cover spread DEC 11/19/09 2:18 PM Page 1

She
She Magazine
Florence’s “Go-To” ...it’s a woman thing!

Urgent Care Team

A HOMESPUN CHRISTMAS
M A G A Z I N E

DECEMBER 2009
Back Row (l-r): Roosevelt G. Daniel, M.D.; Edwin L. Gandy, M.D.; Bruce E. Burner, M.D. Front Row (l-r): Michele G. Phipps, M.D.; Maria D. Perez, M.D.; William L. Cauthen, Jr., M.D.

Serving Florence and the surrounding community, Carolinas Urgent Care

is staffed by our board-certified physicians who you know and trust. Our team specializes in the treatment of
minor emergencies or illnesses that are not life-threatening but still require prompt attention. So if your doctor’s
office is closed or you can’t wait for an appointment, you can still get the care you need for the flu, a fever

www.shemagazine.com
or a simple fracture as well as other common ailments. Whether you need to see a doctor, have lab work done or need an
x-ray, our “Go-To” Team is here for you.
A RETURN TO CHRISTMAS -
GET INSPIRED TO CELEBRATE

Urgent Care THE SIMPLE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
DR.

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Glossy 2 11/18/09 10:48 AM Page 1

McLEOD TREASURES EVERY BIRTH AS A

M A S T Er P I E C E
At McLeod Regional Medical Center and McLeod Medical Center Dillon, we have created a very

nurturing environment to provide you with a birth experience as special as your new baby. Our

maternity centers are state-of-the-art settings, where warm and inviting labor and delivery suites

offer safe and tender welcomes for newborns. We safeguard pregnancies with the latest in fetal

monitoring and are committed to ensure the safety of your new baby with the HALO Infant

Protection System. At McLeod, you will be surrounded by the most highly skilled, experienced,

and caring nurses in the Southeast. For one-of-a-kind maternity care that excels from every

perspective, continue to put your trust in McLeod.

McLeod Health
www.McLeodHealth.org
Glossy 147 11/18/09 1:57 PM Page 1

We know you don’t have time for pain,

you’ve got lots of Christmas shopping to do!
PAIN MANAGEMENT IS OUR SPECIALTY.

Often, back pain or injury doesnʼt happen

as the result of a major accident.
It is the simple everyday task that can
be a real pain in the back.

Eastern Carolina Medicine

DR. JOSEPH CARTER • DR. STEPHEN TUEL
3124 S. Cashua Drive • Florence, SC • 665.2600
3/10 of Mile past Celebration Vlvd.
Glossy 4 11/18/09 10:50 AM Page 1
5 11/19/09 2:11 PM Page 1

Relief for
Children & Adults
from:

Hay Fever
Asthma
Skin Allergy
Sinus Problems
Bee & Fire Ant
Allergy
Sinus Endoscopy
CT Scans

Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center

With Help From DOCTORS who CARE
ALL Board Certified in Allergy & Immunology
Joseph Moyer, M.D., FACAAI Timothy Crouch, M.D.
Call Toll Free
Danny Douglas, M.D. Stephen A. Imbeau, M.D., FACP, 1-800-253-6697
H. David Stone, Jr.,M.D., ACAAI FAAAAI, FACAAI

McLeod Medical Carolina Pines Tuomey Medical South Strand Seacoast Medical
Plaza Medical Ofc. Bldg. Building Medical Center Center
800 E Cheves St 701 Medical Park 115 N. Sumter St. 5046 Hwy. 17 4000 Hwy. 9 E.
Suite 420 Dr. Suite 104 Suite 400 Bypass S. Suite 105 Suite 240
Florence Hartsville Sumter Myrtle Beach Little River
679-9335 332-3191 803-934-1488 293-5000 399-9033
6 11/19/09 2:14 PM Page 1

“Thanks to FTC, this morning I watched The Weather Channel, researched

today’s lesson plan online and used my cell to give my grandson a
wake-up call. Neither of us were going to be late for school!”
- Wanda Faye Giles, FTC Customer

With FTC Digital TV, Internet, Phone, Security and Wireless, you can experience the world without
traveling past your living room. Call 1-888-218-5050 and get connected to the world today.

The whole world is your neighbor. www.ftc-i.net

7 11/24/09 9:48 AM Page 1

Tis the
season to look
Exquisite

843.656.0399
843-292-0150 • www.gallowayandmoseley.com 2000 Block of Hoffmeyer Road
Florence, SC
the toy shop
specializing in creative and
educational playthings

We invite you to an Elf on the Shelf

Automoblox
evening of holiday Ezy Roller
Mag Formers
& Much More!
shopping and cheer.

CYNTHIA Holiday stroll at

ladies fine shoes Shops of 7 Oaks 843-664-8383
843-661-7474 • Mon-Sat 10-6
on
December 10th
4pm-8pm
Complimenty refreshments
will be served at select shops.

Butler’s
FINE MEN’S CLOTHING

843-667-9671 • www.butlersfineclothing.com

Glo Minerals . Pureology . Redken

Keratin Complex System . Brocato

the plaza
AN ELITE SALON
Our Stylists/Color Specialists: Tammy Chapman-owner,

CYNTHIA
Lois Still, Becky Cooper, Steve Connell,
Anna Mcpherson, Kathy Hutchinson, Ashley Turner

Call Tiffany for your appointment today.

843.665.5668 ladies fine apparel
843-665-7669 • Mon-Sat 10-6
8 11/24/09 1:25 PM Page 1

Florence’s Only Certified Bariatrics Center

Florence Wellness
& Weight-loss Center
J. MARSHALL DENT, M.D.,
under the direction of
FLORENCE’S ONLY BARIATRIC PHYSICIAN
NOW OFFERING FULL & MODIFIED FAST AS WELL AS OTHER PROGRAMS TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

“ I’ve lost 56 POUNDS!

Ruthie Dennis tells her story.
”
HER STORY... My niece and I had been talking about starting a diet, so she started a program at the Florence
Wellness & Weight-Loss Center. She told me how nice everyone was and how comfortable she felt talking
to them about her weight, so I decided to start, as well. At the time, I was heavier than I had ever been at
183 pounds.
I chose the Modified Plan. I had a protein shake for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, I ate seven to
ten ounces of grilled or baked meat, a salad and any green vegetables. I didn’t do a lot of exercise, but I
would walk occasionally.
The hardest part of the program was watching my family eat the foods that I once loved to eat.
Nevertheless, I was motivated to keep going by the weight that I was losing and by my family’s encourage-
ment. Dr. Dent and his staff were very encouraging, also. They would tell me every time I went in that they
were so proud of me; that helped a lot.
The best thing about losing the weight is that I’ve gained my self-confidence back. Whether people
admit it or not, being overweight really takes away from your true self. I don’t have to fear looking in the
mirror and seeing the me I didn’t like looking at before.
If you have even thought that you would like to lose weight but can’t do it on your own, go see Dr.
Dent and the wonderful staff at Florence Wellness & Weight Loss Center. It doesn’t matter if you want to
lose fifteen pounds or fifty, if you’ve tried diet after diet and failed, don’t wait any longer. Call and make an
appointment today.
At my last weigh-in appointment, I weighed 127 pounds. I’ve lost a total of 56 pounds.

before

after Top 10 reasons to choose

Florence Wellness and Weight-loss Center
1. The ONLY board certified bariatric physician in the Pee Dee
2. The ONLY certified Bariatric Center in the Pee Dee
3. The most cost effective program in the Pee Dee
4. Individual programs tailored to your needs and the flexibility to change programs
5. Thorough metabolic laboratory evaluation on every patient
6. The knowledge and experience to offer hormone balancing to enhance weight loss
7. Bonafide maintenance program once goal weight is obtained
8. Each patient seen by physician every visit
9. All inclusive plans (no hidden cost)
10. Flexible hours and late hours to better accommodate your schedule

Complete Women’s Health Care

See Dr. Dent’s article

J. Marshall Dent, M.D.

on pg. 58

Member of North American Menopausal Society • Member of American Bariatrics Physicians

410 South Coit Street • Florence • 665.5055

9 11/19/09 2:16 PM Page 1
10 11/23/09 2:57 PM Page 1

Not Pictured: Sara Harrell & Tommy Jones

There’s plenty to love about

Pee Dee Gardens!
Our Assisted Living is a picture of the top of the
line ...where it feels like family and where you
know your loved one will be in the best care.
We feature professional staff and the best living
accommodations for your family member. At
Pee Dee Gardens, your loved one is in the best
of hands.
Call Shannon Berg & inquire about our
friendly assisted living today!
CALL TODAY FOR A CONFIDENTIAL
ASSESSMENT AND TOUR.
3117 West Palmetto St. / Florence 843-667-6699
www.peedeegardens.com
11 11/23/09 3:55 PM Page 1
12 11/24/09 2:13 PM Page 1

She december ‘09

homespun
christmas
in every issue contributing writers
14 Letter from the Editor 22 Melodie Griffin
Accidental Tradition
16 She mail feature stories
28 Paige Self Thomas
25 Style File Blend Well 76-77 Faye Nissen
34 Wee She 30 Melia Flowers Berry 78-79 Joyce Guffey
Raelyn Emily Ott How Christmas Came to
Martha Law 80 Melissa Brock
42 She’s Closet
32 Ferebe Gasque 82 Carolyn Moore
46 Chicks of the Month Of Christmases Past Atkinson
Girl Scouts of Eastern South
Carolina in Florence 36 Jumana A. Swindler 84 Aron Cannon
‘Tis the Season Smith
48 Annie at Home
38 Anna K. Pitts 86 Sue McBride
52 Wings for the Spirit In the Wedding Spirit at
Sherry S. Page Atkinson Christmas 88 Alexis Tyson
Permenter
60 There She Goes 44 Beth Grant
All I Ever Wanted 90 Betty Ann Darby
67 The World According to
Dana Breazeale 62 Cookie Cawthon 92 Folly Carter
All I Want for Christmas
68 Shop Talk 94 Jean Leatherman
Venable’s 98 Marti Miller
Stealing Christmas 96 Victoria Harrington
70 Women at Work
Blanchie J. James, 102 Ouida K. Page, RN, LPC
MA, LPC, NCC It’s Christmas...Enjoy the Fruit
cake, Don’t Become One!
annual gift guide
100 In His Own Words 108 -116
Dennis Bankson 132-133 Sandra Dail
Readying Heart and Home for
118 Purse Strings the Christmas Season
Linda H.Weatherford
136 Suzanne Rowe
122 She Wants to Know Simplicity

126 Shero 140 Sharon Bixler

Gerdien Koppenaal A Labor of Christmas Love

128 Beauty Buzz

medical experts
134 The Sir-Vey
26 Dr. Lesley Kirby, AuD
138 Chick Lit Do You Hear What I Hear?
Virginia Leggett
58 J. Marshall Dent, III, MD
142 Mary Unmarried A Natural Cure for Migraine
Mary R. Dittman, MBA Headaches

144 Who’s That Girl? 104 Dr. Michael Rose

Katie Elizabeth Pierce Raising the Awareness of
Anemia
13 11/24/09 9:09 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 13

She M e l ia
a Flowers Berry
Publisher/Editor
editor@shemagazine.com

Tuesday Taylor
General Manager
Advertising & Graphic Design
we are

tuesday@shemagazine.com

Dresden Tucker
Graphic Design
dresden@shemagazine.com

Le ig
gh Clary Abdou
Production Manager
Advertising & Design
leigh@shemagazine.com

Heather Frick Beautiful jewelry in bright

colors....perfect idea to
Editorial Assistant / Advertising
add to your Christmas
hfrick@shemagazine.com
wish list.

A sh l e y R o g e r s
Graphic Design
ashley@shemagazine.com 1615 W. Palmetto Street • Florence
665-6410 • Monday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
Beverly Kelly - Executive Assistant

Ray Gasque - Distribution Manager

Jacob Tucker - Distribution

She mail
E m a i l t o : e d i t o r @shemagazine.com
Mail to: 609 North Main Street • Marion, SC 29571
Call us: 843.423.2393 office line • 843.423.9837 fax line

take us home
For a copy to be placed in your mailbox, send a check or money order Beth Turner, Tim Smith, Lis
sete Rice
for $38 to the above address for a year's subscription.

welcomes
She Magazine is published monthly and distributed at over 500 locations throughout
the Pee Dee. She Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or con-
Lissete Rice,
tent we deem inappropriate for the publication. Editorial contributions are welcome hair stylist
and will be considered by the editor. Please include name, address and contact Call today to book your
number (email editor@shemagazine.com). Letters to the Editor may require editing appointment with Lissete Rice,
due to space limitations. The design, editorial and photo content in She is copyright joining Evolution from
of She Magazine and may not be reproduced without written permission by the Atlanta, GA. First time
publisher. She Magazine is a registered trademark.
clients receive 20% off by
mentioning this ad.
CORRECTION: Now booking Christmas
In the November 2009 “Remarkable Women” Issue, we featured the faces appointments with
of women-owned businesses. Unfortunately, we left out two women: Beth, Tim, & Lissete.
Dr. Lesley Kirby of Lifetime Hearing Services, Inc., and Susan Elliott, Co-
Owner of Jones-Smith Jewelers. We salute these two Remarkable Women
and regret that they were mistakenly omitted.
14 11/24/09 2:34 PM Page 1

A Homespun Christmas
letter from the editor
DECEMBER 2009

It’s here! The most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! Actually, as I write this letter, it’s just a few days
before Thanksgiving; so, one might argue that the Christmas season is not officially here. However, a drive around most any neighbor-
hood confirms the Christmas season is definitely upon us. Many homes are decorated; and, as soon as this issue is sent to press, I will
get busy on mine, as well.
Back in my day, Christmas officially began the day after Thanksgiving. Nowadays, the poor pumpkins and scarecrows barely get
settled on the store shelves before being cleared to make room for holiday merchandise. When I was little, it felt like an eternity
between trick-or-treat night and Thanksgiving night – the night my mother and I always put up our tree. I can remember the anticipa-
tion and excitement I felt as the boxes were taken down from the attic. We had this star that went atop the tree that I thought was
the most beautiful thing in the world. I remember searching through all the boxes until I found that star and holding my breath as I
plugged it in. Waiting for the lights to come on, I would hold it in my hands and marvel at the way the lights flickered and danced.
My mother and I always decorated the tree together, and I can still see how pretty she looked as the lights illuminated the
shadows of her face and reflected off her blue eyes. She was so particular about the way she decorated a tree. Each ornament had its
special place on the tree, and there was nothing she disliked more than sloppily-placed icicles. I can hear her saying,“Have you ever seen
an icicle hanging sideways on a tree?” “No, Ma’am,” I would nod. “Then, don’t hang them that way, Darling,” she would lovingly coax.
Slowly and meticulously, we would decorate the tree together, adjusting and primping it to perfection. Then, I would lie on the
floor, mesmerized by its beauty, wishing time would stand still and forbidding myself to think about the day when it would have to come
down. From that moment, Christmas was in full swing, and I was in heaven.
That little girl is still very much alive inside of me. I still get excited about bringing down the boxes of decorations and plug-
ging in the lights for the first time. Even the thought of it still makes my heart flutter. And, just as my mother, I take decorating the tree
seriously. Although I haven’t used tinsel in years, I’m just as careful about hanging the ornaments.
“Have you ever seen an angel flying sideways?” I ask my children when they help me. “Then, don’t hang it that way, Darling.”
Actually, I suppose an angel can fly any way it chooses, but that’s not the point. When my children were little, it was a different story.
Our Christmas tree looked as if a strong wind from the North Pole blew in and nearly took all the ornaments with it. Those precious
little fingers would hang the decorations every-which-way-but-straight and the majority of them hung around the bottom of the tree –
the only height they could reach without being picked up. It was a glorious sight, and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.
I still decorate a tree with all the ornaments we had from those years. My favorite tree decorations are the ones that my children
Decorating our pink tree made – the paper snowflakes, Popsicle-stick trees and, of course, their little faces glued onto cutout shapes of bells and Christmas trees
in the She office that hang from little ribbons. Those are among my most precious possessions. Opening the box that keeps these jewels will bring, with-
out fail, a timeout for crying. The sight makes me miss those days when Santa was real, and they all wore matching paja-
mas on Christmas Eve Night. I miss them so much that I can barely breathe. A bit of sadness mixes in with the joy.
In the past, I have written about the little cedar tree that grew on my DaDa’s farm when I was a little girl.
One of the most tender memories of all my Christmases involves that little tree and the year my DaDa and I
decorated it together. Last Christmas Eve, just a few weeks after my DaDa died, my children and I went to the
farm and cut some branches from it to place on his grave. As I stood under its towering shadow, I sized it up,
guessing it had grown to over twelve-feet tall. My memory danced back and forth from the huge tree before
me to the small Christmas tree that DaDa helped me decorate. I could hear the tapping of the old-fashioned
glass lights – the kind with the big bulbs – as he held the strand in his hands. I could see those rough,
calloused hands, and I could feel the love he had for me in that moment. We cut the branches and I tied them
simply with a ribbon, knowing he would have liked it very much. On the drive from the farm to the ceme-
tery, I searched my memory for every detail of that experience with my DaDa, reliving it over and over
again and immersing myself in the moment so deeply that I could smell the distinct scent of his skin – a
mixture of ivory soap and sawdust, which is the way he always smelled when I was little because, as a logger,
he was always working.
Even amidst the pain of grief, as God promises, there is good. (Romans 8:28: “For all things work
for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.”) For me, that good has
come in the way of a new appreciation for the blessings of family and friends and love. My DaDa was so
full of love and he lived out his life that way. At Christmas, we celebrate the Birth of
the God of Love. Love truly came down when Jesus was born, leaving Heaven to
dwell among us.
In contemplating this Christmas issue, I wanted to give you something
special. With much thought, the idea for A HOMESPUN CHRISTMAS was born.
This issue is all about celebrating the season with family and friends, creating wel-
coming homes filled with HOMESPUN decorations, good food, love and laughter
In our feature stories, you will meet eleven women who love Christmas and have
their own unique way of celebrating – the HOMESPUN way.
Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I am so blessed to be able to celebrate it
through She Magazine with you, our readers. It is my prayer for each of you that your Christmas is filled with the
warmth and love that only Jesus, our Savior, can give. Merry Christmas!
I hope you enjoy this issue. It’s a woman thing!

Melia Flowers Berry

15 11/23/09 12:47 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 15

104 N. MacArthur Ave • Dillon, SC

843-774-9243

1970 E.Hwy 76 • Marion, SC

843-423-2492

62 Public Square • Darlington, SC

843-395-2252

2151F W. Evans St. • Florence, SC

843-662-0971

205 Kelly St. • Lake City, SC

843-394-1494

Our CARE Team

(Compassionate And Reliable Experts)
includes:
• Physician
• Licensed Master of Social Work
• Registered Nurse
• Volunteers
• Chaplain
• And many others
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Ascension Hospice is a family-owned and operated

hospice agency serving terminally ill patients
across South Carolina.

We bring to our patients and their families

the same personal attention and care
we would for our own families.

1303 W. EVANS S
FLORENCE, SC
(843) 468-9700
7142 WOODROW ST. • IRMO, SC • (803) 796-9296
16 11/23/09 4:49 PM Page 1

She mail
Dear She,
Thank you so much for a great magazine. She disappears so quickly from the
places you deliver it, I’m just going to have it delivered to me at home.

Kathy Strickland,Timmonsville

Dear She, Dear She,

First, I would like to compliment
you on the success and good taste of The October issue of She Magazine
She Magazine. I have been an avid read- was great! I couldn’t put it down. What
er of She for about five years and have
thoroughly enjoyed each issue. I could
an inspiring issue!
Anna McDowell, Conway
definitely relate to the Editor’s Letter in
the August issue where Melia Berry ref-
erenced the passing of Michael Jackson
and Farrah Fawcett. I felt the same feel- Dear She,
ings of facing mortality because I’m in I just want you to know that I have been contacted by a
that age bracket, as well. friend of mine that read Jamie’s article (“In His Own Words,”
Sheila Ford, Florence Jamie Grimsley) in the August issue of She and called me after
25 years. We lost contact after I moved from Myrtle Beach to
Florence. Even though she didn’t know I had remarried, she
Dear She, read my name and Lauren and Tracie’s names and was in hopes
I have been a long-time fan and that I was her long-lost friend. Isn’t it neat how God has used
avid reader of She Magazine since the Jamie’s illness to bring about a reunion?! Her mom is under-
first issue. One of the very first pages I going cancer treatment in Florence, and we were able to meet
read is the “Letter from the Editor.” one morning while her mom was having treatment. Talk about
Melia Berry always writes with a bit of a God-incidence!
humor and so much passion, which Connie Grimsley, Florence
sometimes leaves me in tears. When I
got to the end of the October letter, I
wanted to scream, “Amen, Sister!” in Dear She,
response to her passionate words Become Friends with
about the abuse of women and children. Love, Love, Love us on Facebook!
Thank you, Editor, for telling it like it is. the November
And, thank your entire She Staff for issue! What did
the wonderful Annual Breast Cancer we ever do
Awareness Issue. As always, job well without She?
done! Keep them
Shirley Quinton Riley, Hartsville coming!
Terri Brunson, Darlington

Send an E-MAIL to editor@shemagazine.com

or MAIL us at 609 N. Main St., Marion, SC 29571
17 11/20/09 1:00 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 17

Get Personal
this
Christmas!

Children’s Items
Monogramming • Car Decals
Jewelry • Fine Gifts

f|ÄäxÜ \ÅÑÜxáá|ÉÇá is now 843-536-0660

Purse-N-Alize It Florence • Hartsville • Lake City
Dr. Lesley Kirby, AuD | Jane Heath, HIS #443
444 2nd Loop Rd • Florence • 843-664-0804
18 11/24/09 2:53 PM Page 1
1. 3.
2. 4.
8. 9.
10. 11
16.. 17. 18. 20.
This month, some of our Contributors tell us
“What I look forward to most this Christmas.”
contributors DECEMBER 2009
1. Dr. Lesley Kirby “Last year around this time, my mother unexpectedly passed away.
Needless to say, my holiday season was more grief than joy. This year, I really wanted to turn
it around – especially for my children – and provide them with a joyous, lighthearted and
cozy Christmas. My best friend’s mother, Brenda Gaddis, decorated my entire house for
Christmas, inside and out! And, yes, it was already done by mid-November. That was the
most perfect way to kick start the holiday season. I was able to relax with my family and
truly be in the moment this Christmas season.
2. J. Marshall Dent, MD is Board Certified in Family Practice & Obstetrics and
Gynecology and also holds an Advanced Certification in Menopausal Medicine. He can
be contacted at Complete Women’s Health Care in Florence.
3. Paige Thomas Paige Self Thomas lives in Florence with her husband, Joey, and two
Sheltie children,Timmy and Buddy. Together, Paige and Joey have seven grown children. She
works part-time as Business Administrator for the Francis Marion University Center for the
Child and is a Licensed Realtor with Prudential Segars in Florence. “I am especially looking
forward to Christmas because all three of my boys will be at home for the holidays for the
first time in three years! The recession and job losses have their silver linings.”
4.. Melodie Griffin is a public speaker, a writer, a musician and a homemaker. She
is a master communicator who makes the truth of God’s Word come alive.Visit her
website to learn more. www.melodiegriffin.com
5. Marti Miller She ponders that the end of our worldly calendar year marks the renewed
beginning of our hope in a life beyond these earthly walls.What a gift to unwrap again and again.
She prays that the brightest Light of this season continues to shine amidst the to-do lists and
shopping trips and frightening family gatherings. Just one slightly northern question from an other-
wise joy-filled Marion transplant:Why fireworks in December and silence in July?
6. Ouida K Page is a Licensed Professional and National Board Certified Counselor
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and is a member of the International Honor Society of
Nursing. She specializes in families and issues relating to children, adolescents and women
of all ages. She also writes for She.
7. Cookie Cawthon is wild about her family. She totally digs serving as a
greeter at NewSpring Church every week, and she flat out loves reading, writing,
speaking, teaching, and blogging www.cookiecawthon.com.
8. Jumana Swindler is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for
McLeod Health. Her personal favorite pastimes, reflected in her writings, are RV'ing,
movies,Theater, fishing, reading and spending time with her son and family.
9. Ferebe Gasque loves meeting new folks and getting reacquainted with friends
of days gone by through writing for She Magazine and through her Pampered Chef
business. She is in awe of God's blessings through her work as Music Therapist at
McLeod Hospice House.
10. Sherry Page Atkinson lives in Marion with her husband, Jimmy. Those
wishing to contact her may do so at the following address: 6526 South Highway
41 or you may e-mail her at: sherrya@nethwy.com.
11. Anna Pitts lives in Florence, SC. She is currently pursuing her career as a School
Library Media Specialist and loving every minute of the journey! Anna is also a contributing
writer for She Magazine.
12.Sandra Dail is a wife to Tim and a mother to Ashley, Adam and Max (the 4-legged,
furry, faced baby of the family). Her life has taken different turns lately as God has allowed her
to work with a team of friends in planning & orchestrating retreats for women-”SheTreats”-
and examining the possibilities of a new ministry called “At Your Service.”
5.
6.
7.
12. 15.
13..
14.
21. 22. 23.
13.Linda Weatherford What I love most about Christmas is celebrating the birth of
my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the music, the celebrations, the decorations - everything
that reminds us of the greatest gift ever given. It is my favorite time of year!
14. Erika Chapman loves her husband, Mark, and she loves living in Florence. Her pas-
sions include raising her three boys, serving as a KidSpring Volunteer at NewSpring Church and
reading just about anything she can get her hands on. “I’m looking forward to enjoying
unscheduled time with my boys and my husband over Christmas. There’s nothing like experi-
encing the gift of the Christ Child through the eyes of a child.”
15. Cheri Jordan absolutely loves seeing the excitement on her children’s faces on
Christmas morning and spending the day with them as a family just enjoying one another’s
company.
16. Sharon Bixler What I love most about Christmas is Everything! It’s just so fun to
give! However, when I think about what Christ gave to me, the little trinkets I give are nothing
in comparison. How awesome He is.
17. Suzanne Rowe is the Children/Family Minister at the Woodmont Hills Church in
Nashville,TN and holds a Degree in Elementary Education. Her greatest joy is her three-and-a-
half-year-old daughter, Catherine. Suzanne was blessed to adopt Catherine from China in 2006.
Suzanne enjoys reading, shopping, a beautiful fall day, lunch with friends and anything she gets to
do with her daughter. She’s a recent fan of She Magazine thanks to a handsome CPA from
Marion, South Carolina, who has stolen her heart.“This Christmas, I’m mostly looking forward
to embracing the delight in my daughter’s eyes every minute of the season and kissing that
handsome CPA from Marion under the mistletoe.”
18. Angela Crosland enjoys celebrating Christ as it has been her family’s tradition to
attend church on Christmas Day. She has committed to demonstrating His love at a greater
level during the season through giving. Purposing to give more would certainly
qualify as her favorite aspect of Christmas.
19. Emmie Lynch I love knowing that I’ll get to see my family. We sit around a fire out
in the country & tell stories we’ve all heard before –but that never get old. And, we always
remember to thank our Father for giving us another year to celebrate His goodness. Not Pictured
Artist Spotlight
20. Ashley Rogers, a Graphic Designer for She Magazine is an FMU Alumni
holding a B.A. in Visual Arts with a Graphic Design specialty. She and her husband,
William, have 2 children, Brock William (2) and Lexi Brooke (1). This month’s
cover is an acrylic painting she created especially for She Magazine.
21. Fred Salley "Fred Salley has photographed over 400 weddings and hundreds
of portraits in the Florence area since 1997. He is a devoted Dad to Jackson and
Layne and a servant of the Lord Jesus. Fred made the images of the featured stories
in the issue of She." 843.665.4460 • fredsalleyphoto.com
22.Ricky Ford is a photographer out of marion who says, “ Photography is an art to
me and I want every image that I take to be timeless. His work is featured in this issue of
She in a photo shoot for the feature stories. 843.617.0147 • rickiford.com
23. Collin Smith is a portrait and wedding photographer based out of Florence. He
launched the $100 Portrait Project that donates 50% of its revenue to the Children’s
Miracle Network & stays in the Florence area. He is the man behind the creative photos
in the CYNTHIA ads. cmsmithportraits.com
19 11/23/09 5:50 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 19

