So long and thanks for all the stories

When Dalton asked me to join him and the new owner of the Wimberley View almost eight years ago, I felt honored and said, “Yes, of course.” There have been a lot of great Central Texas newspaper writers at the View such as my mentor Dale Roberson, Louie Bond, Patrick Cox, “Mac” McClure and our present editor Dalton Sweat. They have written stories to keep the Wimberley Valley informed and have done a great job the past 24 years that I have lived here.

I really enjoyed my job covering nonprofits and meeting people of all walks of life. I enjoyed each one and came away from our conversations with a new friend to stop and talk with at Brookshire Brothers or H-E-B in the future. I have learned a lot about regular Wimberley people and the valley history itself, from the beginning such as the dinosaur tracks all throughout the valley, to land speculator de Cordova to the present.

But the most impressive feature of Wimberley is the spirit of the people itself, once you move here it’s like magic, creative talents you were not aware of come to life. It’s a beautiful place, safe and comforting with neighbors willing to pitch in and help not only in the big emergencies such as the floods of ’15 or snowstorms, but also in little things such as helping your neighbors in their personal time of need or just checking in on them.

As the View’s features writer, I am grateful that I had a little pull and was able to wear the city council down in trying to get approval for a park named for KWB’s founder Martha Knies, without using my position at the View. Knowing her and other volunteers in Wimberley, seeing them receive the recognition they deserve was one of the blessings of the job.

Journalism is a great profession. You’ll never get rich, but working in Wimberley is a big plus. I was able to ride in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (a personal thrill), jump from a 30-foot tower at a James Bond stunt school, interview “Wheel of Fortune” contestants (What’s Vanna really like?), interview the Houston Astros’ manager in his Spring Training office and talk baseball, get to hang out with famous people and get a free facial. The list is endless. Sadly I say, the job I have really loved is now available.

If it’s action you require, I’ve covered a murder, a sniper, a couple of feisty councils, fashion shows, a horse carriage through the Square and lots of events. Each week it was something different. I will be forever grateful to Dalton for letting me go on a photo hunt for a kangaroo in Summer Mountain Ranch. It is one of those things I can brag about over a few beers, (but leave out the photo part, ‘Yeah, I’ve been kangaroo hunting’).

I’m not retiring, just taking a different direction at a slower pace. Wanting to write a book has been a dream of mine, and I’ll be working with local songstress Joyce Webb on her memoirs. I hope to write a few more with luck.

Travel is also in the plans. But, if you see an article with my byline, don’t be surprised. I’ll still be around, submitting stories I’m interested in. Needless to say, I know a little bit of heaven when I see it and don’t plan on moving.

Working with Taffy, the heart and soul of the paper, Susan Sisson and Dalton has been a joy. I’ll miss working with them. But I’ll also miss talking to our customers, who each had a great story to tell. All y’all are wonderful, thank you! You’re the reason I love this valley.

And as Roy Rogers used to say “Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.”