‘Threshold’ will premiere on Peacock on February 23. Photo: Brinkema Brothers Productions, used with permission.
The Struggle Behind the Smile: New Documentary ‘Threshold’ Premieres Feb 23
I’m excited to announce the upcoming premiere of Threshold, a powerful feature documentary chronicling the life of Olympic legend Jessie Diggins. The film will debut on Peacock on Monday, February 23rd, strategically timed to coincide with the Winter Olympic Games. (EG PR, 2026)
At a Glance
Premiere Date: Monday, February 23rd on Peacock
Directed by: Lars Brinkema and Torsten Brinkema
Featuring: Jessie Diggins
Executive Producers: Torsten Brinkema, Patrick Dempsey
Music by: Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore
Running Time: 85 minutes
The Story: Beyond the Gold
Threshold is the story of the most decorated American cross-country skier ever, Jessie Diggins, and the painful fight with an eating disorder that occurred at the very peak of her career.
This is more than a sports story; it is a visceral, human account of vulnerability and recovery unfolding in real-time. Through unprecedented access to Jessie and the U.S. Ski Team, the film explores a disorder that often hides in plain sight, yet remains tragically misunderstood in professional athletics.
A Season Lived in Real-Time
The film unfolds over a single, high-stakes season, intercutting present-day vérité footage with decisive moments from Jessie’s past. It traces how a relentless pursuit of perfection led her to believe that controlling her body mass was the only key to success.
From grueling races above the Arctic Circle to the first World Cup on American snow in over 25 years, the documentary tracks the mounting pressure of elite sport. Ultimately, Threshold is a film about hope, proving that relapse is not failure and asking for help is not a weakness.
About the Subjects
Jessie Diggins | Olympic Gold Medalist
A three-time Olympic medalist, Jessie is known for her legendary ability to enter the “Pain Cave” during the closing moments of the world’s most grueling races. As the reigning two-time World Champion, she will compete in an extraordinary six different events at the 2026 Olympic Games.
Off the snow, Jessie is a fierce advocate for:
Mental Health: Managing and speaking openly about eating disorder recovery.
Sustainability: Raising awareness about the effects of global warming on winter sports.
Resilience: Sharing her experience on teamwork and mental toughness.
Lars Brinkema | Director & Cinematographer
Based in Los Angeles, Lars Brinkema began his career in photojournalism documenting the Minneapolis community’s resilience following the murder of George Floyd. His award-winning short, I Pray, set the stage for his feature directorial debut with Threshold.
When Jessie entrusted Lars with her story, the project became a personal mission rooted in his commitment to intimate, character-driven storytelling that fosters genuine social change.
“By allowing herself to be seen, Jessie offers something rare to those living in silence: proof that you can reclaim your health and your dreams.”
The Study at Dean’s. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.
More Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Antonio 💕
San Antonio is turning up the romance this Valentine’s season. From heart-themed desserts and intimate chef-driven dinners to luxe hotel packages and festive Galentine’s gatherings, the city is full of ways to celebrate love — whether that’s with a partner, your best friends, or yourself.
Here’s your guide to more Valentine’s happenings around town.
🍰 Bakery Lorraine
Valentine’s & Galentine’s Treats 📅 February 1 – 15 📍 All Bakery Lorraine locations
Bakery Lorraine is offering a collection of sweet (and slightly edgy) Valentine’s treats perfect for gifting or indulging.
One highlight? Proceeds from the chocolate cherry macaron will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank throughout February, so your dessert does some good, too.
Available In-Store:
Sugar Skull Shortbread Cookies – Vanilla shortbread decorated with fondant and royal icing accents (individually bagged and gift-ready).
“Love You to Death” Vanilla Raspberry Skull Cakes – Moist vanilla cake with tart raspberry filling and buttercream flower eyes.
Heart Shortbread Cookie Stack – Pink vanilla shortbread cookies tied with string.
Dark Cherry & Chocolate Tiramisu – Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with dark cherry compote and mascarpone.
