Long Hollow

Thirty-Six Years Ago Tonight…

September 25, 2017
Thirty-six years ago tonight, I had no idea my life was about to veer onto a drastically different course when I decided to go out dancing alone.

That's when I first met Tom.

Looking back, it's easy to see God's hand in the whole thing, but I was just going on 'gut' feelings. Being an agnostic at the time, I didn't realize I was actually stepping out in faith.

God works in mysterious ways, doesn't he?

Re-reading this blog post always reminds me that God has a plan for me. So, without further ado, here's yet another repost of "The Beginning of Us"… because I love this story! Happy anniversary to us!

Tom asked me to dance on Sept. 25, 1981. I was at Kenny Stabler's Diamondback Saloon on a rare Friday night off, in a bad mood because my boyfriend of five years "had other plans" that night. That wasn't unusual – he wasn't a very good boyfriend. To top it off, none of my friends I expected to see were there that night. I felt very alone.

I guess that's how it is with a miracle – when you least expect it, when you feel like nothing is going right, it pops up out of the blue, or, in this case, steps up and asks you to dance.

This is my version of that night: It was some Michael Jackson song that I didn't like – Tom knows which one – and I wouldn't normally dance to it, not even in a good mood. I had the "no" on my lips, but "yes" came out instead. What could I do but follow him onto the dance floor, waiting for the song to end so I could go back in my corner and brood some more?

But when the song ended, a country-western tune started right up and he asked me to dance again. I hesitated – I had talked to him enough to notice he had a funny accent, which meant he was probably a Yankee and wouldn't know how to two-step. But before I could answer, he took me in his arms and started dancing. Two-stepping, no less!

While we danced, we talked. I learned his name was Tom, that he was from Maryland, and that he was twenty-four even though he looked younger than me. By the time the song was over, I had agreed to sit at his table.

He was with an interesting mix of people…including a friend's Welsh wife (the friend was a Pasadena cop who was working nights), her New York friends, and Chris, a redhead from Maryland who preferred punk rock to country-western.

I was the only Texan.

When it was time to leave, he walked me outside, asked what I was doing the next night (going to Gilley's to see Alabama perform) and could he meet me there? Sure. My boyfriend had already told me he didn't want to go. Then, with a peck of a kiss, Tom walked away to join his friends, leaving me to wonder what the heck had just happened.

I told my boyfriend, Chris, I was meeting someone at Gilley's. He didn't care. He obviously wasn't worried.

I was worried, though. Worried I wouldn't recognize Tom. I stood at the bar where I could see customers coming through the door. Was that him? "Tom," I called. He glanced up in the direction of my voice. I smiled and waved. He smiled and made his way to me. Whew!

I don't know if I believe in "love at first sight," or if there's such a thing as "someone for everyone," soul mates destined to meet and live happily ever after. But I do know that something changed in me that night at Gilley's. Tom and I talked, laughed, and danced. Later, he walked me to my car, and we really kissed. He asked for my phone number and I gave it to him. I didn't know if this was something that would last forever, but I knew I wanted to spend more time with him. I knew I would be telling my boyfriend good-bye, no matter what happened between me and Tom.

The next two weeks were a blur of emotions and firsts…
- Our first movie: Continental Divide with John Belushi.
- Our first dinner out: Mario's Pizza in Galveston, followed by stargazing in a sleeping bag on the beach. (He brought stemmed glasses and wine in an ice chest. Lying there in the sleeping bag, he gave me his dog-tags; in my pre-Tom life, I would have thought it was a corny gesture, but that night it put butterflies in my stomach and melted my heart.)
- Our first rock concert: Pat Benatar.
- Our first trip to the Renaissance Festival.
Cute cards saying he missed me rested on my condo doorstep when I stumbled home after working the night shift. Was this guy for real? I dragged him to meet my friends and family, to get their opinion. Maybe there was something I wasn't seeing. But they all liked him…I liked his friends…they liked me. Where was the glitch? I couldn't find one.

It was an emotional high with an undercurrent of deep sadness. Chris had been a terrible boyfriend most of the time, but I loved him. We just weren't good for each other. However, I really didn't think I could fall for anyone else until I met Tom.

As jealous as he'd always been, I guess Chris didn't think I would fall for anyone else, either, and it hit him hard. One morning soon after meeting Tom, I had just gotten to sleep after working the night shift, when a banging on my door woke me up.

It was Chris. He went straight into my kitchen and grabbed a butcher knife. Before I had time to be scared, he jerked a small Norfolk pine he had given me out of its planter, scattering dirt all over the carpet, and started hacking away at the trunk, saying it was a symbol of our love. (To his credit, a few months later he called and apologized for how badly he had treated me and wished me well. We had just been kids, after all.)

Two weeks after that first dance, Tom and I spent a perfect day at the Renaissance Festival outside of Houston with my parents, my brother, his girlfriend, and Tom's best friend. That evening, it happened: "Will you marry me?"

"Yes."

Wait! Was I crazy? "But don't tell anyone," I added. "Ask me again in a couple of months, and do it right, with a ring, even if it's a Cracker Jack ring."

Two weeks was just too soon. I had to find out what was wrong with him. There had to be something – he was just too good to be true. Two months should be plenty of time.

But he called all of his brothers and friends, anyway. "I'm getting married!"

They couldn't believe it. At his older brother's wedding just two months before, everyone had teased him he'd be next in line. "No way! I'm too young. I'm not getting married until I'm thirty-five."

Two months later landed on Thanksgiving. We went to my parents, after I had worked all night and only squeezed in a couple of hours of sleep. He dumped a dozen boxes of Cracker Jacks on my lap and told me to start looking for a ring. "What? You're nuts. They don't put rings in Cracker Jacks boxes anymore."

"Okay, you open these two and I'll open these," he said, somehow still smiling at me.

Grumbling, I opened the first box and dug out the prize envelope. I felt it before I opened it – a ring.

My mouth dropped open. "Is it real?" But I knew it was. "How did you do that?" I might have been a little foggy from lack of sleep, but I swear the box and envelope had both been sealed.

