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MEMORIAM OF LOCAL FATHER, BUSINESS LEADER AND FRIEND TO MANY

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”  – Pericles

For some men, we erect monuments to mark the achievements of their lives and to remember their passing.  These monuments can take many forms — 

Continue reading “Jere McCulloch”

During the summer of 2005 our family activities were in full swing. Having just come back from the beach, our plate was full with school about to start back. The date was July 13th, 2005 and I was doing my usual “mom” things, picking up Austin and Schuyler from VBS at  College Hills Church of Christ, then driving to Wilson Central to pick up Ali from high school orientation.  

Continue reading “Out Of The Ashes Rise Angels”

Summer jewelry is fun and colorful.  Taking center stage this summer is brightly colored resin jewelry.  This is not the Lucite jewelry that was worn in the 1970’s, it has texture, finesse and style. Not sure how to wear color?  Add it with your accessories!

Resin is available in a wide range of designs that incorporate durability and chic functionality.  No worries with metal allergies!  Casual to formal your resin pieces will be well worth the investment, they will have longevity.

Resin is available in a wide array of

Form vs Function or is it Style vs Protection

Summers must have accessory is not a great pair of sandals, straw hat or a beach bag!

The must have accessory is both form and function; as well as style and protection…sunglasses!                     

This summer Statement

Independence Day!

Not for me, this answer was easy!

1976–the year of Halston!  He designs uniforms for many high profile commercial businesses.  Braniff Airlines, Avis Car Rental and The Girl Scouts (could this be why I always wanted to wear my uniform?)  Most prestigious uniform request came from the US Olympic Committee, he was asked to design the US Olympic Uniform!  He had just released his first fragrance and was riding high as a top American Designer.

I hope your ID4 is the best ever and you have as many fond memories of this wonderful holiday as I do!

Summer has officially arrived and that means the flat summer sandal is a must have item! It does not matter if it is day or evening, a yogurt run or a trip to the pool…your summer staple is the cute, flat  and whimsical sandal.  IT IS A MUST HAVE.  As much as I LOVE my heels, and that is an understatement, I adore the time of year when I can wear cute strappy flats.

Metallics and embellished sandals are the shiny addition to any summer wardrobe no matter what age. Metallics are neutral in color so they will match most any summer gear!  Just because these are flats does not mean they don’t have personality. – See more at: http://fearoffashion.com/?p=135#sthash.CTASK8cX.dpuf

Strappy flats are fun and casual but ankle straps and strappy sandals that are higher on the instep and ankle are not best for streamlining the leg. These cute pieces of footwear can cut the look and your legs may appear shorter. When wearing shorter dresses and shorts the cleaner the line the longer the leg.  I have several styles of Gladiator Sandals and just adore them…but try to wear them with the longer skirt, capri or skinny. – See more at: http://fearoffashion.com/?p=135#sthash.CTASK8cX.dpuf

Colors! Colors! Colors! Who doesn’t like bright and cheerful colors, especially when your legs are tan and toned! When purchasing your ‘out of the box’ colors for summer, look for your trend. What colors are you wearing? Is Emerald Green, African Violet or Nectarine your color of choice? You can mix and match but still have personality!  Don’t worry, animal print is not just for fall anymore. – See more at: http://fearoffashion.com/?p=135#sthash.CTASK8cX.dpuf

I enjoyed the mix of color, texture and personality so much, this picture had to be included…even thought it is not a flat! One final item, ladies and it may be the most important part…don’t forget your summer pedicure. Nothing enhances your sandals the way a fresh pedicure does! – See more at: http://fearoffashion.com/?p=135#sthash.CTASK8cX.dpuf

A father love is ever lasting…

Thanks Dad!!

Now, my fathers influence goes much deeper than this.  I BLAME (lovingly) my sweet daddy on my Shoe Addiction (there I said it, I have a problem…)  Growing up in a retail family, we were in the rag business from way back…but wait!  Dad had a shoe store…yes, retail nirvana for any young lady.  I was about 15 when my parents decided the clothing business was the new path to take.  So think about it, I had the best of all worlds!!

All access to all shoes all the time!!

Oh my!  I did start wearing high heels at a young age (do you suppose that is why I can stand in 6 inch heels all day?).  I have always said that I wear a size 9, but and 8 feels so good, I will wear a 10.  (yes, I stole that line and made it my own from Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias, but it is the truth)  Shoes!  Shoes!  Shoes!  Thanks dad!

