Chisholm County

iracleM MIGRATION CHISHOLM C RY magazine

FROM THE EDITOR

When it comes to hunting and fishing, luck has always run in the family. But then again, if we’re all honest, behind every successful outdoorsman flutters an angel of fortune.

With my late father, L. E. “Sonny” Voss, Jr. passing along the fortune of the wild as part of our family heritage, my exceptional luck has usually come with a rod-and-reel in hand. But while my father’s job in the oil business took our family to numerous exotic locations around the globe when I was growing up, my angling experiences remained restricted, for the most part, to coastal salt waters.

What started with catching angelfish off the jetties along South Padre Island with a bamboo pole and a popping cork as a toddler evolved into hour-long battles off the West African coast with tropical fish as big as I was at the age of 11.

But once I moved to Temple to become the outdoors editor of the Temple Daily Telegram in 1988, I found out quickly that bass fishing was the talk of the town. I definitely needed to get up to speed on my freshwater fishing skills.

So when the hectic demands of the new job allowed, I finally endulged in the inevitable bass fishing trip. Oddly enough, though, I ended up bypassing the local fishing holes for my first serious bass encounter to wet a worm with Pops and his high school fishing buddy, C. E. “Butch” Brugier.

Considering my new position, I immediately got the feeling Pops and Butch were relishing at the thought of rudely introducing me to the art of bass fishing. But by the time we reached the fishing cabin, I couldn’t wait to try my hand.

Of course, they weren’t going to make it easy. Butch presented me with an uncomfortable place to sit in the bow of a two-man jon boat, while the old men relaxed in swivel seats. As the three of us headed out onto the reservoir, I received stereo instructions on how to work a worm to the delight of a hungry largemouth bass.

Before I had a chance to rig my rod, the greybearded Butch had hooked and landed a small Florida bass that fell just shy of the reservoir’s 16-inch slot limit.

Moments later, Pops reeled in his first strike while I still struggled with my gear. The two oldtimers exchanged knowing looks and chuckled at my ineptitude. But as soon as I got a worm in the water, things started picking up. The fish

were biting, and I felt lucky.

After bouncing the nine-inch black worm through the reservoir’s mossy bottom several times, my rod bent hard from a heavy strike, and I immediately released the line. I watched the line roll off the reel for an instant as the Florida largemouth worked the worm deep into its stomach.

When the reel went still, I felt a rush of adrenaline flood my system. Pointing the end of the rod to where the bass sat motionlessly submerged, I slowly reeled in the slack , drew a deep breath and yanked the rod back hard, setting the hook deep in the fish’s stomach.

Instantly, the 27-inch Florida bass shot straight out of the water, and its size took my breath away. Pops yelped and jumped simultaneously, rocking the tipsy jon boat as the largemouth broke the water’s surface. Déjà vu overwhelmed me as I recalled trolling as a youth in the mouth of Angola’s Cuanza River, the turbulent African country’s main waterway dumping into the South Atlantic Ocean. I thought, somehow, I must have hooked a freshwater tarpon.

Working the bass-fighting rod like a deep-sea fisherman, I never gave the Florida largemouth sow a chance. As soon as she plunged back into the water from her spectacular leap, the wise old lady instinctively dug hard for the heavy moss line, but I denied her access. In apparent frustration, the bass defiantly shot into the air one more time, trying in vain to shake loose the deeply embedded hook only to fall back into her watery death bed as the battle ended.

My first-ever largemouth bass tipped the scales at 12.5 pounds, but my luck did not stop there. When Butch finally decided to call it a day, I stepped out of the jon boat with a fivefish limit, the big momma and four smaller stair step keepers what weighed in at 32 pounds. Amazingly, the two old men of the sea walked away empty-handed.

Sure, I could bore you by attributing my healthy snags to a natural gift and incredible knack for working a irresistible lure. But let’s face it. I’m a lucky guy, and I know it. It runs in the family.

E. BRETT VOSS Editor-In-Chief

Publisher & Editor-In-Chief

E. Brett Voss

Managing Editor

Simone Wichers-Voss

Contributing Writers

Ruth Crawford

E. Brett Voss

Simone Wichers-Voss

Contributing Photographers

Marvin Grelle

Eugene Mazzurana

Vickie Mitchell

Simone Wichers-Voss

Supporting Patrons

Jan & Doug Kieta

Punky & Wally Penberthy

CHISHOLM COUNTRY

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: All editorial and advertising materials are copyrighted by Southern Cross Creative, LLP. The entire content of each issue of Chisholm Country magazine is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any portion of any edition will not be permitted without written permission from Southern Cross Creative. Chisholm Country magazine, as well as any reasonable derivative of this name, are trademarks of Southern Cross Creative, LLP and use of these trademarks without the express written consent of Southern Cross Creative, LLP is strictly prohibited.

ON THE COVER:

Field of Dreams & Flowers by Eugene Mazzurana

WINGED WONDERS

Master Naturalist Paulsen promotes Monarch Butterfly conservation in everything she does

photographs by S O E ERS VOSS & courtesy of S R SE

WINGED WONDERS: female Monarch utterfly feeds on mil weed main photo Master Naturalist Sara Paulsen s passion is to educate pro ide outreach and ser ice about nature in general and Monarch utterflies specifically inset .

article by S O E ERS VOSS

MIGRATION

MIGRATION

Winged Wonders: Master Naturalist Paulsen promotes Monarch Butterfly conservation

The young students feel a rush of air as a giant onarch Butterfly swoo s into the room, gracefully fla ing her magnificent orange and black wings. he lands on some wildflowers strewn across the floor, and gently stom s her feet. he youth at the lenrose ethodist hurch re school are u led they wonder why this beautiful creature is stom ing on flowers.

“Oh hi! I’m Monica Monarch,” Master Naturalist Sara Paulsen exclaims, looking up from her nectar quest. “This probably looks a bit strange, doesn’t it? But I stomp on flowers, because butterflies taste with their feet. And oh boy, there are some tasty flowers here.

“While I’m here, let me share a special story with you; the story about my mother. As she emerged from her chrysalis last August in Michigan, she knew she had a long journey ahead of her; a long journey South,” Monica said.

The children’s sweet faces look at Monica in amazement, eagerly awaiting to hear the miraculous story of Monarch Butterfly migration. Besides her fabulous wings, Paulsen wears her Monarch tiara in her bouncing curly blond hair, Monarch sneakers, and either butterfly or emerald green chrysalis earrings from her extensive collection of Monarch paraphernalia.

With this exciting and colorful lesson about the Texas state insect, how we can help them on their journey and keep them from extinction is a lesson the kids will remember for a long time, thanks to Paulsen’s lively and engaging storytelling. Paulsen remembers a young boy forbidding his father to mow the lawn as long as there were flowers blooming. And when they recognize her in the street, they invariably call her Monica.

“If I can plant the seed of knowledge, get them involved and

interested in conservation, I can make a difference to save these wonderful butterflies,” Paulsen said. “Every butterfly is so precious.”

And with that, retired school teacher, self-professed nature-geek and citizen scientist Paulsen fulfills the Texas Master Naturalist Program’s mission of providing education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. It is something that she just loves to do.

While the Monarch Butterfly follows the same metamorphosis life cycle from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, several things set the species apart from other butterflies. While the adult Monarch Butterfly feeds on the nectar from a variety of flowers like other butterflies, its eggs and caterpillars survive solely on milkweed genus Asclepias. Additionally, consuming the milkweed renders the butterfly poisonous, and thus, protects it from predators. Side note: The Viceroy and Queen Butterflies have similar coloring and marking as the Monarch, which defends them from predators.

While the Danaus genus butterflies are found all over the world, the American species Danaus Plexippus have an extraordinary migratory phase. And why do they migrate? To survive, to escape colder weather in the winter, and to find a more abundant food supply as flowers dwindle in the fall and winter.

Monarch migration is an inter-generational process, and no single butterfly makes the whole round trip. But the fourth generation, also called the Methuselah generation, are the super generation that speaks most to the imagination. They sometimes fly 2,000-3,000 miles over two months south to Central Mexico; to the secluded forests of the Sierra de Chincua Mountains in Michoacán province.

“My mother went through so many trials and tribulations on her journey south,” Monica told the students melodramatically. “She

MONIC MON RCH: Master Naturalist Sara Paulsen also nown as Monica Monarch shares her mother s life story with the Glenrose Methodist Church pre-school class.

constantly needed to find food for energy to fly the long, long trip. And then there were rain storms. She can’t fly with wet wings. So she had to roost in trees or shrubs. Or high head winds that made flying practically impossible. And then there’s the cars she had to avoid running into. And then the cold nights that had her shivering, and she had to wait for the sun to come up and warm her before she could be on her way again.

“But there were also good days, when she met up with other Monarchs on their pilgrimage south; when they found the higher air currents to drift on together in a beautiful, colorful cloud of butterflies, not using as much energy.”

Often riding a cold front at speeds of 10 to 30 miles per hour covering 50-80 miles a day, the Monarchs funnel through Texas both in the fall and the spring. On a map, Paulsen shows the students how far the journey really is, that Texas lies in the central flyway and that the butterflies sometimes have to traverse parts of the Gulf of Mexico. Texas is therefore an important state in Monarch migration, and as such, is critical in implementing conservation efforts.

“On her way south, Mom liked to stop at the Monarch Waystations – havens with many nectar producing plants. The butterflies need a lot of food on this long, long journey. She loved the one near Glen Rose, the Paulsen Place. There’s a lovely couple that plants milkweed and many other flowers to keep the butterflies fed.”

MON RCH UTTERF F CTS

• With its iconic orange and black markings, the monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable species in North America. Monarchs weigh, on average, about half of a gram, which is less than the weight of a paperclip.

• Their wingspan is 4-41/2 inches. The male recognizable because of scent spots on hind wing and claspers on abdomen, thinner wing veins.

• Most breeding adult butterflies live approximately two to five weeks, but overwintering adults which enter into reproductive diapause can live six to nine months.

• Eggs laid exclusively on milkweed plants hatch after two to five days. The eggs hatch into larvae, or caterpillars, and progress through five stages called instars over the next two weeks before pupating into a green chrysalis. An adult monarch emerges one to two weeks later.

So as far as milkweed goes, Paulsen encourages everyone to plant native Texas Milkweed plants so the Monarchs can lay their eggs and their caterpillars can grow; and to plant nectar-producing flowers to aid the struggling butterflies on their journeys. The native species of milkweed include: Clasping Milkweed, Engelmann’s Milkweed, Pink Milkweed, Butterflyweed, Whorled Milkweed. Unfortunately, Milkweed is not an easy plant to grow from seed, which is why Paulsen advises to buy them in plant form for ease.

In her presentation to the pre-school tots, Monica’s mother finally gets to the gentle weather in the Sierra Cincua Mountain Range in Central Mexico, where the fragrant breeze flows through the Oyamel firs. The evergreens serve both as a blanket and umbrella during the winter, protecting the Monarchs from extreme cold temperatures and precipitation. Because their arrival usually coincides with Dia de los Muertos, the locals magically consider the butterflies as souls of the dead. Additionally, their bright orange hue is almost identical to the color of the cempazuchitl flower, which blooms around the same time in the region. The flower is considered in Mexico to be the “flower of the dead” and is used to adorn graves to pay respect and celebrate the life of loved ones.