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22 11/23/09 11:23 AM Page 1
ACCIDENTAL
Tradition
I accidentally started a new family tradition last Christmas. It hap-
pened when the hubby and kids and I were in the NC mountains enjoying
beautiful serenity and solitude. A full five minutes of serenity was quite
enough for my little offspring and then came the inevitable, “I’m bored!
There’s nothing to do here!” Ah, but I had planned ahead (the experienced
maternal force to be reckoned with that I am). Weeks earlier, while perusing
a crafty family magazine, I spotted a fun project. It didn’t take me long to
quickly gather all the necessary supplies, which included kitchen staples like
flour and salt, and enough Mod Podge to put Humpty Dumpty back together
again. My my, what FUN we had in making Christmas ornaments that were
supposed to resemble each family member. And again I say, “supposed to.”
We laughed hysterically at how our creations turned out and just how little
they looked like each of us. What fun to get them out of the box this year and
place them on our tree! We giggled all over again at Daddy’s larger-than-life
nose and lips, and at my disturbingly bushy eyebrows. The kids can hardly
wait to see what kind of ornaments we will make this year, but I don’t know
how I can top the unibrow.
Here is the recipe for those fun ornaments. I hope that they bring as many
giggles and God-lessons to your little family as they did to mine. Merry
Christmas and happy Mod Podging!
* 3 cups flour * 1 cup salt
* 1 cup water * Wooden skewer
* Paintbrushes * Acrylic paint
* Mod Podge * Narrow ribbon
Instructions:
1.Using an electric mixer, beat together the flour, salt, and water on medi-
um speed until a ball forms, then remove the dough and knead it until it is
smooth.
Melodie is a public speaker, writer, musician and homemaker.Visit www.melodiegriffin.com to inquire about having her come and share about the personalities at your next event.
by Melodie Griffin
You know, I’m plenty relieved to know that my ornament doesn’t
resemble me, but this “resemblance” scenario sparked a thought for me. I
certainly hope that when people observe me, they see a true reflection of the
One that I am striving to mirror. When others observe my actions, my reac-
tions, and my interactions, do they see an accurate picture of the God Who
lavishes grace, or is the representation far from the image that Scripture
paints? The fact that I am human sort of rules out that I can be a perfect
reflection of the Savior, but there should certainly be a “family resemblance”
– without unibrows. This Christmas season, I plan to keep those ornaments in
the forefront of my mind as I strive to accurately reflect the Messiah. I will
especially keep this in mind when some manic Christmas shopper takes my
parking place at the mall. I will even try to remember this lesson when all 412
of us are waiting in the checkout lane at Wal Mart. You know, when there are
countless checkouts on site, but only 4 of them will be open? Yes, then. But
if Humpty Dumpty happens to fall, I will get back up again and thank God for
His grace – God’s Mod Podge.
2.To make each ornament, roll the dough into a golf ball-sized ball and flat-
ten it with your palm. Use small pieces of dough to make noses, lips, hair,
and the like. Affix each to the face with a drop of water and smooth away
any creases. Use the skewer to make eyes and to poke a hole through the
ornaments about 1/2-inch from the top.
3.Heat the oven to 275 degrees. Bake the ornaments on a foil-lined cook-
ie sheet for 2 hours. Allow them to cool completely.
4.Paint on the skin color. When the paint is dry to the touch (about 10
minutes), paint the remaining details.
5. Once the paint is dry, seal the ornaments, front and back, with a layer of
Mod Podge. Let them dry, then add a ribbon loop to each.
Source, www.familyfun.go.com
23 11/24/09 1:28 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 23

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24-25 11/23/09 1:19 PM Page 1

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24-25 11/23/09 1:19 PM Page 2

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26 11/23/09 1:50 PM Page 1
Do You Hear
What I Hear? by Dr. Lesley Kirby, AuD
T his Christmas season will find most families coming together to enjoy each
other’s company, to catch up on each other’s lives over the past year and to discuss
goals and opportunities for the coming New Year. The holidays are meant to be a time
of thanks, celebration and joy. But, for many people, it’s a time of year when unaddressed
hearing loss can cause feelings of isolation and depression. Even when surrounded by
loving family members, one with a hearing loss can feel cut off from his family.
Imagine sitting around the dining room table. All the children are so excited
about Santa’s upcoming arrival, and they are excitedly making their final wishes be
known to all who will listen. Jane and Donald are busy bringing all their deliciously
homemade food from the kitchen out to the table to share with their siblings, children
and parents. Everyone looks happy – except for Jane’s father. He has a “lost” look on
his face. It almost appears that he is uncomfortable. He so wants to join in on the
conversation, yet he is afraid that he may answer incorrectly. It’s best (and easiest), he
feels, to just sit and smile. He will “silently” participate, yet he is not participating at all.
Hearing loss is one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in
America. In fact, it affects more than 31 million Americans. (One out of every ten peo-
ple that you pass on the street today has a hearing loss!) Also, it is an absolute fallacy
that hearing loss affects only seniors. More than 65 percent of all people with hearing
loss are younger than retirement age.
The number one cause of hearing loss is excessive noise. This may explain
why fifteen percent of people age 45 to 64 – the first generation to grow up listening
to loud rock music – have hearing loss.The age demographic in my office continues to
get younger and younger. I attribute the majority of this reason to everyday noise such
as traffic and hair dryers, as well as to MP3 players where people are not monitoring
the sound level of the music entering into their ears. Unfortunately, once the hearing
nerve becomes damaged, the resulting hearing loss is permanent. This is true for chil-
dren, as well as adults.
When a family member experiences untreated hearing loss, it silently and
painlessly erodes their quality of life. It undermines family relationships, can interfere
with short-term memory and eventually creeps into virtually every aspect of their daily
living. Prior to receiving hearing aids, many of our patients stop going to church
because they have such a difficult time understanding what the pastor is saying. It sad-
Lesley Kirby, AuD, is the first Doctor of Audiology in the Florence area and the only Audiologist in Private Practice.
She owns Lifetime Hearing Services, Inc., at 522 West Palmetto Street in Florence, with satellite locations in Hartsville and Lake City.
dens me to see people stop enjoying life because they have a difficult time hearing,
especially now that treatment is so easy to obtain.
So, this year, be vigilant and see if Uncle Larry is quiet at Christmas dinner or
other holiday get-togethers. Maybe he’s having difficulty understanding speech clearly.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include not being able to hear well in a crowded
room or restaurant, having trouble hearing children and women, keeping the television
and radio turned up to a loud volume, needing to ask family and friends for repetition
and experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
If your loved one has not sought help for his or her hearing loss – or is even
in denial about it – you can use the spirit of the season as an opportunity to discuss
treatment. The good news is that there are solutions to help loved ones with hearing
loss regain the gift of sound so they don’t need to withdraw. Hearing loss can be eas-
ily diagnosed, and hearing aid technology has drastically improved over the past sever-
al years. Most patients comment on how comfortable the aids are and how they are
able to once again understand their loved ones. Also, Beltone’s new open-ear hearing
technology is so cosmetically appealing, nobody will even know you are wearing a hear-
ing aid (unless you show it to them!).
Finding the right solution for hearing loss can make all the difference in com-
munication with family, friends and co-workers. No one needs to miss a minute of the
holiday action this year, thanks to modern hearing aid technology. Life is too precious
and short not to be able to hear all of it.
If you suspect that someone has a hearing loss, I recommend that they be eval-
uated by a Licensed Audiologist. This professional will be able to determine the type
and degree of hearing loss that is present. Many offices will offer complimentary hear-
ing aid demonstrations in their offices so that an individual can actually see what a hear-
ing aid looks like, as well as listen through it. Most of our patients are completely
shocked at what they have been missing and are literally upset with themselves that
they did not seek treatment sooner.
Here is to a blessed holiday season with wonderful communication between
you and your loved ones. After all, family is one of our most precious gifts.
Merry Christmas!
27 11/19/09 2:38 PM Page 1

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28 11/23/09 11:19 AM Page 1
Just
Blended
Blend Well
W
“Why can’t I be like everyone else?” I’ve asked myself this question most of
my life, and I had a friend ask me this same thing just the other day. If you don’t come
from what may be considered the “traditional family” – with a mom and a dad who have
been married to only each other and siblings who are your natural brothers or sisters,
then you probably have faced that same realization. Or, if you did have the stability and
blessing of being raised in a core family, you may have experienced it later in life due to
death or divorce or some other misfortune. Then, one day, the reality just seems to hit
you like a rock that your life is different. At some point in time, there seems to unfold
a stark realization that stops you in your tracks, and you realize that your family and tra-
ditions are not mainstream. For some reason, you often feel out of place. This can be
especially hard when the holidays are around the corner, and families and friends are
preparing their traditional gatherings. What is the other kind of family supposed to do?
Just recently, my husband and I went out to eat breakfast – for supper. He
loves breakfast foods, but I can’t eat that much so early in the morning, so we go out
for breakfast occasionally at night. That breaks a little tradition, doesn’t it? While we
were waiting for our food, several families came in and out. After some moments of
watching (which is my husband’s favorite hobby in public places), he asked if I wanted to
know the story of the family sitting across the aisle? A woman and her teenage daugh-
ter had come in to eat together, and he said that she was divorced and her daughter
had been to visit her dad over the weekend. The mom had most likely gone to pick her
up, and they were enjoying supper together on the way home. Now, this may or may
not be true; but, this was the perception of a man who has been through a divorce and
raised four children on his own. Therefore, we don’t see things through traditional eyes.
As I thought about what he said, again realizing that it may or may not be true,
I did think that it was nice that the two of them were sharing time together. Whether
married or divorced, on the way home from a weekend with Dad, or perhaps just on
the way home from church or shopping, it is nice to spend some uninterrupted time
with those we love and to create traditions. With a smile, I thought how nice it would
be if this were something this mom and daughter did every Sunday night.
Sometimes, I think we try so hard – especially during the holidays – to fit our
nontraditional lives into the traditional mold that we may miss out on many blessings.
When I think about trying to make that work, it sounds like The House That Jack Built.
This was a favorite book of mine as a child, and it’s kind of humorous because it never
seems to end, and one thing leads to another. That’s the correlation – and the dilemma.
'Paige Self Thomas lives in Florence with her husband Joey and two Sheltie children,Timmy and Buddy. Together they have seven grown children.
She works part time as Business Administrator for the FMU Center for the Child, and is a licensed realtor with Prudential Segars in Florence. "
by Paige Self Thomas
My husband and I have seven children between us. I have three children and
four stepchildren, and he has four children and three stepchildren. We would love to
see them all during the holidays. Two temporarily live in the same city as we do. Four
live in the same state, and there are hundreds of miles between us and the seventh one.
One of them is married. There are four grandchildren, and due to a divorce, different
sets of in-laws.
My parents are no longer living; but, my husband, fortunately, can still enjoy
time with his mom and dad, and we would love to have them in the mix. He has a sis-
ter and a brother, and I have two sisters and a brother. Of those five siblings, two live
in the same city, two more are in the same state, but one lives thousands of miles away.
If I were to add to the pot the spouses of the siblings and the nieces and nephews on
both sides – well, Jack’s house would never be built.
This sounds kind of humorous, and I kind of giggle like I do when I read the book;
but, this is real life! Why can’t I be like everyone else? Why can’t we just have one big
happy family that gathers on holidays and everyone bring a pot dish to share? Why?
I have to stop and realize that it will go on and on – if I keep trying to make it
fit. This is like the dog that worried the cat that killed the rat that ate the malt that lay
in the house that Jack built.
We’re all connected. All the people I mentioned are part of my life because of
family. I have some direct connection to all of them that makes me want them all to be
part of my traditions. Yet, their connections to each other are somewhat distant. My
firstborn son, who is very special to me, may never spend a holiday with one of my hus-
band’s grandchildren. My husband’s parents and my in-laws may not see my own chil-
dren very often. But, this is the reality of the family I call my own. It doesn’t mean I
can’t hold traditions; and, that in some ways, I can’t be like everyone else.
We learn new traditions in the little things like eating breakfast for supper on
a Sunday night, and I’m learning to make holiday traditions every day throughout the
year. It may take that long to touch base with all those I love and who mean a lot to
me and my life.
Most of our traditional recipes end with the instructions to blend well – and
I’m taking that into the holiday season and New Year. I want to mix the family and
friends that make my life special and blend them into tried-and-true traditions, making
good memories.
From my house to yours, I wish you wonderful times and traditions with fam-
ily and friends during the holiday season and New Year and a very Merry Christmas!
29 11/19/09 2:57 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 29

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30 11/23/09 1:35 PM Page 1
As told to Melia Berry
by Lisa Castles and Daryl Strickland
HOW CHRISTMAS CAME
to Martha Law
Two decades ago, in the cul-de-sac of Martha Law, a subdivision located in Lake
T
City, South Carolina, a Christmas tradition was born that would bring indescribable joy to
the hearts of hundreds of small children and create memories that would last a lifetime.
This is how the tradition began.
When Daryl and Connie Strickland, residents of Martha Law, began putting lights
all about their home, one of the children (now, SC State Trooper, Sonny Collins) took
notice of the tremendous display and told his parents,“Santa must live there.” From that
innocent statement, the idea was born. The Stricklands decided to have a party for the
neighborhood children, complete with Santa Claus himself. As the years went by, what
began as a small neighborhood party grew into a grand event that (from what I’m told)
could rival a shindig at the North Pole.
The Shriners got in on the fun, appearing as Disney characters and giving each
child a go-cart ride. Santa was brought in on a Fire Engine provided by South Lynches Fire
Department (thanks to Chief Keels Brockington). Lake City State Bank (now, First
Citizens) would put up hundreds of dollars for fireworks and firework permits. Lake City
Police Department and Lake City Fire Department, along with South Lynches Fire
Department, would always be on hand to help watch the children and make sure every-
one had a great time and everything was safe. Parents of the children always brought a gift
for their children, and Daryl and Connie always had extra gifts in case a child showed up
without one.
What began with about twenty children grew to over 150 as other neighbor-
hoods and churches would learn about it and call to see if their children could come. Of
course, everyone was always welcome. Diane DeVaughn, a local television news person-
ality was there almost every year, and the celebration was always on the news, which
meant an extra thrill for the children as they loved seeing themselves on television.
The Martha Law Estates ladies would make and serve up plenty of snacks, pop-
corn, hot chocolate and coffee to feed some 400 to 500 people.The Stricklands are quick
to say that this incredible event would not have been possible without the help of these
ladies and all the other residents who came together to put joy in the hearts of many, many
children of Martha Law Estates.
So, what motivated Daryl and Connie Strickland to go to all the trouble? “Love.
Love and children and Christmas. We could see what it meant to each child when that
Fire Engine came in blaring sirens and lights, and the children knew that Santa was on the
Engine,” Daryl explained, giving credit to his wife, as well. “My wife is indescribable, the
love of my life, and the love of my children’s lives. She, without a doubt, kept pushing me
to do this every year. Without her beside me, I probably would have quit because it took
hundreds of hours every year to prepare for and clean up afterwards.”
Lisa Castles was one of the children who grew up in the cul-de-sac at Martha
Law. She wrote to She Magazine to tell us about her memories of the tradition that began
when she was a child and that still impacts her Christmas today. “The children all gath-
ered in a cul-de-sac of a subdivision called Martha Law under four tents. It would be real-
ly cold and I remember a few bond fires with mostly parents gathered for warmth and con-
versation. A few of the children slowed down long enough to roast a marshmallow or
two. It felt like all of Lake City was in Martha Law.
I remember running around, as kids do, but with such anticipation, I could hardly
contain myself. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it another minute, a loud siren could
be heard. Then, I could see lights flashing coming towards me. As the vehicles stopped
and children gathered, the yells of glee became a lot louder than the original noise of the
siren. Then, there he was! Santa stepped out with a joyful,‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ and made his
way through the children and under the tent to a large chair waiting there just for him.
The toys were already wrapped, tagged and waiting for his arrival.”
“One by one,” Lisa says, “Santa would call each child’s name to come sit on his
lap. With a smile, he would give an encouraging statement like,‘You continue not to fight
with your brother and do well in school.’ Then, he presented the child with a toy with his
or her name on the package. I remember running off, ripping through the paper and being
amazed that there was a toy I had on my list. ‘How did he know? He got my letter!’ I
would yell. Then, I would dream of Christmas morning.”
Four years ago, Lisa Castles, along with three other “Martha Law children,” Jill
Hunt, Deborah Lynch and Jeanette Altman, came together as the Christmas season
approached, reminiscing about Christmases past and the events that made Christmas so
special to them and all the other children. It was from that reunion that the women
decided to bring the tradition back alive for the children that now live in the cul-de-sac.
“So, this year will mark the fourth year Santa will make an appointment in Lake
City about a week before Christmas. There, our families and friends (over 100 people)
will gather with great food, hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Then, the lights and
sirens will come and Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear,” says Lisa.
Repeating the tradition, each child will get one present from Santa that comes
from their list. The night will end with a large firework display and more energy and antic-
ipation that can be contained. Christmas long ago will continue to be enjoyed today.
“When these kids called and told us that they were going to start this tradition
again, we were extremely proud that we had such an impact on them. All those kids
remember going to the Strickland’s house at Christmas, and if we never accomplish any-
thing else in life, this has made us happy – incredibly happy. Can anything make you any
more proud?” Daryl asks.
That’s how Christmas came to Martha Law.
31 11/24/09 12:15 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 31

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32 11/23/09 4:14 PM Page 1

of
Christmases Past
by Ferebe Gasque

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day of those experiences. (And, by the way, you snuff candles, you don’t blow them out. If
Their old familiar carols play, you don’t know how, I’ll be glad to show you. Dr. Byrd taught methat and other things
And wild and sweet with more spiritual depth, as well, that still impact my life today.)
The words repeat Christmas morning was always special. We didn’t get lots of “things.” That was

I Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

~ Longfellow

I love bells. Christmas Bells. Sleigh Bells (not that I’ve seen many of those
except in movies). Dinner Bells. Handbells. Those of you who know me know that I
particularly love handbells. Whether it’s ringing in the Handbell Choir at First Baptist
Church in Florence or ringing solo or listening to a really good group ring, I’m hooked
on handbells. I started ringing in the mid-1960s when FBC Florence got a three octave
set of Schulmerich bells. In 1977, as a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary, I was privileged to attend a Handbell Seminar in Nashville,Tennessee. There,
OK. We always got something. And, most often, it was the something for which we had
longed. There was the three-quarter sized guitar I got in sixth grade, which I still have
today. My sister tried to “tune” it for me, however, and managed to pop a string. So, I
taught myself how to play guitar with five strings. You couldn’t buy guitar strings (nor
anything else) on Christmas day back then. Then there was the year I found my album
of the Singing Nun (no comments here, please) in my parents’ closet a couple of weeks
before Christmas. That was not nearly as much fun as being surprised.
My favorite memory of Christmas morning, however, was breakfast. We always
had country ham and grits and eggs. I’ve tried to carry on that tradition each
year, no matter where in the world I have found myself. It’s not always been
I saw a young lady ringing bells all by herself. Heretofore timid little me came back to possible. But, most Christmases have found me eating country ham and think-
New Orleans and said, “If she can do it, I can do it better!” And, my new alter-ego was ing about simpler days.
born. I still can’t believe I was quite so bold. And, for the record, I’m good but I’m My most exotic Christmas was the year I was in Suriname,
not better than she was, I don’t think. South America. It was warm (since it is, after all, located in the
I love Christmas, too. But, I must admit that I’ve had difficulty writing this tropics). There was a wonderful Candlelight Service on Christmas
month’s article BEFORE THANKSGIVING. I know it has to be done for publication Eve in Paramaribo. Christmas morning was spent at the Lewis home,
deadlines; but, I have a personal vendetta against doing anything Christmas before where Martha informed me Santa Claus had found me and left me a
Thanksgiving. I have such happy memories of Thanksgiving and I feel like it’s an impor- beautiful piece of Javanese batik. Lunch was with the mission family
tant holiday that’s gotten lost in the shuffle of the retail gods. Sorry, I’ll get down from at the home of Fred and Janice Day. Memories of that special
my soapbox now and continue with all things Christmas. Christmas are still vividly etched in my mind and in my heart.
I have so many wonderful childhood Christmas memories, as well. Christmas I’m not sure how nor where I’ll spend Christmas Day this
Eve was always reserved for the Candlelight Service at our church. My Aunt Eugenia year. I do know, however, that it will be filled with prayers of
was the Secretary to the Pastor for at least a hundred years. And, she was in thanksgiving for Christmases past and those who have helped
charge of getting things ready. So, every year, little Ferebe had the privilege (?) me become the woman I am today. Many of those folks will
of spending at least one day of Christmas vacation from school at the church be spending Christmas with Jesus. How glorious that must
stuffing candles in square cardboard holders. These were not those flimsy, buy be!
in a packet of 5000, little-round-precut-hole-thingys that are used in lots of Longfellow’s poem “Christmas Bells,” was penned
churches today. Nosirree. These were hand-cut and scissor-punched. I may on Christmas Day, 1864, during the height of the War
still have scars to prove it, too! After that, I would ride with her to deliver Between the States. I didn’t know that when I fell in
her famous pecan brittle. I looked forward to finishing my chores as deliv- love with the last two stanzas. I always felt they relat-
ery girl because then I would be allowed to take some of the delicacy ed to me in my personal battles. That’s just one more
home. I didn’t realize until years later that we got all the scorched ones. thing I love about Scripture and hymns, God can use
However, to this day I think they were better because they didn’t stick to them in our individual lives to minister to us just
your teeth as much as the “good” batches did. Ah, childhood memories! when and where we need them most. He’s like
I learned how to snuff that, you know.
out candles at the
Candlelight Services, “And in despair I bowed my head;
too. I can still see ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
Dr. Byrd standing ’For hate is strong,
in the pulpit And mocks the song
demonstrating Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’
the process
before the lights Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
were dimmed. ‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
As we sang, The Wrong shall fail,
“Silent Night,” The Right prevail,
and as the candles With peace on earth, good-will
were raised our to men!’”
voices lifted
“Darkness flies, all
is light,” the room Merry Christmas!
was lighted with
the candlelight. Ferebe Gasque loves the honor of being Music
I still get Therapist at McLeod Hospice House. She also
g o o s e has way too much fun for a grown up while
bumps thinking writing for She Magazine.
33 11/23/09 2:41 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 33

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34 11/24/09 2:33 PM Page 1
We didn’t find out if our baby was a boy or a girl
while I was expecting. But, I wanted a girl so badly. On
May 22, 2003, I was elated to finally be able to put a face
with the name that I had picked out as a child myself.
Raelyn Emily Ott was the sweetest baby.
Raelyn is a very thoughtful person. She loves her
family, but she is always sure to remind us that she loves
God more. She is a caregiver and loves to give to others.
When asked to give to charities, she wants to give her
own money instead of us helping her. She’s easy-going
and very laid back but also extremely out-going. She loves
to meet new people, make new friends and wants to
make sure everyone is happy and part of what’s going on.
She’s also very confident. She’s been at a new school for
the past three years and always walks in with a huge smile
on her face, eagerly waving goodbye to us.
Raelyn is the child that will have a dress on with
a bow in her hair while she’s outside, digging in the dirt
and running around with the boys. She loves the whole
If you would like to nominate a little girl for “Wee She,” send an e-mail to editor@shemagazine.com with “Wee She” Nomination as the subject.
“ Raelyn is the child that will have a dress on with a
bow in her hair while she’s outside, digging in the
dirt and running around with the boys.
dress-up part of being a girl; however, she equally loves
the same things as her eight-year-old brother. She was a
princess for Halloween this year, but she has already
informed me that she wants to be Padme Amidala from
Star Wars next year.
She adores her brothers. There have been times
that she wants to take her own money to buy them
things. She once waited to eat a piece of candy that she
had gotten at school until she had earned two more
pieces so she could share with her brothers.
Nevertheless, she asks us to give her a sister quite often!
In first grade at The Byrnes Schools, she loves
school. I think she enjoys the social interaction more
than anything, though. Her favorite subjects are math and
music. She made the All-A Honor Roll this past nine
weeks. Raelyn always tries her best.
At home, she loves to sing and make up new
songs, dress-up in costumes and ride her bike. She also
loves to play golf with her daddy. She has even asked for
This month’s “Wee She” was submitted by Raelyn’s mom, April.
“
personalized golf tees for Christmas so she won’t have to
use her daddy’s anymore.
Raelyn is involved with the Children’s Ministry at
First Baptist Florence. She loves the Children’s Choir and
singing songs about God. She also loves to dance. In her
fourth year of taking tap and dance classes, she says her
favorite part about dance is being able to dance on a stage
at the recitals.
As Raelyn’s mom, I see in her future her dreams
of being a mommy and having her own family to take care
of coming true. She already does a great job of helping
me with her little brother and with other “Mommy
duties.” She has an appreciation for stay-at-home Moms.
She recently told me that her daddy has one job, but I
have two, telling me,“You have to help Daddy with his job
and take care of us!”
She never fails to bring joy into my life. I love her
so much!
35 11/23/09 9:22 AM Page 1

