental background and a traditional country vocal style. Neo-traditional country artists often dress in the fashions of the country music scene of the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s. Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson and Tracy Lawrence are associated with the genre. In the 1990s and into the 2000s, the genre influenced Shania Twain, Lone Star, the Dixie Chicks, Billy Ray Cyrus and Garth Brooks, McCreary said. Bro Country originated in the 2010s, influenced by 21st-century hip hop, hard rock and electronica, is musically upbeat with lyrics about attractive young girls, the consumption of alcohol, partying, and pickup trucks. Florida Georgia Line, with "Cruise," Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Jake Owen are also associated with the genre, according to McCreary. Modern Country. Country music continues to evolve, McCreary said. New artists include Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown and Morgan Wallen. McCreary noted the influence of George Jones, often considered the “father of Country music singing” because of his eclectic style encompassing religious, gospel, Country pop, Honky Tonk, traditional Country, Country gospel and Nashville.

By Bob Arnold Back in the 1990s when you wanted to find out what was going on in the Wesson area, you would start your day with a morning trip to the lake store across from the entrance to Lake Lincoln park on Sunset Road for coffee and maybe a small or big breakfast, but mostly for conversation and sharing news with other locals also seeking to keep up on happenings. At 88 years old, just down the road from the eatery, convenience store and bait shop she established, Myra Morgan recalls those days at her mobile home, which she has fashioned as a cozy little cottage. Owners of the landmark have come and gone since Morgan managed it, but have not quite managed it as successfully, although she is around as a consultant for anyone who will listen to her, and she remains hopeful that the tradition she left will be resurrected. Myra grew up on Morgan Road off Mission Hill Road, and attended the old Heucks Retreat School, where 250 students received their education in grades one to twelve. She married Bill Morgan in 1952 just before her high school graduation, but stayed on to earn her diploma after her father gave her $100 to finish her studies. She and Bill promptly left the Wesson area to make a life in Texas when she graduated. Myra worked in a furniture store at Beaumont and operated music stores in Houston and Dallas that sold eight-track tapes. Bill worked for United Gas Company, while forging a career in Country music as a performer and song writer. He played with County legend George Jones throughout the Lone Star State and recorded in Nashville. They also had one daughter, Debbie. Some 20 years later, Myra wanted to come home to be with her parents in Mississippi, and persuaded Bill to return to the Wesson area with her in 1970. Bill transplanted his Country music career to Mississippi, and for 20 years they operated Debbie’s Tape and Record shop, named for their daughter, in Lincoln Plaza at Brookhaven. Meanwhile, their daughter Debbie and her husband purchased the lake store across from Lake Lincoln park. Myra, now seasoned with some 40 years of business experience, bought it from them in 1992, believing that she could effectively exploit the potential of tailoring it to Lincoln County residents, Co-Lin students, faculty and staff; and Lake Lincoln campers. “We cleaned the place up, remodeled it, and focused on building its restaurant business,” she recalls. “We offered breakfasts, lunches and dinners.” Not only did it become a popular breakfast site, but worshippers after church services on Sundays enjoyed its country style meals. “We served 176 persons on one Mothers’ Day,” she says. Between 1992 and 2004, she bought and sold the lake store three times, and it has changed ownership nine times. “People have seen its potential, but haven’t always had their hearts in the business,” she says. “I loved the people I met there, and serving customers.” Today from her little cottage two doors down the road, Myra watches the lake store hopefully under an owner who, she says, seems dedicated and committed to making it work, and is a knowledgeable businessman. Myra lives with Lil’ Man, her 12-year-old dog, and often sees her three grandchildren – Jeremy Blakeney, 49, and offshore oil worker; Brandy Myers, 41, a Brookhaven educator; and Dusty Gerald, 39, who lives in Hattiesburg; five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She also enjoys visits from neighbors and the owner and workers at the lake store, now called Uncle Ray’s. Her daughter perished in a 2003 automobile accident and her husband died in May 2010. What are your hobbies? For many years, I did oil painting. After my husband died, I started using his woodworking tools to make home furnishings and décor, but my shoulder is a problem now. I also enjoy my family, and I am a member of Mission Hill Baptist Church. Are you a reader? I read cookbooks, and like to browse pictures of country living in books and magazines. Do you and favorite movies or plays? I am not really into movies or theater, but I am an avid football fan and enjoy watching the New Orleans Saints play on television. Do you enjoy music? With husband in country music, how could I not be a country fan? I like Alan Jackson a lot. As a music store owner, I also got into rhythm and blues and B.B. King. What would you do with lottery winnings if you were so lucky? I would give it to my large family. I never thought I would live as long as I have, and be able to consider the possibility. How would you change the world? People need to get along better. Cultural and political differences shouldn’t divide us. We need to live with people with whom we disagree. But changing this today is a bigger job than I can imagine.