At the beginning of November, finally Monica’s tired mother can rest, together with millions of other Monarchs, stuck to the trunks and branches of the trees like mussels on a pier pylon; sticking together for warmth. At this point, Paulsen whips out her magnifying glass and points out her mother in the multitude, which draws the curious tots deeper into the story.

It is a miracle all these millions of butterflies know how to find their ancestral home, because humans with all their recording devices and technology did not discover the Monarch’s winter retreat until 1975. While butterfly scientists recorded Monarch migrations since the 1850s, their winter resting place was an entomological Holy Grail. After seeing monarchs shower down from the sky during a hail storm in the western mountains near his residence in Mexico City, and using information from Canadian Zoologist Fred Urquhart’s findings from the 1940s, business man Kenneth Brugger and his wife embarked on a two-year expedition into the TransMexican Volcanic Belt trying to find the butterfly haven. It wasn’t until Jan. 9, 1975 when they caught sight of gossamer wings glinting in the sunlight, and suddenly hundreds of millions of monarchs came into view. National Geographic publicized their magical discovery in the August 1976 issue.

Urquhart wrote, “On the evening of January 9, 1975, Ken telephoned us from Mexico. ‘We have located the colony!’ he said, unable to control the excitement in his voice. ‘We have found them – millions of monarchs –in evergreens beside a mountain clearing. Mexican woodcutters, prodding laden donkeys, had seen swarming butterflies and had helped point the way.’”

Monarchs living west of the Rocky Mountain range in North America overwinter in California along the Pacific coast near Santa Cruz and San Diego, where microclimatic conditions are very similar to that in central Mexico. There, the Monarchs roost in eucalyptus, Monterey pines, and Monterey cypresses.

But back to Mom Monarch; she already lived months longer than any other generation of Monarchs. She was lucky, and survived the winter in a non-productive state called diapause. And as the days grew longer and the temperatures rose to above 50 degrees, the Monarchs began to stir, warming their wings in the sun. And what does a cloud of Monarch Butterflies taking flight all at once sound like? It’s magical, like a fast-flowing mountain stream rushing over the water-worn pebbles and boulders.

Nearly Valentine’s Day, love is in the air. One last snack and the masses start their trek north. Monica’s Mom makes it to her favorite Texas Monarch Waystation, so tired, so worn out. Her wings are tattered, but her instincts tell she has one more task – to lay her eggs

on milkweed. That is around 400 eggs. And with that task complete, she flutters into the shade and quietly meets her demise.

Usually, the females lay one egg on one milkweed leaf, but Monica’s Mom was so desperate to lay her precious load, she laid seven eggs on one leaf. Of course, Monica’s egg was on that special leaf.

“My mom is dead, but that’s okay,” Monica said. “She fulfilled her task, and now I will continue the journey, carrying out her legacy.”

At this point, Paulsen shows the students the aquariums in which she is raising Monarchs from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis, saying “those are my brothers and sisters.” She explains that in 30-35 days, the babies grow to 2,000 times the size of their egg, going through five instar stages before they turn into a chrysalis.

Monica is the next first generation Monarch, starting the cycle over again. This spring, Paulsen saw her first Monarch on March 15, and found 18 eggs on Antelope Horn Milkweed in their pasture. The new 2023 cycle has begun

Sadly, many Monarchs don’t complete the journey. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Monarch populations east of the Rocky Mountains have declined by roughly 80 percent over the past two decades due to factors including habitat loss in Mexico because of deforestation by legal and illegal logging, climate change with more storms, and the widespread use of herbicides that eradicate milkweeds and pesticides to kill insects. Over the past years, many agencies are working together to avoid the exceptional migratory butterfly’s extinction. Because of this continued rapid decline,

the Monarch Butterfly was placed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Endangered Species in 2022.

“Today’s Red List update highlights the fragility of nature’s wonders, such as the unique spectacle of monarch butterflies migrating across thousands of kilometers,” IUCN Director General Dr Bruno Oberle said. “To preserve the rich diversity of nature, we need effective, fairly governed protected and conserved areas, alongside decisive action to tackle climate change and restore ecosystems. In turn, conserving biodiversity supports communities by providing essential services such as food, water and sustainable jobs.”

The hot, dry weather greatly challenges the butterflies as they burn more fats in hot weather; fats they need for their long distance

MON RCH MIGR TION: Monarch Watch mag shows the different migration patterns the Monarch utterfly embar s on abo e tagged Monarch utterfly important to register and report migration mo ements far left .

flights. And a late spring freeze in 2022 affected the milkweed across the state. Both factors led to a low migration in October 2022, and less butterflies overwintering in Mexico.

The western population is at greatest risk of extinction, having declined by an estimated 99.9 percent, from as many as 10 million to 1,914 butterflies between the 1980s and 2021. The larger eastern population also shrunk by 84 percent from 1996 to 2014. Concern remains as to whether enough butterflies survive to maintain the populations and prevent extinction.

Research done by the North American Butterfly Association shows that the population in Michoacán, Mexico continues to fall dramatically, though monarch breeding numbers from spring to fall are stable.

“The North American monarch population is stable throughout North America during the summer,” National Butterfly Center executive director Marianna Wright said. “It’s reproduction numbers are fairly the same over the last 40 to 50 years, and that’s a good sign.”

Wright said the data regarding healthy, consistent, summer Monarch populations in the United States may ultimately support theories that the transcontinental Monarch migration will dwindle with increasing pressure, such as habitat shrinkage from logging at their overwintering sites and climate change. This could result in more Monarchs spending their winters in the U.S. in the future.

Dr. Karen Oberhauser shared Monarch winter 2022-23 population numbers in article for Journey North. In December 2022, Monarchs occupied 2.21 hectares, compared to 2.84 hectares at the same time

in 2021, or a 22 percent decrease. The average for the past decade is 2.75 hectares, and the population has been declining since measuring of the population began (see graph on page 11). The World Wildlife Fund-Telmex Telcel Foundation Alliance and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas in Mexico have been monitoring this area since 2004, with similar data from 1993-2003 collected by the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. While the number of monarchs in a hectare varies from year to year and is difficult to estimate, the best estimate is the average of about 21 million. WWF and CONANP released data from the winter 2022–23 Monarch Butterfly population counts on March 21.

Oberhauser is an adjunct professor in the Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology department and former director of the Monarch Lab at the University of Minnesota. In October 2017, she became the director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum, in Madison, WI.

“The best way to support monarchs is to raise the ceiling [of population growth] by creating more habitat,” Oberhauser said. “That means an all-hands-on-deck approach: restoring habitat in our yards, places of work, schools, and churches; along roadsides, utility rightsof-ways, and railroads; and in areas currently used for crops that aren’t very productive. This work supports monarchs and thousands of other species in the same habitats.”

Paulsen and her Monica Monarch alter-ego therefore keeps stressing to the students, that planting nectar-producing plants, especially milkweed, is crucial to the Monarchs survival, and that they can help. Planting nectar holding flowers is a win-win, because

M GIC MOMENT: Master Naturalist Sara Paulsen releases a male Monarch utterfly she raised to the wild always a magical moment abo e Scientists disco er Monarch hibernation location in Me ico far left .

besides helping the Monarch, it also helps the 17 native bee species, seven butterfly species and six moth species on the TPWD Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Paulsen encourages the youth and their parents to become citizen scientists, helping monitor Monarchs in the area; educating others about pollinators, conservation and in the ways they can help. She and her husband have 50 acres of land covered in Milkweed and nectarproducing plants.

“The more I learn about the different butterflies and bees, the more I try to target the different species,” Paulsen said.

“It is difficult to watch Monarch Butterflies and their extraordinary migration teeter on the edge of collapse, but there are signs of hope,” member of the IUCN SSC Butterfly and Moth Specialist Group and Species

Survival Officer at the New Mexico BioPark Society Anna Walker said. She led the 2020 Monarch Butterfly assessment which led to listing on the ICUN endangered species list. ”So many people and organizations have come together to try and protect this butterfly and its habitats.

“From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites and

contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery.”

More than 45 energy and transmission companies and state departments of transportation are voluntarily committing time and funding to carry out Monarch Butterfly-friendly management practices on millions of acres in rights of way. In turn, their actions may preclude the need to list the monarch or could speed recovery if the monarch is listed under the Endangered Species Act.

The Monarch Butterfly Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurance with integrated Candidate Conservation Agreement for energy and transportation lands additionally provides participants regulatory assurances that additional conservation measures will not be required if the monarch is protected under the ESA. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved an “enhancement of survival” permit application associated with this agreement. The permit holder is the University of IllinoisChicago, which is coordinating participation.

The mayors of numerous Texas cities, like College Station and Bryan, have committed to the Mayors’ Monarch pledge to plant

Monarch friendly habitats within city limits with milkweed to feed the nascent caterpillars. They support efforts to help Monarchs along with citizen scientists.

“Few species evoke the awe and wonder that the migratory Monarch Butterfly commands,” President and CEO of Nature Serve Dr Sean T. O’Brien said. “While efforts to protect this species are encouraging, much is still needed to ensure its long-term survival. Never has there been a more pressing time to collect data, like that provided by the NatureServe Network, on our nation’s biodiversity.”

And collecting data is another thing Paulsen and her fellow Master Naturalists do. They tag the Monarchs they release, and those that they catch during migration. When someone along the route or in Mexico finds a tagged butterfly, they call in the tag number, helping track the migration. On Oct. 21, Master Naturalists from all over the state gather at the Acton Nature Center – east of Granbury – to capture, record and tag Monarchs on their migration south.

Paulsen recommends the following sites for Monarch followers: Journey North, Monarchjointventure.org, Texas Monarch Watch and Monarch Watch.

EDUC TION E PERIENCE: female Monarch utterfly rests on a girl s hand during FallFest in Clifton inset Monarch utterfly caterpillars on Mil weed abo e mother and some ids disco er Monarch caterpillars and chrysalis at Master Naturalist Sara Paulsen s booth at the Dinosaur Valley State Par 0th nni ersary e ent 2022 right .

BOSQUE THE Leaving Lasting Legacy: Bosque Museum revamps exceptional Bosque Seven exhibit honoring Texas treasures

article & photographs by S O E ERS VOSS

Many of the world’s ca itals ondon, aris, along with the cutural melting ot of ew ork ity are well known for their artists’ communities. But there are regions where artists came together for camaraderie, natural beauty and the sim licity of rural life. aos, , onterey , a rovence in rance come to mind as rural regions known for their ins irational ualities and attraction to artists.

Bosque County could certainly be added to the list of inspirational places. In pure artist per population ratio, Bosque County scores off the charts.

There are many reasons for the wellspring of inspiration in Bosque County. It certainly lies in the natural beauty, the sense of sanctuary and the acceptance found in the community for the creative souls, drawing many artists to the region. A distinct, loose-knit group of nationally known Bosque County artists called the Bosque Seven includes James Boren CA (1921-1990), George Boutwell, Tony Eubanks, Bruce Greene CA, Martin Grelle CA, George Hallmark and Melvin Warren CA (1920-1995). These artists are linked by friendship and a respect for the unique heritage and culture that is found in Bosque County.

Boren, Grelle, Greene and Warren are members of the prestigious and influential, invitation-only Cowboy Artists of America group. They perpetuate the memory and culture of the Old West as typified by the late Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and others and insure authentic representations of the life of the West, as it was and is. As such Grelle and Greene mentor aspiring Western artists in their quest to exceptional quality and improvement.

