The Innocence of Small Towns

Brenham, Texas
In one of my previous careers, I spent a great deal of time in small towns all over the state of Texas. There is something innocent and charming about them, and their aura is just quite magnetic.

My husband is from a small town in Central Texas - Brenham. It's smack dab in between Austin and Houston on Highway 290. The square has a courthouse area complete with gazebo, and the streets are lined by antique shops. If you're from the south, surely you know about Blue Bell ice cream. It is the platinum standard in ice cream 'round these parts, and it's home is Brenham. Their slogan says it best... "The Best Ice Cream in the Country" complete with double entendre and everything. It's a fairly sophisticated little town, as small towns go.

This little town (about 10,000 population) has become our second home. We have our annual treks around the holidays, try to make a couple of trips to catch some summer Hill Country sunsets, get pics of the girls in the bluebonnets in the spring (a huge Texas tradition - no picking!) and this past weekend was another annual tradition - the Ice Cream Festival. It was complete with ice cream stands, face painters, the "train" ride for small children and lots of carnival games - not the obnoxious kind associated with traveling carnivals, but the ones that make you go "awe..."

There were two big events going on Saturday. The first was the Mr. and Miss Scoop contest, and the second was the Street Dance. It has been my privilege to serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for all but one year of the annual Mr. and Miss Scoop pageant. This is a contest of pageantry and adorable charm between 14-20 three, four and five year olds who are just so much fun! This was the first year my eldest daughter was old enough to understand what was going on. My family later told me that as I was asking the contestants their questions over the sound system, she would answer them herself.

Me: So, little one, what's your name?
Johnnie: Johnnie
My daughter: No! Bailey!

Me: So, little Johnnie, what kind of pet do you have?
Johnnie: A cat
My daughter: No! puppy!

Me: What's your pet's name?
Johnnie: Fluffy
My daughter: No! William!

Apparently, it was quite adorable... and even though there is a conflict of interest, and she could never enter this very prestigious contest (it's rumored a year's supply of ice cream goes to the winners, but this has not been confirmed), she will participate on the sidelines and get ready for her turn on the stage. She did, however, get three balloons painted on her arm, ride the "train" and run all around the square with the fam. A good time was had by all... and we have the sunburns to prove it!