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🪶 Letter from the Editor

The ice is coming.

By the time you're reading this, you've already heard the warnings. You've already made your Lowe's run, checked on your elderly neighbors, and started mentally preparing for a weekend stuck at home with freezing rain tapping at the windows.

But here's what I keep thinking about as I watch the forecast models shift and the temperature predictions drop: What if this storm is exactly what we need?

Not the ice, obviously. Not the potential power outages or the risk to livestock or the worry about frozen pipes. But the forced pause. The mandatory stillness. The weekend where nobody expects you to show up anywhere because nobody can go anywhere.

We've been running hard since... well, since before we can remember. The holidays bled into January without much of a breath. The news cycle hasn't let up. The to-do lists keep growing. And somewhere in all that forward motion, we forgot what it feels like to just stop.

So this week's featured story isn't about the storm itself. It's about what the storm might give us permission to do: set things down. Tend what's already here. Remember that we don't have to carry everything into next week, next month, next year.

The rest of this edition has everything you've come to expect from The Townie—upcoming events (save the date for the Mason County Chamber Awards on Jan 29!), market updates, rural policy news, and Hazel Mae's advice on winter pruning that doubles as life wisdom.

But I wanted to start here, with this: You're allowed to be tired. You're allowed to let the storm strip your schedule bare and just... be still for a minute.

The ice will melt. The roads will clear. Life will return to normal.

But maybe—just maybe—we'll walk a little lighter when it does.

Stay safe out there, Hill Country. Check on your neighbors. Burn the good candles. We'll see you on the other side of this.

— Katie Milton Jordan
Editor, The Townie
📬 [email protected] // 📞 325-475-4991

The Two Insights Your Business Needs Right Now

Running a business in this region has never been simple — but right now, it’s especially easy to misread the signals.

Some things are working better than they look. Other things feel “fine” right up until they aren’t. Based on what we’re seeing across shops, services, ranch-adjacent businesses, and Main Street operations, here are two insights worth sitting with this week.

Insight #1: The Natural Fence Line of Capacity

It is only natural to feel that every request from a neighbor or a long-time customer deserves a "yes." In a community where your reputation is your strongest currency, the instinct is to stretch just a little further, adding one more project to the whiteboard or one more hour to the shift. You likely see this as a sign of a healthy, growing business, and in many ways, it is. But every piece of land has a carrying capacity, and so does every shop floor and office desk. When a business model ignores these physical and mental boundaries, the work begins to lose the very craftsmanship that made it valuable in the first place. You might notice that things aren't necessarily breaking, but they are feeling thinner. Recognizing your current capacity isn't about limiting your potential; it is about protecting the integrity of what you have already built. The quiet question to consider this week is whether your current pace is a response to a temporary season or if you have accidentally designed a system that requires more than you actually have to give.

Insight #2: The Hidden Cost of the "Fine" Mundane

There is a specific kind of work that occupies the middle ground of your day—tasks and services that are neither profitable enough to celebrate nor difficult enough to scrap. These are the "fine" jobs, the legacy offerings you keep around because they’ve simply always been there. It makes sense to hold onto them; they provide a sense of steady rhythm and a predictable, if modest, return. However, these tasks often act like cedar on a hill, slowly soaking up the resources that your more vital projects need to thrive. While this work doesn't cause an immediate crisis, it creates a subtle, persistent drain on your focus. You may find that your most energized ideas are being crowded out by the sheer volume of things that are just "okay." Letting go of work that no longer serves the soul of the business feels like a risk, but often it is just the necessary act of clearing the brush so you can see the horizon again.

A Small Townie Takeaway

We often measure our success by how much we can carry, forgetting that the most respected businesses in the Hill Country are the ones that stand the test of time, not just the test of a busy season. There is a deep, quiet power in knowing exactly what your business is meant to do—and, more importantly, what it is no longer meant to do. Real clarity doesn't usually arrive in a burst of inspiration; it shows up when you finally give yourself permission to look at your workbench and admit which tools you haven't touched in years. As the sun sets on another week, take a moment to appreciate the space you’ve carved out in this community. Stewardship is as much about what you leave alone as it is about what you tend to.

