I’ve been busy carving and printing all kinds of cats on paper and textiles. Also, I’m having a moment with blue ink. I waited months for this tube of Prussian Blue and I intend to use it!
Season 3 of Happy Valley. This, and Shetland are up there in my top two British crime dramas. While they are both crime shows they are more about the grief and healing of the main character. Available on AcornTV and AMC+
These Pride Risograph greeting cards by Bromstad Printing Please check out her website. Her cards are all so wonderful… especially if cats are your jam.
This album by Sierra Ferrell is on constant repeat around our house these days. “Bells of Every Chapel” makes me so happy.
Remind me to try this dandelion garland next year. It’s so beautiful!
Talena Rasmussen is the mastermind and creative force behind sowing and cultivating a handful of most popular and successful vintage retail stores in Austin. She is the owner of the soon to be one -year-old Newbo Vintage on Main Street in historic downtown Elgin.
1. Why did you move to Central Texas?
I moved to Central Texas, New Braunfels to be specific, from Kansas when I was 15 to live with my dad in an attempt to experience a better home life. Lesson learned- you can’t run away from your problems.
2. What compelled you to start a business in Elgin?
I opened Newbo in Elgin because the only local competition (other than online) is The Lion’s Club thrift store, Wal-Mart and Tractor Supply; downtown Elgin is super cute; I live 25 minutes from the shop (which is a big deal after commuting to Austin every day from Webberville for the last 10 years); and Austin is so expensive you cannot take risks with the products you choose to sell, you have to cater to the majority and that just isn’t fulfilling. I prefer having a store that can afford to be hyper inclusive and cater to all styles, sizes, preferences etc. I don’t tell people how they should want to dress; I provide enough options so you can try things and figure out what feels right to you.
3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.
1. Never be a part of a 50/50 partnership. Someone has to hold the majority especially if only two people are involved.
2. I don’t hate all bacon; uncured bacon is delicious.
3. Country birds are superior to city birds.
4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?
I am currently reading 1960’s/70’s sci-fi short stories in preparation for a personal project.
5. Cake or Pie?
Cake only because I feel like I have to choose but really it’s a tie. I love them both.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about dusting off the ukulele I asked Santa for three years ago and learning to play it. Three years ago I attended an Austin Ukulele Society meeting and it was so much fun. It was Valentine’s Day so everyone learned “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. I can’t remember the last time I felt so completely lost in what was going on and enjoying every moment, without a hint of self-consciousness.
My lack of skill and the fact that my ukulele was not properly tuned (or at all) were of no bother to the two kind souls who sat on either side of me. The man on my left suggested I could always just strum in on the first beat if the fingering was too hard for me. I felt like a 3 year-old who’d been handed a toy steering wheel so I felt I was driving too. Whatever, I felt part of, and I guess that was the point. He must be a kindergarten teacher.
So there I was, singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” like nobody was listening with 139 strangers. It was amazing.
Also, the woman on my right with the blue ukulele and a rose tucked behind her ear sang like an angel.
Holy guacamole this podcast is pure gold. I sure do hope there is a second season on the horizon. Host Tyler Mahan Coe’s stories about the truth behind some of country music’s tallest tales make each episode a wild ride.
You may ask yourself, “Why are there three entire episodes about “The Harper Valley PTA”? I can tell you now that it’s not the story you thought you’d hear. Not even close.
I come by my affinity for 1970’s country when my family ran called the Golden Spike Inn, a kinda sorta truck stop in Byers, Colorado in the mid seventies. I’d spend the weekend pumping stolen quarters from the cash register into the jukebox to hear Charlie Pride, Dolly Parton, and The Kendalls until it was time to head back to our real life. Stop what you’re doing now and listen to this gem. Heaven’s Just a Sin Away
Oh, be sure to listen to these in order. After the first episode, you’ll see Ernest Tubb in another light, and also be back for more.
I should mention these stories are often violent and of an adult nature so probably not appropriate for a family road trip, unless your family is like my family. In that case, roll down the windows and enjoy.
Bean & Noodle 