She Magazine • November 2009 • 35

36 11/23/09 4:43 PM Page 1
‘Tis the
Season
Ok. Here's a question for all of you. When did Christmas start
coming before Thanksgiving on the yearly calendar? Did I
miss something? What happened to the pilgrims and who silenced the fans of Miles
Standish or Pocahontas? This year, it appears that Holiday decorations and lights have
been hung out all over town well in advance of the typical Tryptophan overload from
two to three heapings of turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
Somehow, our society has moved into the Christmas Holidays this year well
before those Halloween costumes were even put in the closet. Why do we constantly
strive to rush things along only to be sorry that the occasion we've been anticipating
with great delight has passed?
For me, however, prolonging the Christmas Season only adds to my stress.
It happens every year about this time and I say I will never do them again.
Those Holiday blunders. Those teeny, tiny errors that discriminate between social
correctness and inappropriate etiquette that would have made Emily Post's hair stand
on end.
And, you better not say that at least one of the following doesn’t hit you
straight between the eyes. At least I have the courage to 'fess up, like admitting to the
fact that I, too, have a special gift closet - a graveyard of trinkets and neat little gifts pur-
chased all year long and stored up in preparation for Holiday distribution. As a matter
of fact, among these cute items are some gifts I may have received along the way that
may not have matched my taste.
So what better purpose could these presents serve than to be recycled gifts
that would provide delight to someone else? The problem is remembering who gave you
what - especially as your collection of these gifts in the closet grows. That's when the
potential for disaster occurs. Recycling gifts back to the original giver is an absolutely
scandalous Holiday faux pas, specifically when the acquaintance recognizes that they
gave you the feather lined wrap or pink and green Istoner slippers or vase with the
Jumana A. Swindler, a resident of Florence, is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for McLeod Health.
Her personal favorite pastimes, reflected in her writings, are RV'ing, movies,Theater, fishing, reading and spending time with her son and family.
Sincerely Yours, Jumana A. Swindler
camels on the sides two Christmases ago. Using recycled gifts may require a little
more effort, like creating a system for cataloging who they first came from.And, you
can be sure, these folks will remember that they gave you those unique items, since
most of them foraged them out of their own gift closet for recycling.
I also learned in recent years that buying and actually serving fruit-
cakes at Holiday social events is another faux pas.The best place to keep those
brown blocks of confection is in your secret gift closet or as door stops during
the warmer spring months.
Another Holiday faux pas I learned about last Christmas -- stay clear
of over-personalizing and giving repetitive gifts to the family.It was casually mentioned
during a recent family get-together that my brother, his wife and in-laws, and my sister, her
husband and in-laws and all my relatives really were not extremely impressed last year when
I provided them each with the framed 8 and 1/2 by 11 digital photo of me in front my RV
beside the Japanese Maple during a fall mountain adventure. All 22 photographs were
allegedly shoved in drawers. But, they used the frames for photos of their own children or
pets. I caught on when I visited each family throughout the year and spotted the frames
sans me and the maple.
My family continues to amaze me. Besides their callous disregard for the cultural
influence that Japanese maple may have brought to their lives, they also sent out emails
requesting that I show stewardship and make an effort to save trees in other ways this
holiday season. "Dear Sis, don’t use the Sunday Newspaper comics as wrapping paper this
year. We've all chipped in to send you some gift boxes….We're still trying to get the ink
off our fingers. Love ya'." Yeah right!!!!
Everybody seems to be getting in on the act of acknowledging their concern
for my Holiday misdemeanors -- like my neighbor who came by yesterday asking about
my yard theme for Christmas '09. "Are 'ya going to mix your messages out front again,"
he said disdainfully. Confused, I explained that once again, I was indeed featuring the
multi-colored blinking sleigh, and moving reindeer blow up yard ornament with the
motion detector that allows the cute mammals to repeat the "Rudolph" song when
someone passes. And there's one new addition this year, I explained enthusiastically. A
family of country bears with blinking scarves and cheerful faces blowing out Christmas
tunes through their honey jugs. How cute is that? I asked my scowling neighbor.
But this year, plans are in place for a more peaceful holiday season around our
block. I assured the entire Neighborhood Association that I had learned my lesson last
year. This season, I would not forget to put the sand in the luminary bags during our
neighborhood "Night of Lights."
And if those cute little firemen do have to come back for some reason, they
can have their choice of a fruitcake or a picture of a Japanese Maple neatly tucked away
in my gift closet - just in case.
Merry Christmas to All! Luke 2:14
37 11/24/09 1:20 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 37

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41 11/23/09 4:09 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 41

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She Magazine • December 2009 • 43

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44 11/24/09 11:22 AM Page 1
All
I Ever
Wanted
This year my wayward family is coming home.
My oldest daughter and family are South Carolina bound! The best part is they are
moving in at the farm, with us (BeeGee and PaPa that is)!!! As soon as we received the
news they were coming I knew this Christmas was going to be the best one yet!
Christmas memories will begin with homemade candies carefully placed in the
same tin containers that are used every year. As soon as they are placed on the count-
er the children know what’s inside. The familiar smell tempts the taste buds as the
shiny chocolate coating delights their eyes. This treat among others is reserved for
Christmas at our house and I’ll keep making them until the torch is passed some day.
This year I will have all I ever wanted--which is to stand beside my grandchildren
(who are standing in kitchen chairs) and bake. Even the most tedious task can become a
blessing when it’s shared with special “grandangels”. I can just hear the questions as we
measure and mix the wonderful ingredients together. This will most assuredly lead to
some taste testing along the way. Oh my goodness, I can just see the tips of their fingers
all covered in chocolate now, not to mention my kitchen. It’s OK when that happens with
your grandchildren.
I fondly recall the good ol’ days at cotton picking time when our children would
play in the giant pile of cotton seeds at the family gin house. Their jeans would be “pegged”
because that was the style in the 80’s and that meant cotton seeds would be tracked every-
where in the house afterwards. I didn’t seem to mind it so much because everyone had
such a delightful time together. I wish my grandchildren could experience this but the gin
house was torn down several years ago now. Now, cotton modules dot the landscape.
I am reminded of the fun our children had jumping into piles of leaves and riding
in the back of the farm truck. Those simple moments that created such special memories
didn’t cost a thing but time. Time well spent. Perhaps the tough economic times will
cause us all to reevaluate the simple joys of Christmas and concentrate on presence rather
than presents.
Beth Grant is an Artist, Interior Decorator and Writer. She and her husband, Don, live on their family farm in Lamar, South Carolina. They own and operate Mantissa Row in Hartsville.
by Beth Grant
The singing of familiar songs at Christmas, the smelling of the tops of my
grandchildren’s heads, as well as the delightful smells of chocolate and cinnamon will
sooth my soul. Having my family all gathered together reminiscing past antics and new
life experiences will be the best present ever.
Home is really where you are completely yourself--you can be quiet or you
can talk. You can use bright colors or pastels, antiques or modern furniture. It’s you
and your family together choosing your surroundings. At the end of the day what real-
ly matters is that you are welcomed and safe and loved. Don’t forget to give the best
of yourself at home, too. Try not to wear yourself out doing for others and forgetting
that your own family needs you too. Make sure you show them you love them--you
can’t over do it. May this Christmas bring you new memories of a special Christmas
at home with those you love.
Just being together and reading the Christmas story together is a blessing.
The remembrance of the lowly stable from which came great joy can sustain us forev-
er, unlike the tokens that come and go.
Remember you are a child of God and that He cares for you so much that He
gave the most precious gift He had, His Son. He gave Him for us because we are sin-
ners. Be reminded that even if someone breaks your heart or destroys your trust, you
can come to Him and he will give you peace. Lift up your pain and heartache and He
will fix it in His perfect way. This is a season of peace and great joy. Take all the sad-
ness and anxiety and leave it at the foot of the cross and begin this next year with a
renewed spirit,
Remember as you are doing your Christmas baking that “Jesus Loves You, this
I know.” I am going to put into practice all the things I’ve mentioned that would make
a “homespun” Christmas extra special, I hope you will too. Merry Christmas
Everybody!
45 11/23/09 5:41 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 45

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46 11/20/09 1:47 PM Page 1

Chicks OF THE Month

SheMagazine
In a letter to She Magazine, Emily
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Please consider Girl Scouts of

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If you would like to receive lunch courtesy

of She Magazine and Chick-fil-A at the
Magnolia Mall, Magnolia Mall Drive-In
and Florence Darlington Tech locations,
send an e-mail telling us why your office
or group should be Chicks of the Month
to: editor@shemagazine.com
47 11/19/09 3:42 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 47

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48 11/24/09 12:41 PM Page 1
Annie
The Remarkable Role of Motherhood
i remember being very much in the mood to
write my article for the Christmas issue last year. I think
I even pulled down the boxes of ornaments so the girls
and I could look through them, and we even put on red
sweaters for pictures. This year, however, I put it off as
long as possible. It was hard to do, since the day after
Halloween, all the retailers started putting up their holi-
day decorations. They really do market this Christian
holiday more than any other. They must know that one
of the “respectable sins” that many Christians deal with
is materialism, buying into American dream agendas to
have it all and be able to give it all to our children. Sure,
we collect some shoeboxes for Operation Christmas
Child, but each of those represents just a fraction of the
total amount of spending we do around the holidays.
We have informed our three-year-old, who
already struggles with materialism (wanting more when
she has everything she needs and not being satisfied with
what she has), that we will be giving her and her sister
one special present. If she receives more gifts from oth-
ers – and she will – she is to be very grateful for what
the Lord has provided and enjoy what she has been
given. We have also asked her to help us get the shoe-
boxes ready for children overseas as her gift to us. I
explained to her that it is all about Jesus and not about
her, because it is His Birth we are celebrating. She really
grasped that since she felt very special and celebrated on
her own birthday.
Though this may sound a little bit harsh, we
want to set a precedent for our family for the years to
come. No matter how much or how little God has given
us, we should always be grateful and seek to live with as
little as possible. So, if God has made you a steward of
much, seek Him and His Word to know what He wants
you to do with your abundance. And, if God has given
you just what you need, and not a penny more (and
sometimes it seems a penny less), then trust in Him and
pray for His continued provision and guidance, and seek
ways to give and serve others.
I did a little research on poverty in America ver-
sus poverty in the rest of the world, and it’s very eye-
opening. I knew the general concept already that being
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Annie Collins now resides in Marion with her husband, Dan, a Youth Minister, and their two daughters, Maddy and Phoebe.
She is a 2004 graduate of Columbia International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Annie looks forward to your feedback. You may contact her at anniescollins@yahoo.com.
at
by Annie Collins
an American by default makes you richer than the vast
majority of the rest of the world’s population. But, the
amount of statistics there are to back it up was impres-
store and the focus not being on Christ until Christmas
Eve service.
Sometimes, I don’t wonder at all why people in
sive. The most helpful article I found is called other countries don’t like us. We sit here in all our com-
“Understanding Poverty in America” at fort and wealth and complain about the most trivial non-
www.heritage.org. In summation, people who are life-threatening things while they can’t feed their children
Americans and the Census Bureau label as “poor” still or find clean water to drink.
have a home that is not overcrowded, enough food to Let us humble ourselves this holiday season and
eat, heat and air, television, phones, cars and modern ask God to make us aware of how rich we truly are. And,
appliances. Obviously, this is not the case for poor peo- let us find ways to simplify our celebration of Christmas.
ple in countries like India, China and even Europe. I think
the Census Bureau may consider us
poor, although I’ve never bothered to
find out. All I know is that I feel so rich,
and I can only do more to simplify my
life, live with less and give more away.
Let’s get back to Christmas. I
really do love this holiday, although I
am kinda old school and like to thor-
oughly enjoy Thanksgiving before I
start listening to Christmas music.
But, when the time comes, I look for-
ward to picking out a fresh-cut tree,
decorating with my family and listen-
ing to our favorite Christmas albums
from Andrew Peterson, “Behold the
Lamb of God,” and Sojourn
Community Church, “Songs of the
Advent.” I love making Mimi’s
Molasses Cookies and planning a
healthy but fully-satisfying Christmas
dinner. I love stockings and a fire
burning in the fireplace. I anticipate
creating more traditions as our chil-
dren grow – some the same and
some different than the ones we had
growing up.
And, I plan to fully avoid the
things I don’t love about Christmas
– like the pressure to spend an inor- Maddy, Annie and Phoebe enjoying a trip to the mall.
dinate amount of money, the chaos
and crowds every time you go in a
51 11/23/09 11:26 AM Page 1

Be in She
Live, Laugh,

Coming in
FEBRUARY
If you have a special love story, a zest
for life or something to make us laugh,
She wants to hear all about it!
If you would like to have your
story considered for the
LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE
issue coming in February...

send an email to
editor@shemagazine.com, along with a
day and evening phone number.
52 11/23/09 4:47 PM Page 1
Wings for the Spirit
the best
Gift
h How blessed we are to have another Christmas! This celebra-
tion of Jesus’ Birth is a season of great joy to all. What a special time of
showing love by sharing with others. As we give and receive gifts on this
happy holiday, we are reminded of the best gift of all – salvation with
eternal life in Heaven through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
In Luke 2:7, Mary gave birth to her first child, a son. It was
extremely significant but simple, humble and precious, as God had
planned it all to be. Mary wrapped the Christ Child in warm pieces of
fabric to keep Him warm and laid Him in a manger. This was His only
bed – a feeding trough. Imagine Him wrapped warmly and surrounded
by His earthly parents and animals to help keep Him warm. Think about
it. God’s only Son, the King of all Kings was born in the lowliest of
places. It was a cold, dark, dirty stable for animals. The humbling,
unimaginable circumstances reveal the love of our Heavenly Father and
Savior, Jesus Christ. God loves every human being, regardless of how
cold, dark and dirty their lives are or have been. The dark past (or pres-
ent) of someone’s life – the cold, hardness of heart and dirty sin – will
never keep Him from coming into a person’s heart and life who wants
Him in. He will also be there for us in difficult times – if we will make
room for Him. As God manifested Himself to the shepherds, He will for
you and me – if we seek Him.
In our culture, strong emphasis is placed on the materialistic
view of the Christmas holiday. The incarnation of God was the focus of
the early church on Christmas. As loving and thoughtful as gifts are, the
most expensive gift received at Christmas will not give the fulfillment of
helping those who cannot help themselves or enjoying the gathering of
loved ones. God’s best gift to us is Jesus – Who came to save us from
our sins and give us eternal life in Heaven. Still, many reject the best gift
we could ever receive. Although we treasure our possessions, they
don’t bring lasting satisfaction. Only a personal relationship with Jesus
can give ultimate fulfillment.
Have you received the best gift – the free gift of salvation from
sin with the promise of eternal life in Heaven through Jesus Christ?
Jesus is no longer a baby in that little manger. As a result of His death
on a cruel cross and His rising again, He is alive today! He is patiently
waiting for you to ask Him into your heart and life, if you haven’t already
done so. He loves you just as you are and He wants to help you. You’ve
tried almost everything, and it hasn’t filled the emptiness in your life.
Satan tells people to wait because there is plenty of time and
they are a good person like they are. Don’t fall for this nonsense from
our enemy. Nothing and no one else can fill the void in our lives but
Sherry S. Page Atkinson lives in Marion with her husband, Jimmy.
Those wishing to contact her may do so at the following address: 6526 South Highway 41. Or, you may e-mail her at: sherrya@nethwy.com.
by Sherry S. Page Atkinson
Jesus and a personal relationship with Him. Suppose there’s no tomor-
row. Think about it. We could only have today – or possibly only the
next second. Don’t wait! Jesus is standing at your heart’s door, wanting
you to ask Him in. Come to Him just as you are and receive the free
gift of salvation from sin with the promise of eternal life in Heaven.
Won’t you make room in your heart and life for Jesus – the best gift!
My prayer for anyone reading this: Dear Heavenly Father, we
want to come into Your Presence and worship You for who You are.
Thank You for Your unconditional love for us and for all the many bless-
ings You have given us. Thank You for sending Jesus,Your only Son, to be
born in a lowly manger and for His death on the cross for our sins.
Praise You, Jesus, for dying in our place that we could be saved from our
sins and have eternal life in Heaven with You. Jesus, speak to the hearts
of any who are unsaved and prepare their hearts to receive You as their
Savior. Holy Spirit, I pray You comfort and encourage those who feel
unloved. Minister to them as only You can and surround them with Your
Presence. Touch with Your healing hand those who are physically sick,
emotionally hurting, financially hurting or spiritually hurting. Bless those
who are doing their best to live for You and serve You. Bring revival to
our nation, Lord, and continue Your blessings and protection on us. We
pray for our President and every person in office, Father God, that You
would give them wisdom and that, most of all, they would seek You and
determine to live for You more than they ever have. Send the fire of
revival to our churches, Lord, and let every church be filled to overflow-
ing with people hungry for You. Fill us with Your Spirit, and use us for
Your glory that others who don’t know You will want to know You.
Forgive us of our sins. Wash us clean in the blood of Jesus and help us
to be the Christians You would have us to be. Help us, Lord, to forgive
those we need to forgive because this can bring healing to us. We are
so needy of You, Jesus. Protect our troops, Father God. Sustain them
and their families while they are giving of themselves to protect our
freedom. We cry out to You, Father God, to be with our families, to
send Your angels to surround them and cover them with the precious
blood of Jesus for protection. Help us to open up our spiritual eyes and
ears and teach us Your Word and Your ways. Help us to lay aside petty
differences, pride or anything that would distract our realization of the
times we are living in. Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, we love You!
We worship and adore You! We ask You, Jesus, to come into our hearts,
afresh and anew. Forgive us of our sins. Fill us to overflowing with the
Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ powerful and precious Name. Amen.
53 11/19/09 3:51 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 53

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54 11/23/09 5:29 PM Page 1

54 • December 2009 • She Magazine

Pottery Show December 3rd 4-8 PM

Featuring work of Sasha & Tari Federer, Doug
Gray, Ardemes Praetorius, Bob Hassell,
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Ornaments Show December 10th

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Small pieces by gallery artists and students,
designed and priced for Christmas giving!

ART • POTTERY • JEWELRY

403 2nd loop rd. • florence, SC • (843)673-9144 LYNDAENGLISHSTUDIO.NET

57 11/19/09 4:08 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 57

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58 11/23/09 3:10 PM Page 1
A Natural Cure
for Migraine Headaches by J. Marshall Dent, III
I I recently wrote an article on the importance of hormone balance and its
effect on weight loss. In my clinical experience, I realized a long time ago how impor-
tant hormone balance is to the general well-being of women. With that being said, the
balance of sex hormones is essential to the prevention of migraine headaches.
Depending on what statistic you use, migraine headaches are found in about
10% of the population. Women have a three-
fold increased incidence compared to
men. The number of migraine
headaches in women approach
18% of the female population.
As a woman approaches age
35, the peak incidence of
migraines increases to
nearly 35% - nearly one in
three! Furthermore, offi-
cial statistics indicate
that 60-70%
of women
experience
“hormonal”
headaches
based on their
monthly
cycle.
If you have questions about the information in this article, you may contact Dr. Dent at Complete Women’s
Health Care in Florence. Dr. Dent is Board Certified in Family Practice and Obstetrics and Gynecology and also
What’s even worse, migraine headaches seem to be increasing worldwide over the last
50 years – and particularly in women. What could be the cause of this sudden increase
in migraine headaches? One theory for the increased incidence is the increase in birth
control pills since 1960, the progressive exposure to estrogen over the past 50 years
and worsening dietary habits of the last 25 years.
What is the real cause of migraines? The primary cause is a hormone called
progesterone. It is actually a deficiency in progesterone or an imbalance in the
ratio of estrogen to progesterone that appears to be the root cause of migraine
headaches in women. Progesterone is a sex hormone produced largely by the ovaries.
It has a counter-balance effect to estrogen. Every cell in the body has progesterone
receptors and, in particular, the brain. Women who have progesterone deficiency have
numerous problems, ranging from menstrual irregularity, severe premenstrual symp-
toms, heavy cycles, infertility and obesity.
There are many factors that enhance treatment of migraines, including the use
of magnesium, vitamin D supplementation, fish oil tablets and fine tuning the thyroid
hormone level. The magnesium must be the type that is well absorbed and not typical-
ly what is found on the shelves of your local drug store. The use of over-the-counter
magnesium will only lead to diarrhea if the dose is increased to that needed to prevent
migraines. The fish oil must be a high-potency grade with the proper ratio of EPA and
DHA. The vitamin D level should be obtained first in order to prescribe the proper
dosage regimen to achieve therapeutic levels.
A plan of treatment for the menstruating woman is to first, stop your birth
control pills. The dosage of bio-identical progesterone is 50mg twice daily from days
fifteen until onset of menses. The use of 400-500mg of long-acting magnesium every
day with the essential fatty acids, two capsules twice daily every day of the month, has
shown to be very effective in the prevention of the migraine. The treatment of
migraines includes the use of 1000 IU of vitamin D daily if your levels are close to 40,
and increased doses if you have lower levels. This plan will require two menstrual cycles
to pass to get the full benefit of the treatment.
The plan of treatment for the non-menstruating or postmenopausal women is
the use of bio-identical progesterone twice daily every day of the month, taking a three-
to seven-day break, depending on return of symptoms. The use of well-absorbed mag-
nesium on the order of 400-500mg a day will make the progesterone work better. The
use of essential fatty acids, 1000mg twice a day, is an important component to the treat-
ment plan. The use of vitamin D contingent on your individual level is an essential com-
ponent to the treatment of the headache. I like to increase the progesterone dosage
for the first ten days to achieve better serum levels initially. The dosage can then be
adjusted to achieve resolution of the migraine.
Some women will experience breast fullness or soreness when they start tak-
ing progesterone. This is seen with higher doses and is a temporary effect and
should resolve in several weeks. The goal is to use the lowest doses that will
resolve your migraine. Sometimes, I will add bio-identical estrogen during the
worse headache days of the month if I am not achieving complete resolution
of the headache with progesterone alone. In the peri-menopausal patient,
the use of progesterone will sometimes increase her menopausal symp-
toms since the progesterone is an estrogen antagonist. In that patient,
the use of low dose bio-identical estrogen is warranted.
The cure rate should be on the order of 80%. For the remaining 20%,
many of them have headaches caused by something other than sex hor-
mone deficiency. The reason for correcting the hormonal imbalances or
deficiencies is for an overall positive effect on your health and well-being.
You will feel better. Your body will function better. You will stay younger
longer. Your weight will be easier to maintain. The bottom line is this; it’s all good.
So, if you’ve tried all that is available to you in the form of prescriptions, and
you have not achieved resolution of your migraines, consider this natural approach. You
have nothing to lose but the migraine.
holds an Advanced Certification in Menopausal Medicine.
59 11/24/09 2:22 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 59

Surprise Her This Christmas! Christmas Awaits You at

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2437 Willwood Drive • Florence Holiday Gift Certificates Available

60 11/23/09 1:41 PM Page 1

August 09 She Magazine

July 09 She Magazine

on & Brenda Kennedy

Cookie Gage, Ladonna Wats
re, we
on our cruise to Mexico. He
“We took She along with us touring.
at after a wonderful day of
were headed back to the bo es! We
fabulous shopping adventur
And, let’s not forget about the y
erful time! The wa ter wa s beautiful.”- Brenda Kenned
had a wond

Carolina Smith & Dresden Tucker

“Carolina Smith, her parents, Philip and Tammy Smith, and I

Going Somewhere? traveled to Norfolk,Virginia, to see Bob Dylan for

Carolina’s first-ever concert! Here we are waiting in line
at Harbor Park Baseball Stadium to see Willie Nelson and
Take She along! John Mellencamp open for Bob Dylan and his band.
It was a phenomenal experience (even though we
lost our voices)!” - Dresden Tucker, Florence

e
August 09 She Magazin
May 09 She Magazin
e

Johnson
Kasey Melton & Cynthia
and Cynthia Mar y Britt Marsh
“In August, Kasey Melton “ She Magazine travel
visit The ed with our family in
Johnson took a break to went whitewater ra
fting through the Gra
July. We
gton, DC,
White House in Washin nd Canyon. It
azine

was an absolutely be
on a
while conducting research
autiful trip down
the Colorado River!
cultural
August 09 She Mag

My daughter,
social project regarding Mary Britt Marsh, is
pictured holding
diversity.” - Kasey Melton She. We’re glad She
could share our
vacation.” - Lura Mar
sh

“Here I am on the campus

of Louisville Presbyterian
To be featured in “There She Goes,” send an Seminary in Louisville,
e-mail to editor@shemagazine.com. Include a
picture of yourself (friends welcome!) with a copy
Kentucky.” - Emily Cambell
of She Magazine along with a brief description.
Emily Cambell
61 11/23/09 2:42 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 61

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62 11/23/09 1:37 PM Page 1
All I
Wan t f o r
Chris t m a s
L
Last year, about this time, I
remember thinking – as I struggled
to catch my breath – things will slow
down in the new year. Spring is not
as busy as the fall. And just a few
short weeks after that I remember
thinking, summer. Things will slow down in
the summer. And just a few short weeks after that, I stopped lying to myself.
As another busy fall approached, I didn’t stop speeding through life in a blur of
lunacy, but I did acknowledge that the pace was not going to slacken on its own. I need a
governor on my time to keep it from racing away with record-breaking rapidity, and that
governor looks like me making difficult choices. Choices to reduce and eliminate hurry
from my life. Choices to limit my involvement in certain activities. Choices to exercise
restraint. Choices to simplify rather than complicate.
I already hear you grumbling and groaning and rolling your eyes at the loftiness
of my afore-listed fragments. Or I see you sagging beneath the weight of guilt induced by
the mere mention of simplifying. Easier said than done, I KNOW! I’m still trying to get a
handle on running my life instead of it running me, and most of the time I am losing the
battle.
You see, I am guilty of believing that I need more, that I need to do more, that
my children need to be involved in more, that I need to dabble in this and that, that I need
to start this, that I need to train for that, that I need to sign-up for this, that I need to vol-
unteer for that, that I need to register for this, that I need to apply for that, and the list
goes on – to quote the ever sagacious Buzz Lightyear – to infinity and beyond.
But simplicity is what I want for Christmas. Even if for just this month. So, here
goes…
Dear Santa,
I want to chill out for Christmas this year. I want to revert to an attentive and inten-
tional pace that allows me to pause and reflect on the blessings of this year and the meaning of
this season every day for the month of December. I want to make peace with the dust in my
house and laugh more with my family than perhaps I have done all year. I want to make crafts
with my girls (even though I am ultra not-crafty) and enjoy baking yummy cookies and cakes with
them even if our cookies are ugly and misshapen. I want to give a lot this Christmas – choosing
thoughtful gifts that express affection and appreciation without causing financial strain, and I want
to say no to commitments that may kindle unnecessary stress.
Cookie Cawthon is deckin’ the halls with boughs of holly, bursting into “Joy to the World” without a moment’s forewarning, and dreaming of a white Christmas in Flo-town.
by Cookie Cawthon
I want to love big this year and worship big and celebrate big. I want to hum while I
shop and listen to Christmas music 24/7. I want to wear the perma-grin and give lots of hugs. I
want to sleep under the cozy glow of the lit Christmas tree, and I want to be released from the
pressure and even desire to ensure that my children receive everything on their lists. This
Christmas I want less of what commercial America wants me to have and more of what Jesus
wants me to be. I want to resist the urge to cuss at tangled tree lights and be unaffected by rude
and harried shoppers and retail employees. I want my house to smell like apple cider every day.
It’s simple, really; I want life to be simple, Santa – just for the month of December. It’s
a tall order; I get that, but if you can pull off that whole up-the-chimney stunt, I think this is small
potatoes.
Oh yeah, please overlook all of those times I yelled at my children for the sake of hur-
rying us somewhere we didn’t even need to be going, all of the times I made life more complicat-
ed than it needed to be, and all of the times I failed to be generous in my day-to-day living.
Thank you, and stay jolly and fabulous!
Warmly ;-)
Cookie
So, we’ll see how that goes.
Unfortunately, it does feel like a simple Christmas would require magic or a mir-
acle. Does my Type A, perfectionist self even possess the ability to wind down when the
world around me is going full throttle and beckoning me to do the same? I don’t know.
That’s why I’ll be asking Him every day to fill me with His joy, to enlarge my wonder of
His gift, to break my heart for those who are hurting and those who are without, to help
me delight in the simple and pure, and to leave me unmoved by the loot of the season.
And His raise-peeps-from-the-dead deal is way more impressive than flying rein-
deer. I’m just sayin’, I’m in good hands.
And I’ll be asking the same for you and your family – for broken hearts and sim-
ple goodness.
“Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 1:2).
63 11/23/09 10:23 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 63

Holidize Your Home

with Twinkling Trees, Glittery Accents and all that Shines

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK UNTIL CHRISTMAS

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64 11/24/09 9:45 AM Page 1

2009
McLeod
Festival
of Trees

...Always Dancing and

Creating Performance
Memories to last
629-0033 a lifetime!
or 374-4KFA

You can watch us

perform the Florence
Tree Lighting, also at
the Turbeville, Olanta,
Florence, Barrineau and
Lake City Christmas
Parades!