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Fresh off the Porch

Events

• Mason — Wilson Sharpening Services (Thu, Jan 22, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Kneading Faith Sourdough Co.) — Wilson Sharpening Services.
  Got dull knives? This traveling sharpening shop is popping up at the local sourdough bakery to get your blades back in shape while you treat yourself to fresh bread. Bring kitchen knives, scissors, and tools for on-site sharpening as you enjoy Kneading Faith’s incredible sourdough treats. It’s a handy errand and tasty outing rolled into one.

• Mason — Karaoke Night (Thu, Jan 22, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, Fly Gap Roots) — Fly Gap Roots, LLC.
  It’s your time to shine! Whether you’re a shower-singing superstar or just in it for laughs, this friendly Karaoke Night is all about fun, friends, and fearless performances. Warm up those vocal cords, grab the mic, and belt out your favorite tune—cheering and applause are guaranteed in this supportive small-town crowd.

• Mason — JL Wilkins – All By Lonesome (Thu, Jan 22, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, Stribling Room, Eckert Memorial Library) — Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Library.
  A local favorite returns for a one-man country/western music show with a live-loop twist. Musician JL Wilkins will fiddle, strum, and pick multiple instruments to create a full-band sound all by himself. This free library program is a toe-tapping treat, proving you don’t need a honky-tonk to enjoy genuine Texas tunes.

• Mason — Mason County Chamber Annual Awards Night (Thu, Jan 29, 6:00 PM, The Mill, Mason) — Mason Chamber of Commerce.
  Mason’s night to shine! The Chamber’s 2026 Awards Banquet brings together members and neighbors to celebrate the past year and honor outstanding locals. Enjoy a dinner at The Mill as community awards are presented to the businesses and citizens who make Mason special. It’s an appreciation party for all the hometown heroes who keep our little town thriving.

• Llano — Llano Community Awards Gala (Sat, Jan 31, 5:30 PM, Ramblin’ Rose, Llano) — Llano Chamber of Commerce.
  Llano is rolling out the red carpet in semi-formal style for its annual Community Awards Gala. The evening features dinner, music, and dancing as the Chamber announces Llano’s outstanding citizens and businesses of the year. Tickets are $30 and doors open at 5:30 PM – come dressed to impress and help celebrate the folks who go above and beyond for Llano.

• Mason — Mason County Wineries Scholarship Dinner (Sat, Feb 7, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, Mason Community Center) — Mason County Wineries.
  Raise a glass for a great cause: this annual five-course dinner pairs fine local wines with gourmet dishes to fund college scholarships for Mason’s graduating seniors. It’s a delicious way for the community to invest in its youth. Enjoy an elegant meal in the park’s community center, knowing each ticket helps a Mason ISD student take the next step toward higher education.

• Fredericksburg — 🎭 Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala (Fri, Feb 6, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM, The Edge, Fredericksburg) — Hill Country Animal Rescue.
  Don your mask and let the good times roll for a purpose! This New Orleans–style masquerade ball features live jazz by the Dirty River Jazz Band, a Cajun-inspired dinner, and lively auctions—all to benefit rescue animals in need. Every ticket and auction bid supports the Healing Hearts program for sick and injured pets. It’s a glamorous night of music and celebration where your fun directly fuels furry friends’ second chances. Laissez les bons temps rouler, Fredericksburg!

• Luckenbach (Gillespie Co.) — Hug-In & Valentine Ball (Thu–Sat, Feb 12–14, 7:00 PM–11:00 PM, Luckenbach Dance Hall) — Luckenbach Texas.
  It’s that time of year to get “back to the basics of love” in Luckenbach. This three-day Valentine’s weekend tradition kicks off Thursday with a daddy-daughter dance, continues Friday with a steak dinner and live music, and culminates Saturday in the legendary Valentine’s Ball. From two-steppin’ under the oak trees to romantic campfires, Luckenbach’s annual Hug-In brings country hearts together. Advance tickets are online – come get your “HEART ON” at the most heartfelt party in Texas!

• Castell — Annual Chili Cook-Off (Sat, Feb 21, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, Castell General Store) — Castell General Store.
  Bring the heat! Castell’s beloved Chili Cook-Off invites cooks from all around to compete for the title of best chili in town. There’ll be hot prizes for the top recipes, so locals and visitors are dialing up the spice. Not a chef? Come sample and judge for yourself – it’s an afternoon of tasty chili, cold drinks by the Llano River, and friendly Hill Country competition. To enter a pot of your own, call the General Store and bring the heat.

