Austin has a certain draw to it especially if you have ever lived there. It's a unique town. We've spent a couple of weekends there lately and it hasn't lost any of its charm. We visited some familiar places like The Broken Spoke, no changes there for sure. And who would want any to a place that Willie and many other well known country singers frequented before they were famous and ocassionally still show up unannounced sometimes. The Midnight Rodeo hadn't changed much either. Gumbos still has great food along with so many other places.
We decided to head to 6th Street Halloween night. It's always interesting to walk along 6th Street, there is always an array of people there every weekend, but Halloween brings people out in droves. We watched people parade back and forth in their costumes, some very simple and others very eleborate. Thank goodness they can block off the street. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and just cool enough to keep people in their weighty costumes from being uncomfortable, but not so cold that the ones dressed in skimpy outfits had to find jackets.
It was fun to frequent old haunts and to discover a few new ones.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
No Place Like Home
I went to a small family reunion last weekend. We had a wonderful time visiting and eating lots of great food. Seeing Aunts and cousins that we hadn't seen in awhile, brought back memories of much larger reunions. Now relatives are scattered to the four corners of the earth and that makes it difficult to even get a small group together.
There were only six of us that made the trip to Geneva, Neb. A small town with some really awesome residents. Especially a dear aunt and her family. Of the six that visited, three were Texas residents, one from Colorado, one from Mississippi and one from Louisiana. The ones that couldn't make it, were sorely missed. We use to have several gatherings a year, and there would be dozens of people with lots of chatter and laughter. With everyone spread around the country, now we set dates and hope a few will manage to be there. And the meetings are always filled with lots of food, laughter, photos and stories galore.
But it made me wishful for days gone by. When I was a kid when the fourth of July came, our house would be brimming with people. Relatives from everyone converged on our house. Kids slept on pallets throughout the house or occasionally camped outside in makeshift tents. It was great fun. Now everyone would get a hotel instead. But in doing that, you'd miss the closeness we experienced packed together. We had great cook outs with big spreads of food. Late in the day, the ice cream freezers would be filled with a rich sugary concoction. A few of the children would be chosen to sit on top of them when the rich cream began to thicken in order to keep the freezer in place as the handle was cranked. To be chosen was considered a great honor. You'd sit there in anticipation of the sweet treat you'd eventually indulge in. Peach, strawberry or vanilla ice cream and if you were lucky, you could have all three.
After dessert, the adults would bring out the dominoes, while we kids entertained ourselves with playing tag, hide and seek, kick the can or playing cards. As it became dusk, we'd chase lightning bugs around the yard. Later, we'd take blankets onto the lawn and watch the stars magically appear in the giant, black sky. Then one by one kids would disappear, and go find a place to sleep for the evening. I couldn't understand how anyone could sleep when there were still people awake.
I'd get a cup of coffee, actually the cup held only a fourth coffee--the rest was cream. I'd watch the adults play dominoes. This game was taken very seriously so children were not allowed to play, but on a rare occasion my mom or dad would let me place their chose domino on the table. I felt grown up sipping my warm, coffee flavored cream amidst the adults. I loved listening to them as they poked fun at each other, and related fascinating stories of their childhood. It made me feel connected and safe.
Christmas Eve was another time relatives converged on our house, but not as many. All the folks from Arkansas only came on the fourth, but it was still a full house. We'd eat lots of rich food and fantastic desserts. Nothing was store bought back then. At some point the furniture would be moved against the walls. Music would begin one of my aunt and uncles would start to dance. Everyone loved to watch them, they had really smooth and elegant moves. It was our small version of "Dancing With The Stars."
Then one by one another couple would join them. It was inevitable that my mom would do her black bottom dance. She loved to dance and she would laugh the most joyful laugh while dancing. Later she would always be asked to do it again and then everyone would insist she do the Charleston. This she was really good at. She'd start slow then rev it up. All the while laughing like a young girl. No one could out dance her.
If I close my eyes, I can still hear the laughter of everyone as it filled the entire house, and smell the mixed aromas of pecan pie and my aunt's 'out of this world,' peanut butter cake. It was a joyous time. We not only celebrated Christmas, but also the joy of being together as a family.
I was raised with the majority of my relatives living within a thirty mile radius of me. Some lived across the pasture even. I saw my grandmothers, cousins, aunts and uncles on a regular basis. It gave me a since of belonging. I left that safe cocoon because I thought I needed to see what was outside that small, safe world.
