A Shot of Texas Magazine | January 2018

Listen Local for a Healthy Soul JANUARY 2018

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A Shot of Texas Magazineâ„¢ 3

Our Team

Note from the editors We are starting the new year with 4000 new readers from Jarrell Texas. Our team is ready and waiting to hit the ground running. Thanks for all of your support in 2017. Tef & I hope you had a great holiday season. Come by our booth at the Georgetown Bridal Show coming up on February 18th at the Sheraton Georgetown.

Robert & Teffany Kahn Founders & Co Editors

Rob Kahn

Kendall Rae Kahn Jr Editor Event Planner

Shane & Kathy Ragsdale Shane-Pit Master of Events Kathy-Co Editor/ Writer

Captain Nathan Beabout Fishing Editor

Music & Entertainment Editor Lois Jenison Publicist, Poet, Lyricist, & “Promotress” of local Singers, Songwriters, & Musicians

Life’s a song!

Sing it!

Over the last few years I have built a career that allows me to be present for things that matter most, like my family. I am driven to help people capture their most fleeting moments and deliver memories that you can treasure for a lifetime.

Weddings, portraits, and events are my business, but I got my start in landscape photography while studying abroad in Europe and it is still a hobby of mine today. Check out more of my work at www.kpphotographydesigns.com Kayla Prasek PHOTOGRAPHY

Richard Parker Ranch Mascott and MC of Events 4 Shot of Texas Magazine™

Features January 2018 Toast To 2018 !

22. Baby It’s Cold Outside

By The Bird Ladies

6. Maintain Your Grip

By Bill Easterly of The Golf Ranch

10. Brian Mullin

By Lois Jenison

24. Urban Gardening

By Michelle King of King Bee Urban Gardens

25. Skunk Vacancy

By Vicki Mooney of VM Environmental Consulting

20. Kendall Rae Kahn

By Priscilla Bechtinger

Magazine.

All Rights Reserved.

Printed in the USA. For current Media Kit, advertising or questions about our Traveling Trade Show contact Rob Kahn.

Email rob@ashotoftexas.net

14. Daniel Guevara

By Lois Jenison

C 2014 A Shot of Texas

30. Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Office 512-746-2729 or Cell 832-922-1508

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A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 5

Maintain Your Grip T his tip may seem very simple, but poor grip pressure can lead to many problems.

What I see on a daily basis is a lot of players who do not understand the importance in maintaining proper grip pressure.

You need to maintain the same pressure throughout your swing. You need to keep control of the club, but not squeeze the grip so hard that you build tension in your hands. If you are squeezing the club so tight in your hands that you feel the tension in your arms, then soften that grip pressure!

You control your club with the last three fingers on your left hand if you are a right handed player and just the opposite for a left handed player. You should be able to feel the club in the rest of your fingers, but not squeezing your fingers into the grip so tight that everything tenses up. If you build up tension, you will not only suffer with consistency, but with distance and direction as well. If you maintain the same grip pressure throughout your swing, you will stop jerking the club on your downswing.

Too many players think they need to really grip hard at the top of their backswing to

build up speed. It is just the opposite. Soft hands and a smooth transition is what will help you build up club head speed. Also, maintaining a softer tension from your hands through your shoulders can make for a nice smooth move through the hitting area. Remember that if your hands, arms, or shoulders are hurting after you play, you are probably squeezing the club too tight.

Keep in mind, that if you have certain physical issues with your heads, arms or shoulders, you may need to alter certain moves in your golf swing. Everyone has their own swing. For this kind of problem, you’ll need to see your instructor to see what changes need to be made.

By Bill Easterly The Golf Ranch

Hello Georgetown!!!

Thank you to the people of Georgetown for your support over the past 3 years.

You’ve provided us with an unbeatable experience! It’s been our pleasure to be a part of this Wonderful Community!

Happy New Year!

When you want to find things to do and businesses in Georgetown be sure to stop by and see us at HelloGeorgetown.com!

