The Hondo Perspective

Enjoyed a periodic pilgrimage to Luckenbach, Texas for an infusion of the laid-back glory days of the '70s, when "Willie, Waylon and the boys" helped Jerry Jeff Walker create the soundtrack for the cosmic cowboy lifestyle that accented a unique time in Central Texas history. Hondo Crouch, a gifted athlete from a multi-generational German ranching family, became the first UT Longhorn All-American swimmer, then led the aquatics program at Camp Longhorn. His charismatic personality and outstanding communication skills led to writing and storytelling and command performances for LBJ's guests at "The Ranch." It was a natural transition for him to become the part-owner and self-appointed "Mayor" of the little, basically abandoned country town of Luckenbach. The perfect place for Hondo and friends to carry on, "be somebody," drink some beer, pick and grin, pitch some horseshoes and do a whole lot of very little.

Hondo came from a family of considerable achievement. They accomplished much, but also knew loss, sacrifice, disappointment and the frustrations of living from the land. Setbacks were countered with humor, friendship, music, dancing and the natural blessings of outdoor life that bring perspective. His years as an athlete heightened his appreciation of physical health, his writing and storytelling gave him the healthy release of creative expression, and his many gestures of friendship just naturally built community. Let's think about Hondo's life and priorities as we examine our own.

Some Mosey Survivalist Tips

I want to highlight three key areas for your consideration. Health, Creative Expression and Civic Engagement. All important for a well-balanced life. And they'll be a positive distraction from the political madness.

HEALTH

Sleep

Most important. We need 6-8 hours of sleep. Harder as we age, but we should have at least 4-5 hours of uninterrupted deep sleep. I almost died of undiagnosed Sleep Apnea. If you're getting up multiple times, snoring like a freight train and waking tired, get a sleep test. I did. I was flatlining several times a night. A CPAP mask saved my life and probably my marriage. My main problem was too much weight, so that nasal and throat passages were constricted by fatty tissue. I'm working on the weight (see next section), but am thankful for the CPAP. We also use a white noise machine to muffle outside noises. Try it if you haven't. Sleep tight.

Weight Loss

Yes, YOU. Most of us could lose a few pounds. And I needed to lose quite a few. I rationalized and fooled myself with episodic bursts of exercise energy, lost a few pounds, then celebrated those losses with drinks and dessert. You know the drill. Excessive weight is dangerous, unhealthy and unsightly. And expensive in many ways. I'm now under a supervised weight-loss program with a nutritionist, am using a food diary and am accountable to the nutritionist, my wife and me. The important key is that I'm seeking to learn disciplines for the future so that short-term weight loss translates to longer term lifestyle changes. I'm learning about portion size, how to order tasty and healthy food from the restaurant menu and how to avoid the bad carbs and sugars that inflame the joints and pack on the pounds. I'm doing this to enhance and probably save my life. "Bon Appetit"--in moderation.

Exercise

Don't tell me you can't. Not when we see the wheelchair-bound person, or someone carrying their oxygen tank, as they traverse the gym machines. And don't say you don't have time. There's so much we can do at home. We have thera-bands, dumbbells (besides me) and exercise balls. And I loved the Krankcycle so much that I used at BB Fitness that I got one for the house. It's here and ready 24-7. Narrows the excuses considerably. The Art Princess and I both use it. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Try to convince yourself that you can't do that. See. Get fit. Yes you can. You'll be so glad you did.

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Yes, you are. No matter what you were told or what you've told yourself. We all know lots of folks who've taken art or music lessons, Toastmasters, dance classes, creative writing, acting or improv classes. Resurrecting or uncovering creative skills that might have never been realized. We have two adult introvert friends who're really enjoying their improv experiences. Take an "Artist's Way" class. I did. A delightful revelation. Creative expression is a healthy release. There's more to you than you know. Who ya gonna be when you get to be you?

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Our communities need us more than ever. It's easy to be discouraged by the political chaos in Washington and many of our state capitols. That's certainly true of Texas. But while much of that is beyond our control, we CAN make a difference in our hometowns. And we should for everyone's sake. We each have resources to share: time, money, expertise, organizational skills, communications skills, personal networks, etc. Be informed. Make sure you have several news sources. It's easy to be overwhelmed with the scope of community challenges. So, I recommend choosing one or two issues that are important to you and pledging to try to have a positive impact in those areas. Do something with your neighborhood schools. Our kids need us. Join with other like-minded volunteers and leverage your contributions with non-profits that are focused in your area of interest. This will give you a better chance for success, you'll make some new friends, share in building a better community, and we all win in the process.

A Mosey Close In The Spirit of Hondo Crouch

We're way beyond New Year's resolutions. It's mid-year, and it's just you and me facing our friend in the mirror. If you're like me, those honest reflections show us the one person we can't put the shuck on for long. We know there are some things we've been putting off, 'cause that's just life and human nature. But my aging is a constant reminder that I have less time to waste. There are dreams and goals I've yet to accomplish. I want to be healthier, realize some creative goals, better serve my community, be a better partner, father, grandfather and friend. And I want to have a lot of fun, be silly and laugh and cry as the spirit moves me. I'll bet many of you do, too! LET'S MOSEY!