I've traveled a lot and seen beautiful places and met wonderful people, but nothing ever felt like that place where everyone knew my name, my parents, my siblings, my entire family and where they lived. It's kinda like in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy went in search for something better, but discovered through a series of events that there is no place like home.
There were only six of us that made the trip to Geneva, Neb. A small town with some really awesome residents. Especially a dear aunt and her family. Of the six that visited, three were Texas residents, one from Colorado, one from Mississippi and one from Louisiana. The ones that couldn't make it, were sorely missed. We use to have several gatherings a year, and there would be dozens of people with lots of chatter and laughter. With everyone spread around the country, now we set dates and hope a few will manage to be there. And the meetings are always filled with lots of food, laughter, photos and stories galore.
But it made me wishful for days gone by. When I was a kid when the fourth of July came, our house would be brimming with people. Relatives from everyone converged on our house. Kids slept on pallets throughout the house or occasionally camped outside in makeshift tents. It was great fun. Now everyone would get a hotel instead. But in doing that, you'd miss the closeness we experienced packed together. We had great cook outs with big spreads of food. Late in the day, the ice cream freezers would be filled with a rich sugary concoction. A few of the children would be chosen to sit on top of them when the rich cream began to thicken in order to keep the freezer in place as the handle was cranked. To be chosen was considered a great honor. You'd sit there in anticipation of the sweet treat you'd eventually indulge in. Peach, strawberry or vanilla ice cream and if you were lucky, you could have all three.
After dessert, the adults would bring out the dominoes, while we kids entertained ourselves with playing tag, hide and seek, kick the can or playing cards. As it became dusk, we'd chase lightning bugs around the yard. Later, we'd take blankets onto the lawn and watch the stars magically appear in the giant, black sky. Then one by one kids would disappear, and go find a place to sleep for the evening. I couldn't understand how anyone could sleep when there were still people awake.
I'd get a cup of coffee, actually the cup held only a fourth coffee--the rest was cream. I'd watch the adults play dominoes. This game was taken very seriously so children were not allowed to play, but on a rare occasion my mom or dad would let me place their chose domino on the table. I felt grown up sipping my warm, coffee flavored cream amidst the adults. I loved listening to them as they poked fun at each other, and related fascinating stories of their childhood. It made me feel connected and safe.
Christmas Eve was another time relatives converged on our house, but not as many. All the folks from Arkansas only came on the fourth, but it was still a full house. We'd eat lots of rich food and fantastic desserts. Nothing was store bought back then. At some point the furniture would be moved against the walls. Music would begin one of my aunt and uncles would start to dance. Everyone loved to watch them, they had really smooth and elegant moves. It was our small version of "Dancing With The Stars."
Then one by one another couple would join them. It was inevitable that my mom would do her black bottom dance. She loved to dance and she would laugh the most joyful laugh while dancing. Later she would always be asked to do it again and then everyone would insist she do the Charleston. This she was really good at. She'd start slow then rev it up. All the while laughing like a young girl. No one could out dance her.
If I close my eyes, I can still hear the laughter of everyone as it filled the entire house, and smell the mixed aromas of pecan pie and my aunt's 'out of this world,' peanut butter cake. It was a joyous time. We not only celebrated Christmas, but also the joy of being together as a family.
I was raised with the majority of my relatives living within a thirty mile radius of me. Some lived across the pasture even. I saw my grandmothers, cousins, aunts and uncles on a regular basis. It gave me a since of belonging. I left that safe cocoon because I thought I needed to see what was outside that small, safe world.
I've traveled a lot and seen beautiful places and met wonderful people, but nothing ever felt like that place where everyone knew my name, my parents, my siblings, my entire family and where they lived. It's kinda like in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy went in search for something better, but discovered through a series of events that there is no place like home.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Lights Out
All the electricity went off tonight after the storm. We hunted around for candles and matches. It was kinda neat to sit quietly by candle light but we have a house full of people coming for a party tomorrow so we had to do all the preparation of the food by candle light.
Then we discussed what we would do if the electricity didn't come back on. Would we still have the party, and decided we would, that we could sit out on the patio and enjoy the moonlight. We even figured out how we could get everything cooked.
Just as we were getting ready for bed, the lights came back on. Kudos to the electric company crew. Even though it might have been fun to sit around the firepit in the moonlight. It is so great to flip a switch and instantly have light.
We take so much for granted when it is always there. Need to let my better half know how much I appreciate him.
Then we discussed what we would do if the electricity didn't come back on. Would we still have the party, and decided we would, that we could sit out on the patio and enjoy the moonlight. We even figured out how we could get everything cooked.
