February 2020

2 • The Springs • February 2020

The Springs • February 2020 • 3

Plan Your Costumes for Mardi

Gras Costume Ball & Contest
The Mardi Gras

Costume Ball & Contest, an

annual fundraiser of the Hot

Springs Jazz Society (HSJS),

will be held from 6-11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 29, at The

Hotel Hot Springs & Spa.

The evening will

offer music, dancing and

fun. The entertainment will

include the Dixieland group

Spa City Stompers and the

Delta Brass Express, a dance Mardi Gras Costume Ball & Contest Queen and
band that blends blues, classic King, Peggy and John Holt, celebrating at the
rock and a bit of jazz.
2018 New Orleans Mardi Gras parade.
The Mardi Gras

Costume Ball & Contest is packed with as much entertainment and amusement as

can be mustered. A raffle includes a singularly extraordinary piece of fine jewelry

from Lara’s Jewelry and Design, $20 restaurant grab bags guaranteeing certificates

worth $30 or more to fine area restaurants, and a costume contest with winners

sharing a cash prize.

Past costume contest winners have amazed the audience with Monty

Python's Knight and Coconut Clapper Sidekick, Voodoo Witch Doctor & Doll,

Death Day Masks and an abundance of authentic Mardi Gras style costumes. So

much eye candy - there's never a loss of something to enjoy at the Mardi Gras

Costume Ball & Contest.

This year's queen and king are Peggy and John Holt, who arrived in Hot

Springs in 2010 after "falling in love with the friendly people and small-town

atmosphere.” They quickly became prominent members of the community through

their support of Jackson House, Women's Welcome Club, Project Hope Food Bank,

the local Zeta Chi Sorority chapter, where John is often a 'Jailbird' raising money for

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and St. John Catholic Church, where Peggy

is President of the Council of Women.

Tickets are available at HSJazzSociety.org, by calling 501-627-2425 or by

emailing [email protected]. Tables can be reserved for parties of 10 for

$600 to receive preferred seating. Single tickets are $60 per person. Proceeds from

the Mardi Gras Costume Ball & Contest support the HSJS's scholarship program

for high school music students, free concerts at the Garland County Library, and

keep the annual outdoor concert, JazzFest Block Party, free and accessible to all.

The Hot Springs Jazz Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer

organization dedicated to perpetuating, promoting and preserving Jazz Music, an

original American art form. The Jazz Society is funded in part by the Arkansas

Arts Council, Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission and Elisabeth

Wagner Foundation along with numerous other corporate and private sponsors.

Bonsai, Music, Taxes, and News of

Future Changes @ GC Library

By Paul Kagebein
February at the Garland County Library offers the usual large number of

exciting programs, contests, and services to the community. There are, however,
also some exciting changes that will be announced this month as well.

The thoughtful volunteers from the AARP will return to the library to
provide their annual free tax filing for the public. This starts February 3 and runs
Monday thru Friday through April 15. Help is provided on a first come, first serve
basis, and will require certain identification, proof of income, and other paperwork
in order to assist you. Please contact the library or visit our website for hours. You
can also find a list of necessary items to bring.

On Friday, February 14, the library is hosting a Library Lovers’ Month
Celebration Party from 10am-12pm. Everyone is invited to visit the library this
morning to enjoy some refreshments, giveaways, and live music by local performer
Ricko Donovan. They will also be taking this opportunity to publicly announce
some major future changes coming to the library – hear them first by being present,
or follow them on social media.

Several other quality February programs are scheduled, including a class
on Japanese Language & Calligraphy on Feb. 15, the second installment of the
incredibly popular Arkansas Highlands Folk Project on Feb. 25, and Master
Gardeners: The Living Art of Bonsai on Feb. 26.

Visit the library online at www.gclibrary.com or call 501-623-4161 or
501-922-4483 for information about special events, library collections, or library
services. The library is located at 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs.

44••TThhee SSpprriinnggss•• FFeebbrruuaarryy 22002200 Escape c Bathe c Splurge
Stay c Learn c Enjoy
Eat c Hike c Walk c Play
Shop c Tour c Drink

100 Block Park Ave 500 Block Park Ave 1884 Wildwood Bed & Breakfast 1000 Block Park Ave
Bed and breakfast
Majestic Lawn North Star Liquor/Big A’s Liquor Red Light Roastery Coffee House
Historic landmark Wine, beer & spirits Parkway Court Small batch, craft coffee roastery
Daily, weekly, monthly
200 Block Park Ave 700 Block Park Ave Larkmartin Soaps
Park Avenue Hair Handmade soaps and lotions
Tootsies Precision cuts by appointment Uptown Barber Shop
Petsitting, DIY dog bath & unique Bailey’s Dairy Treat Bower Motel 1010 Liquor
dog gifts One of three drive-ins in town Taquira Jamiez
Mexican Food Epic Cabinets & Design Wine, beer & spirits

The Arrangement Countertops, cabinets & accessories RED LIGHT ROASTERY
Florist
400 Block Park Ave Swan Song Spa Spa City Cycling Sales & Service
Spa services and natural springs Red Box Bike service & repair, parts & accessories
water fed Jacuzzi bath Movie rentals
One Stop Detail Shop
Arkansas Tower Motel
Auto detail Bohemia Vintage Market Short-Dodson House/ Tower
Motel, built in 1901
The Hot Springy Dingy Small grocery market & thrift store Budget Inn/Relax Inn
E-Z Mart
Unique gifts, fine jewelry from Block Park Ave Fast stop Lynwood Motel

600around the world, costume rentals The Gold Inn Shell Gas Station 100 Block Arbor Street
Park Haven Community Garden Quaint Uptown motel
Red Beard’s Living Canvass Tat- Community vegetable garden Family Dollar Low Key Arts
toos & Piercing 800 Block Park Ave Independent music and art.
Tattoos & piercings Coffeehouse 2 Blocks
Haven United Methodist Thrift Store David F. Watkins Memorial Park Coffee Roaster Join the
HOT SPRINGY DINGY Bargains galore Community Park under construction. “Light Uptown
Phase 1. Come watch it develop. 900 Block Park Ave
Dame Fortune’s Cottage Court Project”
An historic boutique motel where 910 Park Avenue Food Court For details,
modern amenities and vintage A beautiful neighborhood venue stop in at
-inspired design merge with for gatherings and food events Hot Springy
mid-century “roadside” motor Dingy or ask
court cool. the Uptown
merchants.

By David Rose Time Travel

Even in the

Texas panhandle, where

the topography is as

topography-free as any

place on earth, the railroad

tracks are not straight.

They bend into the distance

and the dust, disappearing

beneath the curvature of the

earth. Like Texas railroad

tracks, time does not follow

a straight line, it curves as

well. Is it possible that ime traveling in the art world may lead
Einstein proved this artist to his grail?

this theory. It raises the

possibility that traveling far enough into the future, one could possibly arrive at the

past. Out there beyond the superstructure of some distant tomorrow the Pharos of

Alexandria shines, once again, above the horizon.

It is my contention that like time, taste may be circular as well. There is

proof to this theory. In my short lifetime, ripped jeans, Doc Martens, and tie-dye

have come around twice. If traveling to the future can bring you to the past, it stands

to reason that traveling through enough yesterdays can bring you to tomorrow.

