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"...what may surprise many...is the fact that Lent is being examined and increasingly embraced by members of...the United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, and moderate Baptist traditions."   In a moment, the smudge. But to begin with: Lent---which begins on February 6 this year, or "Ash Wednesday"---is the season on the Christian calendar marking the severe 40-day testing of Christ in the wilderness. Lent has evolved a great deal since its ancient beginnings---much too much to permit a detailed treatment here. But in short, this season of reflection has traditionally encouraged observers to focus sincerely on the following: fasting, or other forms of self-denial; prayer; reconciliation with God and man---believed to be achieved largely through work in the previous two categories; and

"I had tried to impress very strongly upon my girls: Please don't leave your father's house to go directly to your husband's house. Take at least 6 months to learn to take care of yourself...That's because I never knew how to get on by myself; as a result, I'm ignorant of a lot of things that I shouldn't be now."   I spoke the other day with a friend who suffered a loss, in the autumn of 2003, like no other she had ever experienced. That was the season in which her walk here with her beloved husband came to a close, the season he passed away after a protracted and difficult illness. Almost five years on, I wondered whether

"It's not your mama's jewelry store---unless your mama's really cool." ---Bryan Morgan Have you checked out the chic, distinctive, sometimes-edgy jewelry designs featured at Sliver, Bryan Morgan's new shop on North Westwood Boulevard? With Valentine's Day just a few weeks away, now might be the ideal time to pop in and have a look at the many unique creations on display at Sliver, where veteran jeweler Morgan specializes in pieces fashioned in sterling silver and stainless steel. Offering baubles, bangles, and beads ranging from the strikingly elegant to the downright funky, Sliver is that rare jeweler's equipped to accessorize patrons for the office, a gallery opening, fine dining, or a knock-down-drag-out battle of the garage bands.

Late last year, Oprah Winfrey sent line producer David Rivera on a final trip to Poplar Bluff to film Marion West and Vy Higginsen---"The DNA Cousins"---as part of her special Dr. Martin Luther King Day television tribute. At that time, Rivera and a video crew filmed Marion West at home; at a big bash for three of his New York cousins, including Higginsen; and at that age-old, bustling nerve center of Poplar Bluff life, Myrtle's Place---the diner of legend, the barbeque haven known by all for miles. Rivera had been looking to shoot inside a "typical small-town diner", a popular spot with a bit of flavor and history; Mack West told him that Myrtle's was the place to go. This worked out

Marion West's primary link to the New York branch of West descendants is his cousin Vy Higginsen, a multi-talented arts advocate and businesswoman who burst onto the scene in 1983 with her Off-Broadway hit musical Mama, I Want to Sing! With husband Ken Wydro, director/producer Higginsen co-wrote the acclaimed gospel extravaganza, based on the life and aspirations of her eldest sister, '60s recording artist Doris Troy---who portrayed her own mother in the play. Mama's route to success is the stuff of American legend: no "household names" attached to the production; relatively modest funding and promotion; Harlem location, a considerable distance uptown from "Theater Row" itself. But stellar vocal performances and positive word of mouth powered Mama through over 2,200 shows;