Monday, February 15, 2010

Under the Lone Star

My daddy called me at about 4:00 and mentioned that he and Mom were going to spend the evening outdoors.

Gorgeous weather + kids who get fussy late in the day + mama who needs to get out of the house = inviting ourselves to join them!

I put on my cowboy boots and the old bootleg jeans that I typically save for experiences of the equestrian kind, pulled my hair back in a pony tail and grabbed an ugly jacket. We were going to traipse through a muddy forest! Yes! I'm not always an outdoorsy girl, but today I was feeling it.

We took a beautiful drive into the country. By the time we got to where we were going, we had about 40 minutes until sunset. We hiked along mushy paths, tripped on a few roots sticking out of the ground, ducked under branches and vines, and got a little dirty. My dad led us with Geli on a leash. He was wearing his cowboy hat and a Carharrt jacket with his typical Wranglers and boots. I felt proud to be the daughter of such a maverick. If you want to get an idea of what Texas is all about, spend a day with my dad. The attitude, the appearance, the speech, the dreams, the hard work, the independence - he is it.

Curtis carried Annabeth on his shoulders and Star, my mom's border collie, thought they were one horrible, frightening beast. Maybe it didn't help that AB was wearing her bear bunting. Jackson got to sit on the seat of a bulldozer for a few minutes. Dad offered to turn the thing on but Mom and I yelled NO! in unison.

We'd worked up an appetite, so we loaded our cold and foresty selves into our trucks and set out for some Mexican food. The moon was a tiny crescent in the sky, which always reminds me of a fingernail clipping. We passed a slew of fading farm houses and rusty metal barns that never cease to charm.

At the restaurant, we plowed through several baskets of chips and bowls of salsa. Jackson got a salting lesson. Colorful lights hung from the ceiling and made me feel warm. There were a few other families eating together. No one was fancy. We were miles from pretense.

An old Jerry Jeff Walker song played in the background. I called Dad's attention to it and he started singing Redneck Mother, which is a totally different song. A tacky one, in fact, that my equally maverick grandpa taught me when I was twelve.

Jackson got bored when the food was gone and wedged himself under Annabeth's high chair. A defiant minute later, mother and son made the march of shame to the bathroom for a moment of correction. My bark was worse than my bite, but I will not allow my son to disrespect me in front of my parents. Especially not with my boots on! He returned to the table happier than before. We had a few more moments and then the baby was done.

We said our goodbyes in a dusty parking lot. Pulling out, I noticed some stars for the first time in a while. I sighed happily and told Curtis I love being a Texan.

I love feeling at home in my big city - knowing how to navigate our ridiculous freeways, understanding that you can't slow down or you'll get hit. I love the view of the tree canopy that I see when I'm driving over the sky high Beltway 8 ramp onto I-10. Our city's too flat to see it otherwise.

I love the way men hold open doors and give up their seats for women. I love that if I say "What?" when my mama calls for me, she still corrects me with "Yes ma'am?" How many times a day do I say that to Jackson?

I love the diversity of this state. The doctor who delivered my boy was African American, his first pediatrician was Indian, our current doctor is from the Middle East, and Jackson's classmates come from many different cultures.

I love that Texans are generally warm-hearted, even if we do have a lot of pride.

I love that in a span of 48 hours I can shop at the Galleria in my nicest outfit and then turn around and do something a little country like stomp through the woods in an ugly coat. Or, my heavens, go to Monster Jam! I love that 90% of the concerts I've seen have been at the rodeo. I love the pines and the oaks and sometimes the palm trees, even though most of them probably didn't survive our freeze. I love that my dreams for Annabeth involve ballet shoes as well as horseshoes. I love that last night Curtis and I had a fancy steak dinner, but I would have been just as happy having a chicken fried steak at the Black Eyed Pea. (Although maybe not on the 14th of February.)

I love that in Texas I can be the city mouse or the country mouse, depending on the day. After all, the city and the country are both under the Lone Star. But tonight the country won me over.