In the world of museums, the Bosque Museum might be small, but this unique treasury of local history and heritage aims to bring history and people together

SEVEN

“There are certain places in this world that are recognized as crucibles of creativity...”

George arson author of The Painted Hills

THE M GNIFICENT SEVEN: ames oren ruce Greene Martin Grelle George outwell Tony Euban s George Hallmar Mel in Warren top left Tools of the painter s trade in Hallmar s studio inset Grelle paints in plein air right .

for experiences that delight, inform and inspire any way it can. Extensive expansions, renovations and regular temporary exhibits help to that effect, but the foresight of the museum board, and with the help of very generous patrons, the museum caters to the new way of learning through multi-media, grabbing visitors’ attention by making the exhibits more interactive.

Connecting to a modern audience and moving with the times the museum has introduced an interactive tour through the museum, starting with an introductory film, leading through the recently renovated Horn Shelter exhibit and the permanent Bosque Seven exhibit – complete with highly interesting artist interviews. Visitors access the information through the museum app, a QR code, Youtube videos, and by mid-April 2023, by touch screens next to the artwork. The interviews produced by William Godby of digiWERKE are two-fold – one about the artist and another about the painting. The app will ultimately include closed captioning for the hearing impaired or for those that prefer to read along while listening.

In the foyer of the museum, visitors can access the app and listen to the introductory film by Elephant Productions. Michael Moss, who produced the film, says “time is a river.” And like a river, history is a confluence of many tales. Together with his crew, he took Bosque County history, let the stories flow together, making a chronicle of Bosque County – showing who we were, who we are and who we will become. As the film captures the essence of the museum exhibits and the county, it also serves as an introduction for the museum’s visitors. The artist profiles on the app entitled “A Life in Art” created by

Godby offer a window into the distinguished but diverse group, showing each individual’s distinct personality. It shows the Bosque Seven in their studios explaining their steps on the path to becoming a Western artist, and how they came to settle in Bosque County. Although the five Bosque County artists still living are very different with a preference for different subject matter and materials, but none take their God-given talent for granted. Each artist has an impressive library of reference books in their studios, bearing witness to their diligent studies on time periods, subject matter and techniques.

It becomes clear that each of the artists had an intrinsic need to draw and paint, that they learned most, not necessarily through a college education in art, but from life, from endless practicing of their craft, honing their skills and being incessant students of art and culture.

The Bosque Museum had a temporary exhibit in 2016, which featured works by the group, with the goal to showcase the artists’ range of artistic styles, their various techniques and their vision of Bosque County’s western heritage. And what a story the artwork tells. Being able to capture the glisten of soft winter light on snow, the inherent strength of a Native American warrior, the friendship between an old man and his burro, or the essence of a cowboy’s character in that one particular, somewhat arrogant, stance –that is what distinguishes a gifted and talented artist from the pack.

“We cannot predict the nature of art in the future, but we feel assured that the painted hills of the Bosque Valley will continue to attract the creative,” Bosque Museum Director Emeritius George Larson said in that first Bosque Seven exhibit catalogue back in 2016.

“We cannot predict the nature of art in the future, but we feel assured that the painted hills of the Bosque Valley will continue to attract the creative.”

GEORGE RSON s e se i e t e iti s

“The artist colony in the Bosque Valley is destined to remain a Texas treasure.”

Based on the enthusiastic response to that exhibit, and in keeping with the museum’s mission to protect and preserve Bosque County’s historic resources for the use, education, and enjoyment of present and future citizens, a permanent exhibit was proposed by Patricia and Tom Chambers.

The Chambers Family Foundation had offered a challenge grant to fund the permanent art exhibit. Matching funds were quickly obtained and the exhibit was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Chambers Family Foundation, Charron Denker, Bob and Kay Lane, Lhoist, Jeff and Janice Conner.

As a result, the Bosque Museum has featured the Bosque Seven in a permanent exhibit since 2018. The works chosen for the Bosque Seven exhibit all tie into Bosque County’s history, and each painting reflects a different element of the heritage and culture found in Bosque County.

With the recent exchange of the Boren painting with one depicting Bosque County, the museum decided to revamp the exhibit with a new video to accompany the Boren

piece and touch screens at each painting for visitors’ ease to access the information of each artist and painting.

The Boren painting “Where the Sun Breaks Through” – a barn in the snow – as beautiful as it is, did not depict Bosque County. Boren’s daughter Nancy explained it was the last painting her late father created.

One of five sons, Boren was born in West Texas to a minister and a homemaker in an environment where nobody was artistic or knew artistic people. According to his daughter, the art was “just inside of him,” and he took a road the least travelled – the path of an artist. He drew cartoons in high school and in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, but started studying art on the G.I. bill on his release from the military.

But becoming an artist didn’t come straight away. After living in Alaska as a police man in Alaska and working at a missile factory in Colorado, Boren started selling his work in a friend’s gallery in Georgetown. He became the first Art Director of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City from 1965-1970. But he didn’t become a full time artist until 1971, which coincided with their move to Bosque

County on recommendation of their friends, the Warrens.

A much-awarded artist, Boren became Texas State artist in 1976-77 for his Texas scenes including bluebonnets, landscapes, building and historical depictions of early missions.

Initially, the Boren family had wanted to offer the sister painting to the Warren painting – Warren and Boren painted the same Reese’s Farm barn one day. But that painting sold in auction and now hangs on a wall in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, attempts to buy back the painting to this date were to no avail.

The journey of the new transparent water color painting “Hill Country Cow Ponies” has an incredible story behind it. It was in a cousin’s possession, and as such, travelled from the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion to a United States Senator’s office to the University of Oklahoma president’s office. Upon David Boren’s retirement, it came back to Bosque County and underwent extensive restoration after being damaged in shipping to end up back in Bosque County at the museum.

The five living Bosque Seven artists all

COW O S T RT: os ue Se en artists ruce Greene and Martin Grelle before a plein air painters wor shop abo e left George outwell at a recent e hibit of his artwor at the os ue rts Center abo e Martin Grelle captures os ue County s color palette during a plein air demonstration far left .

contributed – often very personal memories – to the video covering Melvin Warren’s work. Each tells how Warren personally influenced them and their work. The video of their departed colleague and friend shows how he impacted the Western Art world, taking cowboy art to another level.

Son of a ranch hand/cowboy, Warren earned a fine art degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth after serving in the Air Force. To support his family, he worked as a commercial artist, spending his evenings pursuing his real passion – painting and sculpting the people, places and historic events of the West. His youth growing up on ranches in Texas and New Mexico offered him endless subject matter about daily ranch life, cowboys going about their chores and Native American culture. President Lyndon B. Johnson was an avid collector of Warren’s work.

In contrast, both Hallmark and Eubanks created a painting specifically for the exhibit.

A former architect and commercial artist, Hallmark started painting part time as a hobby. He started selling his work after a friend introduced him to a gallery and met James Boren, Nancy Boren and Martin

Grelle. Through them, Hallmark saw the beauty of Bosque County and decided to move here. His main goal is to tell a story – the narrative of life – with his work, capturing the light and things a camera can’t capture. He was voted Texas State Artist in 1988.

Hallmark appreciated the Norwegian construction techniques the immigrants brought with them to the area. For his Bosque Museum painting “Stories Untold,” he painted the Salve Canuteson homestead – one of the first Norwegian families to immigrate to Bosque County. The piece’s name alludes to the many stories that must have been told in the home during the long, pioneer-time, winter evenings. Present at the opening gala was Phyllis Rieser, a greatgranddaughter of Salve Canuteson.

According to Eubanks, who grew up in a family full of artistic and creative people, art is a visual representation of a person’s thoughts; an expression of an individual’s dreams and hopes. He started his creative path as a technical illustrator after being taught by an encouraging art teacher and being inspired by paintings in his dad’s piano store. Years of travel helped Eubanks expand his diversity in subject matter, but he

is best known for his western subjects.

The dawn of computers changed his work as technical illustrator to the point where he decided to take the step to becoming a full time painter, something he had always wanted to do. Simplifying, going back to the basics and remembering the bone structure underneath all the skin and muscle represent two things Eubanks draws from with every painting he does. Eubanks and his wife Brenda moved to Bosque County from Southlake in 1988.

Imagining a time before Norwegian immigration to Bosque County in which buffalo would roam the grassy pastures, Eubanks placed buffalo in a field as seen behind the St. Olaf’s Church, calling the piece, “Before the Norwegians.” He feels the buffalo, like the Bald Eagle is one of the nation’s icons.

Boutwell placed a herd of longhorns in front of Bee Mountain – one of the county’s prominent landmarks – depicting movement from one pasture to another during a Chisholm Trail run.

Growing up without a mother since the age of two and hitchhiking across the country with his dad, self-taught artist Boutwell found solace and retreat in drawing

THE RT OF COMMUNIC TION: os ue Se en artist George Hallmar tal s to art patrons in his studio abo e os ue Museum ideos on new touch screens ne t to os ue Se en paintings e hibit offer insights into the artists and their wor right .

and painting. And through his art, he found a communication outlet. He started his art career as a commercial artist for an ad agency and as art director for magazines, including Texas Highways magazine. His love for Texas and the Texas countryside shows in his colorful landscapes and depictions of iconic Texas scenes, and he was voted Texas State Artist for 2006. Boutwell and his family moved to Bosque County in 1987.

Those passing through the museum have seen Grelle’s contribution to the exhibit many times already, his “Camp on the Bosque” – a rendition of a cowboy camp at the foot of Clifton’s Whipple Truss bridge. The painting from 1986 has been part of the museum collection for years. Grelle grew up seeing the interesting, beautiful structure, with memories of riding his bicycle across it and fishing on the banks beneath it –

creating a strong emotional connection with the subject. The cowboy scene fits the time the bridge was built in 1884.

Even at a very early age, Grelle always felt the need to draw and paint; he feels he was intended to be an artist. Not until he met Jim Boren did he find out that professional artist was an actual way to make a living. Boren was Grelle’s biggest influence and mentor, on pushing him on the path to being the

P TRI RCH P INTERS: Mel in Warren at his easel far left ames oren wor ing on location in raunfels Germany in 3 center painter s tools in Tony Euban s studio abo e .

highly successful and sought after artist he is today.

Being born and growing up in Bosque County, that is where Grelle found his first inspiration, evolving towards his study of Native American tribes further north. His style – subtle with great attention to detail – tells a story, pulling the viewer into the painting, making them a part of the work.

The story behind Greene’s “In the Brazos de Dios” is as powerful as the painting is big. A Cowboy Artists of America spring gathering at the 4-F Ranch in Palo Pinto culminated in a Sunday church service under a tree and a trip to the river to baptize three generations of ranch people. The scene just begged to be painted. The fourth soul in the painting, a stranger grappling with loss and hardship, happened to be at the river too, and also came forth to be baptized. For Greene, a spiritual man of faith and a believer, the painting depicts God’s presence even in tragic times with His hand in the biggest and smallest of moments.

Besides highlighting county history through the exquisite art, the museum’s Bosque Seven exhibit celebrates the artists and art heritage of Bosque County for the true Texas treasure it is –something that will be an enduring legacy. None of this would have come about without Joan Spieler’s promotion and energy of this unique artist’s community back in the 1960s. It is thanks to her the county is on the Western art map.

