Free Republic

Grace "Mimi" Truman Dodson Hearne had hands as versatile as her life. Her fingers recited the melodies of Frédéric Chopin with the same keen accuracy they used to pull the trigger of a 20-gauge shotgun. Whether cattle ranching in the Hill Country or studying classical piano in New York City, Hearne lived 102 years as a survivalist who knew how to get things done her way. "She was hardened by her circumstances," said Hearne's grandson, Douglass Hearne Jr. "It was a function of living by herself in the rough country. She was tough as nails." [. . .] The first...

Women’s History Month is a perfect time to reflect on those strong women who contributed so much to Texas, starting with the Lone Star Republic’s early days. Mary Austin Holley was Stephen F. Austin’s first cousin. She noted that early Texas women were a breed apart. She once observed, “It is not uncommon for ladies to mount their mustangs and hunt with their husbands, to ride long distances on horseback to attend a ball with their silk dresses in their saddlebags. Hardy, vigorous constitutions, free spirits and spontaneous gaiety are thus induced and continue a rich legacy to their children...

Celesta Danger In Texas women's Roller Derby, players, like the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, are unpaid. AUSTIN, July 26 - Of course there are rules in Texas women's Roller Derby. One unwritten rule, more for the audience, goes, "Never, never, ever spill a beer." Another rule, also aimed particularly at the legions of male fans, says that if a Texas Rollergirl or TXRD Lonestar Rollergirl (there are two leagues, not on speaking terms) slips on beer or whatever and falls in your lap, "You can't take her home unless she says so." For the skaters, there are rules against fighting...