HomeSweetHomeSweetHomeSweetHomeSweetHomeSweetHomeSweetHome
As this semester quickly comes to an end my mind can't help but to think - HOME.
Welcome to Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish), the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, population approximately 18,200.
Why is HOME so sweet? Because of the people, places, and things.
Familiarity brings about an indescribable comfort level that just makes you feel good. You come into your zone.
Normally when I go home I have to “hit” the food places that have my favorite dishes like meat pies, boudin, and fried catfish. Will I “hit” those same places when I go home for a visit this summer? Oh course, I will; however, I will be vigilant about the QUANTITY and appreciate the quality.
Do you remember the movie, "Steel Magnolias?" Of course you do. Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Sally Field were in the movie. Well, the movie was filmed in…you guessed it…Natchitoches!
Another piece of trivia about my home town that I love to boast about is the fact that Joe Dumars, a 2007 NBA Hall of Fame recipient and President of the Detroit Pistons, is from Natchitoches. At the Hall of Fame ceremonies many of Joe's colleagues mentioned that Joe is a very humble individual, a quality that I think is supreme. I can truly say that they could not have been more correct in their statements. Every time I go to visit my Uncle James and Aunt Zeffie in Detroit, Joe always gives us some tickets to attend the Pistons Basketball game. Thanks, Joe!
If you ever find yourself in Northwest Central Louisiana, be sure and visit Natchitoches and tell everyone you meet that I said "Hello."
FRONT STREET
CANE RIVER
CANE RIVER
FIREWORKS ON THE NIGHT OF THE NATCHITOCHES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
~Vernita
Posts
At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.
During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.
From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!
For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.
Dear Dr. Mieres:
About the only time I can find to walk is during my lunch break. Is it better to eat prior to or following a vigerous walk?
Thank you,
Ruth
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Comments
Apr 25 | adel said …
looks nice.
Apr 25 | adel said …
I might have to try one of these meat pies
Apr 25 | Vernita said …
Hello Adel,
Everyone should try at least 1 meat pie.
~Vernita
Apr 25 | LaJuan said …
Hey Cuz,
I will have to keep you posted for the launch of my web site, blog, wi-site, or something... I will have to visit.
-LaJuan
Apr 25 | lisa said …
Does anyone call you Nita?
You have such a kind heart and wonderful spirit. I'm so glad to have met you! Your hometown looks very peaceful. Is everyone as nice as you? :-)
Apr 25 | Arlecia Simmons said …
I assume those meat pies don't come in a wheat-based pastry? I would have to share one with a friend. Stay focused and on track.
Apr 25 | Vernita said …
Hello LaJuan,
You are so technically inclined! Please keep me posted.
And Yes, you will have to visit Natchitoches as this place holds a major piece of your ancestry.
~Vernita
Apr 25 | Vernita said …
Hello Lisa,
My Dad calls me Nita sometimes, and before they could pronounce "Vernita," my nephew and niece would call me "Auntie Nina."
Thank you for those kinds words, Lisa. I am just a clone of my parents.
Everyone who visits Natchitoches takes away a piece of the good 'ole Southern Hospitality that they experienced while there. A calm lifestyle added with nature’s beauty is contagious and catching.
Let me know when you and your family will be coming through and I'll tell my parents to pull out the "purple" carpet.
~Vernita
Apr 25 | Vernita said …
Hello Arlecia,
That's an excellent question...wheat-based, huh...I will have to do a little investigative work.
If I even try to slack just a bit I know that you and the C2M community will "gently" mold me back in place.
~Vernita
Apr 25 | Oneda said …
Hello "V",
That is a beautiful photo gallery of our fair city. When you come home we'll have to take a walking tour and enjoy those picturesque scenes. Then we'll get some meat pies and BAKE them.
Keep up the physical movements.
Apr 25 | kara said …
A few weeks ago I went out to dinner with some girlfriends - one of which ordered coconut shrimp (YUMMY). When she had just a few bites she pushed her plate to the side. Another friend (a pregnant one) said what's the matter didn't you like it? And my fit friend answered Oh I did it was wonderful I just wanted the taste of it.
I hope to one day have that kind of willpower. To be able to say i just wanted a taste of it and really just take a taste of it.
Apr 25 | Vernita said …
Hello Mom,
I am looking forward to our WALKING tour. Can we make a "pit stop" at the courthouse and do some family history research, too?
Thanks for the constant encouragement.
Much love,
~Vernita
Apr 25 | Vernita said …
Hello Kara,
WOW. She does have willpower. Did she take the rest of the shrimp home with her?
Years ago I read a book entitled, Diets Still Don't Work and the author suggested that we MODEL (what he called) a "naturally thin person" who embraced healthy living. I think we all should model people who make health-friendly choices, regardless of their shape and/or size.
