Country Sunshine and City Lights

 

I grew up with a big city address but spent much of my life in small-town, West Texas, where my grandparents lived. I loved the thrill of gazing up at the dizzying heights of Dallas’ skyscrapers when meeting my mom downtown for lunch at Titche’s Tea Room and shopping at Sanger Harris. But the fun of walking down dusty dirt roads, investigating anything that grew or moved, and eating my grandma’s homemade pickles in the chicken yard with a passle of cousins was just as thrilling.

Dallas’ city lights illuminating the skyline at night were no more amazing than the surprise of a lone star streaking through the black country sky. I loved Fourth of July firework displays in Dallas, although Christmas eve firecrackers and sparklers in the country were just as spectacular in a child’s eyes.

Eating out at one of Dallas’ wonderful restaurants was a treat. A family favorite was a Greek restaurant called The Torch; I always ordered dolmas and Souvlaki and looked forward to the little sesame seed and honey candy wrapped in clear cellophane that came with the check. But tightly gathered around my grandmother’s table, rubbing elbows with a huge family, and passing the generous bowls of country cookin’ was just as delicious, though not as exotic as meat wrapped in grape leaves.

In the city, our neighbors were so close we could open the windows and visit or lean across the backyard fence for a friendly chat. In the country, the closest neighbors lived “down the road a piece” or across a cow pasture. When they came for a visit, we sat on the front porch laughing and talking until the sun went down and mosquitoes chased us inside.

So why all the reminiscing about the influences of my early years? My writings seem to meander through the experiences of my life. My husband often tells me, “I see you in that chapter.” I didn’t realize it when I was writing but after he humorously points it out, I usually agree. Maybe it’s a mannerism or a funny quirk, a shattered dream or a great loss, the thrill of a new romance or the heartbreak of unrequited love. I leave a little subtle piece of me scattered across the pages.

My historical romances are a transport back to simpler times where my country roots prevail. I hope you’ll travel along to another century and join me on my characters’ adventures, where hearts still break and dreams don’t often come true, but love always triumphs.