By Bob Garver 2023 is certainly off to an impressive start, movie-wise. Usually the new year allows holiday releases to continue dominating for a week or two before unleashing anything heavy-duty. To be clear, “Avatar: The Way of Water” did still dominate the weekend with $45 million domestic against the $30 million debut of “M3GAN,” but $30 million for a new film in the first weekend of the year is nearly unprecedented. That’s how the film is impressive commercially. It turns out the film is quite impressive creatively as well, another rarity for early January. The film stars Allison Williams as Gemma, a toy designer that suddenly gains custody of her niece Cady (Violet McGraw). Despite her family-friendly job description, Gemma is in no way ready for the responsibilities of parenthood. If only there was a way to keep the child happy and occupied while helping the adult’s career in the process. As Gemma works primarily in robotics, that solution is the Model 3 Generative Android, or M3GAN (played by Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis). At first, M3GAN seems to be what’s best for everybody. She helps Gemma endear herself to her boss (Ronny Chieng) and she’s soon the star of the company as it realizes it has the greatest toy in history on its hands. As for Cady, she and M3GAN bond, and the two are quickly best friends. Of course, some question if it’s healthy for a child to attach themselves to a robot as much as Cady does, but this is the 21st century, how bad could it be for a child to develop a dependency on a piece of technology that was designed in a week by someone with questionable parenting skills? Yeah, things go off the rails. At first it’s just a simple matter of M3GAN misinterpreting her directive to “protect” Cady, but eventually her whole worldview goes sideways and she turns malevolent. And that means we get what we all came for: the psycho killer little girl robot with the strangely hypnotic dance moves. Honestly, full-blown evil M3GAN isn’t that interesting. After some calm, efficient violence, she becomes just another bland “stalker” villain with dialogue that really shouldn’t be in her programming. What elevates the movie is the dynamic between Gemma, Cady, and M3GAN. Gemma undoubtedly has love for her niece, but she makes some ill-advised decisions when it comes to complicated issues like discipline, patience, and grief. The film’s advertising has (understandably) focused on M3GAN turning evil, but it’s also worth mentioning that Cady deteriorates too, depending so much on the artificial friend that she forgets to make real ones. She turns into a raving lunatic before the robot does, and Gemma is forced to recognize that it’s by her design, literally and figuratively. This movie has a lot to say about society’s dependence on technology, giving it more in common with something like the original “Robocop” than movies that simply feature diminutive antagonists like Chucky or Annabelle. Some serious points aside, I don’t want to downplay that “M3GAN” is a whole lot of fun. The movie never fails to play up the absurdity of a robot that can run intellectual (and sometimes physical) circles around the world around it. Nobody in the theater was laughing harder than me when the robot would butt into a conversation with what she “thinks” is a helpful contribution, or when she would win at a mind game that the humans didn’t even realize they were playing. As an action or horror movie, “M3GAN” is okay, maybe a little watered-down because of the PG-13 rating, but as a comedy, I can tell it's going to be one of the funniest movies of the year, and we’re only one release in. Grade: B “M3GAN” is rated PG-13 for violent content and terror, some strong language and a suggestive reference. Its running time is 102 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

In a recent report released by University HQ for the Best Associate Degree Colleges in Mississippi, Copiah-Lincoln Community College has the highest graduation rate of any Mississippi community college at 51 percent. Additionally, Co-Lin was ranked the No. 2 Mississippi community college overall based on its cost of tuition, admission and retention rates, graduation rates, number of programs offered, online programs offered, loan default rate, diplomas awarded, and number of students receiving financial aid. Co-Lin offers both academic and career-technical education on all three campuses, as well as programs that can be completed fully online. Tour Co-Lin virtually at www.colin.edu/tour. See the full list of rankings here: https://universityhq.org/best-colleges/mississippi/#associate