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6 Shot of Texas Magazine™

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BRIAN MULLIN

B

rian Mullin believes life should really be‌ jazzed up a little!

He is a singer/songwriter with a true love of jazz, southern rock, and folk music. Originally from El Paso, (a graduate of Burges High School) Brian has lived in various places in Texas including Lubbock, Denton, and Austin. He now makes his home in Round Rock, with his wife, June. Their son, Sean, is an accomplished singer/ songwriter in the rock genre, performing at numerous venues in the Austin area. Their son, Colin, is a visual artist.

10 Shot of Texas Magazine™

An excellent guitarist, Brian has been playing since his high school days. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas in Denton, with a degree in music.

Brian is now an experienced musician who has played in various bands, acoustic duos, an acoustic quartet, a Dixieland band, and numerous rock bands. He is currently entertaining as a cabaret style, solo performer of a blend of jazz standards, folk/rock classics, and his own original material. Brian performs more than 25 originals, as well as an equal number of mellow, jazzy cover songs. He has been influenced by many artists, including The Beatles, The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Tony Bennett, to name a few.

Brian entertains at numerous venues in the Georgetown, Round Rock and Austin area including the Sheraton Hotel, Rentsch Brewery, “Fire in the Hole”, “Becker Vineyards” in the hill country, “Water2Wine” (winery) in north Austin, “Grape Creek Winery” and “Georgetown Winery” in Georgetown, “The Vineyard at Florence” and “Walburg Songwriter Wednesdays”. He has been featured on “Songwriters Across Texas Radio Show” and Georgetown Community Radio 106.7 FM. Brian has recorded his own CDs, “Into Thin Air” and “Salty Dog”. His personal life has literally consisted of eating, breathing, sleeping, dreaming, walking, and performing music!

There is a gentleness in Brian’s soul that is reflected in his songwriting and performing. He also has a very subtle, slightly teasing sense of humor, often detected

in his lyrics. He writes about his own observations in life, such as “Love is All Around” and “Our Town”. Brian sings songs of situations such as “Usual Suspects” and “As Wicked as They Come”. The theme of his lyrics can be as diversified as singing about climbing Mount Everest, to the top of the world, “Into Thin Air”, and then back down to earth again, within the romance of “Valentine’s Day”. When his audience hears his originals, such as “The Lady Who Drinks a Manhattan at Three”, they become attentive, they relax and

they listen! They take a long, slow breath and realize they only want to hear that song again, and request it at the next opportunity… and the next!

Brian Mullin’s music and performances are purely unique, and extraordinary, with much individuality. Watch for opportunities to enjoy his music in the central Texas area, and jazz up your life just a little!

“Life is a song. Sing it!”

Lois Jenison Publicist, Poet, Lyricist, “Promotress” of local Singers, Songwriters, Musicians A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 11

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Daniel Guevara 14 Shot of Texas Magazineâ„¢

Friends describe Daniel Guevara as a kind, thoughtful, good man, with a naturally good heart! He has a happy demeanor. Happiness motivates him. His true goal is to share happiness with others!

Dan is a proud native Texan, a native of Georgetown, where he was born, raised, and continues to live.

He has always had an affection for Austin, where he and young friends would go for fun, “going to shows, browsing through vintage clothing stores, and eating some of the best tacos that money can buy.” He recalls how Georgetown has changed through the years, remembering when there was no music scene and no one was hanging out, on the now bustling square, past seven o’clock in the evening. Dan says, “Downtown Georgetown is currently full of people almost every night, with

music everywhere. It’s like a little piece of Austin, and I love it!”

Within a family of six children, Dan is third, with four sisters and a brother. His dad specialized in the medical field, as a nurse practitioner, while his mother focused on music. His parents met while students at Southwestern University. His mother received a degree in education, while pursuing a dream of being an opera singer and performing at Carnegie Hall. She achieved her dream along with her choir in 2006. She continues teaching piano, guitar, and voice. Dan’s oldest sister played in a band, another plays piano and sings, and another plays A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 15

violin. One sister cut her first CD at the age of 13. Dan’s brother is a DJ in Austin. Two cousins play ukulele, piano, and guitar. Music has literally surrounded Dan throughout his life.

