Perfectly Unfiltered Journey

Okay, okay….I know I have been seriously slacking on posting anything to my blog lately, but I’m working on it. Why don’t we just call it “creative procrastination.” But this post was worth the pause.

We’re in Texas and just spent a few days in the Hill Country (Central Texas) and I didn’t remember how much I missed this place until I was standing here right in the middle of it again. I lived in Wimberley for 5 years and after 20 years I just forgot just how much I loved the genuine southern hospitality, the live music, the simple living, and the beauty that just rolls through the Hill Country.

Trips like this remind me why I made the decision to leave my job and go on this adventure with my boyfriend. From an outside perspective, it might look like I gave up things I had worked so hard for since I got clean. And sure, this life did come with some sacrifices. But all I have gained has far outweighed what I “lost.”

Our first night in Austin took us to 6th Street, which was a total blast from the past. Even though it had changed quite a bit in the last 20 years, it still felt so familiar and fun.

The next couple of days I was able to show him pieces of my life from the past. We stopped and visited with my mom’s dear friend, went to Wimberley to show him around. I even walked into the grocery store I worked at the entire time I lived here. It felt a little surreal, almost like I stepped back into a different version of myself for a minute. We stopped by Jacob’s Well and walked around Gruene. We watched couples do the two-step at the oldest dance hall in Texas and of course, listened to more live music. I wanted to show Jamie a true Texas experience and that wasn’t complete until going to the Salt Lick….hands down, my favorite barbecue place of all time.

The last day we stopped to see my son’s grave…something I haven’t done in a very long time. And to end the trip…I stopped to see my first and best friend in Texas. It was amazing…we talked like no time had passed at all.

One of the best parts??? This trip completely changed my boyfriend’s perspective (reminded me as well) on Texas. He absolutely loved it – the music, the scenery, the vibe, all of it. Seeing a place that once meant so much to me through his eyes made the whole experience even better! Texas hill country has definitely been placed on our list of possible places to plant roots.