JUNE / JULY 2014

_.., ... .
F O R
T H E GARDEN
WORKS
OF
ART
Versatile
SUMMER SALADS
LOSS OF A CHILD
Visit it! online at liveit.areavoices.com
Tweet with Live it! on Twitter:
@Liveitmag
Likeit! on Facebook at facebook.com/liveitmag
M
a
i
l
b
a
g
W
e
w
a
n
t to
h
e
a
r fro
m
y
o
u
.
T
w
e
e
t u
s @
liv
e
itm
a
g

e
m
a
il liv
e
it@
w
c
trib
.c
o
m
v
isit u
s o
n
fa
c
e
b
o
o
k
o
r w
rite
L
iv
e
it! B
o
x
8
3
9
,
W
illm
a
r M
N
5
6
2
0
1
.
W
e
w
e
lc
o
m
e
sto
ry
id
e
a
s,
c
o
m
m
e
n
ts a
n
d
m
o
re
.
Watch for
our next issue,
out Aug. 8, 2014
May we
publish your letter?
Summer is family time ...
The kids are out of school and there are any number of reasons for a family to gather to
celebrate. We just celebrated Mothers Day a couple of weeks ago and Fathers Day is coming
up in another week or so. There are family graduations, family reunions and summer camp-
ing trips or other vacations. There are city celebrations, parades, days spent at the lake and
backyard barbecues.
But, for some, those gatherings can be bittersweet. In earlier
talks of Mothers Day and Fathers Day coming up, we wondered
... what is it like for those parents who have lost a child? How do
they move on?
I had an aunt and uncle once tell me, following the death of
their adult daughter: A parent should NEVER have to bury their
child.
The Compassionate Friends organization is one place where
parents can turn for support. Paulette Wiley shares the mission of
that organization with us through our question and answer seg-
ment in todays issue, and two parents who have experienced loss
firsthand share their poignant stories as well.
While their stories are heartbreaking, it never hurts for all of us to take a step back and
think about the harsh realities of life, and to be forever thankful for what we have. Family is
No. 1.
With that, our Life Happens column addresses life situations and the notion that
there are some things that are simply beyond our control. We must all allow ourselves to
feel, but find ways to move on through acceptance.
Our Spirits segment suggests that we slow down and see the things around us.
One way to do just that is through gardening or spending time outdoors this summer.
Gardening these days isnt just about the green plants, it has become so much more. Gar-
den art is a way of dressing up our gardens and letting our personalities shine through.
Thats why my gardens are filled with frogs. Someone once shared with me this frog phrase:
Fully Rely On God.
Garden pieces, particularly angels, can also be a way of honoring the loss of a loved one.
So, this summer, take a step back. Remember what is important in your life, and cher-
ish your time spent with loved ones. But, most of all ... Enjoy!
If you have a topic youd like to see in Live it!, send your story idea to liveit@wctrib.com.
We love to hear from our readers. You can also like us on Facebook, leave comments at
liveit.areavoices.com or send us a tweet @Liveitmag.
Summer in west central Minnesota
it really is a beautiful thing
Live
i
t
!
Sharon Bomstad
Live it! Editor
On the Hunger Game
juicing article:
Right on. Thats awesome!
Sadie Vlaminck, via Facebook
Dan, your story was awesome! It *al-
most* makes me want to try juicing. Al-
most.
Ashley White, via Facebook
Via Twitter:
Great article in Live it!
Jeanne Ashburn, via Twitter
Misc. feedback weve received:
KThe articles are of interest to me with
the personal one on one touch.
KLike that it features local people
doing local things.
KI like the different columns and
recipes.
KI like hearing about local businesses
and also reading the articles. I also like
knowing what is going on around town
events and such.
Editors note:
We love to hear from our readers.
Like us on Facebook, send us a tweet
with your comments or even a new story
idea, or email us at liveit@wctrib.com.
Watch for the next issue due out Aug. 8.
To be sure and get future copies of Live
it! magazine mailed directly to you, call
320-235-1150; cost is $15 annually.
Live it! Magazine 3
Live
i
t
!
MAGAZ I NE
CANT Live WITHOUT it!
A PUBLICATION OF THE WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE
Staff
SHARON BOMSTAD
MAGAZINE EDITOR
DAN BURDETT
MAGAZINE WRITER/SOCIAL MEDIA
To contact Live it! call 320-235-1150
or email liveit@wctrib.com
Writing & photography
Dan Burdett
Ashley White
Kayla Prasek
Marketing consultants
Kevin Smith, Director
ksmith@wctrib.com
Jan Queenan
jqueenan@wctrib.com
Tamara Swenson
tswenson@wctrib.com
Katie Cunningham
kcunningham@wctrib.com
Sarah Isdal
sisdal@wctrib.com
Christie Bailey
cbailey@wctrib.com
Amy Doyle
adoyle@wctrib.com
To advertise,
call 320-214-4317,
fax 320-235-6769
or email a listed consultant.
Administration
Steven Ammermann, Publisher
Kelly Boldan, Editor
Timothy Bailey, Business Manager
2208 W. Trott Ave., Willmar MN 56201
Volume 3, Issue 3
Copyright 2014 West Central Tribune
Live it! magazine
All rights reserved. Although some parts of this
publication may be reproduced and reprinted,
we require that prior permission be obtained.
Michelle Gauer
Ron Adams
Dennis Benson
Cover Story 7
Dealing with their losses
Gregory Harp
14 Style it!: Must-have shoes for your summer look
12 Q&A: Support through The Compassionate Friends
25 Life Happens: Letting it go and moving on
29 Get it!: New ideas for summer
3 Readers mailbag: Share your thoughts with us
Departments
22
19 Read it!: Graphic novels offer a change of pace
21 Fitness & Health: Do you lift weights?
26 Whats happenin? Summer celebrations are a blast!
Distribution
West Central Tribune
2208 W. Trott Ave, Willmar
Willmar
Cash Wise Foods
Cub Foods
Caribou Coffee
Cornerstone Coffee
Deidras
Dunn Bros.
Jazz n Java
LuLu Beans
New 2 You
Ridgewater College
Bethesda Pleasantview
Chamber office
EDC
Oaks at Eagle Creek
The Barn Theatre
Kandi Mall
Public Library
Spicer
Spicer Super Stop
Mels Sport Shop
Zorbaz
Kandi Power Cooperative
New London
Country Stop
Happy Sol
McKales
Skindeliens
Three Sisters Furnishings
Olivia
Caseys
Home Town Bank
Citizens State Bank
Cenex
Super America
B&D Market
Danube
212-1-Stop
Renville
Handi Stop
Maynards
Granite Falls
Caseys
Super America
Willies
Cenex
Prairies Edge
Benson
Bugs n Flowers
Benson Bakery
Glacial Plains C-Store
Kandiyohi
Fattys Kandi Quick Stop
Harvest State Bank
Atwater
Schmidtys
Verns Town & Country
Grove City
Schmidtys
Litchfield
Holiday
Super America
Cenex
Econo Foods
Also distributed at various banks, offices and
lobbies throughout west central Minnesota;
some carrier delivery, as well.
Become a distributor, call 320-235-1150.
Whats inside
Do you decorate your garden or yard? 16
7 J.R. shares the sorrow of losing a daughter
10 More than her share of crosses to bear
16 Works of art: Repurposing items for the garden
Features
18
18 A variety of garden art
22 Eat it!: Capture summer with a variety of salads
24 Spirits!: Slow down, see the colors
Live it! Magazine 7
you
love
When a
child
becomes a
memory
BY DAN BURDETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY HARP
J
James J.R. Radabaugh was bruised
when he returned home from Vietnam in
1971.
Hed seen things no man should see, es-
pecially one so young.
And then he saw her.
Amid a sea of uniforms and proud fa-
thers and tearful mothers, she worked the
room.
He wondered from where she found her
boundless energy. He couldnt help but
smile.
Her eyes were a brilliant blue, and she
danced with the ebullience only a child
knows.
Her name was Stacy. She was a mere 18
months, there to meet her dad.
Stacy always stood out. She loved to
laugh, and J.R. recalls his daughter as a
social butterfly.
Blonde and blessed with an infectious
smile, crowned with the smallest of dim-
ples, Stacy always made people feel at
ease, J.R. says.
8 Live it! Magazine
By her 30th birthday, Stacy was a married mother of
two. She had secured a job as a teachers aide at New Lon-
don-Spicer High School and was attending St. Could
State University, with the hopes of becoming a special ed-
ucation teacher upon graduation.
Everything was in place. And then it all fell apart.
J.R. was listening to music in the basement of the Rad-
abaughs rural New London home during the early hours
of July 11, 2001, when his wife, Linda, rushed into the
room. She had just received a phone call from Stacys hus-
band, Scott Jones.
Stacy had been rushed to Paynesville Area Hospital.
J.R. and Linda knew few details as they made the 15-
mile journey north, but they knew the situation was dire.
They arrived too late.
Stacy was dead.
An autopsy revealed little. It was just one of those dole-
ful things you sometimes hear about: a beautiful young
woman goes to sleep and doesnt wake up. Natural causes,
the doctors said.
She was 31.
A life force
J.R. knows the pitfalls of life: he knows how quickly
things can change. The Willmar native was 19 when he
shipped out to Vietnam. Hed received his draft notice
four days after marrying Linda in July 1969. While in
country, he retrieved the bodies of the dead to be shipped