Time is a confluence of many tales, and the Bosque Museum offers people the opportunity to explore and discover the tales of Bosque County, its history, its culture. The museum is not a just collection of artifacts, but chronicles Bosque County life, honoring the past and embracing the future through improvements like the interactive app and videos.

Texas Wine LONE STAR BOLD

While the stagecoach was rendered obsolete in the s by the arrival of the railroad, it survives as a rugged symbol of the est. hrough the years, new settlements s rang u along the stage routes and near the military osts that guarded the routes. hus, the stagecoach era can be regarded as an im ortant factor in the develo ment of e as.

Wanting to revisit this time of the pioneer west and the spirit of adventure, a group of Central Texas wineries combined forces in creating the Stagecoach Wine Trail as a means to market their unique wines in the heart of winter. While the region does not have an American Viticultural Area (AVA) yet, it produces some exceptional wines. And instead of a rickety stagecoach rumbling along rugged trails without shock-breakers on uncomfortable wooden wheels, Stagecoach Wine Trail passport holders traveled the Heart of Texas back roads between beautiful rural locations along routes operated by western stagecoaches for over 60 years. What a great way to discover a variety of great Central Texas wines of exceptional quality, usually by boutique winemakers in small lots, but 100 percent Texan. The drinking of wine – with the swirling of the liquid in the glass, the sticking in the nose and much affected talk about flavors and aromas – is sometimes shrouded in a veil of pedantry and pompousness. Not so in Texas. People, young and old, just love visiting their local vineyards and drinking a glass of quality wine from grapes grown right around the corner.

article & photographs by S O E ERS VOSS

Discovering Texas Vintages: Stagecoach Wine Trail offers great opportunity to taste & savor Central Texas wines

Waco HEB sommelier April Cole is all about breaking down some perceived barriers regarding wine drinking and removing the intimidation. Besides being a state-certified sommelier, Cole started learning about wine when she married into a family that drank and enjoyed wine at a time when wine was not a popular beverage. Talking about food and wine at the dinner table opened up a new world for her.

“Wine is cool now, and kids are learning about wine from their parents,” Cole said. “I don’t want people to be afraid of wine. I want them to see it as another beverage choice. And wine tasting should be fun. ”

For years, Cole taught Wine 101 through McLennan Community College, teaching her students how to taste and recognize differences so they could better describe their likes and dislikes. She stressed to throw any “supposed rules” out the window and figure out “what do you like,” since everybody is different. She does believe, though, that people drink their white wines too chilled, which kills all the flavor and their red wines too warm.

In her classes, Cole would often start simply with “Do you like red or white wines? Do you like sweet or non-sweet/dry wines?”

She would teach the basics from the location of different taste buds on the tongue, the difference between red and white wine, what tannins are, the best wine

IN VINO VERIT S

• Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes. Wine is created by yeast consuming the sugar in the grapes and converting it to ethanol, carbon dioxide, and heat.

• There are many different wines, such as red, white, and rosé, depending on the grapes and strains of yeast used to make them.

• Less commonly, wine is also made from other fruits, such as plum, cherry, currant, elderberry, pomegranate (fruit wine), or rice (rice wine).

• Wine is fat-free and contains no cholesterol. A four-ounce glass of wine has about 80-100 calories in it.

• Studies have shown that moderate red wine consumption can benefit the human body due to the antioxidant content. These antioxidants can lower incidences of cardiovascular disease.

glass, using a wine wheel as aroma aid, the importance of the swirl and smell, as well as pairings with food. But also a lot of tasting – often 12 different wines per lesson. Sometimes, she would subject her students to eye-opening blind tastings –comparing a Spanish Tempranillo against a Texas Tempranillo, showing how the same varietal can taste completely different when grown on different soil and different climate. Or comparing a cheaper wine with a more expensive wine.

“I look for good value for my customers,” Cole said about buying wines for HEB.

“I want a $10 wine that tastes like a $20 bottle.”

With her students, Cole would never reveal the wine’s price until after it was tasted and judged on its merits, not its name or market price.

A quality wine is a well-balanced always made from quality grapes, and holds up consistently. Wine quality includes visual cues, aroma profile, taste and mouthfeel characteristics, and overall balance. Haziness, off-colors, unpleasant aromas, bitterness and harsh tannins can all decrease wine quality.

Cole recalls that back in the 1980s, a lot of Texas wines were of lesser quality, and it has taken a while to get rid of that stigma. Now, she feels the quality Texas wines hold up incredibly well to California wines.

With the Stagecoach Wine Trail, passport holders had 10 days to visit the independently owned and operated wineries and enjoy complimentary tastings; discovering quality wines of the Central Texas area. This year’s participating wineries were Dancing Bee, Moose and Goose Winery, Salado Winery, Axis Winery, Kissing Tree Vineyards, 3 Texans Vineyard, Country Spring Vineyard, Valley Mills Vineyards and Red Caboose Winery Clifton. ChisholmCountry.com visited six of them, traveling from the most southern part of the trail, up to Bosque County – like their wines, each of them with distinct character. And

besides offering great wines, the venues often have themed dinners, music evenings and other fun events.

“Wine lovers from forever ago” Mike and Donna Harris of Moody traveled the stagecoach wine trail for the third year now. While they usually go for red wines, they tried some white wines for a change. Taking two days to visit the different wineries, they loved traveling the back roads.

Sitting back from the road, Salado Winery’s inviting cedar-covered Swiss Chalet-type sells the “Texiest” of wines. Their wine labels show a variety of Texas icons from the animal kingdom and have names like Diamond Back – a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend with grapes from their own vineyard in Salado, their most popular Big Bully – a Malbec/Temperanillo blend, Wise Guy – a Valvin Muscat wine, Night Flight – a 100 percent Chardonnay from their own vineyard, and Loyal Blue Temperanillo.

A visit to the Salado Winery opens up a whole new world of the winery’s own 15 wines, including sherry, port and vermouth, and wines from 25 other Texas vintners. Their tasting room, expertly run by Hannah Hendrick, doubles as an art gallery. Their 100 percent William’s Select Solera Tinto is their exquisite port-style wine, aged since 2005 when the winery opened. It is a partnership with their longtime friend Bill, hence the name.

“As winemaker, my job is like that of a chef,” owner and ex-Black Hawk pilot June Ritterbusch said. “I am focused on using locallygrown grapes, as well as presenting wine drinkers with wines that taste great.”

Regularly attending Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association meetings, the winemaking couple June and Sheldon Vickers notice an enormous increase of attending members – from 650 to around

3,000 now – and a younger group of wine growers. When they started in Salado, there were about 60 wineries, but now there are over 1,000 Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission G permits for wineries. Of those, though, only about 250 produce their own wines. The couple is also seeing people in their tasting room, more curious about wine, ready to engage and explore the world of Texas wines.

For their Big Bully and Loyal Blue, the Ritterbush’s source grapes from the nearby 3 Texans Winery – a winery and vineyard owned and run by Kim Langston and her two daughters Lacie Howell and Lauryn Austin. They started growing Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Temperanillo grapes on their vineyard outside Temple in 2009. As the trio learned more about growing grapes and making wine, they gradually expanded over the years to 5,700 vines. Official greeters, the dogs Luna and Gabby have wines named after them.

Besides offering a comfortable, modern-styled tasting room with a huge window opening up to the patio looking out over the vineyard, the winery offers a multitude of activities like combining goats, wine and yoga, Kentucky Derby Day, a crawfish boil and Market in the Vines. If the chips and salsa or charcuterie tray and cheesecake is not enough to still the hunger, different food trucks come out to the location. And there is always something fun going on – guests can participate in a variety of different classes including painting, flower arranging and make up classes.

Interestingly, Salado Winery’s Muscat and Mourvedre grapes come from the Country Spring Vineyard in Lorena.

Reflecting on their love of wine, Country Spring Vineyard and Winegarden invites guests to “come to the country to fall in love again.” Vineyard dogs Rowdy and Pepper welcome guests in the hopes of getting some pets, and maybe even a snack. Starting

as a retirement adventure for psychologist Curtis Timmons with one acre of vines and processing the grapes in the utility room, it steadily grew to 4.5 acres with a new processing room next to the comfortable tasting room with a fireplace for the cooler days and patio area with outdoor fire pit. Former speech and language pathologist Mary can be found in the tasting room, serving the beverages and offering snacks.

Lisa and Leighton Stewart live down the road and took the opportunity of a lovely January afternoon to do a tasting; particularly liking the Villard Blanc and the Lenoir made from grapes of the Country Spring vineyard.

From traditional grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon to contemporary fruit wines, from the dry, bold, classic wines to the refreshing and pleasing sweeter varieties, they develop wines to please every palate. Their estate wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Valvin Muscat, Lenoir and Villard Blanc, which they process on site. Of the two acres of Villard Blanc grapes in Texas, Country Spring has half an acre. While usually found in higher latitudes, the couple found the grape fares well in Texas.

When the temperatures rise, visitors can enjoy the very popular sweet country wines such as watermelon cranberry, lime in the coconut and pomegranate, popular frozen wine drinks and hard lemonade. In January, they offered a warming and spicy wine applecider.

Run by the Bagnasco family, the Valley Mills Vineyards produces fine wines from 100 percent Texas-grown grapes from McLennan County, the Bosque County vineyard and the Texas High Plains. Their red grapes include Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their white wines are from Viognier, Vermentino and Muscat Canelli. The vineyard also offers a 2013 Texas Tawny Port and a Texas Ruby, whisky barrel-aged port. A beautiful tasting room offers views over the vineyard to the countryside beyond; the perfect place to savor a glass or two with the company of the vineyard’s fluffy red tabby.

And finally, the last stop on the trail is the well-known Red Caboose Winery in Clifton with its impressive array of awardwinning, ecologically friendly wines. The tasting room in Clifton and the vineyard in Meridian breath RCW’s philosophy of “enjoy every sunset, tell tall Texas tales, wear your hat down low, laugh often, smile at strangers, hug friends and drink responsibly.”

Starting the vineyards in 2003, owner Gary McKibben wanted to combine old world winemaking traditions with new, sustainable practices. And all the best wines start with the best grapes. Presently, the 2013 Che Syrah Syrah is popular, as is the Architect, made of four varietals that do well in the Texas dry heat – Tempranillo, Tannat, Touriga Nacional and a secret one, that also starts with a T. Blanc de Bosque, Viognier and Rousanne grapes make the winery’s white wines.

And if you got tired of drinking wine along the Stagecoach Wine Trail, the Red Caboose Distillery has flavored vodkas, gin, and a new line of world-class bourbons.

There are some informative, but fun sites to access for those interested in learning more about wine, and Texas wine in particular:

The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association’s txwine.org offers information about grapes, wines and more. Texas Wines, Texas Bold is a new marketing campaign for the Texas wine industry. Aimed to increase consumer awareness and consumption of Texas wine, the campaign takes all the ‘big and bold’ truths, myths and

urban legends about Texas and weaves them into Texas wine narratives. Fun, quirky and tongue-in-cheek videos shine like the Texas Star – Deep in the Heart of Texas. Txwinelover.com offers a comprehensive map of Texas wineries and vineyards, as well as existing wine trails or an app to create your own wine tour.

Texas wine club’s social media information and txwine.com offers wines “of exceptional quality, small lots, boutique wine 100 percent Texan for sale, delivered to your door.” And baseball capped presenters Kambrah talks about wines. Josh talks wine and food parings while Clay talks about wine etiquette, best wine glass and more.