Raspberry Rose Japonaise – A delicate macaron filled with raspberry rose and mascarpone, topped with fresh raspberries and rose petals.
Celebrate Galentine’s in garden glam style with creative cocktails, interactive games, and playful activations. Expect a lively atmosphere designed for connection and fun.
Highlights Include:
Photo station
Temporary tattoo station
Lip gloss charm station
Bic lighter decorations
Hair tinsel & braid bar
Large Confession Burn Book
Card games at every table, including “We’re Not Really Strangers”
📅 Saturday, February 14 🎹 Live music from 9 PM – 12 AM
Toast to friendship at this speakeasy-inspired lounge inside The Gunter Hotel.
San Antonio–born pianist and vocalist Chris Guerrero will perform classic and guest-requested love songs, blending refined jazz with crowd-favorite sing-alongs.
Esencia is offering prix fixe menus ideal for couples and Galentine’s gatherings alike. Guests can enjoy shared appetizers, two entrées, and a shared dessert, thoughtfully crafted and priced per person.
📍 111 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 🕚 Open daily at 11 AM
Located in the Historic Pearl District, Otto’s Ice House offers a casual, riverside setting perfect for low-key Valentine’s plans.
For something sweet, Goode Co.’s Brazos Bottom Pecan Pies are available to ship nationwide. Each pie comes in a handcrafted keepsake box with one of three limited-edition messages:
“Pie Love You”
“Ride or Pie”
“Bless Your Heart”
💲 $60 per pie
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a luxe dinner reservation, or a festive Galentine’s night out, San Antonio offers something for every kind of love story this season. 💗
Ana Cristina Cash explores her roots in her new album. Photo: Gina Binkley, used with permission.
A Fusion of Heritage and Harmony: Ana Cristina Cash Releases New Bilingual Album, The Sunshine State
Acclaimed songstress Ana Cristina Cash has officially released her latest project, The Sunshine State. A masterful blend of her Cuban-American roots and her home in the heart of country music, this bilingual album is now available across all major streaming platforms. (Aristo PR, 2026)
Recorded at the legendary Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee and produced by John Carter Cash and Willie Breeding, the album is a testament to Ana Cristina’s versatility. Listeners can expect to hear her remarkable vocal range on full display, transitioning effortlessly from a resonant contralto to a soaring soprano.
The Duality of Sound
Having spent over a decade in Nashville, Ana Cristina’s artistry is firmly grounded in country music. However, her Spanish lineage provides a distinct depth that sets this project apart.
“That duality is present in everything I do,” says Ana Cristina. “I’m proud to be an American living in Nashville… and equally proud of my Hispanic culture. I grew up speaking both English and Spanish at home, so it felt natural to record Spanish versions of several of my songs.”
Track Highlights
The album serves as a cultural crossroads, featuring a mix of English, Spanish, and Spanglish tracks:
“Daybreak” / “Un Break”: The breezy opening single and its Spanish counterpart.
“Florida Girl”: A heartfelt nod to her roots.
“Cheap Margaritas”: Available in both the original and a playful Spanglish version.
“Last Call”: A fiery track featured in both languages.
Brand New Tunes: Including the nostalgic “Janice” and “Don’t Give Up.”
Inspired by the Everglades
Much of the album’s imagery is drawn from Ana Cristina’s childhood in rural West Miami. She recalls a time when the area was “wild and untouched,” bordered by the Florida Everglades.
“The first home I grew up in… I only had four neighbors, a dirt road, orange trees in the backyard, and our own chickens,” she notes. “That formative period of my life influenced so much of this record.”
About Ana Cristina Cash
Ana Cristina’s career began at the age of six. By 15, she had signed with Sony Music Latin. Her career is marked by historic milestones, including:
Historic Performances: The first Hispanic American to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at a presidential inauguration (2005).
Iconic Venues: Performances at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Madison Square Garden.
Nashville Legacy: Married to John Carter Cash since 2016, she continues to record at the historic Cash Cabin Studio and recently signed a global publishing deal with BMG Rights Management.