Journey far enough back through the tacky wastelands of kitsch and you will arrive

on the cutting edge of the high art.

My plan is a bold one. I will take a machete and chop my way through

the dense foliage behind a Thomas Kinkade cottage. Press on past the toilet bowl

planters, Beanie Babies, and Hummel figurines. If my calculations are correct, I will

emerge on the cutting edge of the art world.

Like some modern-day Magellan, I will attempt that journey. My heart

tells me that somewhere out there on the endless prairie,

where the earth, the sky, and the railroad tracks all come

together, I will find my grail.

As an artist, David Rose won both the Arkansas

Governor’s Award and the Delta Award. His works are

in the collections of Tim Robbins, Bruce Springsteen, &

Susan Sarandon. As a writer he flunked every English

class he ever sat in. Born in Woodstock, NY, he is very

much a product of the 1960s and never really managed to

David Rose escape that fabled decade. Visit Rose at www.amazon.com/

David-Malcolm-Rose/e/B019GBJI9C/ and on Facebook.

The Springs • February 2020 • 5

By Victoria Pike
Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States each

February since 1970, making this month the 50th annual Black History Month to be
recognized. In honor of this milestone of celebrations, let’s take a look back at the
history behind Black History Month.

The year of 1865 was monumental for African American History because,
as you might know, this is the year that the 13th amendment abolished slavery.
African Americans and civil rights activists worked diligently to get the slaves freed
after the civil war, and with the help of President Abraham Lincoln on February 1,
1865, the 13th amendment was finally sent to the states to be ratified. On December
6, 1865, the amendment was finally set forth in the constitution of the United States. 

Fast forward 61 years to 1926 when the Association for the Study of Negro
Life and History (ASNLH) sponsored the first National Negro History Week, which
was held the second week of February that year. The ASNLH was founded by Carter
Woodson and Jesse Moorland in September of 1915, and their first National Negro
History Week inspired people all over the nation to host local celebrations in honor
of African Americans and even inspired some schools and communities to start
clubs and groups dedicated to promoting African American History.

Finally, in 1976, President Gerald Ford spoke to the nation recognizing
Black History Month and saying “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often
neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor
throughout our history.”

Each year since then, every American President has designated a theme
to be celebrated in honor of Black History Month and this year’s theme focuses on
African Americans and the vote, and focuses on the 15th amendment which gave
black men the right to vote.

Check out these events and celebrate Black History Month right here in
Hot Springs.

• On February 13th at the Garland County Library*, professional storyteller
Linda Gorham will be presenting the story of the Little Rock Nine from
different points of view, such as that of Daisy Bates, the NAACP, and even
an African American Reporter. *registration required: www.gclibrary.com.

• The Garland County Library also has the “Foot Soldiers for Freedom”
exhibit, open all of February, that showcases the everyday struggles and
behind the scenes events leading up to the civil rights movement. 

• On February 17th, at 5PM, at Hotel Hot Springs’ Ballroom, the Uzuri
Project Youth Institute is hosting a Black History Month celebration with
film from Arkansas’s largest African American Historic District and other
festivities. Admission is free and open to all ages. www.theuzuriproject.org.

Cherry Blossom Festival March 7

The Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation will host the 3rd
Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Saturday, March 7, 6-9pm at St. Luke’s Church.

The family friendly event will feature the Bon Odori dancers from Hot
Springs Village; a kimono fashion show featuring different styles of kimonos;
koto performance by Japanese Outreach Initiative Coordinator Chiemi Shimizu;
interactive Japanese cultural demonstrations; and a ’Sake Experience’ with an
opportunity to sample a variety of sakes.

Japanese inspired hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and wine will be provided. There
will also be a silent and live auction. Proceeds will benefit the Sister City Student
Scholarship Fund which helps support the student delegation visit to Hanamaki,
Japan in June.

Tickets are Adults: $40. Students ages 11-18: $10. Ages 10 and under:
Free. A limited number of special VIP Tables are available which includes 8 tickets,
8 sake experience tickets, table food service, reserved table and special gifts for
$500 per table. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at https://www.
prekindle.com/event/68312-cherry-blossom-festival-hot-springs.

If you would like to be an event sponsor or have items you would like to
donate for the silent or live auction, please contact Cherry Blossom Committee
Chair, Caren Dodd at 501-262-5321.

66•• TThhee SSpprriinnggss ••FFeebbrruuaarryy22002200 Escape c Bathe c Splurge
Stay c Learn c Enjoy
Eat c Hike c Walk c Play
Shop c Tour c Drink

100 Block Ouachita Ave 300 Block Ouachita Ave Garland County Courthouse Garland County Election
Government Offices Commission
Lender’s Title Company Home Instead Senior Care HS DOC FILM FESTIVAL Hamp Williams Building Vote Here!
Largest independent title & In-home care for Seniors Event venue Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
escrow agency in AR & LA The Courthouse Chapel Mary Catherine Liscinski, LPC Surfas Culinary District Hot Springs Documentary Film
LifeWalk Professional Counseling, LLC Quality cookware & equipment Festival Office
Olde Crow Chili Parlor & Mercantile Elopements, Weddings & Solution Focused Brief Therapy Taco Mama Restaurant Thrifty Nickel
Daily food/drink specials & Photography The Parlour Open now! Classified ads newspaper
Metaphysical shop GRAND LAGNIAPPE SHOPPE
entertainment. SixtyOne Celsius Anchor 600 Block West Grand Ave
HIgh-end body piercing studio 600 Block Ouachita Ave
Landmark Building Full-service communication firm Just Swanky Consignment Boutique Willis & Son Roofing
Upscale resale shop Superior Senior Care Roofing contractor
200 Block Ouachita Ave Beverly’s Casual Shop In-home care services
Women’s boutique 400 Block Ouachita Ave 3B’s Bar & Grill 700 Block West Grand Ave
Dive bar, pool tables
Lavish Boutique Stroope Tire, Inc. Mariposa Design Merritt Wholesale Distributors Riley Art Glass Studio
Stylish & trendy women’s boutique Tire dealer & repair shop Vintage decor, design Food service distributor Glass blowing, gallery & demos
M&M Travel Consultants
Starlite Club OLDE CROW Vacations & adventures 800 Block West Grand Ave
Private Club 21+ Bar, pool tables +
500 Block Ouachita Ave Grand Lagniappe Shoppe
SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint Women’s apparel & Tea Room
Lunch & dinner; entertainment
RILEY ART GLASS STUDIO
KUHS 102.5
Hot Springs Solar Powered
Community Radio

Mountain Valley Armory Century 21 Parker & Scroggins
JUST SWANKY Real estate agency

Splash Wine Bar
Wine, beer, appetizers & entertainment

Colorado Grill Big Axe Battleground Best Motel Tourist Court
Southwest restaurant Axe throwing Boutique motor court & cafe

Olde Crow Chili Parlor &

Mercantile in Sidetown

Owner of The Olde Crow Chili Parlor & Mercantile, Kurt Nilsson, is a
veteran who supports “Home Grown by Heroes,” local producers, including the
Local Farmers Market producers, and the “Farm to Table” program. These producers
use grass fed beef, forested ham, cheeses, free range chicken, in addition to locally
grown organic vegetables and spices when available.

