Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m sitting at my computer and reminiscing about the year. My mind wanders from one memory to another, settles on a collage of thoughts, and quickly jumps from Vicki Wilmarth’s blog to Nancy L. Whitlock’s website. The common thread between the two is Texas and New Mexico.
Vicki
I stumbled upon Vicki’s blog while doing research for my post on Palo Duro Canyon. There was a certain magic with my first visit to the state park, and I wanted to dive deeper into the subject as well as explore the wildlife in the area. There wasn’t much time to do so during our two-day, overnight stop. That’s when I came across Vicki’s website and immediately subscribed. I’ve been a fan for three years and her blog posts never disappoint. I’m hooked. https://www.texaspanhandlebirdnerd.com
Nancy
I first met Nancy in Taos, NM, many years ago. She later moved to Alpine, TX, and continued her career as an artist. Not only do I admire her art, but I love what inspires her to paint: Big Bend National Park, the Rio Grande River, and the flora and fauna of the region. I’m sure you’ll be as captivated as I am. While you’re on her website, https://nancywhitlockart.com/don’t miss her great video—Chihuahuan Desert Walks.
Talking Animals Books
From blog posts, my thoughts skipped to a recent lunch engagement in Historic Downtown Grapevine. The Original Texas Bowl of Red was, as always, delicious at Tolbert’s Restaurant and Chili Parlor. After lunch we made the short jaunt from Tolbert’s to Talking Animals Books, a small community bookstore co-owned by Valerie Walizadeh and Katy Lemieux, and the first and only independent bookstore in Grapevine. And there’s great news. They now have two locations: 103 W. Worth Street and 909 S. Main Street. If you’re visiting the DFW Metroplex, do check them out. If not in person, then take a virtual tour. https://www.talkinganimalsbooks.com/
Not only do I love bookstores, but Talking Animals Books has a Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker connection. The bookstore’s Worth Street location is in the back of the building that, from 1918 until 1933, housed the Grapevine Home Bank. Although the notorious couple did not personally rob the Grapevine Home Bank in 1932, two members of their gang did. To read more about the famous duo click on this link to one of my earlier blog posts. https://patkrapf.com/?s=bonnie+and+clyde
Christmas Capital of Texas
On a final note, what better time to visit Grapevine, The Christmas Capital of Texas, than December? You can’t visit? Then follow this link and enjoy. https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/grapevine-christmas-events/
Fabulous artists highlighted!
Thank you Nancy.
Thanks for listing all the links. Article on Bonnie and Clyde was really interesting and was more detailed than any other articles I have read.
Glad you enjoyed the post Kaycee.
Hi Pat, I think of those days in Taos with much fondness. Good to hear you are still writing and enjoying travel. Hope someday to see you again Best and much love
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
I have fond memories of those days in Taos as well and I would love to finally get down to Alpine to see you and to visit Big Bend. Covid killed our plans to see the park March 2020.