The Sunshine Stateis out now. Experience the soulful blend of country and Latin influences today.
The Sunshine State tracklist:
“Daybreak”
“Cheap Margaritas”
“Florida Girl”
“Janice”
“Last Call”
“Don’t Give Up”
“Un Break (Daybreak Versión En Español)”
“Cheap Margaritas (Spanglish Version)”
“Tu Última Llamada (Last Call Versión En Español)”
‘The Accident’ is the new YA thriller by Lori Miller Kase. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book Spotlight: The Accident by Lori Miller Kase
The Accident is a tense, emotionally charged YA novel that explores how one terrible moment can fracture families, friendships, and a teenager’s sense of right and wrong.
Overview
Hannah has a secret: She thinks she knows who’s behind the hit-and-run accident that killed a popular high school football player in her small Connecticut town. But could it really be her brother, Rob? Or worse, his best friend Zach, the first boy to show her any romantic attention? (Barnes & Noble, 2026)
As the police investigation unfolds and Hannah falls hard for Zach, she vows to protect them both. Consumed with guilt, she finds herself lying to her parents and her friends alike.
The Breaking Point
Tensions mount as Hannah discovers she and Rob aren’t the only ones in the family with a secret. As her friends turn against her and two different versions of the truth emerge, she is forced to decide where her loyalties lie: With her brother? Or with her boyfriend?
The Accident is a story about choices and consequences, secrets and lies, and what happens when you follow your heart instead of your conscience.
Review: A Deep Dive into Moral Complexity
Set in a small Connecticut town, Kase captures the claustrophobic pressure of secrets where everyone watches and rumors spread faster than facts. Hannah’s guilt feels palpable as she convinces herself that loyalty is the same as love.
What Makes This a Must-Read:
Vivid Imagery: The narrative is written in the first person with poetic language. Kase writes: “A bright yellow or red leaf clings stubbornly to a limb here and there, but most of the foliage now litters the grass and the walkways like giant pieces of confetti.”
Fast-Paced Plot: Short chapters keep the action flowing seamlessly, making it a “one-sitting” kind of read.
Relatable Themes: By exploring family, identity, and betrayal, the book avoids easy answers. It forces readers to sit with uncomfortable questions about self-deception and the cost of protecting the people we love.
The Bottom Line:The Accident is a suspenseful family drama and a sharp reminder that choices, once made, never come without consequences. Fans of YA coming-of-age fiction will find Hannah’s journey of self-reflection deeply relatable.
“I stand outside The Music Shoppe and stare after the boy and his babysitter long after they disappear from view. Then I walk home and cry. For the boy, for Tyler, for all their family has lost.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
About the Author
Lori Miller Kase is an award-winning journalist, short story writer, essayist, and young adult author. Her work has appeared in prestigious publications including The Atlantic, Vogue, Literary Mama, Brain, Child, and Discover.
With a background as a reporter-trainee at The New York Times and a health editor at Vogue, Lori has covered everything from neuroscience to clean beauty. However, as a lifelong lover of books, her true passion lies in writing for children and young adults.
*Thank you to Meryl Moss Media for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Jason Dady restaurants will offer romantic Valentine’s Day prix-fixe dinners. Photo: Jason Dady Restaurant Group, used with permission.
More Valentine’s Day Celebration Ideas to Love 💘
With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, there’s still time to plan a memorable weekend with that special someone, or gather your friends for a festive twist on romance. From indulgent spa days to rooftop dinners and Hill Country escapes, these experiences offer something for every kind of Valentine.
🌹 River Walk Romance at Four Brothers Southern Provisions
Soak in the River Walk’s charming atmosphere while dining at Four Brothers Southern Provisions at Omni La Mansión del Rio. Elevate the experience with a romantic overnight stay by booking the From Omni, With Love package. (Omni La Mansión del Rio, 2026)
Package highlights include:
A pre-arrival call with Omni’s Love Concierge
Sparkling wine and chocolates
A $50 date-night credit
Late check-out for lingering moments together
🖤 A “Heart-Slasher” Galentine’s Night
Four Brothers also puts a playful spin on Galentine’s Day with a horror-themed prix-fixe dinner inspired by Friday the 13th.
