Greater Mason Co. Region Venture Fest is bringing together local entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders to celebrate rural innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us at Fly Gap Winery on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 PM for networking, speakers, and community pride.

📍 Fly Gap Winery | Mason, TX
🗓 Thursday, Oct 2 | 5:30*–8:30 PM *doors open at 5pm
💻 Register today: https://forms.gle/757oWm7EgbYPd4hcA

✍️ Letter from the Editor

Well now.

Three months ago, we sent the first edition of The Townie into inboxes across the Hill Country with a simple idea: what if we told the stories that don't make the front page but make this place worth staying for?

What if we celebrated the people launching businesses out of their garages, the neighbors fixing what's broken, and the quiet grit that keeps small towns from fading into postcards?

Turns out, y'all were hungry for it.

Today, as I put the finishing touches on this edition at 7:24 PM on October 1st, attendee number 94 just registered for tonight's Greater Mason Co. Venture Fest at Fly Gap Winery. We've got seating for 88. That means standing room only, folks—and honestly, I can't think of a better way to celebrate three months of this wild, wonderful experiment than shoulder-to-shoulder in a local courtyard, cheering on the scrappy, audacious spirit of rural entrepreneurship and innovation.

Here's what the last three months have looked like by the numbers:

• 203 active subscribers (up 14 in the last month alone)

• 59% open rate (y'all are reading this thing!)

• 70% of you are native to this region—deep roots, multiple generations—and proud of it

• Most of you call Mason home, but we've got readers scattered across Brady, Menard, Junction, Fredericksburg, and beyond

• Local business spotlights and Main Street stories are your favorite content

• And when asked how you'd rate The Townie? The top answer was "Braggin' at the coffee shop"—which is the highest compliment we could ever ask for.

I'll be honest: I had a completely different launch plan for this fall. Venture Fest wasn't part of it. But as we keep learning out here in rural regions like ours, someone greater is in control. And look where we are now—three months in, standing room only, with a newsletter that feels less like a publication and more like a front porch conversation that just keeps getting louder and better.

So here's what I want you to know:

If you've opened even one edition of The Townie, you're part of this. If you've forwarded it to a friend, told a neighbor, or just quietly nodded along while reading it over your morning coffee—you're building this with us.

And if you've enjoyed these last three months as much as we have, we'd love for you to help shape what comes next. We're building an advisory board, and we're looking for folks who care about this region and want to help us keep telling its best stories. Apply here if that's you.

Tonight at Venture Fest, we're celebrating rural innovation, grit, and the kind of big ideas that start small. Doors open at 5 PM at Fly Gap Winery. If you haven't registered yet, do it now—we'll bring an extra chair to the courtyard for you. And if we're out of chairs? Stand with us. Get cozy with your neighbors. Cheer loud.

Because this—all of this—is what we're here for.

See you tonight,
Katie
Editor, The Townie

This week’s excuse to put on pants 👖 

🌟 Mason County

• Venture Fest — Thu Oct 2, 5–8 PM, Mason Fly Gap Winery
  Shark Tank on sweet tea. Teens pitch, PE keynote, rural grit. Free seats—grab fast.

• Open Wheeling Weekend — Oct 4–6, Katemcy Rocks Off-Road Park (Fri 1 PM → Sun 12 PM)
  Granite, gears, glory.

• RedCliff at Fly Gap — Sat Oct 4, 7–9:30 PM, Fly Gap Winery
  Wine glass in one hand, head-bobbing in the other.

• Seaquist House Tours — Sat Oct 5, 10 AM–1:30 PM, Seaquist House
  Carved wood + curved walls = chef’s kiss.

• Odeon Movie: The Senior — Sat Oct 4, 7 PM, Odeon Theater
  Sports drama, small-town screen, $4 ticket.

• Mahjongg 101 — Tue Oct 7, 5:30–7:30 PM, Mason (venue TBA)
  Tiles click, friendships stick.

• AgriLife Livestock & Forage Conf. — Tue Oct 7, 5–7 PM, Mason Co. Extension Office
  Cowboy TED Talk before winter.

• Karaoke @ Spring St. Collective — Thu Oct 9, 6–8 PM, Spring Street Collective
  Snack. Sip. Sing. Pray.

• Odeon Movie: Downton Abbey — Sat Oct 11, 7 PM, Odeon Theater
  Tea optional, drama guaranteed.

• MYFA Hamburger Lunch — Sun Oct 12, 11 AM–1 PM, West Side of the Square
  Grill smoke + gridiron dreams.

• Odeon Free Movie: Silence of the Lambs — Fri Oct 17, 7 PM, Odeon Theater
  Free + creepy = date night?

• ROCKTOBERFEST — Oct 18–20, Katemcy Rocks (Sat 1 PM → Mon 12 PM)
  Three days. One band. Endless granite.

• Peters Prairie Fall Dinner — Thu Oct 23, 6–9 PM, Peters Prairie Vineyard
  Autumn flavors, local pours.

• City-Wide Garage Sale — Sat Oct 25, all day, Citywide
  Treasure hunt, caffeine required.

• Odeon Live: The Rifters — Sat Oct 25, 7 PM, Odeon Theater
  New Mexico roots under Texas stars.

• Art & Wine Fest — Sat Oct 25, 11 AM–4 PM, Mason Square
  Sip, shop, repeat.