I am a very fortunate business owner and daughter.  My dad (well, both my parents really) are a huge part of my business and personal life.  They come to work and help us with the future of our family business.  It is the guidance, the love and support that I (both myself and my sister) have received from Daddy all of our lives that allows us to be the women we are today.

What does Memorial Day mean to you?  Was it the unofficial start to summer, bbq, beach and bathing suits?  Was it spent cleaning out your closet and putting away your winter clothes and pulling out your white pants, shoes and accessories?  Or did you go shopping for the kick off of summer fashion?  No matter what you did, I hope you had fun, incorporated all of these activities and also thanked a service member for their commitment!

Memorial Day and Fear of Fashion…how do these go together?  With MD (Memorial Day for short) being the ‘break free’ holiday…most kids are out of school, weather is warm and we want to hit the beach, the pool or sprinkler, days are longer and the moon appears to be a bit brighter, we find ourselves outside more.  I remember as a child growing up in Pennsylvania, we would go ‘Down the Shore’ each MD and that was something we looked forward to all winter!  Atlantic City Beach, the boardwalk, Steel Pier and so much more!  Long lazy days at the beach and late nights on the boardwalk…who could ask for anymore.  But there was prep, a lot of prep, before you would go down the shore.  Had to find the right bathing suit (you would be seeing friends and family you had not seen in months), the perfect sun dress, sandals, shorts and so much more.  It was the time of year you could wear white and it was perfectly acceptable!

If Memorial Day was when you could officially wear white, what was Easter?  How did Labor Day effect your style?  What about…well, there are so many holidays and so much fashion!  Let’s think about tradition, Easter was the first big spring time holiday and all the girls are looking for a spring dress and I believe this is where my addiction to shoes started, with Easter.  Specifically, black patent leather Mary Jane Shoes.  Easter meant a new dress and new shoes.  Since it was Easter you could wear patent leather shoes with your pretty spring dress.  Then came Memorial Day which meant bathing suits, summer dresses, shorts and tanks but most importantly, it was not official, you could wear white!  White Jeans.  White Shoes.  White Anything.  White is now ok but only until Labor Day.  Once Labor Day arrives, summer is over.  No more patent leather shoes, no more sandals and we better put away the white (at least until next Memorial Day).

As I become melancholy for “the shore” I have to admit, not only did we go down the shore but the family lived there for several years…so, yes, we lived down the shore!  Your sleepy town during the winter increases 4 times during the summer.  You have family & friends visiting and so much more happening between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  A life time of teenage fun was crammed in those few weeks.  How do you explain what these holidays mean from fashion to family.  What do these holidays represent to you?  Are they markers on your calendar on when to accomplish a task, celebrate an event, be thankful for freedom, or just to remind you when you can wear white pants?  No matter how you celebrate your holidays, always remember to be safe!

Shorts are always a big part of your spring wardrobe no matter what your age. 

It seems (with good reason) that the younger you are the shorter the shorts…

But…are bermuda shorts right for you?  They are shorter than capris but longer than Daisy Dukes, Bermuda Shorts or Walking Shorts, are a great way to show off your legs without showing too much skin.  These are no longer reserved for women golfers!  Spring 2013 Runways were full of shorts with matching blazers, blouses or little t’s.  A stylish must have this season!

If not worn well, shorts can be one of the most difficult basics because they appear to be intimidating.  But let me assure you-these are easy to wear (you just may need a few tips).  Keep in mind these wardrobe staples can be worn to work, out to dinner or even a Sunday Brunch! 

Helpful Short Hints

• Weekend Casual—slouchy boyfriend denim
• Daytime—tailored or slim leg

Think of wearing the tailored or slim leg instead of wearing a pencil skirt

• Fun & Funky—wear high waisted bermudas with a cinched in waist and wide belt (great to show off a small waist and create a smaller hip)
• Flowey or Drapey—will add volume to a slim boyish shape

My favorite is to take a pair of tailored bermuda shorts and pair them with a sky high pair of heels, a dressed up tank and a blazer.  This is my personal warm weather go to fashion staple!

Before wearing your shorts to work—think!  Are my shorts just as tailored as my trousers?  Is my work environment a creative environment that will welcome my individual fashion statement or is it a strict corporate dress code that needs to be followed to the letter of the code. 

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I have been thinking of how my mother helped us have no Fear of Fashion!  What were her influences?  How has she helped mold us into the women that we are today?