Featured menu items include:
Camp Crystal Lake Salad
Slasher Steak
Ki-Ki-Ki Ma-Ma-Ma — a white chocolate and red berry deconstruction of the film’s iconic mask
A perfect choice for friends who prefer their Valentine’s celebrations with a twist.
🍷 Wine & Bites at The Newstand Coffee and Sandwiches
For trendy wine lovers, explore the newly launched wine program at The Newstand Coffee and Sandwiches, just steps from the Pearl. This chic neighborhood café offers a curated selection of wines & bites, including N/A options, designed for relaxed, intimate evenings. (The Newstand Coffee and Sandwiches, 2026)
From lively bubbles to juicy reds, selections by certified sommelier and Beverage Director Austin Tabbone set the tone for connection, conversation, and romance.
🌿 Hill Country Bliss at Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness
Escape downtown and head to the Texas Hill Country for rejuvenation at Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness at Signia by Hilton La Cantera.(Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, 2026)
The Endless Love Package transports guests to a serene oasis and includes a sweet sip of Blush Cotton Candy Bubbly, because Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without candy-inspired indulgence. Ideal for couples, friends, or a solo self-love retreat.
💞 A Romance-Infused Retreat at Hyatt Regency Hill Country
The newly renovated Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas, set across 300 scenic acres, is offering a Valentine’s weekend escape designed for relaxation and connection. (Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas, 2026)
Highlights include:
A special romance package
Spa experiences
A “’Til Death Do Us Part” murder mystery event
A romantic dinner for two at Antlers Lodge
🌙 Elevated Valentine’s Weekend at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
This February, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalksets the scene for a chic Valentine’s escape with elevated dining and indulgent in-room experiences. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2026)
Romantic in-room packages ranging from Sweetheart Haven to Lovers Luxe Escape, featuring champagne, caviar, spa-inspired amenities, and immersive décor
💆♀️ Restorative Relaxation at Oak Haven Massage
Treat your loved one to therapeutic relaxation at Oak Haven Massage, known for its nurturing, wellness-focused approach. (Oak Haven Massage, 2026)
Valentine’s Offer | Now through February 13
$99 — 50-minute Tier 1 massage (save $16)
$155 — 80-minute Tier 1 massage (save $20)
$15 — 25-minute sauna session (save $15)
Post-Valentine’s Offer | February 15 The same promotions return for those extending the celebration, or making up for a missed holiday.
Appointments can be booked online or by phone at Oak Haven’s Alamo Heights, Bulverde, or Huebner locations.
🍽️ Prix-Fixe Dinners with Jason Dady Restaurant Group
The Jason Dady Restaurant Group will offer chef-curated, multi-course prix-fixe Valentine’s dinners, complete with optional wine pairings, at the following locations:
In partnership with The Rock at La Cantera’s Flirty Flix, Roca & Martillo will also offer charcuterie and cheese spreads for two, available at the Roca bar window. Guests can enjoy lawn screenings of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Sweet Home Alabama, beginning at 5 p.m.
Whether you’re planning a candlelit dinner, a spa day steeped in self-care, or a Galentine’s night with a little edge, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate love in all its forms. So grab the reservations, cue the champagne (or mocktails), and make a weekend of it—because romance doesn’t have to be predictable to be unforgettable. 💕
The king of dystopian YA books is back with ‘Piper at the Gates of Dusk.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble
Return to the Noise: Patrick Ness Reinvents the Chaos Walking Universe
Patrick Ness is making a thrilling return to the world of Chaos Walking with his highly anticipated new YA novel, Piper at the Gates of Dusk.(Candlewick Press, 2026)
As the first installment in the extraordinary New World trilogy, this is a timely work of science fiction that dissects the interplay of fear, power, and propaganda. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original series or a newcomer to Ness’s visceral storytelling, this book is set to be a definitive literary event of the year.
