Connie Swinney

By Connie Swinney

As a child, I could not understand how anyone could consider eating anything Rare, Raw, Marinated or Spicy.

A young palate might describe those “adult” cooking features as – Bloody, Bloodier, Slimy or Murder-mouth.

As an adult with a more mature palate, I find myself craving such foods, but all too often my tummy has determined the more exotic the meal the more I need to temper food portions.

Press Play
By Connie Swinney

Everyone agrees that “everything is bigger in Texas.”

But somehow when we planned our excursion to Colorado, I did not anticipate how much the features of that state could overwhelm a lifelong Texan such as myself.

By Connie Swinney

Growing up in west Texas, I was privileged to view the world from a perspective which emphasized exceptionalism, self-sufficiency, hard work and faith.

By Connie Swinney

'Twas 12 days before Christmas and all through the town,

Not a creature was ready for what was to go down.

All I could see was a glazed look in their eyes.

Like a deer caught in headlights. No smile disguise;

“Are you ready for Christmas?” I say to be merry;

She turned with a jerk and a glare that was scary.

There's always a pause and a quizzical stare.

“Why no, Miss Connie!” How could I dare?

She gave me a nod as we shared nervous sighs;

Then on down the store aisle amidst toddler cries;

Wondering what drove us to wade through the crowds;

All the toys, electronics and clothing that we vowed.

The thoughts of the children all snug in their beds;

Stuffed animals and skateboards and new phones in their heads;

So with a cart full of items, to check out I go;

Whisking by carts that were moving too slow.

By Connie Swinney

Sometimes life can bear down on one's soul.

Perhaps most strife can be boiled down to the fear of the unknown.

What will happen next? What if . . . ?

Those who become mired in perceived impending crisis may spend much of their lives “living in the wreckage of the future.”

To help navigate through these sometimes self-imposed life struggles, I follow a philosophy encapsulated in four words that I believe can PULL anyone through situations which may weigh heavily on the heart.

Perseverance

Understanding

Laughter

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer •

Did you hear “the newslady” works for The Highlander again? How cliché!

It's such a cliché but there's no other way to describe it. I've come full circle. Twenty years ago, I wrote for the paper-of-record overlooking a lake in a charming little town nestled in the hills.

Now in 2018, I again work for the paper-of-record in a charming “little” town . . . er . . . but not so little anymore.

Because several thousand more people.

Because a hotel now blocks much of the lake view.

Because one big bridge over Lake Marble Falls has turned into two.

Not-to-mention more stop lights than you can shake a stick at.

I digress.

For those who have lived here all their lives or at least for the last couple of decades, you may recall my tour of duty as a staff writer with The Highlander in 1998 and 1999.