• Mason — Valentine’s Surf & Turf & Comedy Night (Sat, Feb 14, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, Fly Gap Roots) — Fly Gap Roots, LLC.
  Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable combination of amazing food and nonstop laughs. Couples (and singles, too!) will enjoy a delicious surf-and-turf dinner, then sit back as comedians Will Loden, Jamal Rahal, and Blake Jones deliver a live comedy show. It’s a ticketed date-night event that promises big smiles and full bellies. Treat your sweetheart (or your best pals) to a night of fine dining and hearty laughter in downtown Mason.

• Mason — Willis Alan Ramsey in Concert (Sat, Feb 14, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, Odeon Theater) — Odeon Preservation Association.
  A Texas music legend takes the stage in Mason’s historic Odeon Theater. Singer-songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey, famed for his iconic 1972 album and enduring Americana ballads, will perform an intimate concert as part of the Odeon’s series. Fans of heartfelt storytelling in song are in for a treat – Ramsey’s tunes about small-town characters and country life are best heard in a listening room like the Odeon. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 at the door), and students 18 and under can get in for $10 if seats are available.

• Junction — TSDA “Trial on the Pecos” Sheepdog Trials (Thu–Sun, Feb 12–15, daylight to dark, Hill Country Fairgrounds, Junction) — Texas Sheep Dog Association.
  Watch top herding dogs from across the U.S. and Canada compete in an amazing display of canine skill! From sunup to sundown, border collies will be guiding sheep through gates, pens, and courses by voice and whistle commands. Spectators are welcome (no admission fee; bring lawn chairs) to see these working dogs in action. Handlers and their clever pups gather in Junction for four days of friendly competition that truly showcases the art of stockdog handling.

• Junction — Easter Pageant (Sat, April 4, sunset, Easter Pageant Grounds, Junction) — Men’s Bible Class of Junction.
  A 75-year-old Hill Country tradition continues this Easter Eve. As the sun sets on April 4, local volunteers will recreate the story of the crucifixion and resurrection on the hillside known as Lover’s Leap. This outdoor pageant, sponsored by the Men’s Bible Class since 1948, is presented in its natural setting beneath the bluffs. Spectators park along the foot of the hill to watch the solemn, moving performance come nightfall. Fun fact: The Junction Easter Pageant has never been canceled in over 80 years – rain, sleet or shine, the show goes on as a beacon of faith and community spirit each Easter.

• Llano — Llano Earth Art Fest (LEAF) (Fri–Sun, Mar 27–29, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, Grenwelge Park, Llano) — LEAF Committee & Llano Chamber.
  After a hiatus, LEAF is back and bringing the magic to the riverbanks of Llano! Over three days, artists from around the world will transform Grenwelge Park into an open-air art gallery, creating mesmerizing land art: balanced rock towers, driftwood sculptures, sand mandalas and more. There’ll be live music, local vendors, kids’ activities, and the famous World Rock Stacking Championship to wow the crowd. This creative festival is a uniquely Hill Country experience where nature and art collide – fun for all ages and absolutely worth the trip to Llano.

• Brady — 37th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival (Thu, Mar 19 – Sat, Mar 28, various times, venues in Brady) — Heart of Texas Country Music Assoc.
  Ten days, two dozen live shows, one tiny town filled with big country music stars! The Heart of Texas Country Music Festival returns to Brady for its 37th year, featuring nightly concerts and dances with legendary performers. Expect artists like the Malpass Brothers, Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys, Tony Booth, and many more to take the stage. From afternoon jam sessions to headline shows at the Ed Davenport Civic Center, Brady will be the place to two-step and waltz as fans converge from all over.

Community Features

• Fredericksburg — Youth Livestock Auction Sets Record
  The Gillespie County Youth Livestock Show auction brought in a staggering $1.515 million this year. Over four days of showing animals and a lively sale, generous bidders helped smash previous fundraising totals. These funds go straight to local 4-H and FFA kids, rewarding their hard work raising steers, lambs, goats, and more.

