42 Comments
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Matt Skinner's avatar

HEB; a bright beacon of hope for us Texans, dealing with Trump on wheels and his ilk over in Austin. Brilliant piece!

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

I can absolutely see why! Don't lose hope. Things are changing for the better but might have to fall apart first.

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Constance Albrecht's avatar

Terrific column. It gave me a different perspective on Texas.

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SL Sourwine's avatar

Thank you for sharing that! I love stories (and stores) like this.

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Rhonni's avatar

H-E-B kept us (Rockport, TX) together post Hurricane Harvey, and was the “place with a plan” when the entire country was caught off guard with the covid-19 pandemic.

I love my H-E-B.

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Sarah Styf's avatar

It also had a plan for the deep freeze while the state GOP ignored the suffering of millions.

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Lisa Celaya's avatar

Beautifully written! Need to visit next time I'm in SA.

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Bryan's avatar

Good ol’ichy butt. Go ahead and scratch 😉

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Cynthia Phillips's avatar

I'm sure you've heard this old chestnut:

Did you hear that HEB and Piggly Wiggly were merging? The new store will be called Wiggly Butts.

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

Hi, Cynthia! I had not heard that one yet, but now I’ll never be the same. HAHA! Thanks for sharing.

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

I wondered if the butt jokes would arrive. You did not disappoint. :-)

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AnneShH's avatar

I've lived in Austin since 1975.

Your piece is absolutely right on!

Excellent work. Thank you.

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Cynthia Phillips's avatar

That was a very good year to come to Austin.

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

Big things are happening in this part of the world.

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Janet Clawson's avatar

Hi - I purchased the Book "A Gathering of Rabbits" on Nov. 21, paid $49.63. Personalized and signed hard copy. Order 10069. I have not received my book yet. Help! I have attempted doing a reply on the original order placed Nov. 21, but says the link no longer works. I have being trying now 6 attempts to contact you to find our about my book order. Janet Marie Clawson janetclawson2016@gmail.com

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Randy713's avatar

Wonderful read. HEB is a great store. If not judging by our politics, Texas is as well!! Welcome!

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

As I’m discovering, the politics are complicated and current leadership does not seem to represent the true majority of the population. They had to gerrymander and re-district their way to power. If ya gotta cheat to win, you ain’t no winner.

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Cynthia Phillips's avatar

Thanks for picking up on our Texas state of mind. We do need it now. I was hiking in a small, accessible state park here several years ago with my brother.We grew up in the country but both then lived in generic, fungible suburbs. We met people on the trail as we went. They all smiled as widely as we did. They said Hi, Howdy or just bobbed their heads the way Texans do. Some made small little jokes just to get a laugh.

After a little while, my brother and I turned to each other and simultaneously said "I've missed Texas". Sad, but true. One of the main draws of HEB is the Texas culture and its store brands that nail Texas cuisines. Three words y'all - Creamy Creations Ice Cream.

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

The friendliness is off the charts here.

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Angelina M. Lopez's avatar

Great piece!

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

Thanks, Angelina!

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

Janet, this is terrible! As you know, the official publication date was changed to April 22, 2025. I will try to rush yours. Thanks for your patience. If this is unacceptable, I am happy to issue a refund.

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All of the Above's avatar

Thanks for this inspiring column, Alisa. As a native New Englander, living in Texas for the second time, I value and admire HEB and I aspire, in my organization, to instill a culture of such authentic belonging. Oh and how about that smoked brisket queso?!

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

Hi, Ted! Thanks for the kind words! New England was home for me for many years. I miss it. Sounds like Texas keeps pulling you back. I like your philosophy! Haven’t had the smoked brisket queso yet, but OMG it sounds fire!

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Eva Camacho Guzman's avatar

I love this article! Thank you! I hope the right people read it. Pun intended! 😉

I shared it in several places. 🙏🏼

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

Hi, Eva! Nice pun! Thanks for sharing my essay. Un abrazo!

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Jack Haynes's avatar

Very nicely written, Alisa. I enjoyed you and your work when you were still a home girl. New Mexico was richer for your presence. I loved watching your videos. And, as I told you, I’m moving back to Santa Fe soon. But I also spent many years in Tejas and graduated from UT Austin , so I’m something of a hybrid myself, and I can tell that you’ll make a great Texan. They’re gonna love you. 🤘🏾

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

Thanks, Jack! New Mexico will always be home. Unfortunately, it isn’t a place I could support myself or my family anymore. I’m hoping to teach English durin the school year here in SATX, and spend time writing in NM in the summers. Good luck with your Santa Fe move, friend!

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MaryAnne Helms's avatar

Thank you for spreading the wonder thatnis HEB. A marketing campaign some years ago had the line "Here Everything's Better" and that's how we like to describe our HEB. 😁😁😁

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Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's avatar

It's actually true!

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