The black-eyed pea…more of a legume, really, has a long history of good luck, starting with the bible (i.e. Jewish New Year), then migrating to Africa and then to the U.S. in the 1600s with the slave trade. This staple crop of the south hit the big time during the Civil War purely out of necessity, when Northern soldiers destroyed everything else growing on rural farms. They are a key ingredient in Hoppin’ John (peas, rice and pork) and part of American soul food. So for the past 400 years or so, black-eyed peas have been a nourishing symbol of a lucky, prosperous new year for those of us beneath the Mason-Dixon Line.

In their most traditional form, black-eyed peas are cooked with a ham hock (or other pork product) and served with Southern delicacies like collard greens (representing money) and corn bread (representing gold). These hearty little peas are inexpensive, high in fiber and they hold up really well to hot sauce (well, it is the south).

Here are other traditions for New Years Luck:

• In Brazil and Italy, eating lentils are a sign of riches to come, since they expand as cooked. As well as eating pomegranates and saving 7 seeds in your wallet, only after dedicating 3 seeds to the three kings who visited Christ by throwing them over your shoulder after calling their names.

• In Spain, consume twelve grapes at midnight – one grape for each stroke of the clock and each grape symbolizing each month of the year. This dates back to 1909, when grape growers in the Alicante region of Spain initiated the practice to take care of a grape surplus. The idea stuck, spreading to Portugal as well as former Spanish and Portuguese colonies such as Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru.

• In France some people eat heart or log shaped desserts, sometimes made of ice cream.

• The Danish eat Kale sprinkled with sugar.

• In Japan, the osechi-ryori, a group of symbolic dishes eaten during the first three days of the New Year, includes sweet black beans called kuro-mame.

• Roast suckling pig is served in Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and Austria—Different pork dishes such as pig’s feet are enjoyed in Sweden while Germans feast on roast pork and sausages often with sauerkraut.

• In many Asian countries, long noodles are eaten in order to bring a long life. One catch: You can’t break the noodle before it is all in your mouth.

• Poland, Hungary, and the Netherlands eat donuts, and Holland has ollie bollen, puffy, donut-like pastries filled with apples, raisins, and currants.

SOUTHERN BLACK EYED PEAS

Ingredients
1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinse and sorted
1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt to taste

Additional crumbled bacon, optional

Directions
In a large Dutch oven, place the peas, bacon and enough water to cover; bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Do not drain.
In a small skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in thyme and salt; add to pea mixture. Return to the heat; simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until peas are soft. Top with crumbled bacon if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings.

by Meridian Bank Texas

Many times, people put off saving for retirement, which can seriously derail retirement planning. While it’s always a good idea to have a trusted financial advisor with whom you can speak about your goals and progress, these 10 tips will get you started on the right track to saving for retirement.

1. Put as much money into your company’s 401(k) as you can. The maximum cap is 15%, but at the very least, contribute up to what your company matches. Otherwise, you’re throwing away free money.

2. If your company does not offer a 401(k) plan, open your own IRA (Individual Retirement Account).

3. Pay yourself first. Have money automatically deducted from your paycheck and invested for retirement.

4. Do not dip into your retirement savings, before seeking advice from your financial advisor.

5. Set new priorities to spend less and save more – now. Sometimes this means selling a more expensive car and buying a cheaper one to cut back on your car payments, thus giving you more money to sock away.

6. Develop a retirement savings plan with the help of a financial advisor. It’s important to be realistic and know how much money you will need to live the lifestyle you want in retirement.

7. Invest your savings appropriately. Learn when to take on more risk and when to take on less.

8. Commit to saving more. Calculate the most you think you can put away for retirement, and then add 10% to that amount. That’s a big commitment, but well worth the rewards.

9. Don’t “cash in” your retirement money when switching jobs as you could lose money to taxes and penalties. Instead, roll your money over to another plan or an IRA.

10. Start now! No matter how young or old you are, you don’t have time to waste. Starting to save immediately will get you on the right track for retirement that much sooner.

Denton is experiencing a wonderful art explosion that has become the textured fabric of the city. We have always been an artsy area, but the local art world has made it their mission to make the area an art lovers dream and to enrich the community…lucky for us they have done both. In a brotherhood like no other, the art folk of Denton support each other; whether music, drama, performance or galleries, typically where you find one group you find another along side, complementing the experience. There is such a wealth of wonderful art being made in Denton and the surrounding small towns and many of our art studios, retail shops and working studios proudly showcase these marvellous items. They are wonderful pieces that have been created by the hands of those that live right here in the area.

