We All Belong: A Children’s Book about Diversity, Race and Empathy

We All Belong, by Nathalie Goss, with illustrations by Alex Goss, recognizes and celebrates the diversity in a caring group of children. It is set in a flowing, rhyming poem about respect for different cultures and skin colors. Multicultural representation include...

Cinema Therapy

By P.A. Geddie I did not completely avoid the end-of-year bombardment of sappy Hallmark movies but aside from a couple that were perfect background noise while I got in some cooking and jigsaw puzzle time, I managed to survive the holidays without them. At the other...

Female Intelligence Shines in Lessons in Chemistry

I’ve had Bonnie Garmus’ book Lessons in Chemistry for about six months. I’ve started it — it’s an easy and intriguing read, but spending as much time as I do reading and writing daily with my own articles and publications, I often turn to film instead for good...

Broken People Find Unlikely Friendships and Forgiveness

By P.A. Geddie Directed by Zach Braff, A Good Person is “a haunting slice of real life that will make you think, feel, and maybe even want to reach out to your loved ones.” (Los Angeles Times) Allison (Florence Pugh) is a promising young woman with a thriving career,...

Chef Cassy Opens Restaurant in Eustace

Celebrity Chef Cassy Jones is opening her first brick and mortar restaurant this month. Cassy’s Grill is at 304 U.S. Highway 175 in Eustace, Texas. Jones chose Eustace because her mother was born and raised there and her parents live there now. She bought land in...

Nacogdoches: We Have a Nac for That

By P.A. Geddie In the beginning there was Nacogdoches. It is the oldest city in Texas and its rich history is displayed at every turn. A statue trail commemorates the early settlers and founders of not only the town, but the entire state of Texas. Landmarks include...

Couple Blends Cultures for Coffee

By P.A. Geddie A little bit of Costa Rica is alive and well in Edom, Texas. Javier and Chere Montero operate 2 Hats Coffee from their East Texas countryside property. They sell coffee beans that are grown on a single origin fifth generation farm in Costa Rica. Chere...

Women Find Happy Place in the Pines

Theresa Polley of Dallas found her piney woods oasis in Wood County north of Mineola, Texas, in 2004. Not one to claim all the good vibes for herself, that same year she created Retreat in the Pines to give women a safe space to “be their authentic selves without...

Wabi Sabi

By P.A. Geddie A respected friend pointed out to me this morning that a part of something I created and shared with him could have been better. I knew instantly what he was referring to as I knew it wasn’t a perfect fit when I sent it and I’m not surprised his keen...

Savory Oats Nourish Early Morning Appetites

By Lauren Wacaser Oatmeal is a traditional breakfast that many Americans enjoy as a quick, warm meal to start their day. Apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and raisins are typically used to sweeten the otherwise bland oats. Because many have enjoyed their oatmeal with...

Song Chaser Michael O’Neal is Still Try’n

By P.A. Geddie Singer songwriter Michael O’Neal of Paris, Texas, shares stories that resonate with listeners. With a new album out this year, and a full roster of show dates, his growing fan base continues to let him know they want to hear more. Heavily influenced by...

Uncle Lucius Releases New Album With New Eyes

Uncle Lucius fans were thrilled when the band reunited earlier this year after a five year hiatus and now they are releasing their first new album since they started touring together again. A cathartic comeback album, Like It’s The Last One Left, was written and...