Lovingly homeschooled by his mother through high school, Dan admits, “She was an excellent teacher, and I admire her for teaching me to study long and work hard for what I want in life. That’s what I intend to do until I achieve my dream!” He began playing drums at 14, followed by guitar and singing at 17. His mother and a long-time friend, Jim Fain taught him basic chords on guitar, from which Dan began teaching himself.

One of the first songs he learned was “Tear drops on my Guitar”, by Taylor Swift. He decided if she could do it, he could also, and he began to write original songs. Dan learned singing on his own. Thinking a ukulele might be fun, he picked up one and taught 16 Shot of Texas Magazine™

himself to play. Dan’s original songs tell everyday stories, similar to those of Taylor Swift.

Dan attended a trade school in Austin, The Recording Conservatory of Austin, where he studied Sound Engineering and Music Production. He continues to take guitar lessons and Music Theory from Jim Fain, who will produce Dan’s music, when he records, “We Were the Best”, his first EP. He describes his own music as “universally relatable storytelling, generalized tales of growing up, as well as stories of love lost and passage of time.” He writes pop oriented love songs, performed with a laid back, light-hearted cool style, while sharing his baritone voice. When performing, Dan has an easy, natural, beautiful smile, which is contagious! Singer songwriter, George Rios describes Daniel as, “a great songwriter, who puts a piece of his heart and soul in each of his songs!”

Ideas and motivation for Dan’s lyrics evolve when meeting other people playing good music, being out for good times with friends or people he has never met before, having adventures, and exploring new places. After traveling abroad, to visit his sister and brother-in-law living in the UK, Dan claims he has never been more inspired to write more lyrics! He gives much credit to local singer songwriter, Alex Winters, for her support and encouragement, while the leader of his singer songwriter group. He has been mainly influenced by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Glen Hansard, Ben Howard, Bob Schneider, Jack Johnson, and Ed Sheeran. His favorite musicians and singers also include Amy Winehouse. Dan has performed at the Sheraton Hotel, Roots Bistro, Hardtails Bar and Grill, North Grape Creek Winery, The Tavern, Brass Tap, Long Branch Saloon, Stomping Grounds, and publicly on the historic courthouse square in Georgetown. Dan works as a Prep Cook at The Oaks Retirement Home, where he enjoys the sweet, appreciative residents, and finds satisfaction in baking and creatively preparing their foods.

Dan’s hobbies in addition to music include video games, hiking, and traveling. He loves collecting old records.

For sports, he enjoys soccer and basketball. His goals include being the best that he can be, and to make others happy. He wants to reach people with his music, cheer them when they are going through hard times, and encourage them to believe in love again. He has a dream of being a successful music producer and opening his own studio.

Dan revealed that he is really a huge fan of musical stage shows. He said, “It may sound silly, but it’s the honest to God truth, that sometimes I wish life could be like a cheerful musical.

How funny would it be to hear someone just happily burst into song about something… like being hungry, or needing to use the restroom!”

“Life’s a song. Sing it!”

Lois Jenison Publicist, Poet, Lyricist, “Promotress” of Musicians in Central Texas

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KENDALL RAE KAHN

by Priscilla Bechtinger

One of the sun’s rays delivered a beautiful baby girl to Teffany and Robert Kahn in Clear Lake Texas on November 16th, 1994. Fast forward a couple of years to a fun-loving family enjoying their new RV during a getaway on their ranch in Georgetown. Mom and dad are relaxing in the “living room.” The children are playing and watching TV a few feet away while taking turns brushing their teeth and getting ready for bed. That is, all of them but one. Baby Kendall Rae was exuding that happy adventurous toddler energy most parents know well. The RV, designed for families, had two sets of bunkbeds across from each other. Little Kendall Rae was jumping back and forth across the narrow hallway.

