Four States Living Magazine February 2026

LTHE WAY I SEE IT ...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

ike most people in middle age, I think about my own mortality from time to time. Wills, trusts, and life insurance are reviewed regularly at my house. I don’t sit around brooding about death, but I probably give it more thought than the average person. I have a child with special needs who will require physical care for her entire life, and the idea of leaving her in someone else’s care is far scarier to me than death itself. So yes—I want to live a long, long time.

That desire has shaped many of my decisions, especially the questionable ones.

About 20 years ago, after having three children, gaining some weight, and getting a cholesterol reading of 350, I decided I was going to take control. I hired a personal trainer. For nine months, I worked out faithfully, logged my meals, and eventually managed to run a couple of miles without passing out. I also lost . . . four pounds.

Just. Four.

Since I don’t enjoy sweating under the best of circumstances, I turned in my locker key, retired my sweatbands, and stopped writing checks to the exercise sergeant who punished me weekly. (Honestly, I think the only reason I stuck it out that long was because I liked the trainer.)

For years, being skinny was all I wanted. Because of that, I tried every diet known to womankind. If Oprah drank it, I drank it. If Dr. Atkins said pork skins were the answer, I happily complied. I endured cabbage soup, diet shakes, and anything advertised on late-night television that promised weight loss while I slept. That was always my favorite concept.

Lose 10. Gain 20. Repeat.

By my early 30s, being thin had become an obsession. I was unhappy, depressed, and willing to do just about anything to change my body. I wasn’t healthy. I was desperate.

Then, in 2001, the FDA approved the Lap-Band, a surgical procedure that restricted how much food a person could eat. If the FDA approved it, it had to be safe . . . right? I scraped together savings, couch change, and garage-sale cash, and in 2004, I did it.

Over the next two years, I lost about 80 pounds. I was thrilled. Proud. Relieved. I told anyone who would listen how this “minimally invasive” miracle had changed my life.

A few years later, the band slipped. I couldn’t eat anything; I was constantly sick and vomiting. I found a specialist out-of-town and learned that new data suggested the Lap-Band wasn’t quite the miracle doctors first thought it was. But logic had left the building. I didn’t want health; I wanted to stay thin.

“Just take this band out and put another one in,” I told the doctor.

And so, with my money, he did it.

Fast-forward another 10 years. The second Lap-Band failed too—this time so badly that I couldn’t swallow. I landed in CHRISTUS St. Michael, where my gastroenterologist stretched my esophagus gradually, over a long six weeks, and made me promise to remove the band permanently. Years of vomiting had damaged my esophagus, and I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition.

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Ellen Orr

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Phoebe Warren

Cancer. That word will sober you up fast.

I learned that repeated acid exposure from vomiting can permanently damage the esophagus. If you have chronic reflux, please hear me: get it checked. Many people live with Barrett’s safely, but ignoring it is not a great plan.

Last September, after what I assumed would be a routine scope, my doctor called to say that two pathologists had read my biopsies, and my Barrett’s esophagus cells were turning cancerous. Suddenly, I was being referred to a doctor in Shreveport because no one locally could take it any further. The precancer cells needed to be burned away via multiple rounds of ablation.

My first appointment was in November. My new doctor, who is a rockstar, trained at M.D. Anderson for exactly this. I went in for the first ablation feeling confident. I’d been working in the yard, had a tan, and even spotted some calf definition in the elevator mirror. I was wearing Nike shorts, a Four States Living T-shirt, and my cutest tennies. I “looked healthy.”

With a surgery room full of residents and nurses, the doctor told me that the pathology report revealed a nodule on my esophagus, in addition to the changing cells. Therefore, he thought we should actually delay the ablation—he could remove the nodule that day and then kill the precancer cells at a future appointment.

I hadn’t been aware of any nodules before that day, and I was already stressed about how much time this was going to take from my family. So, with an IV already started in my arm, and in my most authoritative teacher voice, I insisted he do everything he could in one visit. I explained how strong I was, how I lift my daughter every day, how I can’t afford multiple trips away from her. I looked him square in the eyes and told him how strong I was, with the confidence of a 25-yearold MMA fighter.

Oh boy, was I wrong.

I should have told him, “I am 55. I don’t workout. I eat like a 5-year-old. I don’t wear sunscreen. I love to rake, but I also consider riding my lawnmower as exercise. Oh, and my pain tolerance is zero. Take your sweet time.” But I didn’t.

What followed was a three-part treatment that the doctor performed in one go; I’m convinced it was because I had been so compelling with my bossy teacher voice. When I woke up, I was miserable. I dry-heaved the entire drive home, lying on the floorboard of my wheelchair-accessible van, crying, burning from the inside out. When I got home, I collapsed.

For three weeks, I barely left my bed. I could not eat anything and rapidly lost 20 pounds. My muscles atrophied. Walking from one room to the next exhausted me. The doctor prescribed 530-calorie protein drinks to keep me from losing more weight. I tried to choke them down. I was miserable.

At my lowest point, I wondered if that was it.

I wish I’d had a crystal ball back in 2004—or, better yet, a healthier mindset. Oh, how I would have made different choices.

This issue of Four States Living is about health and beauty and wellness—and how many forms they can take. It’s not bingeing and purging. It’s not surgery or miracle medications. It doesn’t have to be GLP-1s or plastic fixes. Feeling good about yourself starts in your head, not on a scale. If plastic surgery or weight-loss surgery or GLP-1s will make you happy, I’m the last to criticize your path. I just wish I had cured my mental issues about my size before I attacked my physical body with a surgery. Maybe someone will read my words and take a pause before finding a medical “cure” for a problem that isn’t actually a problem at all.

Inside these pages, you’ll find stories about mental wellness, movement that fits into real lives, and fitness that doesn’t punish. Life is precious. Take a proactive step—any step—toward living a longer, happier one. Find what works for you. I’ve got a busy year ahead of me, but I’m going to stay the course. Lots of exciting life to live.

As always, thanks for reading FSLM.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jessica Vickers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Abigail Gold

Madeline Haak

Ellen Orr

Robin Proctor

Dr. Robin Rogers

Brandon Shoemaker

Phoebe Warren

Four States Living Magazine is published the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2026 by Four States Living Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $40.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed.

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

We welcome information regarding topics of interest for future publications. If you have a story or photos that in some way depicts living or visiting in the Four States area and would be of interest to our readers, we want to hear from you. Call 903-792-2262 or write: Editorial Department, Four States Living Magazine, 4104 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, Texas 75503. Comments are also welcome at our e-mail address: info@fourstatesliving.com

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Valerie Solomon is a fitness coach, real estate agent, and mother of four. After returning to her hometown, she used her physical and mental strength to build a career that combines all her interests and skills. Read Lift As You Rise on page 10.