2009 Florence Pecan Festival CHRISTMAS

TUMBLING CLINIC
(ALL LEVELS)
JOIN US FOR
DATE: December 19, 2009
GYM PIZZA PARTY LOCATION: KFA in Florence
TIME: 9-11:30am
WHEN: December 18th at 6:00PM-9:00PM
COST: $25
WHAT: Open Gym for ages 2-12
2 1/2 hrs of fun gym time including
Pizza and Drinks

“HOME OF THE KFA DANCE COMPANY”

67 11/24/09 9:18 AM Page 1
68 11/24/09 1:24 PM Page 1

shop
talk

Venable’s
Billy and Marie Venable, owners
ABOUT US: In 1989, Venable’s had a store in Georgetown very similar to the stores
Marie and I now have in Florence; however, Hurricane Hugo put about five feet of water
in that one. Needless to say, we were forced out of business. I moved to Florence to
work for one of the local jewelers and was there for two years. It became abundantly clear
that I needed to make a change. After much prayer and consideration, I decided to try my
own business in Florence. The problem – Marie and I had no money. Nevertheless, the
Lord put us in the path of a smart businessman who had faith in our vision. He started
off as a limited partner for an investment in our first store. After a few years in business,
he was gracious enough to let us buy him out. Only the Lord could arrange the things that
put us in business with such a small investment. We opened our first store in March 1991
in Magnolia Mall. My greatest fear for our new business was a long-term lease. When I
approached the Mall with my business plan, they said okay, with the stipulation that I would
have to pay month-to-month. They wouldn’t offer me a lease. They told me a few years
and a few leases later that the reason they didn’t offer a lease was because they were sure
I wasn’t going to make it. “Ain’t God good!”
HOW WE STARTED OUT: Our store started out as a jewelry repair and engraving
business. We didn’t have enough money to buy any inventory, so we made a few things to
put in our cases. At the time, Marie was working for an attorney and had nights and week-
ends off. The mall store had to be open 70 hours a week and we couldn’t afford any help,
so we worked all
the hours by our-
selves. At the
time, we were in a
Christian rock
band, and one of
our band mates
told me he want-
ed to work on
Sundays for free
so I could have a
day off.
WHAT WE DO: We have evolved into a Retail Jewelry, Gift and Accessory Store. We
try to stock items you might not find elsewhere. My wife is the buyer, and she has a knack
for finding the next hot thing. In our repair department, we can do almost any jewelry
repair. We do ring sizing, stone setting, chain soldering, as well as costume jewelry and
watch repair. We can also supply watch bands and batteries while you wait. Our engrav-
ing is done on premise, and it’s done fast.
OUR GOAL: It is our goal to offer quality work with a short turn around time.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE: The unique thing about our store is that we don’t buy
dozens of anything.You won’t see ten other people with the same item you bought from
us. The jewelry items you buy from us can most often be sized or serviced by us. We are
always glad to size, repair or engrave items bought elsewhere, as well. You can also be
assured that the money made in our businesses will be faithfully tithed upon. I doubt if that
can be said of any of the big box stores. Another thing we do that the bigger stores won’t
do is look for a specific item for you. When we go to market, we always have a list of spe-
cial requests from our customers. Sometimes, if we can’t find the jewelry item you want,
we may be able to make it.
MOST POPULAR FOR CHRISTMAS: This Christmas, we expect the hottest items
in Sterling Silver to be the Charleston Gate Collection and Shelia’s Lowcountry Designs.
Both lines are created right here in South Carolina. We also have a large variety of gifts
and jewelry that can be monogrammed.
FIND US: The larger of our two stores is located at 1608 Second Loop Road. It offers
us the ability to stock larger items like luggage and some ladies apparel from time to time.
The Second Loop Store will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM,
Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. The Magnolia Mall Store will be open seven days, accord-
ing to the Mall schedule.
Billy Venable and his wife, Marie, have two boys, Elliott and Will. Billy grew up in Myrtle Beach, and
Marie is originally from Georgetown; however, presently, they live in Florence. Marie works in both
stores, as well as being a Fourth Grade Assistant at Carver Elementary. They attend church at
Cornerstone Church. Their relationship with God is the foundation of their family. Cornerstone has
been a blessing to them.

“In our repair department, we can do almost any jewelry repair.”

69 11/24/09 2:57 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 69

They say
that clothes Turkey, cranberries, pumpkin pie and
make the all those potato’s to peel... Those hectic
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on weekly rentals on our Oceanfront Condos.
Call 800-446-4010 for more information
or visit us at www.royalgardenresort.com

Mon. - Fri. Sat. 1210 N. Waccamaw Dr. • Garden City Beach, SC 29576
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Men’s Clothier 9:30 - 5:00 Just six miles south of Myrtle Beach
email: res-seabreeze@sc.rr.com
202 MAIN STREET MARION, SC 843-765-3219
Located
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• Florence • 667-9671

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SPECIALISTS IN ORTHODONTICS
843.665.8176
Florence Office: 1343 Second Loop Rd. • Florence SC 29505
Hartsville Office: 1300 South Fourth St. • Hartsville SC 29550
70 11/23/09 3:12 PM Page 1

Blanchie J. James, I began with the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP) in 1997 as a

MA, LPC, NCC

REGIONAL DIRECTOR
South Carolina Youth Advocate
Program (SCYAP)
Treatment Coordinator and was promoted to Supervisor and, subsequently, to my current
position as Regional Director since 2003. I’m responsible for the overall administration of
the Regional Office; however, my primary role includes the placement of children who have
been abused and neglected into loving, caring foster homes that are appropriate to meeting
their critical needs. A professional treatment staff is assigned to the home once a child is
placed to ensure that the child and foster parent receive all needed support and services to
ensure success.
Another part of that process is recruiting and training suitable foster parents. All
foster parents go through a training and licensing procedure as it is important that SCYAP
complies with all the requirements instituted by the state of South Carolina. Additionally, this
job requires a strong knowledge of the various issues facing children in therapeutic foster
care and the suitable approaches, including effective strategies/techniques and the use of Best
Practices Methods that will help the foster child to heal and move beyond the effects of the
abuse and neglect they have suffered, to help them to become happier and healthier children
and adolescents.
I was led to this line of work because of my desire to help others and just making a
positive difference in the lives of people. The most difficult thing about my work is managing a
child in crisis when it seems that all the techniques and strategies I’m employing to stabilize the
child seem to be ineffective.
The success stories bring me the most joy. It is so rewarding to me when a child
can successfully function within his environment – learn basic skills that we take for granted
(i.e. tie their shoestrings, learn to make a bed, take their first step or say their first word at
the age of 7, learn and use positive character), graduate from high school or get their GED,
attend college, family reunification, successful adoption, secure and maintain employment and,
finally, to be able to sufficiently take care of themselves independently and/or with some assis-
tance. It also makes me feel good when a former client calls and tells me or one of our staff
members, “Thank you for what you have done for me.” Those words are priceless!
South Carolina Youth Advocate Program provides services for youth (male/female)
ages birth to 21. Currently, our office serves approximately eighty children throughout the
Pee Dee region. Our children come into care as a result of neglect, physical, sexual and men-
tal abuse. As a result of the neglect and/or abuse, many of these youth exhibit behaviors such
as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive
Disorder, Mental Retardation and sexually reactive behaviors. SCYAP places these children
in a supportive and loving home with highly-trained and caring foster families, along with a
variety of professional services, so that they may overcome their problems. In addition to
Therapeutic Foster Care, we offer Wrap-Around Services, Intensive Family Services,
Resource Mother, Supervised Independent Living and Temporary De-Escalation Care.
There are specific needs during the Christmas season. I want all children within our
program to experience joy and love on Christmas Day. As you can imagine, the holi-
days can be a very painful time of year for a foster child. We work hard all year to
ensure these children have a safe, loving home where they can begin to heal. One way
we try to help is to provide each child with a memorable and happy Christmas – one that
they may never have ever experienced. To do this, we need help.
She readers, churches and civic groups – even corporations and
small businesses – can help SCYAP by making tax-deductible donations of
money and/or gifts for Christmas for these unique youth. There are two
“Angel Trees” located in Florence for anyone wishing to sponsor a specific child. One is locat-
ed in the Food Court in Magnolia Mall; another is located in the Stein Mart store at Florence
Mall. We would love for the readers to either sponsor a child during the Christmas holidays by
pulling an Angel from the Christmas Tree from either location or by sending a donation directly
to South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. We also invite them to consider becoming a foster
parent. Those interested may contact us directly for any further information
on how they can greatly enrich a youth’s life.

Blanchie James and her husband of over twenty years, Kenneth Ray, have two sons, Barry and
Kristopher. They live in Florence County, Ray’s hometown. Blanchie loves to read when she has
the time, as well as cook. She also loves a good “drama” movie.
71 11/19/09 4:57 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 71

MAY YOUR
Toni Adams,
Teaching the Joy of Dance CHRISTMAS
Owner/Director
Instructors: Carl Askew, BE MERRY &
Brittany Jeffers,
Mary Jones BRIGHT!
•Tap
•Jazz 10,000 sq. ft.
•Pointe of fabric at
•Clogging AMAZING
•HipHop
•Lyrical
PRICES
for only
•Ballet

We wish you all a

Merry Christmas and a yd

Happy New Year!
Give the gift of dance for Christmas.

We will be performing our Christmas program

at Elmcroft Retirement Center on Sunday, WE ONLY LOOK
DECEMBER 6, 2009 at 3:00 pm EXPENSIVE!

Accepting ages 3-Adult FABRIC 902 Second Loop

Florence, SC

SOLUTIONS
We will be accepting new students beginning January 4, 2010.
CLASSES: 3:30pm-8pm • Mon.- Thu. 843.413.3666
130 A N. Coit St. Florence, SC • 8 4 3 - 6 1 7 - 9 6 0 7
72-73 11/24/09 1:04 PM Page 1

Clothing for
Ladies of Distinction

Ruth’s DRESS SHOP

108 E. Main St. • 843-374-3757 10-5:30 M,T, TH & F • 10-1 W, 10-5 ST

Downtown Lake City Shopping

72-73 11/24/09 1:05 PM Page 2

...Perfect for the Holidays!

Bridal Gowns
Bridesmaids • Mothers
Bridal Jewelry • Cocktail
Prom • Shoes
Tuxedo Rentals
Wedding Accessories

the
Bridal shoppe
107 E. Main St.
843.374.7842
10-5:30 M,T,Th,F
10-1 W • 10-5 Sat

Visit us for our

Holiday Market!
Friday, Dec. 4, 5-9pm
Saturday, Dec. 5, 9-6pm
Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-5pm
Admission is Free
Held at the Bean Market Museum
111 Henry Street • 374-1500
74 11/23/09 5:39 PM Page 1

74 • December 2009 • She Magazine

Did you know, it takes about...

2 oranges to equal the amount of Vitamin C
9 avocados to equal the amount of Vitamin E
3 stalks of broccoli to equal the amount of Iron
55 eggs to equal the amount of Vitamin D
1 cup of spinach to equal the amount of Vitamin A
3 cups of peas to equal the amount of Thiamin
19 medium bananas to equal the amount of Riboflavin
62 oz. of cheddar cheese to equal the amount of Vitamin B-12
5 large potatoes to equal the amount of Niacin
61 cups of tomatoes to equal the amount of Folate
2 large watermelons to equal the amount of Vitamin B-6
17oz. of cherries to equal the amount of ORAC value
37 medium mushrooms to equal the amount of Pantothenic Acid

Saturday, December 12, 7pm ...in just one daily two-ounce serving or shot?
Sunday, December 13, 6pm
Doors will open one hour prior to each performance. Website: TheVemmaDoc.com
Email: TheVemmaDoc@yahoo.com
There is no charge for admission, and childcare is provided. Dr. Griselda Wilson (706)231-9879
Pamela Peake (864)923-5710
First Free Will Baptist Church Money Back Guarantee!
2624 West Palmetto St. (between Black’s Tire and Bi-Lo Grocery Store)
Florence • 843-669-7657 • www.ffwbcsc.org

Glorious Christmas
Gift Sets

Gift Sets from

$37.00-$98.00
Gift Sets from
$35.00-$82.50
Gift Sets from
$25.00-$65.00
Belk at Magnolia Mall • 662.3201
David Mcleod Blvd. • Florence SC
75 11/20/09 1:43 PM Page 1

A HOMESPUN
Christmas FEATURE STORIES BEGIN ON PAGE 76

This month, our feature stories – and the

women in them – are all about celebrating
Christmas in a HOMESPUN way.

Do you long for a time when celebrating the

Birth of Christ was simpler? Remember when
Christmas was about gathering with family and
friends, baking and decorating and making our
homes come alive with the sights, sounds and
scents of the season and less about the hustle
and bustle that has taken the place of
peace and love?

If you are ready to celebrate the

true meaning of Christmas –
the Birth of Christ – in a way that
brings you peace instead of
frustration, turn up your favorite
Christmas music, grab a glass of
eggnog and get inspired to create
a HOMESPUN Christmas for
your family, full of homemade
goodness, love and laughter.
76-77 11/23/09 5:33 PM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
Hearing the word “Christmas”
immediately evokes many powerful images and feelings in
most people. For some, it brings to mind lights and glit-
ter, ornamented trees, festively-wrapped presents, joyful
carols and a crackling fireplace. For others, the word is
associated with the stresses of busy shopping malls, sen-
sory overload, self-indulgence and the drama of family
get-togethers. As Faye Nissen describes the Christmases
of her childhood and the holidays she purposed to bless
her children with, she paints a picture of a beautiful,
Southern, Christ-Centered, full-of-family Christmas.
Faye grew up in a large family – the sixth of
seven children. She remembers Christmas as her mama’s
favorite holiday. It was the day they all knew and treas-
ured because it meant they would all be together.
Everyone would come home and gather together with
lots of great food and great noise.
On Christmas Eve, they would enjoy a bountiful
meal that was lovingly prepared by her mama. The
kitchen counters were full as everyone enjoyed their
favorites. There were lots to choose from – barbecue,
fried chicken, chicken bog, red gravy, collards, turnips, mac
and cheese, seven-layer salad, butterbeans, peas, corn-
bread, creamed corn and slaw. There seemed to be end-
less choices for dessert with every pie and cake imagina-
ble – Chocolate, Pecan, Coconut, German Chocolate, Red
Velvet, Fruit Cake and Pound Cake. Then, there were
cookies for the children.
After the meal, the fifty-plus-member family
would gather in the living room. It was wall-to-wall fam-
ily. Someone would play the piano as they sang Christmas
carols together. Some years, there was stringed accom-
paniment, as well. They would read The Christmas Story
from Luke, and the grandchildren would share songs they
learned. Then, it was time for opening presents. The
room became a sea of ribbons, and wrapping paper was
knee-deep by the time it was all over. The children would
play and compare gifts while the adults would visit over
coffee and more dessert.
When Faye married Al Nissen and later
became a mother to their three children,
Jenny, Andrew and Anna, Christmas
meant spending time with even more
family. The Nissens would spend
Christmas Eve with Faye’s family and
Christmas Day with Al’s family.
Faye wanted to pass on her
mama’s love for Christmas to
her own children. She wanted
by Erika
Chapman
them to treasure the season for its purpose – the Birth
of the Christ Child. However, she also wanted to pass on
the heritage of Christmas as a beautiful time for coming
home and being with family and those you love.
They developed some of their own traditions as
a nuclear family. They would have family devotions each
morning in December and follow an Advent Calendar to
mark the approach of December 25th. They used this
time to teach their children how God loves them through
the gift of Christ’s Birth. Another fun family tradition was
hunting for a Christmas tree. They always picked a live
tree and tried to find the biggest one they could. One
year, Faye remembers, the tree was twelve-feet tall. And,
some years, they had to cut the tree apart to remove it
from the house. They always made sure everybody was
home for the Christmas tree hunt, and then they would
decorate while enjoying Christmas carols and oyster
stew.
The children enjoyed helping with decorating
but became very particular about making sure each dec-
oration went in the same designated spot every year. If
Faye tried to move the family of carolers where the nut-
crackers usually stood, the children would quickly remind
her that – every year – it needed to remain the same.
Just as Faye came to love the little traditions and holiday
moments that were dear to her family, her children quick-
ly became attached to the things that made Christmas
unique to “their” family.
However, things can’t always stay the same for-
ever. Faye shares about one important Christmas. “I will
never forget the last time we had Christmas at Mama and
Daddy’s. When Mama and Daddy were 79, they said it
was time to make a change, and we, as children, needed
to start our own Christmas celebrations. It was sad, but
our family had grown so large and Mama and Daddy
could not physically do all this for Christmas. The next
December, they invited all of their seven children and
spouses for dinner. We all offered to bring, as we always
did. Nonetheless, ‘No!’ was the answer. We had such a
good time. The tree was up and decorated with Mama’s
beautiful handmade white crocheted ornaments, which
we all admired. And, Mama had a twinkle in her eye. She
began to give out gifts. Each couple received a box, and
we opened the
Pictured (top) Faye with her siblings at Christmas
and (below) Faye and her Mama and Daddy
boxes at the same time, as usual. We all received fifty
handmade white crocheted starched ornaments (angels,
stars, bells and Christmas balls, etc.) for our trees! As we
began that year to celebrate Christmas Eve with our
families, we would have ornaments to remember our
Mama’s Christmas tree and the wonderful times we had
at home.
Mama and Daddy went to be with the Lord.
One of the grandchildren wanted to get together one
more time. We planned the event and gathered in the
homeplace one more time to remember and honor
Mama and Daddy. We had our meal and sat and remi-
nisced of Christmas Eves with a house full of noisy chil-
dren – grandchildren and great-grandchildren – and the
love of Mama and Daddy who made it all possible.”
Faye’s mama also gave her three boxes with twenty-five
handmade white crocheted ornaments in them for each
of Faye’s children. “Mama knew she wouldn’t see her
grandchildren get married and she wanted me to give
them each a box so they would have them to start their
own Christmas traditions.”
Those precious ornaments usually decorate a
special tree in the Nissen home. Now that the Nissens
have three grandchildren of their own, Faye has added
pictures of her grandbabies to the middle of those pre-
cious ornaments made by their Great-Grandma.
Grandchildren have added other new traditions
to Christmas. The Nissens always had a train among
their decorations, but now they have a Polar Express Train
and Village with its own table that they put out each year.
(continued.)
76-77 11/23/09 11:34 AM Page 2

FRED SALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Just as surely as the grandchildren run to see if the train Choose from 6
is set up, they also can expect new Christmas pajamas for everyone on Christmas different gift sets!
Eve, and every year, seeing the Christmas lights on the garden fence just as they
decorated Faye’s mama’s fence for so many years. Faye’s children look forward to
an amazing traditional meal of turkey and all the trimmings on Christmas Day. But,
when they are all home, the visit is filled with many significant meals. Her children
Pattie Hudson
Director and Independent Consultant
share that she does an amazing job at remembering and providing everyone’s
Opportunities Available
favorite drinks, snacks and dishes.
Faye’s memory overflows with precious snapshots from years past of fam- 2306 Second Loop Rd.
ily togetherness, laughter, music and sharing life. She has done a tremendous job Florence, SC
of passing that experience on to her children and, now, her grandchildren. The (843) 617-2902
many hours spent hanging Christmas lights, decorating the mantel, talking about
the Advent Calendar and making Christmas cookies have been well worth the Contact me for details!
effort. Her children now have their own mental memory boxes full of cherished
holiday memories and are now passing on the heritage of a Christ-Centered
Christmas to their own families.

Erika Chapman lives in Florence with her amazing husband and three busy little
www.beautipage.com/bc-pattie-party
boys. She gets excited about discovering a great read, NewSpring Church and
sharing her most recent adventures at www.erikaivory.wordpress.com.
78-79 11/23/09 11:14 AM Page 1

d A Homespun Christmas

On Christmas morning, while most of us are celebrating with family and friends and
opening presents around the Christmas tree, you’ll find Joyce Guffey busy in her church kitchen
preparing a homemade Christmas meal for the men of the Area Rescue Mission of Florence. It’s not
that Joyce has no family in town, or that she has nothing else to do with her time, this is what she
chooses to do each Christmas as an act of service and compassion to the people in her community. by Ch
Joyce, a Florence resident since 1978, and her late husband, Dean Guffey, started this tradi- eri
tion for their family eighteen years ago. And, it’s what she has done every year since that time. She
begins a few days before Christmas, preparing dishes complete with ham, turkey, salads, vegetable
Jordan
casseroles and desserts. Joyce gets up early on Christmas morning to cook the meal and then trans-
ports all the food to the mission. She creates a festive atmosphere with table decorations and place
settings. With the help of other members of her family, Joyce treats the men to a beautiful holiday
spread that they would otherwise not have. It’s her way of sharing Christ’s love with others on the
day that we celebrate His Birth. You can find her at the East Florence Mission every Tuesday – all year –
The Area Rescue Mission is a ministry in our community that houses men who need a little help get- preparing a good, nutritious meal for the children there. The meal is fol-
ting back on their feet. These gentlemen don’t have a home or a job. The mission provides them with lowed by a time of Bible stories and games where the children, like the men,
a place to stay, food to eat and the skills necessary to get back into society as productive citizens. In also have weekly opportunities to hear the message of Christ.
addition to training the men for future job opportunities, there are regular Bible studies that offer Those that know Joyce will tell you that she truly lives a life of service.
them hope and an understanding of the love that God has for them. “Joyce loves to serve and give. She is often the person behind the scenes
Not only does Joyce provide a beautiful lunch for these men on Christmas, she provides that you don’t see, but her service is invaluable,” says a friend of Joyce. “She
them with Christmas presents, as well. She begins her Christmas shopping in January for the follow- spends her life modeling the servanthood and compassion of Jesus, expect-
ing year and shops year-round. After her loving husband died, Joyce decided to turn his closet into a ing nothing in return. She just lives to give.”
“closet of joy.” She fills the closet through the year with gifts that she purchases. Joyce looks for sales Joyce does find time to celebrate the season with family, as well. She is
and said she can often find items for up to 90% off. She likes to purchase sweaters and coats for the gifted with a close-knit, loving family, and she enjoys having her children,
men at the Area Rescue Mission, as well as other necessities. grandchildren and great-grandchildren by her side. Joyce says that she has
In addition to her Christmas Day Ministry, Joyce is also involved with the East Florence too many good Christmas memories to choose her favorite, but her favorite
Mission. With the help of her daughter-in-law, Ellen Guffey, she puts together a Christmas party each tradition is just being together. She loves to feel the warmth and love
year for the children at the mission. She provides them with an early Christmas meal and party. The around her and to hear the joy and laughter in everyone’s voices.
children receive gifts of toys, clothes and school supplies. The two ladies have put together a gift drive It’s not about the presents or the decorations for Joyce; it’s about God’s
each year at their church, Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The members of their church love – first and foremost – and spending the day celebrating His love for us
“adopt” a child and purchase gifts for these children. The Guffey women then organize the gifts and by spreading it to others. In fact, one of Joyce’s traditions is that her family
provide the children with an exciting party during the holiday season. waits until nighttime to open gifts. This is their way of focusing on one
For Joyce, Christmas isn’t a one-day event in her mind. “It’s a season of the heart and, for another and others in their community rather than the gifts underneath the
me, Christmas is a year-round celebration.” tree. Joyce has come to love this tradition because it “extends the day out
This belief is evident by the fact that she not only donates her time at these missions on as long as possible” and gives her more time with the people that she loves.
Christmas, she is there We see many opportunities for service during the holiday season. There
all year volunteering her are toy drives and food drives. Children sing carols at the nursing homes
service and time. and we give blankets to the homeless. As the season ends, though, so often
(continued) does our awareness of the needs around us. It’s easy to become immersed
back into our day-to-day lives and give little thought to those around us.
How much better would our communities be if we all adopted Joyce
Guffey’s theory that Christmas is a year-round season? This remarkable
woman has truly modeled the life that God meant for us to live when He spoke of loving your neigh-
bor and serving others. When you come in contact with Joyce, you can’t help but to be inspired to
serve and give of your time and your resources. Joyce Guffey is only one person, yet she has impact-
ed the lives of so many that I do not dare to attempt to put a number to it.
As the holiday season approaches, be inspired by this woman in your community to not let
it end. Make Christmas a year-round event in your life, and watch how it impacts others, as well as
yourself. Joyce would be the first to admit that, although she is blessing others with her time, in the
end, she is the one who is most blessed.

TOGRAPHY
Cheri Jordan is a Florence resident and has been married to
ED SALLEY PHO her husband, Robert, for eleven years. She is a stay-at-home
FR mom to four children, Abbi, Luke, Savannah and Matthew.
78-79 11/23/09 11:17 AM Page 2
80 11/23/09 11:36 AM Page 1

d A Homespun Christmas Photography by

Susan Griggs

Melissa Brock, center, enjoying a fun moment in the

kitchen with her mom, Sandra Turnage, (left) and
grandmother, (right) Grace Aycok.