20 Shot of Texas Magazine™

The instant mom saw this she shouted, “Kendall, please stop jumping, mommy doesn’t want you to…” and before she could say it BAMMM! The loud thud enhanced by the hollow construction of the floor was heard by all. There was silence as baby Kendall, completely still, was lying face down on the floor. Nearly crying, one of the children innocently asked, “Is she dead?” Both parents jumped up and just as they reached for her, the tiny toddler’s precious little head popped up, witAfter mom and dad confirmed she was uninjured, the

relieved family retold, laughed at, even acted out the incident, like a scene from a comedy.

Kendall Rae has since blossomed into a beautiful, intelligent, deeply caring, and artistic young woman in her 20’s as a “Triple Threat.” The term mostly used in the entertainment industry refers to someone equally proficient in singing, acting, and dancing or a songwriter who sings and has outstanding stage presence. Kendall Rae is a talented singer, songwriter, fashionista, model, and artist. True to her Texan roots, we add to her repertoire

of passions and accomplishments: Riding, caring for horses with a love for all animals, sharp shooter who hunts (often with dad), Jr Editor, and working events with mom and dad. If you have the pleasure of meeting this young lady, you’ll see in those beautiful soulful eyes, the angel that sings through her voice!

Singing with her accomplished musician father, Robert Kahn, since kindergarten at age 6, the talented duo have a loyal following of Georgetown locals and visitors alike. They have been performing together at different venues for years now. As he masterfully plays his guitar, accompanying her as she sings, Rob often looks over at Kendall Rae. You won’t miss the sparkle in his eyes nor that proud grin!

It’s a look filled with tender love and that special reverence daddies have for their baby girls. They each also perform solo and Kendall sings her heart out through originals she’s written, the lyrics of which provoke thought about relatable experiences.

As their performance ends, the gifted father-daughter duo pack up and head home to rest because tomorrow they are up with the sun. From helping to feed the ranch animals to putting her artistic touches on setting up the venue for a wedding, photo shoot, fundraiser, or other special event at the ranch, Kendall Rae is involved in every aspect of the family businesses!

If Kendall inherited some of her musical talent from dad, then her creativity and artistic talents come from mom. Teffany Kahn is as modest as she is gracious but has an undeniable flair for style with a keen sense of artistic design. Appreciated by all who have held events at the Shot of Texas Ranch, she and Kendall add sophisticated touches that make a rustic theme first-class.

Even the main house is adorned with Kendall’s artistry. She painstakingly hand painted the double doors at its entry, layering striking colors that resulted in a sculpture-like quality.

The stunning doors photograph so well, they’re often used as a backdrop for fashion photos and local promos.

The camera loves Kendall and she is certainly a natural. This photogenic beauty puts her heart and soul into everything she does.

Whether it’s a photo shoot for a local upscale clothing boutique, promo pictures with her horses, or a video promoting a local nursing home, she is fully engaged and sincerely enjoys interacting with everyone; she’s a pro from start to finish. She also has an uncanny ability to know when to shine in the spotlight and when to pull back.

Georgetown’s “Rae of Sunshine” is a free spirit facing life head on every day without fear, jumping “from bunkbed to bunkbed” knowing she’s bound to again fall. Kendall Rae has faced challenges, enduring the consequences of her choices, just as most young adults; including through the typical “teenage angst” years.

What is easily overlooked is that she must work through some of her most private and personal challenges in a fish bowl of sorts. It’s the proverbial “nature of the beast” when you are one in a trio of dynamos who run a magazine, host private and public events, and are deeply involved in serving the community. As the saying goes, “It’s all out there [sometimes]!” People can be quick to judge. Kendall has been (unfairly) labeled as “wild.” To the extent that a wildflower is the original, and is stronger, more resilient, and colorful than any common hybridized commercial flower, then yes, she is as beautiful and wild as a wildflower.

