I am Texas Slim Pt. 1
From the Streets of Philly to the Dirt Roads of West Texas
It was April 17, 2023— as the sun cast its rays over Austin, the Texas Capitol gleaming in the afternoon light, I stood at the threshold of a journey that was as daunting as it was exhilarating. Today marked the beginning of my journey with Texas Slim, a man who until now had mostly been a voice, a presence felt through phone calls and digital exchanges. As a city kid, I was forged in the fires of Trenton, NJ, and Philadelphia, and I was about to follow a path that was foreign in every sense of the word.
My life had been a mosaic of survival, resilience, and self-made solitude. From the bustling streets of the East Coast to the quiet, introspective walks in the urban sprawl, I had always found solace in my own company. The city, with its relentless pace and its unspoken rules, was my arena. Yet, here I was, about to step into a world that seemed as distant as the stars above.
Meeting Texas Slim at Austin International Airport, I was greeted not just by a man, but by a vision. His demeanor was a blend of the rugged 'dirt roads of West Texas' and an undeniable undercurrent of wisdom and insight. The way he spoke about his vision – saving children, rekindling human connections, breathing life into small towns – resonated with the very core of my being. There was an immediate sense of kinship, a recognition that despite our different paths, we were united in our pursuit of something greater.
The timing of our journey was spiritually significant. It was the month of Ramadan, a period of deep reflection and connection with my faith. As a Muslim revert (which for me means I didn’t really believe in God), I was still navigating the intricacies of my spiritual practice. The decision to take this trip during such a sacred time was not taken lightly. After consulting the Quran and seeking wisdom from its verses, I found reassurance in the notion that ease and compassion were integral to my faith, especially during travel. Yet, determined to honor the sanctity of Ramadan, I chose to fast on our first day, commencing the journey with a sense of physical and spiritual preparation.
Our last stop on that first day was a meaningful one – Black's BBQ in Lockhart, TX. It was there, after a day filled with recordings and introductions at the State Capitol, that Texas Slim and Justin Trammell joined me in breaking my fast. The meal was more than just sustenance; it was a symbol of the journey ahead – a path of discovery, of shared meals, and of stories yet to be told.
I woke up in a Holiday Inn Express off the highway— a stark reminder of the journey I was on. As we set off from Lockhart, the open road ahead of us, I couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and excitement. The vast Texas landscape stretched out before us, a canvas of endless possibilities. Each mile we covered was a step further away from my familiar urban landscape and a step deeper into a world that I had only known through stories and distant narratives. In the confined space of the pickup truck, there was an unspoken understanding between Texas Slim and me.
Texas Slim and I, coming from distinctly different walks of life, were bonded by a singular and powerful objective – not just to save lives, but to enhance them by maximizing access to quality nutrition and care. Our journey was far from a random exploration; it was a deeply personal mission for me, steeped in the haunting promise of saving my mother's life, a promise that I had failed to fulfill in the past. This unmet vow had etched a profound mark on my soul, driving me on this quest with a fervent purpose.
Primal Foods, Primal Genes: Our ancestors weren't just surviving; they were thriving because their diets were unlocking some epic genetic expressions. We can tap into that same power today.
-Jennifer Bambrick in “Unlocking Your Genetic Potential” from Texas Slim’s Cuts’ Lifestyle Management
As we began our journey through the heart of America, our mission was unmistakable: to reestablish market access to the cow, thereby reviving the essential nutritional lifeline crucial for both small towns and their families, as well as for the broader urban communities. In achieving this, I hoped to not only revive a way of life but also to possibly save another person's mother, thereby fulfilling a vow that I couldn't for my own. Each town we visited and each landscape we crossed marked a significant step towards understanding the soul of America's small towns. We sought to reveal the unseen – truths that had the potential to bring healing and hope to many. It was amidst the rolling hills and the tranquil towns of the American South that my journey as a Modern-Day Cattleman truly began, a journey that transcended mere travel: this was a quest for redemption and hope.
My introduction to Texas was a fusion of the familiar and the unknown. Texas Slim, true to his name, exuded the essence of West Texas as he greeted me at ATX airport. In his hand was an iPhone 14 Pro Max, a tool that would become my lens to capture this new world. Armed with the Pro Cinema app, I was ready to document every moment, every sight that was novel to my city-tuned senses. Austin, with its cityscape marred by homelessness, drug addiction, and poverty, mirrored the urban challenges I knew all too well. But there was an undercurrent of something different here, something waiting to be discovered beyond the city limits.
It was in Austin that I first met Justin Trammell, a figure whose presence was as captivating as his knowledge of the land. His demeanor carried a blend of kindness and the kind of soft-spoken wisdom that only comes from a deep, intuitive connection with nature. Justin wasn't just a rancher; he saw himself more as a grass farmer, an insightful twist that piqued my curiosity. During our conversation, he shared insights that would fundamentally shift my perspective on the urban landscape.
