Last night I watched an old movie Urban Cowboy with John Travolta which reminded me of something I had buried away in the depths of my memory.
I traveled nationally with my job and pretty much could pick and choose any given Project in any state...Texas was my favorite and my first choice.
I have a history of Black Cowboys in my family and wanted to experience Cowboy Culture whenever possible.
In the mid eighties I landed on an Audit project in Houston Texas and immediately began checking for the best places to sight see. I came across a pamphlet for Mickey Gilley's a Cowboy Bar and Nightclub eleven miles away in Pasadena Texas.
I always traveled with my Red Cowboy Boots and Red Fringed Suede Vest...I was ready.
Now being a cautious Country Gurl I did not venture to places like that alone and enlisted my colleague Barry to accompany me...he was game being a Tall Boy Howdy Cowboy himself.
"I heard this place is supposed to be Haunted by Hank Williams Ghost?" I quizzed Barry.
"Dunno 'bout that but you can bet there may be other Ghosts...this place has a rep of folks getting beat up and shot up." Barry responded. "Keep Close."
Texas has Always been an Open Carry Gun state.
I interpreted that to mean not many Black Folks frequented this place.
We arrived parked and paid our entrance inside the place was crowded, loud, with Shit-Kicker Music Blaring. I dug it.
We meandered around and I took it all in loving it. I must say White Folks had Line Dancing down to a Science but Black Folks do it with Style and Flava.
We found our way to a less crowded area away from the immense dance floor a small bar and Barry ordered drinks.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I swiveled around to face the most creepy-handsome cowboy with light eyez that seemed to glow in the dim light. He wore all black with long black hair spilling out from under his Stetson....AND Red Cowboy Boots.
Something burned my eyes and I detected the distinct odor of Death.
CONTINUED PART TWO
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