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Table of Contents: A Family Business and Legacy Part 2: Art Showcase Love of Color Air Race Classic Finding Life’s Passion with Chocolate Ordinary Threads Artfully Woven Rosie’s Salon What Are You Reading? The Best of Two Worlds Magnesium in Health and Disease Menstrual Madness Barn Quilts A Mélange of Vintage and New Colorful Kitchen A New Style Meet a Subscriber Ask the Coach Into Thin Air The 3 P’s in Marriage Love and the Art of Letter Writing In Every Issue Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree From the Editor Contributing Writers Contest Rules Shopping Cart

From the Editor: Moving is no fun. Within the past six years, I have moved five times. Those college years are like that – first, I moved away from home into a dorm room, and then to another dorm room. After that, I lived in a cute little apartment with some friends. Following graduation, I moved into my own place. Then, last fall – Jordan and I settled into our farmhouse. That’s a lot of packing, a lot of boxes and a lot of work. Earlier this summer, another big move took place. But this time, it wasn’t my address that changed – Womeninc has a new location! We are now in a renovated little bungalow on Blue Earth Avenue in Fairmont, Minnesota. It’s a charming building with real wood floors and beautiful details. There is also an outdoor patio area where we can kick back and enjoy the summer. Depending on the day, it may be the place to escape and sneak in a few pieces of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, Stephanie O’Connor found her calling when she created truffles as a gift for her chocolate-loving sister. They were so unique and delicious that she started a business called Tout de Sweet and she now spends her days creating artisan chocolates. On page 40, you can learn more about her mouth-watering creations. After 33 years of operating Steve’s Meat Market as husband and wife, Donnavon Eaker lost her husband to cancer. With the responsibility of a fully operating USDA plant heavy on their shoulders, Donnavon and her daughter Rachael Lee kept the business running after their loss. With a passion for offering quality meats, the two move forward in the industry. Read their story of dedication on page 16. Lori Knish from Belle Plaine, Minnesota makes bobbin lace, a combination of braiding and weaving lengths of thread wound around bobbins. I had the honor of watching her move and manipulate the bobbins to make the intricate lace as I just stood silently in awe. Lori truly has an incredible gift. You can learn more about bobbin lace in the article “Ordinary Threads Artfully Woven” on page 48. The diversity of talents, gifts and interests of the women I meet continues to inspire me. This issue is full of stories about women who have found something they loved – and pursued it as a career. I am happy and proud to be one of them. The boxes are unpacked and we are settling in to our new office location so if you’re in the neighborhood, please visit us. To set up a tour, please call the number below. We’ll keep a place ready for you on the patio and may even share our chocolate. Change of Address: Womeninc 322 E Blue Earth Avenue Fairmont, MN 56031 888.321.5181

Table of Contents: FEATURES 16 Guarding a Legacy, Living a Dream Basketball star Candice Wiggins shares how her father’s death gave her a passion to combat AIDS by raising awareness. 26 Learning to Cope Guard Family Readiness Group volunteer Carmen Brunsvold helps local families deal with sending a loved one to Iraq. 30 Shari’s Cast of Characters Shari Ellingson enjoys bringing smiles, laughter and hope into people’s lives through her ventriloquism. 32 Dancing the Steel Never wanting a conventional career, Jennifer Wolcott found her calling as a metal and glass artist. 43 The Difference of RedSky Heavy velvet curtains and exposed brick walls make the RedSky Lounge a destination spot in Mankato, Minnesota. 52 Surviving the Fall – Brokenness and Bravery Two years after the I-35 bridge collapse, Paula Coulter shares her personal account. THIS MONTH 14 Touring Companions HEALTH 22 Do You Have a Medical Home? 24 Defining Alternative Medicine HOME 38 Designer Tricks of the Trade WORK 48 Emma Krumbees: A Family Destination 50 Summary of the Importance of Human Resources SELF 56 The Perfect Storm: Motherhood, Expectations and Guilt 58 Meet a Subscriber 61 Summer Lovin’ 62 Brake Stands Every Issue: 4 Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree 10 From the Editor 12 Contributing Writers 60 Contest Rules 63 Shopping Cart

From the Editor: Moments of Reflection: Milestones are an important part of life. Birthdays, graduations, wedding anniversaries: We love celebrating big moments. Many milestones are predictable and foreseen, but sometimes they just come upon us, like a bold decision that becomes a turning point in your life. Or an unexpected event that calls for significant change. I believe that Womeninc is experiencing a milestone as we begin our sixth year of publishing. Featured on our cover, Candice Wiggins is bright, articulate and she loves basketball. On the court, Candice is a fierce competitor. Off the court, she has a passion for raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. She joins the fight against the pandemic by partnering with Until There’s A Cure® (UTAC). I invite you to read more about Minnesota Lynx #11 on page 16. On August 1, 2007 the nation was shocked with news of the I-35 Bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Family and friends of those living in the Metro area watched the news and made calls in an attempt to connect with loved ones. Brad and Paula Coulter were traveling with their daughters Brandi and Brianna when the bridge suddenly gave way and the structure collapsed into the ravine below. On page 52 the Coulter family shares their story of survival. This month, I reflect on the past five years of Womeninc magazine. Since the first issue, we have shared countless stories about incredible women: Women clothed in gentleness and compassion who inspire and empower; women with wisdom and strength. Bringing their stories into your home has been an honor. Our mission is to continue sharing stories that warm your heart, inspire you to do great things and uplift women who have an incredible story to tell. I don’t know what the next five years will bring, but I look forward to experiencing many more milestones along the way.