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I am not a spy, but the daughter of a spy.
I am the daughter of U.S. Air Force military intelligence security service Lt. Col. Robert E. Powell. I take after my father with his green eyes and Roman nose. He chose the name Patrick because he wanted his firstborn to be a son. But I am Patricia, a patrician, indeed. Not a plebian.
I am a self-made woman who financed her way through work study and scholarships to graduate from the University of Texas in Austin with honors.
No one attended my graduation.
One of my brothers coached George Strait’s son in basketball at TMI Episcopal in San Antonio, my place of birth. My other brother looks like George Clooney. My grandmother’s birthday is on Halloween, 1899. I often feel that I was born in the wrong century and am attracted to old buildings and old books.
I am fond of fonts. Sans-serif, please.
I drink martinis, margaritas, and Maker’s Mark.
Why do I always wear a Stetson?
Because you only have one chance to make a first impression. If not a hat, then a headpiece or scarf, earrings, and perfume.
I moved from Houston to East Dallas, Lakewood 10 years ago.
I am a trailblazer. With no high school in Karamursel, Turkey (where my father was stationed), I lived in a dorm in Ankara. With my camera and journal, I went by foot and took public transit all over Ankara and Istanbul (old Constantinople). I read French, Russian and Italian novels.
I invite you to join me on a magical journey through East Dallas/ Lakewood — land of hidden treasures, passionate and creative people: musicians, entrepreneurs, artists. You will learn the history behind the names Gaston, Cole, Abrams, DeGoyler, Scalini’s, and Jimmy’s, as I spy Lakewood.
Patricia S. Gerecci is a guest writer who has lived in East Dallas for 10 years. She has worked over 50 years as an educator and writer across Texas, Germany and Turkey.