 (mom, sissi and dad)

  I always remember mom telling us to ‘dress for success’.  Style is personal but you should always dress so that no matter whom you see, meet or have a conversation with, you will never, ever, worry ‘did I have my best foot forward’ (metaphorically speaking that is).

 She managed to showed us many wonderful traits that I still use today (yes mom, we listened!).  For example, she always helped us understand how to extend our wardrobe buy incorporating basic items with trendy fashions.  Basics such as the little black dress (LBD), those high waisted black trousers (was it you that gave me my addiction to black clothing?) or the crisp white blouse are needed and can be worn from season to season. 

Mom was always there to help us put together the right outfit no matter where we were going.  It did not matter if we were young women going out into the world for our first academic banquet or our first job interview, mom was there guiding us every step of the way.  As a matter of fact, she is still there today telling us (guiding us) with suggestions to keep us looking our best.  She is the voice in our head.

 Not only did she effect positive change in what we wore (now that I am much older I can say positive change), she did a lot of what we like to call the ‘behind the scenes’ of fashion.  How a great seamstress makes all the difference in the world.  I don’t know about you but I have to alter most all trousers (length or waist).  Jackets and blouses…not all sizes fit all women.  What a difference a seamstress makes!  How to hang your clothes, why to hang your clothes and how the correct hanger can play such an important role in the longevity of your clothing.  Why certain laundry detergents are better than others, why to hang vs lay flat and (here is the big one) why the dryer is not your friend! 

 Did you think that cleaning up your closet was only because mom didn’t want the mess?  So much of it was to help with the longevity of your clothing and teaching responsibility and respect.  Mom does really know best…

Don’t forget to thank your mom not only this holiday but remember that she is important in your life and thank her often.  My sissi and I are fortunate enough to have our mom close and to be a big part of our lives.  We get to hear her sage advise often (yes, sometimes it is more often than we want but that is our mom!)  Thanks mom for all that you have done to help us be the women we are today!  Not only do we have no Fear of Fashion, we are women with our own style!

Everywhere I turn, there is a scarf—The Must Have Accessory for 2013!  Scarves have been a part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember but I hear women say all too often “my friend looks great in her scarf or she can wear that, she has style”.

First, it’s about your personal style!  Colors, textures, fabrics and personality.  It’s all about how you want to wear your accessory. Scarves are an easy and affordable way to change the look of your wardrobe.  Personally, they are a must have travel accessory—easy to pack and no worries if they get lost.

Then you have what is hot and the latest trend, but is that you?  Well, it can be no matter what your style is. This spring black and white stripes or bright colors in a chevron print are hot, hot, hot!  Look at the color, texture & fabrics and pick out what you like and incorporate it into your current wardrobe.  (see a trend?)

Not sure how to wear a scarf?  What to do with the scarf once you get it?  Length?  Width?  Fabric?  No worries!  There are many instructional cards, videos and there is always the Google search…how to tie a scarf!  Here is a great one by one of my favorite scarf companies    http://youtu.be/iHQClVwCFxE

Have no Fear!  Fashion is your friend…

by MICHAEL COLLINS

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

Case Collins running a hit last MayThat sentiment above was proclaimed by Rogers Hornsby, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and one of the greatest players to ever play baseball. That same statement could have easily been heard out the mouths of many in Smith County, including my Dad, Harold “Slick” Collins. Although many people are happy with the products of Spring like the warm sun finally poking thru the grey cloud cover, or finally getting to sleep with your windows open, many folks also look forward to the spring for baseball!

As soon as it begins to warm, activity picks up at all the ballparks around Smith County. Every day the weather permits you will see moms and dads piling out of their vehicles with their children and bags of ball stuff. From Crump-Paris to the City Park, Spring means baseball in Smith County. And Smith County has all sorts of leagues available to boys and girls of all ages. For boys and girls ages 4 to 6 years old, Smith County T-Ball is available. For the slightly older, Smith County Coach Pitch is an option for boys and girls 6 to 8 Michael, his son Case and his father Harold “Slick” Collins.years old. For girls 8 to 16 years old interested in fastpitch softball, Smith County Softball has two leagues, “Little Girls” and “Big Girls”. Smith County Minor League eases youngsters ages 7 to 10 years old into “real” baseball with part of the year using a pitching machine and the rest of the year kids actually pitching. Children ages 10 to 12 are eligible to play Little League. Children ages 13 to 16 years old are able to continue playing baseball in the Smith County Senior League. Also in Smith County there are High School and Middle School baseball and softball teams. Do you get it now? Smith County loves them some baseball!