• Tamale Fundraiser (FRN) — Sat Oct 25, 11 AM–4 PM, Mason Square
  Tamales that slap, for a cause.

• Seaquist Self-Guided Tour — Sat Oct 25, 11 AM–2 PM, Seaquist House
  History lite, still tasty.

• Cash Flow Lunch & Learn — Thu Oct 30, 12–1 PM, Mason Chamber
  Spreadsheets don’t lie.

• Halloween Movie: Arsenic & Old Lace — Fri Oct 31, 7 PM, Odeon Theater
  Cary Grant + cackles. $4.

• Top Gun Shootout — Nov 7–9, Katemcy Rocks (Fri 9 AM → Sun 12 PM)
  Rock-crawling bragging rights.

• Wild Game Dinner — Sat Nov 8, 6–8 PM, Fort Mason Park Bldg
  Raffles + deer sausage = tradition.

• Young Life Banquet — Thu Oct 14, 6–8 PM, Mason (venue TBA)
  Adults eat, kids win.

• Light Up Our Town — Sat Nov 29, 6–9 PM, Mason Square
  Santa, cocoa, luminarias—Hallmark IRL.

🍻 Fredericksburg / Gillespie

• Oktoberfest — Oct 3–5, Marktplatz (Fri 6 PM–12 AM, Sat 10 AM–12 AM, Sun 11 AM–6 PM)
  Beer steins, chicken dance, Main Street takeover.

• Ribbon: Oktoberfest 45th — Fri Oct 3, 5:45 PM, Marktplatz
  Snip ribbon, sip stein.

• Ribbon: Schatze Haus — Mon Oct 6, 11:30 AM, Schatze Haus
  New digs, fresh finds.

• Ribbon: Market at Elk & Main — Tue Oct 7, 4:30 PM, Elk & Main
  Another Main Street glow-up.

• Customer Service Master Class — Wed Oct 8, 1:30–5:30 PM, Venue TBA
  “Bless your heart” ≠ good service.

• Reading with a Ranger — Mon Oct 13, 4 PM, Pioneer Library
  Story time with Smokey’s cousin.

• Ribbon: FHS Incubator — Wed Oct 15, 4:30 PM, FHS
  Teen entrepreneurs, scissors ready.

• Cookbook Launch Ribbon — Thu Oct 16, 5:30 PM, Venue TBA
  Pages + tastings + applause.

• Food & Wine Festival — Sat Oct 25, Downtown Fredericksburg, time TBA
  75+ wineries. Sip responsibly.

• Indian Artifact Show — Sat Oct 25, 8 AM–4 PM, Lady Bird Park
  Arrowheads older than your great-grandpa.

• Ribbon: Anderson Outdoor — Tue Oct 28, 4 PM, Anderson Outdoor
  40 years of lawns + landscapes.

• Ribbon: Hill Country AC — Thu Oct 30, 11 AM, HCAC
  Keeping Hill Country cool.

• Ribbon: Blue Ribbon Screen Printing — Thu Oct 30, 4 PM, Blue Ribbon Co.
  Local tees, loud pride.

• Leaders Breakfast (Water) — Thu Nov 6, 7:15 AM, Venue TBA
  Coffee + aquifer talk.

• Ribbon: Custom Touches — Wed Nov 12, 4:30 PM, Custom Touches
  Kerrville transplant, FBG glow-up.

• Reading with a Ranger — Mon Nov 10, 4 PM, Pioneer Library
  Cute. Free. Monthly magic.

• CIA Hospitality Workshop — Thu Nov 13, time TBA, Venue TBA
  Culinary Institute drops knowledge bombs.

• Fun After 5 — Thu Nov 20, 5–7 PM, Texas Regional Bank
  Bank lobby → happy hour.

• Redbud Artisan Market — Nov 29–30, 10 AM–5 PM, Marktplatz
  Pottery, jewelry, perfect gifts.

• Light the Night Parade — Fri Dec 5, 6:30 PM, Main St
  150 floats, glitter storm.

• Ribbon: Bush Gallery — Sat Dec 6, 9 AM, George H.W. Bush Gallery
  WWII history glow-up.

• Reading with a Ranger — Mon Dec 8, 4 PM, Pioneer Library
  Ranger + rugrats = magic.

🐟 Junction

• Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9 AM–12 PM, Kimble Co. Courthouse Lawn
  Veggies, honey, kolaches. Gossip optional.

🦬 Brady

• Branson Tour — Oct 5–7, Departs Brady, times TBA
  Vegas sparkle, Brady price tag.

• Country Music Cruise — Nov 16–23, Cruise departure TBA
  Do good, sip umbrella drinks.

• City Council Election — Tue Nov 4, polling places
  Yard signs don’t vote—you do.

🌾 Menard

• Hunters Blowout — Sat Nov 1, 7 PM, Club Victoria
  Chili, raffles, deer season kickoff.

• Christmas in the Park — Sat Dec 6, 4 PM, Low Water Crossing Park
  Santa, sweets, small-town glow.

• DA Award: Tonya Ahlschwede — Sept ’25, Menard Co.
  Prosecutor of the Year, hometown pride.

• Menard HS Jazz Band — Sept ’25, MHS
  Students swing their way to state.