Oxide Gallery it is a gallery “where local art is exposed” offering fine art, pieces from local artists, and works from all genres. It is one of Denton best treasures.

A Creative Arts Studio serves the community with classes in oil and acrylic painting, stained glass, jewelry, mosaics, watercolor, drawing, writing workshops and on and on. Buy, learn or enjoy!

Wonderful museums like Courthouse-on-the-Square and Selby House recall the history of Denton. The opera at UNT is both amazing and world renown. Our celebrated One O’clock Lab band is internationally known.

Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is a weekend long event that is attended by not just locals but extended area art enthusiast. Studios such as Denton Ballet Academy teaches superior ballet, Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a twenty three year production and a denton tradition. The Campus Theatre is a performing community theatre delivering high quality plays and musicals.

Materials: Hard & Soft, an annual competition and exhibition of contemporary crafts is now in its 25th year. It is recognized nationally and attracts hundreds of entries from every state in the union. (February 3 – March 30, 2012)

The Thin Line Film Festival, beginning February 15th, is an international documentary film festival held at the Campus Theatre on the Square. See the interesting and exciting films before anyone else in Texas, then meet and socialize with the filmmakers after the screenings.

These are just a few examples of the art of Denton, getting exposed to this enriching culture will open a new space in your heart and your mind.

Denton no longer has to depend on the arts from Dallas and Fort Worth museums, music scenes and galleries. We are setting the pace now and have come into our own with our acclaimed area. Known for its long, rich history of both music and art, Denton welcomes unique individuals and celebrates their contribution in enhancing the lives of the entire community. Get out and enjoy the galleries, performances and music of Denton…it will awaken your senses.

Preparing your pet for a new baby is as important as preparing your home. Here are some tips to get you started.

Reduce the Attention – Your pet is used to being the center of attention. If a pet is demanding, nudges, paws, or barks for attention, he could injure or frighten the baby. Get him used to sharing you.

The Baby’s Room – Before the baby comes, let him spend time in the room while you set up the crib, etc. Teach him to lie down in a specific place; if he doesn’t, remove him from the room and try again later. If the room is off limits, install a barrier/gate or a screen door, allowing him to see and hear what’s happening.

Check Up & Groom – Visit the vet for a routine exam and vaccinations. Make sure nails are trimmed and edges smoothed before the baby comes home.

Obedience – Your dog should respond to verbal commands (sit, stay, place, etc.) and remain calm when sitting next to you. Practice walking “nice” on a leash when pushing a stroller, in noisy, hectic and new situations. NO jumping on people, furniture, the baby’s crib or changing table; NO play-biting, this can cause serious injury.

Crate Training & Doggie Sitter – Crates provide a safe haven and a place that he can call his own; never crate more than a few hours. Establish a private spot for your dog; stock it with his favorite toys, blanket, food and water. Make plans for a “doggie” sitter; a friend/family member is perfect during the birthing time.

Sights, Smells and Sounds – Using a controlled process, expose your dog to as many babies as possible. Babies look, smell, sound and move differently than big humans. Use treats, toys and positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. A doll can help them get used to the real thing; take a stroller when you walk your dog; sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin to introduce new smells. Before the baby comes home from the hospital, bring home a blanket they have been wrapped in and present it to your dog. Let him smell it completely. After the blanket is received with good behavior have him “sit” and give praise/treats. Use your baby’s name often, socialize your dog, play a recording of baby sounds, toys, mobiles, etc.

Bringing the Baby Home – Have a neutral person carry the baby into the house while you do your normal “greeting,” and keep it brief and calm. Use a leash for better control during the first few encounters. It’s important that “new baby” and “first baby” have a chance to bond. Introduce him to the newest member of the family by holding the baby in your lap; let the dog “smell” but not touch the baby, and be careful that the dog does not nudge or paw the baby. If he misbehaves, remove him from the area, calmly and without emotion, and try again later.

Tending to the Baby – Don’t exclude your dog; instead, let him be part of the activity, allowing him to sit next to you while you are feeding or bathing. Never allow him to sleep or lie under the crib or cradle as they can easily be knocked down. Never leave your dog alone with your baby, make sure that they are supervised at all times.

Play Time – Reserve one-on-one doggie play time; incorporate the new baby at the end of that time. It’s important your dog maintains his position in the “pack.” It’s no longer the same, but he is still a member of the pack.

Remember that no matter how much you plan ahead, the addition of a new family member may be difficult for your pet so please remember patience and love go hand in hand!