CONTRIBUTOR

A Texarkana native, Madeline Haak joins FSLM as one of our newest writers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s in communication from Arkansas State University. She manages Red River Credit Union’s charitable giving foundation, RRCU Gives, which awards grants to nonprofits annually. A self-described Type-A personality, Madeline thrives on challenge—whether through running, hiking, or storytelling. Passionate about community involvement, she loves highlighting people and places that make Texarkana feel like home.

LIFT AS YOU R SE

Fitness coach, realtor, and mother of four, Valerie Solomon established her career after returning to her hometown

by MADELINE HAAK

Fitness didn’t just strengthen Valerie Solomon’s body and mind: it also opened doors that she never imagined and allowed her to create the life she has always desired, all in her hometown of Texarkana.

“I have lived many places, and Texarkana is a special place,” she said. “It’s a wonderful town to raise children in. My [youngest] boys were in fifth, eighth, and tenth grade when we moved here [from Maryland, in 2021], and they have thrived. We know what it’s like to live away from family and in different community situations, so we really value what we have here in Texarkana.”

Valerie not only manages 30 in-person clients through her fitness program, along with running an online fitness coaching business; she is also among the top 25 realtors in Texarkana (with $6,504,900 in property sold for the year of 2025). Still, of all of her titles, being a mom is the one she is most proud of, and it has influenced her greatly in her other roles.

“Being a boy mom is my absolute favorite thing in my life. I parent a lot like I coach. I’m a teacher and a guide, always helping them choose for themselves what is going to make them proud, not me proud,” she said.

Valerie believes her journey of discovering her strength began during her swim career at Texas High School. After having four kids in her 20s, she decided she wanted to focus on getting back in shape, but she was intimated. All she knew was that she enjoyed weightlifting during high school.

“I loved getting up early to lift weights before school back in the day,” she said. “[Being on the swim team] probably shaped me more than anything. I learned what hard work was, and I learned that I was tough. Although I had lifted [weights] as a teenager at Texas High, I didn’t feel like I knew what to do [as an adult]. I hired a trainer to teach me and fell in love with lifting, seeing results, feeling strong, and feeling empowered.”

From that point forward, Valerie became passionate about helping others realize their full potential. She started working as a fitness coach. One of her first fitness clients was Lauren Callaway, PH Realty team leader.

“I was not a realtor yet, but I had been thinking about it,” Valerie recalled. “Lauren had been thinking that she wanted a gym at her future real estate office, so basically our worlds collided. I got my real estate license, and she built me a gym at our new office.”

It’s not just her devotion to a healthy lifestyle that inspires others. Valerie believes she brings a relatability to her interactions with clients that helps motivate them.

“I think, for my clients, seeing me as a woman who could have crumbled a few times in life but decided to have no excuses—it keeps them having no excuses, too. If I can do it, so can they,” she said. “I’m a natural teacher. I love breaking things down and helping people see what they are capable of. I find that one of my strengths is that I’m relatable and laid back.”

In Texarkana, Valerie has found it easy to network and prioritize what she values in life while working hard and staying fit.

“I love having both careers. Fitness comes easy for me, and I love the time I have with my clients. I’ll never stop training and sharing my love of lifting,” she said. “My fitness clients are some of my best referrers to my real estate business, too. Both businesses work well together for me.”

The networking skills Valerie exhibits are likely related to her competitive spirit. She used to compete as a UFE

Without addressing mindset, we aren’t going to be successful in a lifelong pursuit of fitness.

”

photo Figure PRO bodybuilder but learned that the lifestyle wasn’t intended to be maintained forever. This led to her establishing her own idea of fitness and creating a business to help others improve their lives.

“I’m different because strength is the goal. Many trainers sell sweating, high intensity, shrinking bodies, quick and fast workouts. I sell strength as an identity,” she said. “I coach traditional weightlifting. It’s a style of exercise that anyone can do for life. It’s modifiable for any limitation. I used to have to convince women that they need to lift. Now women get it.”

Valerie maintains the Facebook and Instagram pages “Busy Mom Gets Fit,” where she shares an inside look of her day-to-day life and workouts from “Club PH,” which is the custom gym built for the members of PH Realty, PH Property Management, and PH Design Firm. Her workout program, “Val’s Gals,” can be accessed via an exclusive app. One of her main goals is to help women everywhere grow stronger, by growing her online Val’s Gals coaching program, which she has been running since 2011.

“[Clients] get strength-training workouts delivered though my app, and it changes up monthly. They can do the workouts at home or in a gym. They communicate with me through the app, messaging and checking in,” she explained.

Valerie encourages others to think ahead and imagine the future they want for themselves. Her mission is to enlighten people by showing them that

how they treat themselves plays the biggest role in the quality of their livelihood.

“Showing up for myself now, when it would be easy to give up, will pay off,” she said. “The work you do today builds the body you’ll have in the future. You have the power to create the life you want, and you are going to need a strong body to live it. Taking care of yourself is an absolute must. You will feel the compounding effect of doing something healthy for yourself. You start to have more energy. You start to have confidence. You start showing up differently in other areas of your life. Also, you are teaching your kids how to take care of themselves when they are busy, overwhelmed adults. Set the standard for your family. You will impact generations.”

Valerie also believes mentality plays an important role in health and wellbeing, and she considers it her responsibility to help shift the attitudes of her clients.

“Most of us struggle, not because we don’t know what to do, but because we have self-doubt, selfsabotage, issues with consistency, an all-or-nothing mentality,” she said. “Without addressing mindset, we aren’t going to be successful in a lifelong pursuit of fitness. I’ve learned that just saying you want to get in shape is not enough. You have got to truly dig deep and identify what is going to keep you in the gym for life. I joke that, as a trainer, I’m a therapist. We all have a whole other level we are keeping ourselves from. It’s my job to pull it out of people in the weight room.”

A BEAUTIFUL COLLAB

Phe Michelle and Kimberly Bearden of Oasis Beauty beautify with skincare science and makeup artistry

by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

On any given morning at Oasis Beauty, there’s a quiet hum before the first brush ever touches skin. It’s the rhythm of two women who know each other well, moving easily through their space, trading glances, and finishing each other’s thoughts. Years of shared work have turned collaboration into instinct.

Phe Michelle and Kimberly Bearden, both in their early 30s, grew up similarly— both active students, athletes, cheerleaders, saleswomen, freelancers—before landing exactly where they were meant to be: business partners and co-owners of Oasis Beauty in Summerhill Square. Together, they offer makeup artistry, eyebrow styling, skincare, facials, and wedding services for clients across the four states area. They are united by their shared belief: beauty is personal, holistic, and deeply connected to how people live their lives.

Two Paths, One Calling

Phe grew up in Atlanta, Texas, surrounded by activity and creativity. Early on, she gravitated toward glamor. “I always loved makeup,” she said. “I used to sneak my mom’s mascara and eyeliner, wear it to school, and then wash it off before I got home.”

