Day 8.

I am practicing a thirty day fast from hating Texas. I  post one thing I love about Tejas everyday until February 5. 

EIGHT. The fresh, bright and breezy early spring.




I remember biking to class in late March/ early April in Bermuda shorts and a thin cardi, soaking up the crisp morning which melted into a friendly sunny afternoon. The kind of sunny that kisses gently, rather than turning you into a sweaty puddle every time you step outside.  A span of time when forgetting deodorant would not be a total tragedy; sundresses are fun, not itchy and chaffing. Hammocks or quilts on the lawn seem inviting with a Sonic slushy, and Jane Austen book in hand.

Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and avocados are cheap as dirt and at every farmers market. Mmmm. what a fabulous time in Texas, the early spring. 


What do you love about Texas? 

Day 7.

I am practicing a thirty day fast from hating Texas. I  post one thing I love about Tejas everyday until February 5. 

SEVEN. The glorious, unexpected color of a West Texas sunset.







I will not be the first one to praise Texas for its landscape, my heart is buried deep in the Rocky Mountains. However, breath becomes stuck in my throat when a West Texas sun rolls away leaving traces of magenta, auburn and golden plumage feathery in the expansive sky.

Silhouettes of trees stand stark and distinct against the brilliantly painted sky.
A sight I will always be stunned by; a vision of God's creativity and goodness.

What do you love about Texas? 

Day 6.

I am practicing a thirty day fast from hating Texas. I  post one thing I love about Tejas everyday until February 5.

SIX. Ah, the great and ever so smooth Shiner Bock.


Yes, it's true there is great and even better tasting beers around the world; but when your choices are between corporate urine beers such as Bud light, Coors and :shudder: keystone, Shiner is a beacon of light guiding Texans toward a smooth, hopsy appreciation for the art of brewing.

What do you love about Texas? 

Day 5.

I am practicing a thirty day fast from hating Texas. I  post one thing I love about Tejas everyday until February 5.

FIVE. Dinner with my Village/Community group in Fairmont, Fort Worth.
American food night:


These two introduced me to the City Church in August, which meets downtown Fort Worth at 5o'clock Sunday nights.


If I did not have this precious, challenging, compassionate community I would have found my self deeper in the sorrow of post-graduation.

(In order of last nights dinner)
Kristiane: Understanding, listener, giver.
Nathan: Observer, servant, compassionate.
Lincoln: Talented musician, subtle funny guy, protector.
Andrew R: Lover of Hymns, pursuer of knowledge, loser of current 'Words with Friends' game.
Whitley: Singer, Joyful smile, great heart for the least of these, Bananagrams.
Patrick: Questioner, depth of though, laughter.
Megan W: Mother, observer, wise.
Baby Gibson: Brings great joy and life to us all. 23 inches long!
Andrew Y: Funny guy, intellectual, musician, adaptable.
Jay: Direct, patient, cook.
Meaghan: generous, encourager, compassionate, giver.
Jess: Entrepreneur, dreamer, spirit.
Rachel: Practical, committed, brave.
Sara: Foodie, lover of people, hostess.


What do you love about Texas? 

Day 4.

I am fasting from hating Texas. Here are things 2, 3 and 4 I love about the drawling state:

FOUR-- The oh-so spectacular Sharky's Burrito.
 
A perfect blend of Spicy ranch, homemade tortilla chips, well proportioned burrito and all under FIVE dollars. What a treat, and only in Texas.

THREE--The Gathering 

The church I attended in college was a life spring of community. My character was molded weekly within the walls of Pioneer and I owe the adults who spent hours each Sunday preparing meals for all of us mooching college kids. Occasionally I would fill a to-go box with poppy-seed chicken and eat off it for a week.

TWO-- The thrifting, can I get an AMEN?

Note the boots: Thrifted


Note the sweater: Thrifted


Note the dress: Thrifted


Note the glorious loads of crap: Thrifted


Note the mother of all record players: Texas freaking thrift


What do you love about Texas?

Day 1.

Today I am starting a thirty day fast from hating Texas. I am going to post one thing I love about Tejas everyday until February 5.

ONE. Two wiwwal nuggets of pure, authentic joy in my life: 
Bryce and Travis. 

Photo by: D. Ventriere

New life so young and pudgy has filled my heart with a fresh taste of love; the instant their eyes opened I was hooked. Being Aunt Krisi is a new shift in our family, one which has made Texas a place of snuggles, learning and spit-up in my hair (which is totally acceptable).

Stars at night.

I collapsed into bed last night, allowing pieces of me to become numb with sleep. Slowly I decompressed from hours of travel and a week of nuptials, family, good beer, old friends and plenty of fresh Northwest cuisine.

However-- airplane coffee or anxiety kept my mind active.

 Returning to Texas has never been a spirit lifter for me, nothing about the landscape or fatty meats and canned veggies smothered in gravy entices this mountain/produce lover. I despise camo, mesquite BBQ, hand guns and Rick Perry.

When the Pilot clicks his intercom to inform us of the final descent into Dallas, heaps of reality plop on my head and absorb into my brain. I am once again flying into Texas with no return ticket. Will I ever enjoy flying 'home'? Can I rise up and mold a passion for southern culture?

Answer-- I don't care to figure it out... for now.


Here is what I will illuminate--
GREAT JOYS...starting right now.

Old friends that teach and laugh.


Discovery and passion all rolled into a tasty drink.


An intuitive, reasonable and patient uncle.


Pure, grandeur.




A creative, compassionate, intentional ginger.


Joys from this week. What are some of yours?