In May of 2008, Melissa Brock’s grandmother, Grace Aycok,
was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just one month later, the same fate would
fall to her mother, Sandra Turnage. The news was devastating to Melissa, as she
feared losing both her mother and grandmother to cancer.
Grace and Sandra began receiving chemotherapy and radiation treat-
ments that would save their lives but left them weak and unable to enjoy the
Christmas traditions they had always loved so much, cooking and baking
together – grandmother, mother and daughter.
However, in the midst of the suffering and fear, the true meaning of
Christmas was revealed to the three generations of women. Melissa
explains, “We learned the true meaning of Christmas. I was so scared
that I would lose my mother and my grandmother. Then, I realized that
family and being with the people you love is what Christmas is all about.”
This Christmas will mark more than thirty years of baking for
Melissa Brock with her mother and grandmother. “I remember
them having to pull a kitchen chair to the stove so I could reach it.
My favorite thing to cook with my grandmother is
No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies. With my mother, it’s Sweet Potato
Casserole. Melissa recalls the tradition that began in her childhood
and later influenced her decision to open her own restaurant, Olde Towne,
in Chesterfield, which is a local favorite.
Although the tradition was interrupted the last couple years as Grace
and Sandra put all their efforts in coping with the cancer treatments
and getting well, this year, the three women will once again gather at Grace’s
home to bake and celebrate. Each family member has certain favorites they
like to bake. Some just act as “food critics.” Others just like to eat.
And, although each has different favorite recipes, the mother-daughter-
grandmother trio has only one motto, “Just remember when baking,
butter makes anything taste better.”
Two Favorite Recipes from the
Kitchen of Melissa, Grace and Sandra:

Sweet Potato Casserole Grandma’s No-Bake

Mix all the ingredients below together and Oatmeal Cookies
pour into a casserole dish.
• 3 Tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 3 Cups of sweet potatoes • 2 Cups of granulated sugar
• 1 Teaspoon of vanilla • 1 Stick of butter
• 1/2 Teaspoon of salt • 1/2 Cup of milk
• 1/2 Cup of milk • 1 Tablespoon of vanilla
• 1 Cup of granulated sugar
• 2 Eggs Add all ingredients together in a sauce pan.
• 1 Stick of butter (melted) Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat.
Mix all the ingredients below, and sprinkle
them on top of the casserole. Add:
• 1/2 Cup of peanut butter
• 1 Cup of brown sugar • 3 Cups of quick oatmeal
• 1/3 Cup of self-rising flour
• 1/3 Cup of butter (melted) Mix well.
• 1 Cup of chopped nuts Dip onto wax paper in
your desired size.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Melissa Brock lives in Chesterfield. Her mother, Sandra Turnage,

and her grandmother, Grace Aycok, live in Cheraw.
81 11/24/09 9:42 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 81

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82 11/23/09 11:31 AM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
“Butterflies and buttons
and boxes and fairies, post
cards and paints and papers
that vary; these are a few of
her favorite things.”(Sung to the
tune of “My Favorite Things.”)
“Her” being artist Carolyn Moore Atkinson.
One would never lack for sensory stimulation
being around Carolyn. You are announced and
greeted by her canine family, Cody and Winston,
respectively. Once welcomed, Carolyn shares the
various collections; each treasure organized and
beautifully displayed.
by Sharon Bixler
Carolyn was born in Georgia and moved to
Cheraw as a teenager. Art has been a part of her life
from a very early age when her mother introduced
her to pastel drawing. This love of art continued into
college, where she earned a degree in art. Being a
lifelong learner, Carolyn continues to grow and
expand her horizons. It was at a workshop a couple
years ago where she was introduced to Collage Art.
She said she “instantly fell in love with it.”
Collage Art is a mixed media art form that
incorporates many types of media into one picture.
A person can choose paints, papers, magazine pic-
tures, photo pictures and any embellishments you
can imagine. So, for Carolyn, it allows her to express
herself using not only the “art” she loves, but also
many, many of the things she collects. These collect-
ed treasures include all the favorite things, plus bro-
ken pieces of jewelry, wallpaper scraps, post cards,
wrapping paper and pictures she tears out of maga-
zines. Now, you would wonder with all these odds
and ends, how does she find anything? Meet Mrs.
Organization. Her studio is so organized, it would
put Martha Stewart to shame.
The pictures that Carolyn creates are awe-
some. They are extremely pleasing to the eye, but
they also beg,“Touch me and experience me through
more than your eyes!” You also need to listen
because you might catch the whisper or faint sound
from the past or even perhaps the soft flutter of a
butterfly’s wings. Unique to Carolyn’s pieces, each
one has a butterfly somewhere fluttering in it. Her
art is nothing less than a sensory adventure. If you
wish to indulge your senses, you can if you visit
Mantissa Row, Beth Grant’s store in Hartsville.
It was Beth who urged Carolyn to design
collage-type cards. Carolyn finds this new avenue
very compatible with her mixed-media art.
Sharon Bixler is blessed to be the wife of Hal, mother of Holly (Stanley) and grand-
mother of Ian. She is a Member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hartsville.
“Childhood Christmas
memories bring back
pictures of a Chatty Cathy
doll, a Barbie Dream House,
a train set (for her brother)
and a very tired Daddy.”
Carolyn is the creator of couture cards. These
cards are individually designed and hand-crafted
to fit any and all occasions and holidays.
Christmastime is a very special time in
Carolyn’s home. Childhood Christmas memories
bring back pictures of a Chatty Cathy doll, a
Barbie Dream House, a train set (for her brother)
and a very tired Daddy. She explained that he
would stay up until the wee hours of the morning
putting toys together. She also recalls the delicious
Frozen Fruit Salad that her mother always made
for Christmas. Now, she and her husband host
the family as traditions pass from generation to
generation. They also enjoy riding the roads
admiring the pageant of Christmas lights.
But, her absolute favorite aspect of
Christmas is the Christmas Eve Service at
church. The holiness of that event ushers
in the true meaning of Christmas for
her. The placement of the Christ
Child in the Manger on Christmas
Morning is her very own special
ritual. Carolyn’s love of Christ
is really the star atop her
Christmas.
83 11/20/09 11:23 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 83

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84 11/23/09 1:20 PM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
The Photo Tree
Decorating for Christmas is
something I start looking forward to starting around
the beginning of October. As soon as we have that
first fall morning when you wake up to a cool crisp-
ness in the air, my mind immediately goes to all things
Thanksgiving and Christmas. I want holiday-scented
candles burning, and I start to think about how I will
decorate my mantle, my tree – even the color scheme
of the wrapping paper for the year.
Without a doubt, I get every bit of this from
my mom. The woman would start decorating on the
first of September if we would let her, with a tree in
every room. Growing up, I would tease her about it.
But, now, it’s one of those things I love about her. And,
having children has made decorating that much more
fun. It’s all about how I can make Christmas more
special for them.
Christmas is – without a doubt – my favorite
time of year! A million family functions and parties
every time you turn around. I love all of it! But, what
is Christmas to me, really? It’s when we celebrate the
Birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to
the world in the form of a perfect, tiny Baby Boy. This
is the time we celebrate the Birth of that tiny, perfect
Baby. But, it’s more than just His Birth that is
Christmas to me. That Baby grew up, took on my sins
as His own, was crucified and died. He rose again and
lives today – all for you and me! This is the time that
we celebrate my Savior. Think about all we do to make
the people we love feel special on their birthday. That’s
Christmas – focusing on celebrating the Birth of Jesus!
The idea of my Christmas Photo Tree came
to me one night as I was looking back over all my blog
posts from the past year. As you can imagine, being
otography
Collin M. Smith Ph
the wife of a photographer, we have a few photos of
the children. Seriously, between Collin and me, we
pretty much document everything they do! It’s a lit-
tle ridiculous. The trouble is this; we never print these
images out. Well, that’s not entirely true. We have
forty-inch wall portraits hanging all over the house.
But, you know those albums filled with 4x6 photos of
family vacations and milestones? We have none of
those. And, it made me sad. So, I started thinking and
came up with the Photo Tree.
I went back through all the photos we have
taken over the past year and picked my absolute
favorites.
There were plenty of pictures from the usual
things like birthdays, vacations, soccer and ballet. And,
I love those. But, I think my favorites are from the
random, everyday moments that were captured
throughout the year – Mak’s dirty croc feet hanging
off the side of the clubhouse one hot summer day,
Clara Beth potty-training her baby doll in the play-
room, both of them with hot chocolate dripping off
their chins as they drank from a mug for the first time.
It was so much fun reliving all those moments as I
chose the ones that I wanted to be displayed on the
tree. When I finally got it narrowed down to my
favorites, I converted them all to black and white. I
love color photography, but there’s something about a
black and white photograph that gets me every time.
Collin added a border to them, we had them printed,
and there they were at the post office a week later.
That box is my absolute favorite thing I have ever
received in the mail. I strung red ribbon through
them and they were ready to be hung from the tree!
The children were absolutely nuts over the
tree! We all decorated it together one evening
after supper. We cranked up the Christmas
tunes, put them in pajamas (I’m a stickler about
the kids being in their PJs while we decorate
the tree) and made hot chocolate.
They got to put the pictures wherever they
wanted to. It was so much fun hearing them
get excited when they pulled a photograph
that triggered a memory for them. They
remembered swimming lessons, a daytrip to
Edventure, Daddy building them a tree swing,
playing with their California cousins – they
loved it all. And, I loved watching them
remember. Of course, the evening
ended with a little crabbiness
between my two little lovebugs.
But, hey, it was all documented
through photography. Memories for
next year’s tree, right?
This tree means more to me than
I could ever put into words. It’s amazing to
me how fast time flies with children. My
kids are already five and three, and I have no
idea how that happened. In the blink of an
eye, they have grown from babies to young
children. Before I know it, they’ll be big
kids. Then, they’ll be teenagers! Wow! I
want to hang on to every single moment
with them at the ages they are. I wish I
could go back and hold them as babies one
more time. Growing up is happening so fast. And,
while I love it, it’s bittersweet. This tree helps me to
slow down and remember. These everyday moments
mean everything to me, and I am so glad that I now have
them in printed images to look at forever.
After the tree comes down (usually two days
after Christmas -yes, I’m eager to put it up, but I’m
also eager to get it down!), I’ll put these images in a
photo album. Next year, there will be 300 new
images. They will hang from a tree for several weeks.
Then, they, too, will come down to go in an album. I
can see us looking through these albums forever and
ever. Goodness, gracious, I love photography!
This year, more than anything, I’m looking
forward to another tree – The Jesse Tree! It’s some-
thing that we will be doing with our children and
friends for the first time ever, and I am so excited! The
Jesse Tree gets back to what Christmas means to me.
“What is a Jesse Tree?” you ask. It’s a tree branch dec-
orated with symbols representing the stories of peo-
ple in Jesus’ family tree. In Isaiah 11:1, we read, “A
shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a
branch shall grow out of his roots.”
Jesse was the father of David, Israel’s great-
est king. And, it was from David’s lineage that Jesus
came. That’s where the idea of using a Jesse Tree to cel-
ebrate Advent came from. Before a symbol is hung on
the branch, a Bible passage or a story from the Bible is
read.
My sister-in-law told me about this, and I think
it’s the perfect family project to keep our minds and
hearts focused on what the season is all about – Jesus.
Of course, we’ll document it. And, no
doubt, some of those images
will be hanging on next year’s
Photo Tree.
d
Aron Smith and her husband, Collin, live
in Florence. They have a son, Makgill
(5) and a daughter, Clara Beth (3).
85 11/23/09 11:46 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 85

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86 11/24/09 12:17 PM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
Cindy
My love for Christmas definitely
began as a child with my father being Santa at Sears &
Roebuck when we lived in Columbia, South Carolina,
and Danville,Virginia. I grew up with Santa Claus!
My love of decorating for Christmas definitely
came from my mom and dad, as well. They always went
all out when decorating for Christmas – both inside and
outside the house. I remember us always having the
most beautifully decorated house in the neighborhood
and how special it always made Christmas for me.
Therefore, it brings me a lot of joy to decorate
our home and to decorate for other people to make
their Christmas more pleasurable and unforgettable.
Because of this, I have been lovingly given the title,
“Decorating Queen.” That designation mostly came
from my clients because I like to decorate in celebra-
tion of every holiday and season, not only at home but
our business, Avalon Therapeutic Massage & Serenity
Spa, as well. They say they enjoy coming into the busi-
ness to get services, but also to see what I’ve done to
decorate the spa.
I love seeing the way my decorations make
other people’s Christmas more enjoyable and memo-
rable. However, I really started doing a lot of decorat-
ing after my son, Lee, was killed in November of 1993.
It makes not having him here for Christmas easier to
handle if I’m busy.
Being involved with McLeod Children’s
Hospital’s Festival of Trees by decorating trees, wreaths
and mantle pieces for their auction makes Christmas
very special for me. And, it helps raise money for the
Children’s Hospital. This year, I’ve decorated two trees,
a wreath and two mantle pieces for the Festival. We
also donate money to Angel Tree or another charity for
children in remembrance of my son.
I’ll decorate several trees at our home, and I’ll do
a lot of decorating at Avalon – trees, mantles and more.
It’s such a huge, beautiful house, and it’s so beautiful when
Sue McBride and her husband, Ron, own Avalon Therapeutic Massage & Serenity Spa. They have two daughters, Cindy and Janet, and a son, Lee (Lee is no longer with them but
rejoicing in Heaven with the Lord). They also have a stepdaughter, April, and a stepson, Damon. They have three grandsons, Corey, Jared and Matthew; a step-granddaughter,
Sierra; and a god-granddaughter, Courtney. They also have two puppies, Daisy and Pooh; and two Calico cats, Patches and Buffy. Sue’s hobbies are decorating and, of course, shopping.
Janet
it’s decorated for Christmas. I’ll decorate trees for several
family members and clients, and I’ve been asked by two
people to decorate a tree for them like the tree I did
for the Festival of Trees that was the winning tree last
year. It’s very gratifying and gives me a sense of pride
and accomplishment.
As children, our parents would take us some-
where on Christmas Eve night. When we returned,
Santa would have already been to our house. I think the
reason they always did this was because my dad just
couldn’t wait until Christmas Day to see us enjoy our
Christmas gifts. Since Christmas Eve was always impor-
tant to my siblings and me, it’s still a Christmas tradition
for our family to always spend Christmas Eve together.
When it became my turn to “set the stage” for
Santa, I understood the perils of pulling it off without a
glitch. When my son was six, he caught us putting out
his gifts from Santa. It would have broken my heart to
know that he wouldn’t believe in Santa anymore, so I
scurried him back to bed. That year, my daughters were
getting skates with pom-poms on them, so I took the
pom-poms off the skates and went outside to his bed-
room window and shook the pom-poms, making the bells
ring. They sounded like sleigh bells. The next morning
when he woke up, he excitedly told his sisters that he
had heard Santa’s sleigh take off from the roof. The
whole day, he continued to tell everyone that same story.
This year, I have a strong sense of wanting to get back
to the more traditional Christmas and focusing even
more on the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Our
society seems to have gotten away from the true mean-
ing of Christmas. I look forward to praising God more
for the Birth of His Son and my Savior and sharing that
celebration and love of Christ with family, friends and
clients.
Thankfully, I have two wonderful daughters
who have my zest for Christmas. Each one is creative in
her own right, and that creativity is expressed in the
Collin M. Smith Photography
Sue
ways they contribute to the celebration. My daughter,
Cindy, inherited my love for decorating and is my right
hand when it comes to decking the halls!
The Christmas that my daughter, Janet, turned
five, Santa brought her an Easy Bake Oven. She and her
sister woke up before daylight – before anyone else
was awake – and baked chocolate cake for everyone. I
won’t mention the mess because the fun they had was
well worth it! That sparked Janet’s love for baking that
became not only a hobby but a business. She’s a won-
derful baker and cake decorator. She decorates the
most beautiful cakes, which comes in handy for the fam-
ily business. She bakes all the cakes for the catering we
do at Avalon. Janet feels that her talent is a gift from
God and is a way to make other people’s Christmas bet-
ter. She also bakes a lot of cupcakes at Christmas. This
year, she’s baking Santa’s Face Cakes and cupcakes for
the McLeod Children’s Hospital’s Festival of Trees.
Even though the decorations and my dad being
Santa made Christmas special for me growing up, the
greatest thing about Christmas was our family sharing
time together and rejoicing in the Birth of Christ.
Despite all the decorations and the joy that my dad got
from being Santa, my parents made sure we never for-
got the true meaning and value of Christmas. I wanted
the same thing for my children.
I am so proud of
my family, and I am blessed
to be able to share my
love of Christmas with
them, as well as all of my
friends and clients. And, I
am honored to be called
the “Decorating Queen.”
To everyone, I wish a
very Merry Christmas!
87 11/24/09 1:22 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 87

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88 11/23/09 2:33 PM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
by Ferebe Gasque
Admit it. Bread (especially fresh-out-
of-the-oven-homemade-bread) is addictive.
Just the thought of it is mouth-watering.
Imagine being around 250 loaves of freshly
baked bread. That’s what it’s like at Alexis
Tyson Permenter’s home when she gets a large
order from friends or family.
It’s not always been that way, howev-
er. In 1986, when Alexis was home with two
small children, her mom tried to give her some
sourdough starter. The only thing Alexis could
think of at that time was the overwhelming
feeling of feeding one more thing. That starter
found itself being poured not into baking pans
but down the sink.
In 1990, after having lived away from
the area for several years, Alexis and her hus-
band moved back to Mullins to be closer to
both of their families. When her mom died in
1992, Alexis started thinking about her moth-
er’s bread again and a new tradition was born.
She began in earnest about ten years ago when
her daughter was a freshman at the College of
Charleston and her son was a junior at the
Governor’s School for Science and
Mathematics in Hartsville. She made bread for
them and would take it to them on visits.
Usually, she also ended up making large
amounts for roommates, suitemates, and other
friends. Some of those friends continue to
reap the rewards of the school-time friend-
ships today in the form of bread from Alexis!
While she typically makes sourdough
or cinnamon bread and rolls, she’s game to try
almost anything. She also enjoys making topi-
cal baskets that relate to the recipient… cook-
ing, sports, collectibles, etc. The bread is always
fresh, never frozen. Her latest project involves
researching how to send bread to Afghanistan
while keeping it fresh for delivery.
Alexis enjoys baking bread mostly
because it makes her feel good to know some-
one enjoys the bread she bakes for them. Of
course, she has fun in the process, as well. Her
daughter has become a source of distribution in Marion County for such a company. Susan’s
for her culinary delights once more. Sarah is background is in Respiratory Therapy and her
now married and lives in Mount Pleasant. She mother was her first client. They continue to
and a friend of hers have started their own try to meet the needs of their clients as
business called YuDu Concierge Services. though they were family members. Alexis
They do whatever anyone needs from grocery loves working there because of the personal,
shopping to dog walking to gift buying. If peo- family-like atmosphere. No doubt the office
ple need things done that they would rather will have the smell of freshly baked bread
someone else do for them, they call YuDu. often, as well.
Check out their services at www.yudulist.com. If you would like to contact Alexis
As a child growing up in Florence, to learn more about her bread-making
Alexis and her family always had to visit the ventures… or if you have suggestions
grandparents on Christmas Eve and then go to on how to get bread to Afghanistan
midnight services at All Saints’ Episcopal while it’s still fresh, she would love to
Church. She can remember being scared that hear from you. She can be reached
they would somehow miss Santa or that he at aperment@bellsouth.net.
would come and wouldn’t leave goodies
because they weren’t home and asleep. Her
parents always assured her it wouldn’t happen.
Every year, though, she KNEW that Christmas
Eve must be the longest night ever.
Today, what she enjoys most about
the Christmas season is having her house full.
She enjoys the time with her children when
they are at home. Every other year, Alexis
and Donnie have the children at home
(or at their homes). Sarah and her
husband and Chris and his fiancé
live in the Charleston area. This
will be their year. Next year will
belong to the in-laws. Rest
assured, however, baking from the
Permenter kitchen will not be far from
the children even in those alternate years.
Family is important to Alexis. She remembers
her parents enjoying Christmas as much as she
and her three older siblings. She and Donnie
continue that tradition today.
While she is not baking, Alexis has
recently started a new career as a Customer Ferebe Gasque grew up with the older siblings and
cousins of Alexis Permenter and has loved getting
Service Representative for Home Therapy, a reacquainted. Ferebe has also applied for the
durable medical equipment provider in Mullins. taste-tester position anytime Alexis wants to try
The company was started by her friend, Susan out a new recipe!
Siders (another local girl), who noticed a need
Photography by Ricky Ford
89 11/20/09 9:43 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 89

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90 11/23/09 6:20 PM Page 1

d A Homespun Christmas

What I Love About Christmas

I love everything about Christmas! I love the sights, the sounds and the smells of Christmas
(although I do admit to not loving them right on the heels of Halloween). I go into Christmas mode right around
Thanksgiving.
I’ve just finished the letters that I enclose in my Christmas cards – one to families who live away and one
to friends who also live away and whom I seldom see. The letters are still in the computer; so, if anything dramatic
or exciting happens in the next couple weeks, I can add a P.S.
Immediately after Thanksgiving, I go into the “cooking mode.” This year, it’s Curried Cheese Pâté with
Chutney, a tasty cheese ball of cheddar and cream cheese, flavored with dry sherry and curry powder, topped with
chutney. There’s also “Weenie’s Cheese Biscuits,” which are thin cheese wafers, baked with a half pecan on top. These will
be my gifts for a number of family and friends. I (and most of my friends) have reached the point in life where edibles are
a good gift choice.
I particularly like the Cheese Balls and Cheese Biscuits because they’re useful for holiday entertaining, but they
may also be frozen for use at a later date. Add a bottle of wine and a package of cocktail napkins, and you have a real-
ly nice gift.
When it comes to Christmas decorations, I guess you’d call me a sentimental traditionalist. The Pride of Place
in my decorations for more than 50 years is my Thorn Tree. It’s a bare branch of a Mock Orange Tree – a tree with
strong, spiky thorns. It’s secured in a styrofoam base, lightly sprayed with snow and adorned with small red velvet bows.
It’s decorated with tiny ornaments that have been accumulated over the years, each with its own story and special
meaning. Several years ago, I had a picture made of it and used it for my Christmas card. Underneath the picture
were the words,“A Christmas Tradition.”
While I love tradition, I’m not bound by it. When I moved to the Methodist Manor in 2008, I brought many
of my Christmas traditions with me, including the Thorn Tree. But, as I prepare to celebrate my second Christmas
here, I can already see new traditions beginning to emerge. And, I couldn’t be happier.

Curried Cheese Pâté with Chutney

3 8-Ounce packages of cream cheese at room temperature
2 10-Ounce packages of extra sharp cheddar, grated
2 Teaspoons of curry powder
1/2 Teaspoon of salt
1/2 Cup of dry sherry
1 Cup of chutney, chopped
1/4 Cup of green onion, optional

• In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, grated cheddar, curry powder, salt and sherry.
• With electric mixer or food processor at medium speed, beat until smooth.
• Turn into prepared containers and refrigerate until firm (several hours or overnight).
• When ready to serve, invert onto serving dish and spread chutney on top.
• Sprinkle green onions around the edge.
• Serve with Harvest Wheat Crackers, very thin ginger
snaps or apple wedges.
The original recipe calls for this cheese ball to be
molded in a 7x6, 11/2 quart dish. I find that far too large
even for a large party. I use smaller plastic or glass dish-
es, preferably with flat bottoms because this is good for
spreading the chutney on when inverted. Line them with
plastic wrap for easy removal. This recipe
freezes well; just be sure to bring to room
temperature before serving.

