While many see Texas through a series of images and cliches, in fact, Texas will surprise you, even if you are a Texan. So many cultures, so many climates, so spread out.
And so what does North Texas mean to you? North Texas is big and bustling but am I wrong to think of it as only loosely jointed? Even while tightly connected by Interstate Highways, each city has a unique flavor and not a lot in common with the others. What is your image of Fort Worth. Now what is your image of Plano?
Take Fort Worth as an example. Traveling about the city, you pass through a breathtaking variety of neighborhoods and cultures. There are so many possibilities- so many opportunities here. Plenty of room for big ideas.
We have a fascinating diversity of people in North Texas. You can visit an Asian grocery store in Arlington or Haltom City and be mystified at what you find canned, stuffed in a pot, or swimming in a tank. You can visit an Indian neighborhood in Irving and find food behind glass that is nothing like mommy ever made. You can also shop for a sari- any one of hundreds… I bet a nice cotton sari would be cool in summer.
North Texas has more big churches than anywhere on earth. We also have more topless bars. Texas is a big place. Plenty of room to act up and act out.
Bottom line. Texas is a wonderful dynamic place filled with a wide range of talent and personalities. The world is changing, new challenges have come upon us. It will take new thinking and new ideas to solve these challenges. I expect a lot of these solutions to come out of Texas as people learn to work more closely together- share ideas and share the work to see new wonders come to fruition.
I have a friend who says I use he word interesting too much. Well, I have to use it one more time. Yes, North Texas is a dynamic and interesting place.