I'm blessed to be a member of a select group of people; I'm a Texan, but not your "garden variety" Texan. I was born and bred in The Great State of Texas and have lived here all of my life. Makes me about as much of a Native Texan as can be. So, when it comes to knowing a little bit about where I live, it surely gives me a leg up on most folks, and a good percentage of the over 23 million people who call The Lone Star State home. I'm what you'd call "completely culturally integrated". For me and many others like me, Texas isn't a location, it's an attitude. It's a Great Deal N Texas.
Things like: "Texas, It's a Whole Other Country", or "Everything's Bigger and Better in Texas" or "It ain't bragging if you can back it up!" have greatly influenced my perceptions, moral and ethical beliefs and overall outlooks. "Yes Ma'am, and No Sir" aren't said because it sounds cute or quaint. The next time you hear the phrase, "Deep in the Heart of Texas" know that it doesn't refer to a direction or a catchy title to a song. You don't believe me? Check out a Friday night football game in any town (big or small) in Texas; you'll find some heart, guaranteed.
Texas' history of being an independent republic from 1836 to 1845, and being the only state ever to become a part of the United States by treaty rather than territorial annexation, has some bearing on that point of view. Did you know that Texas is the only state that has the right to fly its' flag at the same height as the national flag? That was part of the deal when we became a member of The United States. Texas occupies over 7% of the nation's total area with 268,581 square miles within its borders. Let's put that into perspective: Texas is as large as all of New England, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina combined. Shoot, The Kingsville Ranch, in Kingsville, Tx is the largest ranch in Texas, and it alone is bigger than the whole state of Rhode Island.
My involvement in web-design has prompted an intense re-introduction into Texas History, Texas Trivia and Texas Tall Tales (facts, fiction and bragging). I'm finding out how little I really know about what I thought I knew. (I see a series of articles on the horizon.) That research has re-kindled the intense pride and passion of being able to say, "Yes ma'am, I am indeed a Texan." If you'd like to learn more about the place I proudly call home, click on the links below.
Great Deals N Texas, E-Business Tools, Texas Triva and Tall Tales
The Great State of Texas Trivia, facts, interesting tidbits, myths and legends.
The Great State of Texas Tall Tales, facts, fiction and downright bragging.