Wesson Garden Club (WGC) members Cherry Head and Pam McLemore kicked off the club’s debut on local radio. The club’s radio segments, which will be broadcast as “Polly’s Garden,” will be on Brookhaven Broadcasting Inc.’s WBKN B92.1FM and WMJU 104.3FM. In the first radio segment, Head and McLemore talked about the Monarch Butterfly’s pollination of plants and its importance to the environment. They also invited listeners to visit Wesson’s Fountain Garden Park, a pollinator garden, to view the beautiful butterfly sculptures painted by Wesson’s local artists, Richard Hoaglin and Mitch Berch. These sculptures were made possible through the Club’s partnership with Wesson’s Steel Outdoors, Inc. A recently added feature to the garden park is the “Monarch Butterfly Wall” installed by WGC’s Jennifer Peets. More “Polly’s Garden” moments are coming with gardening tips, WGC says. The Wesson Garden Club is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., Natchez Trace District-Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc.

The Glee Club dates back over 100 years, and each new group of singers adds to the group's history and legacy. Much has changed since the Glee Club was first established, but it has always been a group devoted to the study and performance of advanced choral repertoire. From the beginning, the Glee Club has played a central role in the life of the College, giving voice to college spirit, and drawing musicians of the highest caliber to Occidental. Their reputation for excellence has carried the banners of Occidental far into the musical world through national and international tours and recordings and through the generations of choral conductors who have been affiliated with Occidental. Joined in 2008 by Director of Choral Music Desiree LaVertu, the Glee Club continues to attract national and international attention for its unified tone, intense musicianship, and varied repertoire. The tradition of Glee Club touring goes back over 75 years and has enabled generations of members to share their music all over the world. The Glee Club travels in January during the last week of Oxy’s Winter Break. Destinations alternate between local, regional, and international spots. Their 2023 tour takes them to Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, where they will perform at a variety of venues, including a collaborative concert with Copiah-Lincoln College Concert Choir and Mississippi Boychoir in Jackson, Mississippi, a lunchtime recital at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, a retirement community in New Orleans, an evening concert in Mobile, Alabama, a shared exchange with students from LSU and an evening concert at St. Alban’s Chapel in Baton Rouge. Mississippi Boychoir, Copiah-Lincoln Concert Choir, and the Ambassadors of Co-Lin will join the Glee Club in presenting several musical selections during the concert.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is accepting grant proposals from qualified nonprofits to implement projects through the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program. The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program was established by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022 to increase the purchasing power of Mississippi residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables and support local farmers by providing matching dollar incentives for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits redeemed at farmers markets and retailers. “The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program is a win-win for both consumers and farmers. This program provides increased access to fresh, nutritious produce for residents that need it the most while expanding marketing opportunities for our local farmers,” said Commissioner Gipson. Qualified nonprofits are invited to submit grant proposals seeking funding to implement projects that provide incentives for Mississippi residents using SNAP benefits to double the purchases of fruits and vegetables at participating Mississippi farmers markets and retailers. Funding available this cycle is $360,000. Applicants must have a demonstrated track record or experience with coordinating a statewide network of SNAP incentive programs and leveraging resources to address food insecurity in underserved communities. The submission deadline is January 31, 2023. Visit MDAC’s website at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/agManage/uploads/1011.pdf to learn more about the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program.