By sixth grade, she was studying makeup tutorials and reading Seventeen Magazine, taking notes and imagining more. That curiosity eventually led her to the Lancôme counter at Dillard’s—an experience that would shape her entire career.

Dillard’s was where Phe turned her passion into precision. She worked at the Lancôme counter while simultaneously attending esthetician school, learning facials and skincare alongside the art of makeup. Dillard’s invested heavily in education, sending artists to advanced trainings. “That’s where I really learned about undertones, overtones, face shapes, mature skin, young skin, everything,” she said.

And, in tandem, becoming a licensed esthetician changed how she approached makeup entirely. “Learning about skincare really helped me with my makeup,” she said. “If you understand the skin first, everything you put on top of it looks better.”

Growing up in Genoa, Arkansas, Kimberly was also intrigued by makeup and bustling with activities. Kimberly had always been drawn to art. Her father noticed it early on and encouraged her creativity, enrolling her in art classes and introducing her to other artists. That early foundation in art became the spark for her love of beauty and makeup — it was just another way to create art.

In college, Kimberly initially chose the pre-med route, following what felt practical and expected. Then one day, everything shifted. “I just woke up and was like, ‘I don’t want to do this,’” she said. Trusting that instinct, she enrolled in cosmetology school. At first, she imagined herself as a hairstylist, but she quickly found herself drawn elsewhere. “I found myself more in the esthetician room,” she explained, “doing facials and makeup and eyebrows.” It was there—working with skin, shape, and detail—that her artistic background and natural intuition came together.

Eventually, Kimberly applied at Dillard’s for a position at the Clinique counter. That’s where she met Phe—and where their shared future quietly began.

Dillard’s, Destiny, and a Shared Dream

At Dillard’s, both women learned far more than makeup. “That job taught me how to sell and how to communicate well with others,” Kimberly said. “I didn’t really have those skills before.”

They also learned how naturally they worked together. “If we had a free weekend and were asked to do makeup, we’d collab,” Phe said. “That just carried over.”

They talked often about the future. “We always said, ‘When we get out of here, we’re going to start our own businesses,’” Kimberly recalled.

In 2022, Oasis Beauty officially opened its doors.

A True Partnership

Oasis Beauty works because the partnership works. Kimberly specializes in makeup artistry and eyebrow styling. Phe offers professional makeup artistry, resultsdriven facials, and tailored bridal skin preparation, helping brides achieve a flawless glow for their big day.

“People always say, ‘I don’t want a cake face,’” Kimberly laughed. “They don’t want to look like a clown.”

“Our makeup looks good in person, on camera, and in video,” Phe explained. “It’s about balance— enhancing what’s already there.”

Skin Tells the Story

Ask either woman what makes the biggest difference in how someone’s skin looks, and the answer you’ll get will go far beyond products.

“People will give me celebrity photos and say, ‘I want this,’” Phe said. “And I’m like, ‘This is what they’re doing to get there: They’re getting facials. They’re intentional about what they eat. They drink their water. They work out. They’re probably less stressed. Stress shows up on the skin. Whatever you’re eating shows up on the skin. Once you open your pores, all of that comes out.’”

Hydration, both women agree, is foundational, but it’s not as simple as drinking water alone. “Water is important, but electrolytes are what keep you hydrated and plump,” Phe said. She suggests eating foods with high water content whenever possible. “Cucumbers, melons, watermelon—those are really hydrating foods.”

Both women agree that there is no product more important than a daily sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside.

Sleep matters just as much. “I love eight hours,” Kimberly said.

Phe added that winding down is essential. “I put my phone away about an hour before bed. I’ll read, color, or just really decompress,” she said. “Your skin rejuvenates when you sleep. If it’s tired, it can’t do what it needs to do.”

Kimberly summed it up: “You can buy all the luxury products—high-end everything—and if you’re not taking care of yourself, none of it matters,” she said.

More Than Makeup

Despite their years of training and experience, the pair still encounter misconceptions. “People ask, ‘What else do you do?’” Phe said. “They don’t realize this is full-time professional work.”

“You’re paying for our time, our expertise, our professional tools and makeup, and the years it took to get here,” Kimberly added.

At Oasis Beauty, makeup isn’t about hiding flaws or chasing trends. It’s about care, confidence, and connection— the same values that shaped both women long before either ever picked up a brush.

“We enhance,” Phe said. “We don’t change who you are.”

PHE’S HEALTHY GLOW-GETTER TIPS

Skincare • Bridal Prep • Healthy Skin

START WITH SKIN, ALWAYS.

Makeup is only as good as the skin underneath it.

HYDRATION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Drink water, use a cleanser appropriate for your skin type, and never skip skin moisturizer or spf- no matter the skin type.

CONSISTENCY BEATS EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS. A simple routine done every day works better than luxury products used randomly.

PREP YOUR SKIN BEFORE BIG EVENTS.

Brides should start facials and proper skincare months before the wedding—not the week-of.

DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR SKIN.

Too many products can cause irritation and breakouts. More is not better.

SUN PROTECTION IS SKINCARE.

SPF isn’t optional, even when you’re just “running errands.”

YOUR LIFESTYLE SHOWS ON YOUR FACE.

Sleep, stress, food, and water matter just as much as products.

MAKEUP SHOULD ENHANCE—NOT MASK.

Makeup is all about balance. When the look is balanced, your natural beauty shines through.

CAMERA-READY DOESN’T MEAN CAKEY.

Well-prepped skin photographs better than layers of foundation.

FIND SOMEONE WHO LOOKS LIKE YOU FOR INSPIRATION.

Filters and AI faces aren’t real—your skin deserves realistic goals.

KIMBERLY’S BEAUTY CONFIDENCE TIPS

Makeup • Brows • Everyday Confidence

BROWS FRAME YOUR ENTIRE FACE. The right brow shape can lift your eyes and change your whole look.

FULL BROWS DON’T MEAN MESSY BROWS. Shape and balance matter more than thickness.

AS WE AGE, BROWS NEED EXTRA CARE. Protect them, nourish them, and avoid over-plucking.

YOUR MAKEUP WILL ONLY LOOK AS GOOD AS YOUR SKINCARE. If you want makeup to look beautiful up close and in photos, prepping your skin and brows is key.

BLENDING IS EVERYTHING.

Seamless blending makes even bold makeup look polished.

YOUR FACE ISN’T MEANT TO LOOK LIKE SOMEONE ELSE’S. Trends should be adjusted to fit your features.

GOOD MAKEUP SHOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE. If you’re constantly aware of it, something’s off.

NEUTRAL DOESN’T MEAN BORING. Soft glam can still feel elevated and confident.

MAKEUP IS ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL, NOT JUST HOW YOU LOOK. Confidence is the final step in every routine.

