Being Texan
January 11, 2022
How Much Is a Dog’s Life Worth?
A writer learns the hard way—the hardest way—that in Texas the answer is: not much.
Personal Essay
Being Texan
December 15, 2021
All I Want for Christmas . . . Is You
When a grown-up son visits for the holiday, a mom takes what she can get.
News & Politics
December 2, 2021
A Texas School District Banned My Book. Then Things Got Really Ugly.
I’ve been the target of censorship and vicious harassment, but my greatest worry is what this trend means for young people who rely on school libraries.
Being Texan
October 15, 2021
This Year’s State Fair Was Overstimulating, Anxiety-Inducing—and Exactly What I Needed
After nearly two years of pandemic life, I didn’t even realize just how much I was craving this release.
Being Texan
May 17, 2021
What an Obscure Childhood Experience Taught Me About the Nature of Memory
Passing through a desolate stretch of North Texas, I set an anchor in the sea of time.
Personal Essay
June 28, 2019
Farewell to the “Rambling Boy,” Lonn Taylor
The Fort Davis historian and raconteur knew and loved Texas and its people like no one else.
Being Texan
January 1, 1995
Closing the Circle J
A final farewell to the Hill Country spread that for more than thirty years meant everything to me and my family.
Texas History
March 1, 1993
Indian Takers
All across Texas, vandals are searching for ancient treasures by looting Indian campgrounds—including the one on my family’s ranch.
Being Texan
March 1, 1992
He Called Me Puddin’
Through sickness and health. Texas humorist John Henry Faulk was my mentor, my idol, my friend.
Being Texan
October 1, 1991
The Eye of the Bull
All I wanted to do was photograph the running of the bulls. I never intended to risk my life.
Being Texan
November 1, 1985
Preacher’s Kids
My father had to have an answer for everything—adultery, spiritual crises, the pigeons defecating in the church gutter. No wonder I didn’t become a preacher. The miracle is that my sister did.
Being Texan
June 1, 1980
Lawn Boy
Here’s how to achieve inner peace, perfect serenity, spiritual calm, and a nice, neat lawn.
Being Texan
December 1, 1979
My Life and Hard Times in the Junior League
“In the League, you’ll run into a little tradition, some noblesse oblige, and a lot of talk about diets, dyslexia, designer dresses, and divorce.”
Health
June 1, 1976
Physician, Heal Thyself
How a doctor got hooked on drugs, and how he got off.
Being Texan
November 1, 1975
God’s Country
Abilene, Abilene, strangest town I’ve ever seen.