... you should know more about your hometown.

My husband has been trying to convince me to see the Missions of San Antonio since we met. He, a Californian, has been 5 times in the short time he's lived in Texas and aside from the Alamo, I, a San Antonian, have never been. It's shameful, really.


I've been to the Grand Canyon, White Sands, the Petrified Forest... some fantastic national parks... but never the national parks in my own hometown.


I attribute this oversight to the fear I have about that area of town - and that it would be equivalent to attending church. It was not. Don't get me wrong... the churches at Mission San Jose and Mission Concepcion were really beautiful. And, I couldn't help but cross myself when I went in past the pews to the altar. But it was actually very much like all the other national parks. It was clean and adventurous and HISTORICAL.

I'm glad we went. I look forward to going again... soon.

(ps. I took the date/time stamp off for future pictures!)

... it's good to tap into your dormant creativity.

Since I met my husband, I've found myself very comfortable in my abilities (Not quite as comfortable in my skin, but that's another blog for another day). I've felt smarter, more hip and yes, more creative.

We all know creativity isn't enough. We can appreciate good art, a good movie, a great novel - but oh so very few can create that art, direct or act in that movie, write that novel. And just because I've always wanted to paint and write, I've been realistic about the true talent it takes to actually do it.

Somehow, my husband has become my reverse kryptonite, activating my super creative powers. I have done clay work and painted... and when I step back and look with as much objectivity as I can muster... I think it's not half bad.

His belief in me... is what juices my life. Thanks Peanuthead!!

... she makes me smile!

My daughter makes me proud...

Her beauty, her intelligence, her drive.
She inspires me. And I hope I inspire her.

... there's a stillness first.

I'm alone at home.

But, in a few minutes, my husband will be home and then my daughter and we'll be rushing around to get ready for her induction ceremony into the National Junior Honors Society in less than 3 hours. Instead of allowing myself to enjoy these last few moments of calm, I'm becoming anxious at the idea that this time to myself is slowly slipping away. It happens all the time. I don't look forward to the way the dogs flipout when the door opens and the inevitable reminder that I forgot to do something that was asked of me this morning while I was half asleep or not giving my full attention to the question being asked.

So, I remind myself now... right now... that it's a good thing, too. That my husband will be happy to see me and my daughter will be excited to get ready for this honor she's worked all school year for... And I am lucky. Lucky my husband can't wait to come home and my daughter is such a wonderful person.

The slam of the car door... And now it begins.