EVERYONE DESERVES TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY SEASON OF LIFE.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

The Perot Theatre hosted its fifth annual “Christmas on Main” event on Saturday, December 20th at 10 a.m. This family-friendly celebration, which offers activities for all ages, has become a cherished holiday tradition in Texarkana. This year’s downtown spectacle included an ice skating rink, various vendors, food trucks, carriage rides, opportunities for photos with Santa Claus, live music, and films screened inside the historic Perot Theatre.

GET WEIRD, STAY YOUNG

by ELLEN ORR

photo by SHANE DARBY

Their love story began as so many do: at a three-day silent meditation retreat in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She was a just-retired music/arts teacher and mother of two grown children, who was grieving the recent death of her own mother; he was a 65-year-old ordained minister and spiritual counselor with four grown children and one child at home.

“I walk into the retreat center, and there is [longtime Texarkana yoga instructor] Donna Blair with her two friends, one being Lynnel,” Bart recalled. “Donna’s always dressed to the nines, always appropriate, and so I look at her, and I go, ‘I suppose your people are going to be better behaved again this year than mine’— because I’m known to be kind of a renegade.” At that point, Lynnel made eye contact with Bart, pointed to herself, and shook her head. He was immediately enthralled.

“I got no chance to talk to her,” he continued. “In Zen meditation, you sit facing each other in silence, so for three days, I just watched her, and it was like—she’d light up and just fill the room with this energy . . . like a lighthouse.”

After the retreat, Bart Gould returned to his Shreveport home and emailed Lynnel Westerman. They went on their first date on St. Patrick’s Day 2012 and have been together ever since, splitting their time between his home in Shreveport and hers in Texarkana.

Lynnel, originally from New York, worked in elementary special ed and arts education for 38 years, at Pleasant Grove ISD and then at Texarkana ISD. Upon her retirement in 2012, she pursued yoga teacher training through the Massachusetts-based Kripalu Center and slowly began teaching classes at Texarkana College and Texarkana Yoga. Over time, she collected a loyal sangha, or spiritual community, of yoga students—primarily but not exclusively seniors, and mostly women. (Bart was often, though not always, the only man in attendance.)

laughed. “There used to be a place outside of Texarkana on the north side—a must-stop for corn dogs.” He was an ordained minister in the Unitarian Universalist church, held a doctorate in ministry, and had a long history with meditation as a spiritual practice.

Bart spent many years as a UU minister before establishing a smaller spiritual community in Shreveport. He and Lynnel spent many Sundays in a friend’s living room, meditating, engaging in book studies, and discussing spiritual tenets. Bart continued (and continues) to offer spiritual counseling professionally.

For years, Bart and Lynnel practiced their spirituality together and supported each other, but in 2020, the dynamic subtly shifted. When COVID-19 made travel and inperson gatherings unsafe, Lynnel pivoted to Zoom. While many people of all ages were intimidated by the move to virtual operations, Lynnel embraced the opportunity.

“I had taken a couple of yoga workshops on Zoom, and I thought, ‘Well, I think I could do that,’” she said. “So, we went through the whole process of getting that started, and then we thought, ‘Well, if we can do yoga on Zoom, we can do meditation on Zoom. Why not?’”

At this point, Bart’s youngest child was attending college, and he was spending more time in Texarkana. They began gathering their various sanghas online. More than ever, Bart and Lynnel were partners—in life and in spiritual guidance.

Soon, the yoga classes, meditation groups, and study groups expanded to include people from all over the country—and then all over the world. Even when in-person gathering was again permissible, Lynnel and Bart gladly continued online, in community with people from various backgrounds and time zones. However, they missed being with others inperson—so began the birth of The Barn.

Bart, also born in New York, lived all over the country before relocating from Chicago to Shreveport as an adult; he chose the ArkLa-Tex because it was midway between where his parents had settled, in Oklahoma and New Orleans. “I used to get corn dogs here,” he

Lynnel, who has lived in her Myrtle Springs home for over 40 years, had a standalone garage built on her property in 1993. “Over time, it had been a garage, it had been a shop, it had been a place for my teenagers to hang out, it had been storage,” she said. “I just thought, ‘Man, I really, I really want to do something with that, and I want to claim it as mine.’”

Bart and Lynnel, with the help of a friend, spent two years renovating the space. Two walls are covered in doors that Lynnel salvaged in 1993 as cheap wall material. Rearranged to fit the new space, they provide

Our practices are rooted in compassion, self-compassion, and loving-kindness. “ ”

– Lynnel Westerman

visual interest and inspire countless metaphors from meditators. The many bookshelves house Bart’s library of texts on spirituality, world religions, psychology, and neuroscience. Equipped with chairs, yoga mats, and props, the space is an idyllic spot for yoga, meditation, workshops, and other spiritual activities. And, with a strong WiFi signal, Lynnel and Bart are able to offer hybrid classes—so none of their non-local sangha members are excluded. (This also allows locals who are ill or mobility-impaired to attend safely.)

Though their teachings are applicable to adults of all ages, Bart and Lynnel are especially passionate about helping older people grow their spiritual practices, improve their health, and have new experiences. Longevity is the name of the game.

“Our brains are very conservative, and they resist change,” Bart said. “The feeling associated with ‘I don’t have neural pathways for this’? It feels weird. It’s about not letting that subtle pushback stop you.”

In her yoga classes, Lynnel often instructs people to interlace their fingers—and then to relace them differently. “It feels weird, right? Anything new is going to feel weird at first.”

Accepting this weirdness is one key to longevity. “Trying something new is good for you,” Bart said. Lynnel furthered his point, referencing the scientific concept of neuroplasticity; the more you learn and grow, the more able you are to learn and grow.

“If you want to stay young,” she said, “try something new.”

Bart and Lynnel epitomize this principle. “I can’t believe I’m in my mid-70s, and I’m creating something new,” Lynnel said.

The Barn currently hosts weekly yoga and meditation classes, which are also available via Zoom, as well as private sessions by appointment. So far, two daylong retreats have taken place in the space, with more to come. Lynnel and Bart also envision workshops, visiting teachers, spiritual ceremonies, and other mind-body experiences in the future.

A website is in the works. In the meantime, anyone interested in Lynnel and Bart’s offerings can contact Lynnel via her Facebook page, Yoga With Lynnel. They encourage anyone who is nervous, especially older people, to reach out with questions.

“Our practices are rooted in compassion, self-compassion, and loving-kindness,” Lynnel said. “Fear keeps people out. If it’s health or body [fear]—your back, your knee—you know, we’ve had knee replacements and hip replacements. We get that, and we know that. Guess what? That’s not the end of it. That is just the beginning, because now look what you can still do. That’s pretty exciting.”

I CAN. I WILL. I MUST.

Siera Nelson turned perseverance into purpose as the owner of TXK Elite Crossfit

by PHOEBE WARREN

Careers are rarely built in a straight line. For Siera Nelson, every unexpected curve in her path played a role in leading her exactly where she was meant to be. Now the owner and operator of TXK Elite Crossfit, Siera’s journey was shaped not only by resilience but also a willingness to listen when her purpose called her in a different direction.