Are the plants in your landscape looking brown and dead after the recent hard freezes? If so, you may be wondering what to do about them. The first thing to do is nothing! We are likely to have additional cold weather events before spring arrives. Leaving the dead foliage on plants can provide some protection against direct cold and sunburn. This freeze was unusual in that the temperatures dropped around 50° F in a 12-hour span. Some flowering shrubs in the southern part of the state were even blooming. Many plants have significant woody tissue damage. This woody tissue is where plants store food to be used for replacing the freeze burned leaves that will eventually fall from the plant. These fallen leaves can add some insulative protection to the roots if any further cold weather occurs. They will eventually decay and release their nutrients to the plant roots. Pruning now will likely damage the healthy tissue that the plants will need to heal. Secondary infections may also occur. Wait until it is clear what tissue has died and until further freezes are not expected. This may be a month or more in most parts of the state. The only exception would be if the frozen tissue gets a wet decay (breakdown) or has an odor. Then it is good to prune the area out, bag, and destroy the affected leaves. Use a sharp blade to lightly skin the bark to reveal the wood beneath. Start at a branch tip and observe the color under the skinned area. Damaged wood should be brown. Work your way down until the skinned area becomes green. This indicates healthy tissue. Prune off the tissue above the green area. For more information, please see MSU Extension publication ‘IS 1663 The Plant Doctor – Cold Injury’ at www.extension.msstate.edu/publications. For Palms refer to publication ‘P 2828 Cold Injury to Palms’. By Jeff Wilson, Modified from previous article by Alan Henn and Clarissa Balbalian.

Were you one of us who made yourself a promise or a vow for the new year? And then look up, and it is six days into 2023 and you’ve already blown it? Or maybe, you’re one of those people who know themselves well enough that you didn’t even bother wasting brain power on considering making a new year resolution. “Why bother? I won’t make it past eight in the morning of January 1 before I decide it’s not worth it.” If you have ever bolstered your courage and guilted yourself into making a New Year’s resolution, you won’t be the first to find this next sentence to be true. Whatever it is you decided to do, to avoid, to tackle, or to never do again…the need to do ‘that very thing’ probably became the focal point of your immediately-and-obsessively-focused brain. Every conversation, every dream, every thought, every song, every show – each and every one of them had a way of leading you to want toss your resolution into the trash dump. Just like the old childhood game, when someone told you that for the next sixty seconds you were not to think about a glass of water, or a phone, or any other item that they named. You immediately had a problem. No matter how hard you tried, that exact thing became front and center of your thoughts about every seven seconds. Doesn’t seem to matter what your resolution is about. Weight, alcohol, drugs, sex, sweets, worry, anxiety. You name it, there just seems to be a built-in rebellion in humans when it comes controlling our reaction to issued-laden behaviors. “I know, I know, I promised myself that this coming new year, I would definitely kick my bad habit. But who am I kidding? I never have been able to make myself do that, every year that I’ve tried. So, to save time, I’m just gonna drop off the wagon before January 1 gets here. After all, there’s a lot of other good stuff I can be concentratin’ on, if I just go ahead and dive off head first now, so here goes.” So, what are you supposed to do, when you know good and well that you need to accomplish a certain goal, and yet it’s the exact opposite of your natural tendency? Don’t even try to ask me. I’m human. Just like you. I don’t have the answers. But I do believe this to be true. If you are going to be successful, it has to come from a deep heart belief that will make you want to change from following your natural tendencies. A heart belief that will lead you to say “No, I won’t, not this time. Because I am worth it.” And that heart belief keeps you saying those words to yourself, until you have control over those harmful tendencies, and you’ve created new habits. Wanting won’t cut it. But we all already know that.

