floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Tribute to Texas & Link Up On the Edge #196

May 22, 2020 / 57 Comments
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I hate when I run out of words. My own words. It happens sometimes, I know. But it is still super frustrating. Rather than allow it to totally piss me off, however, I decided to turn outside of my brain and share some words that have already been written. Not by me.

Let me explain. A long, long time ago, my favorite place on earth was Texas. I used to travel there frequently for work and I absolutely loved everything about it. It also held a very special place in my heart as my father always spoke of Texas as his favorite place on earth as well. I never got to visit the state while he was alive, but when I finally made my way there I simply felt connected to something bigger than me. Because I loved it so much, I really enjoyed reading books about Texas and Texas history or simply books that were set in Texas.

floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

So I was digging through my old journals and found some notes and quotes I had scribbled down while reading Edna Ferber’s 1952 Pulitzer Prize Winning novel, Giant. “This sweeping tale captures the essence of Texas on a staggering scale as it chronicles the life and times of cattleman Jordan “Bick” Benedict, his naive young society wife, Leslie, and three generations of land-rich sons.” It is “a sensational story of power, love, cattle barons, and oil tycoons” and it really is a wonderful homage to the great state of Texas.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Ms. Ferber that I had jotted down in my journal way back in 2003.

“Each was playing a role, deliberately. It was part of the Texas ritual. We’re rich as son-of-a-bitch stew but look how homely we are, just as plain folksy as Grandpappy back in 1836. We know about champagne and caviar but we talk hog and hominy.”

Edna Ferber, Giant

“We’re so hot we’re spittin’ cotton.”

Edna Ferber, Giant
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“It is like another country, a foreign country in the midst of the United States.”

Edna Ferber, Giant

“Texas! Why, Sir, Texas is the most American country in the whole United States.”

Edna Ferber, Giant

“…the view which consisted of nothing-unless one found refreshing an endless expanse of flat prairie pushing the horizon into obscurity.”

Edna Ferber, Giant

“The great mahogany-faced men bred on beef-who somehow had taken on physical dimensions in proportion to the vast empire they had conquered.”

Edna Ferber, Giant

“They were in the enormous bedroom. Blond wood, bleached like a Broadway chorus girl. Their feet seemed to flounder ankle deep in chenille. ‘They ought to give you snowshoes for these carpets,’ Bick said. ‘Or skis. Liable to get in up to your neck and never get out.’”

Edna Ferber, Giant
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

And I saved my very favorite for last…

“Bigness doesn’t make a thing better.”

Edna Ferber, Giant

I really do get such a thrill when I read words that are so beautifully illustrative. It takes my breath away when the words strung together create detailed images in my head as if I were watching the imagination of another person come to life right before my mind’s eye. I get so excited when words draw me in and move me to feel something powerful. Great literary works have this capacity to ignite us emotionally and then the words tend to stick with us as gentle reminders that all of our imaginations need cultivating every now and then.

And when my imagination seems to be slowly wilting away in arid soil, I have to nourish it with the inspiring words of others. Always searching for that one brilliant idea that will send my fingers enthusiastically dancing across my laptop keyboard once again.

What methods do you employ when your creative well has run dry?

floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
floral kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

And now your featured favorites from last week.

Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)

Sara of Crafting Reality with Sara shared her post, Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda Pop, and it looks absolutely delicious for a hot summer’s day and some front porch or back yard hanging!

Crafting Reality with Sara

My Favorite Fashion Post

Eva of Costume Take-Out shared her post, Refashion Boot Cut into Crop Flare Jeans…Difference Upcycle vs. Refashion. I loved the fashion lesson on the difference between Upcycle and Refashion, but even more so, Eva’s newly constructed crop flare jeans are just too cute to not feature!

Eva of Costume Take-Out

My Favorite Non-Fashion Post

Lauren of Lauren Sparks shared a heart felt and inspiring post, Today I Cannot…a Coronavirus Lament. I think we can all relate to her expression of emotions and finding our way through these troubling times.