home for burial.
At 21, he returned home, hardened, and a father to a
daughter he didnt know.
He went into law enforcement, spending the next 28
years as a corrections officer and then as a sheriff s deputy
with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff s Office.
Hes seen young men spend their best years behind bars.
Hes witnessed the aftermath of fatal traffic accidents.
Hes been there when a law enforcement officer has
knocked on the door of a residence to inform the parents
inside their son or daughter wont ever be coming home.
But none of it prepares you. None of it can prepare you
for the loss of your own child, J.R. says.
Hes retired now, going on four years. And, at 64, he en-
joys the peace and quiet of country life.
The day we meet, J.R. sits in a wooden rocking chair in
a four-season extension to the Radabaughs spacious, im-
maculate and comfy split-level home. The room is capped
with an arresting pine finish that covers the walls and
ceiling. Oversized dark leather couches fill the ample
space. The natural light is breathtaking, and more than 5
acres of trees dot the horizon. Its a sanctuary of tranquil-
ity. A picture of Stacy rests on a shelf opposite, as do pho-
tos of the Radabaughs two sons: Jeremy and Garret. Both
are married with families.
J.R. is of medium build, but he is broad, barrel chested
and has large digits. His hair is white and thinning, and
he has a moustache thats trimmed in the way only a for-
mer cop or military man trims such things. Everything
appears in order. But its really not.
You never get over it, J.R. says, as he fidgets nervously
in his chair. When she died, I thought why her? Why do
I have some 50 years and she gets nothing?
Items at the Radabaugh home in rural New London honor
their daughter Stacys memory.
Live it! Magazine 9
320.214.7355
Nationally
Recognized,
Regionally
Preferred
Since 1974 the physicians at Heartland
Orthopedics Specialists have provided
the best orthopedic care available in
west central Minnesota*. Specializing in
sports medicine, total joint replacements
and revisions, and minimally invasive
procedures of the upper and lower
extremities.
Heartland Orthopedic Specialists is one
of the few clinics outside the Twin Cities to
offer fellowship-trained experts within the
subspecialties of Sports Medicine.
HeartlandOrthopedics.com
U Sports Medicine| Hand to Shoulder | Joint Replacement
Hip & Knee | Foot & Ankle
*Heartland Orthopedic Specialists is preferred 3 to 1 over any other orthopedic practice in
the region according to Independent Market Research conducted in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Now in New Location 2800 1st St. S., Ste 220, Willmar, MN
001074906r1
Natio
Recog Re
Regio Regioo
fe fe P f reffe Pre PPPr Pr
U Sports Medicine
You must really miss her?
Oh, yeah. His voice breaks and he glances at the photo
on the wall of a young woman with her whole life ahead of
her. He fumbles for the words, fingering his moustache.
You think about it every day.
How do you cope?
Family, J.R. says. My family.
The Radabaughs have six grandchildren. Stacys
Kayla and Jacob are 19 and 15 respectively. Jacob was 2
at the time of his mothers death, and Stacys memory has
been kept alive by anecdotes and family photos. For
Kayla, her memories are half memories and fragments.
J.R. sees a lot of his daughter in his eldest grandchild, and
her resemblance to her mother is uncanny.
Shes the spitting image of her, J.R. says. Smart, too.
Like her mom.
After Stacys death, Linda struggled. She was emotion-
ally akin with her daughter. But she was always there for
her husband.
I think Im guilty of hardening up on some things
emotionally, J.R. says. Linda took it hard. But the fam-
ily is real close. My grandkids are always around. Every
day, someones here. Theyll all be here tonight.
Putting it to rest
At some point, when the grief was impregnable, the
Radabaughs learned of The Compassionate Friends, a na-
tional nonprofit, self-help organization with more than
600 chapters across the nation. The west central Min-
nesota chapter is located in Willmar. Through meetings
the third Tuesday of each month conducted by parents
who have lost children the chapter looks to provide
other parents of a dead child or children an outlet to re-
solve their grief.
Were here to let people know its OK to grieve, says
Paulette Wiley, a representative from the local chapter.
Paulette lost her 1-year-old grandson, Tayib, on Oct. 6,
1994, and her only son, Mason, six months later, on April
8, 1995.
The Radabaughs began attending meetings in the base-
ment of Lakeland Health Center, located at 502 Second
Street S.W., and continue to do so. None of the narratives
of loss make sense. But the grief is shared and it helps
bring about closure.
I cant say enough about those people, J.R. says.
Theyre super people. Those meetings have helped us
keep our heads on.
But moments of solitude also remain for J.R.
There have been sleepless nights and occasional night-
mares.
There are times he still feels the immense shock of that
July day more than a decade past. Hell be outside when
his daughters image floats through his mind. It flaws
him, but hes learned to embrace some semblance of
peace. Mostly, he seems to contemplate the lost years. He
wonders what Stacy would have been if she was alive
today, the mother she could have become. The teacher she
might have been. The minds she could have helped shape.
Its still devastating, he says. For a time, me and God
werent the best of friends. As young as she was. Why?
Why would this happen to someone young? Its not the
natural order of things to bury your child.
Its all about memories now, and sometimes J.R. casts
his mind back to that March day in 1971, when he re-
turned home from Vietnam a man before his time
and met those dancing blue eyes, those dimples.
There she was. She lit everyone up, he says.
Is that your most cherished memory?
Thats the one, J.R. says. from when I came back
to the world. That little girl. Not knowing who she was
but wondering who was going to scoop her up and grab
hold.
None of it can prepare you for the loss of your own child. You never get over it.
10 Live it! Magazine
BY DAN BURDETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY HARP
We
have to
move on
G
Gloria Schultz sits at the dining room table in her Spicer home, nursing a cup of
coffee.
Her eyes are heavy and teary.
She fingers the top of her cup, moving it in a circular motion against the grain of
the wood, carefully weighing her words.
He voice is soft, gentle and deliberate.
Sometimes, she says, sometimes a loss becomes a blessing.
Gloria isnt one to dwell on the past. Thats a card shell never play.
She lives alone since the death nearly eight years ago of her husband, Vernon, of
complications from Parkinsons and a bout with cancer.
She has five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, and counts her blessings.
Shes profoundly religious, casting daily benedictions to a God she believes guides
her every thought. She considers herself fortunate.
Many wouldnt.
Live it! Magazine 11
Faith takes you through
Gloria and Vernon moved to west central Minnesota in the
early 2000s after decades of farm life in Britton, S.D.
Gloria was a teacher. Vernon tended to the land.
They shared the farm with his family, and the relationship
was a close one.
In 1961, both families learned they were to become parents.
Gloria gave birth to a son, Marshall, on Nov. 30, 1961.
Marshall would never leave the hospital, dying 18 hours
later due to complications from a congenital disorder.
They didnt have groups then to talk about this type of
loss, Gloria recounts. Thats when faith takes you through.
She recalls lying in her hospital bed when the mortician
walked past her room with a shoe box to place her sons body
in.
Youd have thought theyd have more class, she says.
Ten days later, Glorias brother- and sister in-law welcomed
a healthy baby girl.
Gloria did her part, embracing her niece as her own. But
the loss of her son hounded her, and she buried the grief
within.
We learned to love that child (the niece), and we tried to go
on with life, Gloria says.
A year-and-a-half later, Gloria learned she was once again
pregnant.
She gave birth to a second son on Oct. 3, 1963.
His name was Thomas.
He experienced life for a mere five hours. The doctors
linked his death to a respiratory issue.
It was one of those things they could probably fix today,
Gloria says. But it was different back then.
Guilt-stricken and grieving, Gloria and Vernon quickly
made the decision to adopt.
In 1964, they learned of twin baby girls who were in need of
a home.
That September, they adopted Sonja and Signe. Two years
later, Gloria and Vernon adopted another daughter: Marcy.
And in October 1976, they were selected to adopt a 2-
month-old boy. They named him Matthew.
Gloria was 40 and finally at peace.
The long and winding road
