Silk - A magazine for women

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Table of ContentsEditor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Stacy D. Shelton, Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Food For Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Unusual Collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Gameday Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Life Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

A Woman of Substance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Makeover Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Ask A Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Covered In Silk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-39

Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Aaron Wright Gray, Editor

[email protected] • 366-3533

Cathy Hanselman, Advertising Executive

[email protected] • 366-3563

Nanette Light, Writer

Michael Kinney, Writer

Patricia Moore Harvey, Writer

Kyle Phillips, Photographer

Jerry Laizure, Photographer

Marise Boehs, Designer

Jason Clarke, Webmaster

Saundra Morris, Advertising Director

Silk is a publication of The Norman Transcript

with offices at 215 E. Comanche, Norman, OK 73069

Cover Photo by Shevaun Williams

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Hello beautiful SILK readers,

This one is for the survivors, and those in the fight oftheir lives.

It’s that time of year when the pink ribbons start com-ing out in full blast: Breast Cancer Awareness Month.In this issue, we spoke to a local author and breast can-cer survivor who penned a book about her experiencesas she battled the disease (among other health disas-ters) and took hold of her life.

Reading about that period in her life brought backmemories for me. My mom was diagnosed with breastcancer during my junior year of high school. I later did aresearch paper on breast cancer and realized that mymother had none of the typical risk factors leading to the disease. She is a petite lady who doesn’t smoke or drink.She nursed children before she was 30 and consumed a relatively healthy diet.

Cancer seemed to come out of nowhere. One year she was fine. The following year, she had to cancel hermammogram and forgot to reschedule. The next year, by the time she was diagnosed, her cancer had reached thedangerous stage 4 level.

She underwent chemotherapy, radiation and a partial mastectomy. She moved away to Houston for a while fortreatment. It was a rough year for me: I can’t even begin to understand what it was like for her. But about a yearafter her diagnosis, she was declared cancer free. Nearly 7 years later, she remains so.

When I look back, I wish that there was more I could have done to be helpful or supportive. I especially felt thisway after reading Stacy Shelton’s book. She focuses much on her family during the book, especially her teenagedaughter and husband, and their reactions to her battles.

But my mom, even at her weakest, continued to make being a loving, supportive mother a priority. I’ll never for-get the sacrifices she made to be there for what could have been a pivotal moment of my high school career.

My senior year, I was nominated for homecoming queen. I was one of three girls on the court. The night of thegame, as I was walking to take my place on the field, I caught site of my family in the stands and much to my sur-prise, my mom among them, wrapped in blankets, with a hat covering her thinning hair, in a wheelchair.

She had come all the way from Houston to be there for me. I didn’t win the crown that night, but it didn’t matter. I took with me a much more precious memory, one of a

mother’s love.

Sincerely,Aaron Wright Gray

Wedding photos by Anna Lee.

Letter From The Editor


Just moments after beingdiagnosed with breast cancer, anew person appeared in StacyShelton’s life: Crazy Woman. Shelton compared the voice inher mind to the arguingdevil/angel characters thatoften appear as the conscienceof characters in cartoons.

“She was that devil onsteroids,” Shelton said.

So when Shelton decided towrite about her experiencebattling the disease, it onlyseemed obvious to include thislady who had been a part ofthe entire experience.

“I coudn’t have not includedcrazy woman. She was thereevery second of every day,”Shelton said. Since the bookhas published, Shelton said she’s had readers call her and tell herthat they’ve had a crazy woman in their lives and they battledissues as well.

Shelton is a Norman resident and writer who was first diag-nosed with breast cancer in 2006. The ordeal was mostly over in2009 when she had her last tattooing for her breast reconstruc-tion. Her book was also published in 2009.

She now lives life cancer-free. As she tried to move on and process what had happened to her

the past few years, she used writing as a coping mechanism. “It wasn’t a job for me. It really wasn’t. I worked on it a lot,”

she said. “It was one of those things fueled by passion.” Shelton said the honesty needed to accurately display what

happened to her was humbling and really made her examine theordeal.

“You have to be authentic,” she said, noting that included put-ting in the embarrassing moments. Otherwise, readers willknow you aren’t being authentic.

Although Shelton wrote the book for her, she also wrote thebook to help others going through cancer and the loved onescaring for them.

“You look at life completely different,” she said, speaking ofhow her lifeview changed after getting diagnosed. She hopes herbook helps people not feel alone and helps caregivers under-stand what there loved ones are going through.

Helping caregivers under-stand has really become a petproject of Shelton’s. Sincedefeating cancer, she hasbeen trying to develop semi-nars that offer advice on car-ing for those with cancer.

“I hope the book, morethan anything can help themwith that,” she said.

She has also visited schoolsand civic groups with hermessage, a list of dos anddon’ts for dealing with can-cer patients.

In addition to spreadingher message, Shelton isfocusing on just getting lifeback to normal and bringingwhat she learned with her asshe rebuilds.

I’m a 100 percent difference person that I was before cancer,she said.

For one, she eats completely different, conscious of what isgoing into her body. A former news reporter, she also finds her-self steering clear of the news, keeping the outside world fromweighing her down.

“I just do not let stress be a part of my life,” she said.Shelton has also continued writing, focusing on inspirationalstories. Right now, she’s working on a book called “The 10Things Mean Girls Don’t Want You to Know,” she said. She wasinspired to write this book after hearing about her friends’daughters being bullied at school.

