Jennyteenth, Girls weekend in San Marcos

Baby's just a little bit tired of the city,

Billboards and buildings got her down,

Seem like you need a little hill country,

A Little back roads driving, little bit of the old top down,

Yeah, everybody gotta get away sometime,

Forget about yourself for a while....

There is an unspoken promise among this group of angelic girlfriends...we always go all out in celebrating birthdays that end in 0 or 5. For Jenny’s 35^th, she chose to do an overnight trip to San Marcos, and of course she went all out on the plans. She missed her calling as an event planner for sure.

Upon arrival to Jenny’s house at 10 a.m. (SHARP) on Saturday morning, we were given travel packets chocked full of maps, an agenda, car riding assignments (yes, that’s right) and a wonderful party favor bag. Then, the caravan of vehicles carrying a dozen charming, beautiful, amazing women took off. Games, music, and deep, moving conversation filled the cars as only girls can. Soon, beautiful green fields and  fragrant wildflowers were the only thing in view, The tension from the city, our jobs, and day-to-day faded into the rear-view mirror along with the buildings and billboards, now no where in sight.

First stop, lunch at Oakridge Smokehouse in Schulenburg, Texas.  Schulenburg was settled by Germans, so the sausage and kolaches in this town just can’t be beat. The barn shaped restaurant with its charming crooked windows serves beef, sausage, chicken, ham, ribs, turkey, sandwiches, salads, soups. It is just pure yum. The restaurant also has a deli, bakery and gift shop for extra shopping. I recommend the mashed potatoes and the sausage. Texas has the best sausage.

Second stop, the San Marcos Outlet Malls. Voted the “Third-Best Place to Shop in the World” by ABC’s The View, Prime Outlets – San Marcos is the largest outlet shopping destination in Texas and the third-largest in the world.   Pretty good stop for a dozen girls. We only had one hour here, but alas, there is just nothing and I do mean nothing that a dozen girls can’t accomplish in one hour. A plethora of bags filled the cars as we departed for the hotel to drop the bags and rush off to the winery.

Oh sweet winery. We opted to visit Three Dudes and a Dog winery on friend recs and because it was so close to our hotel.

The winery is in the middle of a wide, open field. It has a beautiful relaxing courtyard with porch swings to sit and listen to the birds chirp and savor the quiet, peaceful atmosphere and tasty wine. It also has a pathway which leads to a deck on the river. Oh what blissful serenity! For $3 each, our host let us swirl, twirl, sniff and taste each of the five luscious wines the guys make from Texas grapes. My favorite was the merlot, the cherry and plum aromas were delicious. The second favorite among the girls was the chenin blanc, clean and crisp, light and joyful. Yum. I said it again.

After the tasting, we purchased a bottle, then another of the chenin blanc and enjoyed sitting in the courtyard in the late afternoon. For the first time on that trip, for just a moment, we were there in the moment, not worried about what was next or what was last, just savoring that moment and enjoying each person there. Real moments are certainly what make life matter.

Before saying goodbye to the three dudes and the dog, we strolled down to the river to check out the deck nestled among the trees. Green, green, green, just beautiful, serene and peaceful. It was like stepping into rewind or pause. Click. Another good moment to last forever.

Dinner that night was at River Pub & Grill The restaurant is right on the San Marcos River, at the end of one of the 45-minute float trips. As we sat there on the deck, we got to watch children swinging by rope into the river, kids jumping off rocks, adults relaxed in their tubes, so much laughter. It was a great atmosphere. The food was good too. It seemed like the fried catfish was loved by all. The fried pickles appetizer was yum. There is that word again. This trip was yum. Our waitress could have smiled though.

By 1030 pm, after a full day, we were exhausted but some of us could not turn in just yet. After crashing a wedding, just kidding, we did not do that, not exactly. After dinner, we sat out by the pool for a late swim and more, yes more girl talk. Rachel and I stayed up and talked until nearly 2 a.m.

Sunday morning and many had to go home early, but some of us just had to budge from the plans a little bit. We were not ready to go home yet. I’ve heard it said that adventure results from poor planning. It was time to be poor planners! Maradee, Melissa, Rachel and I were among the poor planners ready for some adventure! We dropped Maradee and Melissa off at the outlet for more shopping, and Rachel and I headed a few minutes up the road to the Lions Club tube rental for some good old fashioned tubing down the San Marcos River.

It is crazy that I have lived in Texas for 19 years and never tubed before now. Tubing the river is to Texas like canopy rides are to Costa Rica or gator hunting is to Louisiana. Many people will opt to do the 4-hour ride along the Guadalupe in New Braunsfels or the more family-friendly, shadier ride along the Comal. We had little time and those rivers were closed due to flooding in the area recently, so we opted for the San Marcos right near us. We rented the closed tubes for $9 each and jumped in butt first. We floated, chatted, swam and let the dragonflies ride on our toes. It was beautiful, it was fun, and it was enlightening. In true adventure, one comes to know themselves. I learn so much about me when I get a break like that.