Mississippians can now make appointments for children beginning at age 5 years old to get the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shot at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health department clinics. Appointments can be made through covidvaccine.msdh.ms.gov or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 877-978-6453. The updated COVID-19 booster offers improved protection against both the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variants that are currently causing most infections (BA.4 and BA.5). The bivalent vaccine is available through both Pfizer and Moderna. Those 5 years of age and older may be eligible if (1) They are fully vaccinated with any previous primary vaccination series against COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna or Noravax two-shot regimen, or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen’s one-shot regimen) and (2) it has been at least two months since their last primary dose or booster dose of the vaccine. “As we move into the winter months, we strongly encourage those eligible to get the bivalent booster now to provide the best protection against COVID-19 infection and severe complications,” says MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Donald Byers. “Don’t wait to protect yourself and your family.” MSDH recommends vaccination against COVID-19 for anyone 6 months and older. Vaccination and boosters are especially important for adults 65 and older, children and adults who have weakened immune systems and anyone with underlying health problems. COVID-19 vaccinations are available at no cost from county health departments. Vaccinations are also available at numerous pharmacies and private providers throughout the state. For information about eligibility and to make an appointment for COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters, visit covidvaccine.msdh.ms.gov. Please remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to your appointment, if available.

By Kara Kimbrough Salads are the Rodney Dangerfield of the dinner table. To paraphrase the late comedian, “They get no respect.” Often we apologize for serving or eating a salad. If someone asks what we ate for lunch and the answer is leafy and green, we say, "Oh, just a salad." I’m happy to report that, judging from their online presence, salads are making a comeback, so I’m sharing some recipes to get everyone started. Following what was probably a few weeks of overindulging, there's no time like the present to give salads the respect they deserve. Salad toppings to avoid if you’re truly serious about losing a few pounds after the holidays include mayonnaise or sour cream-based dressings, large pieces of bacon or ham and tons of cheeses and croutons. I’m always shocked when I hear fellow restaurant patrons proclaim they’re “dieting and only having a salad.” Then they return from the salad bar with a concoction filled with the above-mentioned offenders, topped by a massive river of ranch dressing on top. Healthy? I don’t think so. I’ll admit, it's not always easy to choose a healthy salad as a main meal or side dish. But after seeing hundreds of videos of the Kardashian family’s favorite salad online, along with a blogger’s post of “Old-Timey Salad” using the juice of a squeezed tomato as the only dressing (I tried it and it worked), I jumped on the salad band wagon along with everyone else. Disclaimer: I am not a fan of the reality show family. I watched the Kardashians’ reality show in the early days ONLY when the Olympic star formerly known as Bruce Jenner played a pivotal role as the stepfather and here's why. Years ago, I was thrilled to spend the day with Jenner when he flew his own plane from his California home to Jackson. Serving as the celebrity guest at a golf tournament hosted by the corporation for which I worked, staged to raise funds for UMMC’s Children’s Hospital, was the reason for Jenner's visit. While serving as his courier to and from the airport and hostess throughout the day and evening's awards dinner, I was impressed with his sincerity and genuine interest in meeting children as well as their parents. And, it was a thrill to watch one of the world’s greatest athletes play golf with my CEO, who actually played as well as the Olympian. An unsolicited autographed photo Jenner sent to me afterwards thanking me for my part in the event further cemented my belief that he possessed a good heart. As a result of this encounter, I was interested to see someone I “kind of” knew on television. Once he left the show that was the extent of my viewership or interest. I WAS curious, however, about the family’s “favorite salad recipe,” especially since it came from a famous Beverly Hills restaurant. Supposedly the salad was created in the 1950’s and was a favorite of presidents (JFK was a fan) and stars, including Elizabeth Taylor. It experienced a revival of sorts after appearing on the reality show. After trying the recipe, I