She also operates Enlighten Press and EnlightenCommunications, companies she created to publish books andhandle public relations. She’s been running EnlightenCommunitication for about 10 years. Her book was publishedthrough Enlighten Press, which began in 2009.

Shelton’s’ book, “Me, the Crazy Woman, and Breast Cancer”($19.95, 302 pages) is available at stacyshelton.com,amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Full Circle bookstore inOklahoma City, Best of Books in Edmond, Barnes and Noble inNorman, Borders in Norman and Hastings in Norman.

Shelton will have a book signing at the Hastings in Normanfrom 4-6 p.m. Oct. 9.

Norman author pens book about breast cancer experiences

By Aaron Wright Gray




In my last column, I began the con-versation about real food. Anyone outthere do their homework? I suggestedgoing to the farmers market and select-ing and preparing an item you'd nevertried before. Maybe you discovered avegetable that your kids actually like!

So here’s one of my biggest beefs withfood magazines, cooking shows, or trendy cookbooks: you droolover the beautiful photos of the “easy” recipe and then get to theingredient list and realize that while the preparation may beeasy, the ingredients are difficult to find and expensive. I oftenhave people come to me who have been driving to every store intown looking for obscure lettuces or exotic vegetables. Wherethe heck do I get radicchio? You want to learn to cook and trynew recipes, so what to do?

My solution to this culinary conundrum is to reverse yourthinking. Start backward by choosing your ingredients first andthen researching a recipe based on what you have and what itaffordable at the moment. We are currently in the prime seasonfor local veggies and fruit: our local farmers are literally up tothe their eyeballs in tomatoes, okra, yellow squash, zucchini,etc.. Head down to your local farmers market or local grocer,and stock up on these summer essentials. The Ratatouille recipebelow is great for summer the ingredients are affordable. It’s also

ideal for leftovers since it can be served hot or cold and it freezesreally well. It also flexible. Don’t have zucchini? Use anothersummer squash instead or leave it out. No big deal. Here’s apoint I really want to make, unless you are doing some compli-cated baking, RECIPES ARE JUST GUIDELINES! Have funwith them. I promise you will not go to chef jail if you use redonions instead of yellow. Although Chef Jail sounds kind of fun,maybe the next bit hit for Food Network, eh?Ratatouille• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced• 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced• 1 small eggplant, cubed• 2 green bell peppers, coarsely chopped• 4 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped, or 2 cans (14.5 ounces each)diced tomatoes• 3 to 4 small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices• 1 teaspoon dried leaf basil• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano• 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyPrep:In a 4-quart Dutch oven or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.Add garlic and onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, about6 to 7 minutes. Add eggplant; stir until coated with oil. Add peppers;stir to combine. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionallyto keep vegetables from sticking.Add tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs; mix well. Cover and cook over lowheat about 15 minutes, or until eggplant is tender but not too soft.Recipe Source: http://southernfood.about.com/od/eggplantrecipes/r/bl00810c.htm

Cooking ‘part of eveyday life’ in this Italian kitchenBy Aaron Wright Gray • Photos by Kyle Phillips

Food For Thought

Anthony Compagni saw Normanas an ideal market to bring theconcept of a made-from-scratch,affordable gourmet kitchen. Heleft his post as executive chef inAspen, Colorado where he was incharge of four restaurants. Hepartnered with a few other people

to open Benvenuti’s Restaurant, where he serves as execu-tive chef, bringing patrons tastes such as carpaccio--thin-ly sliced beef tenderloin-- and hand-made pastas.

Compagni is adament when it comes to seeking thefreshest ingredients for his food. Most of the ingredientscome from local growers and grocers. The rest, basically,is organic. Compagni’s core menu consists of a variety ofpastas, appetizers and pizzas. The restaurant’s signaturesalad is composed of a port-poached pear, organicspinach, gorgonzola and candied walnuts in a walnutcider vinaigrette. In the appetizer category, the mussels,steamed in Sambuca, tomato and sage is not to be over-looked. The mussels are $12.

Every three months, Compagni puts his creative skills touse coming up with a chef ’s specialty menu, featuring sea-

sonal produce. In September, he will feature a ricotta gnudidish. Like little cream puff clouds, the bite-size gnudi pastaballs are made with organic sheep’s milk ricotta. Coveringthe gnudi is a piece of sage sautéed in brown butter.Covering the sage is a thin slice of prosciutto. This dish willrun about $21. Also premiering on the chef ’s menu inSeptember will be an Italian sausage ragu, made withhomemade Italian sausage. This dish will run about $17.

“Growing up Italian, everything you do is aboutfood,” Compagni said when speaking about his passionfor cooking. “It’s part of everyday life.”Benvenuti’s opened in 2005 and is located in the old

Interurban, 105W. Main St.Benvenuti’s isopen from 4:30p.m. to closeseven days aw e e k .Benvenuti’s alsooffers a Sundaybrunch from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

What’s for dinner?By Sara Ann Kaplan


www.silkthemagazine.com 11

unusual collectionsBy Aaron Wright Gray

Beverly Marks“You read those stories about

people who are hoarders. I’m onthe verge of it,” Beverly Markssaid as she made a list of the col-lections she currently has in herhouse. There’s the antique pat-tern glass, the PEZ dispensers,the Time magazine covers, thematch books, the little tapemeasures, the old chairs, thepaintings of ships and the RoyalCopenhagen Christmas plates,to name a few.