From childhood to emerging adulthood, Siera’s primary passion was basketball. “I enjoyed the sport because it was fun, and I was able to build lifelong friendships,” she said. “One thing I gained from the sport was discipline, and how important it is to have in order to overcome the ups and downs of growth and goals.” By the time Siera was a senior in high school, she had decided on becoming a basketball coach. “I wanted to be able to improve kids’ weaknesses in order to help them become a better player,” she said.

When Siera enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Central Arkansas, her passions and interests shifted slightly. Instead of coaching basketball, she wondered if she might be a better fit as a “coach” of general physical wellness. She decided to pursue physical therapy.

“My interest for physical therapy was to be able to help individuals overcome a weakness and understand that having a limitation shouldn’t slow them down,” she said. However, after interning at several physical therapy clinics, Siera felt that her passions and her career path weren’t truly aligning. “I realized that the field [of physical therapy] was too slow for me,” she said. “I wanted to work with athletes. There tends to be a different mentality and motivation.”

Siera’s specific interests led her to obtain a bachelor’s in kinesiology. “My final goal was to become a strength and conditioning coach at a college or university,” she explained. She wanted to move forward in the life she was starting to envision—as a trainer for other athletes.

While Siera was studying hard for her future, she took a job at the front desk of a gym. She moved up the ranks there until she was on staff as a personal trainer. “I wanted to put myself in the field of training individuals and consider it as practice,” she said. “I had never trained anyone, and so I learned what worked and what didn’t work.” She continued to improve her skills, from one-on-one training to leading entire groups.

When a friend introduced her to CrossFit, everything Siera had done so far suddenly made perfect sense. “I realized this is what I want to do,” she said.

CrossFit is a strength, conditioning, and overall fitness program consisting mainly of a mix of aerobic exercises, calisthenics, and weightlifting. By 2018, Siera had obtained her CrossFit Level 1 Certification and had accepted her first job as an official CrossFit coach. She was offered a management position as well, and while she continued to coach, she also learned how to keep a gym operating successfully. When that gym closed three years later, Siera found an opportunity to open a CrossFit affiliate inside another facility. Some of her athletes followed her there, and over two years, she built a strong community. Unexpectedly, in 2023, the gym was bought out by a different company, and she had to leave.

Siera found herself at a crossroads. She wrestled with the uncertainty of her new calling and wondered again if being a strength and conditioning coach for collegiate athletes was a better option for her. Still, her heart told her that she had found her place. “Something about CrossFit drew me to it, and I didn’t want to let it go,” she said. “And, at that point, I had not only built the confidence to pursue my own CrossFit gym, but I also felt obligated to do something for the athletes who had been with me for all these years and appeared to be looking to me to make a decision.”

Siera opened TXK Elite CrossFit in June of 2024. “The challenges I faced when first opening my gym I would say were all in my head,” she said. “Mentally, I was overwhelmed, due to thinking I wasn’t capable of owning a gym. My mentality

The challenges I faced when first opening my gym I would say were all in my head. “ ”

started to shift once I found a building and told my existing athletes that we would have somewhere to call our own. Through their excitement and following, my confidence grew, and I began to tell myself daily, ‘I can, I will, I must.’”

Now, TXK Elite Crossfit offers both CrossFit and HYROX (a popular indoor fitness competition combining running and functional workouts), the only gym within 100 miles to offer both. Siera is proud of the culture of inclusivity and individuality she has fostered within her gym, and she has five coaches on staff who are encouraged to grow alongside her. “I empower them by letting them know my vision and how I would want them to grow in the business and be a part of that vision,” she said. “Also, I let them know that they are allowed to be themselves with no apologies. Everyone has their own coaching style.”

Fueled by her purpose, Siera is determined to move forward, expanding both her business and her community. To those who aspire to chase their own ambitions, she offers this wisdom: “Be kind to everyone, build relationships, ask questions, be disciplined and consistent, push through hard times, and, no matter what, go after that thing that drives you and keeps you up at night.”

AND LET YOURSELF GROW “LET THEM”

by ROBIN PROCTOR

Afriend recently shared a photo on social media of a book she had been gifted by her daughter: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Maybe it was the timing, January fading into February, or the simple truth of those two words: “let them.” Whatever the reason, it stopped me dead in my tracks. After quick visit to Audible, my journey began. I found myself listening and relistening to chapter after chapter. Let them. Let them think what they want. Let them judge. Let them misunderstand. And then, quietly, but with concise direction, let yourself live.

As I read Mel Robbins’ book, I couldn’t help but notice how closely her advice mirrors what so many of us wrestle with when we try to change our lifestyles—especially when those changes look a little different from the norm. Cleaner eating, moving more, starting a garden, growing your own food, baking sourdough bread, raising chickens, grounding yourself. These are healthy choices, for sure, but they can often invite scrutiny. “She’ll never stick with it.” “She has no idea what she is doing.” “What does she know about raising chickens?” These are just a few possibilities one might encounter. I have consistently referred to myself as an “aspiring homesteader,” just to give myself the wiggle room I need for failure.

From a self-confidence standpoint, this is where things can get a little tricky. To this day, I still feel the need to cut every loaf of sourdough bread in half before I give it away. At the very least, it comes with my personal warning label, “Hey, don’t feel like you have to eat this if it’s not any good . . . Just throw it away!” Really?! Did I just say that?

On more than one occasion, I have heard confessions from others that they would love to attempt the homesteading experience at some level but quickly follow with a self-deprecating statement. They wish they could start a garden, but they are certain they don’t have the time to invest, or worry that they may do it all wrong. They may dream of collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, straight from their own coop, but made the mistake of deep-diving on one of the hundred chicken social media pages and are sufficiently terrified of all the horrendous diseases, smells, and predators out there. (I think this might be the right time to dispel the theory: eggs are not cheaper when you are raising hens,

but I think it surely beats going to the grocery store.) They want to start cooking clean food for their family but fear the reaction from others. Before we even get started, we have already abandoned our goals because we have silently convinced ourselves that we are just “not the kind of person” who could ever pull it off.

Confession time from an “aspiring homesteader”: it took me 15 years, hours of researching chickens, and the book Chickens for Dummies to get brave enough to raise chickens. If it hadn’t been for my precious chicken-raising friend, Taylor, I still wouldn’t have them.

Homesteading—whether it’s a full-blown lifestyle or just a few raised beds— requires a certain amount of bravery. Not the “rescuing someone from a burning building” kind of bravery, but the kind that says, “I am going to try this, even if I am way over my head.”

Gardening, no matter at what scale, is an exercise in hope. After all these years, I am still filled with amazement when a tiny seed sprouts from the dirt; just ask my husband. The discovery of this tiny seedling warrants me dragging him out to the greenhouse, as though I need confirmation that I am not a failure. “Look!” I exclaim. “It’s growing!” I am keenly aware that Mother Nature is fickle at best when it comes to the weather and ideal growing conditions.