Justin introduced me to the concept of edible city plants, a revelation that highlighted the hidden resources thriving in our urban environments. He spoke of the Yaupon Holly, the only caffeinated plant native to North America, which could be brewed into a drink akin to green or black tea. This plant, he explained, flourished in the sandy soils of Central and East Texas, a testament to nature's resilience and adaptability.
Then there was Chickweed, a ubiquitous green weed that often goes unnoticed as it grows against the sides of houses. Justin described its texture as similar to spinach, making it a versatile addition to sandwiches, salads, and even as an ingredient in pesto or smoothies. His knowledge of these plants was not just academic; it was a practical guide to living in harmony with the land, even in urban settings.
This conversation with Justin Trammell was more than just an exchange of knowledge; it was a gateway to a deeper understanding of the environment around me. It spoke of a world where even in the concrete confines of a city, nature offered sustenance and sustenance in abundance. This was a precursor to the deeper connection with nature and self-reliance that I would come to appreciate and embrace in the days to come.
As we ventured towards East Texas, the landscape began to shift, transforming into lush rolling hills that stretched endlessly, dotted with grazing cattle. This was a world apart from the concrete and steel of urban life. The beauty of East Texas, with its verdant expanses and tranquil scenery, was overwhelming. For someone who had seen only one cow in his entire life, the sight of these pastoral landscapes was nothing short of transformative. The region's natural beauty, characterized by its dense forests, meandering rivers, and vibrant wildlife, was a stark contrast to the bustling city streets I knew. As I filmed, capturing this raw beauty through the iPhone's lenses, I felt a profound connection to this land, one that stirred emotions deep within me.
This journey was not just about discovering the physical beauty of Texas but also understanding the soul of its people. The ranching culture of Texas, marked by a larger-than-life humbleness and quietude, resonated with me. It reminded me of the silent strength I had observed in the streets of the East Coast – the unspoken code of respect and dignity that governed the lives of those who knew true struggle.
My defining moment came during a conversation with Clyde Sommerlatte and Jason from 2 Bar C Ranch. Left alone with them for a few minutes, I found the opportunity to express my perspective on the struggles faced by people from the cities, particularly the East Coast. To my surprise, they listened with an intensity that spoke volumes. In their eyes, I was not an outsider but a part of their world. This acknowledgment, coming from men who embodied the essence of Texas ranching culture, was a profound affirmation of my journey.
In those first two weeks, the transformation had begun. The East Texas landscape, with its serene beauty, and the ranchers, with their unassuming strength, were shaping me, molding me into something new. As I looked out over the sprawling fields and listened to the tales of the land, I realized that I was not just documenting a journey; I was living it, becoming a part of it. The Modern-Day Cattleman was no longer just a concept; it was becoming my identity, forged in the heart of Texas.
As the pickup truck meandered through the lush landscapes of East Texas and Western Arkansas, I found myself enveloped in an environment that seemed to echo the Quranic description of paradise – gardens under which rivers flow. The verdant expanses, the tranquility of the rivers, and the vibrant layers of nature around me brought a sense of serenity that was both profound and humbling. This feeling was magnified by the spiritual journey of Ramadan I was undertaking. As I gazed out the window, tears formed, not just from the overwhelming beauty of the landscape but from the realization of how far I had come from the struggles and turmoil of Philadelphia. This journey through East Texas was more than a physical traverse; it was a spiritual feeling that touched the very core of my being.
In the midst of this spiritual awakening, I was also learning to listen and honor the space I was in. A vivid memory from those initial weeks was my visit to Clyde Sommerlatte's auction barn. The sight of the bleachers, the staging area, and the large pen outside was something entirely new to me. I could only imagine what it would be like to witness a live bull making its grand entrance, displaying its majestic presence in this unique setting. The auction barn, a hub of rural activity and life, was a stark contrast to the urban landscapes I was accustomed to. It was here that I met Jason, Clyde’s right-hand-man on the ranch, a figure whose positive aura was infectious. His enthusiasm about almost anything was a refreshing contrast to Clyde's more reserved demeanor. The dynamic between these two men, so different yet so deeply connected to the land and their work, was a fascinating study in human character and resilience.
This part of my journey was not just about discovering new landscapes and meeting new people; it was about understanding and embracing the spirit of the land: Acceptance is key. The vastness and beauty of East Texas and Western Arkansas, coupled with the warm, unassuming nature of its people, were guiding me towards a transformation. The lessons I was learning were simple yet profound: to respect the land, to appreciate the quiet strength of those who work it, and to find joy in the simple things like watching a cow graze.
As the journey continued, I found myself increasingly connected to this new world. The days spent in the company of cattlemen like Clyde and Jason, witnessing their connection to the land and the animals, were reshaping my perspectives. The quiet moments spent observing the landscape, feeling the breeze, and soaking in the tranquility were moments of introspection and growth. I was no longer just a visitor in this world; I was becoming a part of it. The Modern-Day Cattleman within me was slowly emerging, nurtured by the land, the people, and the spirit of Texas.
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