“I like everything,” Markssaid, shrugging as if in loss of anexplanation. “Everywhere you

look there’s a collection.”Marks keeps it all in balance, though, using the collections to

decorate and add character to her Norman home.A former antique shop owner, Marks said she has always been

a collector.She starts with the Time magazine covers as she works her way

through explaining the collections. The covers feature well-known celebrities from years past and depict historical events.

“I used to save every one of them,” she admitted, explaininghow she once wall-papered a hallway in her home with the mag-azine covers.

The paintings of ships are done by her brother-in-law. She saidshe was drawn to thesebecause her great-grand-father was an English seacaptain.

Her spoon collectionbegan when he obtainedthe one her aunt had wonwhen involved in thecurling club. The prizesused to be spoons.

Her tea cup collectionbegan with a customary gift from her home country. In Canada,when women get married, a cup and saucer shower is held forthem. Over time, she eventually inherited her grandmother’sand mother’s cups too.

Her most prized collection, though, would have to be her pat-terned glass collection. She started with salts, dishes that used tohold a family’s salt rations, due to their low expense and size.

“I started off with those because they’re easy to move and we

moved a lot,” Marks explained.She retained about 25 salts forher collection. She collects avariety of styles of patternedglass, including depression.Most of the pieces are clear.Colors are more expensive, shesaid.

Marks has given presentationson her glass collection towomen’s clubs and keeps adetailed list of the pieces andwhen they were purchased.

“I’ve had a lot of fun over theyears,” she said, noting that she

rarely buys new pieces these days.One collection that has never appealed to her is trinkets for

the tree.“I’ve never been a Christmas tree collector,” she noted.

Jan AstaniPrecious Moments figurines are

what float Jan Astani’s boat.She has a China cabinet in her

front entryway with the charmingchildren in various scenarios.

Her love of these figurines led tothe beginning of a new collection.“That kind of involved into col-

lecting bride and grooms,” Astanisaid.

It started with a few she got aswedding gifts. Then her husbandgot her one for her anniversary.

Word spread and these figurines

soared to top of the giftlist for Astani among herfamily and friends.

“There are no set regu-lations I have,” she said,noting the eclectic natureof her collection. “Thefunkier, the more fun.

Her most unique pieceis a 1959 replica of Kenand Barbie as a bride andgroom. She also likes onewhere the bride’s dress ismade from real lace, achange from the manyceramic ones she owns.

At this point, Astani fig-ures she owns approxi-mately 70-80 pieces. Her

collection has overgrown the cabinet and she has found spots forthem in places throughout her house.

Shannon SherrodShannon Sherrod

has a thing for bodyparts.

Baby heads in hercafé, Pink Elephant,and hands at herhome.

“I just all of a suddengot this hand thing,”she said, noting that hands of variousmaterials began to tickle her fancyabout four years ago.

Some pieces in her collection comefrom E-bay, others from local antiquestores. She’s also a fan of thrifting andfinding treasures.

Her favorite is a simple brass hand.Others in her collection are made ofwood, ceramic, metal, plastic and porcelain. There are some inthe shape of peace signs, others in modern slants and twists.Two hands are a set of bookends. Two others hold bath salts.Two others are a set of salt and pepper shakers.

Currently, she has about 50 hands and she’s running out ofspace.

“It’s kind of bizarre, really,” she said.

Marcy CordellMixed in among the other antiques in her store Roxy’s Funky

Art Boutique is Marcy Cordell’s camera collection.Twenty or more line the top shelf in the kitchen area.

She got her first camera from her grandpa. Another came from

a summer job.“I worked one sum-

mer as an apprentice toa painter,” she said.The two were workingon a store when shesaw a camera thatgrabbed her attention.

Then a collection was started.“Once word gets out to friends and family, things start show-

ing up,” she said.Twenty-five years later, she’s still a collector, although these

days she has a more refined eye.“I get a little more particular and choosy,” she said.

Lauren LackeyAnother local gal in the antique busi-

ness, Lauren Lackey, manager of Elusive,uses her collection as a fashion statementat local restaurants and clubs.

“I’ve always worn hats,” she said. Theywould come from garage sales or estatesales. But Lackey wasn’t scared to rockher 1930s feathered pieces. Neither wereher friends, who often borrow the hatsfor dressing up. One friend even bor-rowed some to use in wedding photos.

Over the years, Lackey has collected about 60 hats… that shedisplays. There are two moreplastic boxes full of hats sit-ting in her house.

Another collection Lackeyis proud to display is her ura-nium glass collection, alsoknown as Vaseline glass.

“I had seen it and didn’tknow what it was,” Lackeysaid. She learned about fiveyears ago, after her mombought the store Elusive. Anemployee started teachingher about the greenish/yel-lowish glass that glows underthe influence of blacklights.

Lackey just thought thatwas too cool to pass up,besides the fact that green

and yellow are her favorite colors.Her first piece was a Teaberry gum stand, a dish that used to

hold this brand of gum. She also has perfume bottles and evena newer one in the shape of an owl.

And, of course, she gets first pick of all the interesting piecesbrought into the store, adding to her collection as customerscome in.


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Rubbing offThese collectors have spurred other collectors in their families. Take Dick Marks, for example. He’s Beverly Marks husband.

One room in the couple’shome is dedicated to golf.Photos of various tourna-ments and tickets purchasedby the couple hang in frameson the wall.