At the end of the 45 minute float (which took us 1.5 hours probably because we were too busy soaking in all the peace and joy), is the little waterfalls. Some adventurous kids were tubing down the waterfalls, laughing out loud, as their mom’s screamed at them to stop. The sound reminded me of sleeping near the Savegre River in Costa Rica. So peaceful. We were not done yet and swam, even though the water was bone chilling. It was exhilirating to swim in that cold river, listening to the laughter and the sound of the falls off the dam.

After a quick change in the car, we picked up Maradee and Melissa from the outlet. Even after two plus hours in the sweltering Texas heat, none of us were ready to go home yet. So we detoured through Gruene. We had lunch at the Gruene River Grill. We sat outside on the deck overlooking the Guadalupe and laughed until our bellies hurt.  It was fabulous. Rachel and I split the jumbo chicken fajita salad. Served with corn, black beans, pico de gallo, tortilla strips, cheeses and chipotle Ranch dressing, it was wonderful. Melissa had a chicken sandwich served on sourdough bread with spicy fries. Maradee had the Greek salad. We split the spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer and the key lime pie for dessert. Everything was wonderful.

Before leaving, we strolled around historic Gruene looking at the old general stores, antique shops, art galleries and bed and breakfasts. Then, we walked in Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall. Although our visit to the dance hall was quite brief, it was long enough for Melissa to dance up a storm to Country band Bret Graham.

Alas, it was time to go home. The three-hour drive took four and a half hours as we passed two wrecks on the way home. It was okay though. More time for girly chatter, and deep conversation.

Everyone needs a girl’s weekend once in a while. Although my husband is hoping I got it out of my system for a while, I am already planning my next one!

Letters and Legacies

My cousins and I sat in the middle of Uncle Danny’s living room, sifting through the cardboard boxes, as if they were buried treasure. Each new find was a precious discovery. We laughed. We cried. We sat in peaceful silence. We all talked at once. We shared memories.

It was one of those moments that could have lasted forever and I’d be okay with it. I wanted it to last forever. The ticking clock made me anxious. I did not want to go back to the fast-paced instant world.

Looking at all the photos, letters, cards and prayer journals my Granny left behind—all in her beautiful handwriting—made me want to re-think my priorities. My granny left this world very poor and very sick, but the photos, letters and journals that she left are priceless. Jewels. Better than any inheritance. The memories are everlasting.

I realized how much I am like my Granny. Looks, personality, laugh, all of it. My brother says I’ll be 70 years old digging in my flowerbed singing old southern hymns off key at the top of my lungs just like her. He is right. That is already me.

Looking at her photos, I could see all five children and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren in her face. Amazing.

I’ve heard it said that a legacy is when someone leaves a lasting impression on your life. Granny certainly did that. There are so many things that I do, that make me think “granny taught me this.” Ironing, cooking, cleaning, tying my shoe, building a fire, balancing my checkbook, driving, telling a story, praying.

And so often that I hear her shrill voice in my heart, and one of the many many things she said over and over again. Some of my favorite Grannyisms...

“If it is to be, it is up to me.”    “Every joke is a half truth...”

“When you can’t sleep, God has something to tell you, so get out of bed and listen.”

“We should work like we are going to be here forever, but we should live like we are going HOME tomorrow!”

“Don’t you know, Haven’t you heard. We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

“Heather, you are an exotic bird and you won’t cage well. Fly child fly!”

“Problems shared are split in two.” “Practice makes perfect.” “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

“Oh foot! I tried to do it by myself without God and messed everything up.”

Some of her favorite Biblical quotes we all heard often...Love in deed and in truth, Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches...II Chronicles 7:14 too.

So much scripture, so much wisdom came out of her mouth. I am so quickly taken back to several kids in a Linncoln, no seatbelts, singing This is the Day that the Lord Hath Made...hands off the steering wheel to clap, and a bottle of Aqua Net too.

After finding so much peace in looking at my granny's journals and letters, I just had to make sure mine were still around also. I went up in the attic recently to search for my own letters.Thank God, I have not tossed all my letters. I have loads of them from the days before instant communication on email and facebook. High School and College mostly. Great friends and family too. Many are tucked neatly in an antique purse that looks like a treasure chest. To touch them, smell them, see the handwriting of a letter, go there, absolute bliss. Each letter took me back to a special place. And yet each letter seemed so timeless. I am here but reading the letter let me be there, for just a moment. Oh what moments!

I’ve heard it said....Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls; for, thus friends absent speak.  ~John Donne

I cherish all the people and all the memories God has blessed me with. I love the letters that have been shared thus far. I think I will write more of them from now on! They are too special. I remember right before we got married, David asked me if I wanted a marriage gift, a jewel etc. I asked him to write me a handwritten letter. I love that letter. It is in a beautiful box on my dresser and I often pull it out and re-read of those promises and that young love. It brings me such joy and encouragement. 

So far, 2010 has been a season of loss and change and I am learning loads from it.