This Is Texas Wine is a wine blog with videos shares news about Texas wineries, interviews, travel tips, updates from the vineyards across the state, and wine recommendations. Host Shelly Wilfong also provides Texas-specific wine education, information on industry trends, legislative developments, and other important topics that impact the Texas wine industry from a business and economic standpoint. Follow the show on social media at @texaswinepod or email texaswinepod@gmail.com, or visit the website at www.thisistexaswine.com.

Texas has a long history of wine production as the sunny and dry climate of the major wine making regions in the

state have drawn comparison to Spanish and Portuguese wines. Some of the earliest recorded Texas wines were produced by Spanish missionaries in the 1650s near El Paso. It is said they cultivated the Black Spanish, or the Lenoir grape, which has red skins and red flesh.

With time, efforts to grow old world grapes declined and wine was made from native grapes. Texas grape growers have learned what varieties do well in Texas climate and soil.

The U.S. Department of Treasury, through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, officially designates American Viticulture – grape growing – Areas, or AVAs. Texas has eight AVAs, although many vineyards exist outside the specified AVAs. For a wine to mention an AVA on the label, 85 percent of the volume of wine must come from grapes grown in that designated region. Central Texas falls under Region 5 distinct, the second largest wine grape growing region in Texas. The High Plains and Panhandle region produces the most Texas wine.

There might not be a lot of wine coming from the 2022 harvest, but it’s predicted that there will be high quality with lots of flavor. Consequently, many wine producers chose to focus on the grapes they did manage to harvest. Especially in the High Plains

winegrowing region, harvest was down as much as 60 percent due to the relentless heat, persisting drought and Dicamba herbicide drift from cotton fields.

People in the international wine scene used to laugh at California wines when that region was emerging. Nowadays, wine industry experts compare Texas to Napa Valley of 20-30 years ago, an emerging wine region with some very special wines and grape varietals that are resilient enough to handle the climactic challenges Texas throws at them. The growth is as strong and robust as Texas wines are bold, full and flavorful. Experts say the Texas wine industry is moving forward because more vintners understand the state’s different and unique terroirs and are figuring out how to make high-quality wine from season to season with only state-grown grapes.

The new Texas wine industry did not begin on a commercial scale until the late 1970s, but it continues a steady pace of expansion and is slowly gaining a reputation as an established wine growing region in the United States. Today, Texas boasts approximately 4,500 acres of producing vineyard farmland. Now, Texas ranks fifth among the U.S. states in wine production –behind California, New York, Washington and Oregon respectively. The Texas wine industry grew from 5.6 million gallons in 2012 to 7.8 million gallons in 2020.

Some of this growth has come in the form of quick-buck enotourism, geared toward bachelorette parties and tasting-room crawls, where quality is an afterthought. And any quality wine will suffer from a neighboring winery’s mediocre Merlot or Malbec.

With that said, maybe it’s time to put away some reservations you have regarding wine in general, or Texas wine in particular, and discover Texas wines you will love, the bigger taste of bolder grapes. Plan a leisurely backroad trip along a couple of the quality local wineries, preferably with a designated driver. Since Ubers haven’t reached the rural areas yet, maybe hire a high school student that needs some extra cash and to get some miles under their belt.

Take a trip along the Stagecoach Wine Trail embracing the the mottos that the best way to learn about wine is by drinking; that drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures and that life is too short to drink bad wine.

MORE TH N WINE: Central Te as wineries along the Stagecoach Wine Trail offer more than appealing intages such as local honey tumblers and other ineyard fare.

Stars Stripes & Stiches

WRAPPEDIN WARMTH &

LOVE:

Stubbs thanks veterans for their service with patriotic Quilts of Valor in red, white & blue

Anybody watching “Saving Private Ryan,” “Full Metal Jacket,” “The Hurt Locker” or “American Sniper” should be grabbed by the brutality and horror of war and combat. very war veterans endured harrowing moments of life and death situations, often leaving them with visible scars, but also dee , unseen emotional wounds. o, no matter which era, war, arena or military de artment, each and every veteran in any ca acity deserves gratitude for their service and a heartfelt thank you.

And ask any veteran, especially a Vietnam

veteran, about the healing power of a sincere “thank you for your service.” Those six words are priceless.

As she sits behind her state-of-the-art sewing machine – a luxury she allowed herself because of her ministry known as Quilts of Valor – Clifton’s award-winning quilter Debbie Stubbs thinks about a specific veteran – the veteran she hopes to cloak in the warmth and comfort of the red, white and blue patriotic quilt she is working on. She looks at this quilt’s pattern and reflects on the amount of quilts she already produced for Quilts of Valor in the past years, starting with her son-in-law Scottie Gibson’s in 2010. Gibson was an Army Sergeant,

article by S O E ERS VOSS

photograph by BR V S

HE RTW RMING HUG: Debbie Stubbs cloa s -year-old World War II eteran Hubert . Nutt r. of Valley Mills with a uilt of Valor in 2022.

doing two tours in Bosnia and working in the Army Reserve. The first quilt she awarded someone outside the family went to 1st Sgt. Blas Devora, who served in Afghanistan. Driven to wrap as many veterans as she can in a Quilt of Valor, which she does with much compassion and dedication, that number reaches an incredible 109 by now. She shakes her head at the fact that she shipped quilts from east to west and north to south. Not including her home state Texas, she shipped from Hawaii to New York, from Michigan to Florida, and everything in between.

For Stubbs, making Quilts of Valor is giving back to those who valiantly served the nation, and a spiritual thing, a ministry which she readily puts money, time and effort into – because all the fabric, matting and thread costs quite a bit. She readily admits that sewing quilts also provides huge personal value. Besides being a blessing in general, each quilt provides her with a special memory, an intense period of sewing, and the fact that quilting got her through the COVID-19 lock-down years with her sanity intact. She claims she has slowed down a bit this year, but she usually has four-five quilts in different stages of production at any time. From start to finish, she can have a quilt completed in three days.

A Quilt of Valor should be awarded to living veterans. So, when Stubbs knows a veteran is in deteriorating health, she feels extra pressure to get a quilt finished on time. In his last days, Donald Blue was not doing well and was agitated. When a couple of his Vietnam vet friends brought him the quilt, something changed. The red, white and blue comfort on his bed brighten the room and visibly brought him peace. He passed away the next day. The quilt is buried with the Vietnam era soldier at Arlington Cemetery.

One day, Stubbs intends to take her two granddaughters on an educational field trip to the cemetery in the hopes they will be able to grasp that grandma’s quilts are so meaningful, and so much more than a hobby.

“It is my passion, and my mom would be proud of me,” Stubbs said of her mission and ministry to cloak former service men and women with a quilt. It was Stubbs’ mother who encouraged her to sew as a seven-yearold in 4-H on a Singer Featherweight, which she made monthly payments on.

While she sometimes makes quilts as a member of the Waco Quilts for Valor chapter, Stubbs prefers to make quilts for area veterans closer to home. A self-professed hugger, it gives her that extra, personal connection in the moment she offers the quilt, which often results in long-lasting, very special friendships.

“These are my family,” Stubbs said as she taps the four-and-a-half inch binder with both hands.

Her carefully kept records of every Quilt of Valor quilt she ever made, include touching veteran’s “thank you’s” for her compassion, her kind generosity of time, and the skill and expense she put into making them feel so special and appreciated. Often, they include a photo of them proudly displaying their quilt.

“You honored me greatly with the Quilt of Valor,” Vietnam Veteran Jim Babb said after receiving his quilt in 2021. “I feel now I have received the welcome home I needed and never received. I can’t imagine the time and work you put in making the quilt with planning, cutting, sewing and quilting. But I know it was with your heart and talent you made this for me.

“I cannot thank you enough, and I am more proud of this than any medal I could receive. It shall be with me all of my days. I hold you

and Tim as very good friends. “

Babb served in Vietnam in 1967-68. His quilt includes a lot of embroidery, and it is one of the quilts Stubbs is most proud of.

Vietnam Veteran Ron Johnson served in the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in the unit they called the Walking Dead, because of its high casualty rate. He repaid Stubbs’ generosity and kindness with a mesquite and pecan rendition of the nation’s flag, proudly on display in the Stubbs dining area.

Her drive to cover every veteran in a beautiful quilt goes above and beyond, and she has several friends in the community offering names of veterans for her to consider. Elderly Jesse King would sit out on the stoop of his grandson’s home in Clifton and wave at passersby. One day, Stubbs saw him with an Army cap on, stopped for a chat and proceeded to make him a quilt.

“He was one of the first that I picked up off the street,” Stubbs said with a grin.

While always beautiful red, white and blue, each quilt is different, with different quilting techniques, different patriotic symbols, but always reflecting the nation’s patriotic colors. They often showcase a traditional pattern –Ohio Star, Fence Rail, Churn Dash and Log Cabin, to name a few. Many feature patriotic images, such as a Bald Eagle, U.S. flag or a praying Soldier, and all carry the Quilts of Valor label.

With the touching and emotional effect receiving such a quilt has on tough, strong, stalwart men, they should have been called Quilts of Comfort. While commemorating sacrifice and courage in the face of fear, the beautifully made patriotic art releases emotion and helps in the healing process, even after decades. The definition of valor is “great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle,” and as such the name honors soldiers of the battlefields. Stubbs

S UTE TO SO DIERS: t. Col. ret. ob Flood recei es a uilt of Valor at the NSD R os ue Ri er Valley Chapter Vietnam Veterans Day Salute in 2022 top left Clifton uilter Debbie Stubbs sews uilt pieces in her dedicated wor room top center Ret. Col. eanne ayless recei es a uilt of Valor from Clifton s Debbie Stubbs at the 2022 NSD R os ue Ri er Valley Chapter Veterans Day Tribute after ser ing as an ir Force dentist for 2 years right Completed uilts of Valor ready for their recipients abo e .

broadens those boundaries to veterans serving in non-combat positions, like cook, airplane mechanic, administration.

Just before he passed away at 99 years of age, World War II veteran Hubert B. Nutt, Jr. of Valley Mills received a double whammy. Sue Fielden, representing the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Bosque River Valley Chapter, honored him with a certificate on Aug. 30, 2022 in recognition of his “Valor, Service and Sacrifice during World War II” in the United States Air Force.

Nutt graduated from Valley Mills High School just six months prior to the Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy Air Service, which triggered the United States entry into World War II. He and his younger brother Bill promptly enlisted in the Air Force. Nutt said he and his brother were eager to go abroad in the war effort. His brother served as a pilot, while Nutt served as an aircraft mechanic for B-24 Bombers through the end of the war. Upon discharge, he attended Texas A&M, accessing the benefits provided by the G.I. Bill, where he graduated in 1949 with a degree in agriculture.

“What was sweet to me is how sincerely

she [Stubbs] thanks him from her heart, and then wraps the quilt around him, and genuinely thanks him and hugs him,” friend Bryan Davis said. “He cried, I cried, she cried. It was like coming full circle at the end of his life and acknowledgement he made a difference. He wanted to fly and shoot down the enemy, so he told me working on planes stateside didn’t make him feel worthy. But she made him feel worthy, that what he did made a difference, and he heard that from her. Not from the government or in a sterile letter from someone, but from a living, breathing person who genuinely expressed gratitude for his service.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Bosque River Valley chapter honored her in 2022 with the Distinguished Citizen Award for her selfless service to others. While the honor of the award thrilled her, it made Stubbs highly uncomfortable, being put in the spotlight herself.