“These are places that Bevand I have been for golf,” henoted. Golf figurines, a golfbedspread and even a end-

table made from a figurine of a golfer decorates the room.

Jan Astani’s 10-year-old son Thomasbegan collecting PEZ dispensers a coupleof years ago. Now, he boasts about 130 var-ious characters of PEZ. “I like the dispensers,” he said, adding thathe could do without the candy. Thomas picks the dispensers up at localstores when he finds one he likes. He haseverything from a Batman PEZ to trucksto characters from Shrek.

“I kind of always wanted to get Garfield,” he said about hisfuture goals.

Staff pick: Cathy’s collectionsSilk advertising executive Cathy Hanselman began her baby

doll head collection 15 years ago after seeing a double-sided babydoll head at an antique store. The doll caught her interest, butshe delayed purchasing. She thought about it, but by the timeshe made it back to the store, the two-sided head was gone. Itwas then that she began buying doll heads that caught her atten-tion.

“It’s my family,” she said she tells her friends. In addition to the dolls, which sit on shelves in her house atop

antique pottery which she also collects, Hanselman has a stash ofMadonnas, figurines of the virgin Mary, and other religious fig-urines such as saints. This collection started with a gift from afriend. Nine gargoyles, 11 Madonnas and three saints make up

the collection. She has stopped purchasing new items for thiscollection, but still proudly displays the pieces.

Her oldest collection is an assembly of designer costume jew-elry. The collection started about 29 years ago, with a gift fromthe same friend that spurred the Madonna collection.

“I probably have around 800 pieces of jewelry,” she said. Thecolors range from pinks, blues, yellows, greens and whites. Thecollection spans the years of the early 1900s to the 1960s. Shekeeps her pink collection displayed in an end table.

Other notable collections include her antique table cloth col-lection, her wrought-iron yard furniture collection and herantique tea towel collection.

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Hearty ChiliAdapted from Lindsay HodgesThis chili version features lean ground turkey in place of ground beef,cutting the about 70 percent of the calories and 70 percent of total fat.Seasonings and salsa give the chili flavor and have less sodium thancanned broth. Top chili with reduced fat cheese and sour cream.

Ingredients:1 pound ground turkey1 medium onion chopped1 tablespoon chili powder1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin2 cans (16 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained1 can (15 ounce) pinto beans, rinsed and drained1/2 cup prepared salsaSalt and Pepper for taste1/2 cup (2 ounces) fat-free shredded cheddar cheese3 tablespoons fat-free sour creamPreparation:Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey and onion; cookuntil turkey is browned and onion is tender. Drain fat. Place turkeymixture, chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, beans and salsa in a slowcooker; stir. Cover and cook on low for five to six hours, or until fla-vors are blended and chili is bubbly. Season with salt and pepper totaste. Serve with cheese and sour cream. Makes 4 1/2 cup servings.

Note: This recipe can also be cooked on stovetop. Make sure to add waterthroughout to avoid burning.

Gameday food done lightBy Nanette Light

On game day, healthy eating is intercepted, as grease and fat gain yards on most tailgaters’ menus.But this year, lighter fare is making a break away. Silk passes along some game day classics, minus the extra calories.

It’s a roundup of healthy, sideline fair that will score with more than your waistline.

Intensely Chocolate BrowniesAdapted from Cooking Light

Traditional brownies have about 250 calories and 10 grams of fat,according to Cooking Light magazine. Shave off 95 calories and 4.5grams of fat in this recipe by substituting water and cherry preservesfor some of the oil. The combination of unsweetened cocoa andsemisweet chocolate chips loads the brownie with antioxidants,while giving it a rich, dark taste.

Ingredients:Cooking spray3/4 cup all-purpose flour1 cup sugar3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa1 teaspoon baking powder3/4 teaspoon salt1/3 cup cherry preserves1/3 cup water5 tablespoons butter1 large egg, lightly beaten1 large egg white1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chipsPowdered sugar (optional)

Preparation:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square baking pan withparchment paper; coat with cooking spray. Weigh or lightly spoonflour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, 1cup sugar, unsweetened cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a largebowl; stir with a whisk. Combine cherry preserves, 1/3 cup water,and butter in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Add preserves mix-ture to flour mixture; stir well. Add egg and egg white; stir untilsmooth. Stir in semisweet chocolate chips. Scrape batter into pre-pared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a woodenpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool inpan on wire rack. Garnish with powdered sugar, if desired.

Loaded NachosAdapted from Cooking Light

Normally topped with heavily caloric cheeses, sourcream, fatty beef and refried beans, this nacho makeoverreduces the calories by 700 and the fat by 50.

This take on the infamous nacho — which features porktenderloin, reduced fat cheese and beans — outruns oth-ers in nutritional value, without sacrificing points fortaste.Top with low-calorie salsa.

Ingredients:Meat:1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed2 tablespoons olive oil, divided1/2 teaspoon salt, divided1/4 teaspoon black pepperCooking Spray2 tablespoons fresh lime juice1 teaspoon minced garlic

Beans:1 can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce2 tablespoons water2 teaspoons fresh lime juice1 teaspoon chili powder1/4 teaspoon salt2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained4 applewood-smoked bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Topping:1 1/2 cups chopped plum tomato1 cup diced avocado1/2 cup chopped jicama1/3 cup chopped onion

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice1 tablespoon olive oil1/4 teaspoon saltRemaining Ingredients:6 ounces sturdy tortilla chips (8 cups)1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded, reduced-fat Colby andMonterey Jack cheese blend1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

Preparation:Preheat oven to 500 degrees. For meat, rub pork with 1tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Placepork in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray.Bake at 500 degrees for 23 minutes or until a thermome-ter registers 160 degrees. Remove from pan; cool 10 min-utes. Shred pork with two forks to measure 2 cups; placein a small bowl. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon oil,remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons juice and gar-lic.

