Now that I'm out of that turkey coma...

... we can get back to work! The week of Thanksgiving brought traveling for both Michele and I, so needless to say we have long to-do lists to tackle today.

Yesterday brought the arrival of the December issue in subscribers' Sunday papers (and online), which means we're well on our way to wrapping up January and starting on February. But it's not even Christmas, you say! I hear ya! It's hard to think about Valentine's Day when you're still digging Thanksgiving leftovers out of the fridge, but such is the life of a magazine. Always thinking ahead.

If you haven't read the latest AM, start with the cover story, then check out our piece about local artist Celia Meadors. As you make your December plans, check out our calendar or browse the Let's Eat dining guide. And before you start baking your holiday treats, see if anything in What's Cooking? tempts you.

Lastly, we're looking for a few good photos. If you consider photography to be a hobby of yours and have some shots from 2009 you'd like us to see, submit them to our Flickr group with a quick email through the website and you may see your photo in Local Exposure next year.

--Jennie

December Photo Tease

With Thankgiving next week and Christmas right around the corner, you may have forgotten that the December issue of Amarillo Magazine comes out on the 29th. Well, I'm here to remind you by posting some candid shots from the "What's Cooking?" photo shoot and a few of our favorites from the cover story, such as the one above. (There are additional photos on our Facebook page. Are you fan?)

[Here I am piping homemade whipped cream on top of a cheesecake.

I absolutely did not steal a taste...]

[...I'm lying, of course. It was delicious.]

[Here, Michele adds more raspberry glaze for a super shiny glossy photo.]

[Cover is an authentic Amarillo story, and I only hope that the

words stand up to the photos. Magnificent!]

Enjoy!

--Jennie

Playing Tour Guide

I'm about to hit the one-year mark of living in Amarillo, and I've had the fortune of playing tour guide to a number of friends and family members who've flown here to visit. (It's too far to drive!) This weekend was notably special because it was the first time I hosted "Girls Weekend" in the panhandle. Since graduating college in 2000, the three of us - my best friends and I - have rotated hosting the famous weekend in our various cities, and we've all moved a time or two. One flew from Nashville and the other from Washington DC, both of which I visited earlier this year. Not only was it my first time hosting in my new location, but it was both of their first times visiting Texas.

I did my best to treat the girls to an authentically Amarillo visit, complete with a meal at 575 Pizzeria, lunch at the Village Bakery, and wine at Crush. We drove around the loop and everywhere in between, and they said all of the things I said during my first visit: It's flat and windy, but the people are really nice! One of my friends even commented on how lovely the cashier was at the Walgreens, and I remarked, "Yes, everyone here, it seems, is genuinely kind."

So thank you, Amarillo, for being so great to out-of-towners, for while we may lack the mountains of Tennessee and the hustle and bustle of our Nation's Capital, we have some of the kindest, friendliest folks around. That, I believe, is something to be proud of.

--Jennie

A lesson from Mike Huckabee

I had the privilege of interviewing Gov. Huckabee last Thursday on the subject of his latest book, A Simple Christmas. He was kind, generous with his time, and entirely passionate about the message - that Christmas isn't about what you get from Santa or how many holiday parties you get to attend. Rather, as he said it to me, "It's about the Who, not the What."

By Who, he means our families and friends, that a holiday isn't much of anything if it's not shared with the people we love. As Thanksgiving approaches and I'm busily writing out my dinner menu (with ingredients lists and things to remember and don't forget the meat thermometer!), I'm reminded that I have a tendency to push people aside in order to accomplish my holiday tasks. While that one-track-mind behavior isn't intentionally careless, it's probably the quickest way to rush through the holidays and miss out on would-be memories. (I undoubtedly wake up on every New Year's Day saying, "Where in the world did Christmas go?")

Per Gov. Huckabee's advice, I will try to keep the Who in mind this season and let the Whats come together as they can.

If you'd like to meet the former presidential candidate, he'll be at the Hastings on Georgia on Saturday, November 28th, for a book signing.

And lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes to all our Veterans and those still serving.

--Jennie

A Reminder about Veteran's Day

Now that Halloween is over, it's easy to get swept into Thanksgiving and even Christmas (have you been shopping recently? They waste no time!). Before we start planning that Thanksgiving meal or making out our holiday gift list, take a moment to acknowledge a brief holiday that deserves some recognition.

In honor of Veteran's Day, we've posted a exclusive story on our website called, "Painting the Town Red" by local writer Phyliss Miranda. She tells the story of finding an old letter written by her uncle in 1944 regarding his discharge from the Marines during World War II. It brings home the story that our Veterans - past and present - represent true heroism, bravery and honor.

With that, enjoy the Veteran's Day Parade on Polk St. tomorrow and give your warm regards and appreciation to the men and women who served this country.

--Jennie

A First Time Balloon Ride and Proof Week

Sometimes the perks of being part of the media are just too good to pass up. Michele and I woke up at the break of dawn Friday morning (i.e., 4 a.m.) to follow the hot air balloon crews out to the Palo Duro Canyon. While we knew the photographer would get a ride, it was up in the air (pun intended) as to whether or not I'd get a shot. At the last minute, a balloonist from Albuquerque invited me into his basket and I couldn't say no. Having never been in a hot air balloon, I was a little nervous but mostly thrilled.



The experience was worth the jitters. The landing? Um, not so much (but I won't dwell on crashing into the earth sideways). Instead, I'll focus on the incredible view of the plains and the peaceful quiet sounds of the sky, minus the occasional blow of the propane to keep us afloat. What a hobby, what a rush! Thank you, Pirates of the Canyon. I enjoyed the ride.


This week starts the proofing process for the December issue. It's festive and fun, and the cover story photos are not to be missed. This was our sixth issue of Amarillo Magazine, and it's safe to say that we've settled into a nice routine after ironing out a few kinks. There are still changes we'd like to make, so reader input is much appreciated. As we start working on 2010 issues, we hope to cover the topics you're most interested in and, hopefully, show you something new about your city.

--Jennie