Tales of the Traveling Tote #48

Welcome to Tales of the Traveling Tote Edition #48
It's been a simple, stay at home summer here, so Miz Merri Mac and I took advantage of some local events and exhibits. 

May brought the traveling production of Wiz to Austin,

and it just so happened that two of the talented stars were

personal friends of the granddaughter of one of my life long friends.

Not wanting to pass up the opportunity, we booked tickets to a

matinee.  Phoenix Assata La Freniere stared as Dorothy and 

Chanse Williams was one of the very talented stars in the dance group.

The amount of energy these individuals exert during

the entire production is mind boggling.

June took us to my home town in south Texas.  

The trip included dinner at the famed King's Inn on Baffin Bay for

legendary fried shrimp and seafood served family style.

King's Inn has been around for over 70 years and has changed little since my childhood years of enjoying special meals at this classic icon.

We also took time to visit the legendary Running W Saddle Shop in Kingsville, TX, a beautiful shop that sells custom saddles, iconic leather goods, clothing, and accessories inspired by King Ranch legendary founder, Captain Richard King.

July offered another theater event, the Pulitzer-winner Suzan-Lori Park's new play-within-a-play, SALLY AND TOM. The performance was exceptional as it alternates from scenes at 1790s Monticello to a modern day rehearsal of present day play on the historical dynamics of the complex relationship between Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson.

I've long been interested in American history and the symbols of our country, for my heart beats red, white, and blue.

During the summer months here at Hyacinths, I bring out my collections of Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty folk art, flag memorabilia, eagles, and touches of patriotic quilts and pillows.

Continuing on with an American history theme, 
The Briscoe Center for American History on the UT Austin campus currently hosts Stars, Stripes, and Symbols:  America at 250.The exhibit explores examples from their collection of symbols in renderings from serious to kitsch.  Above are just a few examples.

To round out the 250th patriotic summer, I, along with friends, was fortunate to have a personal tour of Texas Law Professor 

Sanford Levinson's American Flag Collection

which hangs in the hallways of The University of Texas Law Library.

A collector after my own patriotic collecting habit, 

I was delighted to enter Professor Levinson's faculty law office 

and be surrounded by an extensive collection of flag 

related items such as are in my own personal collection. 

The bookshelves lining the walls of his office are not only filled with books, but also have various examples of flag memorabilia 

from neck ties to puzzles to an eclectic assortment of 

items all representing a touch of patriotic flag decor.

You can find an article on the collection here.

Miz Merri Mac and I closed out the summer with a welcomed sojourn in Colorado at my cousin's home on the Frying Pan River.

You may recall other visits 

to this beautiful spot.  

The summer blooms 

were as gorgeous as ever!

The river, however, was unusually high and running fast,

so the usual fly fishing wasn't successful.

Stitching out in the cool air with the sound of 

rushing water was as perfect as ever.

Inside, the Mah Jongg table also stayed busy.
It was a relaxing time with cooler air, rainy afternoons, 

and lots of stitching and Mah Jongg.

You can view more of River House here where I shared an autumn tablescape in our recent Fall Tablescape Blog Hop.

Be certain to leave a comment on Emily's post

to be entered in a chance to win this tote bag.

Join us January 15, 2027 for the final edition of

 Tales of the Traveling Tote
It's been a fun 11 years, and it's time to 

wrap up the tales here on our blogs.

You can still follow along on the 15th each month 

over on Instagram where we will share a highlight from that month.

Thank you for joining me today.  

It's been a hot summer here in Texas!

You'll find the adventures of my 

Traveling Tote buddies at the links below.

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 

Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda

Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box  

Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply 

Sarah with Miz Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul (Here)

Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home

Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Bookish Dilettante