Lauren Sparks

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: Wrap-Thrifted (Old Navy) / Kimono-Charlotte Russe / Tee Shirt-Target / Jeans-American Eagle / Boots-Old Navy / Belt Bag-Torrid / Necklace-Moontide Arts / Earrings-Old

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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57 Comments

  • Nancy

    May 22, 2020 at 8:54 am Reply

    Haha, always when you say that you have no inspiration, you always have a lot to talk about anyway! I can’t imagine how Texas looks like, well only from the telly that is. I guess you have to know the sphere! Have a great weekend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 22, 2020 at 11:19 am Reply

      Ha, thanks, Nancy! I was thinking that same thing when I started writing about not having anything to say…I was like, “Oh boy, here I go again. Saying that I am out of words and then I go on and on and on.” You know me too well, my friend! Have a great weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 22, 2020 at 11:17 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Kathrine! As much as I loved Texas way back in 2003, I really don’t think I would want to live there now. I need my climate to be a bit milder than Texas hot! But it is definitely worth giving it a second look.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lucy Bertoldi

    May 22, 2020 at 1:04 pm Reply

    Hi! First things…I love that kimono on you!
    Texas is on my bucket list for US places- or maybe I should start reading some of those books you read:) I lose my words too, and reading and rinsing my eye through favourite blogs also helps!

  • Ellibelle

    May 22, 2020 at 2:48 pm Reply

    These are great quotes, Shelbee! Thanks for sharing!
    I love the quote “It’s like another country, a foreign country in the midst of the United states.” I find this true for a few states I travelled to but never have been to Texas. I used to work with a girl from Texas and she would tell me about how there would be sometimes little scorpions in her bathtowel as she tried drying off. She did talk highly of Texas and now moved back. Always enjoy her pictures on facebook.
    I definitely need to add Texas to my long list of states to visit list!

    Great outfit in today’s post as well! I love the floral kimono paired up with the dotted top!
    Ellibelle’s Corner

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:38 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Ellie! As much as I adore Texas and visiting there, I don’t think I ever want to live there due to the heat index and all the creepy crawly things everyone keeps talking about! Ha. But I do love the wonderful responses I am receiving on this post. So fun! I guess when I run out of things to say, this method is rather effective as it has clearly initiated lots of discussion! Have an amazing weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ruth Josey

    May 22, 2020 at 3:05 pm Reply

    Hahahaha! So, this is the quiet Shelbee with nothing to say…… You said it pretty well for someone with nothing to say. If you ever do get back to Texas, be sure to swing by the Dallas (or east of Dallas) area and say “hi”! It’s been home to me for 34 years now and it’s definitely home. My husband was born and reared in the San Antonio area. It’s a huge playground with so many different terrains and so much history. I love that outfit and the kimono is just gorgeous! Your linked kimonos are definitely catching my eye, too. And those ankle boots remind me a bit of my burgundy ones. Definitely need to get more wear out of them. Thanks so much for the linkup, too!

    Ruth
    https://voguefauxreal.com/2020/05/19

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:33 am Reply

      Ruth, thanks so much! Nancy said it earlier that whenever I start a post saying I have nothing to say, I always end up saying a whole lot! Haha. But it tends to be a whole lot of nonsense, in my opinion. Or so I thought. Because I am getting so much fun feedback about Texas! These comments might be favorite ones to respond yet! Dallas is definitely my favorite city in Texas that I have visited. I had such a great time there! I will most certainly let you know if I ever make my back there again! Have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jess jannenga

