Page 19 - The Springs Magazine July Issue 2018

The Springs • July 2018 • 19

Each spring during the Arkansas Writers’ Conference, an outstanding Arkansas
writer is inducted into the Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame. This year’s congratulations
go to Cara Brookins, the author of eight books and an inspirational speaker.
If you don’t already know the viral story of how Brookins escaped an
abusive marriage with her four children and built a home in Bryant relying on
YouTube tutorials, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Rise: How a House Built a
Family (St. Martin’s, 2017) right away.
With no one to turn to but herself, Brookins learned the power of having
no “plan B” as she googled how to build a foundation, install plumbing, and run gas
lines. Then, with no experience beyond assembling a bookshelf, she put herself and
her construction crew of four children to work.
When the news story was first released, it went viral in more than 75
countries and was viewed more than two billion times. The world continued to
watch as this family rose from victims of abuse to rebuild their broken family
through this remarkable do-it-yourself project.
Rise has recently been optioned to become a major motion picture, so if
you enjoy reading the book, you can soon watch it on the big screen.
If you feel like you need a sweeping life change, perhaps Brookins is
your motivation. Through nationwide speaking engagements, many of them for
corporate clients, she encourages others to set big goals and go after them, and to
eliminate “plan B.” Visit Brookins at carabrookins.com.
A Hot Springs native, Erin Wood is a writer, editor, and publisher in Little
Rock. She owns and runs Et Alia Press (etaliapress.com). She is editor of and a
contributor to Scars: An Anthology and is currently at work on Women Makers of
Arkansas, featuring 50+ women creatives. Wood’s work has appeared in Catapult,
The Rumpus, Ms. Magazine’s Blog, Psychology Today, Tales from the South, and
elsewhere, and was a Best American Essays notable.

Tennis Anyone? HSV Has the
Courts For It

Tennis, anyone? Though few tennis players would claim to play as well as
Roger Federer and Venus Williams, the game certainly has its legions of hard-core
devotees. Regardless of whether you play at an expert level or are a beginner, or
fall somewhere in between, if you love the game, chances are you want to live or
vacation somewhere that gives you access to as much quality court time as possible.
Hot Springs Village (HSV) is just that place.
HSV is home to the very impressive Coronado Tennis Center, a premier
tennis facility with 10 clay courts and 3 hard court surfaces. Named “Tennis Center
of the Year” by the Arkansas Tennis Association; the facility includes United States
Professional Tennis Association (USTA) certified teaching professionals as well as
a pro shop, lounge and pavilion.
The center is also home to the Hot Springs Village Tennis Association
(HSVTA), which boasts over 350 members. Players may choose from a variety of
programs from league play including mixed leagues, women’s and men’s doubles,
Junior Tennis, as well as fun social events.
USTA Adult Leagues are also encouraged here. Additionally, the facility often
hosts regional tennis tournaments for organizations like the Senior Olympics and USTA.
Want to beef up your game a bit during your visit? Private, semi-private
and group tennis lessons are available and are taught by our two tennis pros. These
friendly professionals really care about providing a high-quality tennis experience
for residents and visitors.
To make sure that all tennis enthusiasts get their “court time” the beautiful
Diamanté Golf Club also has additional clay courts available. The 1,500 sq. ft.
tennis building features a check-in lounge and a kitchen area. An on-site pro shop
includes a wide selection of stylish athletic clothes and equipment. The clubhouse
also includes a 400 sq. ft. pavilion with an ice machine, picnic tables, restrooms and
showers. Ball machines and practice hoppers are also available.
Come enjoy the variety of recreational and cultural activities in Hot
Springs Village. Experience southern hospitality at its best with the promise of a
unique and rewarding lifestyle that could ultimately be yours. You may come for the
tennis, but we bet you will stay for the uniquely uncommon quality of life!