The Miss Elaine-ous Life

random acts of life, family and photos

Texas, My Texas

by

As we prepare to leave the great state of Texas for who knows how long, I’m pondering what a BIG deal it really is to me. I’ve lived somewhere in Texas since I was a wee 16th month old. All the big things that have happened in my life have happened within in these borders. Well, except for the birth part. My parents had the audacity to live in California when I was born (although that’s a great state too…). But, I still consider myself a native Texan. Both of my parents are Texas bred and well, we just ARE Texans.

I’ve been all over the state, thanks in part to my parents’ love of travel. I’ve eaten at restaurants in El Paso and driven through Amarillo on the way to Colorado when The B Man was just a mere “peanut” in my belly. I’ve crossed over the border at Texarkana on a Spring Break trip with my college girlfriends and I’ve splashed in the gulf coast waters many times as a child and an adult. For those of you who don’t know your Texas geography, that pretty much covers the four corners.

I’ve been to every major city and spent A LOT of time at the Alamo, and along the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Growing up in Austin, I’ve been to the capitol building many, many times and have enjoyed walking along the banks of Town Lake. I’ve been to Houston a couple of times and although I’m not that fond of it, I do accept it as part of this great state. I’ve driven the I-35 corridor from the D/FW area to Austin more times than I could ever attempt to count and have peed at the same gas station in Waco A LOT. I’ve visited the Stock Yards in Fort Worth and shopped at the Dallas Galleria Mall quite a bit.

I’ve spent hours and hours at each of the family farms that my grandparents owned in South Texas and I’ve ridden in the back of my uncle’s truck down a skinny two-lane country highway to go feed the cattle there. And then ridden back again, stopping at the one and only blinking red light in the small town, thankful for a break from the strong wind in my face.

I’ve eaten fresh sausage made in the butcher shop in Shiner, Texas (where my Mom is from) and watched my Dad wash it down with a Shiner Bock (some darn good beer). I’ve eaten at five-star steak restaurants and barbeque stands that are only open for lunch. Oh, and more Tex Mex than I can even fathom.

Here in Texas I went to the same schools in the same neighborhood all through my childhood, graduated high school and college, met the love of my life and married him and have birthed my two boys.

I’ve attended MANY a wedding with beer in the keg and polka music playing in the background. I’ve attended several funerals and mourned most deeply at those for my Czechoslovakian speaking grandparents. This is the place I’ve celebrated every birthday and holiday. I was driving down I-30 in Arlington, Texas when I heard the news about the World Trade Center towers coming down.

This is the place where I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. This is the place where the majority of my family resides. The place where I have “roots” that run so very deep. THIS is the place I call home.

I wasn’t sure I could EVER leave, but of course I will because that is what is best for my family at this time. And although we are officially leaving my home state, we’re just next door and I know we will be welcomed back any time. It is “The Friendly State” after all! In the meantime, I’ll miss you my Texas. But I promise I’ll see you soon. You can’t get rid of me that easy…
elaine

Comments

  1. Hey Elaine, we will miss you in this great state, but are so glad to keep up with you via the blog! How great that your mom is from Shiner. I love Shinerbock (hence my nickname and blogspot- tynerbock!

  3. This has to be so tough for you. I’ve only ever lived in BC and would feel the same about leaving.

    This is a great tribute to your home state and to your memories. Beautiful.

  4. You can’t take the Texas out of us! I was born in Florida but moved to Texas as a baby. I too consider myself a Texan. (And I won’t be offended by your Houston comment!) At least you are not going too far from “home.” Try finding Tex Mex in South Florida!

  5. I really love this post. I feel like I’ve just visited Texas. With my move, I didn’t realize you were moving too. I’ll have to check your archives and read all about it. Good luck with your move……may it be smooth and seamless, and may you meet lots of good friends, and find really great places to hang out. 🙂

  6. Elaine – never fear. The likelyhood that you will end up back here is high, IMO. We moved out of state but eventually moved back (eventually… we were not even gone 2 years). I also have another friend who has recently moved back. Something draws your heart back to this place when it’s so much a part of you. I think that’s why I like Gone with the WInd so much. I totally relate to Scarlet’s being drawn back to Tara throughout her whole life.

    You’ll be back.

    Never fear.

    🙂
    Donna

  7. We’ll miss you in TX, but I know you’ll have a great time in “The Friendly State!” Can’t wait to hear all about it! Love that picture of you with all the bluebonnets, so pretty!

