Well, welcome Richard! But scratch that idea of breaking up Texas. Like the ad's say,"It's a whole other country!"
Though Texas is rather large, that's part of what makes Texas... TEXAS! Never caught where you were from. I'm in Midland, which is west Texas near the panhandle. How about yourself?
By the way, you mention that you found O'Sensei through your philosophy studies. Was it through one of his books or did someone refer you to him? There's a story there I'm sure, and I'd like to hear it if you feel like sharing.