For beans, remove 2 chipotle chiles and 1 teaspoonadobo sauce from can; reserve remaining chiles and saucefor another use. Drop chiles through food chute withfood processor on; pulse three times or until coarselychopped. Add adobo sauce, water, and next four ingredi-ents (through beans); process 5 seconds or until smooth.Stir in bacon. Preheat broiler.

For topping, combine plum tomato and the next six ingre-dients (through 1/4 teaspoon salt); toss well to coat.

Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a large rimmedbaking sheet. Top evenly with bean mixture; top withmeat mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Broil 4 minutesor until cheese melts. Top evenly with topping, cilantroand jalapeno. Serve immediately.


17

QuesadillasAdapted from The Pioneer Woman

This recipe uses whole wheat tortillas in replace ofenriched flour ones. These quesadillas are filled with veg-etables for extra nutrition. And using olive oil instead ofbutter replaces “evil” fats with a heart-healthy fat.

2 whole red onions1 to 2 whole green and red peppers3 whole zucchini10 whole white mushrooms1 dash red wine3 tablespoons olive oil2 cups fat-free shredded Monterey Jack Cheese1 package whole wheat flour tortillas

Preparation:

Thinly slice the red onions, bell peppers, zucchini (on thediagonal) and the mushrooms. Heat one tablespoon ofolive oil in a hot skillet.

When the skillet and oil is hot, throw in the onions. Stirand cook until they are brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.Remove from the skillet and throw in the green pepper andcook until brown. Follow with the red peppers until brownalso.

If needed, add a little more olive oil and throw in the zuc-

chini and cook until brown. Remove the zucchini and addthe mushrooms, along with a little more oil. While they arecooking, add a splash of red wine. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.Remove and set aside with the other vegetables.

In a skillet over medium-low heat, add a tablespoon ofolive oil. One at a time, place the tortillas into the pan,turning them once. Cook until golden on both sides.Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding more olive oilif needed. Set all browned tortillas on a plate.

Assemble the quesadillas by placing the desired ingredi-ents inside each tortilla, including the fat-free cheese.Combinations can vary throughout.Place quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake in a 375-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Restaurant Style SalsaAdapted from The Pioneer WomanIngredients:1 can (28 ounce) whole tomatoes with juice2 cans (10 ounce) Rotel (diced tomatoes and greenchilies)1/4 cups chopped onion1 clove garlic, minced1 whole jalapeno, quartered and sliced thin1/4 teaspoons sugar1/4 teaspoons salt1/4 teaspoons ground cumin1/2 cups cilantro1/2 whole lime juice

Preparation:Combine whole tomatoes, Rotel, onion, jalapeno, garlic, sugar, salt, cumin, lime juice and cilantro in a blender orfood processor. Pulse until you get the salsa to the consistency you like, about 10 to 15 pulses. Test seasonings witha tortilla chip and adjust as needed.Refrigerate salsa for at least an hour. Serve with tortilla chips or cheese nachos.

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When a person losesdirection in life, a GPSwith an Australianaccent is pretty muchuseless. What may berequired is roadsideassistance, the kindNorman life coachesJudith Evans and SallyJo Blair have a passionfor.

Working with a co-active life coach is notas much about healingas it is finding a dream,said Blair, a counselorat The University ofOklahoma High

School. “It’s aboutknowing what’s happening now and projecting where you wantto be, and taking incremental steps along the way.

“We all need someone to look right at us and believe in us,”Blair said. In her mid-twenties she received such an affirmation.“I felt someone really believed in me, and I wanted to give backto others.”

Blair compares human beings to diamonds. “Each of us has our own facets. What coaching does is help

those facets sparkle, creating an energetic pattern.” As a licensed professional counselor, however, she found the tra-

ditional methods of helping people were not a good match forher. “A lot of people perceive there is a magic cure for their prob-lem, a fix. I don’t see people as broken.”

Talking on the phone from her office, Blair said that withCoaches Training International (CTI), a California-based organ-ization that produces more than half the world’s life coaches, shefound a philosophy more in line with her beliefs. Life coachestake their cues from their clients, helping them retool with theirown core values and sense of purpose, she said. “It’s not reallycoaching unless we’re deepening the learning about who we areand moving forward.”

Interviewed in the light-drenched living room of her southwestNorman home, Judith Evans expounded on her trial-by-fire ini-tiation into the field.

“I didn’t pick my new career out of a hat,” she said, her blueeyes iridescent. Indeed, Evans’ decision to become a life coachgrew out of tremendous personal loss. Her husband, Rod Evans,dean emeritus of OU’s Michael F. Price College of Business, diedof a brain tumor in 2005.

For years Evans had been focused on her husband’s career. Shesaid that after his death she lost her way.

Evans didn’t stay lostfor long. A “rebuilders”course at an OklahomaCity church turned herlife around, she said.She got involved withCTI through hercousin, Reuel Hunt,founder the Denver-based non-profit,Coaching Kids. Whileworking informallywith Hunt, she realizedcoaching could be apowerful career path.“I was looking forsomething purposefulto do, a reason to getup in the morning,” shesaid. “I was determined to succeed.”