Many things are on my mind during this season. Mainly that the purpose of life is much more simple and yet much more difficult than any one of us realizes, to love others. God has given us people to love while we are here. We won't be here long. Time flies. It really does. We should make each day of loving count. I just want to reach out to everyone God has put in my life at one time or another, and hold them tight and tell them how much I love them.

Reminiscing Buffalo 06

As the fam and I begin to discuss a reunion at the Buffalo, I can't help but remember my first trip there in 2006. Awesomeness. As the 6th graders say. The below was written by me on June 2, 2006. 

JASPER, ARKANSAS--Surrounded by wooded mountains so dense hardly any light hits the ground, I bend down and collect some of the clean water from the rushing river and splash it across my face. I bring it to my lips and take a hardy, satisfying swig. I splash the cool water across my face and over my neck. I feel the coolness trickle down my back. It is one of those rare times I have sipped from the source and I have no fear of sickness. This is pure Ozark. With the sticky summertime heat pressing down on me, the cool mountain water is just what I need to continue this journey.

I am with my family: dad, his wife Tawana, brother PJ, step-brother Brandon and their friend David, on a trip down the Buffalo National River in North Arkansas. Its more than just a trip to my dad. He first embarked on the mighty Buffalo some 25 years ago. He was a young 20-something, recently divorced, single dad, and looking for some peace. He found it on the Buffalo.

Dad has continued to make that peace trek many times. He brought his lovely wife T there for their honeymoon in 1998. Later, he brought my brothers when Brandon graduated high school. And the boys and the parents have made it a tradition as much as possible. Buffalo 06 was the first time I was able to partake in the adventure.

I so very much need this time after the turmoil Ive been in of late. Surgery, illness, depression, anxiety, heartbreak. Oh dear! It is definitely time for some natural outdoor therapy with my family.

For the trip, I experience clean water, high bluffs, wooded hillsides, and a myriad of seasonal wildflowers to slow the pace of my frenzied mind. Stars at night so close you can touch them, and food from the farm stand so fresh you forget why you even shop at a supermarket.

I learned English

After six nights in London and five years working for Reed Business Information-UK, I just may have learned English, how to properly hold a knife and fork, how to dress for rainy days, how to take a lovely cup of tea, and how much I love large cokes full of ice and precious, out-of-this world, amazing Texas.

I arrived Sunday afternoon to Heathrow, jumped on the Heathrow Express and hiked over to the Royal Lancaster hotel just across from Hyde Park. The hotel is beautiful and slightly famous as the 1969 movie “The Italian Job” was filmed here, and Notting Hill is just around the corner. The views are beautiful, the rooms are comfortable and the rate (perhaps an event rate) was reasonable. Its location is just on top of an Underground Station (Lancaster Gate) and it is a 5-minute walk from Paddington Rail station, so it was really easy to get around as well.

Unfortunately, I arrived with a terrible cold and it was quite cold and rainy here too. Getting around was not at the top of my list. As soon as I put my suitcase down, a fire alarm went off. So I put my coat back on and ran down 13 flights of stairs outside. A crowd was gathering in the street, and fortunately I found a friend who also had arrived early for the 15^th Annual World Base Oil and Lubricants Conference.  We went out for coffee and had a nice chat while the hotel battled a small issue on the 18^th floor.

Freezing, cold, coughing and exhausted from the 9.5 hour delay (which incidentally had been delayed to start by 5 hours), I opted for a good nights sleep and simply looking at London from my hotel window.

On Monday and Tuesday, I went to Base Oils training Parts I and II. I learned all about such fabulous things as solvent processing, hydroprocessing, dewaxing, deashphalting, catalytic converters, viscosities, groups, pour point, viscosity index, gas-to-liquids, and loads more. I stayed near the hotel with its constant offerings of hot tea (iced tea does not exist here yet at least not as far as I can tell) for most of the day, but did manage to walk to a couple of cute little restaurants nearby for dinner with colleagues.

On Wednesday, I battled the Underground tube station and won. I took two stops from my hotel to the Victoria rail station and then got a fast train to South London, good old Sutton-headquarters or mothership of my job. Loads of meetings later, then dinner with all my base oil colleagues-Singapore, London and the US at one table. That many cultures and fantastic Mediterranean food = one fabulous evening.

Then Thursday and Friday, our big conference. There were over 400 delegates, the largest ever. And more than 50 countries represented. I spent a good deal of my time networking, but even more time listening to some 15 technical presentations and then writing articles about all I learned.

Friday afternoon and exhausted, my colleagues and I decided to make the most of a sunny evening and headed to Oxford Street for some shopping, dinner in Soho, then a nice walk back to the hotel.

Six whole days in London and that is about all I saw. I don’t remember really liking any meal I had but my stomach looks like I swallowed a volleyball.  People say how much fun all the business travel must be, but it’s really just exhausting. I like the frequent travel points for sure though and I am thankful for the opportunity to see other parts of the world, even if it is just from a fast train or out my hotel window.

Goin to Miami