My Heart Belongs to Georgetown

Before I had children and started blogging, I worked very briefly as a consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics.  It was a confusing time in my life.  I had just graduated with my Master’s (in Literature), but couldn’t find a job (big surprise!), and for some strange reason, selling mediocre cosmetics to friends and family seemed like a good idea.  Don’t judge me, though.  Most Texas girls go through a pageant phase or a Mary Kay phase, and this was mine.

But, during that stint, I did meet a very colorful lady who waitressed at the VFW in Georgetown and LOVED Mary Kay Cosmetics.  Through some strange twist of beauty consultant fate, she found my number, became my customer, and I spent several happy occasions driving up IH-35 to deliver products to her.  And let me just tell you, it struck me quite clearly that there is nothing more country than delivering Mary Kay to a waitress in a VFW.  At the bar.  While she served beer to really old guys who watched us with total boredom as she sampled lipstick colors and perfume.  Fannie Flagg could not make this stuff up.

But I loved going there, because Georgetown is so beautiful and filled with history.  And now, we like to take the boys there when the weather is nice, to eat at Dairy Queen, which, I have to say, is among one of the nicest in the area, and I am kind of an expert on the subject.  Then, we play at San Gabriel Park, along the banks of the San Gabriel River, until the boys are exhausted.  That’s when we pile them into the car, turn on some Iron and Wine, and drive through the city’s streets, enjoying the scenery and the gorgeous, historic homes that fill the downtown area.

It’s a quiet little enclave, removed from the hustle and bustle of Austin, just past the density of Round Rock, and I absolutely adore it.  Here are a few pictures from Georgetown.

(Georgetown VFW, where it all began.)

(Everette L. Williams Elementary, a film location for Dazed and Confused. When I took this picture, I met a woman who attended high school there years ago.)

(The stunningly gorgeous John Leavell House, which is currently for sale.)

(Oh DQ, how we love thee!)

(San Gabriel Park, Georgetown.)

(We love to feed the geese and fish.  Can you see them?)

(My boys on the riverbank. This always makes me really nervous.)

(The massive oak trees that shade us as we play.)

It goes without saying that Georgetown holds a special place in my heart, and I know that many more happy memories will be made there.