T-SHIRTS…MOST OF US HAVE SAVED A FEW…
We say to ourselves that we’re going to throw these away “next time,” but revived memories often preclude well-meaning rational gleaning strategies. At least that’s my experience. I’ve collected many t-shirt souvenirs of special occasions. But it’s always easier to buy one in the heat and drinks of the moment than to discard them in moments of sober organizational reflection. I’m betting that many of you have “been there, done that.”
Recent down-sizing moves necessitate more careful attention to efficient use of space. I’ve saved a few, thrown away a lot and revived great memories during the evaluation process. Here are some highlights from many years of slidin’ and glidin’ down that highway of life. You might get some ideas for honoring some of your favorite memories. ENJOY!
FABER COLLEGE…I’m often asked how I can be so smart and all-knowing. Truth be told, I’m greatly indebted to my matriculation from dear old Faber College. I’ve never forgotten their motto that inspires student loyalty…”KNOWLEDGE IS GOOD.”
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS…Had the privilege of attending the very first ACL filming. Willie Nelson…1974. I was newly married, but Willie is/was “Willie.” He looked down from the stage and smiled at my bride, who turned to me and said, “I WOULD leave you for him.” Of course…
ASPEN, COLORADO…Many transformative memories from Aspen, Grand Lake, Boulder, Evergreen and other Rocky Mountain haunts. I’ve loved winding up in the J-Bar to discuss the adventures of the day. Or, as the bumper sticker touts, “Another Shitty Day In Paradise!”
WOODY CREEK TAVERN…My favorite antidote for too much Aspen is the Woody Creek Tavern…when I need to deflate from too much Aspen high-tone, I can head just out of town to Woody Creek, home of Hunter S. Thompson’s (Dr. Gonzo)“country club,” the Woody Creek Tavern. Some enchiladas and firewater will give you perspective and bring you around to a healthy balance. And, yes, I did meet Dr. Gonzo in one of my Woody Creek respites.
THE LITTLE BEAR…On the way in or out of Denver on I-70W, a stop at the Little Bear in Evergreen will do you good. Great music, burgers and characters of all sorts. Sunday afternoon live music and dancing to help you come down or gear up for the week ahead. Austin musicians love to play there, and the bulletin board looks like a promo for Austin City Limits. How can you go wrong with so many bras hanging from the ceiling? Don’t answer that. Just remember to include the Little Bear in your next I-70 adventure.
TESUQUE VILLAGE MARKET…NEW MEXICO…One of my favorite stops when I’m in the Santa Fe area. Robert Redford discovered Tesuque when he was filming “The Milagro Beanfield War.” He loved the place, and so do I. A great casual roadside retreat for good food, drinks, shopping and people watching. You can be a people, too…
ROCK N’BOWL, NEW ORLEANS…What an amazing discovery, away from the French Quarter and Mardis Gras. Food and drink and bowling and Zydeco dancing to great live bands. I quickly learned that if you OR your partner aren’t dancing, you’re fair game to be asked. Too much fun…NOTE: The Art Princess once scored a strike on her seventh shot of tequila.
BB KING’S…MEMPHIS…I thought of Paul Simon, as I emulated his taking his son to Graceland. I met my son Clayton in Memphis (he was in Nashville) and we did the whole highlights tour. Stayed at the Peabody Hotel and watched the ducks parade before happy hour, had BBQ ribs at The Rendezvous Cafe, went to Beale Street, BB King’s and other historical music haunts, before winding up at Graceland. Memphis is a great stop for music enthusiasts of several genres.
BIRDLAND…NYC…Our good traveling/music enthusiast friends Linda/Forrest encouraged us to go to the Sunday matinee at Birdland…one of the premier jazz venues in New York, or anywhere else. Just delightful…Great music, comfortable time of day logistically…most enjoyable experience.
HUTTO HIPPOS…My friend Neal Spelce, writer, newscaster and historian called me on short notice to do him a favor. (‘80s) A major conflict caused him to have to back out of a previous commitment to speak to a large community event in Hutto, Texas, just outside of Austin. The Hutto contact person called to confirm my commitment, stating that they had a limited budget, but wanted to offer an honorarium. I’d always gotten a kick out of the Hutto “Hippos” mascot designation. I declared that my desired honorarium was a “Hippos” T-shirt. This is it.
SNAKE FARM…NEW BRAUNFELS, TX…A reptile house and modest petting zoo between Austin and San Antonio. In my always thoughtful style, I included in our marriage announcement that my bride and I had honeymooned at The Snake Farm. Singer/Songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard has written a loving tribute to the institution, including the line,” Snake Farm, just sounds nasty. Snake Farm…pretty much is.” It does have an air about it, but it’s not that bad. And, we DIDN’T honeymoon there.
