Comment from K. Gahler

Exceptional

Nice style - you have a way of including humor and bringing out the most relevant details while tying it all together in a clean and pleasant to read way - A style reminiscent of the great Molly Ivins herself. I've never been to Texas, but it does sound like a fascinating if scary place. I've never been much of one for getting too upset at the deaths of famous people I've never met, but man what a loss when Molly Ivins died - I'd love to hear what she would say about everything that's happened since.

 Comment Written 02-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 03-Nov-2014

Molly definitely left a void with her passing. She loved her state, but she deplored its political figures. Texas politics is and always has been, a three ring circus. But Molly never let them get away with anything and that was what I loved about her.

Like you, I too would love to know what Molly would have to say about it all today. I'm certain there would be more than a few of our elected reps that would be in her crosshairs.

I'm very pleased that you found this piece worth the read and I thank you so much for the six stars.

Marisa

reply by the author on 03-Nov-2014

Molly definitely left a void with her passing. She loved her state, but she deplored its political figures. Texas politics is and always has been, a three ring circus. But Molly never let them get away with anything and that was what I loved about her.

Like you, I too would love to know what Molly would have to say about it all today. I'm certain there would be more than a few of our elected reps that would be in her crosshairs.

I'm very pleased that you found this piece worth the read and I thank you so much for the six stars.

Marisa

Comment from JM daSilva

Excellent

I had no idea Texas had so many philosophers, and I like to philosophize myself, so now you made me think of visiting it some day. Great writing.

 Comment Written 02-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Nov-2014

Well, you just might find their homegrown philosophy a bit on the strange side, JM. However, one thing you won't be is bored, they will definitely keep you entertained.

As I said in my post, just be sure to keep your powder dry and your passport
current. ;=)

Thanks so much for the read.

Marisa

reply by JM daSilva on 02-Nov-2014

I'm weird too, so it's okay. I don't think you can't be a philosopher without being weird.

reply by the author on 02-Nov-2014

Trust me, you haven't met weird until you've met the spit and whittle crowd my friend.

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

Great title :-)
Effective opening
love your narrative style and use of similes
low these many years - lo
great use of illustrative examples
love the Molly Ivins/Bush section in particular
I like how you work your way back to Plato in your strong closing
Brooke

 Comment Written 01-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Nov-2014

Thank you, Brooke, for your thoughtful review. I'm glad you found this piece entertaining.

Also, thanks for the spelling catch.

Marisa

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

A Texan is someone who has trouble forming an identity elsewhere. This is very well written with a sharper point and no erasure. This is very well written.

 Comment Written 31-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 31-Oct-2014

Thank you. I'm happy you enjoyed this piece.

Marisa

reply by c_lucas on 31-Oct-2014

You're welcome, Marisa. Charlie

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

Texan I knew made jokes about Marfadites. You need a comma
but I lost the place and that looks like "lo, these many years" unless you're punning. A general said if he owned
Hell and Texas, he'd rent out Texas and live in Hell.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014

I'm inclined to agree with the general about renting out Texas, especially in the summer. I am convinced the devil has his headquarters directly under that state.

Thanks for the read!

Marisa

Comment from Adri7enne

Excellent

Fun stuff, Marisa. Having never even visited Texas, I'll have to take your word for it that this is how it is. It's a humorous piece, well-paced, with lots of recognizable events and allusions. A fun read. I enjoyed it.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014

So glad you found the piece entertaining.

Texas is a unique place and I have had a good time poking fun at their unique ways. For the most part, Texans know that they are over the top and they are very good sports about all the ribbing they get. I happen to love the people but despise their politics.

Thank you so much for your great review.

Marisa

Comment from Judith B.

Exceptional

A hysterical example of truth expressed with humor! These truths could be said of many states, I think. I loved Molly Ivins. Meeting her at a booksigning at Lake Austin Spa was about the only booksigning I ever truly enjoyed.
Great job of writing and I love the "slightly" irreverent humor.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014

Thank you, Judith, for your kind review and the six star rating, I appreciate both very much.

It's great that you were able to meet Molly in person. She was quite the Character and I so enjoyed her take on Texas politics.

I am pleased that you enjoyed this piece. Texas is not just a state, but a state of mind, and over the years I have come to accept the fact that its inhabitants definitely march to their own drum.

Marisa

Comment from mauial

Excellent

Nicely done. Yep them Texans are full of sayings and bs. Had my share of dealings with them good ole boys when I was in the military.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014

Thanks so much for reviewing this post. I'm happy you found it entertaining.

Texans are indeed a unique group. It was an interesting fifteen years to say the least.

Thanks again for the read.

Marisa

Comment from jpduck

Excellent

How refreshing, a piece of writing from a liberal Texan (You see, even in the UK we know a bit about Texans). But then you spoil it all in your Author Notes by revealing that you are really a Californian. Anyway, a glorious piece; I laughed so loud(ly) you probably heard me. Finally, just to show you that I am a dutiful FanStory disciple, I could find nothing that needed 'more work'.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014

Don't spread this around, but I was actually born in Texas, however, my parents relocated to California when I was very young. I claim California as my home though, Texas is foreign soil to me.

I'm happy you found this piece entertaining, as that was what I was going for.

Thanks for your equally entertaining review.

Marisa

Comment from Kingsland

Excellent

This is a very entertaining article. I liked the quips on the political nonsense that goes on in that state. But if the truth be known, it is true for just about everywhere in this country. This article made me smile and had some really good humor in its thoughts. I enjoyed reading and writing this response for it... John

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014

You are right about the political nonsense applying to other states, as well. The body politic is a crazy quilt of extremes these days and universal in its absurdity.

I'm pleased that you found humor in this piece, it was what I was going for.

Thank you for your excellent review.

Marisa