Story about our friends the Horrocks, really just Matt. We had always talked openly about church, faith, religion, what not, but we had always respected our differences. At some point in Florida Matt stayed a few days with Brian and I. One night Matt was standing in the kitchen and Brian and I walk in and corner him. "Matt, we're gonna convert you." You could see his wheels start to turn and I'm sure he was thinking people just let me eat my cereal. "Yes Matt - we're gonna convert you to a TEXAN!!!" I'm sure he thought we were crazy and after a good dose of King of the Hill he left our house completely unchanged.
I wish they would hand out the Texas bumper stickers that say "I wasn't born here but I got here as fast as I could" to natives so that we could pass them out and spread the word. No matter what you're into, there somewhere in Texas you would fit in and feel at home. Being away for so long, I realize more everyday what I miss about Texas and all the things I took for granted.
Some of our friends recently went to a country bar out here and they have some great acts come in but it's smokey enough I would feel guitly about pumping my baby full of nicotine. When I asked them who was playing they had to work together to get out "some Aaron guy." Yes my friends they were in the presence of Texas Country legends and didn't even know it. To make it worse I was telling my dad about it and after I said "some Aaron guy" he half shouted Aaron Watson!?! Even my dad knows who Aaron Watson is. Which led to me conclude we have failed to show our friends how great our music is and my dad is awesome. And granted OK has its fair share of red dirt music and fantastic artists but they are lacking in dance halls and real bars. So we're having a party. A push all the furniture out of the way, eat BBQ, drink beer, and dance kind of party. I can't wait - you're invited!
In my humble experience, I know that the process of conversion is rarely instantaneous. Mostly all we can do is plant the seeds and let the lord do the rest. You may never know how much influence you had on me be oming a true Texan, but one thing is for sure, I will always think happily upon my few days at your home and your Texas flag shower curtain, your Texas shaped bar of soap, and the Texas shaped pancakes you would make for breakfast as we watched Hank try to teach Bobby the art of propane sales. I had such a fun time with you both,and even though I've only spent a full day driving across your enormous state, I can only hope that the good lord will continue blessing me with good ole country songs on the radio about a guy and his relationship with a tractor and good Alamo lovin friends like you.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the Alamo, Brian wants me to inform you that today, March 6th, is the fateful day that the Alamo fell and 183 brave souls gave their lives. Thanks for your encouraging words!
ReplyDeleteWhy would you show him King of the Hill? Isaac says, "Ya'll should have started him with a good dose of Johnny Ramirez in the morning on KXTN Tejano 107.5 FM. Peace and Taco Grease."
ReplyDeleteWe'll be at your Texas party with enchildas and some Tejano CD's! ORALE!!! After all you can't have a Texas party without Mexicans!!! They don't call it Tex-Mex for nothing!