Betty Ann Darby lives at Methodist Manor in

Florence. She is retired from the Florence
School District after 39 years of being a Music
Educator. She was born and raised in Florence
and raised in Florence schools. A graduate of the
University of South Carolina, she still serves on the Board at
USC for Friends of the School of Music. She has served on
the Boards of the Florence Symphony Orchestra and
Florence Little Theatre and currently serves on the Board of
The Performing Arts Center Foundation.
91 11/20/09 11:36 AM Page 1
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92 11/24/09 10:53 AM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
Home for the
Holidays with
“Christmas on Campus”
‘ Twas the season of Christmas
and throughout the house are dried-and-gilded foliage
and festive garlands. Cherished memories of yuletides
feature homespun scenes – baked goods cooling on the
kitchen counter, freshly clipped pine boughs perfuming
the air and ornaments fashioned by hand in the compa-
ny of family and friends.
This may sound like the beginnings of a fairy-
tale; but, for the first family of Francis Marion University,
the FMU faculty, staff, students and the many citizens of
the Pee Dee region, this scenario is very real.
The first family consists of FMU President,
Luther F. Carter; FMU First Lady, Folly Carter; thirteen-
year-old son, Luke; and Bryan, the Carters’ oldest son,
and his wife, Adele, who will be home for the holidays
with their year-old twins, Max and Chloe.
“It is truly going to be wonderful having them
(grandchildren, son and daughter-in-law) with us over
the holidays,” said Folly, who recalls her first Christmas
after Luke was born. “He was a month-and-a-half-old
and our house felt more like a home to me. We also
had Christmas at my brother and sister-in-law’s house
with our son, Bryan.”
The Carter family on the lawn of their home (Wallace House).
(L-R): Luke Carter, Dr. Luther F. Carter and Folly Carter along
with one of the family dogs, Jake.
FRED SALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
As a special treat this year, Dr. Carter said he
is looking forward to having his 86-year-old mother-
in-law join them for the holidays.
For this couple, the season means spending
time with family and friends and recognizing the Birth
of a Child more than 2,000 years ago. In the words
of Folly’s favorite Christmas song, “O Come, All Ye
Faithful,” lie what she calls the true meaning of
Christmas. The President’s favorite Christmas songs
include, “O Christmas Tree,” “The Little Drummer
Boy” and “Silent Night.”
It’s early December. The air is crisp, colors
have changed and cozy sweaters have re-emerged
into the wardrobe’s rotation. And, the Carters have
begun decorating their home. Most of the Garden
Clubs in the Pee Dee area help decorate the house
each year. “This has become a tradition, and it’s fun
to see the faces of those old and new,” said Folly.
“Each club brings a unique talent and a willingness to
work together for the FMU community,” she added.
Among the most cherished decorations are
the Christmas tree ornaments made by Luke. They’ve
also enjoyed those given by others in the community
and throughout the state. The Carter
tree boasts ornaments from every
governor since they arrived nearly
eleven years ago. Hugh and Jean
Leatherman have also given the couple
an ornament each year.
What has also become a tradi-
tion is a donation of the tree for the
first family of FMU by Taylor Garden
& Gift Shop. No glitter adorns the
tree – just fresh greenery, fruit,
berries, pinecones and ribbon.
Once the decorations are up,
the family hosts parties for faculty;
staff; a children’s party where chil-
dren from surrounding shelters and
daycare centers are able to visit
with Santa, as well as those of fac-
ulty and staff members; a
community party and an
“Old Timers’ Party” for
former and current
faculty members who have bond-
by Angela
ed over the years. The entertain-
ment for many of these gatherings is Crosland
FMU’s Cut Time Show Choir.
For dinner at each occasion, you
will find turkey, homemade dressing or stuffing, cran-
berry sauce and much more. On Christmas Day, the
family enjoys a fried turkey donated by longtime FMU
supporter, Grady Greer, and a baked turkey and cran-
berry sandwiches prepared by Folly.
“When you reach a certain age,” Dr. Carter
explains, “gift-giving ceases to be about what you
receive. I derive immense satisfaction out of doing
things for others,” said Dr. Carter, who hand-delivers
bonus checks each year to his employees who quali-
fy. “I don’t think they enjoy receiving them nearly as
much as I enjoy delivering them. It is the one day I get
to feel like Santa on the campus.”
The Carters also give generously to the
Salvation Army. “Among the family, we keep the
exchanging of gifts quite simple,” said Folly.
The only item on the family’s wish list this
year is that everyone will receive their heart’s desire
for Christmas. Not only because they deserve it, but
because it would help the economy.
Author’s Note: “When I first came to work at Francis
Marion three years ago, I thought I had the most
unique story to tell about the positive impact the
Carters have had on my life – both personally and
professionally. What I soon learned is, my story can
and has been told numerous times by various people
the world over. Not only were they present in the
times when I seemed to be most prosperous, they
have made themselves available
during the most challeng-
ing times of my life and
the lives of count-
less others. A true
demonstration of
the love God has
charged us all
with displaying.”
Angela Crosland
Pictured Above: Members of the Garden Clubs in the
Pee Dee area help decorate the house each year
Left: . Poinsettias and garland adorn the living room
of the Wallace House .
Angela Crosland works with Francis Marion University
in the Office of Public and Community Affairs.
She and her son, Daniel James II (9) reside in Marion.
93 11/23/09 11:41 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 93

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94 11/23/09 6:00 PM Page 1

d A Homespun Christmas

I love the feeling I get when I’m sitting by the fire, drinking a cup of hot cocoa
and reading a good book. I’m relaxed, warm and comfortable. Jean Leatherman is the
human equivalent of that experience. As she regales stories of togetherness with her
friends and family during the holidays, it grows evident that it is impossible for me to
by Emmie
be the only person that feels that way about her.
Jean exudes the true spirit of Christmas, which stems from her faith in Jesus
Lynch
Christ. Her definition of the Spirit of Christmas is “having the Spirit of Christ,” which
means loving people and giving of yourself. It also means “sharing God’s love with
others,” which is where Jean excels.
“Christmas is a spirit” isn’t just a saying for Jean, but rather a
reminder of how she spent many Christmases as a child. Jean and her
three siblings were raised by their single mother in Jean’s great-grand-
mother’s home in Jefferson, SC. She admits it was nothing fancy, but
it was all they needed because they had each other. Just because
money was tight didn’t mean that they couldn’t celebrate
Christmas. Each year, they would venture out into the woods
and find a cedar tree. As a family, they would cut the tree down
and drag it back to the house. Once they had it standing, they would decorate
the tree with glass lights, silver tinsel and garland.
The one gift that stands out most in Jean’s mind is the Chocolate-Covered
Creme Drops that her mom gave them every year. To this day, whenever she sees a
Creme Drop, she remembers those childhood Christmas mornings from long ago. And,
it never mattered how much or how little they had because they always celebrated the
Birth of Christ as a family.
In commemoration of her childhood, a few weeks before Christmas, Jean calls
a local shelter and asks for the name of a family that needs help. As a family, the
Leathermans gather all the details and set to work on a plan. They go shopping for the
family, purchasing everything from toys to clothes to food. On Christmas Eve, they get
together at the Leatherman home and set out to deliver the goods to the needy fam-
ily. According to Jean, this really gets everyone in the Christmas Spirit. The holiday is
“so meaningful when you know you are helping people,” she smiles.
After delivering all the gifts, the family begins preparing dinner. “Family” is a
loose, yet well-defined term in Jean’s home. She typically has about twenty people
Jean always has two trees decorated in her house. She has one tree that
in her house on Christmas Eve, but opens her door to anyone that wants to cel-
is designated strictly for memorable ornaments. Every year, she buys a collectible
ebrate the true meaning of Christmas. It’s evident that Jean’s loving spirit has
ornament for each child that includes the year on it. When the family arrives, they are
had an impact on her family and friends. A number of them have the same open-
always anxious to see this tree, and they rush to find all of their favorite ornaments.
door policy. She truly has the gift of love, and her warmth is a like a blanket
One of Jean’s traditions is putting together a special centerpiece for
that welcomes all who cross her threshold.
Christmas dinner. Once she has dinner cooking and under control, she walks out-
Bringing family together is a very important part of
side and looks for interesting pieces of local greenery. She takes her collection of
Christmas for Jean. Her family members come from all over the
greenery and combines it with pieces of fruit to create an original centerpiece to
state, and parts of North
adorn the dinner table.
Carolina, just to be able to
With traditions being a central theme in her holiday plans, it’s no surprise
celebrate together. This
that her children get upset when things change at all. For years, Jean had always put
makes the celebration
fruit in the children’s stockings. One Christmas, however, she was simply too busy
even more special, and as
to run out and buy fruit. Since the children were older, she figured it wouldn’t be
Jean puts it, “When family
a big deal. That turned out to definitely not be the case! Her children treasured
comes together, there is
the memories of always having fruit in their stockings. When it wasn’t there, they
just a richness that you
felt that their tradition had been broken. Although her children were grown, they
can’t find anywhere else.”
missed the fruit. Needless to say, Jean hasn’t made that mistake again.
Once dinner is cook-
ing, the entire family
When asked for tips on how to make my own Christmases as
goes to church togeth-
warm as hers, Jean offered the following suggestions:
er. Typically, they occu-
• Get Festive! “Christmas is a spirit. You can decorate anything
py two or three pews
that stands still long enough.”
at Central United
• Be willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate family
Methodist. For Jean,
members that have to work.
“the importance of
• Start your own traditions. “It’s important for young
being together is
families to establish their own traditions.”
C h r i s t m a s .”
• Have an Open-Door Policy. Not everyone has family
When they
close by and Jean believes that everyone deserves
return home
to celebrate Christmas with family. She opens her
from church,
door to all friends and family and can always find
they say grace
an extra place setting when the need arises.
and share a
meal together.
Over the years, Jean has had a few people tell
her,“There is nothing quite like Christmas at the Leatherman’s.”
I would have to agree.

Emmie Lynch was born and raised in the Pee Dee. She is a graduate of the
University of South Carolina and lives in Florence. Her favorite things are writing, the
FRED SALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY outdoors and spending time with her family.
95 11/20/09 9:50 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 95

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96 11/23/09 5:47 PM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
ambert
len W. L
El
by
Being one of eight children
(yes, I said eight!), you can imagine how hectic –
yet exciting – our holidays can be. Nonetheless, my mom,
Victoria Harrington, always manages to make them so special.
Every year, for as long as I can remember, we have our
famous “tree-trimming party” where all eight children get
together at Mom’s house just a few weeks before Christmas
to decorate the Christmas tree. And, our Christmas tree is
no ordinary Christmas tree. Every single ornament was
handmade by all the children, and most have managed to sur-
vive over the last three decades. There are candy canes and
miniature Christmas trees cut from construction paper, bell-
shaped wreaths, colored
glass balls with the differ-
ent years painted on
them, pine cones sprin-
kled with glitter and rein-
deer antlers made from
little hands.
The oldest orna-
ment of all, however, is
the star that tops the
tree. It has been our tree
topper every year for
thirty-two years. Anna,
my oldest sister, made it
when she was in first
grade. She cut it out of
cardboard, which has
amazingly kept most of
its shape for this long.
I’m sure that at one
time it was a shiny and
sparkly cardboard star
with glitter on both
sides. But, over the
years, after packing and unpacking the
star, it has lost a lot of its shine.
Nevertheless, it still shines on top of
the Christmas tree.
Ellen Ward Lambert was born and raised in Florence, SC. She graduated from Francis Marion University and works at
Carolinas Hospital System in Human Resources. She has been married to her wonderful husband, Chris, for two
years. She enjoys snow skiing, swimming, watching movies and spending time with her friends.
FRED SALLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY
As children, I don’t think we realized how these tree-trimming
parties would continue on and how special our memories would
become. Now, as our family keeps growing, it’s so wonderful how we’ve
kept up the tradition.
The simple days of the holidays have always been our experi-
ence. My mom made everything from scratch – and still does. Every
year at our tree-trimming party, we begin by cutting all the limbs and
branches off the tree so it will fit in the tree stand. Mom takes all these
branches and makes a huge wreath to go on the front door. She wraps
some ribbon around it and, within minutes, it looks like something on the
cover of Southern Living magazine! (Not to mention, the ribbon is more
than likely some old sheet or pillow case she cut into ribbon-like strips.)
We also made homemade gingerbread men to hang on the
tree. Now, the smell brings back such fond memories. Our family has
grown tremendously over the past several years, adding six grandchil-
dren to the mix to carry on the tradition. Baking gingerbread men is a
favorite with the kids. If you’ve ever made gingerbread men, however,
you know it’s a tough and messy job. Mom just pours some flour on the
table and lets the children go at it. They cut out the little gingerbread
men with their cookie cutters and place them on the baking sheet and
into the oven they go. Once they come out, you have to let them cool
for just a few minutes. While they are still warm, we take a toothpick
and make a tiny hole in the heads in order to string some thin ribbon
through them so that they can hang on the tree.
Mom makes this delicious icing to go on the gingerbread men,
and she lets us paint little vests on them. They are so cute! (And, I say
“us” because the big children and the little children join in.) The funny
thing is, after about two weeks (it never fails), the only thing left hanging
on the tree are the little gingerbread men’s heads. It’s still fun to have
edible ornaments.
Not only does Mom bake gingerbread men, she bakes apple pie, cherry
pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie. And, she gives them
all away as gifts.
My very favorite – and I probably won’t be wrong if I say it’s
everyone’s favorite – is Mom’s homemade sourdough bread. My mouth
waters every time I think about it. People ask me all the time for some
of my mom’s homemade sourdough bread. Anyone who knows about
sourdough bread knows that making it is an ongoing process, and Mom
makes it all year. During the holidays, however, it’s a specialty.
My mom has always gone out of her way to make everything
special – whether it’s big or small. My entire family appreciates her
more than she will ever know.
97 11/20/09 9:53 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 97

Bethea Baptist Retirement Community

and Local Churches present

“Come to Bethlehem”
A live recreation of Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Christ. Your entire family will be blessed by the sights and sounds
of the first Christmas. More than two hundred actors, angels, live animals, shepherds and villagers will be present.
Herrod’s court, wise men, Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child lead you into the true meaning of Christmas.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Where: Bethea Baptist Retirement Community • 157 Home Ave. Darlington
Contact: Ashley Rhodes • 843.393.2867 • arhodes@scbma.com
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
When: Thursday, Friday & Saturday • December 10, 11, & 12 • 2009
Cost: FREE TO ALL
**You are able to walk or drive through the town of Bethlehem**

Visit us on-line at www.bethearetirement.com • A Christ-Centered Retirement Community

Bethea Baptist Retirement Community is a division of South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging, Inc.
98 11/23/09 11:27 AM Page 1

by Marti Miller
Let’s just admit it straight off, resides within us. When the fruit of the Spirit is evident in how we breathe and stand
why don’t we? It’s not just the Grinch who had such a tiny hardened and walk in this life, Christmas remains. It cannot be stolen from us.
heart for Christmas that he felt compelled to make it disappear for So, as a reminder (mostly to myself), here is a complete ingredient list for the
everyone in Whoville.There are seasons when we want to just shoot best holiday salad of this or any other season, with generic and name brands, along with
out all the twinkling lights and crawl into bed until well after the a good place to shop for them:
New Year arrives. Some grandmas actually wish to get run over by
a reindeer so they can be relieved of all the to-do list burdens.And Agape Love John 3:16

Ebenezer Scrooge continues to bah and humbug all over our lives Chara Joy I Peter 1:8-9

during some Christmas seasons. Eirene Peace Philippians 4:6-7

Every year brings the threat of a holiday season marred by Makrothumia Patience James 5:8-9

the loss of loved ones – with empty chairs at our family tables. Chrestotes Kindness Proverbs 11:16-17

Sometimes it is death that removes them from our lives. Agathosune Goodness Psalm 23:6

Sometimes it is by wrong choices made or hardened hearts. Pistis Faithfulness Proverbs 3:3

Each of us knows at least one family for which this Christmas Prautes Gentleness Philippians 4:4-5

may not be a joyful celebration. It gets stolen in so many ways. Egkratea Self-control I Peter 4:7

Forgiveness can’t be found. Work schedules require obliga-

tions to be “on the clock”, especially for healthcare workers
and public servants and troops protecting us on our shores
and on others. Job loss and mounting bills steal the “happy”
from our lives, especially in these difficult times.
Personally, I have allowed the meaning of Christmas
to be stolen many times. As a small child, it was stolen by
older sisters insistent that I give up the myth of Santa long
before I was ready (one of the downsides of being the baby,
I guess?). In true teenaged fashion, Christmas got spirited
away by self-centered choices and me-centered focus.As a
young adult, it was stolen by stress and the career climb
and colossally bad decisions. Parenting allowed the loss of
Christmas within unmet expectations. I still have that little
nightmare about waking up on December 25th without having stuffed the stockings or
trimmed the tree or baked even a single cookie.The horrified looks on my little angels
faces haunts me even today. It never actually happened, but, oh how many times I feared
it would.And let’s not even discuss the shrieking of awful words when the cookie dough
wrapped itself around the rolling pin for the eighth time. Most recently, and most pro-
foundly, Christmas was stolen by the grief of loss known to those who lose a spouse,
and most piercingly to widows who must witness the loss with their children. But even
in that seemingly endless sadness, hope remains – but only if we choose it.
All things considered, no one and no thing can steal what is not ours to own
in the first place. Hope and love cannot be purchased and hoarded. If we truly believe –
when we know that we know that we know – there is no burned cookie or wrong
sweater or forgotten gift that can rob us of the true joy of the promise that is Christmas.
Take away the jolly old elf and the eight tiny reindeer. Remove the tags and brush away
the tinsel. Flush the eggnog and the mistletoe. Wipe away the carols sung merrily and
extinguish the scented candles’ flames. Discard the biggest sale of the year flyers and all
the BOGO banners. Who cares? When all the trimmings are gone, when all the gift
exchanges are banned, it will still be Christmas.We can never truly be robbed
of the simple joy of Christmas when the spirit of God
Christ was not born on December 25th, but we mark the date near the end of
our worldly calendar year so that we may remember always the beginning of our hope.
The birth of Christ heralds the promise of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the second
covenant, that we may bear the fruit of His Love for us no matter what the season. My
prayer for all of us is that we remember Him as we hustle and bustle and bake and wrap
and sing carols and watch Love Actually and Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life for the
umpteenth time. Every time a bell rings…? Maybe. But certainly, every time we pray His
name, joy remains.
Dear Lord:
Let me find the joy in the promise of this season without concern for how things are wrapped
or baked or celebrated. May I spend less time in the efforts of which recipe to use and which
cookies to bake and more time in gratitude for the many gifts received and in fervent prayer
for those less fortunate. Let me sing joyfully and probably off-key to Your glory more often than
I raise my voice with Jingle Bells. Christmas may fall at the end of our earthly calendar, but it
heralds the beginning of hope renewed that the Holy Spirit dwells in our lives and keeps us in
the company of your Love. Please help me to not let this promise and hope be stolen away by
grasping only for the perfect holiday season and the most beautiful tree in the neighborhood.
Let your Light alone shine in me.
Amen. And merry Christmas!
Marti Miller lives and writes in
Marion, SC, knowing that
Christmas won’t be stolen this
year, as long as she remembers
patience while rolling out of the
sugar cookie dough.
99 11/20/09 10:29 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 99

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100 11/23/09 3:07 PM Page 1
IN his OWN WORDS
DENNIS BANKSON
In 1834, Charles Dickens wrote of a man whose priorities
were tragically misaligned. Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge thought that life was for get-
ting, for accruing and keeping more and more stuff. He saw Christmas as illogical – truly
a fool’s holiday. In a way, I guess he was right; Christmas isn’t logical.
When She Magazine asked me to write a short piece explaining why I consid-
er myself a “Christmas Person,” I thought of my family, my work and my God.
I am a proud father of two children. My daughter, Adelyn Noel, was born the
week of Christmas almost six years ago. The day I met Addie, I fell in love for the sec-
ond time. She is smart, kind and thinks her daddy can do no wrong. (I love that part.)
I am so proud of her! My son, Benjamin Elijah, was born just before Christmas two years
after his sister. Not long after he learned to walk, I knew we had our work cut out for
us. Have you ever seen a toddler strut? He is the sweetest little tough guy I have ever
known. And, I owe all of this – this gift of fatherhood – to their mother, Michelle.
Michelle and I met when we were just kids in high school. It’s strange, but I
have difficulty remembering what life was like before loving her. She’s a businesswoman,
a selfless mother and intoxicating wife. She literally accomplishes more before 9:00 AM
than I do all week. And, while we didn’t meet at Christmastime, life with her has been
Christmas morning every day.
I’m a Christmas tree grower and broker, so I think about Christmas almost
every day of the year. I love the smell of a Fraser Fir. It always reminds me of the many
carefree Christmases of my childhood. As a grower, I care for the Christmas trees that
I know will some day stand regally in someone’s home. That fact fills me with pride and
a sense of duty. So, when the time comes for selecting trees for harvest, I only want
the best. I select each one as though my children will be decorating it, and perhaps
remembering its majestic beauty years from now.
Dennis Bankson, and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Adelyn Noel and Benjamin Elijah. They live in Florence.
If you would like Dennis to help your church or organization raise funds, you may e-mail him at dennisbankson@yahoo.com.
The Christmas
Tree Man
As a Christmas tree broker, traveling from our North Carolina farms to meet
retailers in the South, I began noticing all the churches that were fund-raising by selling
pumpkins by the roadside. It’s funny how the mind wanders while driving. I just remem-
ber hearing my voice, “Pumpkins, pumpkins, everywhere pumpkins!” Right then and
there, I had an epiphany.
In a Grinch-ish heart-expanding moment, I asked, “Why not Christmas trees
and wreaths? Why don’t I allow schools and churches to raise funds with Christmas
trees?” Thus I discovered my passion for helping non-profits realize their financial goals.
By cutting out the middleman (oops, I guess that’s me), churches, schools and clubs are
finally putting the profit of the Christmas industry to good use!
To implement the idea, however, I had to confront the Scrooge in me, whose
priorities were tragically misaligned. Like me, Ebenezer was not a callous man, nor did
he lack depth of feeling; but, we both had been living under the false premise that more
was better. I know it seems illogical, but a bigger house, a newer car and more fashion-
able clothes do not equal a better life. They don’t equate to happiness. I know that
because I know a Man who had all of that and more.
He was the Master of the universe, yet He chose to give it all up. He chose
to humble Himself for love. He chose a birth – not of privilege – but a birth to facili-
tate a sacrificial death. And, He is why Christmas seems so illogical to us. Because love
doesn’t demand; it serves. Because love doesn’t take; it gives. And, because more is not
better – especially at Christmas – it’s just more.
101 11/20/09 10:31 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 101

Standing:
Misti Braddock,
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102 11/23/09 1:39 PM Page 1

It’s Christmas...
Enjoy the
Don’t Become One!
I have lots of first and second cousins, but my family of origin is small now.
There’s my mother, my husband, myself and our son. Because we’re a small group, we
have lots of options for celebrating Christmas.
For the last two years on Christmas Eve, we open up Christmas gifts. Then,
my mother comes over on Christmas Day, and she opens her gifts. We show her ours
and open the gifts from her. We have coffee and juice and ham biscuits. Then, we get
on the road to Columbia. We go to a very nice hotel in Columbia where they have a
huge buffet and a very talented man playing the piano. We have a leisurely meal, and
Fruitcake,
then we head back for a movie at the theatre in Florence. After the movie is over, we
go back home and usually have a nap. Sometimes, we reverse the schedule and nap first,
and then head over for a movie afterwards.
My father passed away in February of 2008, so it helps to have a busy day with
structure. Knowing what we’re doing for the day is good and keeps us from sitting
around and thinking negative thoughts.
My husband and I have already purchased and wrapped all of our Christmas
gifts. The best way for me to handle the stress of the holidays is to be organized and
plan ahead. I make a list of who I need to buy gifts for in October – usually the first
week – and start purchasing them right away. When there are sales or I’m traveling and
see something I think would be nice for one of the people on my list, I get it then. My
husband and I work together and order some gifts online. A plus in purchasing gifts

So, you plan ahead and follow

through on the goals and plans
that you establish for your special
holiday time and you won’t turn into
a fruitcake this Christmas, either.
early and not all at one time is that, financially, your money is stretched out over a peri-
od of several months, and you’re not paying out a large chunk all at one time in
December (which is also around the time taxes are due for your cars and house). Also,
you’re not hectically running around at the last minute and trying to remember where
you saw a particular item that you want to purchase. There is no standing in long lines
nor dealing with drivers that are driving in a more-than-usual crazy manner and not
watching where they’re going because they have way too much on their minds.
After my shopping is done and my gifts are wrapped, I enjoy going out with my
family and looking at the different lights and decorations in different nearby towns. I
also enjoy looking around in the stores to see the decorations and special displays that
they put out. Because I’ve already bought all my gifts, I don’t feel tense and stressed
about the upcoming holiday, and I don’t wonder how I’ll get everything done because
it’s already worked out. (I do get stressed about accomplishing goals and trying to fit
everything in on a regular weekly basis, but that’s another story entirely.)
Anyway, back to Christmas. The reason I’m organized about Christmas is
because I don’t want to turn into a fruitcake and not be able to enjoy the Reason for
the Season (Jesus) if everything is wild and crazy and I’m stressed like I see lots of oth-
ers get. I plan ahead because I can’t stand being like that.
So, you plan ahead and follow through on the goals and plans that you estab-
lish for your special holiday time and you won’t turn into a fruitcake this Christmas,
either. A lot of things may try to draw you away or distract you, but stick to your plan
and have a happy and healthy holiday!

by Ouida Page, RN, LPC

Ouida K. Page is a Master’s Prepared Licensed Professional and National Board Certified Counselor. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau (International Honor Society of Nursing).
She has been in private practice in the Hartsville and Florence areas for over 15 years, specializing in families and issues relating to children, adolescents and women of all ages. You may contact her by e-mailing
editor@shemagazine.com with “Ouida” as the subject matter, or call 843-398-0915.
103 11/20/09 10:05 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 103

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104 11/24/09 1:32 PM Page 1
McLeod Physicians
& Nursing Staff
RAISING THE
AWARENESS
OF ANEMIA
B lood is the "fluid of life," delivering oxygen and nutrients to
tissues with every heartbeat. Simple in its function and elegant
in its design, blood has never been duplicated by scientists.
Many of us are aware of the importance of blood in disease and as a
life-saving treatment in trauma and surgery, but few realize how critical it is
that we have normal levels of blood in the circulation in order to maintain
good health and have excellent quality of life. A multidisciplinary team of
doctors and nurses at McLeod are working to draw awareness to the
problem of anemia, or the problem of having too few red blood cells.
Anemia has been called the “silent epidemic” because it is much more
common than most people know, and its symptoms can be so subtle initially.
Fatigue, lack of energy, and muscle weakness are all hallmarks of
anemia — but these are usually chalked up to lives that have become much
too busy.
According to Dr.Trey Bishara, Chief of Transfusion Medicine at
McLeod, anemia is present in more than half of the patients cared for at
McLeod. “We began our work so that we could be good stewards of the
blood supply, establishing guidelines to insure that patients received blood
only at the right time, and for the right reasons. We discovered that our
blood transfusion rates were better than national averages and appropriately
conservative. However, it was striking to us how many patients unknowingly
live with anemia.” The rates of anemia that have been observed in this
region approach rates seen in many developing countries. Because many
types of anemia can be effectively treated with iron supplements and
other inexpensive medications, recognizing anemia and treating it can have a
important impact upon the overall health of patients in the region.
Women and seniors are most frequently affected by anemia: women
because of the monthly loss of blood with their cycles and the high demands
of pregnancy, and seniors because of poor nutrition and chronic diseases.
In fact, blood transfusions have become the most common therapy for
elderly women above age 80 and the second most common above 70.
Anemia is seen in up to one of every three pregnant women. Men are
significantly affected as well, with anemia rates rising with each decade of life.
Dr. Michael Rose is the Vice President of Surgical Services at McLeod and the Medical Director of McLeod Blood Conservation Services.
Dr. Rose is board certified in Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine.
Dr. Michael Rose
Vice President of
Surgical Services at McLeod
“Anemia in pregnancy is definitely on our radar,” says
Dr. John Browning, lead obstetrician on the McLeod task force.
“We know that a pregnant woman needs 30 percent more blood in order
to supply the developing baby in the uterus, and anemia in the mother can
lead to growth restriction.” The evidence is that the majority of women will
require iron and folate supplements throughout pregnancy to keep up with
this higher production of blood.
Patients that are scheduled for major surgery are another group of
particular interest and attention.The average patient presenting for joint
replacement surgery has a significant anemia found on preoperative blood
tests. Dr. Barry Clark, an orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Ala’ Abdel Jalil, a
hospital-based internist (hospitalist) have headed up the research on these
patients, and are studying ways in which they can be managed. Patients that
are anemic before surgery will be even more anemic after surgery even with
precise surgical techniques. If it was just the blood count number that
changed we would be less worried, but we have found that wound healing
can be delayed in severely anemic patients. At McLeod, the average decrease
in blood count during surgery is 30 percent less than the national average,
but with nearly all patients being anemic at the start, it is not possible to
prevent a worsening of anemia after surgery. Moreover, anemia interferes with
optimal rehabilitation of the patient because of the poor exercise tolerance
that is a hallmark of a low blood count. Dr. Abdel Jalil adds that the best
practice requires a close coordination of the patient’s care before surgery,
precise surgical technique, and close monitoring after surgery.
Like the awareness that has led to dramatic changes in the approach
to high cholesterol as a way to improve overall health, awareness of, and
treatment of anemia will attract a great deal of attention and interest in the
years ahead. Having anemia co-exist with diabetes, heart failure, kidney
disease — really any chronic disease — can lower survival and quality of life
with these conditions. For those blessed with good health, a normal blood
count will insure that we have the “get up and go” for our dawn-to-dusk
schedules. Women especially need to be aware. Ask your doctor for a
screening blood test.
105 11/20/09 10:12 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 105

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106 11/20/09 10:15 AM Page 1

106 • December 2009 • She Magazine

Spend the day in Hartsville, SC for an

old-fashioned Christmas on December 5th!
•Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce
Hartsville Christmas Parade 10:30 am •Good
Living Marketplace in Cargill Way
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
•An Evening in Burry Park: Hartsville
Hometown Holiday Musical, Christmas Tree
Lighting, Polar Express "Movie in the Park"
beginning at 5:00pm

Historic Christmas Open Houses of Hartsville

Sunday Dec. 6 2-5:00 pm. •Hart House at
Kalmia Gardens •Hart Cottage •Jacob Kelley
House

Hartsville Civic Chorale

presents, “Christmas with Children
and Brass” on Tues., Dec. 8 at
7:30pm at First Presbyterian
Church.