“I am but an instrument,” Stubbs said about her compassionate ministry. “They are the ones that should be in the spotlight.”

She said delivering her speech to quilt recipients, often in a public setting or a Veterans’ Day Salute, is a challenge for her.

But she overcomes her anxiety to make sure the veterans get the words of gratitude and the hug they deserve.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Flood, who served in both the U.S. Marine Corp and Army during the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Cold War and Operation Enduring Freedom from 1966 –2004, received a Quilt of Valor in 2022 at the NSDAR Bosque River Valley Chapter Vietnam Veterans Day salute in the Bosque County Commissioners’ Courtroom.

Flood recalls people at the L.A. airport literally spitting at him and the other young men returning home in their uniforms from the undoubtedly most harrowing and traumatic period in their lives.

“It was just disgusting,” Flood said. “But to go from 1969 to what we see today – the joy and emotions in the thank you’s is great. It was a long time coming for veterans in general – it doesn’t matter what war, but especially for Vietnam veterans. And then somebody like Debbie who produces these wonderful quilts, it tears me up. We are so thankful and appreciative to her. Debbie and what she does is amazing. She just darn near brings everybody to tears the way she honors us. It’s just wonderful.”

“I can’t express my gratitude for the countless hours you invested in making this treasured quilt,” said Tom How of Florida, another Vietnam veteran Stubbs honored with a quilt. Army soldier Howe was deployed to Vietnam in 1966-69. “We veterans do not speak of it much. But the shameful reception we received from our fellow countrymen upon our return from Vietnam was something difficult to experience. It stays with you.

“Thankfully in the 1990s, we saw things turn around with that first big parade in Washington D.C. following the first Iraqi war. Patriotism was back, and for the first time, someone said to me ‘thank you for your service.’ I now have something tangible to hold, recognizing the gratitude and support of people like yourself.”

The Quilts of Valor movement was started in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, whose son had been deployed to Iraq. It is Quilts of Valor’s mission to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”

To use the term Quilt of Valor, Quilts of Valor or QOV, the quilt must be a specific size, must have a label with required information, it must be awarded (it is not a gift), and it must be recorded. Recipients also receive a certificate with the words “The Quilts of Valor wishes to recognize you for your service to our nation. We consider it our privilege to do so. Though we may never know the extent of our sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you this quilt of valor as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”

Wrapped in their very own Quilt of Valor, veterans across the nation receive tangible gifts of love and appreciation from quilters since this nationwide grassroots program started in 2003. As of

March 2023, 340,406 veterans have been covered with healing quilts – representing the prayers, healing thoughts and gratefulness of their makers, have been presented to veterans who have fought for the nation in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and other conflicts around the world.

After cutting out several fabric pieces at the kitchen table overlooking her yard, Stubbs retreats into her sewing room – a quilters Valhalla with wall-to-wall transparent totes filled with different color fabric swatches and other quilting necessities – and looks at the pattern again, then proceeds to sew. Another quilt for another well-deserving veteran, who will feel like being anointed knight when they feel the comforting weight of the exquisite quilt on their shoulders – a healing weight, that paradoxically lifts their spirits and souls.

Lets go boating

If Worn, Nobody Mourns: Too often left laying in the boat, lifejackets should be essential gear in or near open water

article by E. BRETT VOSS

Although ring still hangs in the air, ummer’s scorching tem eratures lie in wait ust around the corner. or most e ans, the rising thermometer leads to taking refuge in the water on rafts, canoes, ersonal watercraft and boats.

As millions of Americans plan visits to our nation’s lakes and rivers, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors of the importance of practicing safe, sensible and thoughtful activities in, on and around open water. In fact, as National Water Safety Month in May draws to an end, officials want to remind boaters to follow some simple, yet effective, safety precautions to prevent accidents and save lives.

With approximately 1.7 million surface acres of freshwater inland lakes, four million

acres of saltwater and 80,000 miles of rivers and streams statewide, Texas offers ample opportunities to enjoy the summer months on the water.

As home to more square miles of inland waterways than any other state and nearly 570,000 registered boats – the sixth most in the nation – Texas stands out as a prime state for boating activity. Consequently, TPWD game wardens will be out in force this summer to ensure the public enjoys their time on the water responsibly.

“A day on the water in Texas should be fun,” said TPWD Law Enforcement Division Director Col. Craig Hunter. “Texas Game Wardens will be on the water to help ensure you and your loved ones stay safe by following the basic rules of boating safety.”

But in 2022, 207 boating accidents occurred in Texas waters, resulting in 36 fatalities. Texas Game Warden Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement Cody Jones remains confident that those numbers

can shrink with more awareness and safety training.

“While we’re grateful the total number of boating accidents and fatalities decreased in 2022, we’re not in the clear yet,” Jones said. “In 2022, there were 20 percent more boating accidents than before the pandemic. Accidents happen quickly and unexpectedly, so my biggest piece of advice is to stay aware of your surroundings.”

Last year, drowning accounted for 50 percent of deaths on the water representing the leading cause of death in recreational boating fatalities. Shockingly, 69 percent of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.

“Life jackets are one of the easiest, most accessible tools to prevent fatalities,” Jones said. “If an accident occurs, it is unlikely you will have time to find a life jacket and secure it properly. So, it’s best to wear one at all times when on the water.”

Texas law requires that a Coast Guardapproved life jacket must be available for

each occupant of a boat or paddle craft. Required by law, children under the age of 13 must wear their life jacket while the boat or paddle craft remains underway or drifting. Despite this law, more than 560 citations were issued for children not wearing a life jacket last year in Texas. At the same time, it’s recommended that everyone always wear a life jacket while on the water.

“Life jackets are important and they save lives – bottom line,” said Tim Spice, TPWD Boater Education Manager. “If you are uncomfortable around the water, you should have a life jacket on. And if you’re under 13, it’s required by law.”

Selecting a properly sized life jacket stands out as an important safety measure. Adult-sized life jackets are not appropriate for children to wear –do not buy a life jacket for your child to “grow into” in the future. If a life jacket is too big, whether on an adult or child, it can push up around the swimmer’s face and cause additional injuries.

Adhering to safe swimming

practices represents another precaution to consider while enjoying our lakes, rivers and streams. It’s important that everyone near or on the water knows how to swim, never swims alone and swims only in designated areas. Safe swimming also includes staying hydrated and sober.

According to the Center for Disease Control, drowning remains the leading cause of death among children ages one through four, and the second leading cause of accidental deaths among children ages five through 14. They should be supervised closely and wear a life jacket while near water. Please ensure that minors in your care wear well-fitted life jackets at all times.

“Wearing a life jacket is the most important strategy boaters can take to stay safe on the water,” said Spice. “The overwhelming majority of boating fatalities are caused by drowning and most of those drowning victims are recovered without a life jacket.

“It’s not enough to just have a life jacket on board – people need to wear it. Accidents on the water can happen

S FET FIRST: oaters display their life ac ets during a routine chec by Te as Par s & Wildlife Game Wardens far left ife ac et oaner Station pro ides isitors free life ac ets to use at a e Whitney abo e .

too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.”

Law enforcement will also be on alert for those violating boating under the influence laws. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08 percent is an offense that can lead to fines, the loss of a driver’s license and an increased risk of accidents or fatalities on the water. In 2017, game wardens issued 152 boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated citations across the state.

“Drinking and boating do not mix,” Jones said. “Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Not only does it endanger the lives of boat operators and passengers, it endangers the lives of everyone who is outside enjoying Texas lakes and rivers. Refraining from drinking alcohol while operating a vessel could save your life and the life of your loved ones.”

Safety ignition cutoff switches represent another important tool to prevent injuries and fatalities. Most motorized boats come equipped with this device. In the event a boat operator falls off the boat or moves from the helm, the engine automatically and immediately shuts off.

“Most accidents and injuries happen when people are cruising around in boats or relaxing on the water; nearly a quarter of all operators involved in an accident have more than 500 hours on the water,” Jones said. “To me, this means don’t let your guard down. Accidents can happen when it’s least expected. We want everyone to stay safe on the water.”

Basic boating safety precautions like avoiding alcohol and wearing a lifejacket extend to the smallest of vessels, too. As participation grows among paddle sports like kayaking, canoeing and stand-uppaddleboarding; accidents, fatalities and injuries involving them are

growing as well. In 2016, Texas had 11 paddle craft fatalities, making up 31.4 percent of all boating fatalities for the year.

“It’s so easy to get in a paddle craft now – people are going out and having fun, but they don’t know a lot about the boat they are operating,” Spice said. “We recommend any new paddlers take a safety class before hitting the water, and to never paddle alone.

“So many people who drowned would be alive today if they had only worn a life jacket. There’s no excuse for not wearing one. Most of the accidents that occur on the water could be prevented if boaters followed basic safety rules. Wear a lifejacket, use a kill switch and take boater education – these are simple steps, but they are lifesaving.”

U TIC CTIVITES: Family en oys water acti ities at a e Whitney top left Fishing and paddling in a canoe at Meridian State Par abo e aya ers maneu er through water lillies along the ban s of the la e at Meridian State Par left .

CAPTURING

photographs courtesy of E E E R

TAR AGIC

article

CAPTURING starmagic

Riding the back roads with Rocky: Mazzurana turns his technical expertise into artistically captivating photography

The little rat terrier is all e cited. he’s seen the signs the cam er truck is out front, her human is acking the mountain bike, his hotogra hy gear, water and her bed. hat’s the most im ortant thing, because that means she’s going with. f course she is. he only time she and her human were se arated was when she had that rocedure done. hree whole days without him. ever again.

But finally, a road tri . t’s been too long. re we going yet here are we going s it a long drive h, the good times his time, the road tri is to Big Bend ational ark for some astro hotogra hy a arently. ncle aul is coming too. nd on the way, we get to see onna in an ntonio.

Rocky can hardly contain herself. A rescue pup from Austin, Rocky loves it that her human, Eugene Mazzurana takes her everywhere. And she’s a good girl. Hiking along, staying put in the kiddy trailer behind the bike, sleeping under the stars.

What all started with a point-and-shoot camera taking vacation photos for Mazzurana has turned into a major, time-consuming, very technical hobby at times. He transitioned from a point-and-shoot to a better camera after getting some tips that just made sense about composition, framing of the picture. It has evolved to landscape photos worthy of the Google screensaver or a National Parks website, whether it’s capturing the serenity and magic in the Harmony Valley Misty Morning, or the 1950s postcard vibe of the Yellowstone Prismatic Spring with its vibrant color palette. And his Snow Day in Harmony Valley is straight out of Tractor Supply’s Christmas card collection – catching winter and quintessential country life in one shot.

A retired IT-technician from Lockheed, Mazzurana combines his love for astrophotography and sports photography with his love for triathlons, bicycle rides on Bosque County backroads and field trips

to the National Parks. His – and Rocky’s – travels have taken them to all 50 states. With a brother-in-law in the U.S. Air Force, trips to visit his sister in England, Spain, Singapore, Bangkok and Guam took Mazzurana beyond United States boundaries. Rocky was not yet in his life at that time, though.

