WOLF PACK SELFIE: DINA DE LA GARZA RODRIGUEZ

If you’re a member of the Double D Addiction Facebook group, you’re probably no stranger to the lovely Dina Rodriguez (and her “Sweetie”, Michael Murphy). But there is a lot you may not know about this stylish South Texas sister.

We had the opportunity to do a fun Q&A with Dina and get some insight into her life and her style.

DDR: Tell us a little bit about yourself – where you’re from, your upbringing, your family.

Dina: I was born and raised in Beeville, Texas. I’m a 10th generation Texan; my beloved parents are still there, with deep roots in and around the Goliad and Refugio area. I grew up with five brothers and three sisters, who I adore, we all gather back home as often as we possibly can. It’s always a blast. My sweetheart, Michael, and I have two wonderful sons, Manny & Joseph, and an adorable daughter-in-love, Paige. We love the times we get to spend with them, especially at our Ranchito. Oh, and of course, we have our sweet dog Miss Beasley, and our granddog, Lucy.

DDR: That’s so wonderful. Family is everything, it’s great that you get to spend so much time together. And what are you up to these days?

Dina: I am blessed to be at a point in my life where I am able to give back to our Community by volunteering in and around Wimberley. I am a former Board Member of the Wimberley Community Civic Club, I am currently on the Board of the Crisis Bread Basket, and I am a volunteer for Wimberley Adoption Group and Rescue (WAG). As a Texas A&I University graduate in Kingsville, I am also on the Board of Directors for the Alumni of Texas A&I, a non-profit that awards scholarships to worthy students at our alma mater. So, I stay very busy! My two sons tease me that they thought I would be slowing down, but I'm kind of busier than ever. Our Dinner Club just returned from attending Dia de los Muertos in San Miguel de Allende. Our calendar stays quite full! Career-wise, I'm a teacher by profession, but spent most of my years as a Family Service Advisor for funeral homes in Austin, something I was very passionate about. Now, I’m technically retired… but mostly just tired.

DDR: Wow! That’s incredible! You certainly stay busy! And on top of that, you and your Sweetie travel a great deal right?

Dina: Oh, did I forget to mention that?! (laughing) Yes, we love to travel! That is our passion. We have visited more than 37 countries.

DDR: That’s impressive! Now, you’ve been a friend and fan of Double D for a long time. What was your first introduction or interaction with the brand?

Dina: I want to say that I saw my first piece of Double D Ranchwear in a Cowboys & Indians magazine in one of their earliest issues, maybe 1992. My heart stopped. I tracked down boutiques in Austin that carried their beloved pieces. I still have every single piece of DDR that I have ever purchased – I’m a DDR hoarder! They are timeless, such classics. If there was a special event to attend, you can bet I would be donning their lovely garments. Michael has always called me his "Double D Ranch Gal”. He's a funny guy… when he heard I would be featured in Double Dose, he said, "Alas, my investment is paying off!” Haha

DDR: Well, we love that you love DDR, and we love you back! What would you say is your favorite DDR piece of all time?

Dina: Oh my gracious… that is like asking who your favorite child is! (laughing) There’s no such thing. But I will say, my vintage Calamity Jane jacket is certainly special: velvet, hand-done bead work, and fringe – what more can a gal ask for?! I do have a closet full, though. I have a passion for DDR jackets, but I own their skirts, tops, boots, belts, and hats, too! Presently, I am so enjoying my Code of the West hat. Oh, and did I mention my DDR pillow obsession? Haha

DDR: Oh man, yes, the Calamity Jane is a classic! Great piece. But that’s interesting, the Double D Home collection isn’t often top of mind when we ask about DDR favorites. Let’s talk more about this pillow obsession!

Dina: Two years ago, we were blessed to buy our little weekend getaway, our Ranchito Alamito. It’s near Bandera, and named after my de la Garza ancestors ranch near Refugio. Our most relaxing times are spent there. It has been fun decorating it; the beds are in DDR bedding and so many DDR pillows on the couch and beds that I lost count! Our Wimberley home is full of them as well!

DDR: Judging by the photos, you’ve done a beautiful job! We love that Double D is a part of your homes, and your overall style. Speaking of, how would you describe your personal style?

Dina: Funny you should ask. We were flying home from San Miguel, and I asked my Sweetie what he thought my style was. He answered, “eclectic, bohemian, hippie, cowgirl”. So there you have it! But I would add in my absolute love of turquoise!

DDR: That sounds about right! Well, you certainly wear it well. Is there anything from the Riata collection that is particularly catching your eye?

Dina: Oh my, the Riata collection… Swoon! First of all, perhaps because I’m such a Texas gal, Giant has always been a favorite movie of mine. The collection is magnificent! The jackets – namely the Flor de Cuero and the Plaza Charro. Oh, and the Juan Seguin. All swoon-worthy. How can clothing making your heart skip a beat?!

DDR: We feel ya! Even though we design it, sometimes imagining and sketching it out on paper doesn’t prepare us for seeing what our talented craftsmen will produce. What else makes your heart skip a beat? What is your life motto, or a phrase that really moves you?

Dina: I truly believe in having an attitude of gratitude. I have always loved, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be,” by Abraham Lincoln, because it can be so easy to get overwhelmed. My family’s favorite toast, for generations, has been “Salud, amor y dinero, y tiempo para desfrutarlo.” Which translates to “Good health, love, and money, and time to enjoy it all.” Isn’t that the all of it? Our good health is our greatest wealth.

DDR: Amen, sister. That’s a beautiful toast; we’ll have to remember that! Is there anything else you want to share with the readers and the Wolf Pack?

Dina: Just how blessed I am to belong to this amazing sisterhood we call the Wolf Pack. There are no words to aptly describe how we truly care for one another; just a text, phone call, message, or comment away from one another, just to let them know we are there for them. And what can I say about our fearless leaders: Mama Margie, Cheryl, Hedy, and Audrey, and their A-MAZING staff. They are more beloved than they could possibly know. God bless them always, and God bless Double D Ranch.