Gloria is a proud mom. She raised her four adopted chil-
dren with an abiding faith, and while transparent about their
adoptions, she shared few details with her children on the loss
of the boys who came before them.
There were scares along the way, notably with the twins,
who were both diagnosed with Lupus.
A chronic inflammatory disease, Lupus occurs when the
bodys immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, ac-
cording to the Mayo Clinic. Inflammation caused by the dis-
ease can affect different systems in the body including the
joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Both
girls at times experienced considerable pain and Sonja recalls
feeling depleted of energy for days at a time. The discomfort,
Sonja recounts, hit Signe particularly hard. But she coped.
Unlike her twin, Signe settled down, married and began a
family, giving birth to three boys and a girl.
On Feb. 22, 2003, Sonja dreamed her sister was standing at
the foot of her bed holding a cup of coffee and smoking a cig-
arette. Sonja recalls that during the dream, Signe turned and
sat on the bed, telling her sibling everything was going to be
fine. Dont worry. Everything is going to be fine.
But it wasnt.
That night, Signe was driving home when the weather
turned. She took a country road, but a pounding snow made
the drive treacherous. Eventually, Signe lost control of the ve-
hicle and she wound up in a ditch. Gloria believes her daugh-
ter began to walk northward in the direction of a farmhouse
whose lights would likely have been visible on the horizon.
At some point, however, its thought Signe turned around
and headed in the opposite direction.
The authorities discovered her frozen body the next day in
a corn field.
She was 38.
A helping hand
Gloria and Vernon were distraught. Unlike the aftermath of
their sons deaths, the couple immediately sought assistance
and support.
They began attending The Compassionate Friends, a group
offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved par-
ents. Gloria rarely misses a meeting.
I learned I could have done things differently through oth-
ers whove lost a child, Gloria says of the group that meets
on the third Tuesday of each month in the lower level of
Lakeland Health Center, 502 Second Street S.W., in Willmar.
Gloria also attends a bereavement class conducted by the
Rev. Dean Johnson of Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.
Johnson, a former state legislator, lost his wife to cancer nine
years ago.
Ive found God takes care of me, Gloria says.
She takes a moment to reflect. Her eyes dart back and forth
behind the thin-rimmed glasses that rest on the bridge of her
nose. She blinks wildly. Her hands move back to the coffee
cup. Then, softly, gently and deliberately, she mutters: We
have to bury our dead and move on. We cant ever forget. But
we have to move on.
Sonja calls her mother, now 78, remarkable and marvels at
her resiliency.
Shes the best mom in the world.
Gloria scoffs at the notion.
She is, Sonja sternly responds. What shes been through
a lot of people look at mom and talk about the cross shes
had to bear. Well shes had to bear a lot of crosses, but she
doesnt carry that weight with her. Shes an inspiration.
Dan Burdett is the lead writer for Live it! and can be reached via email at dbur-
dett@wctrib.com. Follow Dan on Twitter @danburdett1
12 Live it! Magazine
&
BY DAN BURDETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RON ADAMS
Compassion and friendship
T
The loss of a child is likely the most devastating
experience a parent can face.
Its a pain Paulette Wiley has wrestled with for
decades.
During a six-month period in the mid-1990s,
Paulette lost her 1-year-old grandson and 23-year-
old son. Devastated and seeking a medium to grieve
openly, Paulette began volunteering through the
west central Minnesota chapter of The Compassion-
ate Friends, a nonprofit, self-help organization that
was founded in England in 1969 by Simon Stephens,
a chaplain.
Since that time, the organization has grown to 600-
plus chapters across the U.S, Puerto Rico and Guam.
According to its website, The Compassionate
Friends assists families toward the positive resolu-
tion of the grief associated with losing a child of any
age.
In an interview with Live it!, Paulette shared how
the local chapter accomplishes its mission.
&
Q
A A
Q
Halvorson Co. of Spicer Inc.
138 Lake Ave N Spicer MN 56288
320.796.2141 shophalvorsonco.com
Store Hours:
7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri 7:30 - 12:00 Sat.
001047222r1
Live it!: How does The Compassionate Friends work?
Paulette Wiley: Its a safe place for people to be able to talk
about their feelings, to talk about their children. Its not
judgmental. Were not grief experts by any means. We try to
share what weve learned and be supportive. One of the
things we recognize is that grief is a very personal journey
and what works for one person doesnt always work for an-
other. I see it as a safe place. For those who arent comfort-
able coming to group, we provide a newsletter and website
with information.
Live it!: How do you get parents to open up and trust
the other members of the group?
PW: I think its by showing your own vulnerabilities and
struggles. We have members who dont talk for months or
even years. Theres a mother who has been coming for three
years now, and she seldom talks. But shes there every single
month. She cant not come, she says. We want to talk about
our kids; I think thats the biggest thing. And a lot of times
when people progress along in their grief journey, they find
other people dont want to hear them talk about their kids
anymore. The group offers an alternative to that: theyre en-
couraged to talk about their kids.
Live it!: How important is a sense of community for
someone attending the group?
PW: This is different for everyone. Im a dual person.
Theres a part of my grief thats so personal and intense, that
I need to do it alone. But I also need other people to love me,
to support me and to let me know Im OK. I always tell one
lady at group that she must think Im crazy when I cry. And
she always tells me that she thinks it would be awful if I quit
crying because that would be like saying their deaths really
didnt matter. Thats extremely validating for me.
Live it!: How does someone get involved with the chap-
ter?
PW: In Compassionate Friends, we say were the most ex-
clusive club there is: the dues are the highest youll ever pay
and nobody wants to be a member. Everyone involved has
lost a child or children. We use word of mouth and try to
reach out to as many people as we can. We also monitor the
obituaries for children and try to contact those parents.
Live it!: How important is a sense of a higher power for
those who attend the group?
PW:That also is a personal thing and its different for
everyone. Some people have a looser faith. Others, the only
way they can survive is by having a sense of a higher power.
Myself, I tend to be a higher-power person. One of the
things that hit me was that I cant be mad at God because
that would be like being mad at my son for dying. I cant
blame God for what happened because I think its just life
happening. Some people say God never gives you more than
you can handle; I always say excuse me, I dont think this
was God. To me, this was life happening.
The West Central Minnesota Chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets at
7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month in the lower level of Lakeland
Health Center, 502 2nd Street SW in Willmar. For more information, call
Paulette Wiley at 320-273-2237 or visit www.compassionatefriends.org. The or-
ganization can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TCFUSA.
14 Live it! Magazine
S
t
y
l
e
i
t
!
Step into summer
Fashionable summer shoes complete the outfit
BY KAYLA PRASEK
A
As we head into the summer months, many of the fash-
ion trends that were popular during the spring will con-
tinue to be fashionable. So dont worry about buying a
whole new wardrobe, as your maxi skirts, boxy tops and
lightweight jackets are all still trendy.
Summer shoes, on the other hand, are always a welcome
addition to any fashionistas closet, so lets look at some of
the top shoe trends for summer 2014.
One of the major trends this summer is the mid-heel
shoe. These are generally a one- to two-inch heel, but the
current trends arent your average pump. When looking for
a new mid-heel, look for different textures, color blocking
or open-toe booties. The mid-heel is perfect for work and
both day and night events.
001075785r1
Advertised Price!
We Beat
ANY
Owners Rick and Kelley Dahle
Great for
Camping!
SEASON SEASON
FREE
ASSEMBLY
DELIVERY
DISPOSAL
OF YOUR
OLD GRILL
Present this Coupon for a
$50
Gift Card
with Grill purchase of $499 & up
All Grills
on Sale!
Tnv Wn1vnvnoN1 Svvc:n::s1s
WnvN :1 comvs 1o v:Nu:No 1nv vvnvvc1 vnovvn1v,
mnxv scnv voc nnvv 1nv n:on1 nvn:1ons oN vocn s:uv.


CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS
001075643r1












Jane Vikse
CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS
Broker

/Owner
320.979.0632 (cell) n S w o t n w o D


JaLanny Rupp
CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS
Realtor
320.894.4512 (cell)
r e c i p n S 320.796.1000


JaLanny Rupp
Realtor
320.894.4512 (cell)
Kayla Prasek is a freelance writer for Live it! magazine
Another trend this summer in the footwear department is
colorful, artsy kitten heels. This style of pump usually has a
pointy toe. Whether it be a bright floral print, a gold bejew-
eled option or a bold sculptural shape, have fun with your kit-
ten heels but dont overdo it. Use this fun style to liven up an
outfit, not overpower.
On the opposite end of the spectrum
from the pretty pointy kitten heels are the
platform and block-heeled shoes. Block
heels and platforms are reminiscent of the
90s, but have been updated with color
blocking or textures. Block heels and
platforms are a bold choice and need to be
carefully paired with your outfit.
On the flat shoe side of the closet, one
of the top trends this summer is ankle
strap sandals. Ankle straps arent the easi-
est trend for everyone as they tend to shorten legs, but they
can instantly make any outfit edgy and fashionable. Ankle
strap sandals range from pretty gold gladiators to animal
prints and bold colors.
The colorful, artsy trend has also found a place on flat san-
dals. These are perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit
and can range anywhere from animal prints, color blocking,
chains, faux snakeskin, stripes and polka dots.
Loafers and tuxedo-style shoes have recently found a place
in womens closets and are making the transition to the sum-
mer months, as well. These casual but funky shoes give your
outfits a casually chic touch and may even add an element of
surprise to an otherwise simple outfit. Loafers come in funky
and cool patterns and colors, while the biggest trend for
tuxedo-style shoes is metallic colors.
Finally, pointy flats are back. You can still wear your
beloved round ballerina flats, but if you want to add an ele-
ment of hip and current to your outfit, opt for a pointy op-
tion. For the summer, look for pointy flats in brightly-colored
textures, floral prints, stripes and color blocked leather.
Summer is the time to have fun with fashion, but dont for-
get about your feet. A fun shoe can take any outfit from bor-
ing to fashionable instantly.
INTRODUCING PANDORA'S NEW SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION.
411 Ltched Ave. SW - Wmur
320.235.5267 - Mon-Sut 9-5 - Thu 9-6
emqustemqusteveers.com Like us on Facebook
Wild Hare Floral
& Garden Center
320-847-2411
Hwy 23 & Co. Rd. 2
Clara City, MN 56222
320-847-2411
16 Live it! Magazine
Repurposed items can
become conversation piece
BY ASHLEY WHITE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RON ADAMS & VAL AKERSON
S
Some people consider a garden
to be a work of art on its own.
But for people like Val Akerson,
owner of Vals Garden Creations
in Willmar, even the most beauti-
ful flowers can always use a little
extra embellishment.
Val creates garden art, an in-
creasingly popular form of art-
work designed specifically for
gardens and outdoor spaces. This
type of art can include sculptures,
wind chimes, fountains and more.
Live it! Magazine 17
Ashley White is a freelance writer for Live it! magazine
An avid thrift shopper, Val makes all of her garden art from
repurposed and recycled materials. She regularly
scours garage sales for items that might prove
useful anything from plates to vases to lamps.
I go to every garage sale I can, Val said.
There are so many things that can be reused. It
just means looking at an old piece and trying to fig-
ure out what you can do to make it fun instead of
throwing it in the garbage.
Once, Val made a farming-themed piece from a John
Deere cookie jar she found at a sale and a planter she
already owned. She then attached some mini corncobs
and pitchforks to continue the agricultural theme.
Im really proud of that piece, Val said. I could
have sold it 40 times over.
Like the John Deere piece, most of Vals garden art fol-
lows a theme. One of her favorite themes is wildlife.
Much of her work includes animals such as fish, bears
and dogs. She also finishes each piece with extra
adornments.
I like to embellish my art with pine trees and
birds and pine cones, to make it a little earthy,
Val says. If I do a frog, I have to add a bug or
maybe lily pads to it. It gives it life and charac-
ter.
Val started making this type of art four years
ago as Christmas presents for her co-workers.
Now retired, she has started to create more of
these pieces and hopes to sell them at events and
sales around the Willmar area.
Im a crafty person, but I had never done any-
thing like this before, she said. Its been a lot of
experimenting and learning as I go.
All of Vals pieces are waterproof and built to last
outdoors, even in the unpredictable Minnesota sum-
mers. Some people, however, choose to display her
pieces inside, which is perfectly fine, she said.
Some people say theyre too nice to put in a gar-
den, she said. If people are concerned about rain or
wind, I have stakes that I give them.
While the artwork can brighten an interior area, they
really shine when placed outside. Each piece is one-of-a-
kind and meant to bring enjoyment to both the gar-
dener and passersby.
If people are putting them in their garden or
patio, I think its a conversation piece, Val said.
Its something that nobody else will have in
their garden.
For more information on Vals Garden Creations,
call Val at 320-894-7082.
It gives it life and character.
Come See Our
New Showroom!
Come See Our
New Showroom!
Come See Our
New Showroom!
Come See Our
New Showroom!
001076728r1
320.222.3993
10TH NW 100
320.222.3993
WILLMAR | T TREE S 10TH WILLMAR
At Stacys Nursery & Floral in Willmar, garden art in
all of its forms from stakes to obelisks to large cement
statues is a big seller in the spring and summer
months.
Gardening art is always popular, especially during
cold, wet springs, Angela Fladeboe Doyle, manager
and horticulturist at Stacys, said earlier this spring.
People cant put flowers out yet but are anxious to get
into the garden, so we are noticing a lot of people in the
nursery right now buying garden art.
Not sure which type of garden art would look best in
your outdoor space? Here, Angela breaks down several
types of art and how each type can be used most effec-
tively.
Garden stakes
If youre looking for color and
movement in your garden, stakes
may be the way to go.
This year we are seeing a lot of
movement: garden stakes that
spin, twirl and dance in the wind,
Angela said. Considering in our
lovely state we always have wind,
these stakes are always moving.
These stakes come in every color
of the rainbow and can be large or
small.
Obelisks
For a more natural-looking piece, try the classic
obelisk.
Obelisks come in
heights as tall as 75
inches or as short as
24 inches, Angela
said. These pieces
have been around for years, but
have recently seen an upswing in popularity.
They add a lot of interest to a garden, plus being
able to grow something on them is always fun, Angela
said.
Metal sculptures
Metal sculptures, which can include anything from
baskets to benches to trellises, are a no-fail option.
People just love adding a little surprise to the garden
or landscape, Angela said.
Metal sculptures also work in a contemporary or rus-
tic setting. In particular, large metal stakes that resem-
ble daisies and tulips can bring a touch of whimsy to a
traditional garden.
They add a fun height to a garden, Angela said.
Cement statues
Like the obelisk, a cement statue adds a classic, tradi-
tional feel to any outdoor space.