can attest the salad, which literally takes just a few minutes, dressing included, to make, is light, tasty and satisfying. And it’s fun to flip the bowl over after combining the ingredients and having an instant plate filled with a large salad complete with dressing. Following is a version of La Scala’s recipe, along with the blogger’s tomato juice dressing salad. Let’s all vow to give salads the respect they deserve in 2023! Copycat Version of La Scala Salad Dressing: 1/4 cup oil (I used olive oil) 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, pressed 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Salad: 2 heads of lettuce, finely chopped (romaine and iceberg) ¼ pound salami, julienned into thin strips 1/4 pound Mozzarella, shredded 1-15-oz. can garbanzo beans, drained In a large bowl, mix dressing ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Add half of the garbanzo beans, stir and let marinate. On a cutting board, chop all salad ingredients (leave garbanzos whole). Use your hands to combine everything, then pour into the bowl on top of the dressing. Put a large plate over the top and shake lightly, then while holding the plate on top, flip bowl over to allow all contents to land on the plate. ‘Old-Timey’ Salad 1 large head of iceberg lettuce 3 tomatoes 1 sweet onion 1 cucumber Cup of matchstick carrots Salt and pepper Dice onion and cucumber and add to a large salad bowl; add carrots. Cut the top off of tomatoes and squeeze tomato juice over the salad bowl. Next, peel tomatoes and add to the salad bowl. Season vegetables generously with salt and pepper. Last, chop lettuce and stir into the vegetables. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. (You can add your favorite salad dressing, but you really won’t need any; the tomato juice makes the salad very flavorful). Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Mika Hartman As 2022 is coming to a close this week, I can’t help but feel very privileged for this front row seat in Hudson’s life. I get to hear most all of his giggles. I get to watch him explore in a way my older two children didn’t. I get to celebrate the inch stones and I get to see the determination and effort it takes to meet these new challenges. Hudson is a miracle. More often than hearing “how lucky I am to have him”, many want to say to me “how lucky he is to have me”. I understand this and, yes, to be grateful, I know this is a compliment. The truth is my life is better because of him. I know I am a decent, law-abiding citizen who contributes to society and I love God. I know I am a good wife and strive to be a great mom and friend. Then came Hudson; I am now all of those things listed AND gladly so much more. My desires to change laws are from Huddy. My need to write is because of him. My love grew to infinity for a whole community of people I didn’t even know before he arrived. What is astounding to me is how many others feel blessed to be around my son; that he makes them better people, too. Hudson isn’t a one-off miracle, he’s actually 1 in 700 births every year. Many “Hudson’s” are touching lives daily and bringing much needed love to a world that needs it. Don’t take my word for it, read what others have to say about loving someone with Down syndrome: Caterina Scorsone from Grey’s Anatomy: “Beauty. Love. Peace. Contentment. Acceptance. Belonging. Freedom. Adventure. Blessings beyond my wildest dreams.” She wrote this about her daughter, Molly. Julie Newmar from Batman: “He’s the cause of the great expansion of my outlook on life. He’s responsible for my understanding and practice of unconditional love. John is what makes my life great.” Julie is talking about her son, John. Kit Harrington from Game of Thrones: “We had a wonderful loving upbringing in the same family and had a great time growing up, many times under the same roof and became close friends as well as cousins. My only major difference with Laurent is that he has Down syndrome.“ He went on to say, “ I feel lucky knowing someone with Down syndrome: his emotional intelligence is huge.” Kit loves his cousin, Laurent, who has an extra chromosome. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Rogers wrote a book about Robin. She lived only two years; but her presence changed them forever. Dale wrote a book called Angel Unaware. I have read this and it is a beautiful read: Daddy (Roy) said, “No! We’ll keep her and do all we can for her, and take our chances.” Mommy (Dale) smiled then; she was glad, and she said what I had been waiting to hear her say: that You had sent me for some special reason, and they had no right to cast aside anything or anyone You had sent. Jamie Foxx said this about his sister, DeOndra Dixon: “It’s the way our family treats her. With DeOndra, we let her jump in the water and swim a little bit, so to speak. Our family just treats her like DeOndra. She goes everywhere we go. She’s usually the life of the party!” Jamie built his home in a way that his sister could be