He took the ring from me. "Will you marry me?"

Of course I said yes – again – and the rest is history.
Postcards from Greece, Dragonflies, and other sweet!s

September 17, 2017

Deep in the sun-searched growths the dragonfly
Hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky.

~Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Silent Noon

This morning as Belle and I finished our walk, a dragonfly buzzed close, circling and circling. It even hovered about a foot from me for a few seconds, providing me a good look at its glimmering green and turquoise body,before finally flying off and disappearing into the trees.

What a sweet moment!

I've noticed a lot dragonflies zipping around the hollow lately. They never seem to land, just zip, zip, zip, but in 2010 dragonflies of every color posed for me.

The friendly one this morning reminded me of those old photos, so I went searching through my files so I could share this with you.

Dragonflies are just amazing, aren't they?

I wish I could say I took the next photo. My son and his wife are finishing up an idyllic week in Greece, which followed an idyllic week on the Amalfi coast of Italy. It's an early birthday celebration for my daughter-in-law.

Those kids know how to celebrate, that's for sure!

They are both awesome photographers, too, capturing amazing views, architecture, and slices of life, besides making sure they get some photos of themselves experiencing all of it.

I've enjoyed following along on their adventures and have added all of the places they've visited to my bucket list. I'm so grateful for Instagram and Facebook!

And now for a few other sweet!s from the past two (or so) weeks, working backward …

Celebrating a client/friend's 60th birthday party while watching the sun set over Lake Travis

Celebrating another friend's 55th birthday by dancing for hours

A blog/photographer friend providing authentic recipes for Spanish tapas for me for a Wine & Tapas meeting I'm going to this week. (Sidenote: I met Juana through her food-story blog years ago. Although I've never met her in person, I consider her a dear friend. She has an amazing story, which she has had published. Unfortunately for me, it hasn't been translated into English yet, but if you read Spanish, you should buy it and read it. I know it's good. "Por Una Sonrisa")

Enjoying a second cup of coffee on my deck with Belle on a relatively cool morning in time to watch a great blue heron fly over and two red hawks fight for custody of a tree near our creek

Our hollow at night… the smell of the cedars and the creek, the sound of night insects, and the stars scattered across the sky

Finally adding posts to the real estate blog I started last year… "Your Austin Sweet Austin Home". (Please check it out and share it with friends! Thank you! )

Having the flexibility to cover for our church secretary at the last minute when she needs to go to the doctor….

… and seeing this on our priest's desk…

How Belle can sense when Tom or the kids are about to arrive home when they are still at least a mile away

An executed contract for a buyer who is looking forward to moving his family back to Texas from California

Friends and clients who don't even live in Texas purchasing raffle tickets that benefit my church and small town

Our family and friends in Florida being spared damage from Hurricane Irma

Lunch with my cousin

Finding a heart rock in my path almost every day

Helping a friend's dad find a home

Connecting an aging neighbor with someone who can help her take care of her yard

A visit with my nephew who was in town helping to coordinate hurricane relief

My listing in Kyle, Texas going live! (Help me find a buyer!)

The full moon waiting for me to get up before it disappeared below the horizon

Driving on country roads at night with the full moon keeping me company and the windows open… the wind carrying smells of the lake and campfire smoke and the promise of autumn

Thinking of my dad on the anniversary of his passing and my father-in-law on his birthday, and giving thanks I was blessed to have both in my life

Enjoying sunrises over the hill country with Belle

Dinner with friends at a floating restaurant on Lake Travis

Tom home safe from a hunting weekend with friends (and bringing home lots of pork from the wild hog he shot)

Being able to check on friends and family in Houston via Facebook during the hurricane, and knowing most of them were high and dry

Dinner with a friend/client and giving her a sign made by another friend/client who has started a business making them

Dusk on my back deck, when the frogs begin to croon, harmonizing with the cicadas and evening birds

Family and friends checking to be sure we weren't affected by the hurricane

The sight of blue sky peeking out of dark clouds after torrential rains

Autozone employees, who in less than 15 minutes had diagnosed and replaced my dying car battery

Watching the Game of Thrones finale with my kids

A walk in the rain to check on the pond and discovering the American Beautyberry bush in full color

The great attitudes of those friends and family who did get water in their homes. They have reminded me that…

Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.

~Francesca Reigler
Harvey’s blowing us a kiss… (and a few recent sweet!s)

August 26, 2017

Name the season’s first hurricane Zelda and fool Mother Nature into calling it a year.

~Robert Brault

Throughout the night I woke several times to the sound of heavy rain outside my window. And this afternoon on my back deck, I watched as the wind swooped hard through the hollow every few minutes, tickling the treetops, making them bend and dance.

My first hurricane was Carla, in 1961. I wasn't even 3 years old, but have vague memories of it. For one thing, I remember not being afraid, which amazes me until I realize I had all of my family with me. Why should I be afraid?

Tom and I experienced Hurricane Alicia together in 1983, soon after our first anniversary. We lived in League City at the time, a little inland from Galveston. During the eye of the storm, Tom went out to check on the house… and even climbed on the roof to make some repairs!

Argh.

We were lucky, though. No damage other than a few roof shingles. The neighborhood next door suffered a few tornadoes and in a park we often visited, huge old oaks lay on their sides.

However… and I may be jinxing us by saying this… after some worrisome predictions about flooding and high winds in our area from Hurricane Harvey, it looks like Austin is going to get by with just some rainy days and cooler temps, both of which are welcome after a summer of mostly triple digit heat.

But Harvey has hammered the central Texas Gulf Coast, especially the Rockport area, which includes Port Aransas, the special sanctuary where some of my girlfriends and I have an annual retreat.

Our weekend is still a month away, but right now it's unclear if our home-away-from-home is even standing. There has been tremendous damage in the area and, unfortunately, loss of life.

They have much more to worry about than whether they will get their annual weekend away with friends.

So please join me in praying for everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey.

And now, a few sweet!s from the past week or two. Please share yours in the comments!

I continue to find heart-shaped rocks. The one below seemed to have the notch drilled into it!