While Mazzurana always loved traveling, his very active lifestyle came after a New Year’s resolution to get off the couch, move more and lose weight. A YMCA call for people to participate in triathlon training opened up a whole new world for him – traveling to meets, meeting like-minded athletes and enjoying the outdoors. It required an even better camera, which was suited to taking action photos. He chose the affordable, full-frame, lightweight all-rounder, mirror-less Sony A73, often using a 70-200mm lens. But he also has a 600mm lens for moon shots, and a 14mm with a 1.8 f-stop for astrophotography.

And with his technological background, special software and a lot of processing steps aided him with his astro- and panoramic photography. For example, a recent photo on an early morning at the Big Bend Chisos Basin Mazzurana used a panoramic technique which combined 15 photos in three rows and five columns. Each photo was a 15-second exposure and then stitched together.

The specific timing for Astro photography adds another element. There is a Milky Way season which runs from February to October, but in spring the star-studded galaxy presents as an arc, while in summer it presents more linear. In the winter, the galaxy lies below the horizon. With astrophotography, patience is a virtue, because sometimes you might not get that special “wow” factor shot the first time around, or the sky might be cloudy. It might take several more early, early mornings and many attempts, iterating on the same ideas for the perfect shot.

Born and raised in San Antonio with three sisters and two brothers,

in an Italian-Mexican household, it was always Mazzurana’s wish to own a piece of property. He carried forth his dad wish for a piece of land, but was not able to achieve in his lifetime. While living in Fort Worth for his work he would take bicycle rides with Rocky in her kid trailer and explore places south of the Metroplex like Glen Rose and Walnut Springs. Initially starting on paved roads, he loved the low traffic and later the extensive network of gravel roads, the workout he got on the great hills had him hooked.

Additionally, Bosque County has a relatively dark sky, which makes it an ideal place for Mazzurana’s back yard astrophotography. Two years ago, it all fell into place when he found his new home on 32 acres in Harmony Valley by the Rock Church outside Cranfills Gap. It ranks a three to the northwest on the Bortle scale and a four towards Meridian and Clifton.

In comparison, Big Bend ranks a one on the dark sky scale, which is an excellent dark sky site. During their recent trip to Big Bend, it was so dark, that stars could be seen as low as the horizon. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex ranks a nine, a brightly-lit inner city sky, with the only objects to observe being the Moon, the planets, bright satellites, and a few of the brightest star clusters.

Besides this highly-technical photography, Mazzurana can often be seen at the Cranfills Gap Lions sidelines, capturing his hometown’s sixman football team in action, or at Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce activities, highlighting the events on his Facebook page, offering the photos free to anyone who wants to download them.

But what Rocky’s excited about is the spring bluebonnet shoots, which will take them to seas of Egyptian, cobalt and cerulean blue against lush spring green hills. Maybe they will see a rare white bluebonnet. She can’t wait.

O TR VE ING COMP NIONS: Rat terrier Roc y rides the bac roads with photographer Eugene Ma urana

EUGENE MAZZURANA Photography

With this non-fiction essay, author Thelizabeth “Theo” Boyd won the category in the 2022 Bosque Arts Center Books on the Bosque writing contest

PICTURES OF THE P ST: Theo oyd s rst birthday top left Watermelons with her daddy: I wanted to do e erything Daddy did on the farm bottom left oyd s Momma roc ing her: I still ha e this roc er today top right One of oyd s strongest memories feeding baby cal es bottom right .

non-fiction essay by T E BET T EO BO

I was born in a small e as town called hitney on ril , . n a one story, sha ed building near the center of downtown, you may know it now as rgent are or Ben i’s, but it was once uite the busy hos ital. wasn’t the only baby in the nursery, but was the only one born on that day. t was a riday morning, a.m., seven ounds, . ounces, . inches long as momma would remind me each year. r. ill delivered me and would continue to be our doctor for years to come. ou could say he is the first erson met in this town. was a small shadow in his hands as he welcomed me and ut me in momma’s arms for the first time. The quiet streets that surround this place are filled with potholes and purpose. Every part of this town helped shape me in some way. Each shadow has a story behind it. Across from the hospital was the dentist where I got my first cleaning. Next to that was the peanut house, where I watched daddy empty full trailers of Spanish reds. Down the road a stretch, I started Kindergarten with Mrs. Booth and Mrs. Penney, and each year I would return to a new grade with a new teacher that influenced my life somehow. I have Wildcat blood flowing inside, pushing me to give back some of what I was given. From the first cry I made inside this hospital to the Friday night “Go Wildcats!” yell at Baker Field, I still have a voice. From my first steps to marching in white boots in front of this building for a homecoming parade, I am still moving forward. No matter what direction we go in life, our shadow is there following us and reminding us who we are. Being my parent’s first child, I didn’t lack attention. Each year, momma would decorate the kitchen and dining room with streamers, balloons, a gift, and a homemade cake. I don’t remember any of the gifts, but I do remember the pink streamers and balloons that were so beautifully strung along the ceiling. Oh, and I always remember the cake! I find it hard to believe I’m no longer that little girl, waking up to pink streamers and balloons with the smell of cake baking in the oven. I still had birthdays, but they weren’t as special as the ones when I lived back home. I grew up. I moved away, shadows and all.

As I approach a milestone birthday, I see 50 shadows, pushing me up and ready to hold me if I fall. Each year, I add another number to my age and another shadow lines up behind me. My shadows have been there the entire time. As I look back, I can see some of them so clearly.

I see my shadow rocking in my mother’s arms.

I see my shadow sitting on top of daddy’s shoulders.

I see my shadow carrying a watermelon or bending down to feed a baby calf.

I see my shadow swinging on the playground.

I see my shadow baptized with hands folded to pray.

I see my shadow at the piano playing its keys.

I see my shadow with my hand stretched out to marry.

I see my shadow with my stomach big and round, holding my daughter inside.

I see my shadow holding my daughter’s hand.

I see my shadow alone, watching him leave for another.

I see my shadow bending down to hug my mother’s grave.

I see my shadow bending down to hug my daddy’s lifeless body.

I see my shadow watching everything leave.

I see my shadow rising to stand another day. The shadows may have taken different shape through the years, but they are all mine. A heart may break, but the shadow never shows the cracks or breaks inside. No matter what changes happen in our life, we are still whole. The shadow remains solid and full, holding us when we can’t hold ourselves. I know that every part of who I am is because of where I came from. I may have 50 shadows, but there is only one me. Maybe it’s time I let my shadows lead the way.

OUT THE UTHOR Theli abeth Theo oyd

Born and raised on a farm in the small town of Whitney, Boyd grew up writing poems with her daddy, learned faith through hardship from her momma, and finished college late in life to become a high school English and Creative Writing teacher. Boyd received Rookie Teacher of the Year her first year in the classroom while continuing to write as a guest columnist for several local newspapers.

In middle school, her classmates nicknamed her Theo, derived from her grandmothers’ names, Thelma and Elizabeth, and it stuck.

In 2019, a sudden and traumatic loss set the scene for her debut memoir “My Grief Is Not Like Yours.” It was also the catalyst for her podcast Think Theo, where she discusses complicated grief and the many layers of loss.

When she’s not writing, Boyd can be found with her dog Manly by her side, walking the fields on the farm, planning her next podcast with a glass of wine, or enjoying an evening out with close friends. She and Manly currently live on the lake in her hometown of Whitney.

STING IMPRESSIONS: Vi i Moore presents Theo oyd with her award for First Place Non- ction Essay at the oo s on the os ue conference last fall abo e left oyd with her mother: he ld h ld hand a li eti e abo e middle oyd on her father s shoulders: hen as n his sh lde s as n t the ld abo e right oyd standing outside the building she was born in holding a picture of her with her parents right .

Heart of Texas

MAY

MAY-OCTOBER

Clifton Farmers Market and Bosque Market for Farmers & Artisans in Meridian – Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m.

The vendors with fresh seasonal produce, cheese, arts, crafts, baked goods, jellies and pickles.

Clifton: West corner of Avenue F and 5th Street. For more information, contact deb@ debtolman.com.

Meridian: Chisholm Trail Plaza, Meridian Park. For more information, call 254-9785030, or contact bosquefarmersmarket.tx@ gmail.com.

MAY 4-31

Texas Spurs and the artists who created them, Bosque Arts Center, Clifton – The Bosque Arts Centers features an exhibit from Tarleton State in the Atrium Gallery.

Modern Spurs will be shown in May along with speaker, Wilson Capron, Thursday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. The Hugh Edmondson collection of spurs features items made over 120 years ago, mostly in Texas. Artists include Joseph Petmecky, J.O. Bass and three generations of the Boone family, who were descendants of Daniel Boone, the American frontier pioneer; Harold “Swede” Strong, an immigrant from Sweden; Marvin “Cowboy” Traylor, who is believed to have learned blacksmithing while serving time in a Texas penitentiary in the 1920s.

The Bosque Arts Center is located at 215 S. College Hill Drive in Clifton. For tickets or more information, visit www. BosqueArtsCenter.org or call 254-675-3724

MAY 7-JUNE 25

Bosque Museum Sights and Sites, Bosque Museum – The Bosque Wildflower Show which began in 2011 as a celebration of the designation of Clifton as a Cultural Arts District in the State of Texas is expanded to include historic sites and structures in Bosque County. This year’s judge is Nancy Boren.

The Sights and Sites Art Show is open to the public during normal museum operating

article & photographs by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

hours until June 25: Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m and Sundays from noon-5 p.m.

The Bosque Museum is located at 301 S Ave Q, Clifton.

MAY 29

Outdoor Movie Night in the Park at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater, Meridian Park, Meridian, 8 p.m. – The Meridian Parks and Recreation invites everyone to their monthly free Outdoor Movie Night in the Park at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater in Meridian Park featuring the 1995 Pixar animated classic “Toy Story” with the voices of Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear and Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art sound system, enjoy some music beginning at approximately an hour before show time at 7 p.m. And just like an actual movie theatre, Meridian Parks and Recreation offers previews and a cartoon before the main feature. As always, free hotdogs, popcorn, assorted treats and water will be available while supplies last. It’s a perfect way to start the summer vacation, so bring your lawn chair and enjoy the show. Check the Meridian Parks and Recreation Facebook page for the exact times. The JAL Amphitheater is located at 306 W. River Street, Meridian.

MAY 30

Bosque Film Society Film Appreciation Night, The Cliftex Theatre, Clifton, 6:30 p.m. – The Bosque Film Society will host its monthly members-only Film Appreciation Night featuring featuring the 1942 romantic war drama “Casablanca” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 at The Cliftex Theatre in Clifton with an introductory presentation by Bosque Film Society founding board vice president Angela Smith.

Filmed and set during World War II starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul

Henreid and directed by Michael Curtiz, the enduring classic focuses on an American expatriate who must choose between his love for a woman and helping her husband, a Czechoslovak resistance leader, escape from the Vichy-controlled city of Casablanca to continue his fight against the Germans.

Established in 2020, the Bosque Film Society offers its members free classic movie screenings each month. Although the event will be closed to the public, those wishing to become Bosque Film Society members will be admitted.

For more information about joining the Bosque Film Society’s non-profit efforts to support The Cliftex Theatre, the longest continuously-operating movie house in Texas, showing films since 1916, visit the website at: www.bosquefilm.com.

JUNE

JUNE 2-3

Moo-La Fest, City Park, Stephenville – Join Stephenville Parks and Recreation for the magic of vibrant, colorful hot air

balloons, twilight balloon glows, Carnival Americana, running events, rodeo team roping and mutton bustin’, vendors, live music, delicious food, dairy activities and more!