111 comments:

Tara G. said...

Love it! {I miss America!}

R said...

LOVE THIS! every word. i'm a texas girl, too (dallas). thank you for sharing!

Melinda said...

And from this life-long daughter of the Lone Star?

Amen, Little Lady. Amen.

Kendra said...

Those creative writing juices continue to flow - God's blessed you w/ some skills Amanda! I'll be completely honest, I'm not so much a fan of Texas, but you made me love it for a moment there :) And ditto on the moon=fingernail bit.

Rhonda said...

Sounds like a great night, and I could not agree more. Love being a Texan myself!

Ruth said...

God bless you, and God bless Texas. This post warmed my heart and made me miss my beloved home state.

-- With love from a Texas girl currently living in China (but only for 4 more months!)

A Cup Bearer said...

What a delightful entry. Thanks for sharing your wonderful gift of writing and enabling us to visit the Lone Star with you. Seems like a place to call home. Blessings, sweet one.

Brandi said...

I am so glad to hear you say all this. I have often thought that I was alone in the fact that I love to wear heels, but am also at home in my "stylin" camo pants and in mud boots! I absolutely LOVE being a woman with diversity!! Thanks for the post!

Sister Lynn said...

I spent 8 of the best years of my life in the Lone Star state. You did a magnificent job describing it!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Blessings
Sister Lynn

Erica Wagner said...

I'm a Texas gal through and through, too...some might say a Redneck! And, although I'm not an AGGIE, my husband is and my two girls will be one day. I've lived in Minnesota and in Copenhagen and couldn't wait to get back to Texas. There's just something about that Southern hospitality that can't be beat. Good to know I'm not the only one in love with our great state!

Michelle said...

Being from Bryan and as of the last seven years, Houston, I say, "AMEN!" I totally agree with you!

Patty said...

What a wonderful post! I have said for years and after visiting the Lone Star state a few times, if I couldn't live in Tennessee, I would love to live in Texas! :)

I do love my Tennessee as you love your Texas.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh, well said! I've lived in Texas since I was ten and I've loved it from the second my toes hit the soil for the first time.

Southern by birth.
Texan by the grace of God.

Amen, and amen!

The Fones Files said...

Love, love, love your post about Texas! I feel the same exact way about it. I moved to Austin about 2 1/2 years ago, and it is just not even the same as Houston (=

Lauren said...

Ummmm, so yeah… this pretty much made me want to be a Texan, haha!!!! :) I felt like I was there!!!

Rebecca said...

that was a beautiful post Amanda - and Texas is the best state in the union!!! ye-haw

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

'Miles away from pretense'..

My favorite place to be..:)

Beth said...

The last thing on earth I have time to do this morning is read a blog and comment on it but I needed to Google something for my lesson tonight and my internet opens, of course, with Babybangs. So Long Discipline. But it was worth it. One of my favorite posts ever. I had to take my hand off my heart to write this comment (in the pledge of allegiance sort of way to the great State of Texas). My favorite part was when you said you wouldn't have Jackson disrespecting you in front of your parents - especially not with your boots on. Hilarious. Honestly laughed out loud. You are brilliant and you are delightful. Yes, Ma'am, you are.

PS. I loved every minute of it myself and none of it was wasted on me either.

Angela said...

Amen Sister! Texas is AWESOME! ;-)

barbara head said...

Love,Love,Love Texas!!! I am one happy woman living about 8 miles west of Tomball in a very wooded area. I love that I see a herd of deer almost everyday in my area. I love that my dog thinks he can catch squirrels going up a tree at breakneck speed. He still tries! BUT I also love that I can drive about 30 minutes and be in the heart of citylife!!! Best of both worlds indeed, my darling Amanda.

Erica said...

I LOVE this post...my heart is right there with you. That's why my FL living always ached a bit for my TX roots!

JottinMama said...

Ohhh.

