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A Luckenbach Lesson "People haven't time to learn anything. They buy things ready-made in stores. But since there are no stores where you can buy friends, people no longer have friends." The above words from the wonderful book, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery really spoke to me as I was contemplating what to share in this month's newsletter. I don't know about you, but I too often get caught up in the daily demands of business - e-mails, meetings, phone calls, etc - that I forget about the importance of connecting with people. It seems that I seem to always find time to get business done, but can't seem to find the time to get the important things in life done, like keeping in touch with friends and making new friends. I'll admit it, my life is out of balance and I'm caught up in the hairball of life! Can you relate? What inspired me to write these words? Dean Allen, my good friend and former neighbor from Kansas, recently visited us here in Texas. Wanting to show Dean a little bit of Texas authenticity, I decided to take him on a tour of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Our first stop was the Sister Creek Winery in the little town of Sisterdale where we sampled their award winning wines. Being a good husband, I purchased a bottle of their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon for my wife. Guilt's a great motivator! The next stop on our journey was the legendary town of Luckenbach, Texas, made famous by Waylon Jennings' song. We gathered in the back of the trademark post office and saloon (see pictures of Dean) where a handful of us were entertained by Jimmy Lee Jones, a left-handed guitar player who Willie Nelson once referred to as "the best kept secret in Texas." After listening to him sing some of my favorite Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rusty Wier, and Steve Frumholz songs, I have to agree with Willie's assessment. I'm sure all of you are aware of Willie Nelson, but if you like country and western music and haven't listened to Jerry Jeff Walker, Rusty Wier or Steve Frumholz, you're really missing out. The following words from Waylon Jennings' song were stuck in my now clearer soul as we left Luckenbach... So baby let's sell your diamond ring Buy some boots and faded jeans and go away This coat and tie is choking me In your high society you cry all day We've been so busy keepin' up with the Jones Four car garage and we're still building on Maybe it's time we got back to the basics of love The next stop on our Hill Country journey was the Dittmar Ranch, a 1,800 acre spread located north of Fredericksburg, Texas near the little German town of Doss, Texas. The significance of this visit is that my grandfather was the first person to lease hunting rights on this majestic piece of God's creation. Once we entered the main gate, I became a little emotional as the memories of hunting with my Dad and Uncles came flooding back. Dean and I passed through the second gate that took us to the old ranch house (see Dean in photo). We then drove through the ranch until we arrived at the old camp site. The old cook shack - where I helped Uncle Shorty prepare meals - is still standing (see picture. That's my Dad in the photo). I will never forget the pure fellowship that we enjoyed on this special place. Memories of me, Dad, Uncle Edward, Uncle Shorty, Grover, Melvin, Billy Ralph, Hollie and Iskie sitting around the huge camp fire laughing and quite often stretching the truth about the big buck that we missed. My favorite uncle, Billy Ralph Blakely, is still carrying on the tradition of leasing the ranch. He's the second most influential man in my life next to my Dad and I am so thankful for his positive influence. He was my Little League baseball coach and taught me the core values that have helped me live a life of significance. I'm one of many former Little Leaguers who will never forget the lessons that Coach Blakely taught us. Please keep him in your prayers, as he's fighting a battle with cancer. As we left the ranch heading for an early dinner at the Hill Top Cafe, I was reminded of the lesson from Waylon's song... Maybe it's time we got back to the basics of love (and life) The Hill Top Cafe is an award winning restaurant that's been featured in Southern Living. It's located on Mason Highway (Highway 87) 10 miles west of Fredericksburg. It's owned by Johnny Nicholas (former member of the legendary western swing band, Asleep at the Wheel) and features wonderful Cajun and Greek food. If you're ever in this part of Texas, I highly recommend that you visit the Hill Top Cafe. You'll thank me for the recommendation. Well, Dean left this morning for a business conference in San Antonio. As he was leaving our home, I gave him a big hug and told him how much I loved him and his family. When we parted, there were tears in his eyes and he told me that he would keep our family in his prayers, as he knew that we needed such to help us get through a family crisis. In closing, I want to share a poem that I wrote many years ago that captures my feelings at the moment... I don't need your wealth, I need your warmth I don't need your judgment, I need your forgiveness I don't need your lessons, I need your laughter I don't need your personality, I need your purity I don't need your entertainment, I need your presence I don't need your knowledge, I need your wisdom I don't need your recognition, I need your compassion I don't need your acquaintance, I need your friendship I want to thank my friend Dean Allen for helping me realize that there is still hope even in the darkest of times. And a special tip of the hat to Waylon Jennings for reminding us that maybe it's time to get back to the basics of love and life. Go be a friend to someone who needs your light. Your friend,  | |
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