Toddler Kendall Rae didn’t scream when she fell “flat on her face.” She didn’t call out for help, nor did she cry. Kendall Rae Kahn, the young lady, is Georgetown’s Rae of Sunshine because she gives more than she’ll ever take, falls flat on her face, and proudly gets back up again.

She faces life each day with her inherent “I’m alright” attitude, courage, resilience, and love. You are beautiful inside and out Kendall Rae Kahn. Carry that in your heart always. … oh, and Happy Birthday! Y A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 21

Baby It’s Cold Outside!

W

inter-time can make us think of warm cozy nights around the fireplace sipping a mug of hot cocoa as we snuggle under a fluffy blanket. But, our feathered friends endure a much harsher winter-time than we do. Their usual food supplies such as bugs, berries, and seeds have often disappeared, and the cold, longer winter nights add to their burden. Birds are warm blooded and try to maintain an equal body temperature. The cold weather of winter can cause their high metabolisms to go into high-gear trying to maintain body heat. Birds’ feathers help to insulate their bodies: they often puff-up their feathers creating air pockets to further insulate themselves during frigid times.

That is why some birds often look fat during the winter when, in actuality, it is as if they have put on a puffy parka.

So, what can we do to help ourr birds during this time of year? Heree are some tips to make their lives a bit easier.

Provide several feeders with large seed capacity close to your house. It will be easier for you to keep the feeders filled as you will be able to see them and not have to venture far into the cold to fill them.

Use seed that is high in fat and protein such as Moore Wild Bird: Black Oil Sunflower seed, Safflower Seed, or Nyjer. The shells are thinner and give a higher meat to shell ratio than most 22 Shot of Texas Magazine™

other seed. MWB Shell Free contains shelled peanuts and millet which are also highly nutritious.

Offer high-fat foods such as suet and peanut butter; these offer more than double the high- energy carbohydrates of protein.

Put out fruit slices, berries or raisins; bluebirds, mocking birds, and other, primarily insect-eating, birds will thank you.

Place your feeders out of the wind and in areas that are protected.

Make sure you offer water. Even on freezing days you can put a bowl of water out on your patio or deck for a short time. Birds not only need water to drink, but also to clean their feathers. Clean feathers give a better insulation.

Put out roosting boxes so the birds

have a sheltered place to gather and share body heat.

Birds that find refuge in your yard will often stay and nest in the spring.

What a joy to look forward to!

The American Goldfinch winters here but it is in disguise. We are used to the beautiful yellow plumage on the Goldfinch that we see in the springtime. But, the amazing thing is these beautiful birds winter in Texas. It is a common misconception that they arrive here in

March when, in actuality, they start arriving in late September but are usually not recognized as they have molted into non-breeding plumage.

The males are a rather dull olive or brown with muted yellow around the face and throat, the black wings have two subdued wing bars. Winter females are nearly all light brown with dark wings and a pair of wing bars.

In late March, we see the vibrant breeding plumage of lemon yellow, on the males and the striking jetblack cap and wings with bold wing bars. Breeding females, as typical, are toned down and have no black cap. The Goldfinches’ bright colors are attributed to a diet rich in beta-carotene found in sunflower and Nyjer-thistle seeds. The American

Goldfinches come with very healthy appetites; feeding them all winter will give us the opportunity to witness the beautiful metamorphosis in the spring as our backyards will be filled with small bright yellow birds joyfully singing a song that sounds much like the words, “potato chip”!

Enjoy the Beauty that Flies Around Us,

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EAT LOCAL

Winter is here so put on your sweaters and get in the garden or down to your Local Farmers Market. Urban Gardens are taking flight right here in Georgetown and so are the bee’s. Can you believe all of these beautiful veggies are available to us?!