    May 22, 2020 at 3:22 pm Reply

    Love your kimono!! The blue is a pretty color on you and I love it with the lighter wash jeans! Hey, we are both wearing distressed denim today! We visited Houston , Texas when I was little. Mom had a fiends that lived there. All I remember is it was very very hot! You couldn’t leave bread or anything on the counter because of roaches! ugh! I am glad you have a good experience with the state 🙂 One thing that did come from Texas is my favorite guitarist, blues guitarist – Stevie Ray Vaughn! Lots of great blues music from Texas
    have a great weekend!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:30 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Jess! I need to come check out your recent posts! I do remember Texas being a little hotter than I like which is why I would never want to live there. But visiting sure is fun! And OMG that roach story! Ugh. I have lived with roaches before (in college) and just yuck! Stevie Ray Vaughn is amazing! I hope you have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    May 22, 2020 at 4:25 pm Reply

    Looking very nice. I have really never been to Texas other than airport stops. I would like to spend some time in some places.

    I have never seen read the book Giant but I have seen the great movie staring Liz Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean and Sal Mineo. A classic movie.

    Thanks for hosting and I hope that you and your family have a wonderful and safe weekend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:27 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Patrick! I remember having a blast in Dallas! I traveled a bit around the state but there are lots more places I would love to visit there. I need to watch the movie now as well. I have only read the book. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:11 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Lauren! It was my pleasure to feature you. I hope you get a chance to read or watch Giant. I think I need to watch the film now because lots of people keep mentioning it. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Katie

    May 22, 2020 at 5:25 pm Reply

    I’ve never been to Texas but I’ve always wanted to go. It’s so special that the state reminds you of your father. I saw the movie Giant a few years ago and now I am going to put the novel on my reading list! Thanks for sharing Shelbee and enjoy your weekend!

    -Katie
    http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:10 am Reply

      Katie, thanks so much! I even got myself a pair of custom handmade cowboy boots while I was there because it was something my father was going to do for me when I turned 21, but he died when I was 20. So I had always wanted to get there and do this in his memory. It was a major life highlight when I got to go. I hope you enjoy reading Giant! I think I need to watch the film now. Have a great weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Michelle

    May 22, 2020 at 6:24 pm Reply

    First off, I definitely need more kimonos in my life.

    I lived in Texas for approximately 6 months – Anna, Tx, just north of McKinney or about 45 minutes north of Dallas. As Charles Dickens said in A Tale of Two Cities, it was the best of times; it was the worst of the times. (A poly situation gone bad. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me; worse than my father dying. But for awhile it was completely awesome.) All of that aside, Texas remains enigma to me. Such friendly people one to one, but politically vicious towards those unlike them. I had to get used to men rushing to open doors for me. It was odd having been raised in egalitarian California. But in the 6 months I lived there I got used to it, and began to notice when a man didn’t do that. I immediately realized they were transplants.

    Now I associate Dallas with the 3.5 weeks I spent there with my husband in 2016 when he upgraded to Captain for American Airlines.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:02 am Reply

      Michelle, thanks for sharing your Texas stories! Wow, I can see how the state would be an enigma for you after all that. But I love how you hold onto the good 3.5 weeks when you were there with your husband and keep the positive memories closer. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cindy Handy

    May 22, 2020 at 8:00 pm Reply

    Yes, TEXAS is truly paradise on Earth!! I live NE of Dallas, but didn’t always live here. When we moved here from Southern California, I felt a huge weight fall off my shoulders ~ as though I’d come home ~ as soon as we crossed the border into Texas! Thanks for hosting this linky party, and sharing your love of Texas (even though most people can’t truly understand) … Cindy

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:08 am Reply

      Cindy, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your love of Texas! I love that you feel immediately at home there. I think Dallas is my favorite city in Texas. It has been decades since I was there, but I have so many fond memories of it. I had such a great time there. I hope you have a lovely weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Joanne

    May 22, 2020 at 9:08 pm Reply

    I have never been to Texas but I did read a cute series that took place in Galveston and I’ve been trying to convince my family to go there ever since!