And chickens—well, that is a forever learning curve; you will win some, and you will lose some. They can and occasionally do get sick, and there are predators out there (of course, I do a head count of all 16 girls every evening when I tuck them away safely in their predator-proof coop). I can confidently say that nature has a way of teaching us through failure and success.

For gardeners, February is full of hope. Yes, it may be cold, it may be muddy, and it may be dreary, but for gardeners, it’s a time to start turning that compost, planning beds, and starting seeds indoors (with lots of sunlight). February is the time to come out of hibernation and start bending, lifting, stooping, and building. February offers us gifts of sunshine and blue skies in tandem with fresh, brisk air. Nothing looks impressive yet, but so much is happening under

the surface. You might spot an occasional shoot emerging from the dirt, evidence that you can grow something, even if it’s just a garlic bulb that you planted last year (twice). There is something healing about nurturing life, albeit chickens or seedlings, when the world feels loud and chaotic.

And yet, this is where judgement often sneaks in: judgment from others or perhaps from your own inner voice.

“Why are you doing that?” “You know you can just buy that at the store.”

“Do you have any idea what you are doing?” As Mel Robbins would say: let them. Let them laugh, judge, or doubt you. Outside reactions don’t get a vote in your desire to change.

I feel compelled to interject that I am blessed to have wonderfully supportive friends, as well as a patient husband who has accepted that my mind doesn’t change very easily once I get an idea. My judgement comes from myself. What if I fail? What if I do all this work and the rain washes it all away (been there, done that)? I am aware that I can just go buy eggs! I often have to remind myself that failure is inevitable, a correction on the roadmap to homesteading.

What I appreciate most about The Let Them Theory is that it doesn’t tell us to harden our hearts. The most important component to this theory is the “Let Me” component. Only you can decide to try something new, whether it’s eating healthier, planting a garden, or getting chickens. It’s freeing when you stop living under scrutiny and fear of failure. Make your plan, do your homework, and have fun on the journey—and laugh, even if there are a few bumps along the way.

If you are facing February, thinking about new routines, healthier habits, or just planting a packet of seeds you’ve been hesitant to plant, consider this your permission slip. Be brave, take a chance, live on the edge, and let yourself grow! Will it be challenging? Most definitely! If I am being totally transparent, I had the most difficult time submitting this article to my very understanding editor, a day late. Why? I was completely consumed with self-doubt. But this much I know: with strong, deep roots, beautiful things will grow.

ALL SMILES

Drs. Janée and Jeff Atkinson talk service, marriage, and dentistry

by MADELINE HAAK

Most couples build lives together. Drs. Janée and Jeff Atkinson have built both their lives and careers together, sharing a common desire to serve others in the field of dentistry.

“It’s been really fun building careers in the same profession while building a life together,” Janée said. “Sharing the same field made it easy to grow together and enjoy the journey along the way.”

Jeff and Janée met in 1991 while they were both attending dental school, and they married after Janée’s graduation in 1995. After marrying, they moved home to begin their work. Jeff joined his father at his practice in New Boston, while Janée associated with a dentist in Texarkana before moving across town to open her own practice in 1998.

“Having two separate offices gave us the freedom to practice according to our own personalities and helped prevent disagreements,” Jeff said. “We do a good job of leaving work at the office and not bringing it home. We do vent to one another after frustrating days, and it helps to understand exactly what the other spouse is going through.”

The Atkinsons’ teamwork doesn’t stop there. In 2010, they felt a calling to give back in some way to their community in New Boston, so they partnered with Dentistry from the Heart, a nonprofit organization making free dental service accessible to those in need.

“I remember a sermon from our preacher about giving back to the community,” Jeff recalled. “Around the same time, our friends from Tyler hosted a similar charity event, and we traveled there to observe how it operated. I had always dreamed of doing charity work in another country, but I realized I could serve just as meaningfully in my own hometown.”

The Atkinsons, along with dedicated colleagues, held the annual event for seven years. The couple agreed that the greatest reward from their experience hosting these free-care events was seeing how people united for a common cause and provided a service that improves lives.

“It was fun to have all of our colleagues get together for a great cause and see the community come together to help the people. It was also neat to see other businesses get involved to give back,” Janée said. “It made me feel good, and we could see the appreciation in their faces, and we knew we were doing a great thing.”

Aside from helping people, Janée, who was one of the first female dentists in this area, is driven to practice her craft because of the artistry it involves. As an avid painter, Janée appreciates the cosmetic and aesthetic sides as well as the science of dentistry.

“I love the creativity about it. I like seeing people smile, and I like establishing lasting relationships with my patients,” she said. “Dentistry is a great profession. It has been very rewarding and has allowed me to show my artistic and creative abilities. I have also met a lot of wonderful people along the way.”

For Jeff, the relationships built with his patients keep him focused on the care he delivers, and he also enjoys the dynamic nature of the job.

“Every day in dentistry is different. Getting people out of pain or helping them with cosmetic concerns is very rewarding. Getting to know patients is probably the best part,” he said.

While the Atkinsons have never shared a practice, their marriage has been a rewarding partnership and has included many adventures and blessings.

“Janée has exceptional leadership skills. A friend once told me she was a champion for women. In our early years, she was truly

superwoman, managing a full-time practice, leading her staff, and being a great mom,” Jeff said. “To young couples, I would say to support each other by listening. The early years may be challenging, but that is how you grow.”

Janée said that Jeff has done an exceptional job as both a father and dentist, and she encourages focusing on teamwork and shared experiences in any relationship, personal or professional.

“I think, in order to make it 30 years in marriage, you need to be friends with your partner and have mutual respect. You need to laugh a lot,” Janée said. “We support each other by sharing challenging cases, exchanging ideas for running our practices, learning from one another’s experiences, and offering both professional and emotional support.”

Jeff and Janée remain grounded thanks to their family and friends, as well as their faith. The couple understands the importance of living life outside of work, even though they share a career they both love. Now, their focus remains on helping others through dentistry, sharing quality time with each other and their loved ones, and reflecting on memories made while looking forward to the future. Together, they have shaped careers and a life that they hope reflects their efforts to always do their best.

“When I look back on our careers and our life together, I hope people remember that we tried to be good servants, faithful to the calling God placed on our lives,” Jeff said. “And I hope we were good stewards of the dental profession, leaving it just a little better than we found it.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

The TRAHC African American Committee (TAAC) was established in 1999. They organize arts events with a special emphasis on Black history, culture, and heritage. On January 16th, TAAC held its 26th annual “African American Voice” event at the Regional Arts Center.