Im originally from Texas. My whole entire family still lives there. My husband and kids and I are 1200 miles away. I miss it dearly. We visit as often as we can.

Everything you just described sounds so familiar and wonderful to me.

You can take the girl out of Texas but you can't take the Texas out of the girl :)

Have a good day,
Kate :)

The Haines said...

Love this post Amanda! I too love Texas- holding onto hope that one day my Texas man will move us to his home state.. I have so much to learn!

Spirt Mom said...

The "ma'am" thing is taking awhile around here too. Last of a dying breed...

Kelsey said...

Hi Amanda - I've read your blog for a small amount of time but HAD to comment on this post - LOVE IT! I LOVE being a Texan too for all the reasons you listed and more! Great post!

fuzzytop said...

This is a beautiful post, Amanda. I would like living in Texas, yes ma'am, I would!

Have a blessed day!
Adrienne

Big Mama said...

This is some excellent writing, ma'am. As a fellow Texas girl, I adore it.

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

Love love love this!!

carridawn said...

Oh you made me so homesick for our home state! I'm singing, "Stars at night, are big and bright! DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS!" GOD BLESS TEXAS!

bethany said...

We've been trying to get back for almost a year now-this post made me want to move back even more! :)

Sunni said...

I live about 20 miles from the Texas border. My dad is from Texas, too. I've always wanted to be a Texan, but lately I've started loving Louisiana. It's only taken 28 years. :)

I think it would be so interesting to read a post where people wrote the top 10 things they love about their state.

Shelli Littleton said...

What a great post, Amanda! Yes ... I love Texas! There is no place better on earch ... but I do love Disney World ... hmmm!!

Your posts always make me smile and giggle out loud!! ... the fingernail clipping part!!

Y'all are so precious.

Holly said...

I love Texas, too! I miss everything about it, except the humidity and bugs. I carry my Texas with me everyday--my husband, my love of the country (never cared much for the city, I like elbow room), and the spirit of adventure.

PS I almost took a picture to share with your Daddy...my Chris fixed our upstairs toilet with a silver shoe horn and fishing bobbins. :) Can you say Aggie+Eagle scout???

bethany said...

As a California girl (valley at that!) who just recently visited your beloved Texas (ssmt celebration), I have to agree that Texas is a wonderful place! My little trip is still vivid in my mind's eye and I want to go back!!!
Oh, and about the fingernail moon...my friend and I were out for frozen yogurt last night and saw it and we both commented on how neat it looked last night.
Loved this post Amanda!

Melissa said...

YES! You made me miss home. Not to mention, your writing is ridiculous. I love you madly.

Kelly M said...

Oh wow! This is exactly how I feel about living in the Seattle area. I've only been to Texas a couple of times, but it's really beautiful as well. I'm frequently amazed at God's ability to create such diverse beauty. Thanks for sharing!

AKat said...

Awww, you're making me so homesick!

Great post, Amanda. One of my favorites ever!

Bobbie said...

What a happy, sunshine filled post! I love being a Texan too! One of my favorite sayings (which I learned at A&M about being an Aggie!)is "from the outside looking in, you can't understand it--from the inside looking out, you can't explain it".

Thanks for sharing your 'happyness' with us, adds more sunshine to my morning.

Mary H. said...

Never been to Texas, but you made me cry. I am a very sentimental person!

Have a great day!
We have snow and ice in North Alabama! Looking forward to spring!

Dionna said...

Beautiful post. I love that you love where you are so much. I've always said I'm part city and part country girl. Can't wait to finally see Texas this summer. Will I love it as much? Hmmm... :)

Unknown said...

"What?" "You mean, Yes Ma'am?" YES!

I love being a Southerner :-)

Tonya Gray said...

What a beautiful post! I'm from Michigan, but ready to pack up and head to The Lone Star to experience ALL that you just described!!
(And then summer when you're writing about the 110 degree weather, I'll be glad I never made it there!)