🌄 Llano

• ARTOberfest — Sat Oct 11, 6 PM, Llano Fine Arts Gallery
  German bites, beer, live tunes.

• Heritage Days — Oct 17–19, Museum/Railyard District
  Living history, chuck wagons, cemetery tour.

• Sporting Clays (Lions Club) — Sat Oct 18, 7:30 AM, Inks Ranch
  Clay dust, good cause.

• Pumpkin Float — Sat Oct 25, 6 PM, Llano River
  Carved pumpkins glow downstream.

• Farmers & Crafters Market — 1st & 3rd Sat, 9 AM–12 PM, Courthouse Square
  Produce + handmade everything.

• Hunter Appreciation — Sat Nov 1, 10 AM–5 PM, Visitor Ctr Depot
  Goodie bags, music, prizes.

• Starry Nights — Opens Fri Nov 29, evenings, Badu Park
  Riverwalk lights + cocoa.

• Dickens Christmas — Dec 5–7, Downtown Llano
  Victorian cheer, Hill Country style.

🎶 Kerrville

• Concerts by the River — Sat Oct 11, 7 PM, Louise Hays Park
  Free therapy via live tunes.

• Texas Fleece & Fiber — Oct 24–26, Hill Country Youth Event Ctr
  Sheep, alpacas, yarn addicts.

• Family Fright Night — Fri Oct 31, 5:30 PM, Louise Hays Park
  Candy + costumes = sugar chaos.

• Holiday Lighted Parade — Sun Nov 30, eve, Water St → Courthouse
  Santa, floats, sparkle.

• Flood Recovery Grant — Sept ’25, Kerr County
  A federal lifeline, finally.

🎤 San Angelo

• Plateauberfest — Sat Oct 4, Plateau Brewing, time TBA
  Stein hoists, live sets, kid crafts.

• Feels Like Home Fest — Sat Oct 11, 12–11 PM, Venue TBA
  Texas country, two days, zero apologies.

• Gala for Hope — Fri Oct 17, eve, Cactus Hotel
  Masquerade, fundraising, sparkle.

• Downtown Block Party — Sat Oct 18, 12–5 PM, Beauregard St
  Bands, trucks, 40+ vendors.

• ASU Cybersecurity Roundup — Wed Oct 22, 8 AM–4 PM, Angelo State Univ.
  Hackers beware, students prepared.

• Scouting 100th — Thu Oct 16, 5 PM, TSW Council Office
  A century of service—salute.

• 20 Under 40 Awards — Thu Oct 23, Venue TBA
  Young pros get their spotlight.

🌤️ Weather at a Glance

Week of October 2–8, 2025

Well now, y'all better grab your umbrellas and dust 'em off, 'cause Mother Nature's fixin' to throw us a little somethin' different this week. After one last scorcher Friday pushin' up near the mid-90s, we're gonna get a blessed cool-down into the upper 80s and low 90s for the rest of the week—hallelujah! But here's the kicker: scattered showers and thunderstorms are gonna start rollin' in Friday and really get ornery Saturday through Monday, with some of those storms capable of dumpin' heavy rain in a hurry. Keep your eyes peeled for isolated flash flooding, especially out in the Hill Country and southern Edwards Plateau where them downpours might really let loose.

Overnight lows will be mighty pleasant in the upper 60s to low 70s—perfect porch-sittin' weather if it ain't rainin'. After Monday, them rain chances'll hang around but settle down to more reasonable daily sprinkles through the week. So park your truck on high ground if you're in a low spot, keep them rain boots handy, and don't go crossin' no flooded roads, ya hear? This week's gonna be a whole lot cooler and wetter than what we've been livin' through, and honestly, that ain't half bad.

Who Does What? Understanding the Three Pillars of Regional Prosperity

Are you tired of that two-hour commute? Tired of watching your paycheck disappear into gas money and wear on your vehicle, all for a job that pays what you're worth but sits an hour and a half from your front door? You're not alone. And whether you're a business owner or a W2 employee clocking in every morning, the answer to that frustration lives closer to home than you think—in three organizations that most people lump together but couldn't be more different.

Let's talk about Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and Economic Development Organizations. If you think they're all the same thing, or if you assume your city/county commission is supposed to handle all of it, you're in good company. Even some former mayors mix them up. But once you understand what each one actually does, the picture gets a whole lot clearer—and so does the path toward a region where even more good jobs exist closer to home.

The Chamber of Commerce: Your Business Connector

Think of the Chamber as the connector and amplifier for local businesses. Chambers host ribbon cuttings, coordinate networking events, advocate for business-friendly policies, and help shops and service providers get the word out. They're about visibility, relationships, and keeping the local business community talking to each other and thriving through collaboration.

Chambers focus on creating a healthy environment for businesses already here—supporting them, celebrating them, and making sure they have a voice in local decision-making. They're the conveners and the champions of the business community.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau: Selling Your Sense of Place

The CVB is all about bringing people to your town. They market your festivals, your downtown, your wineries, your historic courthouse square. They work with hotels, restaurants, and attractions to package your region as a destination. Their job is to fill rooms, fill tables, and fill calendars.

This work matters. Tourism dollars ripple through the local economy, and a vibrant sense of place makes people want to live here, not just visit. But the CVB isn't in the business of recruiting manufacturers or retaining your hometown employer. They're in the business of attraction—the kind that gets people to spend a weekend, not build a career.