Mark Your Calendars: The release date is Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and it is available for pre-order now.
Book Overview: A New Generation, A New Threat
It has been twenty years since the monstrous war that nearly tore New World apart. For Todd and Viola’s sons, Ben and Max, life on the family farm has been defined by peace and the typical dreams of school and adventure, until the nightmares began.
A sudden sickness is sweeping through the youth of New World. It infects them with Noise, manifesting as their darkest, most self-destructive thoughts. As the planet’s uneasy truce begins to crumble, the mystery deepens:
The Spackle: Suspicion falls on the indigenous people of New World.
The Sky: A mysterious object looms overhead, watching the planet.
The Disappearances: One by one, the children of New World are vanishing.
Caught in a race for answers, Ben (armed with his mother’s logic) and Max (carrying his father’s courage) embark on separate quests. Their journeys will force them to question everything—their parents, their brotherhood, and their very right to exist on this planet.
About the Author: Patrick Ness
Patrick Ness is a titan of dystopian fiction. His original Chaos Walking trilogy has sold over three million copies worldwide, cementing his reputation for high-stakes, emotional storytelling.
Ness is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller A Monster Calls (inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd), which won both the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals and was adapted into a major motion picture. His diverse body of work includes:
More Than This
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Burn
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
With two Carnegie Medals, an Olivier Award, and a Costa Children’s Book Award to his name, Ness continues to push the boundaries of YA literature from his homes in Los Angeles and London.
Mezquite Spread. Photo: Robert J. Lerma, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day Dining Guide: Romantic & Relaxed Restaurant Offerings
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Pullman Market’s offerings range from high-end, special-occasion dining experiences at Isidore and Nicosi to relaxed, approachable options at Fife & Farro and the Mezcaleria—ensuring there’s something for every kind of celebration. (Pullman Market, 2026)
Mezquite’s Sonoran-Inspired Valentine’s Dinner for Two
Mezquite’s Valentine’s Day menu draws from the rich flavors and traditions of Sonoran cuisine. Crafted for two, the dinner invites couples to savor each course and enjoy a relaxed, intimate evening together. Thoughtful dishes and warm hospitality set the tone for a cozy, memorable night.
For those looking to keep things casual, the Mezcaleria offers a laid-back way to celebrate. Open from 11 a.m. to midnight, the bar will be serving cocktails, food, and good energy all day long—perfect for a spontaneous date, a Galentine’s toast, or a nightcap to end the evening.
Walk-ins only
Nicosi’s Specialty Valentine’s Day Experience
At Nicosi, Valentine’s Day is centered around connection and indulgence. The Michelin Star dessert tasting menu concept will offer a one-night-only, multi-course experience exclusive to the holiday, encouraging guests to savor each moment together.
Price: $200 per guest
Includes: Choice of non-alcoholic pairing or wine & cocktail pairing
Isidore welcomes guests for a Michelin Star Valentine’s celebration with an elegant eight-course tasting menu. An optional wine pairing is also available, thoughtfully selected to complement each course and elevate the evening.
Fife & Farro at Pullman Market offers a more laid-back way to celebrate, featuring wood-fired sourdough pizzas and handmade pastas made with heritage grains.
Reservations: Available via OpenTable for Valentine’s Day only (Note: Reservations are not typically offered at Fife & Farro)
Same-day diners: Encouraged to join the waitlist
Walk-ins: Always welcome
Valentine’s Day Dining Around San Antonio & New Braunfels
San Antonio and New Braunfels’ premier restaurants—including Clementine, Maverick Texas Brasserie, Muck & Fuss, and more—are offering curated menus and intimate ambiance designed to create a truly memorable Valentine’s Day.
Clementine, the Castle Hills neighborhood gem is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a chef-driven prix-fixe dinner designed for lingering conversations and shared moments. Offered February 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the menu reflects James Beard Award finalist John Russ’s Southern roots and global sensibility, balancing bold comfort with refined elegance.