Tabaitha said...

Seriously, Texas is the best state. There is none like it and the people are one of a kind. I miss it so much! You can take the girl out of Texas but you can't take Texas out the girl!

Michelle said...

What a beautiful, well written post! I have never been to Texas, but it sounds like a huge, gorgeous place!! And when I see the moon sliver, I see a thumbnail, too! The closeness of both nature/country and city/culture is one of the things I love about California, too. Thank you for sharing your state with us! Some day, I will visit it. ;-)

Nicole said...

LOVED this post! It got my born and raised, lived here all my life Texas heart a stirrin!

So funny because I was raised in Houston and considered myself a city girl. I went to Kilgore to go to college, get saved and 3 years later met a East Texas man. I have to admit when we first married, I did not like him wearing his Wranglers. I wanted him to be hip! Yes, because he loves me he finally wears some Banana jeans with cute shoes ( NOT POINTY though) every once in a while for a date. But I have grown to love those Wranglers, Red Wings and that Carharrt jacket. Something about my man in boots! Love that he is strong and can pretty much fix anything and love that he treats me like a lady and still opens my doors!

I am sorry to say but there is just nothing like Texas! I might just have to start singing...

Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

;)

Nicki said...

What a great post! I am from San Antonio, but I recently moved to Virginia with my husband for grad school. We plan on moving back to the Lone Star after school for all the great reasons you just mentioned. One thing I sorely miss right now if family and Mexican food. :)

Taylor said...

I love this so much!! My dad is from Ft. Worth and all of his family is still there, and I have to say that even though I was born and raised in Arkansas there is definitely some Texan in me!! Nothing better than putting on the boots and an ugly jacket!!!

WinD said...

God Bless Texas! Born and raised, myself. Wouldn't trade my Texas for anything.

Kylie said...

Another fellow Texan here! Loved this post- I love Texas through and through!

Karen L. said...

i just loved your post. as a little girl i had big plans to 'settle' in texas. after all, that's where my dad's mom came from and where we took 'vacation' quite often. ALL of her kinfolk still live there. (around the panhandle) however, she loved my granddad enough to 'settle' her family in arkansas. you can take the girl out of texas, but it lives on in generations of hearts!

Kelly said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful state.

Amanda May said...

Thank you so much for this awesome post! I have been REALLY struggling with depression lately and this was such a beautiful reminder of what it looks like to "choose life". I think I may just need to get outside and enjoy this beautiful day...instead of just thinking about how I 'should be'. Thanks!

debra parker said...

well written, well said.

Molly said...

Ok now I want to move to Texas - i swear no one describes life like your trio of families. Your post on LPM - that has the comments disabled, I wanted to share that A) I would bet your mama wished she had a red tutu too! And B) My mother, Siesta Aussie wanted to tell your mom that "Beth looks great, really great."
LOVE Y'all,
Siesta OC

Jen said...

I definitely find myself offended when one of my Egyptian kindergarten students answers me, "What?!" And occasionally I correct them with "Excuse me, Yes ma'am?" without thinking. Eh, I suppose there's nothing wrong with giving the Egyptians some good ol' Southern manners!

Three Fold Cord said...

So cute!
I have only driven through TX one day I hope to stop!

Charlotte
ATL

Melanie said...

That made me cry. In the middle of Panera. I'm a life long Houstonian, but a month ago I moved to Portland, Oregon (just for fun). Oregon is admittedly a beautiful state and Portland is a great city with lots to offer, but I MISS HOUSTON! I miss that flat, humid, crowded, big city. I will always love it. I'm glad you love being a Texan. I think it's a privilege :)

Heather Sellers said...

I am with you Amanda! I am a Texas girl born and bred and love it. I can't even imagine living anywhere else.

Deirdre said...

I feel this way every time I go to the family ranch in Sherman. only my refrain is slightly different
"I'm so glad I MARRIED a Texan"
*grin*
Deirdre

Anonymous said...