• Kerrville — “Bear-y” Good Deed for Young Patients
  Kerrville native Evie Garrett paid a special visit to Methodist Hospital – Hill Country, delivering armfuls of teddy bears to comfort children in the hospital. Her mission of kindness started as a personal project and has grown to brighten the days of pediatric patients across the region.

• Brady — New BBQ Spot Opens with Fanfare
  Rockin’ J Smokehouse celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting, live music, and plenty of brisket and ribs to go around. Locals lined up as the Brady Chamber welcomed this family-run eatery to town.

Business/School Highlights

• Fredericksburg — Wine Fest Funds School Counselors
  October’s Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival raised over $30,000 to support mental health counselors at the high school and middle school.

• Harper — Attendance Champs Surprise
  Harper ISD’s Attendance Team earned district honors for top attendance rates.

Awards/Recognitions

• Llano — FFA Team Takes 2nd in Nation
  Four Llano High School students placed second nationally in livestock evaluation, with two ranking among the top three individuals.

• Mason — Heart of Texas Honorees
  Chamber award winners will be honored Jan. 29 with categories including Business and Volunteer of the Year.

• Hill Country — Creative Capital Artist
  Texas-based artist Gesel Mason received a national Creative Capital Award and will tour rural communities later this year.

Hill Country Weather

Winter is about to give us a wild ride. Enjoy the unseasonably warm mid-70s and patchy sun on Thursday, because by Friday night an arctic front barges in with rain turning to freezing rain. This weekend looks frigid – highs struggling to reach the 30s, a chance of sleet/ice on Saturday, and lows in the teens by Sunday morning. Bundle up and drip those faucets! A hard freeze is on tap across the Hill Country. (The good news: sunny skies should return by Monday as this cold blast moves out.) Stay safe and stay warm!

Rural Policy & Funding Watch

Big news for rural healthcare: Texas will receive $1.4 billion in new federal funds over the next five years to transform rural health services. Governor Abbott announced the state’s award under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is the largest of any state. About $281 million will be available each year, flowing through Texas HHSC to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to medical and mental health care, and even tackle chronic diseases with preventive programs.

This “Rural Texas Strong” investment means we’ll see grants for telemedicine, new health clinics, and scholarships to attract medical professionals to small towns. In short, a historic dose of resources is headed our way to help rural Texans get healthier. Keep an eye out as funding opportunities roll out this spring – local clinics, EMS units, and nonprofits can soon apply and put these dollars to work in our communities.

On the state budget front, even though the Legislature isn’t in session, planning is underway for next year. Rural advocates are already pushing to protect broadband funding and rural teacher pay incentives that were approved in 2025.

Also, water infrastructure remains a hot topic: the Texas Water Development Board just opened applications for the 2026 cycle of SWIFT funds (for water supply projects). Several Hill Country counties are expected to apply for grants to upgrade aging water systems and expand capacity – critical as drought drags on. We’ll report more as those projects get the green light.

Economic & Small Business Intel

The Texas economy continues to hum along, even as national growth softens. In fact, Texas just hit record-high employment – over 15.9 million Texans in the labor force, with the state unemployment rate holding around 4.2%, below the U.S. average.

Here in our rural patch, job markets are steady. Workforce Solutions reports that more residents are rejoining the workforce in the Rural Capital Area (our broader region), keeping the unemployment level low (roughly 3.5–4%). Small businesses are cautiously optimistic: local shop owners tell us holiday sales were decent, and they’re hoping the upcoming wildflower and spring tourist season gives a boost to Main Street.

One headwind to watch: with that Arctic front incoming, citrus growers and nurseries are scrambling to protect plants – a deep freeze could ding the agricultural side of the economy in the short term. But overall, rural consumer spending has been resilient. When neighbors have jobs, they tend to spend a little at the feed store, the café, and the boutiques, keeping our small-town economies ticking.

In small-town business news, the Hill Country is seeing a mini-boom in “repurposed” businesses. What’s that? Think old gas stations turned coffee shops and historic barns turned wedding venues. In Menard, a 1920s storefront is being renovated into a bakery, and in Llano, the vintage railroad depot has a new life as a community marketplace on weekends. These creative ventures not only preserve local heritage but also create jobs and attract visitors. It’s entrepreneurship with a Texas twist – proving that what’s old can be new (and profitable) again.

