Consciously Indulging.

Hey party people! ET here. I’m just saying hello and holiday greetings from down here at the lovely TX coast. I’ve just had a nice family dinner with my mom and my little brother. And after a little too much wine and so much laughter I felt the need to write.

First of all, talk about taking time to think about how much has happened in a year. Wow. Last year was the first holiday season my brother and I had spent with my parents being divorced. After much anger, hurt, talking, and eventually healing, I think that all of us are individually in such amazing places now. I’m so thankful for that and I feel now more than ever, so much love and appreciation for my family.

I also am so grateful for my individual journey. I know that I have yet to “arrive” (do we really ever?), but it’s not about the destination. You have to be thankful for every step, and I am thankful for this one, whatever it is.

Wishing you a safe, merry, and happy holiday season, xoxo.

ET

This past Monday, my great uncle Bill Carl died.  He was such an amazing man, and truly a hero of my father and uncle.  In tribute to him, here is his obituary.  It’s more a list of everything that he did during his time, and how he completely lived life to the fullest.  Uncle Bill, you will be missed. 

William Evans Carl died suddenly Monday, December 5, 2011 in a Beeville hospital. He was born in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York July 23, 1925 to Beatrice Evans and Harry J. Carl.

Bill attended Lynbrook High School and graduated from Williams College in Williamstown Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology. He served as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Navy. He was employed by Stanolind Oil of Indiana in Houston, Texas where he met his wife, Billie Jo Boyle. Stanolind transferred Bill to Corpus Christi, Texas. He was the principal in several companies including Carl Oil & Gas, Polaris Exploration, and Carrl Oil.

He was a charter member of Corpus Christi Yacht Club, member of New York Yacht Club, and the All American Wildcatters and member of AAPG, API, IPAA, Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, TIPRO and National Petroleum Council. Bill was chairman of the Port Authority of Corpus Christi from 1974 to 1984, member of the Executive Board of Visitors M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Chairman of the Development Council at Texas State Aquarium, Director of Art Foundation of South Texas and The Institute of Ophthalmology of the Texas Medical Center in Houston. He was appointed from 1991-1993, by President George H.W. Bush, to the Panama Canal Commission and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Management Advisory Committee, of which he was Chairman.

Bill cherished his family and his passion for wildcatting (oil and gas exploration) was contagious. Aside from enjoying his family and friends at his ranches in Bee County (including his renowned annual dove hunts!), he was an active offshore sailboat racing enthusiast. He loved cruising the Exumas in his yawl. Bill lived a full life and loved his friends as much as they loved him!

Bill will be missed by his loving wife of 59 years, Billie; daughters, Sandi Carl (Richard Hoepfner), Melinda Carl; granddaughters, Leah and Sydney; brother, Harry (Pat) of San Diego, California, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and sister, Mary Jane Turner.