The Economic Development Organization: The Long Game

Here's where things get interesting. An Economic Development Organization (EDO) focuses on business attraction, business retention, and business expansion. They're the ones working to bring new employers to town, help existing businesses grow and hire locally, and create the conditions where entrepreneurs can launch and scale right here at home.

EDOs negotiate with companies considering relocation. They help local businesses access capital, workforce training, and infrastructure. They think in terms of jobs per capita, wage growth, and industry diversification. They're playing the long game so that your kid graduating from High School doesn't have to move to Austin or San Antonio to find a career that pays the bills.

And here's something most people don't realize: when a controversial project—say, a battery storage plant on private property—comes to town, an EDO may be able to give the community a seat at the table. Without one, decisions get made by landowners and developers alone. With one, there's at least a voice in the room asking, "What does this mean for our people, our infrastructure, our future?"

Why This Matters to You

But here's where it gets tricky in rural regions like ours: most small towns don't have the resources to fund three separate organizations. So what happens? Communities try to build one organization and ask the staff to deliver on all three missions at once. Business networking and tourism marketing and industrial recruitment and workforce development. It's a recipe for confusion and lackluster results—not because anyone's doing a bad job, but because these are fundamentally different skill sets, funding models, and timelines. Trying to do everything often means nothing gets the focus it deserves.

Understanding the distinctions isn't about pointing fingers. It's about clarity. When you know what each organization is built to do, you can better assess what's working, what's missing, and where gaps might exist.

You might be thinking, "I'm not a business owner. Why should I care?" Here's why: regional prosperity isn't just good for the guy who owns the hardware store. It's good for you. It means your daughter can come home after college and find a job that uses her degree. It means you don't have to choose between a living wage and living close to the people you love. It means the tax base grows, services improve, and the slow bleed of talent out of small towns starts to reverse.

These three organizations aren't interchangeable. They're complementary. When all three are present, healthy, and doing their distinct jobs, you get a region that works—for visitors, for business owners, and for the W2 employee who just wants to spend less time on Highway 87 and more time at the dinner table.

Stay Curious

Now you know the difference. A Chamber isn't an EDO. A CVB isn't a Chamber. An EDO isn't a city council. And none of them can do it all alone. The question isn't whether your hometown has all three—it's whether you understand what's missing, what's working, and what role you might play in building the kind of region where opportunity doesn't require a two-hour commute.

If these dynamics matter to you—if you care about what comes next for this region—consider joining the conversation. The Townie is building an advisory board, and we're looking for folks who want to dig deeper. Apply now: https://forms.gle/5onYtrSzwdzvDXTW8

Because the future of small-town Texas won't be written by outsiders. It'll be written by people like you—people who stayed curious long enough to ask the right questions.

And because this is part of The Townie Listening Tour: if you’d like your business or story featured, hit reply with your contact info and a story angle. We’ll set up a time to visit.

🫙 For Sale / Local Products

2020 Grand Design SOLITUDE 377MBS Fifth Wheel
$42,500. Sleeps 10. 40 ft with 4 slide outs, king bed, bunks, Cummins Onan generator. Well maintained. Mason County.
📞 Joel | 830-777-7550

Sheri Ivy's Homemade Salsa
$12/pint. Made locally. Limited batch.
🛒 London Grocery & Grill (17451 US-377, London, TX 76854)
📞 325-475-2296

💼 Job Board / Help Wanted

🧼 Cleaning Positions – RV Fresh, Fredericksburg
Love clean spaces? RV Fresh is a new service from the RV EMT team, specializing in RV interior cleaning. Now hiring for part-time and full-time roles.
📞 Michelle | 830-251-2272

🦌 Hunting Guide Needed – Fredonia, TX
Full-time hunting guide needed for MLD season + ranch hand work in the off-season.
📞 Justin Mondrik | 830-317-1977

🔧 Mobile RV Repair Tech – Fredericksburg, TX
RV EMT is hiring! Join their mobile RV repair team—training available, but electrical, plumbing, or generator skills are a plus.
📞 Michelle | 830-251-2272

🛠️ Local Services & Contractors

Nailed It Clearing and Dirt Work – Josh Nail
Land clearing + dirt work
📞 325-347-7665

Powers Aquatics Construction & Landscaping
📞 Lloyd Powers | 325-446-6085

Twisted K Construction – Ashton Kettinger
Rural construction work
📞 830-333-4589

Click here to 👉 Submit your classified to The Townie.

📍 226 Fort McKavitt, Mason, TX
Own a slice of history: an 8-room boutique hotel with added commercial space and a spacious 2,100 sq ft apartment. Investment opportunity meets small-town charm.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

📍 325 East Rainey Street, Mason, TX
Built in 1954, this charming red-brick home is tucked just minutes from the local schools. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a cozy 1,866 sq ft footprint, it sits on a quarter-acre lot—plenty of yard without the upkeep. Inside, you'll find warm wood finishes, spacious rooms, and updates throughout. The sellers are even offering a roofing allowance to help you get started fresh. This one's got great bones, and even better potential.
📞 Shayne Smith | 325-347-4012 | [email protected]

📍 800 Steap, Mason, TX
A masterclass in craftsmanship, this single-story beauty includes warm wood trim, custom finishes, and a luxurious primary suite. Set on half an acre with postcard-worthy views.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

📍 Erna, TX
FOR SALE :: 3BR / 2BA home on small acreage. 1985 double-wide mobile home needs full remodel. Well, septic, and electric in place. Nice front-yard shade tree and direct highway access. $75,000.
📞 Randy Kruse | 325-347-2520

📍 Hill Country Home, Mason, TX
Step into this beautifully maintained single-story home featuring an open layout, custom white cabinetry, a cozy fireplace, and expansive views. With a spacious primary suite and guest-ready accommodations, it's perfect for both quiet mornings and lively dinners.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

Click here to 👉 Submit your real estate or rental to The Townie.