Especially sweet! is that friends are sharing their own heart shapes with me, including the two below…

Two years ago I helped longtime friends of mine buy a new home in Kyle, south of Austin. They picked this site because of the gorgeous oak tree. The builders modified the design of the house to protect the tree.

Now they've decided to move and this gorgeous house (and tree!) will be on the market soon. Do you know anyone who is thinking of moving to the Austin area? Let me know!

The eclipse was only about 50% here, but TG had the forethought to buy all of us special glasses so we could see it. I didn't even think about taking photos of the eclipse, but aren't these cool glasses?

I'll hang on to them for 2024 when the next solar eclipse path is supposed to cross much closer to us. And I'll be prepared to take photos!

I took all three of the photos below in the space of an hour…

Soft, pink mornings for our walks … a surprise discovery of a few mountain pinks still blooming … a toad who has adopted us, and who thinks Belle's outside water bowl is a swimming pool.

My mom told me once that geraniums were her favorite flowers, so every year I buy a plant. This one wasn't doing very well with the triple-digit temperatures (no green thumb here!), but I started remembering to water it every morning (with the toad's swimming pool water!) and it exploded with blooms.

Here are a few more highlights from the past couple of weeks that don't come with photos, but are sweet! all the same…

Celebrating a friend's birthday with several other friends at an Italian restaurant I've never visited before, followed by a nighttime swim. Plenty of time for catching up.

Fnding the right apartment for a friend's son who will start treatments soon for stage 4 colon cancer, knowing that at least one of their worries has been resolved.

Meeting a friend for coffee one day, and another friend/client for lunch on another.

A woman at church gushing about what an awesome insurance agent my son is, and how much money he saved them.

Phone calls with my sister.

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

~Anthony J. D’Angelo
You’ve Got a Friend…

August 20, 2017

"When you're down and troubled, and you need a helping hand… and nothing, nothing is going right…"

Year ago, I used to cover for our church secretary when she had to be out of the office.

One of the best, but still toughest, parts of the job was answering those calls from people who needed help…with electric bills, rent, doctor's bills, you name it.

Over the years, Tom and I have often had to stretch a paycheck – we've been on both the giving and receiving sides of loans – but each of these calls would suddenly make my own blessings crystal clear, no matter how tough things might have been for us at the time.

"Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there, to brighten up even your darkest night…"

Sure, there are some people who have learned to work the system. They know the agencies to call for help…know how much they can get and how long they have to wait in between calls. But the majority are real people who have found themselves in dire straits with no where else to turn. You can hear it in their voices – the fear of the unknown, the humiliation of having to ask for help, the desperation.

That was the tough part for me – hearing it in their voices.

With each call I wished I was a millionaire so I could do something for them myself. I tried not to be condescending or pitying or any other "ing"…just tried to sound normal, like this was only a bump in the road that they would soon be over and it was no big deal having to call and ask for help.

"You just call out my name and you know wherever I am, I'll come running to see you again…"

I couldn't help them monetarily myself – not every one – but with just a phone call to one of several St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers from our parish, I knew they'd receive aide if they really needed it, whether or not they belonged to our parish. Or any church, for that matter.

They didn't have to be Catholics, or even Christians, for the St. Vincent de Paul Society to help them. They just had to live within our zip code. If they didn't, I could direct them to the right agency.

That was the best part…a feeling that I was helping in some way.

"Winter, spring, summer or fall…all you have to do is call, and I'll be there. You've got a friend."

I've seen the musical "Beautiful", so I don't think Carole King was thinking about the St. Vincent de Paul Society when she wrote "You've Got a Friend", but the song sure fits their mission.

"If the sky above you grows dark and full of clouds and that old north wind begins to blow, keep your head together and call my name out loud. Soon, you'll hear me knocking at your door."

Each year our parish holds an annual Oktoberfest to raise money for our St. Vincent de Paul Society and other organizations that help out in the community.  We have music, a children's area full of games; hamburgers, brats, giant pretzels, and beer; a country store and silent auction;, a pie-eating contest, dunking booth, washer tournament, and more.

All the usual festival fun.

But the big fundraiser – the one that gets the organizations through the rest of the year and determines how much help they can give - is the raffle.

"You just call out my name and you know wherever I am, I'll come running to see you again…winter, spring, summer or fall…all you have to do is call, and I'll be there. You've got a friend."

I wish I could buy all of the tickets…but I can't. This year there are 13,000!

That's why I'm asking you for help. If you're reading this, would you consider buying a ticket? They only cost $5 each, but one ticket gives you a chance to win 5 prizes, and you don't have to be present to win:

If you're interested, let me know in the comments or email me, and I'll let you know how to get your ticket. But whether you buy any tickets or not, please say a prayer that enough money is raised to help all of those who will need it in the coming year.

"Ain't it good to know you've got a friend when people can be so cold. They'll hurt you and desert you…and take your soul if you let them…oh, but don't you let them. You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I'll come running to see you again.

Of course, if you're in the area, please come and join in the fun! It will be on October 14 from 10 am until 3 pm on the parish grounds in Lago Vista. Everyone is welcome! And don't worry about missing the UT-OU game – it will be playing for your enjoyment.

All proceeds benefit not only the St. Vincent de Paul Society, but also the parish Women's Guild and Knights of Columbus, who in turn use the funds to help the disadvantaged in our community. They also provide scholarships, finance youth activities, support seminarians, and provide support for the Lago Vista Volunteers, local emergency response teams, the Annunciation House, and more.

Thank you in advance.

Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call, and I'll be there. You've got a friend."
35 years!… and other sweet!s

August 12, 2017

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life."

~Rita Rudner

If you haven't guessed, it's been 35 years since that Friday the 13th when Tom and I said "I do" to a lifetime together. It's actually tomorrow, but what's a day when you're talking about 35 years, right?

As I said in last year's anniversary post, they "have passed in a blur of laughter, tears, frustration, relief, adventure, illness, challenge, excitement, celebration, perseverance, love, forgiveness, and blessings too numerous to count."

Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.

