Regardless of what is stated commonly doesn’t evaluate up to sheer artistry, due to the fact brush-and-easel greats can land haymakers to writers who are armed only with words and phrases.

Use of coloration and considerably else conveys mind’s eye images to canvas, as a result ordinarily tilting conversation effectiveness scales towards artistry.

‘Tis accurate. Artists worthy of the title normally say more with pictorial capabilities than those of us who count merely on phrases. Even so (caps are applied for outcome), on uncommon instances, text get …

A recent check out to Abilene, TX, woke up feelings of tributes to people who do nicely with handful of text. (Abilene was earlier recognized as the “key city” to West Texas but now far more frequently is determined as the major town on the japanese edge of the “big country.”)

Some whose communicative ammunition is restricted to words could possibly be rubes at easels, barely knowing which conclusion of the brush to maintain. To the find writers working with words so brilliantly, I supply the very same utterance the late Walter Brennan produced weekly on television’s The True McCoys: “Dadgummit.”

These kinds of elite writers are revered, causing appreciable “self-kicking” by other individuals of us who would like we had considered of their wording first …

I cite 3 examples — two of them existing and all linked to Taylor County — exactly where Abilene is the county seat. (It’s a full ‘nuther tale, but Abilenians “stole” the county seat in 1883, five several years immediately after Buffalo Gap held the distinction. The “switch” seemed rational, what with Texas and Pacific Railroad selecting to bypass Buffalo Hole in favor of Abilene.)

Abilene, afterwards to be residence of three church-similar universities, remained a holdout in opposition to beer profits until a “community” of 28 persons arranged their personal city (Impression, TX) in 1960. A few of a long time afterwards, Affect received court docket battles leading to the very first lawful beer gross sales in Taylor County in the 20th century.

“Bootleggers” were being abundant till then, defying the law to offer “hooch.” Anyway, tiny suppliers back again then advertised sale of “Near Beer,” which contained considerably less than .5% liquor. One particular sign read: “Near Beer Marketed Here.” Scrawled less than it was this: “Real Beer Marketed In close proximity to Below.”)

I digress–again. Now, again to Buffalo Gap, a little, zoneless local community very long identified for its Perini Ranch Steakhouse. On the route, we pointed out succinct messages alongside the way.

There were residences of ALL styles and sizes, from million-greenback mansions to double-wides.

It is to the creative house owners of modest housing to whom I supply congratulations. Their short descriptions are “better’n images.” A person signal in entrance of a compact, tidy abode reads thusly: “Oleo Acres. 1 of the Cheaper Spreads.” On an additional, signage is even shorter: “Casa Not So Grande.”

At the other intense, the grand buildings talk for by themselves.

With amazing architecture, landscaping and sq. footage rivalling commercial structures, no indications are necessary.

‘Nuff stated …

Nevertheless also short, a recent right away outing to Abilene was manufactured exclusive by good friends of 50+ a long time.

Meal at Perini’s was surpassed only by Dr. Lanny and Carol Halls’ gracious hospitality. They still left no aspects undone. We shared stories, some for the “umpteenth time.”

Even the “old favorites” appeared new, as if produced from safekeeping when the COVID-19 siege ultimately commenced loosening its grip on our shifting about …

Some of life’s greatest blessings involve the seizure of reminiscences of joyful periods, honoring friendships that have endured time’s take a look at. They await our declaring.

Phrases never seize what I set out to express. In the case of our visit to Abilene, artist Norman Rockwell could have captured visits with brush and easel. Maybe his portray might clearly show grandparents–just about every holding a grandchild’s hand — hoping the youngster would appreciate a initial “restaurant steak.” The kid mainly prayed that a anxious hand wouldn’t lead to an iced tea spill.

Perhaps Rockwell may have incorporated a West Texas sunset blazing by the window. Such sunsets really do not appear any superior …

Dr. Newbury, a longtime university president, proceeds to communicate routinely. He welcomes inquiries at 817-447-3872. E-mail: [email protected]. Twitter: @donnewbury. Facebook: Don Newbury. He and wife Brenda dwell in the Dallas/Fort Worthy of Metroplex.