Moo-La Fest is a salute to the rich dairy heritage and features fun for the whole family at the Stephenville City Park. Hear live music with Scott Kirby opening for Guy Clarke Tribute and Michael Martin Murphey. The free concerts start at 7 p.m. Visit visitstephenville.com/moo-la-fest/ for times and activities.

JUNE 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11

lue at Lake Whitney Performance Arts Theatre, 6 p.m. – Adapted from the classic Paramount Pictures film written by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc. Lake Whitney Arts presents the play “Clue,” written by Sandy Rustin, based upon the works by Jonathan Lynn, Hunter Foster, Eric Price. Directed by Stacey Greenawalt.

It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is,

well – dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor as the body count stacks up.

Call 254-694-5105 or go online at lakewhitneyarts.org for tickets. The theatre is located at 500 S. Bosque Street, Whitney.

JUNE - 0

Annual Central Texas Youth Fair, Clifton Livestock Fairgrounds – The annual CTYF starts June 6 with the cake judging and runs through June 10 this year, and the event offers many things for visitors to enjoy. The highlight of the five-day event is the auction and sale on Saturday.

The annual fair allows exhibitors from Bosque County schools and 4-H members to present their projects to be judged – whether it is showing broilers, or demonstrating an ag welding project or a crafts project in Home Economics. Home Economics is the only category open to

adults as well.

JUNE 9- 0

72nd Clifton Rodeo & Carnival, Clifton Rodeo Arena and adjacent fields, 8 p.m. – Enjoy the wonderful mutton bustin’; watch the cowgirls run for the best time on barrel racing, and then sit back and watch the cowboys rope, ride, and get bucked on the broncos and bulls. Catch some wonderful carnival rides after the show.

For more information, please call the Clifton Chamber of Commerce at 254-6753720.

8th Annual BAC Quilt Show, Bosque Arts Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Quilts will be hanging throughout the BAC in specific categories for judging and awards, including a People’s Choice. Over $2,000 of prize money is available to award to our outstanding quilt winners.

Friday and Saturday will host a variety of vendors – quilt-specific vendors and non-quilt vendors – open for business and

shopping enjoyment and demonstrations at scheduled times during the day. The raffle quilt will be drawn at 3:45 p.m. Friday. Check the BAC website for demonstration times. For more information, contact Deb Phinney at the Bosque Arts Center at 254675-3724.

JUNE

Concerts in the Park, Birdsong Amphitheater, Stephenville, 7 p.m. – Free live music: Rodney Crowell with Rock Ickes and Trey Hensley. Concerts in the Park are free. BYOB and snacks, lawn chairs, bug spray, blankets for a great time in the park. The Birdsong Amphitheater is located at 644 S. Graham, Stephenville.

JUNE

Bosque Civic Music Association presents the McLennan Community Orchestra, Bosque Arts Center Frazier Performance Hall, 7:30 p.m. – The concert includes pieces by African-American composers to coincide with Juneteenth, the

federal holiday celebrating emancipation from slavery. The concert also pays homage to Bosque County’s unique Norwegian heritage.

The McLennan Community Orchestra was founded in 2020 to include both students and community musicians. The orchestra is composed of a mixture of string, wind and percussion players. A wine and cheese social will be held prior to the concert in the BAC Atrium starting at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and may be reserved online in May at bosqueartscenter.org or by calling the BAC at 254-675-3724. The BAC is located at 215 College Hill Drive, Clifton. Outdoor Movie Night in the Park at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater, Meridian Park, Meridian, 8 p.m. – The Meridian Parks and Recreation invites everyone to their monthly free Outdoor Movie Night in the Park at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater in Meridian Park featuring the 1984 children’s fantasy film “The Neverending Story” directed by Wolfgang Petersen.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art sound system, enjoy some music beginning at approximately an hour before show time at 7 p.m. And just like an actual movie theatre, Meridian Parks and Recreation offers previews and a cartoon before the main feature. As always, free hotdogs, popcorn, assorted treats and water will be available while supplies last. It’s a perfect way to start the summer vacation, so bring your lawn chair and enjoy the show. Check the Meridian Parks and Recreation Facebook page for the exact times. The JAL Amphitheater is located at 306 W. River Street, Meridian.

JUNE 2

Bosque Film Society Film Appreciation Night, The Cliftex Theatre, Clifton, 6:30 p.m. – The Bosque Film Society will host its monthly members-only Film Appreciation

Night featuring featuring the 1998 crime comedy film “The Big Lebowski” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 at The Cliftex Theatre in Clifton with an introductory presentation by Bosque Film Society founding filmmakerin-residence Matt Wallace.

Written, produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, the film stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Sam Elliott and Julianne Moore.

Established in 2020, the Bosque Film Society offers its members free classic movie screenings each month. Although the event will be closed to the public, those wishing to become Bosque Film Society members will be admitted.

For more information about joining the Bosque Film Society’s non-profit efforts to support The Cliftex Theatre, the longest continuously-operating movie house in Texas, showing films since 1916, visit the website at: www.bosquefilm.com.

JUNE 29

Concerts in the Park, Birdsong Amphitheater, Stephenville, 7 p.m. – Free live music: Mac McAnally with John Rinzi. Concerts in the Park are free. BYOB and snacks, lawn chairs, bug spray, blankets for a great time in the park.

The Birdsong Amphitheater is located at 644 S. Graham, Stephenville.

JULY

JU Y

Freedom Festival July 4th Celebration in Clifton – Join the City of Clifton as it reinvigorates the Freedom Festival with fun day activities, like a patriotic parade at 10 a.m., food trucks and live band at the Clifton Park and a spectacular fireworks show in the evening.

JU Y

Annual July 4th parade, downtown Valley Mills, 10 a.m. – Participate in the parade or watch the action while waving the Star Spangled flag celebrating the nation’s birthday. Then walk to the Santa Fe park for refreshments, games, music and more. At “Dark-Thirty” enjoy the annual fireworks display at the youth baseball park on Highway 6.

Concerts in the Park, Birdsong Amphitheater, Stephenville, Music 6 p.m., Fireworks 9:45 p.m. – Free live music: Celebration in the Park with Lee Roy Parnell, Larry Joe Taylor and Max & Heather Stalling. Concerts in the Park are free. BYOB and snacks, lawn chairs, bug spray, blankets for a great time in the park. The Birdsong Amphitheater is located at 644 S. Graham, Stephenville.

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Bosque Arts Center Story Arts Workshop, BAC, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – This three-day workshop takes students 6th10th grade on a trip into journal writing, adding art, calligraphy, short stories and poetry.

The workshop costs $80, and there are scholarships available. Call the BAC for more information at 254-675-3724 or to sign up at bosqueartscenter.org.

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Bosque Arts Center presents the Music of Mancini, Frazier Performance Hall, 7 p.m. – Jukebox Saturday Night celebrates the compositions of Henry Mancini from his early work with the Glenn Miller Orchestra including music from the film “The Glenn Miller Story” to his memorable melodies from TV and film classics such as “Peter Gunn,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “The Pink Panther” and many more. A concise narration throughout the musical

show includes historical information from Mancini’s very successful career, from his childhood in Pittsburgh, PA to his stardom in Hollywood. The program includes The Pink Panther Theme, The Days of Wine and Roses, Moon River, Charade, Baby Elephant Walk, Too Little Time, The Sweetheart Tree and many others.

Call the BAC for tickets and more information at 254-675-3724 or buy tickets on-line at bosqueartscenter.org.

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141st Hico Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo, Hico City Park – A long time

tradition organized by the Hico Civic Club that celebrates Hico’s first settlers. The event kicks off with the Miss Hico Pageant, followed by a carnival, a parade, live music entertainment and dancing and the 5K Run to Remember. Check out the website for the program at: https://sites.google.com/ hico-isd.net/oldsettlers or the Hico Chamber of Commerce website at https://www. hicotxchamber.org/

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Concerts in the Park, Birdsong Amphitheater, Stephenville, 8 p.m. – Free live music: 50th anniversary of American

Pie by Don Mclean. Concerts in the Park are free. BYOB and snacks, lawn chairs, bug spray, blankets for a great time in the park. The Birdsong Amphitheater is located at 644 S. Graham, Stephenville.

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Oil Painting Workshop with T.W. “Pops” Vanya and Lloyd Voges, Bosque Arts Center, Clifton – T.W. Vanya and Lloyd Voges explore use of oil-based paints, color theory, preparatory drawing and design, painting techniques and framing, with enrolled students in a two-day indoor workshop. Both basic and intermediate

level painters are welcome at this workshop hosted by the Art Council of the BAC. Participants need to supply their own materials; list included in brochure. The fee to attend the workshop is $350. Call the BAC for more information at 254675-3724 or to sign up at bosqueartscenter. org.

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Outdoor Movie Night in the Park at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater, Meridian Park, Meridian, 8 p.m. – The Meridian Parks and Recreation invites everyone to their monthly free Outdoor Movie Night in the Park at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater in Meridian Park featuring the 1967 Walt Disney classic animated musical comedy “The Jungle Book.”

Utilizing a state-of-the-art sound system, enjoy some music beginning at approximately an hour before show time at 7 p.m. And just like an actual movie theatre, Meridian Parks and Recreation offers previews and a cartoon before the main feature. As always, free hotdogs, popcorn, assorted treats and water will be available while supplies last. It’s a perfect way to start the summer vacation, so bring your lawn chair and enjoy the show. Check the Meridian Parks and Recreation

Facebook page for the exact times. The JAL Amphitheater is located at 306 W. River Street, Meridian.

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Bosque Film Society Film Appreciation Night, The Cliftex Theatre, Clifton, 6:30 p.m. – The Bosque Film Society will host its monthly members-only Film Appreciation Night featuring featuring the 1939 epic historical romance “Gone With The Wind” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 at The Cliftex Theatre in Clifton with an introductory presentation by Bosque Film Society founding board historian Bryan Davis.

Directed by Victor Fleming starring Clark Gable, Vivian Leigh, Leslie Howard and Olivia de Havilland, the lm tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara, the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner, following her romantic pursuit of Ashley Wilkes, who is married to his cousin, Melanie Hamilton, and her subsequent marriage to Rhett Butler set in the American South against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era.

Established in 2020, the Bosque Film Society offers its members free classic movie screenings each month. Although the event will be closed to the public, those

wishing to become Bosque Film Society members will be admitted.

For more information about joining the Bosque Film Society’s non-profit efforts to support The Cliftex Theatre, the longest continuously-operating movie house in Texas, showing films since 1916, visit the website at: www.bosquefilm.com.

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Concerts in the Park, Birdsong Amphitheater, Stephenville, 7 p.m. – Free live music: Bellamy Brothers with Davin James. Concerts in the Park are free. BYOB and snacks, lawn chairs, blankets for a great time in the park. The Birdsong Amphitheater is located at 644 S. Graham, Stephenville.

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Bosque Film Society 2nd Annual Wild Western Weekend Free Film Festival, The Cliftex Theatre – Presenting six films free classic western films to the public over three days, the Bosque Film Society offers an entertaining weekend at the historic Cliftex Theatre in Clifton.

Follow the Bosque Film Society Facebook page and check out its website at www. bosqueFilm.com for more details of the six films being featured as well as dates and showtimes.