My Texas Kitchen

A little glimpse

Remember my first office, the 5’ X 5’ closet. You can see it here, just over my right shoulder. It’s December 1984. My childhood friend Leslie and I were sewing a new dress.

A little break for a phone call.

The landline phone was the hub of our household. In many ways it kept us connected. When the phone rang, we answered it. We visited with whoever was calling. Most of the time it was for Billie. One of her sisters, a cousin, aunt, friend or parent (to discuss one of their children in her kindergarten class) was calling. I visited a bit before announcing the caller to Billie (seems like I was her personal assistant). She took each one of her phone calls. Made lots of them too. Billie loved talking on the phone!

The landline phone gave a busy signal when we were visiting. Knowing that we were home, often the caller decided it would be best to drop by for a visit. This was even better because it led to longer visits on our front porch. In the summer, tall glasses of iced tea were passed around to our guests. Soon, another passerby saw the activity and would stop for a visit. Before long, we had an impromptu party on our porch. Life was simple. Seems like we had more time. Although, I am not sure about this.

A little glimpse of the 80s

Catherine,
Happy Birthday!
You have filled our hearts with sunshine, smiles and joy! 🌻💛🌻💛🌻
We love you,
Mom and Dad
💕💕

A dressmaker’s dream

I was able to pursue my dressmaker’s dreams because I stood on the shoulders of my fearless parents, Billie and Boots Apple. They were entrepreneurs. Even before it became as popular as it is today.

Boots operated Apple Engineering. Billie, taught kindergarten at St. Joseph Catholic School’s kindergarten for 25+ years. They were willing to take the road less traveled for the best long-term outcomes. They led by example.

Soon after our first batch of dresses were made at Salty’s Apparel in Ft Worth, we learned that they were closing their doors. Heartbreak.

Margaret McWhorter, my business backer and TCU professor, made the decision to continue her career at TCU. Afterall, she was the Chair of the Fashion Department!

After TCU graduation, I moved back home to live with my parents. During the summer, I worked at Counter Culture selling the world’s best yogurt. During my spare time, I continued designing and sewing dresses. On sweltering, humid Louisiana afternoons, I could be found on our front porch, reading Women’s Wear Daily and dreaming about becoming a dressmaker. Should I get a “real job” or pursue my dream?

By the end of the summer, I decided to follow my heart and pursue my dressmaker’s dream. Although it was not logical, my supportive parents made my dream a reality by signing a $3,000 promissory note. (Yes, I paid them back!) At the time their loan felt like one million dollars.

I was officially in business.

I set up shop in a 5’ X 5’ closet in my childhood home. I had a sewing machine and shelves filled with boxes of fabrics, laces, buttons and thread. I was making progress with my new financing. I traveled and sold more dresses and purchased fabrics.

Now, I realize God‘s grace in my life because my humble beginning turned into almost twenty years of designing and manufacturing dresses. What a gift!

Thank you to Billie and Boots
#ᴛʙᴛ

Jim,
Happy Anniversary! Happiest 36 years ❤️
Feeling grateful and looking forward to many more happy years together!

Sr. Margaret Rose,

Thinking of you on this day that you passed into eternal life, two years ago.

I appreciate your many words of wisdom. I especially enjoy your favorite quote by French philosopher Albert Campus.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.”
His quote is about resilience. For even in the most challenging times, one holds an inner strength that pushes right back with something better.

Your light still shines.

Thank you