Black Creek Arts Council

presents the Christmas Shoppe Thurs.,
Dec. 10 at 5pm-9pm; Fri., Dec. 11 at
3pm-8pm; and Sat., Dec. 12 at 10am-2pm.

www.hartsvillegoodliving.com • www.hartsvillechamber.org and

www.facebook.com/OurHartsville

Come see our Now Booking

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Menu Items! Parties!

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Owned & Operated by Leigh Ann & Willie Bizzell 843.857.9080 HARTSVILLE ARMY-NAVY
Reservations Accepted. 122 W. Carolina Ave. • Downtown Hartsville
843.332.3993
LUNCH: M-F 11 - 2 DINNER: M-Th 5 - 9 F &S 5 - 10
107 11/20/09 1:45 PM Page 1

Gift Guide

it’s better to
GIVE!
This Christmas, you have more important
things to do than spend hours shopping for gifts -
like baking and cozying up by a fire and spending
time with the ones you love.

So, we’ve done the work for you.

Turn the page and let our ANNUAL NEED-IT,
WANT-IT, GOTTA-HAVE-IT GIFT GUIDE
help you with fabulous gift ideas for everyone.

All you have to do is grab your

list and start checking it off.

Merry Christmas!
108 11/24/09 11:29 AM Page 1

Impressionistic
field dog oil painting
"Happy Everything" Platter with Chameleon Art Gallery
interchangeable seasonal attachments Darlington
Company’s Comin’
Cheraw

Aqua/lime with
chocolate accent table lamp
Mantissa Row
Hartsville

The Big Green Egg

Mermaid Vase Grill and Smoker
Get Framed Fire It Up
Florence Florence

"Bag Lady's Cabinet" from

the Paula Deen Collection
Hartsville Furniture Co
& Sleep Center
Hartsville
109 11/20/09 1:58 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 109

Flossie’s to
Every girl needs a little
complete her Christmas list!!!

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110 11/24/09 11:34 AM Page 1

Classic jewelry by
Michael Michaud
Porter’s Gift Shop
Florence

Charleston Gate Tory Burch

Necklaces Quilted Nico Tote
Jones Smith Jewelers and Tory Burch
Florence Quilted Cosmetic Case
Heyward & Hanna
Florence

Ladies Diamond
Tag Heuer watch
Galloway & Moseley Grainger McKoy
Charleston Gate Bracelets Florence Silver Cufflinks
Jones Smith Jewelers Galloway & Moseley
Florence Florence

Over-the-knee grey boots

Flossie Mae’s Versace sunglasses
Hartsville Pee Dee Optical
Florence

Cocktail Dress from the

Joseph Ribkoff Collection
Savannah’s
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Spanx® Tight-End Tights Fashion Clutches

CYNTHIA Flirt Boutique
FINE LADIES APPAREL Florence
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Le Mystére Camisoles Miss Me Jeans

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Florence Florence
111 11/20/09 11:25 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 111

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112 11/24/09 11:38 AM Page 1

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Florence

Dichroic glass earrings

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a "mini peel" to and Bumble trio and
smooth and tone Buttonband headwear
Peptide Plus Skinsations
Treatment MediSpa A Stuart
Serum, intense Florence Laurence Salon
age-defying Florence
matrix
Skinsations
MediSpa
Florence

Niven Morgan Gold

Fragrance Collection
Clarisonic Sonic Skin Merele Norman
Cleansing Systems Cheraw
Carolina Facial
Plastic Surgery Palmetto State Fine Jewelry
Florence Travis Jewelers
Florence

Sanita Clogs and Socks

Palmetto Uniform
Florence
113 11/20/09 10:32 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 113

Burry Bookstore
130 West Carolina Ave. Hartsville, SC 29550
Shop online! www.burrybookstore.com

2
1. The Christmas Baby
3 by Marion Dane Bauer

2. Long Shot by Chris Paul

4 3. Louise the Big Cheese

by Elise Primabera

4. The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes

to School by Laurie Halse Anderson
5. My Little Red Fire Truck
by Stephen Johnson

Sizes 2-16
5
XäxÇàá \Ç WxvxÅuxÜ Petites Available

FRIDAY, DEC. 4th FRIDAY, DEC. 11th FRIDAY, DEC. 18th

Author and Poet Doreen Author Ben McC. Moise will Author & Educator Sara
Reid will be signing be signing copies of his book, Odom will be signing
copies of He’s Worthy Ramblings of a copies of her book,
Lowcountry Game Precious Puddin’
Warden
843.383.6381 • 142 E Carolina Ave • Hartsville • Tues-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5
Call 843-332-2511 for more info. email us at burrybooks@msn.com.

No one has to go
through this alone.
Call today for support,
encouragement, and
understanding.

We know hospice.

Bennettsville Florence
479-5979 664-2888
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537-5454 383-5115
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914-1197 389-1816

www.AgapeHospice.com
114 11/24/09 11:52 AM Page 1

Pettiskirt w/ matching
tank & headband
Cottontails
Children’s Boutique
Florence

Fabric Letters by New Arrivals

Wool coin purses in fun designs Baby Furniture and More
Fisher Jewelers and Silversmiths Florence
Florence

Girls & Boys Christmas

Designed Tops & Bottoms
Christopher Pop-In-Kins Children Depot
Minnies Giftique Florence
Hartsville

Personalized Hot Pink

Stocking with Zebra Trim
Doodlebug's
Cheraw
The gift of dance:
tap, ballet, or hip hop
Dance For Joy
Florence
115 11/20/09 10:36 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 115

Center for Health & Wellness, PC

Dr. Stephen N. Skipper, D.C.
600 W. Carolina Ave • Hartsville • 843-383-2340

Are you Experiencing Pain?

Call Dr. Skipper today!
New Patient Offer:
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•Toxicity
patients
116 11/24/09 12:03 PM Page 1
ALL STAR SPORTS
1521 2nd Loop Rd • Florence
(843) 662-8751
www.allstarsports.net
CAROLINA FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
492 W Cheves St • Florence
(843) 665-0400
GENESIS COSMETIC LASER CENTER
1273 Celebration Blvd. • Florence
843-663-2220
www.genesiscosmeticlasercenter.com
GOOSIE GANDERS
1926 Second Loop Rd • Florence
843-663-2231
GRIFFIN PLASTIC SURGERY
513 S Dargan St • Florence
(843) 664-1122
www.griffinplasticsurgery.medem.com
J. RUFUS BRATTON, JR., M.D., F.A.C.S.
800 Cheves Street • Florence
843-667-3533
The Perfect Fit.
The Perfect Color.
The Perfect Choice.
Gift Certificates
are the hassle-free, sure-to-please way
to shop for everyone on your list!
JONES-SMITH
1651 W. Palmetto St. • Florence
843-662-5523
www.jones-smith.com
KNIGHT FURNITURE
214 Second Loop Rd • Florence
843-662-2681
www.knightfurniture.com
LOOKIN’ GOOD AESTHETICS
927 S. Santiago Dr. • Florence
843-206-5684
www.lookingoodnow.com
PREMIER MEDICAL DAY SPA
1523-B Heritage Lane • Florence
843-662-7969
www.premiermedicaldayspa.com
MAGNOLIA MALL
2701 David McLeod Blvd. • Florence
843-669-0725
www.shopmagnoliamall.com
RICHARD NASH, D.D.S., P.A.
FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
1507-A Heritage Lane • Florence
843-665-4477
SHEAR MADNESS
3203 W Palmetto St #L • Florence
843-667-3636
kcotton.massagetherapy.com
SKINSATIONS MEDISPA
1611 Hazel Dr • Florence
843-662-1515
www.scskin.com
SPA DE VIE SALON AND SPA
1800 W. Palmetto St. • Florence
843-669-4333
www.spadevie.net
A STUART LAURENCE SALON
1988 W Palmetto St • Florence
(843) 673-0009
also available online at www.slsalon.com
TUPPERWARE
Mary Janice Cooper
843-662-1684
www.my.tupperware.com/mjcooper
117 11/23/09 1:33 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 117

stringed green
planter

NDI pink
and white
hydrangea
floral Aunt Sadie's
arrangement Coffee
scented Candle.
Other scents
available.

Hartsville Furniture Co.

& Sleep Center
Since 1934

hand
painted
whimsy
pistachio open end
pudding table with
1806 W. Palmetto St. • Florence accent table shelf
843-662-9781

133 East College Ave • 843-332-9041

M-F 10-5:30, Sat 10-3

The Earring Lady

• These earrings are hand crafted in
Florence from American materials
and sold by galleries nationwide
• Here you will find the largest selection and this
is the only place to buy discounted seconds
• Many new styles this season

2717 Second Loop Road • Florence

(Look for the Lavender House)
Monday- Saturday 10:00-6:00
843-317-1732
126 11/23/09 11:25 AM Page 1
by Linda H.
PURSE
Holiday
Weatherford
strings Spending!
Avoid the Red & Save More Green
I love Christmas! The sights, the sounds, the smells, the shopping – it’s my favorite
time of the year. Like many, I can get caught up in the “feeling” of the season and find myself
among the millions who overspend during the holidays. According to the National Retail
Federation,Washington, DC, holiday sales for November and December are expected to
be $437.6 billion.
“People tend to increase their spending around the holidays for a combination of
reasons,” says Stanley J. Kershman, author of Put Your Debt on a Diet: A Step-by-Step
Guide to Financial Fitness. “Some may feel guilty about not spending as much time with
their loved ones or friends and will compensate with a special gift. Others may feel they
need to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ to match what friends, families, neighbors and even co-
workers are doing. And, some simply get swept away in the glitter
of the season – overspending before they realize what they’re
doing. For all these reasons, setting a budget and making a
list – and matching the two – can be really effective at
reining in the ‘over’ part of holiday overspending.”
To help stay on track with holiday spending,
consider the following tips:
d Crunch the Numbers. Create a holiday
budget listing all expenses, including small gifts
to teachers, babysitters, newspaper carriers and others. Be sure
to include extras such as cards, wrapping paper, decorations and
holiday clothing purchases. Set a spending limit for each person and
item on your list. Make sure you write down all of your holiday pur-
chases, even when purchased with a credit card. By keeping a log of
dollars spent, you won’t find unexpected bills in your mailbox after
the holidays.
d Avoid Money Matching. Holidays are about more than just giving
and receiving. Most people feel the stress of the dollar-for-dollar
matching competition, so talk with the people on your shopping list about set-
ting limits. Set limits for your children! In our house, the rule has always been
three gifts. It helps teach your children that there are limits and makes them con-
sider what they really want. Many times, my children would change their list over
and over, getting it down to those three items. One final rule, once it’s in writ-
ing to Santa – it can’t be changed! That helps Mom and Dad do their early shop-
ping. If gift piles look skimpy, fill in gaps with homemade presents or make
coupons for babysitting, yard work, home-cooked meals or helping put away hol-
iday decorations.
d Start Early. Avoid the last-minute rush so you’ll have more time to comparison
shop. If you’re in a rush to get out of a crowded mall or store, you’re more likely
to spend impulsively as a way of escape. I have an area of my closet designated for
gifts. Throughout the year as I encounter sale items that I think my family and friends
would enjoy, I purchase and store those for the holidays. One warning: Make sure you
check your closet before you shop to avoid duplicates. It’s a great feeling to make your list
and mark off names before you even begin Christmas shopping.
d Be a Quitter. When you hit your budget limit, stop! If you need hard-core support
to keep yourself in check, leave credit cards at home and put each person’s budget in
an envelope, in cash. When it’s gone, it’s gone – and, you’re done.
d Lead by Example. If you have teens in the house, this is the perfect time of year to
teach them the value of a dollar. A couple years ago, I gave my children their first check-
ing account and debit card for Christmas. While they weren’t thrilled about the small
package, they quickly learned the value of waiting. After Christmas, we went shopping.
With each purchase, they were required to sit and record the purchase and deduct the
cost from their balance. This lesson proved invaluable in that they learned how quick-
ly the money disappears and also that price makes a big difference when you’re
spending your own money. In addition, they learned that waiting means better
value. After the holiday rush, they not only avoided the crowd, they also pur-
chased more for their money with the great after-Christmas sales.
d Be Prepared. The best possible solution for the holiday
season – or any financial obligation – is to be prepared.
Open a Christmas club account and set up automatic
deposits throughout the year. Not only will you be pre-
pared for your holiday spending, you will have earned
interest on your deposits during the year.
d Be Realistic. Most importantly, don’t spend beyond
your means. The reality of paying large credit card
bills for months after the holiday leaves us feeling
anything but joyful. Consider the example of a
$2,000 credit card balance at 18% interest. If your
minimum payment is 2% of the balance due each
month, it will take you about 19 years to pay it off, and
you’ll pay $3,862 in interest.
The special feeling about the holidays doesn’t always come wrapped in a box
and tied with a bow. Make the holidays more meaningful by spending time with
those you love instead of spending money. Start a new family tradition rather
than giving gifts. Contact your local Department of Social Services or a local
charity and provide gifts for a family or children less fortunate. From the
time my boys were very young, we have always taken the time to go shop-
ping for children in need. It teaches them how important it is to be char-
itable and reminds them of the real meaning of the holiday.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. When we
consider the gift of salvation that is ours through His birth, we are free
to celebrate, remembering that there is no greater gift than the one
that has already been given.
Linda H.Weatherford is the Director of
Marketing and Business Development with
SPC Cooperative Credit Union.
119 11/20/09 10:41 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 119

Be pampered while
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•Fillings Complete Dental Service for Over 80 years!

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2213 D W. Palmetto St • Florence • SC 1.843.665.4051 OR 1.800.968.7947 ON CALL 24-7

120-121 11/24/09 12:19 PM Page 1
120-121 11/24/09 12:20 PM Page 2
122 11/24/09 2:25 PM Page 1

Tracee Auman
Hartsville
“I love spending time Becky Allen
with my family and seeing Effingham
all the gorgeous decora-
tions.” “I love spending
time with family
and all the great
food.”

Laura Barber
Cheraw

“This Christmas, I look for-

ward to decorating our home
for the holiday season with
my two precious daughters. I
also look forward to our fam-
ily ‘slowing down’ so that we
can spend time with the peo-
ple we love.”

Amanda Ard
Pamplico
Tammie Simmons “Getting to spend time
Caudle with family and friends
Florence and all of the festivities
that go on.”
“I love seeing my
children's face on
Christmas Day and
enjoying time with
my wonderful family.”

What do
you love
most
about
Christmas?
123 11/24/09 10:21 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 123

Introducing “SURGISIL IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE

PERMA FACIAL IMPLANT, THE SAFE,
the new DEFINITIVE SOLUTION FOR PERMANENT

Perma
SOFT TISSUE ENHANCEMENT OF THE
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PATENTED, FDA APPROVED
DEVICE...ALTHOUGH PERMANENT,
Facial Implant PERMA FACIAL IMPLANT MAY
by TM
SurgiSil BE EASILY REMOVED
AT ANY TIME.”

Don’t forget the

hunters on
your list!

Venable’s
CAROLINA FACIAL MAGNOLIA MALL
David McLeod Blvd.
1608 Second Loop Rd.
Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm
PLASTIC SURGERY, P.A. Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 1:30-6pm
Sat: 10am-2pm
Closed Sunday
CARLA C. GRAHAM, M.D., F.A.C.S.
843-665-8758 843-676-2708
492 West Cheves St. • Florence • 665-0400
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF THE HEAD & NECK
124 11/24/09 1:35 PM Page 1

Seeking wisdom concerning

relationships, everyday life
and, of course, MEN?
Sometimes, we just need an unbiased
opinion, some sound advice or maybe a
man’s point of view. That’s why we
will be adding a new “In Every Issue”
feature, beginning in January.

ASK DR. AVIE, with Avie J. Rainwater, III, Ph.D., ABPP

Coming January 2010
A MAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON
THINGS WOMEN CARE ABOUT

If you have a question that

you would like to have answered in
ASK DR. AVIE, email anonymously
to askdravie@shemagazine.com
125 11/23/09 12:53 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 125

s
Apron Have you heard the news?
We have moved to a
New Location!
812 S. Cashua Dr.
Florence, SC
Between Baby Furniture &
More and Christy Moore
Cooler Shop with us for the
Holidays! Swaddle
Blankets

MONOGRAMMING
BABY ITEMS
GIFT ITEMS
PURSES
JEWELRY 812 S. Cashua Dr.
Florence, SC
843.665.6755 843-661-5511
Tues-Fri, 10-5:30 w w w. b f a n d m . n e t
126 11/23/09 4:58 PM Page 1
Shero
Gerdien
Koppenaal
Operation Mobilisation Ships
International
(OM Ships International)
F For seventeen years, an elderly lady in New Jersey prayed for the pupils of her local
school, and she gave the students copies of John’s Gospel. After reading it, George Verwer
became a Christian during a Billy Graham crusade in 1955. He started distributing the
gospel in Mexico during holidays and, later, in Spain. In 1962, 200 young people spread
across Europe in small teams, distributing Christian literature. In 1970, they began to reach
out in the Middle East and India, as well. That same year, they bought their first ship and
sailed around the world, bringing people the gospel. Today, the organization has two ships
and over 3,000 full-time staff in 85 nations; thus, the beginnings of Operation Mobilisation
Ships International (OM Ships International).
Operation Mobilisation is an interdenominational, multicultural mission organiza-
tion. The ships are a big part of the organization. They sail mainly to Second and Third
World Countries to provide good and affordable Christian and educational books. All the staff
are volunteers who are raising their own support through the church, family and friends.
Twenty-eight-year-old Gerdien Koppenaal’s family lives in the Netherlands. Her
parents are Christians and raised Gerdien with Christian values. Missions have always
been important in her life. Her parents have been missionaries themselves for five years
in Transkei (South Africa) and have encouraged Gerdien to also see beyond the church
walls and into the world.
Gerdien joined the Logos II (replaced by Logos Hope later) in 2007 for two
years. On the ship, she works forty hours a week. She gets one day off and one ministry
day where she must help in some kind of community-type work. Gerdien worked in the
Book Fair for the two years that she served. Other examples of ministry work include
working in a children’s program, doing a prison visit or taking part in a local church.
Gerdien really enjoyed working in the Book Fair because of the contact with the local peo-
ple that came onboard.
Gerdien always had a desire to have an experience in missions, and the ships were
one of her first choices. There are 45 different nationalities and 400 people on Logos
Hope. They believe in Jesus as their personal Savior and want to serve Him and tell about
Him to people that have lost hope. She found that amazing, and it is amazing to be a part
of that. “What I liked, as well, is that with the ship, you are able to visit different countries
and experience the different cultures,” she states.
Bibles are a very popular seller on the ship. With an excitement in her voice,
Gerdien says,“This year, the Logos Hope was in Trinidad for a month, and we sold a Bible
every forty-five seconds.”
Also, they sold educational books at very cheap prices. In some countries, the
university study books are so expensive, some people can’t afford them. Because of the
ship, they are able to buy them at more affordable prices and are, therefore, able to study.
This is an investment for life.
On the ship, Gerdien met her fiancé, David Waugh. He works in the USA
Literature Department for OM Ships. The main focus of the Literature Department is buy-
ing books for the two ships. The publishers know the organization and their purpose, so
they often sell the books at less expensive rates, or they may make donations to the OM
Ships Literature Department.
Last year, OM Ships had an outdoor Book Market located next to Hobby Lobby. The
decision was made to continue the market but have a location inside; therefore, they moved
Cookie Cawthon is just plumb crazy in Flo-town these days – loving her life and her man – chasing her dream, her cheerleader, and her gymnast.
to a location on Pamplico Highway and OM Ships re-opened the bookshop in May 2009.
The sales of the books go straight back into the ministry of OM Ships
International. The bookshop is mainly to make the organization better known among the
people of South Carolina. OM Ships hopes this will result in more people getting to know
about their organization and for them to have their own opportunity to serve the organ-
ization and God.
Currently, Gerdien is visiting her fiancé and volunteering her time in the book-
shop. In January 2010, she will be going back to the ship, Logos Hope in Montego Bay,
Jamaica, to help the Book Fair Department onboard with the many crowds that are
expected in that port. Jamaica is one of the high demanding ports in that they are expect-
ed to receive over 50,000 people in Montego Bay within four weeks of being there. And,
in Kingston, they expect over 20,000 people in only five weeks.
OM Ships hopes to have as successful a Christmas as they did in 2008. This year,
they will have special offers on specific titles in the bookshop, including Dr. Gary
Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, for only $5.00. They have a large selection of
educational and fiction books for children. They also have a children’s corner where the
children can look at some of the books they have in the store while the parents browse.
OM Ships also has a program that is specified for children called Help Packs.
Throughout 2009, a number of different churches and schools all over America have been
putting together these Help Packs that have been sent to the ships and then given out to
different children who have specified needs (orphanages, children’s homes). The Help Pack
contains a soft toy, pencil, pen, coloring book, toothpaste, toothbrush, baseball cap, etc.).
Each pack also contains a copy of Most Important Story Ever Told. This booklet contains
the life story of Jesus Christ in cartoon format and is also available in the bookshop. All
proceeds of this booklet will go towards the Help Pack Ministry.
The readers can also help in the following ways:
• Visit the bookshop on Pamplico Highway and learn more about the ministry of OM
Ships. You’ll hear about what’s happening in Florence and around the world and can also
receive information about serving onboard Logos Hope in 2010 on short mission trips.
• Volunteer your time. Many volunteers have worked this year, including children from The
King’s Academy. The bookshop is always looking for more help during the week.
• Visit the bookshop for Christmas presents, remembering that all the proceeds will be
going towards world missions.
Operation Mobilisation International’s Mission Statement is to bring knowledge,
help and hope to the people of this world. They bring the knowledge from all the books
that they distribute in South Carolina, America and throughout the world. They provide
help in many different ways (i.e. Help Packs, working in orphanages, children’s homes and
also helping the local pastors in having the literature they need to be more effective in
their ministry). Finally, they provide hope. And, what better time of year is there to share
the hope we all have in Jesus Christ than the time people are celebrating His Birth.
The opening times for this Christmas season will be as follows: Monday through Saturday from
10 AM to 6 PM. They are closed on Sunday. They will open at 6 AM on Friday, November 27th, and their
last day open for Christmas will be Thursday, December 24th. The location is 131 Pamplico Highway at
Coles Crossroads in Florence.
127 11/20/09 10:52 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 127

‘Tis the season to be JOLLY!

So don’t spend your holiday in pain...
Let us HELP!

Holiday
Gift
Certificates
available!

•Great Gifts and Christmas Ornaments

•Live and Artificial Flower arrangements
DR. JON K. BERGRIN DC, CCN
•Wreaths and Plants Chiropractics along with Massage is Total Healing!
843.662.4165
SHERRI K. SCOTT, LMT#4017
Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm • Sat. 9am-12pm
Our licensed massage therapist specializes in caring, nurturing, and
individualized massage for people with conditions that require gentle
care and a comforting touch. Sherri is also certified in cancer massages.
405 S. Ebenezer Rd • Florence • 843-662-4341 www.familyneckandback.com

Dream Tisha Lace Cami

Available in sizes 32-44 B-G.
Colors: Natural, Ivory/Champagne,
White, & Black

843-669-4041 hffcu.com
There is a low $30 processing fee* per loan to be payment free for a month.
Interest will continue to accumulate on your loan during the month you skip your
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* A portion of every processing fee goes to charity. **Excludes real estate and credit cards
Professional, Certified Bratician
With two locations to serve you better: M-F 10-5:30 • Sat 10-3 •After Hours by Appointment
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501 S. Irby St. Marion County Medical Complex 2015 West Evans Street, Suite G • Florence • 843-665-2005
Florence Hwy 76 • Tuesday’s Only Between Palmetto Uniform & Precision Lapidary • fit4u@bellsouth.net
128 11/24/09 1:37 PM Page 1

It’s that time of year - Time to Sparkle

and Shine for all those fabulous party
invitations you’ll surely be receiving!
Dear She,
I am a devoted fan of She Magazine! I saw the makeovers in She, and, wow!
What great jobs! Thus, my unusual request. I would love to get a makeover for the holidays,
and I was hoping you could point me in the right direction. Could you give me some advice?

Thanks in advance, Jo Schulte, Florence

Dear Jo,
First, thank you so much for being a fan of She Magazine! Second, your request is by no means
an unusual one. In fact, we all want to look our best at holiday gatherings. It’s a very special time of year,
Angela and having that little extra spark about us certainly makes us feel prettier.
before And, your question couldn’t have come at a better time. In this month’s “Beauty Buzz,” we
asked A Stuart Laurence Salon and Spa de Vie, both of Florence, to show us two holiday looks.
Pick the look that’s right for you and enjoy yourself! I hope we’ve helped you out.
Merry Christmas!
She Magazine

A Stuart Laurence Salon • Stylist: Amanda Weaver Mandi

Model: Angela Harrell before
Angela has slightly longer-than-average hair. Our goal was to show
her how a quick change would take her from the office to an office party.

• We start by setting the hair on hot rollers. Even when we’re not look-
ing for curl, using the hot rollers will give us a smoother, more polished, fin-
ished look.
• Pulled smooth on the sides, we gathered the hair in the back just slight-
ly right of center. This look, rather than the more formal look of pulling
the hair to the center, is very popular.
• Wanting the final look to be less formal than a wedding design,
we left out a front section of hair.
• The result is a style that looks planned but definitely not
overdone.

Holiday Hair can be the crown jewel at a special event with

just a little planning and time.

Spa de Vie
Stylist & Makeup Artist: Amy Giordano
Model: Mandi Brown
Mandi has beautiful short hair. I wanted to show
her a day style and a party style for her short hair.

• I gave her an Inverted Bob haircut. I then
styled her hair to show her how to go from a
daytime look to an evening party look even
though she has short hair.
• I used Privé Products, which gave her volume.
I gave her a little curl, also.
• I applied an evening makeup by showing off
her eyes.
• We then finished her look by letting her wear
our Signature Jewelry to go along with the
Trina Turk Amethyst Silk Bow Halter top. from
Cynthia Ladies Fine Apparel.