The downtown New Braunfels restaurant is celebrating Valentine’s Day for everyone, offering two prix-fixe menus welcoming couples, solo diners, and families alike—honoring romance, self-love, and quality time.
For a nightcap or post-dinner outing, guests can step next door to Sidecar, known for its vintage speakeasy vibe and live music. For the holiday, Sidecar will feature a curated menu of shareable bites and cocktails, including:
Southtown’s contemporary Mexican restaurant is spreading the love with the return of its popular Galentine-ARITA cocktail, available February 13–15. Made with El Tequileno, this pink, sparkling margarita is a festive favorite.
Rosario’s and El Tequileno are also hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway for a free dinner for two, running through February 11, with details and the winner announced on Instagram.
Tip: Calling ahead or joining the waitlist is highly recommended for Valentine’s Day dining
Inheritance stars Rachel Noll James and West Brown. Photo: IMDb
Inheritance (2024) The past never dies
Following its successful release in the US and Canada, Inheritance is now available on major digital platforms in the UK.
Genre: Family Drama Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min.
Director: Emily Moss Wilson Writers: Rachel Noll James, Austin Highsmith Garces Starring: Austin Highsmith Garces, Rachel Noll James, Wes Brown
Available to stream on: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Tubi, and other platforms.
Synopsis
When two estranged sisters reunite to bury their father, unresolved trauma and long-suppressed secrets come roaring back. Inheritance is a tense, emotional drama that explores grief, family legacy, and the haunting realization that some things are passed down whether we want them or not. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)
Overview
The story opens with a family backyard barbecue that turns tragic when the patriarch collapses while playing the guitar. A widower, his two daughters—Lucy and Paige—are the center of his life, despite years of estrangement. Paige has been absent for a long time, struggling with financial instability and alcoholism.
When she finally returns, Paige is focused solely on her share of the inheritance. Their father leaves Lucy the house, while Paige is entitled to most of the money and additional property. As executor of the will, Lucy is authorized to release the money in increments on the condition that Paige enters rehab.
This arrangement infuriates Paige, who attempts to circumvent her father’s wishes. Old grievances surface as the sisters clash, forced to confront not only their father’s death but lingering guilt surrounding their mother’s passing.
Review
Inheritance (2024) is a quiet, cutting drama that understands how grief rarely arrives alone. When Lucy and Paige reunite, the film resists melodrama, opting instead for something more unsettling: the slow resurfacing of wounds never allowed to heal.
The director and cast handle the material with restraint, allowing silences and small gestures to carry emotional weight. The sisters’ relationship feels lived-in, shaped by years of resentment, avoidance, and unspoken blame. Trauma is not framed as a single event, but as damage that echoes across time.
The film’s central theme, that legacy is emotional as much as material, lands with quiet force. Like many childhood homes, the house bears witness to every trauma and whispered secret the sisters tried to outrun.
Though the pacing occasionally buckles under its melancholy, the final act delivers a lasting punch. For fans of character-driven family dramas, Inheritance is worth considering.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*Thank you to One Tree Entertainment for the screener link for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Pearl’s first ever Cowboy Heritage Festival is taking place this Saturday. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
February Happenings at Pearl
From Rodeo Festivities to Valentine’s Weekend Fun
Pearl is kicking off February in true Texas style—with boots, bands, murals, and plenty of reasons to linger all month long. From the inaugural Cowboy Heritage Festival to Valentine’s Day celebrations, here’s everything happening at Pearl this February. (Pearl, 2026)
🤠 Cowboy Heritage Festival
Saturday, February 7 | 3–7 p.m.
Pearl debuts its first-ever Cowboy Heritage Festival, celebrating vaquero culture with live music, roaming performers, art, and rodeo-inspired fun throughout the property.
