Finding ‘sweet spot’ in new job

When she steps outside her office and onto the grounds of the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Shannon Bell instinctively sees beyond the beauty surrounding her. She sees possibility. Of course, she notices the garden’s abundant flora. She revels when a school bus pulls up to deliver students for a field trip, or when first-time visitors…

‘Get in and get involved’

Seven years after he moved away from Fayetteville, Scott Embry returned, in part, simply because he loves the city. “People tell me, ‘You know, I don’t hear a lot of people say that,’” he said. “‘Well, you just haven’t tried it. You haven’t tried to get in and get involved — because if that’s important…

DIY or outsourced: What’s your holiday prep approach?

For the past few holiday seasons as I’ve driven all over town from here to there, I’ve noticed more and more immaculately illuminated houses that stand out from the rest. These homes are adorned with tasteful Christmas lights, hung perfectly along the entire perimeter of rooftops and even on the steepest of ridges. Strings of…

Books: The gifts that keep on giving

Books can make wonderful last-minute gifts. You can find them at all kinds of stores, and your local bookstore is often open late during the holidays for last-minute shoppers. All the books released in the last few months of the year are just waiting to be given as gifts. They also make great first-choice gifts,…

The best Christmas gifts are not always wrapped

When you think about all the Christmas gifts you have received in your lifetime, which ones mean the most to you? Do you have a piece of jewelry, a set of golf clubs, a family portrait, or a book that you cherish? Or do you cherish a different kind of gift? I was 6 years…

A Yuletide Feaste for the ages

As the holiday season nears in our community, downtown springs to life with festive wreaths and twinkly lights lining the streets. People begin their gift shopping, and the holiday spirit sparks in us all. Old traditions join with new ones, and some traditions rise from the ashes to start again. One of those traditions is…

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