The client has to make a choice to change and get involved, shesaid, but a life coach acts as a partner in the process, thus the term“co-active.” One step in the journey is creating a life-purposestatement. Evans said hers is still evolving.

Now certified through CTI, she helps other people “get out ofthe victim role and find the sunshine.”

Whether her clients are high school students or senior citizens,Blair said the coaching process begins with who the person is nowand what difference they want to make. “It’s helping (people) getclear about what they want in life, where they want to put theirenergy and why. Then, making plans and moving forward, shap-ing the world around those goals.”

The Wheel of Life is a tool CTI coaches use to address thewhole person, taking into consideration physical environment,career, money, health, friends, family, romance, personal growth,even recreation and fun. “Everything that matters,” she said.

Coaches hold their clients accountable for doing their home-work, performing certain actions. If the client doesn’t meet hergoals, it’s the coach’s job to find out what got in the way. The fre-quency and duration of the coaching sessions varies from personto person, Blair said.

Evans and Hunt recently started a non-profit, Life on Purpose,under the umbrella of Coaching Kids. Their goal is to reducerecidivism among Oklahoma’s at-risk youth and incarceratedwomen. Evans said they hope to help participants shift theirthinking from a victim mentality to self-responsibility.

Blair wonders what the world would be like if every woman hada personal cheerleader, someone to help her find a path that mat-ters. “As women we are such change agents of the world, the waywe impact our children, our culture. To have them understand

Life coach to the rescueBy Patricia Moore Harvey


Judith Evans Sally Jo Blair

what’s important in their lives, and be able to live their lives inalignment with that — imagine the impact.”

For more information about life coaching visit CTI’s websitewww.thecoaches.com. Judith Evans can be reached via e-mail [email protected], or visit her website, judithevanscoach-ing.com. Contact Sally Jo Blair at [email protected].

Are You a Candidate for a Life Coach?Answering "yes" to one or more of the following questions

suggests that you might be!1. Would your life be different if you lived in

resonance with your values?2. Do you ever feel hungry to get unstuck?3. Are you longing to live a deeper, richer life?4. Does your life purpose need a tune-up?5. Can you imagine saying “no” to limiting beliefs?6. Would you like a cheerleader for who you

really want to be?7. Can you imagine what would your life would

look like if you had someone who believes in you,holds you accountable and challenges you to think outside of the box?

8. Would you like to look at things from different perspectives?

9. Would you like to be empowered to discover and live your biggest dream?

10. Are you worth being championed and affirmed?




“Sometimes I feel like I’m playing grown up,” JenniferNewell, community relations officer for the Norman PoliceDepartment, said while discussing the many blessings in herlife.

I love my job, love my kids and I’m in a great marriage,she said.

“The majority of the time, I wake upand look forward to coming here,”Newell said about her place ofemployment.

Being a police officer isn’t the job shesaw herself in growing up, though.

“I was always interested in law,” shesaid, noting that she thought herinterest would lead her into lawschool. After working three jobs to putherself through her undergrad inpolitical science, though, the thoughtof more years as an over-worked stu-dent seemed daunting.

“The thought of working one jobwas just unbelievable to me,” she said.Her last semester in college, Newellworked as a clerk in the ClevelandCounty Sheriff ’s Office, where shesaw law in a new way.

“That really started peaking myinterest in law enforcement,” she said.As she received her diploma in May1992, Newell was already looking forward to life’s next chal-lenge: starting the Norman police academy in September.

Newell was the only female applicant selected for theacademy. In their business professional clothes the first dayof the academy, Newell was assumed to be the secretary byher male classmates. Taken off-guard to hear she was a fel-low officer, the men took special care to go out of their wayfor her, opening doors and such out of respect. That lastedjust a few days, Newell said. “After that, I just became oneof the guys.”

Newell served in the capacity of police patrol for threeyears, taking the afternoon shift. Although she looks backon her time on the streets as favorable and educational,Newell knew that wasn’t where she wanted to spend hercareer. Through that process, she had learned her strongpoints were in presentations and interaction with the pub-lic. She found her niche when she took over the post of

community relations officer. Fourteen years later, she stillenjoys the job.

Her responsibilities range from teaching bicycle safetyclasses to planning National Night Out to assisting withmedia relations.

“It just depends on the time of year,”she said.

Newell feels that her job is key to thedepartment’s success because her roledevelops the connection between thepolice department and the citizens.

“I think people are recognizing howimportant our relationships are,” shenoted. As people begin trusting theircity police, they are more likely toassist the department by serving asextra eyes in the community, callingin suspicious activity.

And Newell feels passionately aboutprotecting the community that she soadmires and is a part of.

Whether it’s walking her dog, goingto the local YMCA or attending herdaughter’s volleyball games, Newellstays active in the Norman communi-ty. She also serves as board presidentof the Center for Children andFamilies and has for two years. She is

the co-chair of the Police SchoolAdministors Task Force for Norman Public Schools, presi-dent of the advisory board for the Central OklahomaCommunity Action Agency and a Sooner Rotation,through which she often serves as a host family for exchangestudents.

Newell has three children, a 23-year old son, a 21-year-oldson and a 13-year old daughter. She’s been married to herhusband for 16 years.