Agriculture & Livestock Notes

Drought, drought, drought. That’s the broken record we’re all tired of hearing, but as of mid-January over 70% of the Hill Country is back in Severe Drought (D2) status. After a relatively wet fall, the rain spigot turned off, and it’s showing: stock tanks are low, and winter grasses never really took off.

Many ranchers have delayed planting cool-season forages like oats and ryegrass due to the dry conditions. Unless you were one of the lucky few to catch a stray shower, it didn’t make sense to invest in seed that would just sit there. So, supplemental feeding is the name of the game – hay and protein tubs are flying off feed store shelves.

The wildfire risk has crept up too. All that extra grass growth we had in 2025 (thanks to spring rains) is now dormant fuel ready to burn. Counties west of I-35 reinstated burn bans, and volunteer fire departments are on alert. A La Niña weather pattern is forecast to keep us warmer and drier than normal into early spring, meaning no immediate drought relief in sight.

On the bright side, livestock body conditions are generally good thanks to last year’s decent grazing; we’re not seeing the severe herd liquidations of 2022. But if the dry spell persists into spring, ranchers may face tough choices on stocking rates. Keep doing those rain dances – a couple of soaking storms could turn this around in time for green-up.

On the water front, several rural counties are expediting well drilling permits as residents seek to deepen wells or add new ones. Mason and Menard counties report a surge in domestic well drilling requests, hoping to hit reliable water deeper in the Trinity aquifer. The Hickory Underground Water District is reminding folks to conserve and use “only what you need” because aquifer levels are dropping with lack of recharge. If you’re on a well, it’s a good time to check your pump and have a backup plan (like hauled water) just in case.

Meanwhile, livestock markets remain interesting. The national cattle herd is still at its smallest in decades, and prices reflect that. Local auction barns report feeder steers 500–600 lbs are bringing $2.30–$2.70 per lb, which is well above average. The cattle futures for spring are trending higher as well.

Many Hill Country producers sold down their herds during the 2021–22 drought and have been slow to rebuild because of uncertainty about grazing. If decent rain arrives by April, we might see some herd expansion and calf crop increases. Until then, folks are holding onto their core cows and selling the rest high. It’s a strange feeling when selling cows brings a smile – usually it’s sad, but at these prices, it softens the blow a bit. Keep an eye on the feed costs though; high hay and feed prices can eat into those profits quickly.

On the wildlife side, the lack of rain means poorer winter forage for deer. Some game ranches are supplementing with protein feed early. If you’re a hunter or wildlife manager, note that range experts say the wild turkey nesting season could be impacted if we don’t get spring rain – less insect and forb growth for hens = weaker clutches. Let’s hope February or March surprises us with some moisture for the sake of pastures and wildlife alike.

Market Snapshot

Hay: Extremely tight. Good coastal Bermuda round bales are averaging $100–$120 each and climbing. Square bales of alfalfa are north of $15/bale in many places. With pastures brown, demand is high and supply is dwindling. If you have extra, now’s the time to sell or trade – just make sure you keep enough for your own herd through March.

Cattle: Prices remain strong. 5-weight calves ~$2.50/lb; 7-weight feeder steers around $1.90–$2.10/lb at auctions. Packer cows in the 60–70 cents/lb range. The futures market predicts even higher fat cattle prices by late winter. Hold onto those mama cows if you can; each calf is a paycheck that’s only getting bigger.

Goats & Sheep: The market for goats is excellent, with 60–80 lb kid goats bringing $3.00+ per lb at San Angelo. Hair sheep lambs are fetching ~$2.50/lb for 70 lb-ers. The ethnic market demand is steady, and many producers who switched to goats/sheep during drought are reaping the benefits now. Keep an eye out for the Easter market bump in late March – prices typically spike a bit.

Pecans: The pecan harvest was mediocre due to summer drought stress. However, prices for quality nuts are good: ~$2.50–$3.00/lb for in-shell improved varieties. Retail inshell and cracked pecans are around $6–$8/lb. If you have pecans stored, this might be a good time to sell before the market quiets. Local pecan orchards are doing mail-orders and seeing brisk business from holiday sales carry over.