The Chili Parlor has daily food specials so visit their Facebook page to
check the changing eclectic menu. They serve award winning chili! They also have
26 beers on tap.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the fresh market area with CBD
products, soaps, lotions, produce and meat. Stop by for their local, national and
international beer selection, as well as local entertainment on Saturday. Open
Wednesday through Sunday, located at 120 Ouachita. Call 501-545-7999, or visit
the Facebook page for additional information.

Murder & Macabre Dinner
Theater Set for Valentine’s Day

ARRRRR Mateys……

Mutiny and murder may be brewing as

something strange is happening on the

Jolly Rancher Ship since it has been

sailing on the Ouachita Sea.

Captain James Hook is as

fearless as ever---even though many

The cast from last year’s Murder and of his enemies are lurking around the
Macabre Mystery Dinner Theater. (l to r) water edges. Peter Pan and Tinker Bell
are flying close by. Captain Greybeard
Frank Janaskie, Lynn Janaskie, Steve has been eyeing the Jolly Rancher while
Freeman, T.J Griffith, Bill Hallbrook. Davy Jones seeks gold and booty and

Calypso has stayed near the surface of the treacherous water.

The Murder and Macabre Dinner Theater will host this “who dun it”

during Valentine’s Weekend…Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 at

The Porterhouse Restaurant, 707 Central Ave. The Porterhouse will cater a buffet

dinner and a cash bar will be available. Come dressed as your favorite pirate or

water creature and enter the costume contest. The price is $50 per person and

reservations are needed. You must be 21 or over to attend. For tickets and more

information, call 501-627-5534.

The Springs • February 2020 • 7

About the Cover...

“My Heart” by Anthony Tidwell

Our cover this month is the
deeply personal work of Hot Springs
artist, teacher, hair artist, and all-round
incredible man, Anthony Tidwell.
We’re very grateful he shared it with us
and we’re pleased to bring it alive on
our February “Heart Month” cover.
“My Heart” depicts his heart and soul
as he explains…

“I watched kids paint on
Cutwell 4 Kids mural walls for
years with pure enjoyment. People
ask what I do with the plywood
walls afterward. They usually get
recycled for another paint project
or sometimes as material used for
carpentry projects like sheds or
even someone’s house.

“Among all the ‘I was here’s,’ social media handles,
Hello Kitty’s, portraits, and landscapes, I see images (pareidolia). This time, I
clearly saw an image of how art saved my life. From that vision, I developed the
wall into a more personal art piece (the first, which is signified by the stylized 1 that
is on it).

“The main heart represents the love I have for art, while the silhouetted
faces mirroring each other are about me looking deeply into myself. The white
letters which are the primer under the paint are the thoughts I was feeling. These
words are specifically carved into the paint as a way to give a feeling of being
incarcerated or trapped in poverty.

“One of the statements in writing is a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
…One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst
of a vast ocean of material prosperity.

“At this time in life, I wanted to scream this feeling out, but instead I went
to carving it for this piece. I went to art to express my anger and my passion.”

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Creativity, energy, and ingenuity
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88••TThheeSSpprirninggs s••FeFebbruruarayry22002200 Escape c Bathe c Splurge
Stay c Learn c Enjoy
Eat c Hike c Walk c Play
Shop c Tour c Drink

100 Block Central Ave Bathhouse Row Winery Gangster Museum of America MTN VALLEY WATER
AR wine selections. Tastings daily. Guided tour exposes the underground
Fat Jack’s Oyster & Sports Bar world of Central Avenue Blue Waters Fine Art Gallery
Great food, music. Pets OK on patio Snazzies, Inc. Historic District Antiques Sculpture, art, pottery, iron-work,
Kollective Coffee & Tea Young, contemporary, funky boutique Estate jewelry, lighting, glass, & furniture wood, glass, outsider art
Organic & local for breakfast & lunch Petals, Purses, Etc. Justus Fine Art Gallery
The Colonial Pancake & Waffle House The Bath Factory Blushed Beauty Boutique Exclusive handbags, women’s & Fine art gallery features established &
Breakfast & brunch. As seen in Handcrafted soaps & indulgences for Gifts, makeup & makeup services children’s clothing & gifts emerging artists
Southern Living! bath & body State & Pride Provisions Co. Deluca’s Pizzeria Napoletana
Rings ‘n’ Things Toy Chest One-of-a-kind store. Goods, gifts, Authentic NY brick oven pizza
Fun fashion jewel Beef Jerky Outlet Timeless & specialty toys, books, apparel that reflect Arkansas culture Core Public House
Freedom United Salon Wall to wall jerky. Popcorn, sauces science kits, and more Beer, wine, and spirits
HIghly trained staff. Progressive work. 600 Block Central Ave
Arlington Hotel It’s All About Rocks 801 Spencer’s Corner
LITTLE JEWEL BOX Historic hotel, largest hotel in AR Rocks & unique merchandise Angel’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Hot Springs Mercantile Italian specialties for lunch and dinner Brian G Wilson Photography
The Villa Boutique Eco-friendly, organic, sustainable goods Artists’ Workshop Gallery Portraits & weddings
Apparel, bath & body, linens, jewelry, Cooperative gallery with 30 local artists Next Generation Tye-Dyes & Apparel
and accessories Mamoos Paradice Cream EVILO Oils & Vinegars Love Zen Aromatherapy Lounge Cotton clothes & beddingn
Colonial Candy Corner Only Homemade ice cream in Delectable oils & vinegars, tastings daily Shiatsu massage chairs, infused teas, Picante’s Mexican Grill
Retro & nostalgic candy, ice cream Downtown. Gluten-free pastries. beer & wine Authentic Mexican dishes
The Little Jewel Box Convenience Store Granny’s Kitchen All Things Arkansas Brick House Grill
Boutique for antiques, estate and Southern breakfast, lunch and dinner Products made in AR & relating to AR Steaks, burgers, salads and much more
designer jewelry US Post Office Steinhaus Keller
Kringles in the Park Plum Pretty Boutique Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium DeSoto Rock & Gift Shop German food & biergarten Outdoor seating
Christmas, seasonal, collectible & gifts Locally crafted jewelry & minerals Mirror Mirror Salon
Faith & Flair Boutique Latest fashions for women of all ages Handcrafted locally-soap & bath luxuries Hot Springs Visitor Center Beauty cosmetics & personal care
Women’s boutique clothing Tourist information center Gary Morris Interiors
The Springs Hotel & Spa Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum Bathhouse Row Unique décor, lamps and gifts
Casual hotel and spa with 139 rooms Journey through the Seven Magic STEINHAUS KELLER Stephano Brothers Jewelry
Beverly’s Casual Shop/You-nique Worlds of this museum Vintagte & one-of-a-kind jewelry
Boutique Superior Bathhouse Brewery 700 Block Central Ave Dapper & Debonaire
Classy and fabulous boutique! 4D Adventure Thermal springs brewery, restaurant Grooming goods for the modern male.
Mountain Valley Spring Company The amazing 4D simulation will leave & special event venue Maxine’s Live Veteran owned
Tour the Visitor Center/Museum. Full you enthralled! Live music, food, craft beer & drinks A Narrow Escape
line of MV Water merchandise. Hotel Hale Hot Springs Trolley Tours Brain-teaser escape room. Ages 8 & up
Spa City Tropical Winery & Gifts Boutique hotel with two restaurants Trolley tours of Hot Springs area. Subway
200 Block Central Ave 100% tropical fruit, berry & citrus wine Fordyce Bathhouse Special events. Submarine sandwich shop
Kilwins Nat’l Park Visitor Center & museum The Porterhouse Steak and Seafood
National Park Aquarium Since 1947, chocolates, ice cream & more Quapaw Baths & Spa Prime-only steaks and seafood cuisine 1000 Block Central Ave
Freshwater & saltwater fish, frogs, Earthbound Trading Company Thermal pools & baths, plus luxurious Copper Penny Pub
tortoises, & lizards Unique apparel, accessories & home decor spa services Irish pub, food, beer, big screen TVs Will’s Cinnamon Shop
Rolando’s Restaurante Vault 723 Homemade, totally from scratch
Latin American fare. Full bar & patio 300 Block Central Ave Ozark Bathhouse Timeless Vault Dining cinnamon rolls
GR8 Escapes Arkansas Cultural center, open on weekends Downtowner Marketplace
Escape room. Discover clues & solve Vendors in one location with home GRATEFUL HEAD
puzzles. Ages 12 & up The Buffalo Co. Buckstaff Baths decor, boutiques and artisans
Savory Pantry High quality men’s clothing & accessories Our only remaining traditional Rocket Fizz 100 Block Exchange
Gourmet gift baskets & edible essentials thermal bathing facility Largest selection of candy & soda
Pancake Shop ever found in one store! Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden
Serving breakfast exclusively. Family Tombstone Old Time Photos Lamar Bathhouse American Art Gallery & Gifts Experience Deadhead-Brauhaus
owned & operated Local, regional, national & int’l artists Culture. Gin Joint-Live Music
3AM Gallery & Gifts Wild West, gangster portraits taken & Bathhouse Row Emporium Jack Knife Barbershop
Art gallery & gift shop processed while you wait All things barbering F REE PARK I N G
Silver Coconut Thai-Me Spa 400 Block Central Ave Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre
Collegiate, boutique baby items, & Daily dinner & live theatre 128 Exchange St Parking Deck
high end home accents Pampering massage, skin treatments, Lauray’s Jewelers
nail & body services. Exquisite bridal, custom designs, & 800 Block Central Ave PA I D PARK I N G

