IT’S ALL ABOUT... The 50th ‘Suzanne’s Corner’
It’s time to acknowledge the most special people in my life, for without them the column, “Suzanne’s Corner” would never have existed. In 2019 being somewhat settled in East Texas, I had an opportunity to take a breather from the many construction projects that were taking place on my newly acquired property. It was at that time that YouTube was becoming my goto entertainment and trainer for just about everything. A friend urged me to start listening on YouTube to a brilliant woman to bring my knowledge up to a realistic level pertaining to all things financial. She was such an unbelievable brain stimulant to my new financial interests that I attended her ITM Trading seminar, or as they called it, “The Event”, in Phoenix, Arizona. My “community thinking” was borne from that trip and spending quality time with Lynette Zang. She didn’t disappoint for one second with her incredible knowledge in the field of precious metals, bankers, brokers, history of currency, fiat dollars, economy and “gardening for survival”… of all things. She spoke, without notes or hesitation for the entire day, imparting her valuable wisdom, and opened my eyes relative to our changing world. She completely altered my life, outlook and no doubt made me a much better more caring person relative to community and looking out for my fellowman and neighbors. A huge THANK YOU goes to Lynette for being such an important part in shaping my new philosophy toward life. She was the inspiration for the very first published “Suzanne’s Corner” titled, “It’s All About… Community”.
Returning from the seminar with such a wealth of information having been gathered, and being awakened to a potential disastrous future world, it seemed feasible to take steps to bring together our county road as a single community. My feeling was that many others here in East Texas should participate within their immediate areas and get ready for survival as well. Thus, the first “Community” column seemed appropriate to publish in an attempt to help and inspire others.
I contacted Shawn Larson, the Editor of the Cass County Citizens Journal-Sun, the community newspaper and asked if he would be interested in publishing an article about our community. He was actually looking for an additional writer, said absolutely…but I wasn’t looking for a fulltime job, especially not every week! I was only interested in being a “free-lance” contributor, writing when the mood struck. We got together and the first column was published in 2019. A special thank you to Shawn for giving me the opportunity to try my hand at writing.
Another GIANT thank you goes to Melanie Rhyne, the fabulous graphic designer. Without her creativity I do not believe we would have been nearly as entertaining, and definitely not as much fun. She brought her light fun-loving ability and graphics to the table that framed so many of the columns. Melanie is such a cute talented personality always light hearted and jovial. In fact, her initial set up, calling me “Suzanne’s Corner” was the main inspiration that kept me writing. We laughed and worked together for the better part of several years. Couldn’t have been so successful in the column without Melanie. Thank you again!
A sincere thank you also goes to Jessica Rymel, with the Texas A & M Extension office in East Texas. She was instrumental in changing me from a “Neiman Marcus” gal to a down to earth gardener and “chicken mom”! Jessie laid out the first complete “community” garden, row by row and plant by plant. She also spec’d the two breeds of chickens that provided our little community thousands of eggs. Jessica, I am so grateful to have stumbled into your office that day and to tell you I cherish your friendship. Thank you so very much.
Lastly, the biggest THANK YOU goes to my recently departed dad (age almost 99), and my departed mom (age 96) for the life lessons they taught. Mom was a substitute English teacher always correcting my grammar and dad was not only my proof reader but the constant innovative business guru pushing me to persevere, try new things and start various business ventures. Without these amazing two people in my life for such a long time I’m not sure I would be able to do what I do today. They both took part in shaping my thinking, writing ability and business sense making me the most capable person possible. Thanks again for all your love and teachings! I hear both of your voices in my head, spouting advice, as I continue to travel through life.
And, I thank all of you for supporting and continuing to read “Suzanne’s Corner”. It’s hard to believe that over the past couple of years, 50 columns have gone to press. We steered away from politics, even though it was so tempting, and wrote about ghosts, angels, lawnmowers, hope chests, a poison squad, Sadie, Texas flag, cockroachin’, crystal balls, mountain men, scammers, pet rocks, risqué trivia, WWII vets, family and more!
With the volume of columns that have now printed, I have been persuaded to compile the best of the collection and publish a hard back “Suzanne’s Corner”. The Publisher says from start to finish it takes about 6 to 8 months to get the finished product into the book store and on Amazon! We will keep you updated on the progress and thanks again for hanging with me and supporting both the newspaper and my column.
Absolutely cannot believe we are now crossing the 50-yard line!