About Walker County, TX

As I gaze across the water my life flashes before my eyes. Some things I've done very well and others...well, not so great. Nothing ever remains the same it seems. Our lives are like roller coasters at times and putting one foot in front of the other becomes tough at times. I look at the view from one of my listings and wonder what the future will bring. I simply know I still recognize beauty.

Enjoy.

I'm so glad I have my Active Rain friends and co-workers surrounding me. These times they are a hurtin'. I believe that a rose displays as much beauty on a cloudy day as it does on a sunny day. It is all in how you look at the rose. Of course, there's the famous saying, "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" and Shakespeare knew his writing. That's about all he knew but hey...we are not all good at everything.

I flashed back to one of the stories that meant so many giggles when my mom use to tell it to me and I decided to share it with you today.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION (and just what was so great about it)?

The Great Depression was an economic slump in North America, Europe, and other industrialized areas of the world that began in 1929 and lasted until about 1939. It was the longest and most severe depression ever experienced by the industrialized Western world.

Up until 1931 my Grandfather and his family consisted of Grandmother and 8 children living in Alice Texas. My family owned 400 acres, a home and farming equipment when the Great Depression hit. My Grandfather was unable to pay his balance to the bank before foreclosure to the tune of $300.00. Yep, that's it. $300.00. He could have paid all monies owed back if the bank had allowed him to harvest on time. But, they said, "sorry, gotta go." So, off they went.

They loaded the 1920 Model T Ford converted to a truck with all their personal belongings that would fit and 8 (eight) children. My mother being the youngest at age 3 had a mouth that never stopped!

What a chatter box.

Just like me. The traveling was slow and painful of course but they were headed up north to find work in factories and decided to pick cotton, fruit, and anything else they could do along their way.

They experienced flat tire after flat tire, hunger, and were spending the night on the side of the roads.

They finally came to the Red River to cross from Texas to the state of Oklahoma. Grandaddy was excited because the fields were full of work for them on the other side. He sat down with the children and explained what was about to happen.

The Red River had a toll bridge. Each vehicle that passed had to pay 10 cents per person to cross. "whew"

For them that was almost all he had. He explained to the children that they simply didn't have enough money to cross the bridge if they didn't hide and be very, very quiet. He arranged a tarp that covered all of the children in the back with their belongings and Grandaddy and Grandmother sat proudly in the front of the Model T.

All children were settled and they began their journey across the Red River.

MOTHERS PERSPECTIVE: It was so hot. I could feel the sun beating on the tarp and smell something that wasn't so good and I just wanted out of there. I had to go potty and I was thirsty. I waited and I waited and I was certain it had to be over...

GRANDPARENTS PERSPECTIVE: We were in a start and stop line of cars. We finally got there. The man asked us how many and we answered TWO (2). He said, "that will be 20 cents please."

At that moment, my little mother threw the tarp back and screamed, "Daddy, are we there yet?"

Needless to say, the man at the toll bridge scratched his neck looking puzzled then asked...."and, how many children do you have back there?"

A full dollar later they were in Oklahoma. They were ready to build their future in the Great Depression. They had no money but they had love and children and a great hope for survival.

I really hope this brought a smile to your face and hope to your heart and an understanding of just how blessed we are. We are still the greatest Nation in this world and our futures are what we make them.

After thought: The land my grandparents gave up in Alice Texas is now an active part of the KING RANCH known for its abundance of oil. The bankers knew this in the beginning and this may be why they took the land.

I love my family and my life and I wouldn't change it for all the oil in Texas.

I will be bringing more of their past if you enjoyed this. Thanks for reading.

No silver spoon in my mouth! Save your change...

Later in the rain~Deb

What I Love About Being a Realtor

A surprise by its very definition is unexpected. And often, the unexpected joys in life are the ones that keep us doing what we do. I have had the pleasure in the past week to help two families with 5 children (yes, each) to find a home they all love. What I didn't expect was to find the joy of connecting with the children that I have missed so much since leaving teaching. I taught voice and choirs for 25 years, and today I had the opportunity to teach a voice lesson beside a picturesque pond on a beautiful property that will welcome a family ready to fill the house with new memories.

You see, when I left teaching, I didn't know how much I would miss my kids. And today as I listened to a lovely young voice belonging to the oldest girl, I was inspired to sing an aria in the woods. I also met a young writer, the second oldest at 13, a very energetic and loving 8 year old, and two rambunctious and well mannered young men. I have a deep respect for the parents of these incredible children.

The young writer shares her take on her family's search for the perfect property. This young lady has talent. Enjoy!

Eight People in the Butler's Pantry

by Sarah Landsman

On the way to the early 20^th century home, a chorus of voices merged to form absolute chaos in our Excursion. That's what happens when 5 children are packed in a car on the way to there new possible home. So I throw in my occasional thoughts along with the babble that sounded like something along the lines of a school cafeteria.

We pull up to the house and there is a silence that just so happens to be extremely rare, believe it or not. White columns line the wraparound porch and windows overlook a quiet pasture where three horses graze, unaware of the mayhem that awaits their quiet home. Doors open and, like a herd of rampant animals, children pour out of the green excursion. A medley of cheery voices ring out and the kids spread around like a handful of ants. They run up and down the front yard and crowd up at the fence, calling, ‘here horsey horsey!!' in an attempt to coax the stallions to their outstretched hands. Eight People in the Butler's Pantry

In a flurry of pebbles and dust, our realtor, Mari Montgomery, pulls up and steps out of her car. I follow her, along with all of my siblings and our parents, to the front door where we file into the house.