Argentinian Coffee & Wine Bar revolutionary repairs The Humidor 2 HR Meters on Central Ave
Cigar Lounge
Argentinian delicacies, ultimate Red Sunflower Boutique Legacy Fine Art Gallery
Buenos Aires bar experience! Women’s and girls’ clothing boutique Artwork by local & int’l artists
Maxwell Blade’s Theatre of Magic
BUBBALU’S BURGERS&DOGS The Mountain’s Edge Magic & comedy for the whole family
Arkansas’ largest retail knife store

Bubbalu’s Bodacious Burgers
Burgers, hot dogs & ice cream

Stella Mae’s…Out of the Ordinary
Retro inspired clothing for rockabilly
hellcats & pinup dolls

Chez Julie’ Boutique
Perfect blend of home, fashion &
personal accessories

Ginger’s Popcorn
The best darn popcorn in the South!

Oxy-Zen All Things Natural
Bring home the wonder & beauty of nature
Oxygen bar to restore, relax & revive! National Park Duck Tours
Hot Springs Hat Co. Land & water tours on Lake Hamilton

Hats for men and women The Glitzy Girls by Bear Necessities

Spa Souvenirs & Gifts Upscale women’s boutique/

Unique & locally made/designed items. accessories, on-site handmade jewelry

The Ohio Club Renee’s
Since 1905, the oldest bar in Arkansas Women’s apparel, jewelry & home décor

Great food & live music 500 Block Central Ave
The Avenue

Upscale restaurant and bar located in Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe
The Waters Hotel As seen on CUPCAKE WARS!

The Waters Hotel Pour Some Sugar on Me Sweet Shoppe
Historic, boutique hotel, 62 rooms Candy & delectable delights.

The “Real” World... lawn furniture and rooftops. Weed the gardens so they’re ready for Spring
Kelly & Wayne “Team” Thomason flowers, wash windows, clean off patios, decks and porches. If you’re like me -
Hot Springs 1st Choice Realty Spring can’t come soon enough. Currently our inventory in Hot Springs is low.
If you’re thinking of Buying or Selling a home, please call Team Thomason with
Can you believe January is gone? Now Hot Springs 1st Choice.
it’s February and time to let your mind wander
towards Spring. However - we must tend to winter
maintenance first. Homeowners need to make sure
gutters are clean, branches are removed from lawn,

The Springs • February 2020 • 9

A Love Story Waiting to Happen: A
Moving Read by Wednesday Night

Poet, Crystal C. Mercer

By Erin Wood
If you’ve attended Wednesday Night Poetry in Hot Springs—the longest

running consecutive weekly poetry open mic in the country—you may have felt
the energy in the room shift as poet and textile artist Crystal C. Mercer took the
mic.

Mercer’s words charge and calm, command action and offer embrace.
Her hand-stitched textiles reveal what it means to weave oneself into a fabric story
one stitch, one hour at a time. Behold as she fuses arts and activism, using theatre
and textiles to tell social justice narratives.

At the 2019 Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, she stirred a packed house to
thundering applause as her voice rang with her original poem: “. . . you walked
before us/Gathered your Black children/And placed us on your shoulders/So we
could see further/And dream bigger/What an incredible view . . .”

Mercer’s book, A Love Story Waiting to Happen (Butterfly Typeface,
2019), is available from local and national retailers, and she is currently reading
from her latest collection, Riot, which she hopes to publish this year.

About her current work, Mercer shares, “Riot is steeped deeply in my
roots as a daughter of social justice and the daily assault on my body as a Black
woman. Each poem is a war cry of liberation as I seek to dismantle standards and
systems that attempt to break me.

“In the spirit of liberation, From Cotton to Silk: The Magic of Black
Hair [Et Alia Press, fall 2020] is a positive response to encourage my nieces to
recognize and appreciate their natural, cultural beauty. I am mapping out a Poet
Road Show with my fellow sister-poet-friend, Essmorra. I’m also producing a
mini-doc on my experience reciting my original poem at the Arkansas Black Hall
of Fame and a poetry EP, both titled Black Glow Matters.”

A Hot Springs native, Erin Wood is a writer, editor, and publisher in
Little Rock. She owns and runs Et Alia Press (etaliapress.com). Wood is author of
Women Make Arkansas: Conversations With 50 Creatives (April, 2019) and editor
of and a contributor to Scars: An Anthology (2015).

Ballet Auditions are Scheduled
for Cinderella

On Saturday, February 8, the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre
Company (HSCDTC) will hold auditions for participation in Cinderella. Under
the artistic direction of Edmond Cooper, those chosen will have a wonderful
opportunity to learn the nuances of a ballet with the seriousness and dedication of
any professional dance organization.