Oil & Gas: Not a traditional “ag” market, but worth noting for our area: oil prices have been hovering in the $70–$75/barrel range. There’s been a small uptick in lease interest in Mason and McCulloch counties. Nothing like the big boom, but if you see strangers eyeballing your pasture, they might be seismic survey crews. Royalty checks for those with producing wells are steady, helping some ranchers offset feed costs.

Grant Watch

• LCRA Community Grants: The Lower Colorado River Authority is celebrating 30 years of its Community Development Partnership Program with a one-time $100,000 grant up for grabs in this grant cycle. Nonprofits and local governments in LCRA’s service area can apply for community projects – think park upgrades, community centers, emergency services equipment, library improvements, etc. The deadline for the current cycle is in January 2026. This is a hefty grant that could fund a dream project.

• Rural Libraries Digital Services Grant: Texas Rural Funders in partnership with the Tocker Foundation have a new grant to help rural and small-town libraries expand internet access and digital literacy. Applications close Jan. 21, 2026.

• Other Active Grants: EPA rural water funding, Texas CDBG small city grants, and USDA NRCS cost-share programs (EQIP, CSP) are all open or upcoming.

Tourism Pulse

Don’t let the January lull fool you – Hill Country tourism is already gearing up for a busy spring. Valentine’s weekend is the first mini-peak of the year, with events drawing visitors from afar. Local B&Bs report strong bookings.

Looking ahead, all eyes are on the wildflower season. Forecasts predict a moderate bloom this year. Expect traffic to pick up late March along Hwy 29 and 87.

Spring Break: Fredericksburg and Kerrville will be packed, and smaller towns like Mason and Junction are marketing outdoor recreation.

One more trend: Heritage tourism. With the Texas Forts Trail celebrating its anniversary, Fort McKavett and local museums could see increased interest.

Rural tourism continues to grow across wine, weddings, wildflowers, and stargazing. Our small towns together make one mighty destination.

✨ Advertise in The Townie ✨
Want your business to be top of mind in Mason County and beyond? The Townie offers powerful ad packages designed to fit your goals and budget.
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What We Can Actually Carry Right Now

The weather apps started chirping their warnings on Tuesday. By Wednesday, every conversation in the Lowe’s checkout line had turned to the same thing: the storm coming in Friday night. Arctic front. Freezing rain. Ice accumulation. Temperatures staying below freezing for two, maybe three days straight.

We know this drill. We've battened down before. But there's something different about this one—the way it's arriving at the tail end of January, when we're already tired. When the news feels heavy and the to-do lists feel heavier. When we've been running so hard for so long that we've forgotten what it feels like to just stop.

And now the weather is going to make us stop whether we like it or not.

The Weight of Forward Motion

There's a particular kind of exhaustion that comes from always moving forward. Always adding. Always accommodating one more thing onto an already-full plate. One more committee. One more client. One more obligation we said yes to because we didn't know how to say no.

We carry our kids' schedules and our aging parents' doctor appointments. We carry the mortgage and the business payroll and the worry about whether this year's calf crop will pencil out. We carry other people's expectations of who we should be and what we should accomplish and how we should show up.

And somewhere along the way, we stopped asking ourselves: What if I just... didn't?

What if I didn't carry all of this forward into next week, next month, next year?

What if the storm gave us permission to set it all down for a minute?

What Happens When You Stop

Here's what's true about being stuck at home for 48 hours with freezing rain coming down and nowhere to be: You finally have to look at your own life.

Not the life you're building toward. Not the life you're performing on social media. The actual life you're living right now, in this house, with these people, with these unread books on the shelf and these half-finished projects in the closet and these candles you've been saving for a special occasion that never quite arrives.

When you can't go anywhere, you have to be here. And "here" has a way of showing you what actually matters.

Maybe it's the board game that's been sitting in the cabinet for two years, waiting for an evening when nobody has anywhere else to be. Maybe it's the wool shirt with moth holes that you've been meaning to mend since last winter. Maybe it's the neighbor three houses down who you haven't checked on in weeks.

Maybe it's the radical realization that you already have everything you need.

The Joy of Just Enough

There's a kind of abundance we've forgotten how to see. Not the abundance of always adding more—more stuff, more commitments, more plans, more noise—but the abundance of having just enough and knowing it.