  8. I actually got a little teary eyed thinking of TX. I still consider myself a Texan, even though I have only been a visitor for the last 12 years. Maybe I will make it back one day… via Kansas City, Atlanta and Knoxville. I actually think I could talk my husband in to it because of one thing- TEXMEX! Thinking of you! Jennifer Borth

  9. Aww. Good luck with your movin!! Are you still hanging out in BlogHer? Just curious…I think I will be driving through while it is going on now. Hmm… We can have a (non) drinky drink to celebrate our moves! LOL 🙂

    Great picture Elaine! Love it!

  11. Sounds like you love your home state as much as I love mine! It would break my heart to leave Michigan, but if a better opportunity for my family presented itself in another state (which almost happened last year) I’d be doing the same thing. My very best to you and your family as you embark on this new adventure and make wonderful memories in your new hometown. God bless.

  13. You’re making this pregnant lady CRY!!!!!
    *sniff, sniff*
    It is so hard to say goodbye. But I’m sure you’ll be back. 🙂

  14. Hey now…no knockin’ Houston!! J/K Sad you are leaving the great state but hopefully you can be back soon! We’ll miss you!!!!

  15. Awww Elaine! We will miss you too! As a native Texas myself, I know how you feel. I would miss it terribly if I moved to another state. (maybe not the heat so much!) We wish your family good luck and many blessings as you move. Love that pic of you in the bluebonnets!

  16. I didn’t realize you’d been in Texas quite THAT long. This really will be quite the adventure for you guys, then. Don’t worry – LA is still the south!

  20. This post made me all teary and happy at the same time. I remember when I moved to Texas from Missouri…I was seriously in awe of the state!

    Leo considers himself a Texan (from Santa Fe, born and raised) and he said he’ll always be a Texan…it is a great state!

    And I love your picture. Simply beautiful!

  21. Oh, Elaine…what a great tribute to Texas! I love it here too – we moved here when I was in 7th grade and I hope I never have to leave – but, my hubby’s career could very well take us away someday too – we’ve had a few “close-calls” in the past, so I know a little of how you must feel…at least it’s close by! Hang in there!

  22. Except of the first four and last one, I’ve spent my life in Texas and it will always be “home” for me. (My parents had the audacity to live in New York when I was born.) I totally understand getting weepy-eyed over leaving. Hubby and I miss it!

    There’s just something about the Texas hospitality, warmth, and charm that we just haven’t found in Cali.

    I hope everything else with the move is going well. Good Luck!!!

  23. You can do it…you’ll miss it, but you’ll love your new home, too!

    And, now you’ve got me missing some good old-fashioned Tex-Mex!

  26. Elaine, this post made me cry. Oh, my.

    Texas is truly an amazing state. I’m a 5th generation Texan, my kids are 6th, and I can’t imagine ever leaving. Ever.

    You are so brave to venture out on this new journey. You are doing what’s best for your family, and I admire you so much. You CAN do it. You WILL make new friends. You can ALWAYS come back to Texas and call it home.

    Come visit me sometime, okay? I can take you to eat at the best Italian restaurant in the hill country after we splash in the Frio with all the kiddos. Seriously, we have plenty of room and you’re welcome anytime!!

    Love and hugs!!

  27. That photo is stunning, both the flowers but especially you, I love the look of complete contentment on your face.

    I tried to skim this post (I am SO behind) but I couldn’t. It pulled me in and I had to read every single word. I would feel the same way about leaving Saskatchewan (minus winter though!). I have a feeling this will be temporary and it will be a great adventure for you and the family. These posts will make great reminders 🙂

  29. What a neat post this was Elaine, certainly for a fellow local to read!

    So great to bump into you the other day, hope the sweaty freaky guy at the zoo didnt scare you right back out to the parking lot.

    GREAT post ma’am…you may be moving, but you’ll only be a post away!!

    Jay

  30. This post just broke my heart! it hits home for me as i have lived in the same town since i was born and have so many memories here. We have talked a lot over the years about moving and it never happens but i know inevitably it will. Thanks for giving me a preview of what is to come for our little family.

  33. Elaine, your post put tears in my eyes! As a native Texan myself, living my ENTIRE life in one city, I totally understand your feelings. Good luck with your move. I know that you will make a great home for your family anywhere you go. Much love!