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HOLLENBECK: Women's dress shops held a special place in small town life.

February 20, 2012

While I'm a staunch supporter of progress — real progress, not just change for change's sake — I do find it sad to see the passing of many institutions that once were at the heart of community life. Particularly in small towns.
One such entity that is a rarity today is the women's dress shop.
Every little town of any appreciable size had a nice dress shop and a men's shop. Benton can still boast having this for the male customer in Rhea's, but places like The Fashion, The Style Shop, The Happening (and others I may not recall here) are relegated to memory.

DAVIS: A goat, a cabbie and a cemetery

February 17, 2012

Lessons about life seem to just happen to me when I least expect it. The month of August has provided many…and from the least likely of sources. Oddly enough, the catalyst for this month long journey of introspection and odd circumstances began with reading a flyer at work that I received in the mail.

HOLLENBECK: Early newspapers set the stage for the rest of my life

February 13, 2012

Knowing of my passion for animals, someone recently asked me if in my formative years I ever thought about becoming a veterinarian.
I'm not sure why that never made it to my "wanna be when I'm grown up" list, but it didn't.
It might have had something to do with the fact that even as a youngster I knew a vet had to be proficient in science and chemistry and lots of stuff like that, none of which was my forte.
I was born and reared to deal with words and music and the like. Throw in a little drama and literature also. But nothing of the scientific for me.

DAVIS: When will it end in Bryant?

January 19, 2012

I know it may sound a bit perplexing to hear a newspaper editor wonder about a situation in which a local government is embroiled in controversy, allegations of misconduct and counter-charges between conflicting groups in a city. After all, these shenanigans provide a constant stream of material and a ready source of news stories. But from the viewpoint of a citizen of this fine county, one has to look back at it all and ask, ‘When will it all end in Bryant?’

HOLLENBECK: Accident-prone kid turns anxious mother into vigilant warrior

January 16, 2012

The other day I listened to some people talking about how the sight of blood nauseates them.
"I just about pass out when I see somebody with a really bad cut that's spurting blood," one person said.
I held my tongue for a time, then I had to jump into the conversation.
"You should have had the ready-for-blood-and-guts-and-anything-else indoctrination that I underwent as a young mother," I said.
That training came via my third child, who knew no fear.

HOLLENBECK: Today's parents are missing out on car-trip challenges

January 12, 2012

Car trips with kids were a challenge in the
"old days."
I'm talking about the years when my children were little and the ones that followed for a time.
Specifically, I'm referring to the generations that preceded DVDs in vehicles.
I was in the car recently with my 3-year-old grandson, Lucas, and his mom. While Melissa and I chatted about a number of things, we rarely were interrupted by Lucas.
This is because Lucas, like a lot of privileged children of his generation, rides in a car that offers filmdom on wheels.

DAVIS: It's like playing catch with a tennis ball

January 12, 2012

One week into 2012 and it begins. The relative calm pond that is 'Saline County Politics' is beginning to show the first ripples of discontent, maneuvering and change. Whether or not the change is necessary or ill-advised matters not. Isaac Newton's Third Law of Motion states, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." As changes are made, one group will see any decision as a step in the right direction. But beware the equal and opposite reaction from those who disagree and feel otherwise.

HOLLENBECK: Special memories warm the heart at Christmas time

December 12, 2011

The Christmas season can be counted on to stir up memories.
I’m not alone in this. I think it’s probably a pretty universal situation.
When I watch favorite old holiday movies, I do with more than a few lumps in the throat.
But as I think back to days gone by, I always remember a lot of funny things that happened through the years. Thankfully, they tend to offset my weepy recollections, so I can keep on doing the things I must do.
I’ll never forget the year one of our cats became a Christmas ornament. Literally.

DAVIS: Myopia and the view of Longhills

December 8, 2011

I have had the privilege of attending city council and planning commission meetings in cities throughout Saline County. I have seen the process of government “of the people, by the people and for the people” in motion with all its glory. I have also seen the darker, blemished side. I say this not in a derogatory sense but given the nature of the statement, I could see how others may conclude as such. I say it to show there is balance in all things. Conflict is not always a bad thing. Conflict that leads to better ideas is healthful. Conflict that leads to division and mistrust is not.

HOLLENBECK: Right shoes could make the agony worthwhile

December 5, 2011

One of my favorite musicals is “Cinderella.”
A few fears back, I played the wicked stepmother in the Royal Players production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein jewel. It was my dream role.
Other than the wonderful music, the two sisters’ nastiness is the best part of the play. It typifies how ridiculous sisterly rivalry can be.
I don’t have a sister. I always wanted one and envied families that included several girls. One of my best friends had two. I thought she was the luckiest girl in the world. She would have given either or both of hers to me any day of the week.

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