Dallas in December

When I noticed that a favorite professional conference was to be held in Dallas late this year, I jumped at the chance to attend. There were a couple of reasons for that leap. First of all, I had never been to Dallas, and I figured it would be a welcome relief from Chicago’s frozen tundra. Another perk involved an old friend whom I hadn’t seen in years who lives near Dallas. If I could stay with him, this would make the trip economical as well as personal. We had talked about a Dallas visit for a long time, as I still hadn’t met his wife and daughter, and there were other introductions he wanted to make. So, off I went. Dallas in December. Right before I left for the airport, I checked the weather online. I was thinking that perhaps I needed to possibly throw in a t-shirt. I stared at the screen. Did I have the wrong city in my search? Nope, there it was. Dallas, TX. High of 28 degrees. Snow. I threw another sweater in my bag. Go figure.

The trip was a study in diverse culture, as well as an amazing opportunity to connect with kindred spirits. Upon arrival on Thursday evening, we drove from my friend’s beautiful spacious home in Savannah to the Dragon Street Arts District downtown, where there are gallery openings the first Thursday of every month. The first venue, Mary Tomas Gallery, provided an eclectic range of contemporary art, from sculpture to mixed media to acrylics. Wine and chocolate was available, as well as generous conversation with a wonderful variety of creative people. This felt like Dallas haute couture mixed with Andy Warhol insiders. In other words, there were immaculately coiffed women in full length fur coats alongside completely funky spiky alternative folks. I felt underdressed, or perhaps just understated.  A bit later, we wandered over to the Samuel Lynne Gallery, where hot rum cider warmed us as we perused a huge museum-like space, with bold and bright works gracing entire walls. Although it was very cold outside, the atmosphere in these galleries was warm and inviting. I felt I could have been in River North in Chicago, or even SoHo in New York City. Except that these galleries had that touch of southern gentility, unmistakable in its charm, and unmatched in its resolve to allow you completely inside.

Friday evening found me investigating Texas culture once again…only this time via a good old-fashioned Texas country roadhouse. Yes, sir! We drove on over to Aubrey to the Trail Dust Steakhouse, a few miles east of Denton. A band called Cypress Creek was playing, and the dance floor was alive with couples two-steppin’ and line dancin’. Lord-ee!! I ain’t never seen so much fancy footwork in my life! I had a great time belting down draft beer and savoring the T-bone steak, baked sweet potato, and side salad with homemade ranch. Now THIS is Texas, I thought…and yet I knew that it was just one tiny wee part of this very large state. Lord have mercy. I found myself enjoying this so much that I truly spoke back to the sign on the way out that read Y’all come back now! “Yes, ma’am,” I said. “I will.”

And as if this contrast wasn’t enough for me to totally and completely revamp any preconceived notions that I had held regarding Dallas, the next night – Saturday – was the topper. Indeed. That was the night of a gathering with a keenly familiar set of soul sisters whom I had met for the first time. My friend Jeffrey had stoked enthusiasm as a prelude to my visit, and the idea was to generate a unique blessing ritual to clear the way and activate new energy. With these amazing women, we created a celebration of the coming New Year with a simple and powerful ceremony. As it is with these endeavors, the results are a dynamic mixture of the sacred space, as well as the inter and intra-connection of the unique souls who participate. Magic was felt by all, and when I was ready to leave Dallas the next day, I knew that I had found a new tribe.

Texas Fairy

Dallas in December was full of unforeseen gifts, sparkling lights, and renewed love.  I am quite sure I will be back again very soon.

Becky Burns, our Soulful Traveler editor, is an educator living in the Chicago area. Her column will give you insight and inspiration, taking you to the core or essence of the travel experience, something we all feel as a result of exploration and discovery. Look for her monthly postings describing local exploits in and around Chicago, regional road trips in the Midwest, national
adventures from coast to coast, and overseas excursions. You are bound
to be inspired and enriched, nodding your head in agreement as a
familiar reminiscence comes to light again.  You can find her work at www.beckyburns.com or www.soothethespirit.com

Photo courtesy and copyright Becky Burns.