Sounds very adventurous, but I must admit, I prefer the city. I am not one to hike on the best of days. I also love comfort food, so even a burger would do me fine. But, as you said, it depends on the occasion too. Who doesn't love a lil' pampering once in a while?

foxy said...

Wow - GREAT POST! I found you through the Kenningtons and I'm so glad I did! :) I'm a fellow Texan - grew up just outside Houston/currently live in Austin - and I'm here to say YOU'VE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD with this one! Your dear old dad sounds like he could be one of the million of mascots for this great state!!

Cheers sistah!

Kyle Taylor said...

I love this! It is so well written, that I could picture it and feel it with you! Even though I've never been to Texas, I get this with you on my own level. For instance, who else could understand or even appreciate the absurdities of living in a rural town in North Alabama without having grown up there? I love that verse in Acts that says God chose the time and place for us to live in. Your post about your love and contentment for your "place" has encouraged me to do the same in mine.

Thanks for writing this!

;) KT

Shelly@Sweet Journey said...

I'm a panhandle girl and I love that my Texas is the same diverse beautiful place as yours! If you are ever up this way in the summer, go to see the play "TEXAS" in Palo Duro Canyon (south of Amarillo). It really makes you proud to be a Texan!

Deborah said...

This gives me hope! We just moved to Texas from Chicago (although I grew up in Mississippi) ... and I'm not quite sure what I think about Texas yet.

Nancy Mon said...

I love this post!

Lauren said...

AMEN and AMEN!
I love this post!

Deborah said...

Lovely. :) It's some what I've always admired & respected about Texas... :)

Thanks for sharing.
~Deborah

annalee said...

amen sister! and thanks for getting redneck mother stuck in my head all day:)

Kiki said...

I love this post!

All of the reasons we are falling in love with Texas too!

Kirsten said...

I've never been to Texas (gasp!) but this reminded me of my city/country of the San Francisco Bay Area. I love living in the city, but can't get enough of our little weekend trips to the country. Your blog is great!

Sarah said...

Amen, sister! To all of that and more :)

Libby said...

Perfect summary of some of the best things about Texas, Amanda! I can't imagine where else I could start my own business without 2 nickels to rub together, shop at any couture-name store all within 15 minutes (well, when I have a few more nickels!), on a day off in a heartbeat be at the ranch where I can ride my horse around acres and acres of beautiful Texas countryside. What a gift!

Hattie said...

There's no place like Texas and there's no place I'd rather be!!!

Oh how I miss Black Eyed Peas. They closed down the one that used to be close to us!

Kathy Cubley said...

Beautiful pic of your life and the comfort of family. My favorite part though was the fingernail clipping moon...I said the same thing last night from Shreveport! It's been my description of the moon to my grands for years! Your mama raised such a smart girl! (I'm Julie Marler's friend) Thanks for the wonderful post!

Marla Taviano said...

I love your Texas.

Lisa said...

Excellent post! Beautifully written.

Kelli said...

This makes me want to be a better Texan... Chris is one tried and true, through and through.

I needed something like this to remind me that I need to be of the mentality, "I wasn't born here but got her as fast as I could."

Thank you for ministering to my non Texas heart :)

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful. I'm from Chicago so naturally I loved your imagery and description because I felt like I took a bona-fide trip to the Texas. Love it.

Traci said...

I am an Alabama gal, but I have always thought that I could soo be a Texan!! Your post just reaffirmed that!! Fun Fun!!

Unknown said...

That was wonderful. I'm a born and raised Tennessean. We have a lot in common.

Missy said...

Sounds like a great evening making memories. Love it!

Ashley McWhorter said...

I love this! Sounds like my kind of night! Love me some Texas!! :)

Spicy Magnolia said...

Oh, fellow Texan sister, this was a great post...so fun! I love that you wrote "outdoorsy". It made me smile because I say outdoorsy and sporty, and my real athletic friends would laugh at me.

