Howdy, ya'll!

Were you reared with that inexplicable Texas bravado -- we're such a great state and we proudly announce it wherever we go? Yet, we ask ourselves why, considering that the Lone Star State has unpredictable weather several months a year, with predictable weather all summer -- stinkin' hot. The stars really are big and bright, and much of Texas scenery is beautiful for a few months each year -- but it lacks the rapidly-changing variety of the Bay Area. Mosquito repellent is needed in great supply in some regions, nearly all year. The death penalty gets used way too much. We range from being home to the most famous atheist in modern U.S. history to a high percentage of faith-professing folks. We may be embarrassed by some of our more famous citizens.

But still -- there's something about Texas. Perhaps this John Steinbeck quote from "Travels with Charley" 1962 (displayed on the "Love and War in Texas" website) may help you to finally understand yourself or Texans.

"I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions and striving, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study and the passionate possession of all Texans."

"The proper study" ....hmm. A group of mostly transplants to California has been meeting for months for weekly movies about California, both documentary and fiction. We've had a great time learning about the history of our adopted state (as well as holding down costs for entertainment).

That has inspired me to start a group for Texans -- and those who wish they were -- or even the scoffers and mockers -- to get together to see films about the Lone Star State, tell Aggie jokes, eat barbeque once in a while, and enjoy Texas musicians when they're in town.

The group is open to all ages, married or single. In your profile, please tell a little about yourself, any films you want to suggest (although I refuse to watch "The Last Picture Show" again), or events you think might be of interest.