Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy . . .

That got your attention didn't it?

And if not, well, then all I can say is you must not be from Texas!



While it's no secret that I do love an adventure I whole heartedly believe it's not where you go

as much as it is what you do along the way to where it is your going. Because if I can't find adventure

in my own backyard, chances are I'm not going to find it on a remote vacation destination in some far off exotic land. Oh, but don't get me wrong I would jump at the chance! ; )

Wait, did you say Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy . . . yes I'm getting there.

When out on an adventure, most of which are in my own backyard, I guess you could say my favorite

part is the wandering. I enjoy being somewhat of a nomad, not having to follow any specific course but

almost always ending up in the right pasture so to speak. And I think most will agree that while we can find places to be interesting,  it's really the people along the way who grab our curiosity.

In this past year I have met some fascinating people, strangers whose countless stories I have listened to, fisherman that have let me hang out with them, and some where I ended up at their kitchen table having coffee and great conversation. Some I have shared here with you, and many I have not because they weren't

my stories to share as they were quite intimate and personal details of their lives. Those that at times I have felt both burdened by and privileged to know.

And so, this brings me to the whole Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy thing . . . finally!

While out in Galveston this last weekend during an event, we came across a street musician, a singer songwriter. It's not at all unusual to find one on a street corner, in front of a store or restaurant at any given time and it's what adds to the character of the Historic District in Galveston. As we got closer my husband took out a small donation to add to the bucket and asked him if he knew a few songs. His genre was Jazzy-blues, Country-folk, Americana and the request was for "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash -  and he was happy to oblige. That song rolled into a few others, which turned into an hour long conversation.

His name is Dan and he has been here in Galveston for about six months. He said the wind

blew him here from Dallas and that things are working out pretty well for him here. He continued with a few more songs, all ones that he had written, and one that I found out later on my own that won him second place in The American Songwriter Lyric Contest. And as we talked I found that he was just as interested in us as we were in him.

It wasn't only his voice and his words, but also his hands that I was drawn to.

There was history and wisdom written on them.

Dan is one of those really down-to-earth kind of people that you meet, genuine and authentic, and definitely humble. I think that's why I was drawn to his music, you could feel the authenticity in his voice that came from his heart and knowing part of someones story makes for more of a connection.

 That and the fact that he lovingly compares a woman  . . . . to Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy in a song

he calls, "Blue-eyed Texas Baby"!

Okay, okay, maybe you have to live here to get this one, but in Texas we do LOVE our

chicken fried steak and gravy! ; )  And it just so happens I found the song . . .did I mention I love google!

I hope you enjoy this too, (hopefully I embedded this correctly)!

Love, Kim

XO

                                                  


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