~Simone Signoret

Nothing really compares to that, but I have collected other sweet!s over the past few weeks…

Remembering and celebrating the anniversaries of my clients' closings, and that there are more and more to celebrate!

Meeting a neighbor at the local grocery store because she wants to buy some of my church raffle tickets, and having her sell two more to a friend of mine who walked in, because the St. Vincent de Paul Society once helped her during a time of need. She knows the proceeds really are going to a great cause.

Making it to the grand opening of another friend's business. She retired from the tech industry and started a sign business!

Facebook, where I can wish my sister a happy birthday and post a bunch of photos of us together over the years when I can't be with her in person.

Also cell phones and free long distance, so I can also call her. (Remember the days when you had to pay for every minute you talked on the phone or just send a card? I did that, too, of course. I found the perfect one months ago and actually remembered to mail it in time for her birthday!)

Stopping on my way home one day to visit with a friend's dad who is also a past client… a New Jersey transplant-turned- proud-Texan.

Continuing to find hearts in nature, like this rock on my caliche road…

…and this heart carved into a larger rock I noticed on one of my morning walks.

A friend thinking of me when she spotted this book, and then sending it to me, along with a large donation to pass on to the Prayer Shawl ministry at my church, in appreciation of the prayer shawl they sent her when her mom passed away.

My kids making it home safe and sound from their trip to Florida to visit their grandma.

Their grandma calling me to say how awesome they are and how much she enjoyed their visit, even though Tommy skunked her at cribbage.

Lizards, especially when they stay still long enough to take their picture.

Soft morning light on the trees lining the creek after several days of rain.

Tom's cousin in Miami thinking of buying a house near Austin!

Helping a friend's daughter, who you've watched grow up, become a homeowner. It is an amazing feeling being a part of the journey and I'm so grateful to be able to do this for a living!

Spending a day helping a friend find a place for her son to live when he is discharged from the hospital after a diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer. Please say a prayer for them.

Lunch with my oldest before they headed off to Florida, and being able to discuss different marketing and motivational ideas with him.

Being able to drive to Houston to be there for a friend as she says goodbye to her dad.

Seeing another friend there who recently suffered a heart attack and almost didn't make it to the hospital in time.

Having dinner with my sister and brother-in-law before heading back home.

Watching Belle in a stand-off with a deer. So fierce!

Finally remembering to get the oil changed in my car.

Making a last-minute decision to go see Don Felder (Eagles), Styx, and REO Speedwagon in concert with a friend on a Monday night!

A dear, talented friend and her husband spending their Sunday afternoon helping you re-cover your dining room chairs.

Glorious sunrises over the hills.

Rescuing a Daddy-Long-Legs from my bathtub.

Candles, when we experienced a power outage in our neighborhood. The power company getting it fixed before the house got too hot. How the smell of candles burning can transport me back to my 7th grade bedroom. (I had a LOT of candles back then.)

Sitting on my front porch, after I've swept it.

Belle getting better about letting me take her photo!

Playing my drums for the first time in ages. I'm worse than ever, but it's still as much fun!

Teaming up with another agent to support each other as we pursue our broker's licenses.

Having so many classes available, on everything from pricing properties to hiring an assistant.

And last, but not least… these gorgeous purple/pink flowers I noticed growing in a curve of our dirt road.

I almost didn't see them because I didn't expect to see them. There usually aren't any flowers blooming by this time of the summer, except for the small yellow and white ones, and occasional rain lilies, and I've never I've never seen any like these before, anyway. I haven't spotted them blooming anywhere else.

I'm so glad I remembered to open my eyes.

"Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful."

~Jim Carrey

I hope you have a great collection of sweet!s from the past few weeks, too, and that it continues to grow!
Did I mention I went to Florida?

August 7, 2017

If there's a heaven for me, I'm sure it has a beach attached to it.

Jimmy Buffett

You didn't think I could spend two weeks in Florida and only share that one photo I published in my last blog post, did you?

I did hope to finish editing all of my photos before I published this post about Florida, but that's not going to happen anytime soon. (Can you believe it's already August? Where did the summer go?)

My kids are actually in Florida now. They took a quick road trip together to visit their grandma, which, of course, makes my heart burst with pride and happiness. (It's the first time they've been there without me and Tom, so you can imagine how many times I've texted each of them a reminder to have someone take a photo of all of them with her.)

So, facing the end of summer, and being in a Florida state of mind, here we go…

My Summer Vacation

by Barbara Shallue

First, let me clarify this was a working vacation. Not so much for me, although I did check email and actually wrote a contract while I was there, but for my husband and a few of his brothers who also came to visit for their mom's birthday. They've had an ongoing project of painting all of the wood trim and kitchen cabinets in her house white for a few years now.

It looks awesome, doesn't it?

Being the mother of 9 boys, she knows how to keep them busy…

It's not always work, though. She enjoys beating them at cribbage and a rummy game called 3-13.

(Cribbage is more serious, as you can tell.)

Mom is a regular at Bingo, so we made it a girls' night out: mom, me, sisters-in-law Kim and Cathy, and niece Sheila. Mom and I actually won!

We planned our trip to be there for mom's birthday. While we didn't have the whole family there, we had enough Shallues in attendance to fill a room at a local Mexican food place to celebrate. Per tradition, the waiters made a fuss over her, a lá sombrero and singing.

We also celebrated a few days later at a cute little restaurant near the water in Milton with Tom's brother Rob and his wife Joanie, who was also celebrating a birthday.

We had fun hitting thrift stores with Rob and Joanie looking for bargains and eating at McGuires. They also let me crash a romantic evening on Pensacola beach. Tom had a migraine, poor guy. We had dinner, then settled into our beach chairs to watch the sunset and the moon rise.

Both were absolutely breathtaking. My i-photos don't do the evening justice.

I also hit a lot of thrift stores with my sister-in-law Erin, who lives in the area and knows the best ones.

Even though I've spent the past year sorting through my mom's things and tossing a lot of my own, I still brought home a lot of "treasures" like a Ziggy figurine (I can't resist a good Ziggy) and an antique child's rocking chair painted blue (I have a thing about small rocking chairs, too.)