Just as we were getting ready for bed, the lights came back on. Kudos to the electric company crew. Even though it might have been fun to sit around the firepit in the moonlight. It is so great to flip a switch and instantly have light.
We take so much for granted when it is always there. Need to let my better half know how much I appreciate him.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Writing conference
Attended a writing conference in Bedford, it was enlighting and nice to meet other writers. They had several writers there last night as a panel to answer questions. It's always interesting to hear how each broke into the business and to learn their writing techniques.
Need to get back busy writing. We have been so busy with book signings for The Third Threat and planning events that I haven't had much time to write. Trail of Blood will be going to the editor soon, my best critic is reading it right now. Will be interested in hearing what he has to say. Hopefully there won't be too many changes to make. Then we will try to get it off to the publisher soon after that.
Need to get back busy writing. We have been so busy with book signings for The Third Threat and planning events that I haven't had much time to write. Trail of Blood will be going to the editor soon, my best critic is reading it right now. Will be interested in hearing what he has to say. Hopefully there won't be too many changes to make. Then we will try to get it off to the publisher soon after that.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Discovery
Writing in secret is difficult because it becomes addictive and takes up a lot of time. But I managed to keep it from everyone until I was almost finished with The Third Threat. Then one day, my youngest was home for a visit and used my computer. At dinner he asked about the story I was writing. Of course everyone wanted to know what he was talking about.
It was the same child that asked me many years ago to play instead of write. He is now one of my biggest fans and motivators.
After reading my story, several people encouraged me to get it published. I was hesitant. I love classics, and I compared my story to those books and felt it fell short. I became disillusioned and considered shelving my dream again.
When I mentioned this to someone that inquired about what I was doing to get published, they asked how many classics I had read lately. When I admitted that I hadn't read any, they asked why I read the books that I do. I told them because they're entertaining. They said that was the main reason most people read, and that my story and characters were very entertaining, and that's why I should publish the story. That advice and the prodding of my family gave me the desire to move forward and turn my story into a book.
It was the same child that asked me many years ago to play instead of write. He is now one of my biggest fans and motivators.
After reading my story, several people encouraged me to get it published. I was hesitant. I love classics, and I compared my story to those books and felt it fell short. I became disillusioned and considered shelving my dream again.
When I mentioned this to someone that inquired about what I was doing to get published, they asked how many classics I had read lately. When I admitted that I hadn't read any, they asked why I read the books that I do. I told them because they're entertaining. They said that was the main reason most people read, and that my story and characters were very entertaining, and that's why I should publish the story. That advice and the prodding of my family gave me the desire to move forward and turn my story into a book.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Red River
For those of you unfamiliar with Red River, it's a country western dance place. We've gone there a few times over the years. We didn't actually start country dancing until about twelve years ago. It's an experience unlike any other that you will attempt, and you have to be in fairly good physical condition to boot scoot.
Unlike the postage size dance floors in most clubs, country western dancing requires a rather large dance floor. To country dance you have to be in constant motion as you revolve in a circle around the floor. Almost all clubs offer dance lessons, they don't teach you to dance to the beat of the music but certain steps with a lot of twirling, the pace is faster than the old style of boot scooting, especially the twirlers. The couples in which the lady is constantly spinning. They even move faster slow dancing now. Which takes away part of the reason to slow dance--to enjoy the music and closeness. We dance free style even though we've had a couple of lessons. We like to go with the flow of the music.
Generally we dance most of the time we're there, but this time we'd eaten a large meal beforehand, and unfortunately it all went to our feet. My usually fleet footed husband couldn't get the beat going, so we sat out a lot of dances and people watched. (Even with fast dances, you're pretty much connected with your partner when country western dancing. But my feet were like lead too.)
I've often told people that you shouldn't marry anyone unless you've slow danced with them. There is something about moving together to the rhythm of a romantic song that brings out things in people that nothing else can. A certain connection.
But after watching people dance the other night, I'm not so sure now. Some couples moved so smoothly around the floor, that you figured that they had been together for ages. (Ray says these people have gone liquid.) But come the next song, they were with someone else. Then there were those that bumped into practically every other couple on the floor. But they had huge smiles the entire time. One twirled and laughed so hard they danced right off the dance floor. Then bounced right back up and kept dancing, laughing that much harder. Yeah, some of it could have been the alcohol, but the look they shared and the way they held each other indicated that it was more. They honestly seemed to enjoy being with each other.