“Family is my priority, without a doubt,” she stated.After 18 years with the department, she knows she’s near-

ing the mark where she can retire. However, she’s not quiteready to step away. Although she loves her personal life, shecan’t imagine not working at the department in her job.She’d like to stay in the position until she is finally able toleave the office and retire, but she’s open to moving wherethe department needs her.

“God will lead me where I need to go,” she said.

Charged with community careStory by Aaron Wright Gray • Photo by Shevaun Williams

Jennifer Newell

It was a day of luxury for JulieScroggins, this year’s Silk makeoverrecipient. She started her morningwith a manicure and pedicure andended her day with a free gift bas-ket. In between, she had her haircut, relaxed to a facial, dolled upwith a makeover and went on a freeshopping trip to Dillard’s in SoonerMall.

“It was wonderful,” Scrogginssaid. “I enjoyed each service andeach of the women I got to meet.”Scroggins isn’t used to splurging andtaking this much time for herself. A busy homemaker, she saidmost days she throws her hair into a ponytail or bun, treatingherself to a haircut maybe once or twice a year.

Most of her time is spent caring for her family. Her husband,Richard, is her high school sweetheart, whom she married 23years ago. He is a firefighter in Oklahoma City. In his free time,he runs a flooring business with Scroggins. She handles book-keeping and he completes the work.

Scroggins’ eldest son David wasborn with a disability categorizedunder the umbrella of cerebralpalsy. Although he attends school,Scroggins must be available at alltimes to care for him in case hisstate of health changes.

“Despite his disability, he is a verygentle-spirited child,” she said.

Jonathan, her 12-year-old son, hasan interest in flying and Brooke, her8-year-old daughter, delights in

Busy mom enjoys day offBy Aaron Wright Gray • Photos by Cathy Hanselman


dancing. Both are vigilant in caring for their brother. Jonathan’slove and attention to his brother corresponds with the namethey gave him. He is named after the biblical Jonathan, a friendof King David, who often watched out for him, Scroggins said.

The family all attend the First Baptist Church in Moore,where Scroggins often lends a hand cooking and handlingother tasks that she is able to do at home when she is watchingthe children.

Scroggins was nominated by her mother, Sherry Scott. InScott’s letter, she states that Scroggins is her hero.

“She gives to her family, her children and husband, andfriends, far and above what is required,” Scott wrote. She listedan example of Scroggins service as bringing potato soup to peo-ple in the Moore Community Center after they were strandedby a storm. Scott also talked about how Scroggins cared for herwhen Scott was sick with lung cancer.

“Once I asked her if she could have a week to do whatevershe wanted, what would it be. She answered, ‘sleep,’” Scottwrote.

Scroggins would also like to travel one day. “David will always be with us,” she said, noting that special

preparations would have to be made to make him comfortableon the trip. She would especially like to take the family to theRedwood Forest.

“I’m starting a list and that’s the first thing I’m going to put

on it,” Scroggins said.The list she referred tois a compilation ofthings she’d like to doin -- what shedescribes as-- heralready fulfilled life.For now, though, sheis just enjoying beinga mom and wife.

“I’m blessed with awonderful family,” shesaid.

Silk would like to thank: Crystal Motley at Cheveux for donating a manicure and pedicure,Jamie Baker at Le Visage for donating make-up services, Laure Suflita at Le Visage for donating a facial, Jessica Hogin at Take Five for donating a haircut,Stephanie Farmer at Dillard’s for assisting Scroggins with selecting an outfit and Sally Elkins at In Your Dreams for donating a bath and body gift.


Question: Football season has arrived, and like most husbands mine hasbecome completely obsessed with the game. But he has become even morehard to reach the last few years after he started joining Fantasy FootballLeagues.

I was able to cope with being the wife of a football fanatic, but this fan-tasy league has taken it to a another level. I asked if I could attend his fan-tasy football draft party. I thought it would be a good way to learn aboutthe game and spend more time with him. This didn't seem to go over well.He looked at me as if I asked to go to visit Batman's cave.

I don't want to make my husband the butt of his friends jokes. So canyou tell me what are the rules a wife should know if she goes to a draftparty?Answer: This happens to be right in my wheelhouse. As someone who hascompeted in Fantasy Football Leagues since 1997, I have been to many ofdraft parties that were ruined by wives or girlfriends.

It's not that they weren't welcome because they were women. It was theirlack of knowledge about the game and how men act when football, com-petition and money are involved. It's not a book reading club, I promiseyou that.

While I could easily spout off my rules, such as when your man makes abad pick and his friends are dogging him out, please do not stick up forhim. That will only increase the carnage and he will never be able to live itdown. EVER.

But since I am single, I wanted to include get different points of viewsfrom men who are either married or in a relationship So during a few ofmy fantasy football draft this year, I poised the question to the groups and

here are some of their responses.Sean Candelaria, 31, is married and holds a draft party every year. His

wife and two kids stayed at the house the first year. Since then, they leaveonce the guest start to arrive. He has one suggestion for those ladies whodecide to join their men.

"Never ask if the draft is almost over," Candelaria said. "The only ques-tion you can ask is 'How many times can Brett Favre retire?'"

According to Marion Lee, 29, a wife or a girlfriend must know three dis-tinct things to be accepted at a draft party. 1. "Know how to cook, because we need food at the draft."2. "Please know something about sports."3. "Be cute and wear little clothing."

As you can tell from his comments, Lee is single and will probably staythat way for a while.

