Cy-Fair author Barbara Coolidge Tibbetts’ book takes a humorous look
at the common mistakes moms make at their children’s weddings
Spring 2012
As my son’s wedding day drew near, I faced the need for an appropriate dress to wear. Giving my firstborn to another woman was hard enough, but finding a striking gown in which to offer him up overwhelmed me. In desperation, I chose clothes to match the wedding party. To this day, I am still horrified by photos showing me looking more like a bridesmaid than my son’s guest on his big day. Continue reading “What Not to Wear to the Wedding”
Northern Arizona Healthcare produced colorful, informative newsletters for various facilities in the region to educate the community.
Gail contracted consistently to Flagstaff Medical Center’s Public Relations, writing the bulk of stories for Health at Heart as well as press releases, Flagstaff Business News articles and Arizona Daily Sun features.
How Brain Teasers Help Sharpen the Mind
January 2012
After reading all of the news in the paper, one should consider pouring another cup of coffee and turning to the crossword puzzle. Following that, one might test their wits with some math wizardry in Sudoku. These kinds of brain teasers are a simple, leisure activity, but when practiced as part of a routine, the novelty of thinking creatively and logically can spur your brain to engage quicker. Continue reading “Power in the Puzzle”
Northern Arizona Healthcare produced colorful, informative newsletters for various facilities in the region to educate the community.
Gail contracted consistently to Flagstaff Medical Center’s Public Relations, writing the bulk of stories for Health at Heart and Wellness Today, as well as press releases, Flagstaff Business News articles and Arizona Daily Sun features.
Identifying childhood anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more
Winter 2011
It’s a startling statistic: One in five people will suffer from a serious mental disorder at some point in their life. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit disorder are prevalent conditions. Children probably aren’t the first age group you think of as dealing with these issues, but 4 million children and adolescents in the U.S. suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes a significant impact on their quality of life. Continue reading “Blue Days”
Heart transplantation gives Cy-Fair residents a second chance at life
Winter 2011
Like any teenager, Jordan Merecka did what he loved most in his free time: hunt during the season and fish all through the summer. Cy-Fair mom Brandy Parker was happily caring for her family and working s a bank teller. Both were born with heart defects, but managed to lead normal lives, until heart failure turned their worlds upside down. Merecka had to trade his Wranglers for a hospital gown, and Parked traded her role taking care of others for taking care of herself. Both also received life-changed operations that saved their lives and have allowed them to continue to thrive in our community. Continue reading “Biggest Hearts”
The “Ammo Box” Art and Other Works of Simone Stephenson
November 2011
Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins
Twenty-two years ago, Simone Stephenson didn’t expect to move to a remote parcel of land at the bottom of the Kaibab Plateau. After she did, the painter planned to practice her art during the off season from river work. So recently, when Stephenson’s husband, Tim, went to the Post Office, perhaps he should’ve expected to come home to a vivid, tri-colored door.
Shocked by the red, teal and gold panels, Tim said, “Do you think just because you’re an artist, you can paint anything you want?” Equally shocked by the question, Stephenson said, “Yes! Don’t you like it?” He did. Stephenson chuckled, retelling the anecdote and wondered aloud, “So, what’s the problem?” Continue reading “Outside the Box”
Power in Principle Pilates
November 2011
Roll forward with the head heavy. Let the vertebrae connect with the mat like a string of pearls, one at a time. Lengthen the leg as if to write on the ceiling. Scoop your belly.
The verbal cues Bonnie Berger offered during a range of Pilates exercises created pictures that translated into bodily responses. The guided imagery helps a client perform the motions neatly, accurately and effectively. The certified instructor and manager at Full Circle Pilates, Berger helps people regain awareness of specific muscle groups while getting a full-body workout. Continue reading “Getting to the Core”
Urban PawsAnimal Chiropractics: A Holistic Approach
Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins
Walter Hickman’s 14-year-old border collie, Jake, had been slow to rise for a couple of years. The dog’s hip became shaky, and he began to suffer bouts of bowel incontinence. Was it old age or something more? The vet confirmed Jake had some arthritis, but chalked up the problems to aging.
A friend led Hickman to animal chiropractic care. Also known as veterinary chiropractic, this drug-free approach to health is based on the same principals as human chiropractic, meaning a disruption of nerve flow to a body area affects its wellbeing. As a chiropractor and owner of Cy-Fair Neck and Back Clinic in Cypress, Hickman knew the benefits of correcting minor subluxations – misaligned vertebrae – better than most. “That’s what I do for people,” Hickman said. Continue reading “Animal Chiropractic Care”
Artist Williamson Tapia is a Plein Air Purist
September 2011
Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins
Meeting Williamson Tapia, the bit of gray in his hair came as a surprise. The plein air painter’s enthusiastic, happy spirit had made him sound young. Chalk it up to a child’s energy walking around in a middle-aged man. “I want to work outside instead of a studio – to get out of the classroom. I get bored, and like a little boy, want to go out and play,” Tapia said, pointing through his window at the Red Rock scenery of Sedona. Continue reading “In Search of the Profound”