The auditions are held at the Techniques Studio, located at 321 Section Line
Road, Suite G, at the following times: 9-10am for dancers 5-9 years old; 10:30–noon
for 10–13 years old; and Noon–1:30pm ages 14 and older. There is an audition fee
of $10. All dancers, boys and girls, from the ages of 5+ are welcome to participate.

A parent or guardian must be present for students under 18. Dress code
for girls is black leotard, pink tights, hair in a bun and ballet shoes. Advanced and
intermediate females will need to bring pointe shoes. Boys are asked to wear tights,
shorts or sports pants and t-shirt. Students should arrive 30 minutes prior to the
audition start in order to have time to register.

Each dancer selected to participate will be required to sign an agreement and
pay a participation fee of $50, due by the second week of rehearsals that will
cover rehearsal costs and a weekly 10am Saturday morning warm up class prior
to Saturday rehearsals. An additional costume fee of $90 will be required in April.
Dance rehearsals will take place every Saturday from February 16 (and some week
nights for the more advance dancers) and continue until the week of production.
The technical rehearsal week will be May 3 –7.

Performers will dance in a school production at 10am on May 7, and in
seven shows scheduled for the second and third weeks of May.

For information about the auditions, rehearsals, costume and participation
fees, email [email protected].

10 • The Springs • February 2020 February Art Matters

February marks the 28th year for The Springs Magazine to celebrate the arts in
Hot Springs. The good stewardship of Sonja Lash brought us through more than twenty of
those years. The Hot Springs Arts Community has seen grand times, economic upheaval,
ice storms, flooding, and even some demolition. Many businesses, artists and fans have
come and gone over the years. My seven years with the magazine have been a wonderful
adventure and I look forward to whatever the future holds.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our advertisers, who
have kept us a FREE mag, and to our loyal readers, who continue to look to us for events,
shopping opportunities, things to see and do, and, of course, where to play and eat.

AMERICAN ART GALLERY
724 Central • 501-624-0550
Featuring Gallery artist Jimmy
Leach, Patricia Bailey, Ellen
Schumacher and Margaret Kipp.
Beautiful wood turnings by Virgil
Barksdale. Unusual Horsetail Hair
pottery by Valerie Hanks-Goetz.
Pine needle baskets with clay lids. Limited edition prints by
various artists. Southwest jewelry by Ernie Bolieu. Thomas
Kinkade Studio art work in Gallery II. Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm.

ARTISTS’ WORKSHOP By John Troost, featured artist a
See his work at 610A
GALLERY
610A Central • 501-623-6401 CUTW
ArtistsWorkshopGallery.com 247 Si
Chenyn Folsom and John Troost c4kart
will be the featured artists in A co
February. They will be showcasing provid
their latest works at Gallery Walk space
February 7, from 5-9 p.m. Folsom is a relative newcomer themse
to creating art herself, but she has completely embraced the With
freedom and creativity of her artistic calling. Her chosen and year-round studio space, C
style, ‘flow art’, embodies the expression of that freedom. to negative activities and reckl
Chenyn states, “I love flow art because of its break with and supporting self-awareness
traditional art. I enjoy creating without guidelines and child’s uniqueness and individu
boundaries. It is very liberating to let the art create itself… expression.
to let the paint tell its story.”
Self-taught, Troost’s love for making art began in childhood EMER
and has continued throughout his adult life. He jokes that GALL
he came into this world with sketchbook in hand. He is 341A W
accomplished in a wide variety of mediums including 501-61
pen and ink, markers, colored pencils, watercolor, oil and www.E
acrylics. His work is provocative and encourages the viewer Galler
to examine his work closely. Featured miniature artists are Februa
Jan Briggs and Caren Garner. Mon-Sat: 10 am-5 pm; Sun: Just li
12-5 pm. this exhibition is short and sw
Emergent Arts is featuring them
BLUE WATERS FINE ART & Day! Wed-Sat, 12-5PM, or by a
DESIGN
825 Central • 501-701-8036 JUSTU
LauraBlueWaters.com 827A C
Margaret Correll’s exhibition “The Justus
Legend of Meilikki and the Bear” The Fe
will be featured during February, a sele
with an opening reception at by De
Gallery Walk from 5- 7 p.m. The collection of works on work
paper tells the folklore tales of the Finnish Goddess Meilikki Kristin
of the Forest and the Hunt who pulled the Great Bear in the DePoyster, Robert Fogel, Roby
night sky down to Earth. Margaret pulls the viewers into a Sparling, Elizabeth Weber, and
myth that dates back more than a thousand years, making with a reception from 5-9 p.m
connections to historical and contemporary Western society conjunction with the monthly
and tradition. On Saturday March 8, 10am- 2pm Correll will Hot Springs. The exhibit will b
lead a hand-on workshop the gallery. Call the gallery for 2020. Owned by artist Dolores
details.  Also featuring handmade artist creations ranging in wide range of original art inc
size, price range, and style. This month’s highlights include ceramics, photography, and m
hand-forged and cast-iron decorative works for the home Opening receptions are held in
and garden, including fountains, firepits, fireplace screens, Springs Gallery Walk held from
furniture, and sculpture, created by local fine craftsmen every month. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., W
at Tri-lakes Ornamental Ironworks on Valley Street. New appointment.
signature pieces in different art media will delight you,
including 2-D and 3-D pieces in oil, acrylic, clay, glass,
wood, fiber and combinations of materials.  Winter hours:
Thursday – Saturday. 10am – 5pm. By appointment: 501-
701-8036, Laura Blue Waters.  

Gallery Walk #366 The Springs • February 2020 • 11

“Thanks” is too small a word to express our gratitude to all who have ever looked to
The Springs Magazine to find out what’s happening in “quarky” little town!

On another happy note, this month we’re welcoming Rix Realty, who in their efforts
to give back to the community, have opened their office for our February Gallery Walk. Says
owner, Chris Rix, “Rix Realty is stepping in temporarily to offer our walls and space and to
add to the Gallery Walk in general! We feel adding another stop at our office while some
of Hot Springs artist community relocates will bring some extra flair and exposure to the
already great event.” So be sure to stop in on Exchange Street for their Mardi Gras party!

Til next time, find us in print and online at www.TheSpringsMagazine.com!