Tyrone Rochon, 36, is married and has brought his wife to a draft. Once.His words of wisdom in order to keep peace in the house hold are simple. A. "Never tell your man to draft a kicker."B. "Even if you know more than your man about football, pretend youdon't." C. "Don't eat more food at the draft party than any man there."D. "Know actual football players. Do not yell or even whisper "you shoulddraft LeBron James."

I may not agree with some of these suggestions, but it shows you the typeof thinking that can take place at a draft party. So be prepared for anything.

But, if all else fails, remember this single phrase and you will be OK. "I don't care who you draft, as long as it's not Tim Tebow."

Ask A ManBy Michael Kinney


Norman Chamber of Commerce

Business After HoursHilton Garden Inn

Photos by Kyle Phillips

Laura Blosser, Lisa Allen, Bree Browning, Beth Patterson

Sara Kaplan, Amber Clour, Katie Merrick

Elizabeth Harrel, Rebekah Thomas, Perry Spencer

Chesca Baily, Adrian Savage, Richard Mayeaux, Tricia Carleton, Ban Baily

Tasha Houck, Carrie Burleson, Jan Dewbre, Suzanne McAuley, Jim Haralson, Sue Crites.

Covered in Silk

Big Brothers Big Sisters“Denim & Diamonds”

FundraiserBelmar Golf & Country Club


Rob Burton, Cheryl Burton, Diedra Peters, Fred Peters

Tonny Walden, Sara Walden, Molly Wong, Philip Wong

Sitting: Jennifer Gober, Norma Newburry and Carly MIllerStanding: Michael Levine, Frank Craig, Melissa Thomas and Brian Baxter

Adam Kline, Frank Craig, Barbara Kline



Wes Straehla, Becca Matt, Betina Will, Matt Wills

Dawn Brockman, Vince Blatt, Ann Blatt

Laynie and Reese Travis

Marissa Adler, Tommy Adler, Amanda Clark

Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity“Garden Party”

At The Greenhouse


Rob Gowens, Betty Waldeck, Gerry Mayes

Brandi Rambo, Shaye Tipton, Courteney Gill Ann Kidd, Barbara Bryant

Leesa Keller-Kenton, Leslie Kenton, Jennifer Robertson Ann Bishop, Roger Bishop, Sharon Masri

www.silkthemagazine.com28

Tracy Curtis, Cindy Merrick, Lisa Ray, Kay Colbert, Jamie Johnson


Mike Jenkins Elizabeth Pober, Pete Street Ty Kamm, Max Kamm, Heidi Kamm

Melva Miller Jerry McBride, Denise HeaunerJeremy Lindberg, Edie Rasmussen, Bob Gale

Dog DaySecond Chance Animal Sanctuary is planningits 21st Annual Dog Day Afternoon and 1stAnnual Dog Walk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct.9 at Reaves Park in Norman.The Dog Walk will be an organized walk forparticipants that have raised pledge money tobenefit Second Chance. Dog Day will includecanine demos and contests, pet-health screen-ings, rescue groups, and pet-related exhibitors.ONEOn Thursday, Sept. 23 from 7-11 p.m.,Norman Arts Council will host the ONE party– a one-stop opportunity to see, hear, touchand taste elements from a host of Norman-based arts organizations. A $40 generaladmission ticket grants entrance into the gal-leried art show, food tables, a ONE customcocktail, games and raffles and the cabaret-styleshow. ONE will sharply focus the efforts andsuccess of the council. Presenting the event inan open and flowing style, attendees can pur-chase paintings or sculpture, hear great singersand musicians, watch beautiful dancers, partic-ipate in poetry readings, snack on deliciousfood and drinks and tour the party for infor-mation about a wide range of activities andprograms available in Norman.Tickets for ONE will go on sale on September1st and can be purchased at all Republic Banklocations in Norman and online at www.nor-manarts.org. Second Friday Circuit of ArtsHeld on Sept. 10 and Oct. 8 at various venuesin Norman from 6-10 p.m. A complete list ofeach participating gallery, the night’s events

and members of the Norman GalleryAssociation, as well as a CART map for theevening and instructions for riding, is availableonline at www.normangalleryassociation.comas well as http://2ndfridaynorman.com/. Art exhibitMAINSITE Contemporary Art is pleased toannounce the exhibition of works by artists O.Gail Poole, and John Seward, Seward showtitled "Transitions".Exhibition dates are Sept. 10 through Oct, 30.Opening Reception is Friday, Sept. 10 from 6-10 p.m. Midway opening event is Oct. 8 from6-10 p.m. Both events are a part of theNorman Arts Council 2nd Friday Circuit ofArt.Fred Jones Jr. Museum of ArtThe Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art debuts“Bruce Goff: A Creative Mind,” Oct. 9, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011 at the University ofOklahoma.“Bruce Goff: A Creative Mind” is acollaborative exhibition involving the FJJMA,Price Tower Arts Center in Bartlesville and theOU Colleges of Architecture and Engineering,with additional assistance from Skyline Ink.The exhibit will use cutting edge technology tohighlight the architectural achievements of oneof the 20th century’s most internationallyrespected architects.The opening weekend of the exhibition (Oct.9-10, 2010) features an exciting symposiumwith special guest speakers, including Dr.Aaron Betsky, a panel discussion, openingreception and a bus tour of four Goff land-marks in Oklahoma.

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Silk - A magazine for women