Service as Self Care?

On January 20, 2020 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Life Lessons, Memphis, Never Stop Learning, Self Care, Soul CareLeave a comment

Have you ever thought about serving others as being a form of self-care? I hadn’t either until a few years ago when I started volunteering with my children at Memphis Union Mission. This led us to other service opportunities to serve as a family throughout the community. The more we served, the more I realized that instead of being another thing to check off my to-do list, it had become something that we looked forward to and something that brought great joy to our hearts. And that got me thinking, maybe there is something to this service over self-concept. In a previous blog post, Is Self Care Selfish? I talked about the main reasons for investing in ourselves is so we will have something left to give others. I think serving and giving to others fills us up in the same way. Every single person is born with a desire to have our needs met first. It is innate, part of our very DNA, a form of self-preservation. But as we grow up, we begin to see the benefits and blessings of doing for others; or we should. Sometimes we need a little reality check, a nudge in the serving direction, to help us realize those benefits and blessings. That is what serving at Union Mission did for me. And that is what moved me from serving out of a sense of obligation into serving from a place of joy and gratitude.

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Today, January 20th, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of The Day of Service. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Their motto is”Make it a day on not a day off” and explains the heart of the mission. It was begun as an opportunity to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy through volunteerism, something that Dr. King believed strongly in. All across the nation, people volunteer their time and talents to honor the memory of a man who gave so freely of himself.

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While it may be too late for you to get involved in one of the many service projects going on around your community today, It is never too late to commit to serving. No matter your age, physical condition, or amount of time you have to give, there is somewhere for you to give back to your city. Do you have a heart for children? Volunteer to read in a local school. Or if you want to go a little deeper, with just an hour a week, you can help children all around the community strengthen and expand their reading skills with the Arise2Read program. How about our senior citizens around town? They are often an overlooked area of need. Volunteering your time in an adult daycare facility for Alzheimer’s patients such as Page Robbins Adult Daycare Center. Or MIFA’s amazing program Meals on Wheels delivering meals to those most vulnerable. If physical activity is more your style, Clean Memphis has many ongoing projects around town. Are you an animal lover? Local shelters are always looking for people to love the animals in their care. There are even opportunities for shy introverts. Little Free Library is an amazing program that shares books throughout our community via small boxes that are made to look like storefronts. Merge Memphis operates Little Free Pantries all around town modeled after the same concept as the Little Free Library. For a more comprehensive list of opportunities, go to Volunteer Odyssey

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The most important thing is to just do something, No matter how much time you have to give, you can be of use to someone. If you have children, get them involved. Make it a family activity. We really were made to help our fellow man, to foster feelings of community and camaraderie by stepping in and lending a hand to those who have stumbled or fallen. I think you will find it is one of the best forms of self-care there is.

A Schwab’s…A Memphis Landmark

On January 16, 2020January 17, 2020 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Celebration, Memphis, Never Stop Learning, Soul Care2 Comments

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A. Schwab’s located on historic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, has seen a lot of changes out its front window, a whole lot of changes. Opened in 1876 by Abraham Schwab, it has the distinction of being the only original business still in operation on Beale Street, and, possibly, the oldest family-owned general store in the mid-south. The family business was originally located right up the street and moved to its current location in 1912. In 1924, it expanded into the building to the left of the main doorway, which had been occupied by I. Goldsmith’s and Brothers (the predecessor of Goldsmith’s Department Store). The beautiful brick buildings were built in 1865.

When you step inside its doors, you are immediately transported to a different time, a simpler time. The creaky wooden floors, glass display cases, and tin roof are reminiscent of the original Beale Street of years gone by. But the going hasn’t been easy for the iconic store. In the mid-seventies, with traffic on Beale at an all-time low, the family began a museum within the store to pay homage to the rich history of the street and area they called home.

The museum includes many relics of Memphis history. From farming tools to washboards and household items, original blues records, and even a carriage warmer, the museum is a visual history of Memphis and the Delta region through the years. But it isn’t just about the past at Schwab’s. The store has adapted and changed with the times. In the 1980s, the store played an essential role in the revitalization of the community and the street. Once again, visitors young and old begin to stream through the doors and discover the wonders inside. Wonders like a fully stocked old fashioned candy counter with all your favorites from your childhood represented.

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Are you looking for a pair of Elvis Pajamas? They have you covered, complete with an Elvis pillow. How about suspenders? Schwab’s carries over 100 different kinds. A galvanized Maid-Rite washboard and bar of homemade lye soap are located just across the aisle from an extensive collection of kazoos and harmonicas. Books about Memphis history line a table that is right beside the largest collections of hats I have ever seen in one place.