near him. She passed away in 2020. Sarah Palin wrote a letter (as if it were coming from God) about her son Trig: "Trig's mom and dad were told early by doctors that the child 'may provide more challenges and more joy than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective... and get everyone focused on what really matters. The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet." John McGinley from Scrubs (and more) wrote this: "You go to the hospital your wife's in labor and you're doing the thing, and then it's very disorienting and scary and you beat yourself up and you go through a whole period of 'woe is me' and then you realize that this a gift, this child is the light, and if you can nourish that light and just let it shine, you have an opportunity to get closer to what I think is God.” John and his son, Max, are working hard to put an end to the “R” word. Rory Feek (musician) is raising his daughter, Indiana, alone after the passing of his wife, Joey. This is how he feels: "Out of all the parents in the world, He has chosen us to care for and raise this special gift. As Indy grows along with her bright spirit, he's learned that the possibilities are endless for her. "Indiana’s smile lights up not just the room, but the world,” he says. "I think she can be whatever she wants to be, and Joey and I did not know that. She just needs love, just like everybody else.” Michael and Lisa Gungor wrote a song called “Light” about their daughter, Lucy. Here are the lyrics: "Light" Your eyes, they opened And love was spoken The tears came tumbling down Your heart was broken The words were spoken The tears came tumbling down And the blind gained sight As we met our light Oh the joy and fight The gift of life Your hands, the creases Your feet, your breathing You’re mine, you’re perfect light And the blind gained sight As we met our light Oh the joy and fight The gift of life I can’t take my eyes off of you oh my Light I can’t take my eyes off of you Amanda Booth, a supermodel, was given her son’s diagnosis. She decided to meet people with Down syndrome to learn all she could. Here is what she said: "I instantly fell in love with the babies I was seeing, the encouraging parents, and the love they were sharing. I needed to be a part of that. I wasn’t scared of the reactions people would have, sharing our story wasn’t for them, but for the people who needed it, and I knew they’d find us." Amanda’s son, Micah, has taught her how to be an advocate, too. Here is a snippet on this: Now that Micah has grown into a very typical, tornado of a toddler, I’m able to give myself a little shift in my parenting needs: I am starting my advocacy for my son. I need people to see him for who he is. I need them to recognize his ability, and to allow themselves to give him the opportunity to succeed. I need them to not miss out on the love that he has to give. He won’t miss out, that’s my job. Here, I dare to undo all the stereotypes laid out before you. What is stronger in this world than love and bond? Life would be boring if it were easy. And Micah, it won’t be easy, but it would please me to watch you push hard, and to raise the bar. Sally Phillips, actor and comedian, didn’t learn about her son’s diagnosis until he was 10 days old. She says this about her teenager, Olly: “Life is 'more meaningful and happy' since the teenager's birth.” 'There’s a load of positives with having Down's syndrome and a load of wisdoms about being a human being and a load of huge bonds and blessing for families.’ Sally worked on a documentary in 2016. “A world without Down syndrome”. She was seeking answers to these questions: What kind of society do we want to live in? And who do we think should be allowed to live in it? As I think of my answers to these hard questions, I know I want a world where people can say all these wonderful things about people they love dearly, no matter if they have an extra chromosome or not. A world where we encourage those who face challenges with the understanding that we will gain way more from them than they will gain from us. People who make the world better should be the easiest answer we have. My son makes the world better; my world and others benefit because he was born. I could quote easily another 1000 momma’s I have met on our journey. The message is the same. They all love this life. They see their child with an extra chromosome as a gift. They feel like better versions of themselves because of this gift. Our Supreme Court Justice, Amy Coney Barrett, said this about her son, Benjamin: “He is the unanimous FAVORITE of the family!” In our family, I mean to imply our entire Down syndrome family, this is a common description used to describe those born with Down syndrome: The Unanimous Favorite! Being so worldly common, it has to be true… The EXTRA family favorite! I would love for you to write below on this post if you love someone with Down syndrome. Please share with us. It’s how we bring needed change, together.