“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”

Dalai Lama

I wrote about finding peace on New Year’s Day through the practice of wabi-sabi — the acceptance of imperfections as both meaningful and beautiful. Read more in our new REFLECTIONS section.

We’ve added a few more sections to make room for more submissions from our talented humans of all ages in the Upper East Side of Texas. Send your POETRY, BOOK and FILM reviews, MUSIC videos, SHORT STORIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, and images of your VISUAL and PERFORMING arts.

These things help bring peace and inspiration and help us focus on the beauty of the world. More please. — P.A. Geddie

PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Women Find Happy Place in the Pines

Theresa Polley of Dallas found her piney woods oasis in Wood County north of Mineola, Texas, in 2004. Not one to claim all the good vibes for herself, that same year she created Retreat in the Pines to give women a safe space to “be their authentic selves without apology while finding the healing and renewal they deserve.”

The retreat sanctuary includes a bright and airy yoga studio, a dining space with a community table, shared and private accommodations, multiple outdoor hammocks, and two decks beneath the trees.

Retreat in the Pines celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. What began with Polley teaching yoga classes to local residents and hosting a few retreats each year, has grown into a thriving business with day and weekend retreats held every week. Her all-women team includes a group of yoga instructors, rotating chefs, and a property manager among others. In April 2023, the newspaper and broadcasting company USA Today named Retreat in the Pines one of the 10 Best Yoga Retreats in the U.S. READ MORE.

Happy Birthday Tex Ritter

One can see in this clip of Tex Ritter singing “Rye Whiskey” where his son, the late actor John Ritter, got his sense of humor. Tex was born January 12, 1905, near Carthage, Texas. He became a movie star and famous recording artist and inspired generations of his family to follow in his footsteps including grandchildren Jason, Carly, and Tyler Ritter. READ MORE on this legacy he left in the County Line archives.

Winter Fantasy Faire Takes Place in Palestine

Faire of Champions is an immersive entertainment and camping experience that promises “a realm where performance art meets fantasy and Renaissance meets Comic-Con in a retreat from the humdrum of everyday life.

The event runs for six consecutive weekends starting January 6 with vendors, activities, entertainment, and camping. READ MORE

Live Music Unites the Region in Authentic Harmony

Live music is an important piece of the soul of the Upper East Side of Texas. At any given performance, the audience is filled with people from all walks of life who find their commonalities in the harmony of good music.

Some of the sweetest experiences come with talented local talent playing in music venues and restaurants every week. Be sure to check out Foster’s Place, Pickton; The Barrel House, Winnsboro; The Tattler at Speakeasy Coffee Shop in Quitman; The Forge, Ben Wheeler; Big Sandy Music Hall; Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, Pittsburg; The Chophouse, Mount Vernon; Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, Rick’s on the Square, True Vine and ETX Brewing, The Grove, and FRESH by Brookshires in Tyler and in Fate.

Pictured is Grace Pettis who is performing at Longview Museum of Fine Arts on February 10. Find a few more good scheduled shows HERE and more in the County Line Calendar.

• New Rail Connection Coming to Northeast Texas