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I am always amazed at how many locals have never walked through the doors of this treasured landmark. Children love the selection of retro-inspired wind-up tin toys, yo-yos, and slingshots. A very nice change of pace from the ever-growing diet of video games most of them are used to. There are plenty of Memphis, souvenirs too. From T-shirts to post-cards, key-chains, and bumper stickers, Schwab’s is one of the city’s biggest fans.

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In 2013, Schwab’s made another addition to the store, a retro soda fountain. With its 50-foot white marble counter and vintage stools, it is the perfect place to sit and watch the people walking up and down the historic street. Want a simple ice-cream cone? They have you covered. But the soda fountain also creates and mixes their own syrups for delish and unique sodas and shakes.

After being in the Schwab family for 136 years, the torch was passed to new owners in 2011. But do not fear, the new owners are dedicated to preserving the rich history found within the walls of the store. So next time your kids have a day out of school, or you have an unexpected free Saturday, head downtown, and be a tourist in your hometown, I have a feeling you will be pleasantly surprised.

American Queen

On January 7, 2020 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Memphis, Never Stop LearningLeave a comment

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The American Queen will be docked at Beale Street Landing on Sunday, January 12th…and it is something to see! Built in 1995, it is a 6 deck recreation of a Mississippi riverboat. At 418 feet long and 89 feet long it has a capacity of 436 guests and a crew of 160 with 222 staterooms…in other words, this is a big boat! Riverboats are scheduled to dock at Beale Street landing over 100 times in 2020 with overnight guests adding close to $100 million into the city coffers in the form of tourism spending. That’s a big economic impact!!! To read more about the beauty click on the link below, and if you happen to be near downtown, don’t miss a chance to see it in person!!
https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/

Teaching My Kids To Love Their City

On August 20, 2019August 20, 2019 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Memphis, Never Stop Learning, Self Care, Soul Care2 Comments

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I have lived in Memphis my entire life but never took the time to really see my city. Over the past few years, I have made it a point to change that.

My children and I have explored our city like travelers, mostly afternoons and weekends.

The National Civil Rights Museum ignited our desire to learn more about the pioneers in the movement. Stax and Sun studios made us want to know more about the rich Memphis music history.

We were captivated by the views from the Ornamental Metal Museum, Big River Crossing, the top of The Peabody and the top of Clark Tower.

We explored the trails of Lichterman Nature Center, the River Walk at Mud Island, and Shelby Farms. Woodland Discovery Playground is the kind of place I dreamed of when I was a kid.

We tailgated on Tiger Lane and cheered the Redbirds in beautiful AutoZone Park. We danced to free music as Levitt Shell and watched the free duck march at The Peabody.

My favorite part of our exploring has been learning the history of buildings that make up our downtown and sharing that history with my kids.

I shared my memories of shopping downtown at Goldsmith’s. I explained a bit about Memphis history as we explored the Cotton Exchange, Court Square, and Civic Center Plaza.

I knew I had instilled my love of the downtown buildings when were at AutoZone Park and my 11-year-old excitedly pointed to a building and said, “Look Mom, it’s the Sterick Building, The Queen of Memphis!”

Jerry’s SnowCones

On May 8, 2019 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Celebration, Memphis, Self Care, Soul CareLeave a comment

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Foodie Friday Sno Cone style! Legend has it that back in the 1930s a Sinclair gas station was located somewhere around 1657 Wells Station Rd. These same legends state that the owner of this gas station would make snow cones for kids while their parents had their cars worked on. Like all good legends, the lines of truth and tale are blurred about these early years, however, the next part of the story we know to be true. After the Sinclair station closed in the late ’60s a wonderful couple names L.B and Cordia bought the building and turned it into a car wash and snow cone shack…and the rest is history! After a director who was in town filming ”Great Balls of Fire” ran across the unique building, he asked if a scene from the movie could be filmed there. That’s when the word really began to spread, and Jerry’s became a destination for both locals and out of towners alike. They like to say they didn’t invent the snow cone; just their ”World Famous Snow Cone Supreme”…think ice cream meets snow cone with a dash of pixie dust and unicorn tears…yes it is that good!! With flavors like Electric Slide, John Deere, Toxic Waste and my personal favorite, Wedding Cake, you can’t go wrong! They also serve great burgers! Jerry’s Sno Cone opened a second location in Cordova last year at 1601 Bonnie Lane. Summer hours are 11 am to 9 pm Monday-Saturday, and they are CASH ONLY. And don’t let the lines discourage you, I promise they are worth the wait!

