Elizabeth A. Garcia
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One Column at a Time

9/18/2014

26 Comments

 
Picture
This is my 61st column in the Alpine Avalanche. Over a year ago when Sam Richardson, then-editor, asked me to write something for him to publish I thought he was taking a big chance. I didn’t think I could say anything in such a small space. What would I write? Write about living on the border, he said. Write about life in West Texas. Write about Mexico. Write about being married to someone from another culture.

 I thought it would be a miracle if I wrote ten columns. When I expressed my fear of failure to a friend, she wisely said, “Just write one column at a time.”

My first attempt was “My Love Affair with the Rio Grande.” Since then, I’ve been all over the place. I wrote of working in Lajitas in the eighties, my great love of Big Bend National Park, what brought me to West Texas, and why I stayed. My readers now know some things I’ve never told before. I even wrote about drinking Pearl Tea with my grandma and I commented on conversations I’d overheard, both good and bad. One time I wrote a piece about having nothing, not one idea, for a column. I’ve written about misspeaking Spanish, travelling in Mexico, and even being lost in Chihuahua. I’ve shared what I’ve seen: the good, the outstanding, and the not so great.

I’ve been astounded by the response from readers. Not one person has ever said anything negative to me. People may think it, but they never verbalize it. Thank you for that.

I’ve been asked time and again if I’m “that” Beth Garcia. I wish I’d kept a tally of every time someone said, “I always read your column.” Your comments have made me laugh and made me cry. A few weeks ago a woman approached me and asked if she could touch me. I think she meant she wanted to give me a hug, but for a few seconds I felt like a rock star. And yes, of course I hugged her. Who doesn’t love to be hugged?

When I think of bowing out, I remember that I haven’t mentioned my great big Mexican wedding that didn’t happen or the hundreds of river trips I’ve taken. I haven’t told you about the hilarious words of wisdom imparted by my mother-in-law before she died or the time I went to Chihuahua with a gay man and barely escaped going to jail. I never mentioned my trip to Mazatlan or the harrowing bus trip that got me there. Oh, and I really meant to tell you about Garcia’s Misguided Tours to Guadalajara. Maybe another time.

The other day I accused a friend of making something up. Yeah, she wasn’t about to take that kind of disrespect from me. Her expression was priceless. I do love to make things up. But you know that.

For several months now, I’ve been feeling the need to focus my attention on the various novels I’m writing. What I’m trying to get to here is good-bye for now. I’m not good at good-bye so I will say instead, thank you. Thank you for sharing your time with me every week. Happy Trails, my friends.

  


26 Comments
Joe link
9/18/2014 01:08:10 am

Thank you! Possibly you can complete this work in a book of short stories along with your Deputy Ricos books

Reply
Beth Garcia
9/18/2014 03:12:19 am

Thank you, Joe. I will continue to write in this blog. I do have in mind a small book of my 61 columns. We'll see where that goes. Thank you for being a reader!

Reply
Lindy Severns link
9/18/2014 01:10:37 am

You do a terrific job of sharing your heart with your readers. Your universal insights into life anywhere have made my day down in the borderlands more than once. Write on!

Reply
Beth Garcia
9/18/2014 03:13:08 am

Thank you, Lindy! I won't be able to stop!

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Tim McKenna
9/18/2014 01:30:54 am

Beth, thank you so much for opening this window and letting us see through your words into your world of wonder, excitement and joy. To me it is sad that this window is now closing but another will soon open, as they always will, for the talented. Your friend, Tim

Reply
Beth Garcia
9/18/2014 03:13:56 am

Thank you so much for your support, Tim. You are a true friend.

Reply
Jan Campbell Unger link
9/18/2014 01:45:03 am

Beth, I have loved your columns! So sorry the new editor doesn't see things the same way. She'll learn eventually.

I can't wait for Deputy Ricos to show up again in the meantime! Thanks for opening your mind and heart to us all.

Reply
Beth Garcia
9/18/2014 03:15:06 am

Deputy Ricos is galloping towards you. In the meantime, I'll continue to share my thoughts here.

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debi
9/18/2014 02:00:36 am

Beth u showed me a part of Texas that mesmerized and enchanted. I'm going to get there one day and I thank you for the inspiration!

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Beth
9/18/2014 03:16:02 am

Thank you, Chica! I'm counting on you coming here one day!

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Mae Ridgway
9/18/2014 02:08:56 am

I have enjoyed everything I have read. I love have laugh at so many of your stories and really admire the way you describe things. I will always keep on reading what ever you write. Keep up the good works.

Reply
Beth
9/18/2014 03:16:52 am

Thank you, Mae. I will keep on writing!

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Kimberly link
9/18/2014 02:20:40 am

Beth, the Avalanche is going to be missing out on a real gem. I hope you continue to impart your little bits of humor and wisdom somewhere, either in your blog or in a collection of short stories. I have enjoyed reading your work very much.

Reply
Beth
9/18/2014 03:17:56 am

Thank you! I will continue to use this blog. Thank you for reading what I write!

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Bill Chambers link
9/18/2014 03:05:11 am

Goodbye newspaper, hello Blog. Will always follow you!

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Beth
9/18/2014 03:18:30 am

Thank you, Bill!

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Mary L Dutchover (Lucy)
9/18/2014 03:27:05 am

Some people just don't see what is good and helpful and them I say "Your loss". I don't need to buy that paper. Have you thought about The dispatch in Fort Davis or the Cenizo? I hate that your words will not appear weekly. I guess I will just have to wait for your next book so hurry it up cause I can hardly wait.

Reply
Beth
9/18/2014 04:05:46 am

Thank you, Lucy. For now I'll make posts to my blog and work on my novels. Deputy Ricos is coming your way soon. Estimated release date is 11-1-14. Not long!

Reply
Mary Kay Shannon
9/18/2014 03:29:07 am

hate to see you go, but I do understand. Will you please continue to post links to your blog on Facebook?

Reply
Beth
9/18/2014 04:06:35 am

I will continue to blog. Thank you for reading what I write!

Reply
Kathleen Morris
9/18/2014 03:44:32 am

I will miss your columns but since I will be working on novels I am content to wait! What ever you do, keep writing!

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Beth
9/18/2014 04:07:19 am

I will keep writing. Thank you for reading!

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Barbara Wales
9/18/2014 07:09:17 am

Beth,
I think God is just helping you develop your focus. The Avalanche is the loser here. You have so many wonderful experiences ahead, and we---your friends and readers--look forward to sharing them with you. I am proud to know you, and to see so much success in so many and varied areas
Don't forget, we have a spare bedroom, beautiful beaches, and lots of sunshine that is great for some R&R and a totally new perspective. I'm serious, girl, we'd love to see you.
Barbara

Reply
Beth
9/25/2014 12:44:39 am

Thank you, Barbara! I so appreciate your love and support (and not for the first time) I would love to come visit you and Bob and that's on the "back burner" in my brain. I had a visit to Maui long ago and I've never gotten the Hawaiian Islands out of my head.
Love,
Beth

Reply
Tamshaw Cavaliere
9/26/2014 06:21:38 am

I've only recently discovered you, so I'm feeling dismay at being so long a time clueless,now reading your last column. I am inspired however, to track down your books. I know I won't be disappointed.

Reply
Beth
9/27/2014 02:40:57 pm

Thank you, Tamshaw! I will return to posting here soon.

Reply



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