Ray and I have had people come to our table or us, and tell us how inspired they are watching us together. They never say we're terrific dancers, they usually say that the we looked like we were having a blast together, and that's it apparent how much we care about each other. Most ask how long we've been married and are usually shocked to find out we've been together since we were six. (Not really. hehe) They generally say they hope to be fortunate enough to find someone they can be as happy with as we are. I don't take this compliment lightly. It's one we've gotten quite often over the years, especially when we dance together. To be honest, we love to dance together, and we enjoy doing things together, so I guess it comes out while we're on the dance floor.
Maybe I don't need to rethink the dancing together thing before you marry. It's a great way to have fun and enjoy being in each other's arms. The song that states 'Life's like a dance--you learn as you go' is so true. Maybe this is why we like to dance to the beat of the music instead of a rigid set of steps.
You're not given a handbook at birth or marriage. You bump into a lot of things along the way, and depending on how you handle the bumps sometimes dictates how you handle life. We've learned that sometimes the bumps help us appreciate our lives more, and occasionally sends in a direction we really need to go.
So maybe you do need to dance together to see how each other reacts to life.
Unlike the postage size dance floors in most clubs, country western dancing requires a rather large dance floor. To country dance you have to be in constant motion as you revolve in a circle around the floor. Almost all clubs offer dance lessons, they don't teach you to dance to the beat of the music but certain steps with a lot of twirling, the pace is faster than the old style of boot scooting, especially the twirlers. The couples in which the lady is constantly spinning. They even move faster slow dancing now. Which takes away part of the reason to slow dance--to enjoy the music and closeness. We dance free style even though we've had a couple of lessons. We like to go with the flow of the music.
Generally we dance most of the time we're there, but this time we'd eaten a large meal beforehand, and unfortunately it all went to our feet. My usually fleet footed husband couldn't get the beat going, so we sat out a lot of dances and people watched. (Even with fast dances, you're pretty much connected with your partner when country western dancing. But my feet were like lead too.)
I've often told people that you shouldn't marry anyone unless you've slow danced with them. There is something about moving together to the rhythm of a romantic song that brings out things in people that nothing else can. A certain connection.
But after watching people dance the other night, I'm not so sure now. Some couples moved so smoothly around the floor, that you figured that they had been together for ages. (Ray says these people have gone liquid.) But come the next song, they were with someone else. Then there were those that bumped into practically every other couple on the floor. But they had huge smiles the entire time. One twirled and laughed so hard they danced right off the dance floor. Then bounced right back up and kept dancing, laughing that much harder. Yeah, some of it could have been the alcohol, but the look they shared and the way they held each other indicated that it was more. They honestly seemed to enjoy being with each other.
Ray and I have had people come to our table or us, and tell us how inspired they are watching us together. They never say we're terrific dancers, they usually say that the we looked like we were having a blast together, and that's it apparent how much we care about each other. Most ask how long we've been married and are usually shocked to find out we've been together since we were six. (Not really. hehe) They generally say they hope to be fortunate enough to find someone they can be as happy with as we are. I don't take this compliment lightly. It's one we've gotten quite often over the years, especially when we dance together. To be honest, we love to dance together, and we enjoy doing things together, so I guess it comes out while we're on the dance floor.
Maybe I don't need to rethink the dancing together thing before you marry. It's a great way to have fun and enjoy being in each other's arms. The song that states 'Life's like a dance--you learn as you go' is so true. Maybe this is why we like to dance to the beat of the music instead of a rigid set of steps.
You're not given a handbook at birth or marriage. You bump into a lot of things along the way, and depending on how you handle the bumps sometimes dictates how you handle life. We've learned that sometimes the bumps help us appreciate our lives more, and occasionally sends in a direction we really need to go.
So maybe you do need to dance together to see how each other reacts to life.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Freedom to Dream
One of the great things about doing signings is meeting new people. It's always interesting to hear their views. Another is having friends that are so gracious in arranging events. There isn't anyway to adequately let them know how much that means to me. I need to send special thanks to Kristy, Gina, Martha, Carolyn, Brian and all the others that have given me suggestions and helped with events.
And I wouldn't be able to do any of this without the help and encouragement of my side kick, my dear sweet husband, Ray. He loads and unloads event stuff. He helps set it up and take it down and he never grumbles. Thanks sweetheart for giving me the best gift ever---the freedom to dream.
And I wouldn't be able to do any of this without the help and encouragement of my side kick, my dear sweet husband, Ray. He loads and unloads event stuff. He helps set it up and take it down and he never grumbles. Thanks sweetheart for giving me the best gift ever---the freedom to dream.
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