by Phil Houseal | Sep 30, 2026 | All Articles, History, Music, People of the Hill Country
Sept 30, 2026–After interviewing hundreds of musicians and celebrities, I still get nervous when they give me time to talk. After all, they have been asked every question dozens of times already. My first big “get” was the legendary Ray Price. I had grown up listening...
by Phil Houseal | Jul 15, 2026 | All Articles, Education, History, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
July 15, 2026–“Edna” taught all of us in the office how to walk. Step… step… breathe. Step… step… breathe. She demonstrated, walking across the lobby, pausing to inhale sharply every two steps. We had to wipe off our smiles when she reached the...
by Phil Houseal | Dec 31, 2025 | All Articles, Education, History, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy, Venue
Dec 31, 2025–What if your life were a sitcom? SCENE: Breakfast table, cluttered with opened cereal boxes, butter dish, crumbs and coffee. He: Good morning, dear. What are your plans for today? She: Plans? You think I PLAN my existence. I believe in foreordained fate...
by Phil Houseal | Nov 12, 2025 | All Articles, Education, Events, History, People of the Hill Country, Venue
In 2019, Lee Ann Whatley set off on a scavenger hunt to track down all the original paintings done by her grandfather, Lee Ethel. Like every good treasure hunter, she uncovered more than she originally sought. Lee Ethel was a successful graphic designer in Dallas for...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 10, 2025 | All Articles, Events, History, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Sept 10, 2025–How does it feel to take center stage at The Grand Ole Opry? “Well, it was wonderful.” So saith Gary Nicholson, who as a Hall of Fame Songwriter and Grammy Winner, got his first solo spot under country music’s biggest spotlight at the age of 75. Not that...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 3, 2025 | All Articles, History, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Sept 3, 2025–How many connections to “important” people do you have because they were neighbors? I am curious about how connected we are to well-known/accomplished/famous/key people simply due to randomness. Many times, when I am looking for a favor or trying to find...
