Nan A. Graham
Nan was born and raised in Abilene, TX, but her burnt orange blood took her to Austin, Texas for a time. However, after graduating from U.T., falling in love, giving birth twice and doing a mini-tour of Texas, she returned to the booming town of Abilene with her brood in tow…George (hubby) who is called at times “Cracker” (hence the last name) and her kids Harrison & Cate (“Ritz” & “Ritz Bitz” ~ again hence the last name). And of course there’s Nan who is at times called “Saltine” which fits her perfectly since she can be quite salty & sassy. Well, as she says…”You have to have these two qualities when you are living in teenageville!”
Erin K. Schroeder
Erin was born in Denton, Texas, but arrived in Abilene as quickly as any 7 year old could. After graduating from Cooper High School in…never mind, she attended Hardin-Simmons University. Being the good Irish Catholic girl that she is, she looked for her Prince Leprechan. She found him in 1989 (at the age of 12), in the form of Cactus Schroeder. A former tennis coach, many of his past students referred to him as “The Coach from HELL”. Ironically, Nan was one of his former students. Erin & Cactus were married on St. Patrick’s Day (of course), of 1990 (she was 13, he was 35). Starting in 1993, their clover began to grow, ending in a 5 leaf clover in 2001. Erin is proud of all three of her girls. Cactus, however, is sweating the “dating” years. To quote him: “Fathers of boys have to worry about one prick…I have to worry about EVERY prick!”
The Girls
Even though Nan & Cactus go waaaaaay back, Nan & Erin did not begin their friendship until 1999, when Nan moved back to Abilene. At the time, Erin owned a candy store and Nan came to work for her a couple of days a week. Customers often got them mixed up…especially while Erin was out on maternity leave and Nan was running the shop. Fast forward to 2007 & many fun times, Erin & Nan joined forces to launch Abilene Woman Directory. Friends doing business together? These two, however, make a GREAT team! In the fall of 2007, Nan approached Erin about doing a radio show (paybacks are hell!). The conversation began at Erin’s birthday party after a couple of glasses of wine & of course, Erin said yes! That was the beginning of Gabbin’ with the Girls! They were on a local radio station for 18 months & then took a brief hiatus to do…what DID they do? They began researching internet radio & TV and got in contact with Mingle Media TV. What a blessing! They launched their internet TV show in March of 2010 and have a VERY loyal following. They don’t know what the next chapter holds (possibly a book – as that seems the new fad)…but what they do know is that they are going to continue to Gab, Giggle, Grin & Groove! Won’t you join them?
