by Phil Houseal | Jan 9, 2020 | All Articles, Philosophy
Jan 1, 2020–It’s that time of year to reflect and refocus. Here are some thoughts: “Speak truth to power” should be “speak truth to weakness” because it is the weak people in our lives and weakness in ourselves that we allow to do the most damage. Men and women are...
by Phil Houseal | Dec 18, 2019 | All Articles, Education, Events, Philosophy
Dec 18, 2019–I resent how much effort it takes to get dressed every morning. Pull on undershorts. Pull on undershirt. Pull on one sock. Pull on the other (hopefully, matching) sock. Pull on pants. Put on shirt. Pull on shoes. Then the fastening begins: Fasten 6...
by Phil Houseal | Dec 12, 2019 | All Articles, Education, History, Philosophy
Dec 11, 2019–‘Tis the season for holiday programs and pageants. Every parent, grandparent, and squirmy sibling will spend at least one evening packed in a school auditorium or stuffed in an undersized classroom chair watching a parade of plays and eating potluck. That...
by Phil Houseal | Dec 7, 2019 | All Articles, Events, Philosophy
“Be brave enough to suck at something new.” Dec 4, 2019–A few weeks ago I was coaxed back onto the stage again. Readers of this column know I am a reluctant thespian. I never acted in high school, and my only other roles were when I played a tree in a local production...
by Phil Houseal | Nov 27, 2019 | All Articles, Philosophy
Nov 27, 2019–When I earned my first income as a paperboy, I decided to buy Christmas gifts for everyone in my family. I perused the Sunset Gift Catalog, filled out my order, and eagerly awaited the wonders promised within. It was a painful introduction to the...
by Phil Houseal | Nov 14, 2019 | All Articles, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Nov 13, 2019–I can roll perfect dinner rolls with either hand. At the same time. It’s a skill I picked up as a prep cook at a fancy restaurant where I worked in college. They were known for their delicious dinner rolls, and it was my job to turn them out by the...