Enough candles for the weekend if the power goes out. Enough books to last through the cold snap. Enough flour and eggs to make pancakes on Saturday morning with nowhere to rush off to. Enough wool socks and warm blankets and firewood stacked by the back door.

Enough people in this town who would check on you if you needed it. Enough goodness in this community to carry us through.

The joy of less isn't about deprivation. It's about the bone-deep relief of realizing you don't have to carry everything. You only have to carry what fits in your two hands right now. The rest can wait. The rest can go. The rest was never yours to carry in the first place.

What the Storm Knows

The mesquite trees know this already. They shed their leaves and hunker down and wait. They don't try to be productive through the freeze. They just endure it, patient and still, knowing spring will come when it comes.

Maybe that's what this weekend is asking of us. Not to be productive. Not to optimize our stuck-at-home time with ambitious projects and color-coded spreadsheets. Just to be still enough to notice what's already here.

To read the books we already own. To mend the things that are torn. To play the games we already have. To check on the neighbors we already know. To burn the candles we've been saving. To let the rest go, at least for a little while.

Because when the ice melts and the roads clear and Monday morning comes around again, we're going to have to pick up our lives and carry them forward. And maybe—just maybe—we'll decide to leave some of that weight behind.

Maybe we'll walk a little lighter into February.

After the Thaw

The forecast says the ice should start melting by Monday afternoon. Temperatures will climb back above freezing by Tuesday. Life will return to normal, whatever normal means these days.

But here's the thing about forced stillness: it changes you. Even if you don't mean for it to.

You remember what it feels like to finish a book. To fix something instead of replacing it. To spend an entire evening with the people in your house without checking your phone every five minutes. To know your neighbors are okay because you asked.

You remember that you don't have to carry everything. That "everything" was always too much anyway. That the good life isn't the one where you manage to juggle it all without dropping anything. It's the one where you choose carefully what goes in your hands, and you let the rest fall.

The storm will pass. It always does.

But maybe this time, when it's over, we'll carry a little less into spring.

Stay safe out there, Hill Country. Check on your neighbors. Burn the good candles. Read the books. We'll see you on the other side of this.

Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

This winter I keep wanting to get out there and fix everything — hack the crepe myrtles back, dig up the scraggly beds, repaint the fence while I’m at it. But folks keep telling me “wait.” With this cold snap coming in late January, I’m torn between doing something and doing it wrong. Is winter really the time for pruning, or is restraint just another word for laziness?
— Cold Hands, Busy Mind

Hazel Mae says:

Well now, sugar, pull up a chair and warm them hands, because this is one of those seasons where not meddling is the bravest work a person can do.

Winter has a way of itching at folks — especially with that big cold mess rolling in Friday, January 23. You see the yard stripped bare, you hear the wind rattling the porch tin, and suddenly you’re convinced everything needs fixing right now. But winter pruning isn’t about hacking. It’s about editing.

Here’s the plain truth:

• Dead, broken, or rubbing branches? Yes ma’am, clip ‘em clean.

• Anything that could fall in a hard freeze or ice? Better safe than sorry.

• Everything else you’re just annoyed at? Leave it be.

That Arctic air doesn’t care about your ambition. If you prune too hard before a deep freeze, you invite damage, dieback, and regret — and regret is heavier than any branch you didn’t cut.

Restraint isn’t laziness. It’s knowing when to put the shears down and the kettle on.

Fern says:

Winter is the season of roots doing quiet work.

With the ground tightening up and the air sharpening, plants pull their energy inward. They are not sleeping — they are listening. A severe cold event like the one expected late January asks the same of us.

Pruning in winter should feel deliberate, almost reverent. This is the time to:

• Observe structure without leaves in the way

• Learn how a tree truly grows

• Make fewer, better cuts — not many

Restraint teaches us patience, but also trust. Trust that growth doesn’t always announce itself. Trust that waiting can be an action. In the garden, as in life, cutting too much in a harsh season can wound what would have healed on its own.

When the freeze passes and the light returns, you’ll be glad you listened instead of lunged.

Hazel Mae (one last word):

If this winter has you itching to do something, here’s your list:

• Clean and oil your pruners

• Walk the yard and make notes

• Dream responsibly

• Prune with purpose, not panic

Friday’s cold will come whether you’re ready or not. Best thing you can do is meet it steady, not swinging.