2nd Annual Kids in Motion Event

Teaching children the value of giving back to their community has a long reaching impact. Involving our children at an early age in charitable organizations instills valuable characteristics: Sympathy, Generosity, Kindness, Compassion, Confidence, and Self Realization. For these reasons, Gail Graves, DBL’s past president implemented a new committee called the Minor League. Under the exceptional leadership of Laurie Dickson and Stacy Hays, DBL hosted their first Kids in Motion event in January of 2011 for the children and grandchildren of DBL. The kids were all asked to bring a non perishable food item to donate to the Denton Food Bank. They had a wonderful time making picture frames for the residents of Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and cutting out Dog Biscuits for the Denton Animal Shelter. All the children involved created a thumbprint bowl that was later auctioned off at the annual DBL Charity Ball. While the children made their crafts, they were serenaded by the Children’s Childbloom Guitar Ensemble. The very talented Polly Maynard wrapped up the event with a private performance for all the children.

As successful as the event was, there was one thing missing- more children! This year our current president, Jacqueline Jackson would like to extend this opportunity to all the children in our community. “ DBL has a great opportunity to teach all children the importance of giving back to our community.” Our 2nd Annual Kids in Motion event will be held February 4th from 10:00 to 11:30 at the Center for Visual Arts. Once again, Time to Kiln has graciously donated an item for the children to put their thumbprints on. We will be creating another craft to take to Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home. They can make blankets for the animals at Denton Animal Shelter. Finally, they have the opportunity to bring a smile to the face of a resident of Dogwood Estates by creating a hand made Valentine’s Day card. Children will have a further opportunity to directly see the impact they have had by signing up for afternoon field trips to take place throughout the month of February to deliver their wonderful creations.

This event is completely free. We simply ask each child to bring a new or gently used book. Although we have yet to identify the ultimate beneficiary, we see a need to help towards the solution of ending illiteracy in our community. As Dr. Seuss once said, “a person’s a person no matter how small.” This is an excellent opportunity to get our children involved with helping others in the community. Even a small child can make a huge impact.

For more information regarding this event or to make a reservation, please contact Lucy Huff at lucyfhuff@hotmail.com or 940-566-5955. We do request a reservation is made by January 20th. We want every child who wants to have the opportunity to be involved in all the crafts.

Thinking about the New Year, I was reminded of a disturbing statistic I once read. According to a study, only ten people cry at an average funeral – 10! It gets worse. Once those ten (or fewer) wipe away their tears, the number one factor in determining how many people would join the funeral procession to the graveside service is . . . the weather. The statistics show that if there is rain, 50% would go home and not attend the burial.

Those are depressing statistics, aren’t they? I mean, there’s a possibility that at the end of my life, only 10 people would cry at my service. And then there’s a fifty-fifty chance they might sneak out the back afterwards if the weather is bad.

None of us want that. We all want our lives to count for something. We want to make an impact in this world, to make a powerful statement with our lives, to leave our marks, to leave a legacy for future generations. It is a deep-seated need we all have as humans.

But it won’t just happen. You don’t accidentally make a difference in the world. Rather, to leave your mark takes directed effort. When Alice asked the Cheshire Cat, “Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?” his reply was simply, “That depends a good deal on where you want to go.”

So where do you want to go in life? What kind of response would you like at your funeral? To get where you want to get in life, you need a vision for your life. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

Of course, none of us have goggles that allow us to see into the future. If we did, we wouldn’t worry so much about the economy and the challenging times ahead. So what kind of vision is the Bible talking about? I think there are two aspects of vision we need. We need a “rearview mirror” vision as we grasp the ancient wisdom of God and his plans. The Bible says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16, NIV)

We also need a “big picture” vision – the idea that God is in control and finding where we fit into his plans. King Solomon said: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

Give yourself to God and let Him give you a vision for your heart.

A New Normal by Dr. Jim and Christine Mann

After a sudden death in his family, Pastor Jim Mann found himself unprepared to handle the unfamiliar issue of grief. An idyllic childhood made grief an unfamiliar foe. Daily, he read the Bible, prayed, cried, and journaled his thoughts. This book is the result.

Grief will touch us all at some point and it comes in many forms, great and small: loss of loved ones, loss of a dream, a broken marriage, accidents and disasters – even the loss of a beloved pet or a move to a new town. When we experience loss, life changes and it will never be “normal” again…but God will lead you to a “new normal.” This honest and insightful month-long journal is intended to help the reader work through grief in a healthy, healing way. You can emerge from the process in a stronger relationship with God and prepared to “get on with life.”

You can order the book through www.newlifedenton.org, or at your favorite Christian bookstores.