Your post immediately brought to mind Alan Jackson's lyrics:

Cause God blessed Texas with His own hand; Brought down angels from the promised land. Gave 'em a place where they could dance
If you wanna see heaven brother here's your chance
I've been sent to spread the message
God blessed Texas

Amen. :)

melanie said...

I am so with you, there is no where else I'd want to be. Sorry if this offends anyone, but I think we live in the greatest country on earth, in the strongest state in the usa and in the greatest city in texas. although i love the country-side and always jump at a chance to get "out of town." loved this post, and we're so excited about sunday!!

Anonymous said...

Praise Jesus that you didn't say so long chips!!

Sheri said...

Ah Amanda, I married a Texan and he sure misses the Lone Star State!

Lindsee Lou said...

This could easily be my favorite post ever. I come from a family born out of Colorado, so being the VERY FIRST in my family born and raised in Texas, it's no doubt that it holds a very dear place in my heart. I'm a true Texan and so proud of it. And this explains everything perfectly.

FitzandMolly said...

I love that wore my cowboy boots all day today, literally from 8 a.m. until getting home from Bible study at 9:15, and my feet never hurt. I love that my daddy, who was born and raised in Junction, TX always speaks a bit slower and with more of a drawl when he gets back from spending time in the Hill Country. I love that one of the first songs my little girl learned completely was "Deep in the Heart of Texas." I love that the Rodeo is here in only a few short weeks...yee haw! (this post was so up my alley).

Sylvia's Song said...

Amanda,

God has definitely blessed you among other things with wonderful writing skills. Thank you for sharing my Texas with me. I love seeing my man who always wears his boots even with his suits. Yes, I too love the diversity and variety of living in Texas and having family near by as well.

Thanks again for sharing your experience with the blog community.

Grace and Peace

Yolanda said...

Amanda,

I do believe this is your best piece of writing ever. I was spell bound and saying, Yes Mam, myself in agreement. While I'm not a Texan, I am a Ks. prairie girl through and through. Take me to the city but always lead me back to the country. Flat open plains with miles and miles of stars.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Lindsay said...

I love your writing, too! I'm from Louisiana (and oh so proud of it), but we have been living in Houston for the past two years, and you just made me love/appreciate it even more. Everyone ought to be as proud of where she's from! And I"m so thankful you didn't let anyone disrespect you in your boots!

Hayley said...

I love Texas too! Lived here all my life and while I love traveling other places, I love that this is home.

My 6 yr old really wanted to wear short sleeves yesterday (It was 40 degrees here in Abilene) and I told him it was a long sleeve day plus he'd need a jacket - he about had a fit. I told him he was lucky to live in Texas because we'd be in short sleeves in a few weeks and he'd only had to wear a coat once all winter!

Glad you had a great night out with your family - those are the best!

Kristin said...

This makes me want to trade in my California boots for a pair from Texas. I felt like I was there!

Andrea Moore said...

This is wonderful! I love your words about Texas and your description of your fun in the country and with your precious family.

Missy said...

God bless Texas.

And my dad taught us to sing Redneck Mother when I was about 8 ;)

Heather said...

Amanda, this was beautiful, it almost made me love Texas. ;) Seriously, some days when I hear you Texans talk about your love for this state, makes me wish I was a Texan. I love your posts and love reading your thoughts.

Amy Jo said...

Great post!

East Texas Girl here....

pinkmommy said...

No doubt you get your writing skillz from your momma! But as a proud Razorback I have to say Go Hogs beat Texas. I know your not a Longhorn, but still. Sorry, I get it from my daddy. :)

Maria said...

Hey Amanda--I just love this post! Looks like you've gotten a ton of comments on it as well, so I'm guessing that someone else has remarked on this (but don't have time to read through and say "ditto")...my absolute favorite part is "My bark was worse than my bite, but I will not allow my son to disrespect me in front of my parents. Especially not with my boots on!" Love it. Thank you for the laugh this morning. May God continue to bless you!