MEET

MADISON FRANKLIN

by ABIGAIL GOLD

Finding a specific passion can be hard to do, but it hasn’t been a problem for 9th grader Madison Franklin. Madison has been involved in dance since she was 3 years old, and she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. She’s working hard as a Pleasant Grove Showstopper and colorguard performer to keep growing her skills.

“Dance has always been my happy place,” Madison said. “When I’m not doing anything else, I watch my dance videos and see what all I need to work on.” It takes a lot of self-discipline to work on improving a skill when it would be easier to relax. Refining a dance takes a lot of work and close examination of moves that are hard to perform. It takes a great amount of mental strength to focus on things that feel difficult, so it’s impressive that Madison is happy to confront the challenge headon. Her commitment to bettering her craft is truly admirable.

Madison has also taken on the challenge of being in the colorguard, which involves learning other difficult skills. “It was something I always wanted to try,” Madison said, so she worked with her directors at Pleasant Grove to make it happen.

“During the summer, the drill team, colorguard, and band directors got together and worked out a schedule for me to be able to do both [drill team and colorguard],” she explained. “I am extremely grateful for them because, without them, I would not have been able to do any of this.”

While the directors make it possible for Madison to pursue both activities, it is still up to her to develop and maintain the

by SHANE

required skills. With a self-imposed schedule in addition to the practice time allotted for both activities, Madison had been able to thrive.

Madison is motivated to spend so much time on her extracurricular activities because of the community she finds within them. “The Showstopper environment is very positive, hardworking, and very fun, and our director is a very awesome and understanding person,” Madison explained. For her, being surrounded by positivity and people who want to see others succeed is what makes extracurricular activities worth doing. “The environment for colorguard is very bonded, and we are all like siblings because of all the time we have spent together, such as the early-morning band practice, guard camp, and guard practices and sectionals,” she added.

Through spending so much time with the colorguard, it has been possible for Madison to meet people who are great mentors. Extracurriculars offer the unique opportunity to learn from peers, which can create strong bonds and lasting memories. “Alea Angell, my junior lieutenant in colorguard, lets me come to her in the band hall and teaches me how to do very cool tricks on sabre,” Madison said. She is grateful to have found two wonderful groups of people who will undoubtedly make the rest of her high school years even more fun.

Of course, a big factor in the extracurricular communities is the school they are part of. According to Madison, Pleasant Grove High School fosters the communities she has come to enjoy in colorguard and as a Showstopper. “Pleasant Grove is an awesome place with an awesome staff, who always put the students first,” Madison said. Her colorguard director, Hanna Prine, and drill team director, Brooklynn Bearden, worked together to make Madison’s schedule possible, even though they didn’t have to. It’s clear that Madison values the work that the Pleasant Grove staff puts in, which spreads the positivity around.

Abigail Gold is a senior at Texas High School. She is a member of the Tiger Theatre Company with a deep love of art in all its forms. Whether performing, writing, or painting, she’s always looking for a creative outlet.

photo by SHANE DARBY

Sabrina Henderson donated a portion of her liver to her mother, Carol Rodenroth

by BRANDON SHOEMAKER

For nearly 50 years, Sue & Carol’s has been serving more than home-cooked meals on State Line Avenue. The restaurant has also served dependability and comfort through familiar faces and the quiet assurance that some things—like peach pie and friendly conversation— can still be counted on.

But, unbeknownst to many patrons of this Texarkana staple, the family behind the counter was fighting a battle that had nothing to do with recipes or restaurant hours, and everything to do with survival.

A little over a year ago, Carol Rodenroth—owner of Sue & Carol’s and daughter of founder, Sue—needed a new liver.

“I was really scared,” Carol said. “I didn’t want somebody to die to give me one. I just kept thinking, ‘Who am I for someone to give up their life to save mine?’”

The origin of Carol’s liver disease traced back decades, to a serious car accident in 1988 that required multiple blood transfusions— though, at the time, donated blood was not routinely screened for hepatitis C. Years later, Carol learned she carried the virus, and it was eventually cured through treatment—but not before it had taken a lasting toll on her liver.

As her liver disease progressed, Carol began experiencing life-threatening internal bleeding caused by esophageal varices, fragile veins that rupture under pressure. Twice, she nearly bled to death: once at home and once while camping with her grandchildren, when she was airlifted to Little Rock in the middle of the night.

the liver transplant list. The calls came, but the reality of receiving an organ from a deceased donor proved overwhelming.

“I turned down the first one,” Carol admitted. “Then the second. I still wasn’t ready.”

After accepting the third offer, the transplant attempt ended after the family drove to Dallas in a caravan, only to be told that the donor liver was not viable.

That was the turning point.

Since the liver is the only organ in the human body that can regenerate, doctors began encouraging the family to consider a living donor transplant, a procedure more common internationally but increasingly practiced in the United States. All four of Carol’s children volunteered to be tested. Two daughters were viable matches.

I didn’t want her to do it. But she told me, ‘Mom, this is what I’m supposed to do.’ And I finally found peace in that. “ ”

– Carol Rodenroth

“That was when it started really getting scary for our family,” recalled her daughter Sabrina Henderson, who also works at the restaurant. “We were told that, if it happened at home again, she might not make it.”

Doctors were able to place a shunt that stabilized Carol temporarily, but the underlying issue remained. Eventually, Carol was placed on

Initially, doctors favored Carol’s youngest daughter, Kelsey. But Sabrina, the oldest, couldn’t accept that outcome.

“She had four kids under 8,” Sabrina said. “It just didn’t feel right. I told her, ‘Let me do this.’”

Sabrina, healthy and in her 40s, underwent months of testing: MRIs, CT scans, bloodwork, and consultations. In July of 2024, she was approved. Surgery was scheduled for September 23rd, 2024.

“They took about 65–70% of my liver,” Sabrina said matter-of-factly. “It was a sevenhour surgery.” Carol’s surgery took even longer—so long, in fact, that surgeons paused overnight and completed it the next morning.

When the two women finally began recovery, something Sabrina never expected happened. “Mom got out of bed before I did,” Sabrina laughed. “She actually walked to my room before I had even gotten out of bed.”

Yes, it’s scary. But you’re giving someone more time. And that’s worth it. “ ”

– Sabrina Henderson

Sabrina’s husband, Frank, supported her decision to become a living organ donor. “What she did was the most honorable thing a person could do,” he said.

Within weeks, both women were healing—proof of the liver’s remarkable ability to regenerate. While Carol’s new liver began functioning almost immediately, Sabrina’s body had to work overtime in the first month, rebuilding what was removed, which caused extreme fatigue.

“The doctors told us the liver doesn’t necessarily grow back to the same size,” Sabrina explained. “It just learns to function like a normal one again.”

Throughout it all, the restaurant managed to thrive. Family members, employees, and customers quietly stepped in. “Everyone just pulled their weight,” Sabrina said. “People were patient. They understood.”

