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Hello, all!

After almost a year in the editor’s position, I am going to attempt to write a weekly column. I hope that I will be able to come up with something interesting every week!

First, let me introduce myself. I am a newcomer to Blanco, having been here only a year and a half. I am married and have four kids and am always on the run!

I grew up in a small community (population about 100) north of Austin, and loved the freedom that it afforded me in childhood. Since then, however, I have lived in various cities across Texas.

As our children started school, my husband and I decided that a small town and smaller schools would be a better fit for our family. We ended up in Brady, and after five years wanted to be closer to more familiar ground and our families.

My husband began working in Johnson City, and we started looking for the best place to settle down. Initially, we looked in the Dripping Springs area, but quickly realized that the schools were much too large for our taste.

We set our sights on Blanco.

Prior to living here, I had driven through many times on my way to take my kids to summer camp, but had never ventured far off of Highway 281.

On one of our many trips to the area to look for a new home, we decided to take a drive through the residential area of Blanco.

My first thought-it reminded me of where I grew up, a community that my kids could enjoy growing up in. I could see my kids riding their bikes, playing with the neighbors, and me having the peace of mind of safety.

My idea of Blanco has not changed much from that first impression, and it has indeed turned out to be the type of community that is idyllic for raising children.

One of my favorite things about Blanco, and something that I feel other small towns lack, is diversity. There are so many unique individuals and groups that make up this quaint little town. I have had the pleasure of getting to know people from all walks of life in my time here, and have learned much from each one.

If I were asked to describe Blanco in one word, it would have to be passionate. Whether it be for our Blanco Panthers, Keep Blanco Beautiful, being environmentally aware, preserving our past, protecting our animals, or promoting our local businesses, Blancoites are truly passionate. The many volunteers and community leaders that spend countless hours working to make Blanco better is truly a testament to the type of community that Blanco is.

In closing, I want to thank all of those that have helped me; by passing on information about events or happenings, those that have offered words of support and encouragement, and all of those that have pointed me in the right direction when I have had questions. Because we are a small paper, with only two people to do all of the running, picture taking, and writing, we rely on the community to be our eyes and ears.

I would also like to thank those in the community who have pointed out my mistakes, who let me know when I missed something important, or let me know when I slipped. Without you, the paper would not be able to improve, which is always our goal. Although constructive criticism is not always easy to hear, it is something that I welcome.

I want to encourage you to let me know what you think or bring to my attention something you think everybody should know about. Come by and see us at 714 4th Street, call me at 833-4812, or send me an email at editor@blanconews.com.

Have fun!