His Jules said...

I have now read this post at least five times, each time it makes me cry with good memories of the days back when I was a little girl of 12, we lived in DeLeon Tx and my daddy was my biggest hero. I also loved the part about your kids "disrespecting you in front of your parent" isn't it funny how insecure we can be in those situations? You have a gift Amanda, thanks for sharing.

Toknowhim said...

I love how you said you would not let your boy disrespect you...especially with your boots on :)

Your entire family has been blessed with such a good sense of humor...I am sure your homes are often filled with so much laughter...

Blessings and I want to vist Texas one day... I have only been there in the airport passing through one time.

Steph V said...

AMEN SISTA!!!1 I love it too. I seriously can NOT imagine living anywhere else. And I love me some cowgirl boots!!!

Oh, and love, love, love the part about saying "mam". I correct JD on this one a million times a day, but alas...today he said it on his own. sweetness. it's funny though, because i still say it all the time to just about everyone and i get some wierd looks.

Gran Jan said...

Amanda - this may be my favorite post of yours. Good writing - so enjoyable.

You are so special.

We live in the country and I love it so much.

My best,
Mrs. Jan

Nikki said...

I grew up visiting my grandparents every summer in Bryan and then we lived in Houston for 4 years while my husband was in fellowship. Even though I wasn't born there, I love it deep in my soul. Met some of the greatest, most loving and generous friends while we were there. Your tribute to the Lone Star State is making me homesick!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I'm not a Texan (unless you count the year my family lived in Dallas when I was 8, and I don't think true Texans would accept those credentials). But this post is solid gold, Amanda. I loved every word of it. Made me want to visit again.

Unknown said...

I left this unread in my reader because I wanted to click over and say that I loved this. It makes me SO miss my Texas roots. I love many things about California, but Texas it isn't.

Kelli said...

Minus our 6 months at Southwestern before going overseas, I can't call myself a Texas girl but I still love this! I saw you said your mom has a Border Collie! I love that! My husband grew up in Africa and their family had one so we got one a few year after we got married- Samson was our first baby and he is AWESOME!! He lives with my parents now and is definitely in his twilight years but oh how he loves to herd everything in sight, including all the grandkids and my husband taught him so amazing tricks with the soccer ball- so stinkin smart!!

Lynn said...

I'm not Texan but I am from Alberta, Canada where we were ranchers for many years. What you said made my heart sing, I could smell the smells of mud and forest. I love the country mouse, city mouse comment you made. I live in a small city now but I stll love to get my boots, my wranglers and head to the countryside! Great post! I really enjoyed my time in Houston for the SMT Celebration.

The Davidson Den said...

I'm an Arkansan, and you KNOW how we Arkansans generally feel about all things Texas, I'm sure. BUT. Because of the descriptions in this post, because I can tell you are sincere in your love for your home, and because I like you, I just have to say, "Go Texas!" If only this once. ;)

Linda said...

okay, I'm late to the game (found this post through BigMama through the Pioneer Woman), but I wanted to comment anyway. I've only stepped foot in Texas once at the DFW airport for a layover. However, I've always wanted return and actually SEE some of Texas. It holds a large place in my imagination. I love NH (where I'm from), but I love Texas, too. I hope to get there someday. Heck, maybe I'll get to live there, too!
Thanks for this post!
Linda

Unknown said...

I know this is many months after your original post, but just had to comment. I'm a Texas girl living in Colorado. It's hard to explain why to those who have never lived in Texas what I still miss about it. Like you articulated Amanda, it's a whole lifestyle. Here are a few things that come to mind: good BBQ & Tex-Mex (not to be found here), HEB grocery stores (swoon), college football mania, live music in the Hill Country, and ... I miss seeing guys working in the yard wearing shorts and cowboy boots. So cute! Thanks for writing this. Love sharing memories with my Texas sisters.