I've always been of the mindset that a lot of times, a decision isn't even needed. You know the right direction to go, even if it takes some time to get there. Things will work themselves out how they're supposed to go.
All work and no play makes for a cranky me.
A little rest and relaxation goes a long way toward helping the soul feel better.
I've felt the stress slipping away over the last few days. And honestly, dialing it back occasionally is essential for keeping yourself going. A little self-care goes a long way to not getting burned out. And that's where I was heading. With the demands of the office, a packed schedule outside of work, and a social calendar that goes 24/7, there is a need to step back and perhaps get away for a while to allow yourself time to think, breathe, relax, unwind and escape.
This week, Luke and Sarah left for the Pacific Northwest, so I thought it would be the perfect time to take a few days, too. Kyle and I packed up Elton and headed toward the beautiful Texas Hill Country. We arrived in Dripping Springs to find the most lovely Airbnb... a yurt! This thing has it all: style, comfort, granite counters, a bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen AND a cowboy pool!
There's something about getting away, even if it's just an hour and a half away. And the Texas Hill Country makes you feel like you're in another world. It's quite magical.
Pulling the strings of the heart.
During the course of the week, it's been a time of new restaurants, new breweries and wineries, and a sense of renewed reflection for me.
Since we are closer to the Austin area, where Luke was born, it's reminded me a lot of raising him since he was a baby. Sarah and I would spend time with him strolling through downtown, strapping him to the front of my bicycle with a front-mount seat, or taking him swimming at our apartment swimming pool.
I had a moment in the cowboy pool last night where I reached out to Kyle and just told him how sad I felt that that moment in my life is over. But he so keenly pointed out that it cleared the way for new beginnings. There are some important things that are still true. We are all a part of each other's lives. We are raising a very smart, happy and one-of-a-kind teenager. We all help one another out. We celebrate life together. And, most importantly, everyone is happy.
Just after my reflection and once the tears were wiped away, I felt so much better. It's so true what he said. Especially that last bit. I think sometimes I have a hard time letting go of the past. I think sometimes that can be OK - to think about the past. To think about the past fondly with such a happy memory. But life does go on and things do change. I'm grateful for all of the moments that I've shared with all of my family and friends.
The Texas Hill Country and all its charm.
This weekend has been great for taking some time away and discovering some great things about myself and my Texas "backyard."
This week I've learned:
Olive trees like the cold weather (and we do have that in Texas!) but anything about 15° or less is a no-go for them.
Deep Eddy Vodka's very first product was the Sweet Tea flavor. Had no idea! The company's tasting room is right here in Dripping Springs and the bottling still happens here (even if production has moved to another Hill Country location), making Dripping Springs the freshest place to get Deep Eddy.
Dripping Springs seems to have quite a bit of European influence with its bakeries and other food options, and is also home to quite a few Asian flavors AND has imported Vietnamese architecture that's incorporated into a high-end restaurant in town.
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The sounds of the cicadas and the views of the Hill Country, from the endless skies to the vineyards, rolling hills, and beautiful drives, seem to set a calming tone and reinvigorate the spirit. There is so much to do here that you simply need to return several times to take it all in.
Unlike the city, things get pretty dark around here and establishments close rather Either way you go, you can't lose! But yeah, sometimes it's just about the fun you have when you actually soak up some sun, put on the cutest swimsuit ever (and double points when it makes you feel great about yourself!), and make some memories with your family and friends.
Eggs à la farm fresh!
There's something about farm fresh eggs. So fresh and you know exactly where they came from. During our little getaway, we had the chance to whip up some fresh eggs for brunch. We paired scrambled eggs with butter toast and apricot preserves and maple breakfast sausage.
Soft or fluffy scrambled eggs are perhaps the most universal style of eggs to make and are enjoyed by breakfast-goers everywhere. When done right, they are soft, seasoned and almost creamy in nature - whether using milk or not! They are absolutely perfect! Whisk your eggs in a bowl with some salt and pepper. Use a tbsp or two in the pan or some olive oil. So easy to make in no time! Get the recipe from Serious Eats.
Of course, there are many other ways to make eggs, from sunny side up or over easy, medium and hard to poached and hard boiled (soft, medium and hard). I really do love boiled eggs but I've never tried them anything other than hard. Maybe I'll give soft or medium boiled a try! Williams Sonoma lays out the different styles of cooking eggs quite nicely, along with the equipment and method required. Check out the MP Provisions Mains
page to see Williams Sonoma Taste and the 8 Ways to Make Eggs.
The Kitchn documented a year-long journey of making scrambled eggs and finally found the perfect way to prepare them to make them ridicuously fluffy. Find out the secret here!
Right where I'm meant to be.
The vineyards and olive groves of the Hill Country have been a time of peace for me. I've been thinking a lot about being where I should be in life. Of course, I know that no one is perfect and we can slip in moments of insecurity. That might bring conflicting thoughts - thoughts that work against us, that tell us we are somehow off. But I'm trusting my gut with a simple assessment question: Am I happy?
I think there will always be variables and bumps in the road. But taking a high-level inventory helps us on our journey to see if we're right where we're meant to be.
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