by Phil Houseal | Oct 26, 2017 | All Articles, Philosophy
Oct 25, 2017–I attended my high school class reunion this past weekend, and as I reentered the shifting sands of adolescent memory, I confirmed I am still not, never was, and never will be “hip.” The concept of hipness is one of those things you cannot define, but you...
by Phil Houseal | Oct 19, 2017 | All Articles, Education, Philosophy
Oct 18, 2017–As my granddaughter dropped scavenged coins into her piggy bank, I realized I am seeing the last generation that will use this method of saving. Coins are obsolete. I hate to calculate the time spent first as a student, then as a teacher and parent either...
by Phil Houseal | Oct 12, 2017 | All Articles, Philosophy
Oct 11, 2017–Why are clothes so uncomfortable? I was coming home from a board meeting and thinking how I couldn’t wait to get out of my belt, button-down, and boots. It struck me–what is this insanity, that in order to be perceived as successful, requires us to wear...
by Phil Houseal | Oct 5, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Food, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Oct 4, 2017–When we first moved to the Hill Country, there was a small rodeo arena on Hwy 16 south of Fredericksburg. I remember pulling in with the kids and letting them experience the dust, grit, and bellowing of bulls, broncs, and barrel racing. There is no greater...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 28, 2017 | All Articles, Music, Philosophy
Sept 27, 2017–How do you listen to a music performance? Is there a right or a wrong way? I thought about this while I attended the spring concert of Camerata San Antonio, a classical music ensemble. I was there to take photos, but as I settled into the back pew I...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 21, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Sept 20, 2017–The first time I heard about Fredericksburg’s Rockbox Theater in 2005, I confess I did not grasp the concept. I had no idea how a community would receive a permanent music venue, offering a new show every week, year round. Apparently everyone else “got...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 14, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Music
Sept 13, 2017–It’s boggling to think that the difference between being a backup singer and becoming a country music superstar was one lyric in one song. Yet seven words pulled one Nashville studio musician out of the backline and into the spotlight. It was1977. Johnny...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 8, 2017 | All Articles, Music, People of the Hill Country
Sept 6, 2017–If things had turned out a bit differently, today’s school children might be singing a song written by a Hill Country resident in place of Texas, Our Texas. Fredericksburg’s “almost famous” songwriter was Louise Forres Enderle. Her song was When It’s...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 6, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Music, People of the Hill Country
Breaking: Sept 5, 2017 Gatlin Brothers announce association with Fredericksburg TX Rockbox Theater by Phil Houseal, www.fullhousepr.com Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers are proud to announce an extended association with The Rockbox Theater, a consistent top Texas...
by Phil Houseal | Aug 31, 2017 | All Articles, Education, Philosophy
Aug 30, 2017–Entering my third wave of reading to kids–first as a kindergarten teacher, then as a parent, now as a grandparent–I have firm opinions about children’s literature. When I choose a book to read to kids, the main criterion is this: it must be engaging to...
