I have always loved that Lyle Lovett song.

See I was born and raised in Texas
And it means so much to me
Though my girl comes from down in Georgia
We were up in Tennessee

And as we were driving down the highway
She asked me baby what’s so great
How come you’re always going on
About your Lone Star State

I said that’s right you’re not from Texas
That’s right you’re not from Texas
That’s right you’re not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

Because it is so true. People who aren’t from Texas just don’t get it. (Some of them want to get it. But most of the time they just don’t.)

There is something truly special about the beautiful Lone Star State.

Last week I got to go home and enjoy the best Texas has to offer…delicious Mexican food, extraordinary Spring weather, beautiful horses, glorious wildflowers, proudly weird Austin, and some extra-friendly folks. The trip was like food for my soul.

Thought I’d share a few of my favorite pictures from the trip! (more…)

Sometimes I am just plain GROUCHY.

It is NOT PRETTY, but it is TRUE and REAL.

Yes, I know. I don’t really have ANYTHING to be grouchy about. All my fundamental needs are being met. I have a wonderful job, a loving family, and this fantastic group of friends. I belong to an incredible church. And I live in a country where I am allowed to dream of possibilities and work to make them a reality. I am set. Life is good.

But that doesn’t stop me from having days where the grouchy feelings cascade over me, mind and soul.

And today is one of those days where I am a little worn out with it all. Seriously…

I’m sick of being single. Sick, sick, sick of being single.

I’m sick of hearing that my friends wished they knew a man who was worthy of me. (I mean, what IN THE HECK does that mean?)

I’m sick of failing to find the right balance between doing too much and being really tired of being still.

But mostly, I’m sick of listening to myself complain.

So…

I am going to start thinking of things that make me smile. (Yes, I have probably seen The Sound of Music one too many times.)

I am going to think of things that are undeniably happy like…

Exploring the glorious Hill Country of Texas with my wide-eyed and totally precious nieces. (more…)

This summer has been A COMPLETE WHIRLWIND. I have been traveling non-stop and loving every minute of it. But I am worn out. And my life and my house are in disarray.  (Seriously can’t remember the last time I changed my sheets. I think it was sometime last week but I’m not quite sure.)

With all this traveling, another thing that has been neglected is my blog. So this is a quick play-by-play with some of my favorite photos, of course. (more…)

Last Christmas when I was in Texas with my family, we went to this A-MAZ-ING independent bookstore in Plano, Legacy Books.

Legacy Books was the kind of bookstore where you get lost in books. You wander around for hours and discovering new authors, exciting adventures, and gourmet recipes. You sip on lattes while browsing through a magazine you would never buy. You find things you never knew you needed.

And after working for a bookstore chain for five years, this is quite a feat. Now-a-days, I walk into bookstores and have a hard time relaxing. I want remerchandise. (Anyone who has spent an extensive amount of time working in retail knows what I mean. It is hard to resist the urge to straighten, tidy, refill) Perusing a bookstore is much more fun than remerchandising. Take my word for it.

Baby Kate

I love all bookstores, but I really loved this bookstore. And thankfully so did my nieces. But don’t take my word for it. Check out their smiles. Each one of them. (more…)

Are Big and Bright
Deep in the Heart of Texas.

The Texas State Flag

The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
All the livelong day.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
You cannot get away.
Texas Fight, Texas Fight,
For it’s Texas that we love best.
Hail, Hail, The gang’s all here,
And it good-bye to all the rest!

There is just something about Texas. I don’t know if every Texan feels it but, this enormous pride wells up in me everytime I step foot in “The Friendly State.” Here are 10 of my favorite things about Texas: (more…)