From the Editor | December 2018 & January 2019
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Holiday Issue of Tex Appeal magazine! It’s that time of year again—when our thoughts turn to friends and family, hearth and home.
As we gathered details about holiday events in our region for this issue’s calendar, I was struck by how many proudly proclaimed “72nd annual” or “30th annual” in the title of their Christmas tree lighting or holiday parade. It’s clear that Central Texans make tradition a priority and they delight in gathering to celebrate the season.
Lest we get too sentimental, though, let’s acknowledge that entertaining loved ones for a big holiday dinner sounds good on paper, but you’re not alone if you find planning the Big Meal a bit overwhelming. Chris Cowan, owner of Confetti Rentals in Belton, took us along as she whipped up some holiday “dream tables” and offered plenty of tips to inspire you to have fun by customizing your own dining décor, p. 54.
Many Bell County residents are familiar with the Ralph Wilson Youth Club in Temple. This month, we explore not only what the club means to the area’s children, but we also take a look at those who work behind the scenes to keep the club running like a tight ship. The club is dear to the hearts of Bill and Michelle DiGaetano, who graciously allowed photographer Julie Doughty to snap their photo one night recently, posing at the McLane Group Aviation airplane hangar. The couple is instrumental in planning an annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the hangar, complete with fireworks, as a fundraiser for the youth club. Turn to p. 30 to find out more about the Last Night Gala (and where to buy tickets!).
With his usual combination of wit and wisdom, Fred Afflerbach takes us day-tripping to the tiny town of Taylor, Texas. Who knew a James Beard award-winning restaurant (you’ll have to read the article to find out which one) is a local-favorite barbecue joint in Taylor? Fred uncovers a dark bit of history at the town’s Governor Dan Moody Museum and he explores the world of chocolate making at a factory that creates Advent calendars with a unique and delicious twist, p. 64.
We are excited to have writer and blogger Sharon White onboard our roster of contributors this month—she lends her educated eye to an article on how to step out in style for holiday events (without breaking the bank), p. 22. She also spent time with Seleese Thompson, owner of Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop, who helps make the holidays sparkle for corporate and residential clients, p. 48.
I had the pleasure of meeting TJ Coleman, a young woman who is building a cookie-making empire from her home in West Temple. This mother of five shared how her struggle with cancer led her to focus on her priorities, her family … and her frosting! (See p. 24.)
Probably the last thing you’d expect to learn when you meet Constable Pat Duffield is that she moonlights as a seamstress-of-sorts. Writer Annette Nevins was invited into Pat’s home (or should we say Mrs. Santa’s workshop?) to talk about Pat’s year-round hobby, sewing Christmas stockings for underprivileged children, p. 10.
And as we look toward 2019, our thoughts turn to self-improvement—dusting off past New Year’s resolutions and revisiting strategies to achieve the most out of life. Writer Amanda Ogle offers her humorous take on resolutions that aren’t easily attained and are … well … just plain unreasonable, p. 62.
With that, I’ll leave you to flip through our pages. Enjoy the season! It’s time to take stock of what the holidays mean to us as we gather friends and family in our homes and count our blessings.
Stacy Moser
Tex Appeal Editor
stacym@texappealmag.com
254-774-5266