Long Hollow

Where seeds of thought have room to grow

recent posts

about

Realtor, writer, blogger in Austin, TX

Category: My Country Life

  • Shakin’ Things Up

    I headed off for my walk before the sun even kissed the tops of the trees in the hollow today. The full moon started the magic of the morning…when I emerged from the bedroom, I was greeted with moonlight that splashed across the back deck and reached into the house through the French doors.  I hurried to…

  • Pop! and a Belated Halloween Visitor

    POP! That's the sound Tom's ankle made yesterday as we prepared to cross Jollyville Road for the car show. No exciting story…just a matter of stepping wrong on the angled curb.  "Pop!" was followed by a curse word mingled with a groan and instead of crossing the street, we sat down on the curb to evaluate…

  • Writing…and not writing

    I expected a stormy afternoon. Instead, blue skies and a brisk wind greeted me when I stepped outside after work…invigorating weather that makes you want to forget about to-do lists and go hiking in the woods. So that's what I did when I got home – I joined Tom and the boys for a walk…

  • Spirits Bound by Timeless Love and Sweetness

    This past weekend – a glorious Texas-style autumn weekend of golden sunshine, blue skies, vivid sunsets and star-filled nights – my house was filled with laughter and voices that have kept me company off and on for more than 30 years…some for more than 40…bringing back memories of those first slumber parties when we ate…

  • A Dam Update: Is it tacky to say “I told you so”?

    Before I get into the dam update, I have to say this has been an absolutely beautiful, yet very prayerful, day. It rained all night, but when it came time to walk the critters, the dark clouds were packing up and blue sky was peeking through. Before too long, the sun had taken charge of the…

  • To All the Guineas I’ve Loved Before…

    This was a gift from Kirby, my almost-daughter. We (as in Tom) finally took it off the kitchen counter and securely attached it to a post in front of the house. We're officially a "Guinea" house. Once upon a time, there were two. Remembering Ruthie…

  • A Week of My Favorite Things…

    …birthdays, seeing my kids (2 out of 3, anyway), beautiful sunsets, yellow and purple flowers, sunshine, ping-pong, Dirty Dancing and sore muscles… Yes, sore muscles. I've been wanting to rev up my work-out, but couldn't afford a personal trainer. Thanks to Self.com, I started a new, more intense, work-out this week, and for the first time…

  • Running in Circles

    A father's birthday celebration. A sick child. I was in limbo. The critters were fed, bills were paid, I was showered and dressed, ready to hit the road to Pasadena, but I just couldn't go out the door. Although the child is technically an adult, not living at home and there was really nothing I could do, for some…

  • Morning

      Through the blackest night, morning gently tiptoes, feeling its way to dawn. ~Robert Brault

  • A Welcome Sound at the Bend

    I first heard it at the point where the road bends and dips – the soft gurgling of running water. When was the last time I heard that music out here? I can't remember. I'm sure I took it for granted at the time, not realizing I wouldn't hear it again for months and months. Nestled between…