SUNDAY August 9, 2020
Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen's song "The Road Goes On Forever and the Party Never Ends" tells the Bonnie and Clyde-like tale of misfits Sonny and Sherry teaming up against the world. No matter what happens, the duo just can't stay out of trouble. It's a bittersweet love story far from innocence.

Thankfully most of us in our quest for happiness don't go on a crime spree in a futile attempt to find it. Even in songs and movies — and certainly in the real world — consequences are never good for the wrong kind of reckless abandonment.

Some may find themselves feeling a bit reckless these days. Bored and frustrated with mixed messages, it's tempting to throw caution to the wind and step outside the guidelines we know are safe during the Pandemic Pause of 2020. Those that take those feelings and pour them into something constructive are faring better than most, and the consequences contribute to society, instead of tearing it down.

Take a wild ride by writing a song or a story, or painting or sculpting, or building a beautiful garden. Take your frustrations and pour them into learning something new like baking or cooking gourmet meals or sewing or knitting. Build a she shed, or a tree house, or a playground for someone you love or for someone you don't even know. Go work in a soup kitchen or sign up for a kids' mentoring program. Use your fired up energy for good. Use it for love.

Find a few good ways to channel your emotions here in this issue and check out our library of articles, events, and more things to do on our website. If you aren't already signed up for a free subscription to the COUNTY LINE WEEKLY you can do that HERE.
"Train Depot" by E. White is part of the current exhibition of original works by artists from the Upper East Side of Texas at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts.
FEATURE
​Popsicles are a classic summertime staple. There is nothing quite like the excitement of hearing the ice cream truck driving down the street playing that familiar jingle. Then, rushing outside to see all the mouthwatering snacks handed out of the window to eager children waiting below. Read Rachel Wilbanks recommendations for healthy homemade versions of this summer ritual sure to please. 
LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
People are growing their own food now more than ever before. For some, the Pandemic Pause has given them more time to think about where their food comes from, and more time to get their own hands in the dirt. Read Texas A&M AgriLife specialist Tommy Phillips' tips for pest and weed control and a list of fall vegetables and the optimal windows of time for planting.
DESTINATION COUNTY LINE
After Rusk County named Henderson its county seat in 1843, the townspeople planned the downtown area around the original courthouse square. Today, a historic walking tour offers a unique sightseeing experience that includes dozens of original historic buildings, some built as early as the 1880s. The district also features two blocks of the town’s original red brick streets.
THIS TIME OF YEAR
Happy Birthday Buck Owens
Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. was born into a family of sharecroppers on August 12, 1929, in Sherman, Texas. Nicknamed "Buck," the towheaded little boy moved with his family to Mesa, Arizona, during the Great Depression. Because it took such a toll on his family’s income, Buck dropped out of high school in the ninth grade to work on the farm. But like many other children of that era, he was fiercely ambitious.

Most know Buck Owens as the overall-wearing hillbilly who co-hosted with Roy Clark on the variety show Hee Haw. But during the 1960s and 1970s Buck soared to a level of success and influence that had scarcely been experienced by other country stars. Listen to his biggest hit "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" above that he wrote with Harlan Howard and performs with his band the Buckaroos. Read more about his life in the County Line archives.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Take a virtual tour of this exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art. "Flores Mexicanas" brings Mexican womanhood to life through modern art.
Covering the Arts Across the Upper East Side of Texas
FOOD & DRINKS
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau crafted brunch and astrology pairings based on 12 local restaurants and the characteristics of each zodiac sign. Use your birthday as a guide to find your ideal Shreveport-Bossier brunch spot and post-brunch activity from the list below.
THINGS TO DO
The Road Goes On Forever and the Party Never Ends
There's plenty to do both in safe distancing environments and from the comforts of home right now in the Upper East Side of Texas. Art exhibits are popular with a trickle of people allowed in the doors at a time so no crowd worries. If that's not something you've done much of before, give it a try — amazing work, meaningful experience. Slow down and embrace the beauty that artists bring to the world.

Small town shopping and patio dining are being enjoyed by many from all over the region and those looking to get out of big cities. Explore our recommended partner towns in these County Line Destination Guides.

Farmers' markets are still in full swing and such a great outing for the whole family — grab some grub and fresh air.

Find outdoor activities and more fun things to do on our website.

This Week's Live Streaming Concerts
In concert today are Shelley King at 2 p.m., and Patrice Pike at 7 p.m. Pike is also performing on Thursdays at 8 p.m. 

The Sequestered Songwriters (about 30 of them) are doing songs by Robert Earl Keen this week on Monday night starting at 6 p.m. Click HERE to get a sample of the voices you'll hear.

Tuesday give a listen to Adam & Chris Carroll — Adam is originally from Tyler, Texas, and one of the most accomplished songwriters in the Texas Music Scene.

"If all were right with the world, Adam Carroll would be the Townes Van Zandt of our age," so says Robert Earl Keen. Learn more about what others have to say about him and his music HERE.

Always a popular show on Wednesday, is Max & Heather Stalling's "We Ain't Drinking Alone Wednesdays" at 7 p.m.

This week’s performance on Thursday from Blue Rock Studio is Billy Crockett at 7:30 p.m. and catch Walt & Tina Wilkins on their front porch at 8 p.m.

Saturday, enjoy an Irish group of talented musicians with Ulla at 5:30 p.m. and the always entertaining Kevin Russell of Shinyribs has a show at 9 p.m.

Find links to all the streams on the County Line Calendar and keep checking back as we add new things to do every week and if you have live streaming suggestions, please feel free to let us know.
Feel free to send story ideas, poems, letters, and beautiful photography from the region to [email protected]. Let us know what you enjoy most about this area.
HOW TO REACH US
County Line Magazine
PO Box 608
Ben Wheeler, TX 75754
Office: (903) 963-1101
Text: (903) 312-9556
www.countylinemagazine.com