Baseball and softball are huge parts of children’s lives in Smith County just as it is in surrounding counties. These sports play a vital role in the development of children which translates directly to the wellbeing of our towns. Baseball provides the means for many children and parents to experience for the first time working together as a team, learning to win as well as learning to deal with losing, differences in abilities in children, and accountability to a universal set of rules. Along with the physical and mental abilities that are exercised when children participate, baseball also is important to the social development of children.

Michael coached Case in 2012Baseball played a huge part in my life. It was my first experience with organized sports and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for me. I first played baseball as a 7 year old in Houston, TX. I have been a lifelong resident of Carthage but my family moved to Houston so my mother, Cindy Collins, could undergo cancer treatments at M.D. Anderson Hospital. I had moved away from all my friends and the experience of being on a team quickly provided new friends. After I returned to Smith County I played in Minor League, then Little League, then Babe Ruth and High School Baseball. My Dad, Slick Collins, coached me every step of the way except for High School. Those experiences I hold dear to my heart until this day. I have so many friends that tell me how much they respect my Dad for coaching them as a child and how much fun they had on his teams.

Michael handing Case a trophy for T-ball in 2012This year will make the 33rd year my Dad has been involved with baseball. I am so proud of the effect he has had on the lives of so many children in Smith County, including mine.

Since moving back to Smith County after graduating from law school I have sponsored a Minor League and a T-Ball Team. This coming season will mark the third year my son, Case Collins, will have played T-Ball for the ‘Collins Law Dogs.’ I hope I can carry on the tradition of being involved in the lives of the children of Smith County just like my Dad has been.

And by the way…if you can’t find me at the office or my house this spring, you’ll surely find me on the ballfield!

by SUE SIENS

Director of the Wilson County Library System, Alesia Burnley, 2013 roastee, Hale Moss, and Library Board Chair, Diane Weathers

Ready, set, laugh! It’s time for one of the funniest fundraising events, the annual Wilson County Library Roast.

The event was the brain-child of former State Representative Stratton Bone and the Wilson County Library Board. The tradition of roasting, toasting, and laughing our heads off at a local prominent citizen started in 1991, and has netted more than $177,500 over the past 22 years. Proceeds from the event benefit all of the libraries in Wilson County and is used for needs not covered by the regular budget.

This year’s honoree is local businessman and owner of Moss’s Garden Center, Hale Moss.

Known for his active participation with the Wilson County Fair, Hale is the President of Wilson County Promotions, sponsor of the fair. He will be roasted by friends and colleagues on Thursday, March 28, at Castle Heights Elementary School in Lebanon. (This is one Roast you won’t want to miss!) Tickets are $35 each, or discounted tickets are available for tables of 8 or more, and can be purchased at the local libraries, from board members, or from the honoree.

Alesia Burnley, Wilson County Library System director, said “The honorees are brave and also very generous, to allow the guests to have a fun time at their expense. The honorees and the Library Board sell the tickets for the event, and we always have a great turn-out.”

Alesia estimated that 200-250 guests usually attend the event. She noted that a wonderful meal will be served by Jordan’s Catering, and added, “The board and others in the community help with decorations, printing, and financial support to make the event a success.”

2012 Honoree Sue Vanatta surrounded by her children after the roastingGeorge Harding was the honoree at the first Roast in 1991. The event program said, “King George – The Royal Roast”… and “The only thing brief about George is this biography.” As you might guess, that was just a preview of the hilarity the guests would experience. Local writer and artist Anne Donnell has drawn the artwork of each Roast honoree for all of the event programs.

Following Harding, other courageous Roast honorees included Glenn Gardner, former State Senator Bob Rochelle (who also serves as Master of Ceremonies at most Roast events), Donna Evins, Ed Callis, Campbell Brandon, Mildred Hearne, Frank Dudley, Leonard Tyree, Patricia Bone, Coleman Walker, Kathy Warmath, James Cason, Dixie Taylor-Huff, Andy Brummett, Johnie Payton, Larry Locke, Hattie Bryant, Woody Hunt, Lucy Lee, Chip Smith, and in 2012 – Sue Vanatta.

When asked to comment about her “roasting” at last year’s event, Vanatta said, “I was extremely honored and excited to raise money for the libraries. My advice is to choose your roasters carefully… they will fry you! It was all in fun and for a very good cause. I am looking forward to a good time at the next one.”

And so are we!