RILEY ART GLASS STUDIO
710 Grand Avenue
501-318-6193
RileyArtGlass.com
Stop in to watch the Riley’s as
they create their art glass (check
glassblowing schedule on website
or FB.) While they work, the
brothers answer questions, explaining the process and history
of glassblowing. Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm.

at Artist’s Workshop Gallery. RIX REALTY-ADVANTAGE
A Central Avenue. TEAM REALTORS 

WELL 4 KIDS STUDIO IMPRESSION + SURREAL + MODERN
ilver St • 214-497-3715
[email protected] 211 Exchange Street
ommunity nonprofit that 501-205-1900
des a safe and encouraging www.RixEstate.com
for area youth to express Open for Gallery walk 5-9. Mardi
elves creatively through art. Gras Party ~ libations, king cake,
free summer art programs beads. Featured Artist: Jeff Waddle - Little Rock: Metal
C4K provides an alternative Sculptor and Painter. www.JeffWaddle.com. Also, Jett
less behaviors by promoting Johnson - Hot Springs: Oils, Pastels, Ink, Water Color.
s and helping grow every www.facebook.com/JettSetArt. Join the Fun, then Strut
uality in the form of artistic with your Beads!
In the spirit of livening up Gallery Walk, Rix Realty
RGENT ARTS - CIRCLE plans to give back to the community by opening their office
LERY for artists to exhibit their work during Gallery Walk. Gallery
Whittington Walk has been enjoyed by all for THIRTY (30) years in
13-0385 downtown Hot Springs! February will be 366 gallery
EmergentArts.org walks in total. The Gallery District is an important part of
ry Walk Reception: Friday, downtown as an attraction and destination.Artist need outlets
ary 7; 5:00pm-8:00pm. to sell their works. Hot Springs needs galleries to keep our
ike the month of February, National status as an art community! “Rix Realty is stepping
weet! The Circle Gallery at in temporarily to offer our walls and space and to add to the
mes of love and Valentine’s Gallery Walk in general! We feel adding another stop at our
appointment. office while some of Hot Springs artist community relocates
will bring some extra flair and exposure to the already great
US FINE ART GALLERY event.” Please join Rix Realty - Advantage Team Realtors as
Central • 501-321-2335 one of your stops for Gallery Walk #366 from 5-9pm.
sFineArt.com
ebruary exhibit will welcome WHITTINGTON GALLERY
ection of pastel paintings 307 Whittington Avenue
ennis McCann, along with 501-607-0214
Open for February 7th gallery
by Donnie Copeland, walk from 5pm-9pm. As
n DeGeorge, Virmarie always, they will have The Tone
yn Horn, Sandra Sell, Gene Chasers playing great music.
d others. The show will open Lots of food and beverages. Easy
m. on Friday, February 7, in parking and loads fun. This month’s art drawing will be for
a beautiful piece by artist Sandra Dixon. They will also have
Gallery Walk in downtown a show featuring the Traditional Art Guild’s artist for the
be on display February 7-29, month of February and everyone who comes can vote for
s Justus, the gallery offers a who they think has the best painting. Come join the fun at
cluding sculpture, paintings, Gallery Walk. Whittington Gallery is a 5,000 sq. ft. gallery
more by recognized artists. with 51 local artists. Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 4pm.
n conjunction with the Hot
m 5-9 p.m. the first Friday of GALLERY RELATED
Wednesday-Saturday and by
FOREST PATH GALLERY
107 Stillmeadow Ln • 501-617-0594
genesparling.com
Located in a beautiful setting, on a private nature preserve
south of Hot Springs, it’s the showcase for the wood sculpture,
bowls & furniture made by Gene Sparling, and adjoins his
home/studio. Demos/shop tours may also be available.

1122••TThheeSSpprirninggss••FFeebbruruaaryry22002200

Are You a Treasure Hunter? Looky Here!

Shopping Locally can yield pirate
loot from around the world!

Explore the treasures in Hot Springs
and surrounding areas.
From resale shops to antique malls,
treasures await!

The Springs • February 2020 • 13

Call for Artwork for

Art Moves Hot Springs

Hot Springs Area Cultural

Alliance (HSACA), the City of Hot

Springs Art Advisory Committee

(AAC) and Hot Springs Parks and

Trails (HSP&T) are collectively

producing Art Moves Hot Springs, an

art exhibit of paintings, drawings, and

photographs reproduced on metal panels

to be displayed along the Hot Springs

Greenway Trail. The exhibit combines

art, nature, and exercise, to encourage The Hot Springs Greenway Trail will be the setting
healthy habits for the community. for the “Art Moves Hot Springs” exhibit which
opens in April.
The artwork should reflect
the artist's interpretation of movement.

Physical body movement while exercising, dancing, hiking, or biking is a possible

depiction. The artwork can refer to environmental or natural movements such as the flow

of water over rocks, stormy clouds, or falling leaves. Social movements such as political

activism, a parade, or a community gathering could be another interpretation.

From the entries, a panel of jurors will select ten works of art to be in the Art

Moves Hot Springs exhibit. The selected artwork will be reproduced on metal signs that

will be displayed along the Hot Springs Greenway Trail. Area galleries will display the

framed original artworks during Arts & The Park celebration, April 24 - May 3.

EXHIBIT DETAILS

Exhibit Dates:

Entry Deadline Monday, March 2, 2020

Photo Sessions March 9 - 21, 2020

Opening Reception Friday, April 24, 2020

Greenway Trail Exhibit April 24 - the end of summer, 2020

Original Artwork Exhibit April 24 - May 3 (2020 Arts & The Park)

For eligibility requirements, fees, prizes, commissions, copyright info, and

submission information, contact Mary Zunick at [email protected], or call 501-

321-2835.

14 • The Springs • February 2020

The Springs • February 2020 • 15

Starstuff Studio: A Magical

Place to Conjure Story

Starstuff Studio Whittington

Place is a magical place to create and

conjure story in Storybook Theater and

Story Theater workshops guided by

Lanie Carlson.

Storybook Theater Workshop

is an interactive storytelling experience.

The Read Through introduces the

story to the cast. Then, they choose a

character and dress in play fabrics and

costume pieces to retell the story. Story

Theater Workshop encourage kids to Lanie Carlson’s Starstuff Studio
create a character from costume pieces offers an interactive
and props, then play improv games to
conjure an original story. storytelling experience for kids.

Lanie Carlson is a local actor and director on the Arts in Education Roster

with the Arkansas Arts Council and a Teaching Artist with Arkansas Learning

Through the Arts (ALTTA). Carlson is curious about the stories we tell ourselves

and others. She is exploring story as connection to ourselves, our community and

culture, while creating a community for celebrating and sharing our stories. A

community to conjure and connect with the power of story.

Starstuff Studio is located downstairs at Whittington Place, 301

Whittington Avenue. The Studio will be open Friday evenings from 6-8pm for

Gallery Walk, adult programs, events, and open studio. On Saturday mornings it

will open from 10am-1pm for kids and teen workshops, events, and open studio

beginning Saturday, February 1.

Storybook Theater Workshop is at 10am Saturday mornings. It is a thirty-

minute workshop for kids 6-8 years old and is $5 per session.

Story Theater Workshop is from 11am-12pm, for kids 9-12 years old, and

12pm-1pm for teens. The cost of this workshop is $10 per session.

For more information, and to RSVP for workshops, visit Starstuff Studio

Facebook page www.facebook.com/starstuffstudio. Carlson can also be contacted

by email at [email protected].

Sign up Now for the Arts

Network Meeting

The Hot Springs Area Cultural

Alliance will hold the quarterly

networking meeting on February 10th at

Hotel Hot Springs. Stephanie Storey, a

veteran member of the national media,

will begin at 5:30pm with a workshop

on how to promote arts events.

