Don't Mess With Texas

Happy Texas Independence Day!  For those of you needing a Texas History refresher course, on March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico forming the Republic of Texas.  I’m sure there are a good many people who wish Texas had stayed it own country, but that's besides the point. 

There is a part of me that feels like I don’t have the right to wave the Lone Star Flag, sing “Texas, Our Texas,” and pledge my allegiance to the state of Texas every morning at school.  Should I feel like a poser when I do Texas-y things?  I suppose my native Texan status does lend to some legitimacy, but I moved when I was very young and have lived here only six months since (P.S. Six months?! Can’t believe it.). 

But whether I should or not, I’ve always had this thing for Texas.  One of my favorite books during my younger years was The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie dePaola.  Whenever we sang “God Bless the USA” in elementary school, the words “across the plains of Texas...” always got a little something extra.  My 8^thgrade history fair project was on the Battle of the Alamo, I covered an entire wall in my bedroom with a ginormous Texas flag in high school, and I have more t-shirts from the University of Texas than my own Alma mater.  And since moving back, the reasons for this "thing" have only been solidified.  

I love the weather and the open sky.  I'm getting more used to the friendliness of strangers (at first it kinda freaked me out).  I love saying "y'all"-- it's such a useful term.  If I ate more meat, I'm sure I'd love the BBQ.  I love that longhorns and armadillos are the state animals. I love the independent nature of the state and its people, undoubtedly a result of its history.  I love the pride that some misunderstand for arrogance.   

 Poser or not, I love Texas.  Happy Independence Day. 

P.S. It also happens to be Dr. Seuss' birthday.  So go write a poem, a poem go write.  Go write a poem by the end of the night.  Or see "The Lorax."