Dear Walt & Nadine,

I started out with a food truck slinging burgers and steaks, and business was so good I moved into a rental space downtown. The bigger kitchen helped keep up with demand, but now I'm stuck — I can’t find (or keep) good back-of-house help. My wife and I are working long shifts, covering for no-shows, and scraping by with a few high schoolers who need lots of training and even more time off. We’re beyond burned out, but we can’t afford to shut down or hand things over to someone who’ll sink the place.

We’d love a vacation, heck, even a day off — but right now, it feels like we’re chained to the grill. What can we do?

– Running on Fumes with Fries

WALT SAYS: Been there. You’ve got a full griddle and an empty bench. First off: this is a management problem, not a moral failure. You didn’t mess up — the labor pool shrank, the costs rose, and here you are trying to make payroll and not snap in two.

Now. You won’t like this, but here’s the truth: if your business only works when you and your wife work yourselves into the ground, then it doesn’t work. Not long-term. You’ve got two options:

1. Simplify your menu so someone less skilled can step in. Cut anything fancy that’s dragging you down.

2. Raise your prices. Even $1 per plate can go straight to labor. Don’t assume folks won’t pay — they’re paying for consistency, not a charity burger.

High schoolers can be trained, sure, but don’t build your house on soft shifts and band practice. If someone can’t cover a Friday dinner rush, they’re a pinch hitter — not a backbone.

Also: if a day off feels impossible, you’re overdue for one.

NADINE SAYS: You’re doing the hardest part of growth: crossing from hustle to business. That transition hurts. And it’s where a lot of good people burn out.

Let’s be honest — in rural areas, the talent pool is shallow. But that doesn’t mean there’s no one. It means your job is to make your kitchen the place people want to work.

Here’s how:

• Create a part-time pitch. Retired folks, semi-pro cooks, or folks picking up second shifts don’t want 40 hours — but they might want 10–15 predictable ones. That’s relief you can count on.

• Offer consistency, not miracles. Set one day a week you’re closed — period. Use it to rest or prep or cry into your apron, but make it non-negotiable.

• Re-recruit your community. Ask customers: “Know anyone with kitchen experience looking for solid part-time work?” You’d be surprised who’s between gigs or tired of commuting.

• And yes — Walt’s right — raise your prices. People will pay $1 more to keep you in town and off the floor.

Final note: you don’t have to grow bigger. You just have to grow smarter. Even small changes can free up big breathing room.

You’ve fed this town. Let them help you stay.

🎨 ART RANCH – Where Art Meets Landscape
Discover ART RANCH: a place where the land inspires and artists gather to create, connect, and learn. Join for seasonal workshops, residencies, and creative stays that celebrate the bond between nature and expression.
🌐 artranchfbg.com | 📍 See location & pics

🌾 Bogusia's Farmstand – Sourdough from the Heart of the Hill Country
From the rolling hills of Poland to a cozy microbakery in the Texas countryside, Bogusia Speakman offers long-fermented, organic sourdough baked goods that bring comfort and tradition to your table.
🌐 Facebook: Bogusia's Farmstand

🌙 Blue Moon Rising Customs – Once in a Blue Moon, Something Good Happens
Brandy Speakman never expected to find her soulmate after losing her husband of 35 years—but life had other plans. With laughter back in her life and a renewed spirit, she's returned to her roots: country living, faith, and creativity. Together with her new partner, Brandy handcrafts all things western through Blue Moon Rising Customs—a business built on love, resilience, and rustic charm.
📍 Based in London, Texas | 🌐 Facebook: Blue Moon Rising Customs

🏠 Cross Keys Designs – Let Us Tell Your Story!
Interior design rooted in personal storytelling—spaces that reflect your journey, style, and soul.
🌐 Facebook: CrossKeysDesigns

☀️ GREATER TEXAS SOLAR – Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Founded right here in Mason in 2016, Greater Texas Solar helps friends and neighbors cut electric bills, gain energy independence, and switch to clean, reliable solar power. Fully licensed and bonded, their team holds top certifications—including NABCEP, SolArk Gold, and Tesla Certified Installer—delivering trusted expertise with handshake-and-honesty service.
🌐 greatertexassolar.com

🦌 Heart of Texas Taxidermy – Preserving Your Trophies for a Lifetime
Local taxidermist with deep Texas roots and a law enforcement background.
🌐 heartoftexastaxidermy.com

🎨 House of Joy Art Studio – Art from the Heart of the Hill Country
Local artist Joy Milliorn brings creativity and community to San Saba through watercolor workshops, artisan events, and an inspiring studio space. Explore, create, and connect.
🌐 houseofjoyartstudio.com

🚐 RV EMT – Mobile RV Repairs. Reliable Parts. Ready to Roll.
On-the-go RV service and parts for Texans with wanderlust.
🌐 rvemt.com

👩‍💼 WIN: Women's Innovation Network – Women in Business: Networking + Learning Together
A regional women's business network with regular events, mentorship, and community support.
🌐 Facebook: WIN

Dear Laurel & Reese,

Lately, I’ve been feeling completely overwhelmed at work. My boss can be difficult to work for—his expectations often feel unrealistic, and he doesn't seem interested in streamlining our workflow.