Restraint is a skill. Winter’s just the teacher.

Got a question for Hazel Mae & Fern?
Send it in. We’ll put the kettle on, pull on our boots, and walk it out with you. [email protected] 

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🔋 Energy & Capacity Readings — Week of 01/22/26

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You’re running hot this week, Aries, but not every fire needs tending. Your energy comes in bursts, like sparks off a welding torch — powerful, but not endless. The lesson now is learning when to step back before burnout sneaks in wearing productivity’s clothes. Do one thing well. Say no without apologizing. Rest isn’t quitting; it’s sharpening the blade. Let your strength be measured, not spent.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
Your body knows the truth before your mouth catches up. If you’re tired, you’re tired — no justification needed. This week asks you to honor your natural pace, even if the world keeps knocking. Slow mornings, steady meals, familiar comforts will refill you better than grand gestures. Capacity grows when you protect it. Tend yourself like soil: gently, consistently, without rush.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
Your mind is buzzing like a café at noon, but your energy may not match the noise. That’s okay. You don’t have to follow every thought down the road. Choose one conversation, one idea, one place to land. Silence will feel strange at first, but it’ll clear the static. You’re not meant to do everything — just the things that matter now.

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
You’ve been carrying more than you let on, and it shows in the quiet moments. This week brings a gentle nudge to check in with your emotional reserves. Who are you pouring into, and who pours back? Rest doesn’t always look like sleep — sometimes it’s boundaries, sometimes it’s tenderness. Your capacity grows when you stop apologizing for needing care.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You’re used to shining, Leo, but even the brightest lights need dimmer switches. This week asks you to conserve rather than perform. Let yourself be offstage. Your power isn’t fading — it’s recharging. Focus on what fuels you instead of what flatters you. When you return, it’ll be with steadier fire and deeper confidence.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You’ve been measuring your worth by what you complete, and that math is wearing you thin. This week invites a gentler ledger. Not everything needs fixing right now. Energy flows better when you leave space between tasks. Step outside, breathe, let something stay imperfect. Your capacity isn’t proven by exhaustion — it’s protected by care.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Balance feels elusive this week, like a picture frame that won’t hang straight. You may be giving more than you’re receiving, smoothing edges that aren’t yours to sand. Pause and ask what you need before offering harmony. Your energy is precious. Spend it where it’s returned with honesty, not obligation.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Your intensity runs deep, but even deep wells need replenishing. This week asks you to pull back just enough to feel your own heartbeat again. You don’t have to process everything at once. Sit with what’s true and let the rest wait. Power comes from knowing your limits — and choosing yourself without guilt.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You’re itching for movement, but your energy may prefer intention over speed. This week is about choosing direction, not distance. A smaller plan, done with heart, will serve you better than a dozen half-starts. Restlessness is just unused wisdom. Listen to it before you run past what you need.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You’re steady as a fence post, but even posts need firm ground. This week highlights the cost of always being the reliable one. Check your load. Where can you delegate, delay, or decline? True strength isn’t endurance alone — it’s knowing when enough is enough. Build your days with room to breathe.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Your ideas are flowing faster than your energy can carry them. That’s not failure — it’s information. This week asks you to prioritize what feels most alive, not most urgent. Let the rest wait. Your capacity expands when you honor your rhythms instead of fighting them. Innovation thrives in rest.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You’re sensitive to every shift this week, like weather rolling in before the clouds show. Protect your energy by choosing softness where you can. Music, water, quiet moments will restore you faster than explanation ever could. You don’t need to absorb everything around you. Let some feelings pass like clouds over the pasture.

💫 Until next week, mind your energy like a lantern — bright enough to guide you, gentle enough to last.

Zeke is the kind of dog who makes strangers smile back at him — because he’s already smiling first. This four-year-old husky has mastered the leash life and greets the world with confident charm and “let’s go!” energy. He’s devoted, friendly with everyone he meets, and carries himself like he knows he’s your future best friend. If you’re ready for a loyal sidekick who brings both charisma and heart, Zeke is waiting to meet you at Second Chance Mason Animal Rescue — give them a call and see if sparks fly.

I don’t know, ladies, but I think Zeke might be the one! 🔥💍

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