  • Michelle

    May 22, 2020 at 9:21 pm Reply

    Also? I, too, am struggling with creativity. I think my mind is too full of other stuff (mostly, the Covid-19 situation). I’m letting myself coast for a bit. Where I would ordinarily have several projects going, I am working on just one – some easy crochet. I’m also further limiting my intake of news. I play a lot of iPad games. I’m not particularly happy about this, but decided I just needed to rest.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 23, 2020 at 11:05 am Reply

      I hear you, Michelle. I have been playing more iPhone games than usual and I hate when I get too deep into those, but sometimes the mindless distraction is necessary and allows my brain to rest as well. We just need to keep doing the things that keep us sane right now. Hang in there, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura Bambrick

    May 22, 2020 at 9:46 pm Reply

    I wish I had a method to help but I just stare at the page! But your posts are always much more eloquent than mine so I probably should employ a method for myself!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 24, 2020 at 7:08 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Jodie! It is a really cool place. I love the culture and the history. And of course, kimonos! Although they have nothing to do with Texas. Haha. I hope you are having a great weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Emma Peach

    May 23, 2020 at 5:14 pm Reply

    Reading other blogs or magazines usually helps me when I’m out of ideas. Sometimes my mind just goes blank and I can think of nothing remotely interesting to write about! I love your kimono – I’m looking on eBay for a long one to wear over jeans…can you believe I don’t own one!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 24, 2020 at 7:06 pm Reply

      Emma, thanks so much! I can’t believe that you don’t already own a long kimono! I look forward to seeing what you end up getting. Definitely blogs and reading articles on different topics help give me ideas for writing topics, too. But sometimes even when I have a good topic, I don’t always feel like writing about it. I think I just might be a little burnt out.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Darlene

    May 23, 2020 at 6:09 pm Reply

    Such a nice tribute to Texas. I’ve traveled quite a bit throughout the US and I am always struck by just how varied and unique our states are. So many cultures and climates and sights and…the list goes on. Thanks for sharing, Shelbee.

    Have a happy Memorial Day weekend!

    xx Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 24, 2020 at 7:04 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Darlene! I have visited lots of states as well and they really do all have their own unique cultures. Travel is so good for our personal evolution, isn’t it? I hope you are enjoying the weekend as well!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Anne M Bray

    May 23, 2020 at 7:28 pm Reply

    I love Texas too, especially western TX. (You know that from my Patreon).
    Must read Giant! Saw the movie, I’m sure the book is better. When the library reopens… Don’t like eBooks. I need the analog sensations — the feel and smell and the turning of pages.

    Do you know the music of Jon Dee Graham? You’ll like him. Very Texas. He grew up on a ranch in south Texas and now lives in Austin. Here’s one of my faves to get you started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Wj-8OmCfo

    When my creative well is dry, I lounge on the couch and read. It’s my escape.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 24, 2020 at 7:02 pm Reply

      Anne, thanks so much for sharing in the Texas love fest! I don’t like ebooks either at all. I need to feel it in my hands, smell the pages, and I underline stuff, too! I am digging this Jon Dee Graham! Playing it now. I was not familiar with him previously. I have been turning to my old journals and reading as well to ignite some kind of creative inspiration. I hope you are enjoying the weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mica

    May 23, 2020 at 10:31 pm Reply

    They are fun quotes, it sounds like an interesting book! I love your kimono too, it’s so cute with the jeans! i love kimonos in warmer weather 🙂 And I actually have a very similar piece, it’s silky so loungewear and what I wear around the house in summer. Almost the same print as yours!

    Hope you are having a great weekend 🙂 We aren’t doing much, staying home and staying warm with that cold winter weather that’s here!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 24, 2020 at 6:55 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Mica! You know I have a bit of an obsession with kimonos! I bet you look adorable wearing yours as loungewear. So cute! Our summer weather is finally arriving just in time for your winter weather. I still have a few wintery outfits that I have not yet shared and I was hesitant to at this point in the season, but then I remembered that it is winter in other places, so maybe I will still use those photos. We are just hanging around at home for the weekend as well. Enjoy it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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