But I also solved a mystery. In my grandmother's things, there was a strange metal music box. It's not particularly pretty, and I thought perhaps it was handmade, but then I came across this in one of the stores…

… and then I spotted more in other stores. It turns out they were powder boxes. One still had the powder puff inside.

The top of mine is decorated with a small blue insert and a single gemstone. I'd still like to know more about them, but at least I know it wasn't handmade from a piece of machinery! Although, actually, that would be pretty cool.

I also came across this plate that I knew was perfect for mom. She loved it!

Tom, his brother Randy, Erin, and I also played "old-fart tourists" one day, visiting historic forts and climbing to the top of the Pensacola lighthouse. I took about a zillion photos, because I'm a real nerd when it comes to old forts, history, architecture, etc. But I'll spare you and just share these…

First, Fort Pickens, where Geronimo and his family were held for a time…

I've visited Fort Pickens quite a few times over the past 25 years, but somehow I had never been to the Pensacola Lighthouse or Fort Barrancas, located inside the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Fort Barrancas has an actual drawbridge over a dry moat, and a creepy corridor (if you have an imagination) that circles the fort. We arrived near closing time, and didn't want to be locked up inside, so we only walked a little bit of it.

Climbing a lighthouse has been on my bucket list, and the Pensacola Lighthouse is one of the tallest.

Heading up that metal stairway in bare feet was a tad painful on these old feet (no flip-flops allowed) but it was worth it for the view at the top.

Plus the intricate metal stairway was actually pretty cool, too.

I wasn't sure if I'd make it to the beach at all on this trip, between the rain and the work projects. But we managed a few quick trips. One of the best (besides the sunset/moonrise) was an early morning visit to Navarre Beach. We had it all to ourselves. I took my big camera and snapped some of my best birds-in-flight photos ever, and Tom had a turtle swim right past him.

The storms rolled in not long after we arrived, but it had been so fabulous, I didn't mind.

But of course, while the beaches, thrift shops, and sightseeing were awesome, and time with his brothers and sisters-in-law is priceless, this photo really sums up why we were there, and why we'll be back as soon as possible..

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.

~Irish Proverb
Florida, Family, the Fourth… and other not-quite-forgotten “sweet!”s

July 27, 2017

This is the post I intended to write back in June, when I returned from a glorious two weeks in Florida, visiting my mother-in-law. I've had the intention just about every day since.

So enough is enough. I've decided "Today's the Day"! (Click on that to hear the awesome Shake Russell song that is now gladly stuck in my head. It's one of my favorites!) Before any more time passes, adding to the already-too-long length of this post, I'm going to pretend I don't see the to-do lists piled in front of me, and just get this written.

Why do I bother? My first reason is I have a terrible memory, and even though I've been good about jotting down my 'sweet!'s in a journal every day, it's different when they are recorded here with my photos. Looking back at my old posts helps keep my memories alive, so even if I'm the only one reading them, it's worth it to me to continue.

But I do hope it inspires you, my reader, to focus on the positives in your life, to be more intentional about opening your eyes and seeing the blessings around you. As with anything else, it gets easier with practice.

The unthankful heart… discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!

~Henry Ward Beecher

Mornings with Belle. We've had a record number of 100+ degree days already, so mornings are the best time to get outside. She trots and sniffs to catch up on the latest activity while I say my Rosary and satisfy my photography addiction.

I just take my iPhone these days, but it's good for snapping photos of Belle, heart rocks, and wildflowers, like the one of a lingering bouquet of mountain pinks above.

Belle's hip is doing much better, but out of the blue she developed conjunctivitis and a horrible sounding cough. Back to the vet for eye ointment and antibiotics. They did the trick, but I can't help wondering what caused it and what's next for my sweet puppy.

Middle age is not being kind to her, but she is still my joyous, energetic, life-loving Belle. I'm not taking her company for granted, that's for sure.

Not that I ever did. But I think I did take her good health for granted, much like we do our own, when we have it.

This photo is from the 4th of July. I declared myself free from having to go anywhere that day except for this walk with my puppy. Even though I didn't witness any parades, and could only hear the BOOM of fireworks in the surrounding hills, it was a wonderful 4th of July.

I spend hours in my car, so I've been learning Italian via CDs in preparation for a trip to Italy with friends in October. I'm also helping to plan my 40th high school class reunion in October and our church's biggest fundraiser of the year - Oktoberfest.

Whew! Just thinking about October excites and exhausts me, all at the same time! (P.S How many raffle tickets do you want to buy?)

I cherish time with friends, so I'm happy to report I've made it a priority over the past two months. My Lago Vista friends and I have been intentional about getting together every couple of weeks for dinner, plus…

My dear friend Annie was in town to house-sit for her sister. We managed a couple of visits, along with our friend Darla. But the hours flew by. There's just never enough time. (This was on another friend's birthday – we didn't want to leave her out!)

My friend Shirley is one of the reasons I'm grateful for Facebook. It's given me a second chance to get to know beautiful people like her that I didn't know back in high school.

She came to town to visit her sister, who has also become a friend. Seeing both of them, meeting their friend Julia, and spending more time with Darla was definitely sweet!, as was the glorious view of Lake Austin and the Texas hill country from Debbie's house.

Years and years and years ago, TG was in Brownies. And so was Cheyanne.

Now Cheyanne is a mom. That's her baby I'm holding up there.

Such a sweet!, but also… sigh. It's just hard to believe they are old enough to be having babies!

Weddings are always sweet!, especially when you know it's a match made in heaven, which will truly be appreciated. It was a joy to witness the one above.

When I moved to Austin 20+ years ago, it surprised me that I wasn't homesick a day. I think that was at least in part because I already had a friend from my hometown living here – Darla. Another one, Leslie, soon followed. A few years later (thanks again to Facebook!) we discovered another classmate, Debbie, lived nearby. We use our birthdays, among other things, as excuses to get together.

In June we celebrated Leslie's. She's one of the last to turn 58.