Festival Highlights
Chuck wagon photo opportunities
Live music across multiple stages
Free boot shining
Trick roper and cowboy & cowgirl stilt walkers
Live mural painting by San Antonio muralist Claudio Aguillon, titled The Vaquero (Cellars Pavilion)
📍 Event Locations & Schedules
1100 Springs Plaza
Rodeo Roundup Edition of the Pearl Farmers Market
Craft workshop with Sharriah Martinez (3–6 p.m.)
Make cowboy boot magnets (while supplies last)
Live music:
Gelina & The Diamondbacks (3–4:15 p.m.)
Jacob Kyle Band (4:45–7 p.m.)
Stable Hall
Free boot shining
Live music by Brandon Michael Band (3–4:45 p.m.)
Parkito(between Local Coffee and Bakery Lorraine)
Favorite Son Band (3–4:30 p.m.)
Jake Castillo Trio (5–7 p.m.)
South Karnes Street
Trick roper and stilt walkers roaming (3–5 p.m.)
Meet & Greet with Miss Rodeo Texas Princess (3–4:30 p.m.)
Live music by Drew Brown Band (5–7 p.m.)
Pearl Park
Chuck wagon photo op
The Vaquero mural installation
Line dancing (3–5 p.m.)
Brandon Michael Band returns (5:30–7 p.m.)
La Gloria
San Antonio Charro Association appearance (2–5 p.m.)
Whether you’re two-stepping under the stars, shopping for the perfect rodeo look, or celebrating Valentine’s Day with live music and great food, Pearl is the place to be this February. With events happening nearly every day of the month, there’s always a reason to stop by, stay awhile, and experience the energy that makes Pearl a favorite gathering spot in San Antonio.
In Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, Jennifer Wallace delivers a profound and timely wake-up call. She argues that today’s mental health crisis isn’t simply the result of digital burnout or political strife, but a symptom of something deeper: what she calls an “erosion of mattering.”
Drawing on psychology, sociology, and real-world stories, Wallace makes a compelling case that mattering—knowing we are valued and that our contributions have meaning—is not a luxury. It is a basic human need, as essential as food or water. When that need goes unmet, the consequences ripple outward, fueling anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social fragmentation.
What’s Inside the Book
Wallace explores mattering through a series of thoughtful, accessible chapters, including:
Connect to Your Impact
The Good Kind of Weight
Mattering Too Much
Everyone Needs (to Be) a Cornerman
Tuning In
When the Rug Gets Pulled: Coping with Life’s Transitions
How We Spend Our Days: Mattering at Work
Be an Architect: Mattering Spaces
Key Highlights
Chapter 2: The Good Kind of Weight
This chapter focuses on using our strengths to meet the needs around us. Wallace emphasizes the importance of asking, rather than assuming, what others need. As she writes, “To add value, find a need in the world and apply your strengths.” Sometimes, mattering starts with the simple but courageous question: “What can I do to help?”
Chapter 3: Mattering Too Much
While feeling needed is essential, Wallace warns against imbalance. When we prioritize others at the expense of ourselves, the weight of responsibility can become crushing. “By treating yourself as a priority,” she notes, “you also create space for the relationships in your life to become more authentic.”
The Mattering Core
The focus is Wallace’s “mattering core,” a framework built on four essential pillars:
Recognition: Seeing and acknowledging your own impact
Reliance: Being needed by others—in healthy balance
Prioritization: Feeling like a priority to those who matter most
Investment: Being truly known and supported
Through stories of grieving individuals, exhausted caregivers, and everyday people quietly struggling, Wallace shows how the absence of mattering can dismantle one’s sense of self.
Final Thoughts
Warm, humane, and deeply practical, Mattering doesn’t just diagnose a societal ill, it offers a roadmap forward. Wallace shows how small, intentional acts of recognition and care can rebuild connection in families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Clear-eyed yet hopeful, Mattering challenges readers to rethink success, connection, and what it truly means to live well, together. It’s a must-read for anyone feeling lost in the shuffle of modern life.
“We live in a time marked by division across politics, race, gender, and class. But gaps don’t close through argument. They narrow from feeling heard or being seen.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*Thank you to Angela Baggetta Communications for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
SA Examiner 