It's a strange combination--the cold air meeting brown, dead earth. Trees stand like skeletons eerily swaying, naked in the wind. It wouldn't be cold if it weren't for the wind actually. But it's the kind of humid wind that goes right through you, like a gulf breeze. I miss the fiery fall's of Appalachia. And the mountains.
But I'm happy here in Texas. And I've discovered that it doesn't matter where you live in the world, there are always people who will make you smile, scenery that will make you happy to be alive, and experiences that will change you. And isn't that the point of life?
Here are just a few of the things I"ve observed about East Texas:
1. 90's music. I will never again think of the 90's when I hear the strains of Savage Garden. I will think of an East Texas bar with a juke box.
2. Which brings me to my second observation. Juke boxes--they're everywhere. Why have live music when you can have a juke box? That might work out if you share the musical taste of 70% of the bar. But that's never the case. Just say no to Sir Mix A lot.
3. Trucks. Everyone told me everything was bigger in Texas, including your carbon footprint. It's just not necessary, people.
4. Roadkill. It is customary in Texas to place a beer bottle in the hand, hoof or paw of roadkill and take a photo. Nevermind why you had that empty beer can in your car. I can't make fun of this too much though, because in Tennessee it's legal to eat your roadkill. Redneck Thanksgiving much. Everyone get in the truck!
5. And just to add some positivity to it all--there are some awesome people here. People with stories at every turn. Like Ab Abernethy who has traveled all over the world, taught folk music to Janis Joplin and showed up at the Dalai lama's apartment a few years ago. I'm proud to have his type writer. Then there are more characters around, such as Brad Maule and Wally Knight, just to name a few. It's a writer's haven.
So maybe I should write more.
But I'm happy here in Texas. And I've discovered that it doesn't matter where you live in the world, there are always people who will make you smile, scenery that will make you happy to be alive, and experiences that will change you. And isn't that the point of life?
Here are just a few of the things I"ve observed about East Texas:
1. 90's music. I will never again think of the 90's when I hear the strains of Savage Garden. I will think of an East Texas bar with a juke box.
2. Which brings me to my second observation. Juke boxes--they're everywhere. Why have live music when you can have a juke box? That might work out if you share the musical taste of 70% of the bar. But that's never the case. Just say no to Sir Mix A lot.
3. Trucks. Everyone told me everything was bigger in Texas, including your carbon footprint. It's just not necessary, people.
4. Roadkill. It is customary in Texas to place a beer bottle in the hand, hoof or paw of roadkill and take a photo. Nevermind why you had that empty beer can in your car. I can't make fun of this too much though, because in Tennessee it's legal to eat your roadkill. Redneck Thanksgiving much. Everyone get in the truck!
5. And just to add some positivity to it all--there are some awesome people here. People with stories at every turn. Like Ab Abernethy who has traveled all over the world, taught folk music to Janis Joplin and showed up at the Dalai lama's apartment a few years ago. I'm proud to have his type writer. Then there are more characters around, such as Brad Maule and Wally Knight, just to name a few. It's a writer's haven.
So maybe I should write more.
