HERE WE GO….

In the beginning stages of this Website, I was asked to do a Blog.  I said WHY?,  then I thought…WHY NOT?  What better way to share stories and history and friendships of East Texas?

I have to admit, I am not a HomeGrown East Texan, but I got here as quickly as I could! However, there are several signs I have had in my life that show I was meant to be here…..

First, my love of lakes and fishing first brought me to East Texas in the 80’s.  When driving into town and I saw the QUITMAN sign, I joked, “Well what a great place to retire–look it even says QUIT-MAN! Little did I realize that less than 20 years later I would be buying a home on Lake Quitman.

Next, when I did move to Quitman and was enjoying my home on the lake, I was still doing part-time teaching in the DFW area.  I felt like I was torn between two worlds, not belonging in either one.  I was on my dock praying one evening for the Lord to give me WISDOM to know where I should be and what I should do.  Two weeks later I was introduced to Hank WISDOM!  And, the rest is history.  (Yes, be careful what you pray for!!)  

Two years later, I found myself being part of Hank’s Smokehouse and Wife’s Marina on Lake Quitman.  Oh, there are some stories to share from there, but it will have to wait for another time.  Anyway, I was serving taco soup to four young professional ladies when one of them asked, “Weren’t you my typing teacher?”  I looked up and smiled as I recognized her sweet face.  And then she said, “You always said when you retired you wanted to just relax on the lake and sell minnows, and here you are…doing just that!”  Everyone having lunch that day in the restaurant got a big laugh out of that one.  Again, another prophecy had come true.

 East Texas is home now, and I truly know I am meant to be here.  It is so exciting to be a part of this project to pull our varied resources together into one place to shop for everything local.  Please Help Us Help You.!!!  And, please share your local stories and history with me so that we can know our neighbors better!  Hopefully I have brought you a smile or two…

See y’all later, Ilavu