My mama tells me that I'm a sixth generation Texan. And, when I told someone recently that I was from California, she about choked, "You are not from California, you are from Texas. You live in California." I know. When I go back and visit, I can feel it...these are my roots.
We just arrived back home from a spring break visit to Texas last week for our annual "Grandma Camp" (which was a huge success). I will, of course, be detailing our Grandma Camp in the next post; however, I just wanted to spend a moment explaining my feelings about the Lone Star State.
Besides the heat and humidity (which gives me a headache), I love this place. These are my top ten reasons why I love Texas:
1) Blue Bell Ice Cream. These people know how to make seriously good ice cream in half gallon containers. None of this skimpy Breyer's container nonsense, in which every time I'm back to buy more ice cream, they've shrunk their container another size. so distressing. It's so good, we go to the Blue Bell factory every year for Grandma Camp.
2) The BBQ. I'm not normally a red meat lover (c'mon, I've lived in CA for almost 13 yrs now), but the meat down there is so tasty...mmm...I'm salivating right now at midnight. You smell it everywhere. And I love it. Pappa's, Goode & Co., my cousin Dale's BBQ...my favorites. Everyone eats it and everyone's happy.
3) The trees. Now, California has amazing agriculture; however, the thick trees in Houston make me smile and breathe deep.
4) The accent. I got jipped. How in the world did I not inherit an accent?? jeez. When I tell people I grew up in Texas, they always respond, "Well, you don't have an accent." Although, after I've talked to my mom for awhile or any friends there, I start using a little more twang and more "y'alls." I love it. It's home.
5) The cost of living. I'm not going to focus too much on this or I'll start getting the shakes. I am amazed how much house you can get there for your money. I'll leave it at that.
6) Biggie size. You hear that things are just bigger down there...and they are--the roaches, the hairdos, the earrings, the plates of food, the malls, the houses--everything. Get a load of that house I posted, which is right around the corner from my parent's home. My sister lovingly dubbed it "Toad Hall." I always trick-or-treated there. They gave out biggie size candy bars.
7) State pride. Where else do you see Texas shaped pools and Texas shaped corn chips (which were the store brand, mind you)? No kidding, I even spotted a Texas shaped stepping stone for your yard at Wal-mart (People use them too. Our cousin has them). If you want, I'm sure my mom would be happy to furnish you with a bumper sticker which says, "I'm not from Texas, but I got there as fast as I could" (she gave this one to Adam) or "Don't Mess with Texas" (a classic).
8) Bluebonnets. When I was in labor with each of my babies, Adam would tell me to go to my "happy place." Without even thinking too hard, I would imagine myself in a field of bluebonnets. It sounds a little weird. They bring back many happy memories of springtime trips to the bluebonnets. And, eventhough they don't bloom in the summer, they still bring me back to being in the Texas hill country all summer long.
9) The People. Eventhough I was raised with this, I forget...people are just downright friendly there. As I was pumping gas at Costco, an employee said, "Hi ma'am! How're you doin' today?" "Can I help you pump your gas?" I think I may have flinched (I'm sorry to say). Part of me was hoping he wasn't talking to me. Then I thought, "What is wrong with you?!!! Smile and talk!" We had a nice lengthy conversation about his family, Grandma camp, the weather (I was driving a 15 passenger van with a vast gas tank). Driving away, Annie said, "People are so nice here!" yes. yes they are.
10) My family. I love this house (the one Savannah is sitting in front of). We moved there when I was 3. And, I love even more the people inside. Really, they are why I love this place so much. I feel loved. I feel happy and warm.
I love Texas. And, I love California...this is where my little nest belongs. However, as my grandma Dorothy would tell me regularly, "There's no place like Texas." She's right y'all.
10 comments:
I had to smile reading your post, especially seeing your house. lots of good memories - I LOVE TEXAS!!
Oh wow... that pic with all "y'all" in it has the most beautiful blue sky. Absolutely amazing!
I need to get down to Texas so I can learn how the pros do BBQ. Right now, I am just a big wannabe.
i immediately recognized the bluebonnets! (and i still remember that canvas earmarked for bluebonnets, right?) i saw a Texas flag in someone's garage the other day, and larry and i just had to smile. don't mess with texas!
I trick or treated at that same big house, and every year we'd beg someone to take us there b/c we thought for SURE they'd hand out dollar bills!! HA! I've only been away from Texas while I was at Stephens, and I remember thinking in Missouri - gosh, I miss Texans. I never even knew how nice we are until I was away from it! haha! How fun that you were home for a visit, and I can't wait to hear all about Grandma camp. I hope that includes a nice break for YOU too (i'm betting it does). You're the cutest!!
Hey my sunshine!
Couldn't have said it better myself about Texas! Just wish there was a way to have the smells of barbecue and bluebonnets on your blog.
Berly, I LOVE TEXAS too and all of the wonderful wonderful people who are or have been a part of my life here. Merlsie
Texas is a pretty great state. My big thing is the house for your money.... just dreaming what I could get in texas with how much I paid for my little house here! Grandma camp sounds so fun!
It was so wonderful seeing you at Grandma's camp.
I am definitely Californian, but I also love all of those reasons you love Texas. The only thing I would add is HEB. That is the best grocery store on the face of the planet.
Love you and can't wait to plan a surfing excursion when school gets out.
-Natalie
Where in Texas are you from? I've always known it was Texas, but didn't know where in this large state.
We are about an hour North of Dallas now. We love it here. We miss our family in California, but not enough to go back.
Do you know how many times I got chills reading this? I should have that first bumper sticker because although we didn't move there until I was nearly 15, I consider myself a Texan. It gets in your blood. I am so grateful to feel like I always have a home to go back to. And you are right all the way...it's the people, you and that first lady that commented and your families and anyone else that commented from there that I haven't seen yet. I have such wonderful memories. Howdy indeed.
i'm so glad you had a nice trip home, lex! i only wish i lived closer so we could have hung out!!! :) can't wait to hear all about grandma camp!!! miss you, friend!
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