Gratitude. That's my word for 2023. While I've faithfully written in my gratitude journal every morning for a few years, and have gotten better at noticing my blessings and telling God thank you, I realize I've become neglectful in telling the people around me thank you and showing my appreciation when they help me, my family, my clients or my... Continue reading

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to... Continue reading

Our small parish had the same priest for about the first 20 years that we lived here. Father Joe founded the church, first holding Mass at a campground on Lake Travis. By the time he retired (in his 80's) the current church had been built, expanded, and a parish activity center built. Also, I had become a Catholic! You can... Continue reading

"If nothing ever changed, there would be no such things as butterflies." ~ Wendy Mass, The Candymakers I found this sign in a Florida thrift shop a couple of years ago. It's been hanging above my desk ever since, a good reminder that I need to keep pushing forward out of my comfort zone. But while I've experienced some growth... Continue reading

It is a glorious autumn day here in Long Hollow. The window behind my monitor is filled with cloudless blue sky and shimmering leaves of orange and gold. Tomorrow I will be focused on cooking and celebrating with a few of my kids, so today I'm indulging myself with reflection and the sharing of a few major "sweets" since my... Continue reading

This is a repost originally published on my other blog almost 5 years ago. I was thinking about it this morning and felt it was a fitting tribute to those we are remembering on Memorial Day. I'm proud to say this young Airman is now my son-in-law. I was honored to attend the Air Force Boot Camp graduation last weekend... Continue reading

Every morning Belle and I take a walk on our caliche road. We have a set path of about 1.5 miles. First we head in one direction where the road twists and turns and dips, then we backtrack past our house and up a short hill before turning around and returning home. Belle sets the pace, mostly at a fast... Continue reading

Being a mother means that your heart is no longer yours; it wanders wherever your children do. ~Author unknown In the old days, before masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing became customary, I would get an achy feeling in my heart if it had been more than two weeks since I saw my grandson in person. I had a physical... Continue reading

Hi, how are you? I hope you are doing well and staying healthy. What a strange time we're living in, right? But to be honest.... my life hasn't changed much over the past couple of months, despite the shelter-in-place orders, toilet paper shortages, and face masks. Realtors are considered "essential workers" because people are still moving to Austin and needing... Continue reading