24 Shot of Texas Magazine™

SHOP LOCAL

As I was feeding my horses and listening to the rain hit the tin roof of my barn the other morning, I noticed some activity outside. To my surprise, it was a mama striped skunk and her 4 adorable babies, otherwise known as kits. They didn’t seem to mind my being around and went about grubbing for food and shaking the rain off like dogs as I vigorously attempted to take pictures and video. It was quite an extraordinary thing to witness. Since skunks are primarily nocturnal creatures, I was a little afraid for the family and wanted them to take shelter before someone less appreciative saw them. This encounter reminded me of my ongoing magnetism for skunks.

Skunk Vacancy

I owned 5 acres of property in Florida that was riddled with palmettos, pine, and oaks trees which is prime habitat for the spotted skunk. These little guys are about half the size of their striped brethren and have white spots on their back. One morning as I was getting ready for work, my house lit up in the pungent odor of skunk.

It just so happened that one little fellow decided to take refuge under my house. The smell permeated every room and essentially ruined the ductwork of my home.

After nearly running several of my colleagues out of the office with my stench, I realized that it was time to take action. Being an Environmental Scientist and having a great appreciation of all creatures, I decided to trap it. I commandeered a HaveaheartÒ trap from a friend, wrapped it in tinfoil, placed some cat food and peanut butter in the trap, and walla! I caught my first spotted skunk. I relocated the animal to a nearby preserve and thought my run-ins with the skunks were something of the past. That was until the following year when I noticed a familiar musky smell around the spare bathroom tub which was accompanied by scratching noises. Following some reconnaissance, I discovered there was a litter of kits living under the house. They

were so tiny that they were able to crawl under the AC concrete pad to hide. Once again, I broke out the trusty HaveaheartÒ trap and proceeded to remove the little guys. After multiple nights of trapping, I ended up relocating 8 kits. I must admit, they were incredibly cute and even oinked like little pigs in the cage.

By now you probably think I’m a bit crazy, but what I have come to conclude is that every property I have owned has an invisible sign that only they can see. I can imagine a large, flashing neon billboard stating “Skunk Vacancy” followed by various catchphrases like “Come live here” and “She won’t harm you.” I do realize that skunks are rather pungent creatures but the moral to my story is that their affinity for grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, and caterpillars as well as mice, voles and rats make them a great natural deterrent of these pesky species that we spend an enormous amount of money trying to exterminate. The next time you get to see one in the wild I urge you to please remember to keep your distance and be respectful and thankful for the little, albeit smelly, gifts Mother Nature has provided.

Vicki Mooney, PWS VM Environmental Consulting, LLC vmenvironmentalconsulting.com A Certified Federal WOSB/EDWOSB A Certified City of Austin WOBE/ TXDOT DBE/HUB

A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 25

RANCH

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512-746-2729 26 Shot of Texas Magazine™

Nestled in the most beautiful downtown historic district in the USA lies The Hollow.

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Securities offered through Sigma Financial Corporation. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation. Upstream Investment Partners is independent of Sigma Financial Corporation & SPC.

A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 27

A Big taste of local Italy Spend $60; Get 5 lbs. of No-Mess FREE* *Valid only at the Lakeline and Georgetown locations. One 5lb. bag of No Mess per purchase. Offer not valid on previous purchases or sale items. Offer valid in-store only thru 02/11/17.

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EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2018. Must present coupon to receive discount at time of purchase. Dine in or Carry Out only. No cash value.

28 Shot of Texas Magazine™

BOSS (TM) ACCOUNTING PAYROLL

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A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 29

2 Large sweet potatoes cubed 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup diced white onion 1 medium leek sliced (white and light green part only) 1 garlic glove minced 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp all spices Salt and pepper to taste 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1/2 cup heavy cream

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, leeks and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a minute more.

2. Add spices, sweet potatoes, and chicken stock, Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover until the sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes.

3. Using a blender purée the soup, add the cream and heat on medium until the soup is heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Garnish the soup with microgreens, creme fraiche and olive oil ( if desired).

Contact us 512-713-1647 30 Shot of Texas Magazine™

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A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 31

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