E-mail your beauty questions or suggestions for a topic that you would like to know more about to editor@shemagazine.com. Include “Beauty Buzz” as the subject.
129 11/23/09 2:44 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 129

130-131 11/24/09 4:02 PM Page 1

Mention this ad
and receive
$
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130-131 11/24/09 2:30 PM Page 2
132-133 11/23/09 11:21 AM Page 1
Readying Heart & Home
for the Christmas Season
W hile families are spinning in the hustle and bustle of Christmas
shopping, panic overcomes them as they think to themselves,“The house is a mess!”
With the in-laws coming and hosting the Sunday school party, they suddenly look
around their house and see it through new eyes – the company’s eyes. Before dec-
orating for Christmas, they realize that rooms need painting, shelves need dusting,
and the closet needs cleaning out. They are overtaken by the urge to wash curtains
and iron pillowcases. The far corner of the bathroom gets a good scrubbing, and the
drips and smudges are washed from the kitchen cabinets and appliances. The whole
house needs a makeover.
If you could receive a home makeover this holiday season, what room
would you begin with? Are there only a few issues or would you call the demoli-
tion crew to tear it all down and start over?
First, you must understand the bones of your home. Before embarking on
a remodeling or redecorating project, take time to understand the architectural
character of your space and be able to uncover a work of art. Proverbs 24:3-5
(NIV),“By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding, it is established;
by knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise
man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.”
by Sandra Dail
The beauty of renovation occurs by turning the negative into a positive. In
our lives, we experience the usage of sandpaper or velvet. We all know people who
bring out the worst in us instead of the best – especially during the holiday season.
They uncover our weaknesses rather than our strengths. They are like sandpaper.
In contrast, God has given us others who are like velvet, whose words are comfort-
ing, supportive and an encouragement to us. They’re like soft velvety cushions we
need when we’re scraped with the rough sandpapers of life.
In decorating, you have to evaluate your space. Does it function and flow
properly? Does change have to be made? Sometimes, God’s will for our lives
requires change, whether it’s a career change, a job loss, the loss of a loved one or
even a terrible disease. These changes are difficult for anyone – especially during the
holiday season. There’s always the unchangeable and irreversible mistakes that we
want to go back an undo. Unfortunately, that’s impossible. When we use the crow-
bar of life and pull out the nails of failures, the ugly holes remain. One thing we can
count on is that God will be with us during change and that He is unchanging. He
is the same yesterday, today and forever. And, He also works on holidays.
Determining your layout is the next step. You may already have the perfect
piece for a spot, but perhaps it needs a face-lift to fit your layout. Furniture is
the most visible element of any space and is the foundation for the ambience
of a room. During the holidays, remember, a simple smile and a cheery hello
can make a difference to others. Godliness and humbleness are part of a solid
foundation that can also create such a sweet ambience in a setting.
Find inspiration for your home. Designers draw inspiration from other
designers in their field. It may be artwork, an object or an heirloom. An inspi-
ration piece creates a point of reference you can be passionate about.
Inspiration in the Christian life comes from shared experiences. We can be
inspired by other’s stories. Shared stories build a bridge that Jesus can walk
across from your heart to others.
Have you ever looked for white in the color swatches in a paint section?
Do you know how many shades of white there are? Discovering color is sometimes
a challenge. A few years ago, I decided to use the bolder colors in my house. At
that time, it was an extreme moment of stepping out of the box. But, I did it, and
I’ve enjoyed it. While your friend might want red, exciting and bold, you may
find it’s unnerving or irritating. Color is a powerful tool in interior
design. The result is a personal choice, and you can control the out-
come. Have fun with color. You can also have fun in the Christian
life. Have fun composing your own concert of colors. Is your
house singing the “Hallelujah” chorus when you walk in, or is it
singing “Does Jesus Care?” The ultimate tune you want to hear
playing as you enter your home, “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Fabrics can be an inspiration. You should check to see if
it contains a soil-stain repellant. Applying a soil-stain repellant
in our lives is done by praying. Placing a bold or odd color in
a fabric scheme can also create a healthy setting and make a
room sing. Use geometric shapes and floral prints to reside
together. Think of how God weaves His children together even
though we are different colors, have different personalities and
come from different backgrounds. God’s children are the home-
spun fabric He weaves into His great tapestry. (continued...)
132-133 11/24/09 9:11 AM Page 2

P repare your walls, which is vital for good results. Many

walls have cracks and waves and nail holes to be filled.
Sometimes, our lives are very similar to walls. There are
scars and empty holes that need to be repaired. Only God can
do that repair service. Jesus has experience with nail holes and has
the scars to prove it. As a matter of fact, you and I were the cause of the nail holes
when He was nailed to the cross.
Artwork is the most exciting part of the decorating process. The presentation of
artwork in the entry hall draws visitors in and immediately gives them a sense of inspi-
ration and warmness as they enter. It adds drama and personality. Always hang art at
a level in which the eye can see it. As with your personality, eye contact is very impor-
tant. Looking at people and making eye contact are the first steps to long-lasting friend-
Barbara Bennett & Lynda Grant

Carpet
Hardwood
Wallpaper
Tile
Vinyl
Accessories
Blinds
ships. It makes conversation more effective and personal.
Floral arrangements, wreaths and Christmas trees add character to a room. You
may just need simple greenery at times. Elegance or uniqueness also makes a state-
ment in the right setting. Floral designing is a hobby of mine, and I receive my inspira-
tion from the most well-known floral designer I know – God. Look around outside to
see what color combinations He puts together and how each arrangement has His

He even grew that

perfect tree for
His manger and
His cross and 1228 C ELEBRATION BLVD • F LORENCE •843.413.5388

made the thorns

that would be used
for His crown.
signature on it. He even grew that perfect tree for His manger and His cross and made
the thorns that would be used for His crown. Remember, He did that for us as the
ultimate gift.
Lighting is the most powerful tool in design. What is the point of investing in fur-
niture, fabrics, accessories and artwork if you’re living in the dark? Light transforms
objects it falls on, yet maintains a mystery, staying invisible until it reflects a surface.
Exposing ourselves to the light and presence of the Lord’s love not only will uncover
the dark places of our hearts, it will fill them with light so that “the glory of the Lord
rises upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). How do we expose ourselves to light? By leaving the
door to our heart open. Coming to God with an honest heart and willingness will
allow Him to change us by His wonderful and brilliant light.
As you decorate your home this holiday season, you never know when you may
have an unexpected guest. Of course, you want to have all things in order as that may
happen. The holiday season also reminds us that Christ gave up His heavenly home,
came down to earth and was born in a stable. He lived on the earth as His home, but
He then died and rose again to Heaven where He has gone to prepare a mansion for
you and me.
Realizing that homes and hearts have a lot in common, note the similarities that
apply to both. They are both places where you can be silent and still be heard. Homes
and hearts are where you can ask and find out who we are. Homes and hearts are
where you share, love and grow.
Jesus desires to have a home in your heart. Is it clean enough for Him to live in?

Florence resident, Sandra Dail, and her husband,Tim, have two children, Ashley, a junior at College of Charleston,
and Adam, a sophomore at South Florence High School. When she is not fulfilling her duties as Admitting Supervisor
at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Sandra spends her time singing, doing floral design, and, most importantly,
planning women’s retreats. She enjoys discovering and sharing new ways to experience spiritual worship.
134 11/24/09 3:00 PM Page 1

Can you explain the phenomenon that

happens on Christmas Eve when practically
every man can be found rushing the aisles
of stores, glaze-eyed and pale, searching for
last-minute Christmas gifts?

1 Chad Reel - Florence

“I don’t do that; but, I think men are so busy, they forget until
the last minute – even though they know Christmas comes
every year.”

2 Billy DeWitt - Hartsville

“I don’t think that it’s so much searching for a last-minute gift
as much as it’s trying to find the perfect gift. And, for some, it
just takes all year to find the perfect gift for that special some-
one.”

3 Ricki Ford - Marion

“Its because we want to find that perfect gift, and last minute we
don't have to worry about the crowd getting in our way. Just kid-
ding. We have a lot of things to do like go fishing, go hunting, watch
football and then shopping for Christmas. And there you have why
we are always rushing to find that gift for the ones we love. Men can
only think of one thing at a time. Forgive us!”

4 Charlie Rambo - Florence

“Time slips up on many men, and they go into a panic mode
about two days before Christmas. Then, I think there’s a cer-
tain group who just want to be in the last-minute crowds
because they get a high from shopping on Christmas Eve.”
135 11/20/09 10:59 AM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 135

Business
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136 11/24/09 1:16 PM Page 1
I’m crazy about Christmas!
I love decorating my home. I get such a thrill out of finding just the right gift
for a friend. I have a three-and-a-half-year-old who is in awe of everything
about the season. I listen to Christmas music year-round, and I’m a sucker
for any Christmas movie. When my daughter and I are looking at Christmas
lights, it’s hard to tell who “oohs and aahs” more. I love Christmas! I love
this season.
When reading the call for ideas for a “Homespun Christmas,” my
mind immediately thought that the idea of a Homespun Christmas is warmth
and welcome, compassion and peace, love and relationships, faith – and sim-
plicity.
Simplicity. Okay, before you think I’m talking about hand-carving all
your gifts or growing your own Christmas tree (which either, or both, would
be astounding feats in my book), let me explain how I experience – or rather
– want to experience simplicity. Understand, for me, I think there’s a reason
that word came to my mind and has taken up residence.
I believe we were created for simplicity. Yet, I confess that, too often,
I’m writing my own lyrics of complexity, allowing myself to be distracted by
the things that disguise themselves as urgent and important. I can get caught
up in the temporal and lose sight so easily of things that have eternal value.
Music is such a powerful teacher, and I’m grateful for the lyrics penned
by Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr., in 1848, to his one-verse song, “Simple Gifts.”
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free,
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain’d,
To bow and to bend, we shan’t be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
Suzanne Rowe is the Children/Family Minister at the Woodmont Hills church in Nashville,Tennessee. She has a precious three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Catherine.
Suzanne is a recent fan of She Magazine thanks to a handsome CPA from Marion, SC, who has stolen her heart.
by
Suzanne
Rowe
So, what does simplicity do? How does simplicity look, and what
does it possibly have to do with Christmas? “‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis
the gift to be free, ‘tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.’”
Simplicity gives way to freedom – freedom to be who God created
us to be. I think it looks like watching for where God is at work and joining
Him, living within your means, embracing what you have, and most important-
ly, whom you have in your life.
Simplicity recognizes that the best kind of Christmas may be . . .
... In lieu of exchanging gifts with friends, host a spaghetti dinner or
game night at your home.
... A handwritten thank-you to someone who does a thankless job.
... Purchasing an inexpensive flip-calendar and filling it with encouraging
notes and Scriptures on different days for your spouse.
... Surprising the car behind you in a drive-thru line by paying for
their meal, but asking the person at the window to wish them a
“Merry Christmas.”
... Deciding that any decorations that you don’t use in your home
will not just be stored away; they will be given to a Nursing
Home or Shelter.
... The gift of your time more than the contents of your wallet.
True simplicity cannot be just a decoration pulled out, dusted off and
enjoyed for one month out of the year. True simplicity sets the stage for living
Christmas year-round.
The most powerful display of truth, life and giving took place in the
humblest and simplest of places – a feeding trough in a stable. Emmanuel,
our God is with us.
Simplicity. It’s definitely a She thing.
137 11/24/09 1:15 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 137

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138 11/24/09 2:46 PM Page 1

What’s on
Virginia Leggett’s
Best-Seller List?

The Christmas Pearl

by Dorothea Benton Frank

A t ninety-three-years old,Theodora still lives in her family

home in Charleston – just like her mother and grandmother did
before her. Although her bones ache and her memory is not quite as
keen as it once was, she still has her faculties and wants to throw a
Christmas gala for her family like the ones her mom used to host back in
the 1920s. No one wants to attend; however, none dare disappoint
Theodora, the recognized family matriarch.
Thus, the disgruntled family invades Theodora’s Charleston home;
however, the gala is not anything like what she remembers. Stores did the
baking (prepackaged fruitcake is heresy) and the decorations came in
packages instead of the family making them. Even more significant is
where is Pearl, her grandmother’s long-deceased housekeeper, to serve
as a drill sergeant, making the hostile attendees behave and sing carols
while the servants sang gospels?
This is Christmas, so sometimes a bit of magic is needed. This
time, Gullah magic occurs. The ghost of Pearl arrives to bring order to
the chaotic crowd and Theodora takes out family yuletide heirlooms,
hoping to bring good cheer to the Grinchy group.
The Christmas Pearl is a lighthearted whimsical holiday family
drama that fans of Dorothea Benton Frank’s Lowcountry tales will
appreciate. The short story stars an interesting elderly person who
believes her family fails to understand what Christmas means and also
wants, nostalgically, to catch a little of her past.
With mouthwatering recipes to round out the tale, readers will
enjoy this fun holiday story.

Virginia Leggett moved to Florence sixteen years ago from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, with
her daughter, Barbara Kolesar, and grandson, Wade Mixon. She has lived at
Heritage Nursing Home for twelve years. She loves to read books!
139 11/23/09 5:21 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 139

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140 11/20/09 11:32 AM Page 1
A Labor
Christmas
_Éäx
YÉÜ Åx, the Christmas sea-
son begins on Thanksgiving morning. As our lives and
situations have changed, so have some of the traditions
in our home. Born and raised in Upstate Central New
York, Christmas time always brought family, friends and
food together in a big way.
My mother always had certain cookie recipes
and Party Mix that were reserved for “Christmas-Only
Treats” – a tradition I continue. She also always made a
three-tiered cake covered with luscious fluffy home-
made frosting, which was then blanketed in a thick layer
of coconut and topped with a large wax Santa figurine.
The cake was always the grand finale to our Christmas
celebration at my grandparents’ home where about thir-
ty of us would gather.
Time passed with marriages, births and deaths.
Seasons of life changed, and the Christmas celebration
was moved to my parents with only our immediate fam-
ily. The coconut cake vanished, replaced by many differ-
ent desserts. I still miss the Santa and that luscious
sticky frosting. New recipes started to make there way
into our holiday celebration such as Shredded Wheat
Rolls, Pink Squirrels and Buckeyes. Nonetheless, the tra-
ditional Christmas-Only Cookies and Party Mix contin-
ued to grace our table.
More time passed with more marriages, births,
deaths and a move to Hartsville, South Carolina. So,
now, back to the beginning. Actually, I start preparing for
Thanksgiving Day usually around the first of November.
(The only thing is I’m not getting ready for Thanksgiving;
I’m getting ready for Christmas.) Up until a few years
ago, I always had Thanksgiving at my house. But, with
family changes, the tradition has been passed to our
daughter, which almost totally frees up my morning. The
first weeks of November are dedicated to reviewing my
old recipes, a visit to my recipe library and also a visit to
the public library, scouting out new recipes. With the
Sharon Bixler is blessed to be the wife of Hal, mother of Holly (Stanley) and grandmother of Ian. She is a Member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hartsville.
Éy
recipes decided and the shopping done – twenty-five-
plus pounds of flour, twenty-pounds of sugar and multi-
ple bags of chips, coconut and nuts (to name just a few
items) – the Christmas bake-a-thon begins!
I use Thanksgiving morning before we leave to
go to our daughter’s house to mix up three or four
batches of cookies in preparation for the next day. With
Christmas music blaring, I start early Friday morning and
bake through Saturday evening, making various types of
cookies and quick breads. I usually leave the Party Mix
to be done another evening.
Some of my favorite Christmas-Only Cookies
include the Star-Light Mint Surprise Cookie (which has
been in my family over fifty years). These cookies have
a soft brown sugar outside with half a walnut on top and
in one bite, a “surprise” burst of chocolate mint fills your
mouth. Then, there’s the Double Chocolate Crunch
Bars. These are so yummy; they’re very difficult to
describe. They really are an experience that no written
description can totally capture. The base is like a thin
chocolate cake followed by a layer of melted marshmal-
lows topped with a mixture of rice crispies mixed in
melted chocolate chips and peanut butter. These are
just so great and a huge hit everywhere they go. And, of
course, there is the traditional cut-out Sugar Cookie
that’s frosted; these are my husband’s favorite. I vary
some of our other cookie favorites; and, every year, I try
two to four new recipes. So, what do I end up with?
Give or take a few dozen, usually around fifty-dozen
cookies. And, lots of dirty dishes. (Thank you, Lord, for
a dishwasher!)
Now, you ask, “What do you do with all those
cookies?” Well, most of them are given away to family,
friends, co-workers, our veterinarian, dentist, former co-
workers and my doctor. I love to do this; I just love to
bake. I also still make the Shredded Wheat Rolls for our
Christmas dinner.
by Sharon Bixler
It blesses me to do this for others and, some-
times, it even makes me laugh, as it did recently. I was
visiting a local nursing home where I once worked and
still have strong ties to many of the staff members. One
of the nursing assistants came up to me and said, “You
know, last year when you brought our Christmas trays, I
was off and didn’t get any of your Party Mix. This year,
will you please bring just a little bag of it with my name
on it in case I’m off that day?”
How sweet of her! I was so touched by that!
And, yes, she will get her own bag. What a humbling
experience to know such a simple thing once a year
touches someone. I pray that God always keeps my
heart tender.
Passing on a legacy is also very important to
me. I have only one grandchild at present; his name is
Ian, and he will be six-years-old on December 2. He has
helped me mix and bake many different things since he
was big enough to hold a spoon and measuring cup.
When he was two, he learned how to frost cookies – or
you might say, eat frosting from a frosting knife. I give
him his own frosting and knife and let him go. Usually,
the knife passes over his tongue as often as it does the
cookies; but, he loves it. He then gets to add sugar sprin-
kles of all sorts to his cookies. (I keep his cookies sep-
arate from the others.)
He also helps me make, frost and decorate
Jesus’ Birthday Cake. One of the cutest Christmas pic-
tures I have of him was taken two or three years ago.
He was standing at the table by Jesus’ Birthday Cake,
carefully picking off the M&M’s that spelled Happy
Birthday, Jesus.
My legacy to Ian is to pass my love of baking on
to him, and I pray he will also embrace the Jesus Birthday
Cake tradition.
Merry Christmas! And, may our Gracious Lord
mightily bless your New Year!
48 11/19/09 3:44 PM Page 1

Caring for Hospice Patients in the Pee Dee since 1979

In Celebration of 30 years of caring for patients and

families at the end of life, McLeod Hospice expresses their
gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and volunteers who have
assisted us in providing compassionate care and support.

Caring. Comfort. Compassion.

These three words describe the mission of
McLeod Hospice - to provide compassionate care
and support for patients with a terminal illness and their
families. Patients and their loved ones need a dedicated
medical team during times of critical illness.

McLeod Hospice is ready to provide that support.

1203 East Cheves St. • Florence, SC • 843-777-2564

www.mcleodhospice.org
142 11/20/09 11:33 AM Page 1
UNMARRIED
`tÜç
by Mary R. Dittman, MBA
\ I’m not a big fan of the holidays for a lot of rea-
sons. Many of those reasons are due to ongoing drama in
my family. However, for many years, I felt the holidays
were for couples and families with children and that sin-
gles like me were sort of like the “misfit toys.” If you’ve
ever felt alone, lonely, let down, forgotten or disappointed
in your singleness during the holidays, this is for you.
Because this is a time of gift giving, I had this wish
in my heart that God would look favorably upon me and
send me my perfect soul mate. I tithed, I served, I read my
Bible every morning. I prayed for others, I went to Bible
study and prayer meeting. I celebrated with friends who
got engaged and married, and I kept believing it would be
my turn eventually.
Don’t you love the people who tell you they prayed
one prayer, “letting it go,” and then met their husband that
very night? I’ve prayed the “Thy-will-be-done-about-my-
marital-status” prayer 1,000 times, and guess what?
Here’s the truth; there is no magic formula to
unlock God’s timing or His plan for your life. In the late
70s through the mid 80s, there was a resurrection of the
idea that if you are sick, it’s due to “unconfessed sin in
your life.” I think most of us would agree that if someone
has cancer, you don’t really believe it’s because she does-
n’t have enough faith to be healed. Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego had to go through the fire; they didn’t get deliv-
ered out of it. Being single isn’t punishment for not doing
enough for God.
Your obedience to God will not necessarily give
you what you want. Sometimes, we treat God like a cos-
mic vending machine, thinking, “ If I put in the correct
amount of money (time, energy, prayer, faith), I’ll get a bag
of boyfriend or a container of husband.”
We quote Psalm 37:4: “Delight in the Lord and
He will give you the desires of your heart.” Back up to
verse 3: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land
and enjoy safe pasture.” Also check out one of my
favorites (please indulge my editing; you’ll see how it
applies), Psalm 146:3: “Do not put your trust in princes
(in Prince Charming), in mortal men (in your dream guy),
who cannot save.”
The Single Girl’s Guide
to Surviving the Holidays
We keep thinking if we “faith it” enough, God will
send us “our guy.” It doesn’t work like that. If it did, all
the tacky, dishonest, shifty girls you know would be single
and all the Godly, honest ones would be married.
So, here’s how to make it through the holidays
whether or not you meet someone special:
• Stop watching Christmas love stories on the Lifetime
and Hallmark channels. They’re not real; they’re fiction.
They were created to sell you products during the com-
mercials.
• Remember that 100% of the images we see during the
holidays are designed to sell us products and separate us
from our money. Advertisers tell us we should get cars
and jewelry and we should have a warm, happy feeling
inside. The truth is most people don’t have that experi-
ence during the holidays. Most of my friends who are
married with children even dislike the holidays because of
the extra stress, activities and expenses. And, their hus-
bands don’t even think to buy them something romantic
(like cars or jewelry) or even to thank them for slaving
away all day on those homemade cookies and ornaments.
• Your family is going to ask about your love life. They
may even make hurtful comments. I suggest a little
strategic disinformation here. Two responses I have used
successfully are, “I’m dating around right now – just hav-
ing fun” and “I’ve been so busy with (career, work, home
renovations, etc.), I haven’t had time to even think about it.”
If they persist, I go on the offense by bringing up the down-
sides of marriage like the high divorce rate and infidelity.
Maybe it’s mean and un-Christian, but when someone
won’t take a hint and is trying to make me feel inferior
because I’m single, I have to stand up for myself.
• Buy yourself a really great Christmas present. Not a
new Swiffer or a cordless drill, get yourself a nice gift you
would want from a special gentleman friend – jewelry, a
massage, facial, whatever. If you were dating someone, you
would buy him a gift; so, take that money and buy yourself
something.
The bottom line is that if you want to be happy
during the holidays, you need to start living Psalm 37:3.
“Trust in the Lord and do good.” Not trust that if you do
good, He’ll give you what you want. Trust that He wants
you to be happy and He will send you the people and
things that will bring you closer to Him. (Maybe the Lord
already sent you a great guy, but you didn’t recognize him
because you’re so hung up on the packaging – he has to
be 6-feet tall with a full head of hair and baby blue eyes.)
“Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Show up fully
in your life now. Enjoy where you are now.
“I can’t be happy if I’m alone,” you say. Well, you
better learn how to get happy while you’re single because
God isn’t going to reward your temper tantrum by send-
ing you someone. (Look for more on this and why you may
never get married in my January column.) Besides, if you’re
so unhappy, who’d want to hang out with you anyway?
Here are some benefits to being single during
the holidays. No one will witness you or judge you harsh-
ly when you eat the entire canister of Christmas cookies
or holiday fudge you brought home from the office. You
can decorate your home (or not) anyway you like. You
don’t have to buy gifts for a guy and his family (again, more
money to spend on yourself). You don’t have to worry
that he’ll embarrass you at the office party. You’re free to
flirt with every guy you cross paths with. (Do the ring
check, girls, so you don’t flirt with someone’s husband.
Getting your car keyed is no fun during the holidays.) You
can shop, eat, travel or rest anytime you want.
Most importantly, don’t buy into the commercial
message that Christmas is about romance. Remember,
the world’s message about Christmas is to buy stuff.
Don’t put your trust in Prince Charming. Put it in the
Prince of Peace; He’s already here and He’ll never leave
you. And, He doesn’t care if you pack on ten pounds of
holiday cheer.
Mary R. Dittman, MBA, is an Instructor of Marketing and Director
of the Internship Program in the School of Business at
Francis Marion University. She consults for a variety of local and
regional companies and is actively involved in the Florence community.
143 11/24/09 2:49 PM Page 1

She Magazine • December 2009 • 143

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144 11/23/09 3:08 PM Page 1

Energetic, outgoing and a positive attitude are

some of the first words that come to mind when McKenzie Pierce was asked to
describe her sister, Katie, a junior at The King’s Academy. “Katie loves people –
especially children – animals and volleyball,” McKenzie went on to say.
Among many other impressive personal traits, we learned that perseverance is
an important part of Katie Pierce’s makeup. In September 2008, while serving as
the team’s captain, Katie injured her knee during a volleyball game. Since then, she has
undergone three knee surgeries to repair her meniscus and reconstruct her ACL (with
the last surgery in July 2009). Even now, Katie faces physical therapy twice weekly. Still,
she perseveres. Through her extensive physical therapy, she has realized God’s plan
for her – to pursue a college degree in Physical Therapy where she can help other ath-
letes that are dealing with similar injuries and rehab.
Katie had to miss the remainder of the volleyball season when she was injured
in 2008, and she had to miss the whole 2009 season. Nevertheless, she served as the
Team Manager this year, supporting her team, offering encouragement and cheering
the team on during practices and games. Last summer, in spite of the fact she couldn’t
participate, Katie attended volleyball camp daily to support her team members.
Little sister McKenzie has the highest respect for Katie, saying, “I play on the
volleyball team and know for a fact how hard it would be to sit and watch your team
play your favorite sport! Through all this, she has had such a positive attitude. Our
parents have always taught us to keep our eyes on Jesus, as all things are possible with
Him. Katie has certainly displayed this. I believe Katie is a role model to all, and I’m
proud to call her my sister.”
Katie’s positive attitude has been an inspiration to her family and friends.
Although she is certainly disappointed that she hasn’t been able to play volleyball this
year, she looks on the bright side, saying, “At least I’ll be able to play volleyball my
senior year!”
McKenzie can’t wait for that either and looks forward to the day Katie is back
on the volleyball court with her sister.
Katie Pierce’s talents go well beyond the volleyball court. She serves in the
children’s department at NewSpring Church every week, is Co-Editor of the Yearbook
Staff and works part-time at Young Chefs Academy. She is an Honors Student, Beta
Club Member and has served as a Class Officer. Katie also loves hanging out with her
horses, Poncho and Petey.

She Magazine learned about Katie Pierce from her sister, McKenzie Pierce, a sophomore at The King’s Academy. Katie and McKenzie reside in Timmonsville with their parents, Ricky and Gay Pierce.
If you would like to nominate someone for “WHO’S THAT GIRL?” send an e-mail to editor@shemagazine.com with “WHO’S THAT GIRL?” as the subject.
Glossy 145 11/20/09 12:38 PM Page 1

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