For example, I built a Google Form to help capture and track incoming orders in a way that’s efficient and organized. Instead of using it, he continues to send me one-off text messages—often at night or over the weekend. It’s chaotic, hard to track, and makes it feel like I’m constantly on call. I’m working hard, but this lack of process is really stressing me out.

I’m starting to wonder: Am I being overly sensitive, or is this a real issue? Should I just power through, or is there a better way to handle this?

Signed,
Running on Red Flags

Okay, you know we have thoughts.

Dear Running on Red Flags,

You are not being overly sensitive—you’re being systematically overwhelmed by a manager who’s ignoring the systems you built to keep things sane. That’s not a personality clash. That’s a process problem—and it's entirely reasonable to want (and ask for) something better.

Let’s zoom out first. What you're describing is classic “reactive boss” behavior: impulsive, inconsistent, and convinced their urgency trumps your structure. This kind of leadership doesn’t just disrupt workflow—it chips away at your boundaries and burns out your brain. And when texts are flying in at all hours, it’s easy to feel like you’re the problem for not keeping up. Spoiler: You’re not.

Here’s what we want you to know:

1. You are allowed to protect your process.

The Google Form isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a boundary in disguise. It keeps requests organized, time-stamped, and trackable. If your boss refuses to use it, he’s not just ignoring a tool—he’s ignoring your time and mental bandwidth.

2. You’re not crazy for wanting some off-the-clock peace.

Getting texts at night and on weekends? That’s a boundary violation, not “just part of the job.” Even if you love your work, you are still allowed to rest, recharge, and not be available 24/7. Responsiveness ≠ value.

3. You can push back—strategically.

We suggest a two-pronged approach: documentation and a proactive conversation.

Try this script for starters:

“Hey [Boss's Name], I wanted to talk about how we’re managing incoming orders. I created the Google Form to help streamline everything so we’re not missing details or duplicating work. I’ve noticed that requests are still coming in through text at different times, and it’s been hard to keep everything organized. Going forward, can we agree to route all new orders through the form? That way I can make sure nothing falls through the cracks—and we both have a clear view of what’s in progress.”

If he pushes back or insists that texting is “just faster,” calmly reframe it:

“I get that it feels quick in the moment, but the extra tracking actually slows things down on my end. Using the form makes everything smoother and more reliable.”

And if texts do keep coming in off-hours? You don’t have to respond right away. Normalize delayed responses by setting an auto-reply or simply not answering until work hours resume.

4. You’re not overreacting. You’re responding to real friction.

This stress isn’t about a single Google Form—it’s about whether your work is being respected. If your systems are ignored, your time disrespected, and your mental health suffering, it’s not just frustrating—it’s unsustainable.

We’re not saying quit tomorrow (unless you want to—we won’t stop you!). But we are saying: You’re allowed to advocate for structure. You’re allowed to need systems that work. And you’re allowed to expect a basic level of respect from the person who signs your paychecks.

Keep us posted. We’re in your corner.

Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

This ain’t the kind of thing I usually do — writing letters, I mean — but I’ve been chewing on something and figured maybe y’all could help me spit it out right.

My twin daughters are fixin’ to graduate college this spring. They’re the first in our family to do that, and I’m prouder than a rooster in a henhouse. Smart as whips, both of ‘em. Kind too, which matters more.

But here’s the thing. I’m scared for ‘em. The world they’re walking into feels heavier than the one I did — everything’s expensive, everybody’s tired, and it seems like being a good person don’t stretch as far as it used to. I raised ‘em to work hard and keep their word, but I still catch myself lying awake wonderin’ if that’s gonna be enough.

I don’t want to clip their wings by fussin’ too much, but I also don’t want to sit on my hands if they struggle to find steady ground. Part of me’s counting down the days ‘til I’m not neck-deep in tuition bills, but the bigger part of me’s wondering what my job is now, as their dad. I guess what I’m askin’ is: how do I let ‘em go without lettin’ go? And how do I say any of this to them without soundin’ like a Hallmark card or a country song?

Signed,
Clay from Pontotoc

Dear Clay,

Hazel Mae here, and first off: you done good. Raising two daughters who make it through college with their kindness intact? That’s no small feat. I don’t know what you fed those girls growing up — probably brisket and backbone — but it’s clear they’re made of strong stuff.

Now, I hear that mix of pride and panic in your words. That’s a father’s love talkin’. You're not worried because you think they can't hack it — you're worried because you know life can hack away at the best of us. And the truth is, you’re not wrong. The world’s a little sideways these days. Rent’s high, patience is low, and it feels like everyone’s runnin’ on fumes and fast food.

But here’s the thing: you’ve already given them the foundation. Work hard. Be kind. Keep your word. That’s gold, Clay. They may wobble, they may wonder — but they’ll know where home is, and that’ll steady them more than you think.