I love that my clients quite often become my friends, if they weren't already. And what a blessing when they start a business making signs like the one above that I can order to give to new clients! (Also, what a joy when they adopt a baby that I finally get to meet in person, as I did a few weeks ago. No photos, but trust me, he's a little doll! )

Speaking of clients, business has been great, which is a major sweet!, of course. Especially when you've helped a friend realize her dream of owning a new home, like Kris up there, or a friend's child (who you have watched grow up!) become a homeowner for the first time. That closing is bright and early Monday morning. It began in a multiple offer situation – just a little extra sugar on top that our offer was chosen over the others.

I'm also happy to report that a property I've had listed off and on for a couple of years finally has a new owner! Persistence pays off, that's for sure. I never give up.

I still have a couple of other listings who need new owners. One is in Spicewood, near yummy Opie's Barbecue and Krause Springs, which is a gorgeous grotto/swimming hole I've written about recently. Two acres bordering Lake Travis. It's a piece of a nine acre parcel that includes a precious lake cabin, recently upgraded and decorated Magnolia-style. The owner is considering selling the whole shebang, furnishings included, so if you know someone who may be interested, let me know.

Another one is an awesome home in my own neighborhood. It's situated at the top of a hill on 7 acres, ensuring privacy and not only a view of Lake Travis, but also of every sunset, plus the fireworks of a multitude of surrounding communities on the 4th of July.

Oh, and the night sky. You wouldn't believe the stars out here.

It's a little bittersweet, as always. The sellers are friends. They were the Boy Scout Leader and troop treasurer that Tom and I followed. Their son was the first Eagle scout in the troop. I've helped take care of their pets when they were on vacation (they believe in dog rescue) and taken their youngest daughter to school when she needed a ride.

Of course, that was many years ago. Their kids are grown. It's time to downsize, and it's my job to help them move on to their next dream. So if this sounds like the right home for anyone you know, let me know!

Most of my clients are friends, or referred to me by friends or past clients, but not all of them. Last week I spent two days with a buyer from California who first called me about one of my listings. It wasn't what he was looking for, though, so I found a few that were a better match and he flew here to take a look at them.

We first met at Opie's Barbecue in Spicewood, because a few of the properties he was interested in were nearby. For one thing, we were meeting at lunchtime. It was a great excuse for me to finally go inside Opie's to eat. I had passed it so many times but always at the wrong time or when I was too busy to stop. For another, it was a great way for us to get to know each other a little before heading out to different properties.

Somewhere in the course of our conversation, I mentioned my blog and photography. That's not the first time – clients often ask what I did before I became a Realtor. But what is surprising is Victor and his nephew Rick actually took time to read my blog. Rick read it that night, and Victor read it when he was back home in California. Except for a few of my closest friend/clients, they may be the only clients who have.

They also noticed my brake lights were out and wanted to fix them for me while we were out showing property. Since we were in rural area (no Autozones!) I thanked them but assured them I would get it fixed as soon as possible. (I did.)

Once back in California, Victor called to discuss the properties we viewed – and to check on whether I'd gotten the brake lights replaced.

Having clients who are that thoughtful is really sweet!

I get plenty of glimpses of Lake Travis every day, which is sweet!, but finally jumping into that cool water on a scorching summer day is even better. Thanks to my Keller Williams market center family, I made that plunge last week off of a party boat anchored in a quiet cove until just after sunset. It was just what I needed!

My brother lives close enough to visit, but not close enough to visit very often, so I was grateful when they had a cook-out in June to celebrate his wife's birthday and granddaughter's visit, so I could spend time with all of them for a few hours. He lives on a few acres of gorgeous Texas hill country, complete with horses, including Rooster who was born just a few months ago. (My brother loves him.)

No pictures, due to strict orders, but I was able to spend time with all of my kids one Sunday evening this month to celebrate TG's birthday. My absolute favorite way to spend a day, just sitting around the table playing catch up with my kids. They amaze me!

Early in July, I was driving past Mama's nursing home when I noticed the rose bush my market center planted last year on RED Day was dotted in pink blooms.

Of course, I had to pull in and take a photo.

And then I had to go inside to say hi to anyone who would remember me. I found a few members of the staff, and then was so pleased to see Mama's first roommate down one hall. I spent a few minutes talking to her - she seemed to remember me – before heading on my way.

The tears came without warning once I was back in my car, but they were as much gratitude as sadness, that I was able to have her so close and know that she was cared for so lovingly.

Tom and I spent two whole weeks in Florida at the end of May and beginning of June to celebrate his mom's birthday. It was a HUGE sweet!, all around, getting to spend time with her, see several of his brothers and different sisters-in-law, play cards, make a few trips to the beach, go thrifting and antiquing and sightseeing…

I still touched base with clients and even wrote a contract while I was there, but it was a change of scenery, much less time on my computer, and very little time behind the wheel.

In other words, it was a great vacation!

On the way home, we met my sister and her husband for lunch. Before we knew it, four hours had passed! But I was so grateful for it. (That's Tom's finger in the photo with us. 🙂 )

That is MORE than enough for one post, and I even left out a lot! It just goes to show that when you pay attention and keep your eyes open, you'll find sweet!s all around you.

I originally planned to end the post there, with that awesome fortune resting on one of my Florida thrifting treasures. But unfortunately, this morning I received word that my dear friend Rae's dad passed away today.

Rae was my go-to when I needed someone to check on my mom and dad, especially when they were in the hospital and then when they were living in the nursing home in Pasadena.

She stepped in to help us sort through/clean out my parents' house, and was there to help with the garage sale. I really don't know what we would have done without her.

Her dad, Bill Bailey, was a larger than life Houston personality. A radio disc jockey when we were growing up, a Constable, and the voice of the Houston Rodeo for ages and ages. What I remember most is hearing his distinctive voice telling us scary stories at junior high slumber parties.

Rae lost her mom several years ago and was very, very, very close to her dad, so I would truly appreciate it if you would keep her and her family in your prayers right now. Thank you!
A Truly Rich Man…

June 18, 2017

I dreamed of Daddy two nights ago. He stood at a distance from me, like at the end of a hallway, a big smile on his face. And then he was beside me, giving me a hug. We talked, but I don't remember what was said.

