Allan Kimball’s eyes must have popped out of his head when he Googled the name of his upcoming book to discover that a blogger had used the same unusual title for an insignificant little blog post. When he read that post, his jaw must have dropped to the floor! Some woman he didn’t know (that would be me) had used words very similar to his to describe Mother Neff State Park! But, who can look at the sign pointing to that park and not wonder, “Who Was Mother Neff, And Why Does She Get A State Park?”
Actually, Allan titled his book Who Is Mother Neff And Why Is She A State Park? We talked via e-mail and were quite surprised by the similarities in our work. In fact, we both felt compelled to mention Huddie Ledbetter when we discussed that park! After our conversation, we concluded that “great minds run along the same track.” However, Allan’s mind is much greater than mine!
When I pondered the question of Mother Neff twenty years ago, I thought to myself, “Hmm. That’s interesting.” Allen, however, thought, “Hmm. That’s a book!” And, he wrote one that tells the story behind the names of the state parks in Texas (112 of them!). It took him twenty years to do it, because he worked as a reporter for the Houston Post at the time and he was busy writing other books as well (including some works of fiction). He persevered and put together a delightful work of art.
Allen sent me a copy just hot off the press … Eakin Press, to be exact. I haven’t been able to put it down since it arrived! He has included fascinating information for any history buff — especially Texans or visitors to the state. I like his writing style, too. It almost feels as if he is in the room telling me the story.
That book has already answered a question that has haunted me for years: how does one pronounce “Quitaquay?” It’s a small town in west Texas near Caprock Canyons State Park (one of my personal favorites — and Allan will tell you all about it). I’ve always seen the sign for the town and played with the pronunciation of the name, but never bothered to find out how locals pronounce it. Allan did. It’s “kitty-kway.” I’ll make you read Allan’s book to find out what the name might mean.
There should be a website for the book soon. I’m sure you can buy it on Amazon, but if I were you, I’d get it from Allan. If you do, he’ll sign it for you! Here is his e-mail address:
I’m looking forward to the next book that Allan has coming out in November (he is prolific, isn’t he?). The next book is called 107 Best Walks in Texas. There should be no problem about my great mind writing a post about that … unless he is talking about walking to the refrigerator.
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Hi there..that was funny and an interesting piece..was nice you put the link with the info too. I’m curious as to who this lady was? I knew only one Ledbetter back in my school days.
I don’t quite understand the live feed thing..must be connected I think to links..maybe? For instance, I have your link up and mine is set to icons and whatever new post you have will show up on my blog. It isn’t the case with a number of them? Hmm?
Anyway, hope you have a great day-
.-= Kilauea Poetry´s last blog ..Coffee, Ferns & Fungus =-.
Thanks Shelly for the kind words. For anyone who wants more information about the “Mother Neff” book or any of my other books, please visit my website at http://www.allankimball.com
So are you going to kick your muse in the tail and record all these wonderful Texas tales for the tourists to take home?
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..History Lesson – God and Politics =-.
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