Fern chiming in now. Clay, you’re stepping into a quieter kind of fatherhood. Less fixing, more listening. They may not need you to bail them out (though I know you would in a heartbeat). What they will need is a safe harbor — someone who believes in them without trying to steer the whole ship.

Support them in little ways that say “I see you.” A hot meal. A handwritten note slipped into a moving box. Even just asking, “What do you need from me right now?” — it opens the door without pushing through it.

And about that Hallmark card fear? Don’t worry. Your voice is enough. Say what you said to us. Tell them you’re proud. Tell them you lie awake sometimes. Tell them they’ve got what it takes — not just to make a living, but to make a life. And if the words catch in your throat, that’s okay. Tears don’t make you soft; they make you real.

You don’t have to let go, Clay. You just have to loosen your grip a little so they can reach back when they need to.

With hearts full,
Hazel Mae & Fern

Book Summary: Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a river. The current is steady, sometimes gentle, sometimes raging, and you have two choices: resist the flow, thrash against it until you’re exhausted… or learn how to swim with it, float, and eventually steer yourself with strength.

That’s the central metaphor we’ll use to explore Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber. The book is about healing, resilience, and strength—not the rigid, grit-your-teeth kind, but the kind that flows. Water can trickle, pour, carve valleys, or crash with force. Strength, she says, works the same way. Sometimes you need to stand firm; sometimes you need to soften. The wisdom lies in knowing which to use, and when.

Below is a 1,000-word walk through the main ideas of the book, carried on this river-metaphor.

1. Redefining Strength: Not the Dam, but the River

We often think of strength as being like a dam: rigid, tall, unmovable. Culture celebrates toughness, stoicism, “pushing through.” But a dam can crack under too much pressure. It’s not sustainable for a human life.

Kolber reframes strength as water. Water adapts. It can be strong in its gentleness—think of a river sustaining life along its banks—or strong in its power, cutting canyons through stone. Real strength isn’t just pushing harder; it’s knowing when to yield, when to pause, when to rage, and when to rest.

So the first principle: don’t confuse rigidity for resilience. Flexibility is what keeps the river flowing.

2. Trauma and the Frozen River

Imagine a stretch of river locked in ice. Trauma is like that: it freezes the flow. Your body and nervous system, when overwhelmed, put everything on pause so you can survive. This isn’t weakness; it’s design.

Kolber explains how trauma isn’t just in the mind—it’s in the body. The nervous system carries survival states like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. For some, “pushing through” life means staying stuck in a frozen state. The river still exists beneath the ice, but it needs warmth, time, and gentleness to thaw.

This is why compassion is key. You don’t yell at a frozen river to melt; you bring steady sunlight.

3. The Flow of Compassion

Compassion is the sunlight on the ice. And here, compassion doesn’t just mean “being nice.” It’s more radical: choosing kindness toward yourself when you feel like the least deserving of it.

Kolber introduces the idea of “compassionate resourcing.” That means finding small ways to feel safe, grounded, or connected: a warm blanket, a supportive friend, a calming breath. These resources are like little tributaries feeding the river, strengthening it so the main current can move again.

This is not indulgence; it’s irrigation. A dry riverbed can’t flow until it’s replenished.

4. Windows of Tolerance: Navigating Rapids and Still Pools

Picture yourself in a kayak. Sometimes the river is calm—you’re floating with ease. Other times, you’re hitting rapids, getting tossed around. Kolber describes this as the “window of tolerance.” It’s the zone where your nervous system feels steady enough to engage with life. Too much stress, and you’re out of the boat, clinging to rocks.

The goal isn’t to make the river calm forever—that’s impossible—but to expand your window of tolerance, so you can handle the rapids without capsizing. Practices like grounding, breathwork, and somatic exercises are your paddles and life vest. They don’t remove the rapids, but they give you skill and confidence to stay afloat.

5. The Myth of White-Knuckle Strength

Think of a person clinging to a rock in the middle of the river. They’re exhausted, gripping tighter and tighter. Culture often calls this “strength”: not letting go no matter what. But Kolber points out that sometimes the bravest act is to release the rock. To trust the water.

Strength doesn’t always look like control. Sometimes it looks like surrender. Not passive giving up, but active trust—knowing that letting the current carry you might take you further than clinging ever could.

6. Building Capacity: Strength Training for the Soul

If you want to paddle farther, you don’t start by kayaking Class V rapids. You practice on calm waters, build muscle memory, and slowly increase challenges. Healing is the same.

Kolber talks about “capacity building”: small, repeatable practices that teach your nervous system safety and resilience. It could be noticing your breath, practicing boundaries, journaling, or receiving safe touch. Each repetition is like doing reps at the gym, except here you’re strengthening your ability to stay present, connected, and flexible.

Over time, the river gets wider and deeper; you can handle more without overflowing.

7. Strong Like Water in Relationships: Confluence and Separation

When two rivers meet, they form a confluence—more powerful together. But sometimes, rivers must split to find their own course. Relationships in healing work the same way.

Kolber emphasizes that connection is vital: no river flows alone. Safe people act like tributaries, feeding and enlarging your strength. But unhealthy connections can dam you up, block your flow. Setting boundaries isn’t cruelty; it’s river engineering—making sure your current isn’t drained into a desert.

