No More “Same-Oh, Same-Oh!”
Carl and I recently decided to spice things up — not in our chili, but in our choices! After realizing we’d been eating at the same-oh, same-oh restaurants, we heard Austin has over 4,000 of them. So we made a pact — no repeats (unless we’re with friends). We’re now at 145 new places and…
After the Waters Recede
The fireworks have faded. The skies are still. And while some homes hold sweet memories of July 4th celebrations… others, especially here in Texas, sit heavy with sorrow. A girls camp — nearly a century old — once echoed with laughter, and held this beautiful cross at the pinnacle of the camp, canoe races, horseback…
Happy New Year’s Eve!
There’s something about the glow of the lights, the half-empty bags of party confetti, and the hope that this is the year we’ll all go to the gym more than twice. But beyond the fun and fizz, hope has a name. His name is Jesus. As we gather to celebrate 2025 in, or as we…
July 4th – a Very Big Deal
Of course it is. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. Fast forward to 2023, and many of us see this day as simply a paid holiday, family picnics, gatherings and fireworks shows. And much of it was just that, as…
Happy July 4th — We are Free Because of Thee
Happy Birthday, America! Today, we celebrate the freedom that we take for granted on most days. Many have sacrificed their lives for this country so the rest of us can rest each night — safe and fairly certain of what tomorrow will bring. I don’t want this blog today to just be a casual reminder,…
Maybe Life isn’t Meant to Take so Seriously
Receiving inspiration for my daily blog is serious matter to me. Thinking that I needed to make this day’s blog to be one of encouraging those who are in pain physically, or mentally from the loss of their job, special events or even the loss of a loved one, I scanned my social media timeline.…
Happy Birthday, UNITED States of America!
As I started typing this blog, UNITED, stood out like a neon sign to me. Frankly, it presented me with a conundrum. I thought, what in the world is UNITED about America during these times? What happened to “one nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE with liberty and justice for all?” I am proud to be a…
I’m Declaring My Liberty and Freedom
July 4th is always a day to celebrate America’s birthday in some way even if it’s only wearing some red, white and blue. For my family, it always meant shooting off some “black cats”, “rockets”, sparklers and a few “chasers” that made us high-tail it! There was always hamburgers and hot dogs with the all-American…
Happy July 4th – Let Freedom Ring!
At church on Sunday, the congregation was invited to share with someone what the best thing about July 4th is to them. I thought “That’s a no-brainer! It’s remembering that we live in this marvelous country with so many freedoms that were paid for by those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.” And, that’s…
Navigating the Journey is Worth it!
As strategic as you can be on a trip through the mazes, long walking stretches between one ride or experience to the next, being in your spot for the parade and fireworks and the shows as well as determining Fast Pass versus Stand By can be almost mind-boggling. Believe me, showing up with no plan…