Sabrina’s husband, Frank, stayed by her side during recovery in Dallas, where the couple lived in a transplanthousing apartment in the weeks following the surgery so that they were close to her doctors if any complications arose.

“At first, [I felt] overwhelming pride,” Frank said, recalling the moment he learned of Sabrina’s decision. “Then the fear set in. They were taking a perfectly healthy person and doing a major surgery she didn’t need, for someone else.”

Still, he never questioned her decision.

“What she did was the most honorable thing a person could do,” he said.

Carol, however, struggled with accepting her daughter’s sacrifice.

“I didn’t want her to do it,” she said. “But she told me, ‘Mom, this is what I’m supposed to do.’ And I finally found peace in that.”

That peace carried them through recovery—and back to Sue & Carol’s.

Today, Carol is back behind the counter, greeting customers and shooting basketballs with her grandchildren after-hours. Sabrina has returned to work alongside her, both women healthy and grateful.

“I wake up thankful every day,” Carol said. “I got a second chance at life.”

For Sabrina, the experience reshaped her understanding of wellness.

“Don’t take your health for granted,” she said. “Enjoy your body if it’s healthy. Love your family. It can all change in an instant.”

Both women hope their story helps ease fear around living organ donation.

“The biggest thing people misunderstand is the fear,” Sabrina said. “Yes, it’s scary. But you’re giving someone more time. And that’s worth it.”

At Sue & Carol’s, the pie still sells out. The coffee still flows. And the family that built it continues to serve Texarkana, now with a story that reminds us what it truly means to give of ourselves.

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

WHERE PAST MEETS PRESENT

When Mandie and Nick Elrod purchased their home in 2018, it was not an immediate dream come true. “While the home had wonderful bones, we knew it would require significant interior and exterior renovations to truly reflect our personal style,” Mandie said. Undeterred, the couple embraced the challenge. Exterior renovations began in 2019, followed by a full interior renovation beginning in 2020. The result is a thoughtfully updated home that feels firmly rooted in the present while honoring its original layout and character.

The exterior makes a striking first impression, with crisp white brick contrasted by a black roof and dark brown support beams. Lush landscaping designed and installed by Twitty Nursery, a local garden center and landscaping company, softens the modern palette. While the color scheme leans contemporary, the home’s original shape and floor plan remain largely intact. “We loved the way the home functioned,” Nick said. “It already had a natural flow that worked well for our family.”

Nick oversaw the construction renovations, while Mandie poured her creativity into the interior design. With a keen eye for antiques and a deep appreciation for family history, she thoughtfully incorporated heirlooms throughout the home. Mandie handles most of the decorating, but when it comes to finishing touches, she happily calls on close friend and local designer Brent Stewart for his trusted guidance and design expertise. “Brent has an incredible gift for understanding his clients and designing within both their personal style and budget,” Mandie said. “He knows how to blend meaningful pieces with modern elements in a way that feels timeless and personal.”

The home is a shining example of transitional design, a style that harmonizes traditional and modern sensibilities. Clean lines, tall ceilings, and bright lighting establish a contemporary foundation, while carefully chosen details add warmth and history. Near the front door, an ornately-carved brass horse head serves as a hat rack, a whimsical estate sale find. Just off the entry, Mandie’s office features a wellloved antique desk that once belonged to her greatgrandmother, nestled comfortably among modern furnishings. Across the hall, the contemporary dining room is accented with subtle antique touches, including a pair of green, grinning foo dogs and polished silver centerpieces on the table.

In the main living space, the thoughtful blend of old and new continues. The original staircase railing around the loft has been refreshed with a modern black-andwhite finish, echoed again on the brick fireplace. Abstract art, modern lighting, and wooden artwork crafted by the Elrods’ youngest son, Jace, bring personality to the space. Nearby, a curved black curio cabinet displays a collection of antiques alongside an old, cherished family Bible.

Just beyond the living area is the kitchen, the family’s favorite gathering place and the most dramatically transformed space in the home. Originally small and enclosed, the kitchen was expanded by removing the walls of an adjoining sun porch, nearly doubling its size. Large vertical windows now flood the room with natural light, creating an open and welcoming space. The kitchen features state-of-the art stainless steel appliances from Lafferty’s Home Center and glossy marble countertops from Red River Lumber. Antique vases and plates add warmth, while a restored wooden cabinet (over 100 years old and having previously belonged to Mandie’s great-great-aunt) stands as one of the space’s most meaningful pieces.

A breakfast nook positioned by two large windows offers picturesque views of the surrounding property. Deer graze in the yard, while geese and ducks glide across the backyard pond. The Elrod family dogs enjoy the scenery just as much: Chili Dog, the dachshund, eagerly alerts Drake, the Labrador retriever, whenever wildlife appears.

Beyond the kitchen, the laundry room and pantry were redesigned to improve flow and function. Once closed-off, the space now includes an additional walk-through, providing a convenient extra entry point into the home. Built-in pantry cabinets, lockers, a utility sink, and generous counter space make the room both practical and welcoming.

The primary bedroom and bath are located on the main floor, offering a serene retreat. Soft blue tones, an elegant white bedframe, and a cozy sitting area invite relaxation. The adjoining bath features a soaking tub with outdoor views and a spacious marble walk-in shower. His-and-hers walk-in closets with custom storage complete the suite.

Upstairs, a mahogany secretary desk greets visitors at the landing. Displayed atop are treasured family items, including Mandie’s grandfather’s fedora and a sales log book from her grandparents’ furniture business, State Line Furniture & Transfer Company. Tucked inside is an extra-special treasure, a typewritten note from her great-grandfather to her great-grandmother. “I love family history,” Mandie said. “I love that my family has held onto [the note] for us to enjoy.”

Past this entry point are four separate bedrooms. Each space is decorated in warm, neutral tones with its own distinct character. One guest room features antique twin bedframes, oil paintings, and a hide rug that creates a cozy cottage feel. Another leans modern and masculine, with black-and-white bedding and metallic accents. The final guest room seamlessly blends antique and modern pieces, echoing the transitional theme found throughout the home.

The beauty of this home lies in its balance. Traditional elements coexist effortlessly with clean lines and modern finishes, while family heirlooms bring depth and meaning to every room. What truly sets the Elrod home apart, however, is how deeply it reflects its owners. It is a place shaped by memory, intention, and love. This home honors the past, embraces the present, and leaves room for the future still to come.

LIFENET AIR PROVIDES CRITICAL CARE IN THE AIR

This all-female air crew was formed recently to answer the call of four emergency transports in just one shift. Pictured left to right are Kim Dobbs (flight nurse), Katie Robison (air clinical manager), and Samantha Osborn (pilot). Kim floats between two bases, Katie splits her time between flights and education coordination, and Samantha is a pool pilot, filling in at various bases around the U.S. as needed. These women stepped up to the plate to serve their communities—and Katie even did so in her third trimester of pregnancy. Thank you, ladies, for your commitment to care.