A small statue can be tucked next to a plant or a bed
of flowers, while a larger statue can make a statement
all on its own.
For many people, a statue in the garden can symbol-
ize something much greater than a piece of artwork.
A large angel in the front and center of a garden
often symbolizes a lost loved one, Angela said.
18 Live it! Magazine
Types of garden art
File photos by Dennis Benson
320-354-4480
2550 MN HWY. 9 NE, New London
M,T,W,F, 9-5:30 pm, Th. 9-7pm, Sat. 9-5pm.,
Sun. 11-3
threesistersfurnishings.com
001074915r1 001074915r1
Find us on
Facebook
The Lakes Area Custom Furniture, Decor & Gift Destination!
Pick yours up today!
13 Colors
NEW - Aqua & Orange
MAINTENANCE FREE
PATIO FURNITURE
AMISH MADE FURNITURE
BEAUTIFUL HOME DECOR
UNIQUE GIFTS
CHILDRENS
PATIO FURNITURE
MEATS/CHEESES/PANTRY
MN SOUVENIRS
AND MUCH MORE!
BY ANNICE SEVETT
The arrival of summer often brings an explo-
sion of reading due to an increase in leisure
time. For some, this means finding new summer
reads or catching up on old favorites.
For those who continue to have busy schedules,
there is a new way to relive your old favorites in
graphic novel adaptations. The popularity of
graphic novels has exploded in recent years, leading
to many popular books being adapted into this excit-
ing format. Whether you want to relive your favorite
books in a day, share these stories with someone who
may not read the original or just try a new format for
reading, graphic novels might be the choice for you.
Game of Thrones is all the
rave these days, from the books to
the HBO series. Dont have time to
read the entire book? Try A Game
of Thrones: The Graphic Novel
adapted by Daniel Abraham and il-
lustrated by Tommy Patterson. Sep-
arated into volumes, this graphic
novel uses intricate illustrations to
translate the action-filled
Game of Thrones plot into
a much shorter graphic novel
format. For true fans, dont worry, George R.R. Mar-
tin approves how his characters look before the is-
sues are published.
Along the same lines is The Hobbit: An Illustrated
Edition of the Fantasy Classic. A classic series for al-
most everyone, this adaptation makes the story come
alive. Great for those wanting a shorter way to enjoy
this story, one must keep in mind the limitations of the
graphic novel format, most notably the length. The story
is abridged for sake of length and real hobbit fans may be
disappointed. Heavy on the dialogue, pick
up this adaptation to relive the major parts
of this story.
Loved the Dragon Tattoo series but the
movies didnt satisfy your imagination?
Pick up The Girl with the Dragon Tat-
too graphic novel, adapted by Denise
Mina. Published in two volumes, the first
book of this trilogy explores the complicated story of an
investigation by Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander.
- Read it! -
Change up your summer reading habits
Give graphic novel adaptations a try
Live it! Magazine 19
Given the nature of the original story, this adaptation
misses a lot of the back story presented by Stieg Larsson
and can be quite violent in nature. If you are a true fan of
the original series and movies, this is a must and a good way
to jog your memory about the story. The last two books will
be adapted into this format as well.
If science fiction and mystery arent your genres, fret not.
The modern classic The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel
may be for you. Prefaced with a note from Paulo Coelho, the
original author, the story focuses on Santiago, a shepherd
boy, who goes in search of a treasure but discovers more
about himself during the journey. This adaptation by Derek
Ruiz stays true to the original story and, while some is left
out for the sake of length, the visuals enhance the story and
the original themes Coelho explored in the book.
If these suggestions arent your cup of tea, there are many
more graphic novel adaptations to explore. Many classics
have been written in this format for children and, while
these do a great job introducing younger generations to
classic stories, adults familiar with the full version will
enjoy them also. If these dont peak your interest, library
staff are more than willing to help you find your next great
read, graphic novel or otherwise.
Annice Sevett is Adult Services Librarian at the Willmar Public
Library. For more information on these, and hundreds of other ti-
tles, swing by the Willmar Public Library. The librarians are there to
help you find your new favorite author. Check out the librarys blog
at turningpages.areavoices.com.
Haircuts at a very
comfortable price.
A Great Haircut. Guaranteed ITS GONNA BE GREAT.
Mon. - Fri. 9am - 9pm Sat. 9am - 6pm Sun. 10am - 4pm
Shoppes of Willmar (Next to Best Buy)
2323 1st Street - Suite 101
320-231-2040
Hutchinson, 1310 Hwy 15 S
320-234-3458
Droid iPhone
0
0
1
0
7
4
0
0
8
r
1
Party On The Bridge!
River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center
venue NE, New London, MN 6401 161st A
River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center
venue NE, New London, MN
River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center River Country Event Center
venue NE, New London, MN
en & Kay Johnson K
ties ar Small to Large P
vailable Catering A Catering Available
ountain in the River F
Live Music
ties ar Bluegrass P
vailable Hayrides A
Can Accommodate up to
250 people
Call 320-212-1500 or
320-796-2662
vations or information! for reser
Let us
plan your event!
0
0
1
0
5
8
2
0
3
r
1
Call 320-212-1500 or
vations or information!
Live it! Magazine 21
BY AMY ERICKSON
Oh I dont lift weights I only do cardio. Lifting
weights makes women look bulky.
How many times have you heard that while at the gym?
The truth is that statement is not true at all. In fact, lift-
ing weights has many benefits for men and women. It is
nearly impossible for the average woman to get bulky
from adding weights to their workout program.
It will, however, have a lot of positive benefits.
Did you know that muscle actually burns fat? Thats
right the more muscle you gain, the more fat you burn.
As women, we actually begin losing our muscle mass as
we age. This is another reason why it is a great idea to add
weights to your workout regimen. You need to lift weights
in order to maintain the muscle that you currently have.
Not to mention, it will greatly increase your metabolism.
Lifting weights will kick start your metabolism and it
will keep you burning calories a couple hours after your
workout as well.
What will lifting weight help with?
Lifting weights will help you tighten and tone your
body. Have you ever had a pair of skinny jeans that you
want to fit into? Your first thought may be that you
should head to the gym and spend countless hours on the
treadmill to get rid of those extra few pounds, right?
Wrong!
Yes, it may work over time, but you are much better off
hitting the gym, picking up that barbell, and strengthen-
ing and toning those muscles. One pound of fat takes up
much more space than one pound of muscle. It is true that
muscle weighs more than fat, but what would you want all
over your body? Something that is bulky, like body fat, or
something that is lean and takes up less space, like mus-
cle?
Dont let the scale fool you. Although it is a somewhat
accurate way of seeing where you are at it cannot tell
your muscle to fat ratio.
What are you gaining from lifting?
A lot of women get discouraged when they start a
weight-training program because they see the number go
up on the scale and think that it is a terrible thing.
No. It isnt.
You are gaining muscle and your body will thank you
for it. A great way to see if you are on track is to take
measurements of your body before you start your new
weight-training program, and track your progress this
way. Think it takes too much time and effort to take all
those measurements? Simple! Just go by how your clothes