Storey will present an

overview of best media and public

relations practices for small businesses

and nonprofits. Attendees will learn how Stephanie Story will present a workshop on
how to promote arts events.
to develop and manage a targeted media

list (without subscribing to an expensive service), pitch the press more effectively,

develop stronger relationships with members of the media, increase media coverage,

give more compelling interviews, and use press hits to garner even more media

attention for your organization.

Stephanie Storey is a bestselling author, veteran national TV producer,

and experienced media consultant for businesses and nonprofits. She has produced

over 1,500 interviews for national talk and news television programs on networks

including ABC, CBS, PBS, MSNBC, Sundance Channel, and more.

She also manages the publicity for her own art historical novels, which

have been hailed by The New York Times as “tremendously entertaining,” been

translated into six languages, and made The Los Angeles Times and Amazon

bestseller lists. One of her novels, Oil and Marble, is currently in development as a

feature film by Pioneer Pictures in Los Angeles.

She has trained organizations and individuals in best media practices and

helped organizations secure news coverage in national media outlets including

The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Slate, The Atlantic, and TV

appearances on major network, cable, and local news.

The workshop will be from 5:30-7:00 followed by networking until 8:00

P.M. The workshop is free. Register at [email protected] to ensure a seat.

For arts community updates, visit Facebook: HotSpringsAreaCulturalAlliance.

16 • The Springs • February 2020

Local Artist Returns to
Painting After

Losing Vision in One Eye

By Victoria Pike

“Get your eyes dilated

There are over 113,000 people on the organ transplant waiting list. Become a donor and save each year…” says U.S. Navy
some lives. Photo courtesy of Gerd Altmann
veteran and artist Steve Johnson.
Organ Donations Save Lives
He wants this message to be loud
By Suzy Saettele
It’s February 14th, and everyone is ready to celebrate Valentine's Day with hearts and clear to people because for

full of emotions, love, and hopefully some chocolate! Did you know that February 14th is him, it’s what saved his eyesight,
also National Organ Donor Day? National Organ Donor Day is a special day observed to
raise awareness of organ donation, and to celebrate the heroes who have donated to save and possibly even his life.
lives through organ donations.
A year ago this month,
Today, there are over 113,000 people on the organ transplant waiting list. Every
10 minutes, another person will be added. Every day, 20 people on the transplant waiting Johnson started having trouble
list will die waiting. One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation (heart,
liver, kidney, pancreas, lungs, and intestines). On top of that, one donor can save and with his eyesight and thought it
enhance more than 100 lives through tissue (cornea, skin, heart valves, vessels, bone, and
connective tissues), blood, platelets, and marrow donations. was likely due to his glaucoma.

Our family knew very little about organ donation until 15 years ago. I was feeling After seeing an eye specialist, he
tired, but also chasing around two little kids, and it was the cold/flu season, so normal tired
for a mom. That night, I fell into a coma because of ALF, acute liver failure. My husband, was given heart wrenching news.
family, and friends were told I would die if I did not get a transplant within two days.
Johnson was diagnosed with ocular
That night a family of strangers, many states away, certainly heartbroken and
struggling, made the choice to donate the organs of their son (or father or husband) who melanoma. The doctors had found
had died in a motorcycle accident the day before. I have never met the family, but I honor
them on February 14th every year. Because of them, for 15 years, I have been able to watch a mass on the back of his right eye.
my kids grow up, and listen to my husband’s corny jokes.
At the time, there was a
This year on the day of love, while you think about those you love, take a minute
to register as an organ donor at www.donatelifearkansas.org, or you can just say “yes” the lot of confusion about what would
next time you get your driver’s license updated.
have to happen moving forward, but
Have a heart; save some lives! Happy Organ Donor Day and Happy Valentine’s Day.
learning to accept that “you have to

work with what you’ve been given”

is the best thing Johnson’s ever

Artist Steve Johnson is an inspiration to done for himself.
others who have experienced debilitating He says his mind was filled

health issues. with horror after the diagnosis,
given the situation, but especially

at the thought of not being able to paint again, because for him, painting is his

outlet. His way to cope with stress and all of the things that life throws our way

when we least expect it, and this was one of those situations.

Only three months after the diagnosis, Johnson headed to Harrah’s Hope

Lodge in Memphis, TN where he and his wife, Sonia, would stay following surgery.

Not only did Johnson have to undergo surgery to remove the mass, he also had to

have a radioactive disc inserted into his eye to treat the cancer, in a process known

as brachytherapy.

After wearing a lead eye patch to protect everyone else from the radiation,

Johnson went through surgery again to have the disc removed. Upon returning

home after surgery, Johnson described his eye as looking like “raw meat” for the

weeks to follow. The tumor is shrinking and his eye finally healed superficially but

he is left with severe vision loss in that eye.

Going through this journey with cancer has taught the artist a lot in life and

in the art world. Johnson continued to paint after his surgery saying “It’s probably

going to be different but I’m just going to do it.”

Of course, it is different for him now only being able to see from one eye,

but he has the basics figured out. Johnson is progressively working on getting better

at his detail work because since the surgery, his depth perception is totally different.

Since being diagnosed with cancer and not knowing how things would turn

out for him, Steve has taken a different perspective on life. He explained that before

the diagnosis he was looking into buying himself a “sweet convertible BMW,” but

after his surgery he ended up with a Nissan pickup truck instead, because it’s more

“practical,” as his wife called it.

Despite the ongoing battles, and having to relearn how to paint, Johnson

has stayed optimistic through it all and says he wishes he could paint “the way a

Jimmy Buffet song makes me feel.”

Not one to let a disability slow him down, Johnson brings an inspiring

attitude to each day and implores readers - “Get your eyes dilated each year!”

Johnson’s work can be seen at Whittington Gallery, at 307 Whittington

Avenue, in Hot Springs. He enjoys doing ceramics, pottery, watercolors, and oils,

but acrylics are his preferred medium. He can usually be found mingling among

other artists and art lovers as galleries stay open late to participate in Gallery Walk.

Look for him there, find him on Facebook, or contact him at stevenjohnson401@

yahoo.com.

The Springs • February 2020 • 17

Tarot: World XXI

By Michelle Crandell

The Fool finds himself

back at the same grassy cliff he

left so long ago when he began

his journey. He feels free, in

harmony with himself, others and

the world. A nearly nude woman

floats up from the crevasse

before him. She looks complete,

like her soul has achieved a

timeless state of grace.

Around her, the Fool

sees four visions. He knows

what they mean. The Lion

represents fire, his motivation

and intuition, his lust for life; the

Bull represents discs, his ability

to embrace earthly reality and

wisely use experiences that have

shaped him; the Eagle represents

cups, the depth of emotional

understanding he now practices;

the man’s face represents swords,

his ability to use the power of his

mind to heal himself and others. The World awaits the Fool.

“I no longer consider my ‘self’ as a completely separate individual,” the

Fool reflects. ‘”Self” is a device. When used consciously, my “self” interacts with

reality, compassionately and objectively. That’s what it means to be “in the world,

not of it,” he thinks.

He remembers a poem by T. S. Eliot. “We shall not cease from exploration,

and at the end of all our exploring find ourselves at the place we began...and know

it for the first time.”

The Fool steps forward, off the cliff... and flies. He decides to rest here a

while in great, natural peace. The World awaits him.

