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Monday, March 28, 2011

Gruene, Texas

(pronounced 'green'), 
est. 1845 by German immigrants
and known for its cotton production,



mercantile

remains a small Texas town boasting the sameTexas flavor
that's portrayed in history books. 


dance hall and saloon


As winter loosened it's grip,
we took a road trip
to this little, antiquated town,
to wander the monthly Gruene Market Days,
and enjoy the warm sunshine.

 I found myself attracted to vendors who offered items
constructed from upcycled materials. 







horseshoes, anyone? Can you make out the dragonfly?


Birdhouses crafted from recycled toilet tank floats.









And made one new friend.


Because I was so disappointed that I had just missed
Willie Nelson's performance
at the Gruene Hall,
he said he might be able to wrangle me
an introduction to Jimmy Buffet.


at

27 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlMarch 28, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    ha ha! I LOVE all that metalcrafting! Those toilet float birdhouses were brilliant!

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  2. Lois EvensenMarch 28, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    What a very cool place! Just love all the nifty things for sale, but have no clue where I would use any of them. :)

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  3. john bordMarch 28, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    The little town festivals have a flavor that the big cities try to imitate. Nice trip, enjoyed.

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  4. DinaMarch 28, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Love the metal animals. Some people are so creative.

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  5. Abby and StephanieMarch 28, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Giggle. Hope you get to meet Jimmy. Love the fun yard art.

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  6. Bob BushellMarch 28, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    You made me laugh, the Texas way!

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  7. Linda ReederMarch 28, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    I love all that funky yard art!

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  8. Just Ramblin'March 29, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    Never cease to be amazed at people's ingenuity. Nola

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  9. SondraMarch 29, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Gotta love small towns--thats where real life is! Very Cool stuff!

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  10. Carrie P.March 30, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    what fun! those bird houses crack me up.

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  11. FABMarch 30, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    I love the rustic art, especially the Dragonflies. Could definitely find space in the garden.

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  12. AudreyMarch 31, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    LOVE the metal art!! That is so cool!
    They must take quite a while to make. Would love a few for around my deck :)

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  13. DeniseinVAMarch 31, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    What a fun place to visit, loved all the metal art too. I hope I get to explore Texas some day.

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  14. Kathie BrownMarch 31, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    LOL! This was fun! Love the creativity!

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  15. JohnApril 2, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    Love the crafts made from "upcycled" items. You ave to appreciate the creativity we have in this country!

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  16. AnonymousApril 3, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    What fun - we could definitely go shopping together!

    Glad you explained how to pronounce "Gruene" I never would have guessed!

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  17. Michelle May-The Raspberry RabbitsApril 3, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    I loooooooove all those metal critters! How fun are they! That giant dragonfly is my favorite!
    xx, shell

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  18. EG CameraGirlApril 3, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    I LOVE all these items made from recycled materials. The owl would look super in my garden. :)

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  19. walk2writeApril 4, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    Seems as if "green" is a settled way of life for folks in that Texas town. I love the recycled yard art, especially the birdhouses. Who knew that junkyards and landfills could yield such inspiration?

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  20. Crafty Green PoetApril 4, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    what a wonderful selection of upcycled crafts, wow!

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  21. BarbApril 4, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    I'll be you had lots of fun sorting through pictures trying to decide which to post! My favourite is the 2 owls, I think:)

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  22. Rambling WoodsApril 4, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Oh wow..I love that stuff..something would have come home with me..or maybe a bunch..LOL....Michelle

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  23. Simone de KlerkApril 6, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Thank you for sharing your world on this Tuesday! How sweet those birdhouses are (o:

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  24. MarvinApril 8, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Love the word "upcycled". I've seen a lot of the work, but never heard that term applied. BTW: Ya can't always trust a parrot promises.

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  25. AnonymousApril 23, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    Hello KaHolly, enjoyed reading your post...and seeing the pics of Gruene....thank you ...Warm Regards, Lyn

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  26. MyMaracasMay 7, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    Those birdhouses are such fun - so whimsical. Thanks for sharing!

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  27. bbbaApril 17, 2013 at 12:37 AM

    I love all the yard art. The toilet float birdhouses are so fun.

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