fit, and how you feel. Lifting weights is a great way to
boost your confidence.
As if there arent enough benefits listed already, another
great perk of lifting weights is that you can do it anytime,
anywhere. Dont fool yourself into thinking that you need
to have weights in order to work out. Your own body
weight works as great resistance. You can squat, pushup,
sit-up, lunge, plank and dip your way to a new you with-
out using anything but your own body weight. How neat
is that?
If you do better in a group exercise scene, check out one
of the local fitness facilities in your area or get a group of
individuals together and go through a work-out routine.
P.S. Bodypump class is coming to the area;
check it out!
Amy Erickson is the Health and Wellness Coordinator at the
Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA in Willmar; 320-222-9622;
fitness@kandiymca.org; www.kandiymca.org
- Fitness & Health -
The wonder of lifting for women
22 Live it! Magazine
BY
MICHELLE
GAUER
I
t
!
Summer
capture with salads
W
When summer is at its peak, a simple salad can be mag-
ical. Salads are so versatile with unlimited ingredient and
flavor choices. As we roll into summer its easy to turn a
salad into a complete meal just by adding a source of pro-
tein.
Salads are a great way to use leftover BBQ meat, steak,
tuna, salami, turkey, chicken, shrimp, crab, fish, hard
boiled eggs or lunchmeat. If you want to keep it meatless,
open up a can of beans kidney, cannellini, garbanzo,
pinto or black beans.
It doesnt need to be leafy and green to be called a salad.
Try a creamy pesto-based salad with tortellini, peppers
and black olives, or a Mediterranean with fresh chunky
vegetables, cucumbers, peppers and parmesan cheese.
Sweet salads are a special treat, too, with strawberries,
raspberries or blueberries topped with poppy seed dress-
ing, sweet onion, a dash of balsamic vinegar and finished
off with candied nuts. Grains like quinoa, farro, bulgur,
brown and wild rice add a new dimension to fantastic
summer salads that are chewy and nutty.
Try some of these tempting toppings in your next
salad:
cherry or grape tomatoes
olives, banana or jalapeno peppers
feta cheese, blue cheese, pepper jack cheese or queso
cheese
corn kernels, green cut beans, asparagus, carrots, avo-
cado, zucchini or any canned beans
French fried onions, craisins, raisins, dried cherries,
sun dried tomato
roasted walnuts, pecans or pine nuts candied nuts
grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries,
peaches, pineapple
Dont be afraid to mix sweet with savory. Also, garnish
your salad with some of the ingredients in your salad,
such as black olives, basil or spinach leaves, parsley,
strawberry slices, red or green bell pepper slices. Many
salads are also delicious on a croissant or bed of lettuce.
Create, garnish, enjoy and capture It! with summer
salads.
Elegant Chicken-Grape Salad
with Candied Almonds
By Michelle L. Gauer
Serving size: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
1 (10.75 ounce) can premium white chicken, or leftover
chicken or turkey
1/8 cup olive oil mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ranch salad dressing (I use Hidden Valley)
1 tablespoon sweet onion, chopped fine
1 tablespoon celery, chopped fine
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
3/4 cup red grapes, seedless, cut in half
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 tablespoon brown sugar
In a medium bowl use a fork to shred the chicken. Add the
mayonnaise, ranch dressing, onion, celery, pepper, salt and sugar.
Mix well. Fold in the grapes, reserving 6 grape halves for garnish-
ing. Refrigerate.
In a small heavy frying pan melt 2 teaspoons butter on
medium heat. Add the almonds and brown sugar. Stir constantly
over medium heat being careful not to burn. When
candied/brown (approximately 2 minutes) remove from heat and
turn out onto waxed paper or foil to cool. Break apart.
Stir in all but 1 tablespoon of the candied almonds into the
chicken mixture before serving. Serve on a lettuce leaf or crois-
sant. Garnish with the remaining candied almonds and grape
halves.
Notes: Entered in Pillsbury Million Dollar Bake-Off 2009. I also make
just the filling for crescents or serve on a leaf of lettuce. Great for graduations or
shower luncheons.
Cucumber, Tomato, Feta,
Turkey Salad
By Michelle L. Gauer
Serving size: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes Total time: 20 minutes
6 cups coarsely chopped English hothouse cucumbers (about 2
pounds)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half, save three for garnish
1 bunch scallions, sliced thin
1 cup assorted pitted olives (such as Kalamata or Gaeta)
1 (17-ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled, divided
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves, save two leaves for garnish
2 cups turkey or chicken breast, cut into 1 inch by -inch strips
Dressing: (or use Zesty Italian Dressing, 1/3 cup)
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese, if desired
In a large bowl gently toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, olives,
half of the feta and the chopped basil. Set aside.
In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season
to taste with the salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over salad; toss to
coat. (If you prefer use the Zesty Italian bottled dressing.) Sprinkle re-
maining half of feta over the top, garnish with two basil leaves and
three cherry or grape tomatoes. Sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese
if desired. Serve immediately. To make a day in advance wait to add the
dressing until just before serving.
Notes: This salad is also good with grated carrots. You can make with or without
the meat.
Tortellini-Veggie Pesto Salad
By Michelle L. Gauer; adapted from Jody Ammerman
Serving size: 10
Preparation time: 30 minutes Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
2 (9 ounce) packages fresh or frozen 3-cheese spinach or tri-color
tortellini
1 cup red bell pepper, cut into -inch pieces, cut 3 full slices for gar-
nish
1 cup fresh broccoli florets, cut in half
3/4 cup fresh small carrots, cut into -inch coins
1 (5.5 ounce) can ripe black pitted olives, drained and sliced, keep 3
full olives for garnish
Dressing:
1 cup olive oil mayonnaise
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Prepare tortellini according to package directions (Do not overcook.)
Rinse with cool water. Toss very lightly with a little olive oil to prevent
sticking together, if desired. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine the red pepper, broccoli, carrots, olives and
cooked tortellini. Gently toss to mix. Set aside.
In a medium bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients. Fold the
dressing into the tortellini mixture until coated.
Garnish with 3 slices of red pepper and three black olives. For best
flavor cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Notes: Wonderful salad for ladies lunch, bridal shower, Italian-themed party or
graduations.
Peppercorn Spinach-Cranberry Pasta Salad
By Michelle L. Gauer; adapted from Jody Ammerman
Serving size: 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
1 (12 oz.) package bow tie pasta, cooked according to package
4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, torn, keep 3 whole leaves for
garnish
Dressing:
3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
3/4 cup onion, chopped fine
1 cups dried cranberries (Craisins)
1 cups olive oil mayonnaise
1 cups peppercorn dressing (I use Hidden Valley or
Merzetti)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
In a large bowl, combine the dressing in-
gredients and the cooked pasta. Gently toss
together to coat. DO NOT add the
spinach yet.
Refrigerate for a couple hours or best if
overnight for the best flavor. Just before
