I love San Francisco, but sometimes I still really miss Texas.
My oldest nephew started 2nd grade today, and another nephew — who we playfully call #2 or goo goo bear — got stitches last night on his left eyebrow, in the exact same spot as I had them! Whether celebrating, cuddling, or crying is needed, sometimes FaceTime just doesn’t cut it.
Other times, it’s good old nostalgia that makes me homesick.
Like the when I came across a video recently about touring the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory in Brenham (near of Austin) and thought “Why the hell haven’t I done this yet?” which lead me to Blue Bell’s website and ultimately to their vintage Memories in a Carton TV ad. The next thing I know I’m tearing up and singing along with all their jingles.
For those of you not familiar with Blue Bell, it’s amazing ice cream and growing up in Texas means knowing every single word of all those sappy, awesome jingles. (Talk about quality branding!)
So whether I’m sad or just nostalgic, there’s something about music that always makes me feel a little bit better.
My When-I-Miss-Texas Playlist
These are the songs that makes me feel all wrapped up in the best of Texas. Most of them are old Texas Country, which is to say they’re full of Southern charm with a little grit sprinkled in for good measure, but they lack the brassy twang of Nashville.
Some of my choices are obvious and expected. Others are less typically country and a little more personal. I will always love Big Blue Sea by Bob Schneider, even if it still reminds me of an ex-boyfriend.
So check it out, and let me know what you think…
Add to the Playlist!
For those of you who have ties to Texas, what would you add to the playlist? If you’re on Rdio and so inclined, here’s the Songs for Homesick Texans playlist, where you can add your favorites.
And for those of you who don’t have any ties to Texas, we’ll be back to our normally scheduled programming in the next post!