8. The Role of Lament: Honoring the River’s Floods

Sometimes the river floods. It spills over, destructive and messy. Healing requires facing grief, naming pain, letting tears fall. Kolber writes about the sacredness of lament—the act of honestly acknowledging loss and sorrow.

This isn’t wallowing; it’s hydrology. If you ignore floodwaters, they’ll carve their own destructive path. But if you let them flow into safe channels, they renew the soil, making way for growth.

9. Post-Traumatic Growth: The Canyon Carved by the Current

Return to the Grand Canyon in your mind: immense, awe-inspiring, carved by water’s persistence. Trauma isn’t something anyone would choose, but healing can create unexpected depth.

Kolber calls this post-traumatic growth—the ability to emerge with new perspective, empathy, resilience. The canyon is the scar, but also the beauty. The river’s work transforms devastation into grandeur.

This doesn’t mean “everything happens for a reason” (a phrase Kolber critiques as harmful). It means that even in suffering, the river can still carve something meaningful.

10. Practicing Both Gentleness and Power

Here’s the paradox: water is both soft and strong. Healing requires both.

Gentleness is self-compassion, small practices, rest. Power is boundaries, truth-telling, and moving forward. Together, they form the full spectrum of “strong like water.” Too much gentleness without power leaves you stagnant; too much power without gentleness can erode you.

The art of healing is learning to shift between them, like a river that sometimes meanders and sometimes roars.

11. Integration: Living as the River

Ultimately, Kolber calls us to stop living like dams and start living like rivers. To trust that strength isn’t about bracing against life but moving with it. To cultivate compassion as our sunlight, capacity as our training, and relationships as our tributaries.

When we do, we stop fearing floods and rapids. We know they’re part of the river’s nature. And we trust ourselves—whether trickling, surging, or resting in still pools—that we are still strong.

Closing Reflection

Strong Like Water reminds us that healing is not a finish line; it’s a river you live with. Some days the current feels gentle. Other days it tries to sweep you under. But the secret is that you are the river: strong in your flexibility, enduring in your persistence, and beautiful in your movement.

True strength, Kolber teaches, isn’t about being unbreakable. It’s about flowing, adapting, and carving valleys of grace through the hardest stone.

Horoscopes for the week of 10/02/25

Horoscope - Week of October 2, 2025

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19) You're racing toward the finish line of 2025, but slow down for a second. What do you want to remember this year for? Not what you conquered—what made you feel alive. This week, chop wood. Stack it. Feel the weight in your arms and the rhythm in your swing. Let your body answer the question your mind keeps spinning. Consider: What made your heart beat faster this year?

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20) You've been holding steady all year, but steadiness doesn't mean stillness. What moments actually fed you in 2025? This week, bake something from scratch—bread, pie, biscuits—something that takes time and warmth. Knead the dough. Let your hands remember what it feels like to create something nourishing. Consider: What do you want to savor before this year ends?

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20) You've collected a year's worth of stories, ideas, and half-finished thoughts. But which ones actually mattered? This week, take a long drive with no destination. Windows down, music up. Let your body relax into motion while your mind sorts through the noise. Consider: What conversation from this year still echoes?

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22) You've held so much this year—for others, for yourself, for the version of home you're still building. But what held you? This week, sit by water. A creek, a pond, even a bathtub. Let your body remember how to float. Let yourself be held for once. Consider: What made you feel safe this year?

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22) You've shined bright all year, but what lit you up from the inside? Not applause—warmth. This week, build a fire. Tend it. Watch the flames dance and let your body rest in the glow. You don't have to perform for the embers. Consider: What moment this year made you feel most like yourself?

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22) You've been fixing, organizing, and perfecting all year. But what actually brought you peace? This week, weed a garden or sweep a porch—something repetitive, simple, grounding. Let your hands work while your mind goes quiet. Consider: What small, ordinary thing this year brought you unexpected joy?

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22) You've been balancing everyone else's needs all year. But what did you need? This week, rearrange something in your home. Move furniture. Hang a picture. Let your body choose what feels right without asking permission. Consider: What does harmony actually feel like for you?

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) You've been deep in transformation all year—shedding, rebuilding, becoming. But what's worth keeping? This week, dig in the dirt. Plant bulbs for spring or just get your hands in the soil. Let your body connect to what's beneath the surface. Consider: What part of yourself did you reclaim this year?

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) You've been chasing freedom all year—new horizons, big ideas, open roads. But where did you actually feel free? This week, take a hike. Go somewhere you can see for miles. Let your legs carry you and your lungs fill with cold air. Consider: What adventure this year changed you?

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) You've been building all year—structure, security, something solid. But what's it all for? This week, climb something. A hill, a ladder, a fence. Feel the effort in your muscles and the view from higher up. Consider: What legacy do you want this year to leave behind?

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) You've been questioning everything all year—systems, norms, the way things have always been. But what new truth did you find? This week, stargaze. Lie on your back and let the vastness remind you how small and how infinite you are. Consider: What belief did you outgrow this year?

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) You've been feeling everything all year—yours, theirs, the weight of the world. But what dream is still yours? This week, float. In a pool, a river, or just lie on the floor with your eyes closed. Let your body dissolve the boundaries for a while. Consider: What did your heart whisper to you this year when no one else was listening?

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