serving add the torn spinach and toss to
coat. Add a little more salad dressing if you
would like.
Wonderful on a bed of lettuce or gar-
nished in a big bowl. To garnish place 3
spinach leaves together at the stems and
place the dried cranberries at the base of
the stems.
24 Live it! Magazine
BY RON SKJONG
Have you ever really looked at a blade of grass? Do you re-
ally see your spouse, your friend, that tree or the sky?
Have you ever really looked at the variety and vibrancy of
the color of life surrounding you?
I expect some of us would answer these questions with a re-
sounding Yes, of course! Yet, some of us would reply: Are
you kidding? I am too busy!
May I suggest something for all of us?
Remember the phrase the eyes are the window to the
soul?
OK, I can hear your thoughts: Oh Lord, hes getting
philosophical on me. And, in a way, I am.
What I am suggesting is that we take time to really see
things around us because actually seeing something helps us
to slow down. At a slower pace, we can more completely and
satisfyingly enjoy the wonders of everything around us.
In my family, we used the phrase stop and smell the roses.
We all knew what that phrase meant but, darn, life got in
the way. There were chores to do, field work to complete,
homework to finish, sports to play, friends to talk with (and
flirt with) all things that were part of growing up.
Then, after high school, life got hectic. There was college to
attend, a stint in the military, the start of ones working life,
relationships to savor, marriage, children well, you get the
idea.
When can we possibly find the time to stop and smell the
roses much less take time to see?
I would suggest we slow down and take time now. We
northerners know our winters are long and hard and often
followed by cool, wet springs. We need to really enjoy our
summer by seeing it.
So lets take time now to see the colors that surround us
the glimmering green of the grass, the robust red of the roses,
the blazing blue of the sky and vibrant violet of the iris
flower. And now that you are going to slow down a bit
(right?), how about including some beautifully colored bever-
ages in your slower lifestyle?
Have you ever noticed the different colors of beer? From a
pale amber color to deep browns, beers can amaze you with
their beautiful and diverse colors. Place a light amber-colored
Miller High Life beside a rich, dark brown Irish Stout and
you can see the wonder of the brew masters artistry.
Then grab a medium brown Summit Saja IPA (my favorite)
and set it beside a nearly black Summit Great Northern
Porter amazing colors! First you see the beer and then
you taste the beer. The drinking of it becomes more of a com-
plete sensory experience.
The world of spirits gives us an abundance of colors. Sit
down and pour a shot of bourbon and compare it to a glass of
scotch or vodka and you will see colors range from deep
brown to pale amber to crystal clear. Enjoy the colors as you
look at that beautiful brown bourbon (Bulleit is my favorite)
and compare it to the light amber hue of Dewars White
Label Blended Scotch, or to the clearness of Reyka Icelandic
Vodka.
The colors tell you a story a story of what to expect of
them when you take that first sip.
In the world of wines, seeing the wine gives us the first clue
to where the wines grapes were grown. A dark red color
means a warmer climate, and white wines are usually grown
in a cooler climate. The color of wine crosses the spectrum
from a pale straw color to light reds and dark burgundy.
Lighter colored wines include Sauvignon Blanc (Blackstone
is a good choice) and Rieslings (Chateau St. Michelle is an ex-
cellent choice).
The lighter reds include Lillet (try this one, it is very satis-
fying) and White Zinfandel (Barefoot an easy drinking
wine).
The majestic reds include a Malbec (Catena is so drinkable)
or a Cabernet Sauvignon (Edna Valley is my favorite). And
lets not forget Minnesotas own developed and grown wines.
I recommend Clara Citys Hinterland Winerys Marquette
Reserve it is aged and absolutely delicious.
Whatever your choice of beverage, try to fully enjoy it by
seeing it first. I predict that what is pleasing to your eyes
will be pleasing to your taste buds, too. So, slow down and
see.
As always, eat and drink responsibly but laugh with reck-
less abandon.
Cheers!
Ron Skjong is a lay minister at the Church of St. Mary in Will-
mar, is married and has four grown children. During the time he
was stationed in Germany, he was introduced to the wonderful
world of German wines and from that introduction, a lifelong pur-
suit developed to find that perfect bottle of wine.
Slow down and see whats there
- Spirits -
BY CLAUDETTE LARSON, LICSW
This morning, I ran in the pouring rain from the house
to my car, jumped in the front seat, turned the key in the
ignition and guess what? I got nothing. Not exactly what a
person running late wants to experience on a Monday
morning.
Determined not to be a victim
of bad luck, I tried again, this
time pumping the gas sev-
eral times. I still got
nothing.
Sometimes life just
does that to you. Like
a big ol reminder
that you are not the
boss.
I like to say that
life happens.
Sometimes good
life happens and
sometimes not-so-
good life happens.
What is that saying:
When we make plans,
God laughs?
Dealing with things
outside of our control
is tough. These in-
clude most things
in life, really, when you
think about. This morning, my car was a very good exam-
ple for me. Yet, what is probably the hardest thing to deal
with for most of us are things happening outside of our
control involving the people we love.
Talk about draining and a true exercise in frustration.
We are fixers by nature and when we see something
broke, we know exactly what should be done to fix it. The
thing is, can we fix people?
We cant make people think, feel or behave the way we
would. Oh, we might try to persuade (convince), strongly
encourage (threaten) or help (manipulate) so things go the
way we think they should. Does it work most of the time?
No.
The truth is no matter how we try, we cannot control
anything outside of ourselves. Its completely useless to
believe that we can. The only thing we can control is how
we react and how much power we give to situations and
people outside of our control.
All of the energy spent persuading, strongly encourag-
ing, helping or even wringing our hands with anxiety does
nothing but leave less energy for us to invest in the things
in life we can control.
When you are faced with difficulty outside of your con-
trol, allow yourself to feel the emotions that come to
you because of it. Tell yourself that the emotions
you feel are okay in this moment because you
are human and you care.
Remind yourself that you cannot control
the outcome but that you have a choice in
how much you let it affect you and your
behavior.
Give your wishes up to the universe
for what you would like to have hap-
pen like a balloon youve let go so it
can float up to the clouds. Then im-
mediately distract yourself with some-
thing you can busy your mind with.
And if you feel yourself coming back
to that hamster wheel in your mind,
agree to let that poor hamster out and
start this process all over again until your
acceptance finally takes hold and you put
that energy into what you know best:
yourself.
Claudette Larson of New London is a li-
censed independent clinical social worker
with 15 years of experience helping individu-
als, couples and families work on personal growth and positive
real-life solutions.
Live it! Magazine 25
M
A
R
K
E
T
P
L
A
C
E
Reconnect
A gathering place for small, intimate groups to spend quality time:
Crafting Reconnecting with family & friends
Gathering of all kinds to relax the heart & soul!
241 Central Ave. So., Brooten, MN
320.424.0232 www.theRedHenHouse.com