Kara, know that you ARE headed in the right direction on this journey and alternate routes are just a lil’ something extra for you to consider. Keep up the good work!
~Vernita
Apr 25 | Jessica said …
Wow, you actually make me want to visit Natchitoches! I would love a meat pie as well!
Apr 26 | Vernita said …
Hello Jessica,
You can visit Natchitoches - it's not too far off the beaten path.
Small towns have many hidden treasures.
~Vernita
Apr 26 | Adrienne Brown said …
yuuuuuumyyyyyy!
Apr 26 | Vernita said …
Hello Adrienne,
You are 100% correct!
~Vernita
Apr 26 | Ardenia said …
Hi Cuz
WOW!!!! when you've been away so long you forget how peaceful and lovely the south is!! I WANNA GO HOME!!!
LOVE YOU
ardenia
Apr 26 | Vernita said …
Hello Cuz,
I agree whole-heartedly with you. I miss HOME, FAMILY, and FRIENDS, too!
Much love,
~Vernita
Apr 26 | Pearl said …
Hi Vernita, there's no place like home, and your home looks beautiful, as well as the food. I'm keeping good thoughts for you; keep up the good work with your mind, body and spirit. I know you will succeed in whatever you strive to do. You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you. Oh yeah, the last time I saw you, you looked great.
Love
Sis Pearl
Apr 26 | Vernita said …
Hello Sister Pearl,
You are my Today Angel!
Thank you for those beautiful words.
You could easily "fit in" at home with your upbeat energy and pleasant positive attitude.
I do hope that you will have the opportunity to visit Natchitoches soon.
Much love,
~Vernita
Apr 30 | daphne said …
I want a meat pie 2 I have 2 come visit, I haven't been there in a while and I hope to get there real soon!!!
Love U,
Daphne
Apr 30 | Vernita said …
Hello Daphne,
Try making a homemade meat pie with grilled chicken and vegetables and let me know how it comes out.
Much love,
~Vernita
May 02 | patricia said …
hi vernita, i guess you could say that i am your neighbor, i live 35 to 40 minutes outside of pineville,la in a small town called jonesville, i also attend nsu, online and by satellite in nursing. god bless you on weight loss journey, i am just beginning so far i lost only 2lb. i wish you much success, patricia johnson
May 02 | Vernita said …
Hello Patricia,
A 2lb bag of flour is not so light - that's wonderful that you have lost 2lbs. Congratulations!!
It's hard to focus on your health when at the same time you have to focus on your studies, so you are doing a great job. Keep up the great work!
It's comforting to know that Louisianans find their way to health-oriented sites like the American Heart Association and Choose To Move. Thank you for your kind words and tell everyone in Jonesville, Louisiana that I said, "Choose To Move."
~Vernita
May 02 | Michelle Henry said …
Hey, You have been such an inspiration to me! Your decision to be healthy and stay so positive have really given me hope. I am 26 years old and have a seven month old daughter. I lost my husband of five years in an accident last December when our daughter was only 3 months old. Starting this program is about trying to do something positive for my life when I feel so out of control. So far, I have lost about 5lbs and have another 10-15 to go. Believe it or not, my husband lived in Natchitoches for 3 years when he was in grade school/junior high and was an extra in Steel Magnolias and Man in the Moon. His mom worked at Northwestern. So, your hometown was close to his heart and, by extension, is close to mine. Thanks for being honest and opening your journey to the rest of us to give a positive example. I am starting to believe that I really can lose this baby weight!
God Bless,
Michelle
May 03 | Vernita said …
You inspire me, Michelle, by the fact that through trials and tribulations you have made a conscious decision to evaluate your current state and make the appropriate corrections to offset any future issues that you are able to control…what a wise decision.
I find that negativity requires too much effort and introduces unwanted drama. Think positive, stay positive, and surround yourself with positive people. I’m glad that I am an inspiration to you. I want you to look at your 10-15lb goal verses my 75+lb goal and EXHALE. We have different goals which mean we will probably obtain them at different times but as long as we stay focused and maintain consistency we will both be progressing in the right direction. Yes, we can do this together and make it work for us.
We’re practically cousins! It’s not everyday that you meet someone who has even heard of Natchitoches let alone know someone who has lived there.
I was sad to hear about the loss of your spouse. I will keep you and your daughter in my prayers. You two will be just fine.
~Vernita
Jul 20 | Cassandra said …
Vernita,
You look great and I love your hair!! keep up the good work. I am very proud of you!
I am currently hanging out in Doha, Qatar. I should be here another 9 months.
It's an ARMY thing. LOL
Cassandra
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