Libations
March 20, 2023
Texas First: A Dr Pepper Loyalist Finally Tries Big Red
Mmmmm, tastes like red.
Texas Firsts
Being Texan
May 11, 2022
The Joy and Struggle of Learning Spanish as a Tejano Adult
I used to feel ashamed that I didn't speak Spanish. Now I understand why my parents didn't teach me.
Hunting & Fishing
November 24, 2021
Texas First: Killing and Cooking My Own Thanksgiving Turkey
As an impressive quantity of hot, steaming blood poured over my bare hands, I wondered how I, a vegetarian for most of my life, had ended up here.
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.
Books
September 15, 2021
How a Western Comic Series Made Me the Texan I Am Today
To me, Garth Ennis's ‘Preacher’ is about growing past juvenile, self-destructive notions of masculinity.
Being Texan
June 14, 2021
Texas First: The Night I Went Two-stepping With the Gilleyrats
One lucky night of dancing with the masters unlocked a new appreciation of the craft.
Being Texan
February 16, 2021
How Dr Pepper Helped Me Feel at Home in Texas
When I was growing up, Dr Pepper was a rare indulgence. Now it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come.
Food & Drink
November 27, 2020
Texas First: Baking Conchas and Remembering My Grandma
She spent decades feeding our family and bringing us together. Making her favorite treat was a small, sweet way for me to celebrate her and reconnect with my culture.
Music
June 23, 2020
Texas First: How Willie Nelson Brought Me Closer to My Mom
After living most of my life in Texas, I finally gave Willie Nelson a serious listen and learned a few things about my Nigerian mom.