It was Daddy, circa 1980's or 1990's, strong and healthy, and then Mama was there, too, only I didn't recognize her at first because it was her 13-year-old self.

Dreams can be very strange, can't they? But also very comforting. I miss my mom and dad, but I woke with a sense that they are doing just fine.

I recently returned from a long visit with my mother-in-law, where I bumped into memories of Pop everywhere, from the carafe of chilled red wine in the refrigerator to games of cribbage and 3-13, and especially in the faces of his sons as they approach the age he was when I met him.

How blessed I've been to have such wonderful fathers in my life, including the father of my children. None were perfect, but parenthood is a "learn-as-you-go" adventure. They did the best they could. The important thing is that they let love guide them through the uncharted waters (because each child is a new and unique territory!)

You can't go wrong with real honest-to-goodness unconditional love.

In honor of Father's Day, here's a repeat of an old post, just because it's one of my favorites, along with this one and this one. I hope you like it, too, and I hope all of you fathers have had a wonderful day, with the love you've given repaid back to you.

What does a father do?

A father gives advice

A father nourishes the body

and soul

A father encourages

A father is joyful

A father reads

A father lends a hand

A father plays

A father offers support

A father sticks close by your side

A father makes memories

A father teaches

A father laughs

A father is gallant

A father proves age is just a number

A father reaches out

A father hangs on tight

A father helps you aim high

A father shows pride

A father sets a good example to follow

A father relaxes

A father listens

A father keeps you honest

A father helps out

A father loves

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.

~Author Unknown
He’s still here… and other sweet!s

May 26, 2017

Tom and I once spent a week in a downtown Austin high-rise which had fabulous views of the city. It was especially beautiful at night, with the Texas State Capitol and other downtown buildings all lit up.

Unfortunately, that high-rise was Brackenridge Hospital, and Tom wasn't in any shape to appreciate those gorgeous views. He was recovering from a head-on collision that gashed his face and broke a LOT of bones. A morphine drip was his best friend that week.

Friends and family rallied around us, but one of my best friends was a spiral notebook, where I chronicled our visitors, his treatments, and my thoughts, which I gathered for my essay "In the Aftermath of a Car Wreck", eventually published in the State Lines column of the Houston Chronicle's Texas Magazine.

I've been thinking about that experience more than ever lately, mostly because today is the 19th anniversary of his wreck, but also because Brackenridge Hospital is now empty, scheduled for demolition. All of the patients have been moved to the new Dell Seton Medical Center.

That makes me sad for some reason. I realize it was the amazing staff who saved him, not the building … the EMTs, the surgeons, the nurses … and I'm so grateful for them, and that they will still be around, always ready to save another life.

But even though my memories may not seem like good ones, they are infused with gratitude for our friends and family who were there for us, who stepped in to help and encourage us; for the nurses who cared for him and allowed me to stay in his room; for the plastic surgeon's skill (the scar was barely noticeable after just one week!)

Mostly, I was simply grateful to sit there and watch him sleep, his chest lifting with every breath of life.

He's still here… and that is much more than sweet!

If you have lived, take thankfully the past.

~John Dryden

And now for a few sweet!s from this past week (I'm trying to get back on track with posting these!):

Sunday: not receiving dirty looks when all you contribute to the Women's Guild soup & salad luncheon/meeting is a bag of potato chips because you didn't have time to go to the grocery store after your husband and sons stock up for their fishing weekend out of your refrigerator; your sons and husband having an awesome time together on their boys' weekend, hiking and watching a lightning storm approach on the horizon (and then being safe in their cabin when the actual storm hit); helping a neighbor/friend celebrate his 70th birthday; his awesome birthday cake…

Monday: watching a duck fly through your hollow above the creek; meeting with a client and learning about her coaching business; a verbal offer on one of your listings; finally eating at County Line BBQ

Tuesday: writing an offer for a cute young couple; being part of a Mastermind Group, committed to helping each other grow; the culture of Keller Williams Realty… supportive rather than competitive … where agents share their success tips with others, just to be helpful; making it to Beall's with a 40% off Clearance coupon before it expires; everyone making it home safe in a blinding rainstorm; finally noticing a rock-heart embedded in the road where you walk every morning…

Wednesday: A clear, cool fall-like morning in May; Belle flushing a cottontail out of the woods and across the road in front of you, with Belle oblivious to its escape; towering yuccas blooming everywhere…

Shopping for books for a "summer reading" basket for the Lago Vista ISD Education Foundation fundraiser and managing to resist buying every one you like; starting Italian lessons via a CD series you listen to while driving, in preparation for your trip to Italy; referrals from friends; spotting a walking stick on your back stoop…

Thursday: commission checks; being able to pay your bills; dinner with a long-time friend that lasts 3 hours; margaritas made with Deep Eddy's Ruby Red Vodka; an owl swooping low out of the night on your country road

Friday: meeting your son and your daughter's boyfriend for coffee; scratching a lot off of your to-do list; looking forward to celebrating your mother-in-law's birthday with her; Mountain Pinks making their appearance…

I hope all of you had a sweet!-filled week, with more waiting for you around the corner. Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend, remembering, and giving thanks for, those who believed in our freedom enough to give their lives for it.
Mother’s Day, Husband’s Day, and other May Sweet!s

May 20, 2017

About 50 years ago, this little cutie was collecting turtles near the Magothy River …pretty much having a Tom-Sawyer-like childhood in the Maryland woods where he grew up with his 8 brothers.

He just turned 60, but still loves playing in the woods around our house, discovering and observing wildlife, and he still looks pretty dang cute in a pair of shorts.

He's a little taller now, and his hair is tinted with silver, but I know behind that facade is the same mischievous cutie you see above.

When he turned 50, we had a huge blow-out party, which included all of his brothers and most of their families converging on our house.

There were people sleeping all over the house. We even threw mattresses in my closet and a bathroom.

