My Blue Texas

"Even in this age of information and social media, we can’t deny that we understand the world through stories. Stories connect us to the earth, to our histories, to our cultures, to other people. Most of us only know the stories we were taught in school that come from Greek myths. But there are many other stories from Indigenous peoples about the night sky, the stars, the moon, and even the sun—across the Americas as well as in what is now Texas and the United States."

Here 2023 Texas State Poet Laureate ire'ne lara silva tells four Indigenous legends about the night sky, from the Caddo story about seven brothers who became stars to the Aztec myth that explains why the sun appears to chase the moon and stars.

Read more: https://texashighways.com/culture/indigenous-legends-tell-stories-of-the-texas-night-sky/

“People are not the fragile flowers that a century of psychologists have made us out to be,” Gilbert said. “People who suffer real tragedy and trauma typically recover more quickly than they expect to and often return to their original level of happiness, or something close to it. That’s the good news – we are a hardy species, even though we don’t know this about ourselves.”

We are living in a time of polycrisis. If you feel trapped – you’re not alone I hadn’t fully grasped how the idea of a better future sustained me – now I, like many others, find it difficult to be productive

The University of North Texas is cutting over 70 academic programs, minors and certificates as it works to close a projected $45 million budget shortfall. 🔗 bit.ly/4lHcJ9a

This includes phasing out its linguistics degrees and eliminating a women’s and gender studies master’s program.

This is a great interview! I heard it this morning on KSTX/ Texas Public Radio.
As you may know, Texas Public Radio used to receive federal funding, but now it is 100% funded by listener/ supporter donations. They have a goal to recruit 1500 new supporters during their ongoing fundraising drive. Please consider supporting these wonderful organizations that produce excellent news and cultural programming.

‘One By Willie’ podcast debuts seventh season with another star-studded lineup of guests Host John Spong sits down to chat with celebrities ranging from Kenny Chesney to Whoopi Goldberg — all talking about the legacy of the Red Headed Stranger.

Today is the anniversary of The Battle of the Alamo, about which I have thought a bit…
Mexico invited the Texian settlers to come here. Many of the settlers came from Tennessee. Many came to grow cotton. (Some, who settled in Marlin, were my ancestors.) Then Mexico outlawed slavery, which destroyed the settler’s business model since you couldn’t grow cotton without slaves. *If you leave this part of the story out, Texas history just doesnt make sense. Why did all those people have to die at the Alamo?* They were fighting for the freedom to own slaves. (Written by my 70-year old self to my 13-year old self who struggled to make sense of it all in my Texas history class.)
If you are looking for a touchstone that unites instead of divides, focus on the springs- the Blue Hole and San Pedro Springs, Comal Springs, San Marcos Springs, and Barton Springs… and tell the truth about slavery.

On this day in 1836, the quiet mission of San Antonio de Valero — better known today as the Alamo — became the site of one of the most famous battles in Texas history.

After thirteen days under siege, Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched a predawn assault on the fortified compound. In a brutal battle that likely lasted around 90 minutes, the defenders of the Alamo were overwhelmed. One by one the defensive positions fell, with the chapel holding out until the very end.

When the fighting stopped, every defender inside the Alamo had been killed.
But the sacrifice did not fade into history. Instead, it ignited a movement. Just weeks later, Texian forces would rally behind a powerful cry that echoed across the revolution:

"Remember the Alamo!"

That phrase became a symbol of defiance and determination, helping inspire the Texian army on its march to victory at San Jacinto. Today, the Alamo stands not just as a historic site, but as a lasting shrine to the men who gave their lives during the fight for Texas independence.

Remember the Alamo.

Mountain Laurels are blooming, and the fragrance is so nice! Please like and share!