CityView Magazine

editors' corner Enjoy the Company It's time to slow down and love the ones you're with Oprah herself entered the room. She announced that we weren't there to watch the show, we were there to receive "Oprah's Favorite Things". Honestly, the whole experience still doesn't seem real — and probably won't until aſter the two-hour special airs on November 18 at 8 p.m. on OWN, followed by "Married to the Army: Alaska". We were showered with amazing presents that day and so honored to have been chosen I Rebekah Sanderlin, senior editor able sanctuary. Our well-appointed guest bedroom-turned-kids room is now adorned with Star Wars Lego ships hanging from the ceiling and tiny sharp game pieces here and there on the floor that one must dodge in the night — not quite the retreat you look for as a guest. Did I mention the kelly green colored light bulbs in the ceiling fan light? It was a special request, and who can say no to an adorable four-year-old? (Thank you Lowe's for putting those at the kids' eye level.) Thinking about seeing the countryside by train on the way to your destination? W recently had the thrill of a lifetime. The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) sent me and 29 other Military Spouse of the Year nominees to Washington, D.C., supposedly to attend a viewing event for the Network's new television series, "Married to the Army: Alaska". However, a few minutes into the viewing the television screens went fuzzy and to attend, but all of us agreed that the greatest giſt was getting to know each other better. We were each chosen by the The Oprah Winfrey Network for the work we do for the military com- munity. Every spouse there (29 women and one man) had given of themselves to their com- munities. And every spouse had been nominated over the years for Military Spouse magazine's "Military Spouse of the Year" award. Being in their company was very inspiring. Oprah told us that day that she hoped we would "receive the giſts in the spirit they were given", which is to say, enjoy her recognition and let it rejuvenate us so that we will continue helping our communities. I've thought about that admonition oſten in the days since. What if we all did that this holiday season? What if, instead of rushing around just receiving and reciprocating, we slowed down long enough to cherish the moment, bask in the company and be grateful for the experience? In this season of giving and thanksgiving, I'm going to do just that. ith the holidays fast approaching it's time to think ahead — not to the menu just yet, but to your home. Out-of-town guests coming for the holidays? Don't miss our tips from local design pro Lynn Leath on how to transform your guest bedroom into a comfort- Amtrak has many routes and times for holiday travelers. I took my first Amtrak ride last winter and surprisingly, it was a treat. Read more about that adventure on page 41. Next month, besides food, wine and table etiquette, we'll catch up with the Cape Fear Regional Theater's Artistic Director, Tom Quaintance, who works with 200 tal- ented kids. He shares how he has transformed the 22nd annual production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", into a must-see event for the entire family. 12 | November/December • 2012 Kelly Twedell, features editor

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