Michelle Crandell provides individual readings for a fee. Once a year,

she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. For more information, email michelle.

[email protected] or call 501-655-6242.

Master Gardeners:
Hanging Succulents

By Sharon Dent

Hilde Simmons (Garland

County Master Gardener) is a great

admirer of succulents and has me

excited about them. I find them

interesting, but also love them

because they need very little care.

My favorites are hanging

ones. String of Bananas is a great

hanging variety. It is fast growing,

loves sun and needs very little

water. Only water when the soil is Beautiful succulents, such as Sting of Pearls
totally dry. and Donkey Tail, are fast growing
and need little water.
Following is a list of great
ones: String of Pearls, Burro’s Tail,

String of Nickels, Ruby Necklace, Trailing Jade, Trailing Fishhooks, and Elephant’s

Foot. All these plants have a lush cascading habit and they propagate easily from

stem cuttings.

Advanced Garland County Master Gardener, Sharon Dent, volunteers with

GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service.

Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate

interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, call

501-623-6841 or email [email protected]. The University of Arkansas System

Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative  action

institution. 

18 • The Springs • February 2020

Happy Versus Lousy and Controlling
Your Highs and Lows

By Alison Crane
Sometimes a little trick or

rhyme helps to remember things. Like
using your thumb and pointer finger
to form an “L” to distinguish which is
your left hand from your right hand. Or “righty – tighty, lefty – loosey.” These little
clues help us to keep the plethora of knowledge we contain in our brains straight.

This trick can be applied to health and medical terms, too. When we go
to the doctor, we hear big Latin words and are given multiple directions. When
we are sitting there it all makes sense, but when we get home uncertainty sets in.
For instance, think about your cholesterol numbers. Have you ever asked yourself,
“Now which type is the good one?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that of itself is not inherently “bad.” In
fact, your body needs cholesterol for cell production. However, too much in your
blood can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries become narrowed
and less flexible. This condition can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. Too much of LDL and
not enough HDL increases your risk of a buildup in the inner walls of your arteries
that feed the heart and brain. Again, this makes sense, but when looking at those
numbers on a paper it can be easy to confuse the two.

Think about it this way: LDL cholesterol is the bad kind, therefore it
is “lousy.” You want your number to be low, which is another “L” word. HDL
cholesterol is the good kind and when your number is high (an “H” word) it makes
you and your doctor “Happy!”

High cholesterol is one of the controllable risk factors for heart disease,
heart attack and stroke. February is American Heart Month and if you would like
more information on ways to help control your cholesterol or other risk factors for
heart disease, follow my Facebook page @garlandEGF or email [email protected].

Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Garland
County Extension Service. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its
programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion,
gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected
status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Stop Wishing -

Start Creating!

By Peggy Lindsey
Do you wish? We all do in one way or another. We wish upon the stars.

We wish as we blow out our birthday candles. We wish for good health, happy
relationships, and a great career. We wish for simple things, and we wish for
miracles. Deep within us resides a well of all those things we wish to experience.
Perhaps now is the time to move from a place of wishing and start creating.

What one simple action can you do today to bring you closer to your
dreams? Start small, but with intent. Spend time with yourself to really get clear
about what you desire. As you see your dreams and goals out in front of you, ask to
be shown the next steps to move forward in that direction.

Sometimes it helps to seek guidance . . . do research, take a class, hire
a coach. These steps loudly proclaim that you are seriously ready to go further.
Getting the right assistance allows you to confidently move forward toward making
your wishes come true.

Choosing to take action is a profound act of empowerment. Energy builds
as you move forward step by step, supporting you as you choose to create in ways
that open up new possibilities. Edmond Mbiaka states, "Successful individuals
desire things, and then get busy turning them into realities.”

Experiencing a life where dreams come true is actually possible, and the
potential is extensive when we take that first step. So, it is up to you . . . What are
you ready to stop wishing for and begin passionately creating?

Peggy Lindsey is a Master Teacher of Arcing Light Energy Healing, a
Professional Life Coach, and an Angel Intuitive. Peggy’s passion is assisting others
on their journey toward happy, healthy lives by empowering them to live more
joyfully and consciously. She created her business On Angels’ Wings Healing and
Coaching in 2012 and currently practices in Sedona, Arizona. She can be reached
at 928-273-8447. For more info, visit www.onangelswingshealing.com.

The Springs • February 2020 • 19

A dazzlingly blue Arkansas sky and pristine Lake Ouachita form the background for
Karen Watson Reeves demonstration of Camel Pose. Photography - Fred Padilla.

Yoga:
The Benefits of Camel Pose

By Karen Watson Reeves
When we speak of the “heart” in yoga, there are actually two meanings and

in no order of importance/significance. There is the physical muscle that transports
blood throughout the body and secretes hormones to lower blood pressure. There
is the heart chakra, which in the energetic body is the center and source of giving
and receiving love.

What better time to target the heart (yes, you can imagine Cupid) than
February, when the American Heart Association focuses on healthy heart muscles
and society focuses on Valentine’s Day, where emotional/romantic love is
celebrated? And what better pose to illustrate the heart than Camel Pose?

As Fred and I were cruising around town in search of a heart sculpture,
photo, icon of some sort to stage the pose, nothing presented itself to us. So instead,
we ventured out of town a bit to a place that I love (to stay with the theme). What
is not to love about the setting? A beautiful natural backdrop in The Natural State,
brilliant blue sky, Lake Ouachita, mountains in the distance, barren winter trees
with just enough green for lovely contrast, and a fresh, crisp breeze made it worth
the drive.

On a physical level, Camel Pose stretches the muscles of the chest, lowers
blood pressure thus reducing hypertension, and enhances blood circulation in the
body, all of which foster a healthier heart muscle. Emotionally, Camel Pose opens
the heart chakra, the energy center of love, so that energy flows freely and your
sense of caring and compassion is heightened. You love others, you love yourself.

This pose stretches the chest and exposes us in an area we tend to protect,
because of feelings of vulnerability. Emotions that we thought we had faced, worked
through, or intentionally “stuffed” can resurface in intense ways. It is not unusual to
hunch our shoulders and round our upper spines to protect this area.

So even if the feelings are difficult, it is a healthy thing to work through
the emotional traumas, as long as you do so gently and mindfully, because an open
emotional heart brings love, compassion and beauty into our lives. It is where we
find deep bonds with other human beings.

There are other benefits to Camel Pose as well: increases flexibility in the
spine, corrects poor posture, stimulates the nervous system, improves digestion,
stimulates thyroid glands, and reduces stress. So, there are many reasons not to shy
away from this pose, even though it can be physically and emotionally challenging.

As we journey into February and hearts are everywhere, visualize a slow-
moving camel making its way through the desert. This pose, like all poses, is a
journey and not a destination. Watch your heart expand, feel your heart beating,
listen to the emotions arising, taste a chocolate heart or two. Give yourself time in a
place that you love with a person you love. Your heart will grow!

Karen Watson Reeves was born and raised in Mount Holly and has called
Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher in 2011 and
has travelled Arkansas teaching her passion. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the
Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College,
as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. www.TheYogaPlaceHS.com.