It was awesome and crazy, all at the same time! I can count on one hand how often all nine boys have been in the same place at the same time since I've known them.

But this year he opted for a small party. Just the kids, with hamburgers and cheesecake on the menu.

And at this very moment, he's enjoying a weekend of fishing and hiking with his sons.

<whew>

Happy birthday, Tom!

Plans were in place to go see the new "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie for Mother's Day. My older son – the planner – had already bought tickets. But when I woke up Sunday morning, it was such a gorgeous day that another idea popped in my head…

…We should go hiking in the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near our house instead! I have driven past the entrance so many times, but just never have had the time to go explore it.

Thank goodness my sons were all for it and my older son was able to get a refund for the tickets.

It was totally the right decision. The views reminded me of how much I love living here in the Texas Hill Country. And the hike made me feel less guilty about the cheesecake I ate in honor of Tom's birthday.

(New tennis shoes are a recent 'sweet!'!)

Isn't it gorgeous? I can only imagine the sunsets viewed from up there.

Since both of my boys are Eagle Scouts, I really appreciated seeing another Eagle's project on the trail; he built these stands that help you see a little bit more of the vista. (I'm just guessing they do – I didn't test them out!)

After exploring all of the trails in this area, we drove to another part of the reserve called Doeskin Ranch, where trails meandered low along a creek, then headed up into the hills. Different, but just as beautiful, and a good reminder of all of the different terrains you can find in the Texas Hill Country.

My middle son spotted this heart shape on a rock. I would have missed it!

These unique flowers were growing near the creek. I only spotted this one bunch of them. Does anyone know what they are? They remind me of tulips! (But also a tiny bit of that flesh-eating plant on The Addams Family, so I didn't get any closer than this.)

Last week Belle learned the hard way she isn't really a puppy anymore. At least not physically.

She chased one of our tenant rock squirrels into the woods, but hobbled back onto the porch on just three legs. Thank goodness, she didn't tear her ACL, as I feared, but only sprained it.

After a week of leashed walks and blocking the stairs with an old suitcase and my rolling desk chair (which wasn't always effective) we ventured back down the road for a morning walk. The first one took awhile because of all the sniffing.

I guess a lot had gone on in the past week and she needed to get caught up, much like my email inbox or Facebook when I've been away from either for a couple of days.

Without furthur ado, here are a few other sweet! highlights from the past month…

~ Noticing a momma wild turkey and one of her chicks strolling beside the creek down below our back deck one morning, thanks to Belle, who noticed her first, but wasn't inclined to bark or run down to chase her.

~ Learning I'm #7 in my market center for individual closed production so far this year. I'm so grateful to all of my clients who have trusted me to help them with their real estate needs, and to everyone who has recommended me to someone, since my business is almost 100% referral based. I couldn't have reached this without them!

~ I don't have a hummingbird feeder, but almost every day I spot one zipping around on our back deck through my office window, and one morning he buzzed me when I was standing outside by the rail. (My cell phone case is red.)

How can you keep from smiling when you see a hummingbird?

~ Dinner with my cousin Pat. She was always so good about visiting my mom, and I'm grateful we still get together, even though it's not nearly often enough.

~ Finally having coffee with another UT mom who lives in Austin after months of trying to sync our schedules.

~ A gorgeous hydrangea arrangement from my son and daughter-in-law for Mother's Day, and a bottle of port from TG and her BF.

The annual Keller Williams RED (Renew, Energize, Donate) Day was on May 11. Last year my market center converged on my mom's nursing home soon after her passing and worked on several projects, which included planting a pink rosebush in honor of my mom.

This year we chose Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center as our RED Day nonprofit, helping with maintenance items like clearing rocks out of a riding lot, creating a butterfly garden, adding sensory stations to the riding path, building ramps/platforms to make it easier for clients to move from their wheelchairs to the backs of horses, and lots more. It's an amazing place and it was wonderful to be able to set aside a day of regular work to help them as they help others.

(That's me in the shorts and blue and white hat. I was on the landscaping committee.)

~ I completed the Certified Home Marketing Specialist designation, which I started back in November!

~ We have a new air conditioning system. Our awesome A/C guy had managed to patch up our old one the past few years, but warned us we'd need to purchase a new one. I'm grateful the old one held on long enough for us to have enough money to just write a check for the new one!

An afternoon break with Belle… a yard full of Indian Blankets … and a geranium to remind me of my mama.

Our daughters shared adventures in Spain during high school, our sons are good friends, and now I've been able to help this sweet friend through the process of building a new home. Her phase inspections are going great!

~ My brother-in-law spent his birthday in the hospital getting checked out for a possible heart attack, but all of his tests came back great. We're not sure what caused his pain, but grateful to find he's in pretty good shape.

~ Back in junior high, I had a big crush on a friend's brother. We talked on the phone and wrote letters, then lost touch until Facebook came along. Now I'm helping him and his wife find retirement property. Life is weird and amazing!

Run-walking with Belle while I say my Rosary.

Sometimes we make it out in time to catch the sunrise from up the hill. And one day we timed it just right to meet up with a neighbor walking her two puppies, Levi and Willow. Belle had such a great time with them! And I enjoyed walking and gabbing with my neighbor.

I've been working with a two great couples since last summer who wanted to purchase investment properties in Austin. They each wanted a place where their UT kids could live for now, and where they could possibly retire to in a few years.

They didn't know each other. One couple lives in Illinois, and the other in west Texas.

It has been fun and educational getting to know them – we've looked at condos all over the Austin area on their trips here.

But within a few days of each other, they all narrowed it down to a new complexes in south Austin. One couple closed on a really cute condo last week and the other closes in a couple of weeks.

It's always rewarding and exciting when that happens, but it also always makes me a little sad, knowing we won't be exploring properties together anymore.

But it's incentive to stay in touch, as well as find more clients to help!

On our Mother's Day hike last week, I was just about to comment about how I hadn't seen any cactus blooms this year, thinking the season had already passed.

Before I could say anything, I noticed this beautiful bloom. The season is just beginning.

Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you.

~Rumi

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