Once inside, the chaos resumed as children's voices staked their claims on certain rooms and they dashed back and forth, exploring the new layout. Ten little feet ran to and fro, and the occasional look at this, oh wow!, and come see, come see, spurt forth from all around the spacious house. Eventually, the chaos dimmed and all the children were rounded up for the "real" tour. We walked through the house slowly, looking at the fixtures and old time charm of the house built in 1908.

Everything is going good. I'm counting down until someone among my family causes a large mishap and our wonderful streak is ruined. Then... we reach it. Mrs. Montgomery announces cheerfully, "And this is the ...butler's pantry."

Oh wow. Two seconds earlier the children had their hands folded behind their backs. Two seconds earlier they had been silent, perfect little ladies and gentlemen. But, now. The kids explode! A fusion of Butler!?!, A what?, What's that mommy?, Huh?, and giggles rise from their mouths and all my siblings laugh hysterically at what they think is the biggest joke of the century. The tour continues and the rest of the home and grounds are lovely but, it will be the butler's pantry that is talked about after and the butler's pantry that will be the laughed about for nights on end.

Fun things happen in large families. Funny stuff happens when you go house hunting with your somewhat eccentric realtor.

Memories happen when you have eight people... in the butler's pantry.

Today, even with all the dreary news of the lack of judgment of our government and our denial of the tax credit and other challenging enigmas in my life, I just couldn't help but notice our signs of spring. Buds about to burst with the color of our world to remind us there is hope. Tiny yet strong signs that all will be okay if we just let it be that way.

Even the tiniest of flowers can survive the freezes and lawnmower and storms and so much that life throws at it. And because it has been such a struggle to "arrive" they do so with the grandeur of the bell of the ball.

They pop with their true colors to show the world they are good, strong and simply meant to be.

This is the way I choose to be. I may fail many times but I will fight my way to the sun. I will show my true colors, smile at the sun and my Heaven, and continue to "Be" what I am meant to be. I am surrounded by blessings, not to mention the blessing of "life itself" so why continue to be down?? No way.

If you look closely you will see their smiles! Enjoy.

Thanks for viewing!

Later in the rain~Deb

Lake Livingston is located within the Piney Woods of Texas and borders the Sam Houston National Forest. Our beautiful "protected" lands were purchased by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the year 1936 and were reserved with the multi-use philosophy for timbering, cattle grazing, farming and protecting our wildlife.

The World Wide Fund for Nature considers the Piney Woods to be one of the critically endangered eco-regions of the United States.^[1]

The Flora and Fauna of the region is diminishing at a rapid pace due to oil production, timbering and over population. Builders have utilized much of our timber land to provide homes within subdivisions. A select few of our builders are donating a percent of proceeds to preserve our wildlife. What better reason is there to move our way?

The Sam Houston National Forest is a haven of hope and promise for our wildlife.

Our wildlife is being herded deeper and deeper into the Timberlands which is causing an overpopulation of sorts. Homeowners find that they must be very careful about what they plant in their yards due to the fact that much of what we find beautiful is quite tasty to White Tailed Deer!

Lake Livingston and the Piney Woods is one of the most beautiful areas in Texas!

On any given day within the Piney Woods you can see an abundance of wildlife. You may witness wild hog packs crossing the highway, a red fox running across the road, Emus,(occasionally mistaken for an Ostrich by a select few) Armadillo (although usually with their feet in the air by the side of the road), opossum, skunk, bats, squirrel, deer, rabbits, Cougars, Bobcats and a plethora of bird sightings from the Texas Pink Flamingo, Heron, Bald Eagles, Pelicans, Woodpeckers and the Texas Mockingbird (our state bird).

Westwood Shores is a 5 STAR RESORT bordering Lake Livingston , The Piney Woods and is also a bird sanctuary. Texas Tropicals land on your picnic tables awaiting goodies that you might feed them. Squirrels will eat birdseed right out of your hand and the birds will eat the seed on the table with you as you have breakfast. A long-necked Goose, misplaced within a passel of White Pelicans, will awaken you with the sun, honking for you to come out and play.

Recently, there has been talk of reintroducing the Black Bear into our Piney Woods. Yikes! This could play havoc with the many hiking trails and picnic areas!

The woods are big, deep and dense but it makes you wonder whether these two would get along together...

Believe it or not, our great Piney Woods in our very own East Texas is well known (in some circles) as a popular sighting area for BIGFOOT.

Yes, you heard it right. BIGFOOT, otherwise known as the Sasquatch. Bob Hallmark Reports: Is Bigfoot In East Texas?

Texas, because of the density of our great Piney Woods, is an area of intrigue for many a hunter. Not just for the deer or the ducks or the sight of beautiful tropical birds but the infamous, yet to be proven, sightings of the myth and legend carried forward from tales of our American Indians, and early European Settlers.

Hunters of Bigfoot have the most difficulty deciding whether or not the Myth or Legend is in fact true. A suggestion to the hunters might be...

WHEN YOU SEE HIM / HER, SIMPLY ASK, "WHAT SIZE SHOE DO YOU WEAR?!"

If it's a size 44 then we can be certain they found the real thing!

Besides, everything's BIGGER in Texas! *wink* ;-)

Photos of Lake Livingston by Deb Brooks

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