Fully equipped kitchen & dining area

Common area for enjoying time together

Sleeping accommodations for 8

Two full baths

Large work area

Retreat
Relax
Rejuvenate
- Life Happens -
Some things we cannot control
Paynesville
June 7-12
Town and Country Days, grand parade Wednes-
day.
Montevideo
June 8-15
Fiesta Days, grand day parade Sunday.
Renville
June 11-15
Sugar Beet Days, grand parade Saturday.
Bird Island
June 11-15
Island Days, regatta parade Saturday.
Kandiyohi
June 13-14
Kandi Is Dandy Days, grand parade Saturday.
Willmar
June 17-21
Willmar Fests, grand day parade Saturday.
Granite Falls
June 18-21
Western Fest, grand parade Saturday.
Atwater
June 18-22
Festival Days, grand parade Saturday.
Dawson
June 26-29
Riverfest, grand parade Sunday.
Maynard
June 29-July 4
Fourth of July, parade at 11 a.m. and fireworks at
dusk on Friday.
Madison
June 30-July 4
Summerfest, parade Friday with fireworks at dusk.
Prairies Edge Casino
July 3
Family Fun Night, begins at 6 p.m. with food,
music and fireworks show at dusk.
Prinsburg
July 3-4
Fourth of July, kiddie parade at 6 p.m. followed by
main parade.
Spicer
July 3-6
Independence Day Celebration, grand parade
10a.m. Friday with fireworks at dusk.
Starbuck
July 3-6
Heritage Days, grand parade Saturday.
Danube
July 9-13
Fun Days, grand parade Saturday.
Clara City
July 11-12
Prairie Fest Days, grand parade Saturday.
Litchfield
July 11-13
Watercade, grand parade Saturday.
Brooten
July 11-13
Bonanza Valley Days, grand parade Sunday.
Blomkest
July 12
Appreciation Day
New London
July 18-20
Water Days, grand parade Saturday.
Sacred Heart
July 18-20
Summer Fest, parade Friday.
Cosmos
July 18-20
46th Space Festival, parade Sunday.
Benson
July 19-20
Kid Day Celebration, parade Saturday.
Glenwood
July 22-27
Waterama, lighted pontoon parade at dusk Satur-
day, parade Sunday.
Olivia
July 24-27
Corn Capital Days, grand parade Saturday.
Kerkhoven
July 25-27
Town and Country Days, parade Saturday.
Pennock
Aug. 1-2
Pennock Fun Days, parade Saturday.
Lake Lillian
Aug. 1-3
Fun Days, grand parade Saturday.
New London
Aug. 6-9
28th annual New London to New Brighton An-
tique Car Run Saturday features cars from 1915 and
earlier; country tours Wednesday, Thursday and Fri-
day leaving from New London daily; run to New
Brighton on Saturday.
Starbuck
Aug. 8-9
Dragon Boat Racing, co-ed races on Lake Min-
newaska; boats provided.
Belgrade
Aug. 9-10
Augustfest, grand parade Saturday.
Grove City
Aug. 14-17
AugustFest
Forest City
Aug. 16-17
Stockade Rendezvous, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Raymond
Aug. 23
Harvest Fest, parade Saturday.
i
t
!
out
?
Check
Whats happenin
June - July - August 2014
26 Live it! Magazine
Live it! Magazine 27
Music concerts
and more
Jazz-N-Java
Every Thursday
Willmar, 6 to 6:45 p.m., Jazz N-Java; 913
Business 71 N.; free music concert by dif-
ferent individuals and groups, followed by
sing-along with house band.
Glacial Ridge Winery
Every Thursday
Spicer, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Glacial Ridge
Winery, state Highway 23 between New
London and Spicer; free music concert by
different individuals and groups.
Hinterland Vineyards
Every Friday
Clara City, 7 to 9 p.m., Hinterland Vine-
yards and Winery, 3060 120th Ave. S.E.; free
music concert by different individuals and
groups; no concert July 4.
Pioneerland Band Festival
June 14
Benson, 6:30 p.m.; 27th annual Flag Day
parade with 15 high school marching bands.
Prairie Winds Band
June and July
Willmar, 7:30 p.m., Rice Park, Kandiyohi
Ave. and Second St. S.W., June 11, 18 and
25, July 2 and 9; free concert by community
band.
Music in the Park
July and August
Spicer, 4 to 6 p.m., City Park Deck, July
13, 20 and 27, Aug. 3, 10 and 17; free con-
cert by various groups.
Dance
Summer Dances
June 22, July 13
Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., Lakeside Ball-
room; summer dances open to all, music by
Myron Sommerfeld on June 22; Velvet
Brass on July 13.
Polka Fest
July 4-6
Bird Island, Island Ballroom; 28 hours of
dancing on large wooden dance floor; 320-
365-9997.
Wacipi
Aug. 1-3
Granite Falls, Upper Sioux Community;
Pezihutazizi Oyate Traditional Wacipi,
warm-up dances 7 p.m. Friday; grand en-
tries at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.
Sunday.
Arts/Drama
Studio Hop
June 13-14
Local artists will have their studios open 3
to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Satur-
day in the Willmar, Spicer and New London
areas; www.studiohop.org.
The Laramie Project
June 5, 19 and 26
Willmar, 5 and 8 p.m. June 5, 5:30 p.m.
June 19 and 26, 414 Becker Ave; local pro-
duction of The Laramie Project about the
Matthew Shepard murder/hate crime in
1998 in Laramie, Wyoming; free, rated R.
Gypsy
June 16-17, 19-24, 26-28
Willmar, 7:30 p.m., 1 p.m. Sunday, The
Barn Theatre; 321 Fourth St. S.W.; per-
formances of the musical Gypsy; 320-
235-9500.
Misc.
Little Crow Water Ski Show
May, June and July
New London, 7:30 p.m., Neer Park, May
30, June 6, 13, 20, 27 and July 4, 5, 11 and
18; 320-354-5684.
August
New London, 7 p.m., Neer Park, Aug. 1,
2, 15, 22 and 29; 320-354-5684.
Becker Market
Every Thursday
Willmar, 2 to 5:30 p.m., June through
September, 414 Becker Square parking lot
between Fourth and Fifth streets down-
town; experience Willmars multicultural
flavor in an outdoor atmosphere of farmers,
growers, producers, artisans and entertain-
ment.
Garden Tour
June 24
Atwater area, 4 to 8 p.m., Kandiyohi
County Horticultural Society annual open
house garden tour in the Atwater area, free.
To list your fall event email liveit@wctrib.com



320-231-2513
Skylark Center, 1604 1st St. - Willmar
www.chiropractorwillmar.com
Dr. Thomas C.
Linden, D.C.
Certied
Decompression
Therapist
Dr. Thomas Linden D.C. has developed
a treatment program featuring
Non-Surgical Spinal
Decompression Therapy
that has helped hundreds
of patients with lower back
pain and sciatica!
To Determine If You Are A Candidate For This Amazing Procedure
Call Dr. Lindens ofce at 320-231-2513 and schedule a FREE Initial Consultation.












































































































































































































Live it! Magazine 29
Just Sew Studio
4124 W. Division, Suite #2 St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-654-1580 Justsewstudiomn.com
FREE Classes, Extended Warranty, Financing Available (*oac)
New Sewing Machines start at $229
Certied in-house technicians - we repair all brands!
Sewing, Quilting and Machine Embroidery - youll do your best on a PFAFF!
F
0
0
1
0
7
7
9
3
5
r
1
*on approved credit.
Get
Celebrate the journey
of pregnancy with a diamond from
the Juno Lucina collection, available
at Riddles Jewelry in the Kandi Mall,
Willmar.
320.235.2053
1605 1st St. S., Willmar
www.riddlesjewelry.com
Riddles
Sharper, richer, livelier
than ever! Four times
the resolution of full HD.
In Willmar exclusively at
Cullens Home Center.
320.214.9784
S. Hwy. 71, Willmar
cullenshomecenter.com
Cullens Home Center
Kicking off the summer season 2014
just $50! Buy a pass, reserve seats
now & save more than 15% on a
single ticket. Come watch Gypsy
June 16,17, 19-24, 26-28, 2014.
The Barn Theatre
320.235.9500
321 4th St. SW, Willmar
www.TheBarnTheatre.com
i
t
!
Publication of the West Central Tribune
Cant Live without it!
The most versatile cooking
device ever! Is it a grill, an oven
or a smoker?Yes. Widely acclaimed
as the original American-designed
ceramic cooker, the Big Green Egg
is often copied, never matched. The
Ultimate cooking experience.
320.214.9784
S. Hwy. 71, Willmar
cullenshomecenter.com
Cullens Home Center
320.235.2053
1605 1st St. S., Willmar
www.riddlesjewelry.com
Riddles
Modern romance meets classic elegance
with the Riddles Jewelry signature Amarra
Diamond! Find your style at our store
in the Kandi Mall, Willmar.
Let our trusted therapists get you back to the things & people that matter the most.
Call us today for more information about
our short-term stay therapy program.
320.214.5643 | www.bethesdawillmar.com
901 Willmar Ave. SE, Willmar, MN 56201
GET BACK IN THE GAME.