Shelby Forest General Store

On April 18, 2019April 18, 2019 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Memphis, Self Care, Soul CareLeave a comment

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Opened in 1934 by Emmett and Dixie Jeter, Shelby Forest General began its long and storied history as a dry goods store. As the years passed, a grill was added and the store became a gathering place for area residents who came to hear the local gossip as well as partake in the delicious food. Owners Doug and Kristin Ammons began the legendary Friday Night Steak Night around 14 years ago with a single banjo picker providing music. These days it’s not unusual to have 8-10 musicians playing bluegrass on any given Friday night. The store is located at 7729 Benjestown Road in Millington(right across the street from Justin Timberlake’s elementary school😊)and opens at 6am 363 days a year. Click on the link below for a full menu and hours of operation…I hear the fried bologna sandwich is the best you’ll ever have!
http://shelbyforestgeneralstore.com/

Shelby Forest

On April 3, 2019 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Memphis, Self Care, Soul CareLeave a comment

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Meemen-Shelby Forest State Park began in the 1930s as part of the New Deal recreation areas of the National Park Service. Named after former Memphis newspaper editor Edward J. Meeman, the park contains 13,467 acres of hardwood bottomland that borders the Mississippi River. It is the most visited state park in Tennessee! And for good reason! The park has two lakes, perfect for fishing or boating. There are canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddle boards. You can also bring your own boat. There is a free launch ramp on the Mississippi River. It is the home of one of the largest disc golf courses in the southeast…two 18-hole wooded courses. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails that wind throughout the park. There is an eight and one half mile Horse Trail(bring your own horse though 😊) and a 5-mile mountain bike trail. There are 6 newly renovated cabins along the shore of Poplar Tree Lake. Each cabin can sleep up to 6 people and have a fully equipped kitchen…and firewood supplied in the winter! There are 49 campsites each equipped with table, grill, electric and water hookups. Now do you see why it is the most visited state park in Tenneasee?!
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/meeman-shelby

The Legacy of the Lorraine

On March 21, 2019 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Memphis, Never Stop Learning, Soul Care2 Comments

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The National Civil Rights Museum had its humble beginnings as a 16 room hotel named The Windsorlorrine in 1925. After purchasing the hotel on 1945, Walter Bailey changed the name to the Lorraine Motel. After the King assassination, the hotel fell into disrepair and was in foreclosure in December 1982. It was purchased on the courthouse steps for $144,000 and finally closed as a functioning hotel/boarding house on March 2, 1988. It reopened in 1991 as The National Civil Rights Museum. With interactive exhibits, this museum is a learning experience for all ages. The museum is open from 9-6 every day but Tuesday. Tennessee residents with a state-issued ID may visit the museum for FREE every Monday from 3pm until closing. To read more about the museum click on the link below.
https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/

4-Way

On March 7, 2019 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Memphis, Self Care, Soul CareLeave a comment

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The Four Way Restaurant was opened in 1946 by Irene and Clint Cleaves. Clint Cleaves had been a chauffeur for former Memphis Mayor E. H. Crump and started the restaurant as a tiny counter in a pool hall. It grew to have a full dining room and became one of the few places during the 50’s and 60’s where both black and white customers sat together to eat. It was a favorite spot among civil rights activist during this time. Irene ran the restaurant herself until her health and age made it impossible in 1996. The restaurant was then closed until 2001 when it was bought by Willie Bates on the courthouse steps and ran it until his death in 2017. His daughter Patricia Thompson runs it today with the same amazing food and history that put it on the map in 1946. The see a menu and hours click on the link below.
http://www.fourwaymemphis.com/

Davie’s Plantation

On March 2, 2019 By Kelly King HoweIn Adventure, Memphis, Never Stop Learning, Self Care, Soul CareLeave a comment

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.Located at 9336 Davies Plantation Rd in Bartlett TN, Davies Manor is the oldest existing home in Shelby County and quite possibly the oldest in West Tennessee. Built somewhere around 1830 the original owner is not for certain. We do know that William Davies bought the home in 1838 and his two sons Logan and James farmed the land and created the plantation part of Davies Plantation by expanding the farm to 2,000 acres. Ellen Davies-Rogers left the home to the Davies Manor Association upon her death in 1994. There are several outbuilding that’s make up the grounds including a small tenant cabin. There are also several gardens on the property that are maintained by Memphis Area Master Gardeners that help explain some of the aspects of pioneer life including a kitchen garden and a herb Garden. The home and grounds are open for tours Tuesday thru Saturday from 12-4. Admission is $5 for adults $4 for seniors and $3 for students. To read more about this historic home, please click on the link below.
http://daviesmanorplantation.org/