The Greenthread, Bluebonnets and Winecups have been blooming for a while now. It’s so lovely to come into the driveway and be surrounded by this. Lots of Indian blanket waiting to pop. And lots of sideoats grama from last year. I’ve been trying to stay on top of the Hedge parsley but man it’s a lot. Hopefully it won’t be as bad next year / trying to catch it before it goes to seed....
So many gorgeous views. So many cool plants! Such great company! Exclamations! Creek in the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, 2023
I’ve been meaning to post something for a while. An update. A sign of life. Something that says a little something about what I’ve been doing lately. The answer is simply: a lot. Today was significant. Many days have been significant, lately. But today in particular was further validation that what I’ve been spending my time and energy on is the right path. That I’m exactly where I need to be....
After having the majority of the front yard redone last winter (driveway, grading), I seeded that side with a native seed mix from Native American Seed. Prairie grasses and flowers showed up! It turned out better than I expected considering the crazy summer and very little rain during that period. It was my goal to finish the other side on my own, and today I’m mostly done. After removing a crap-ton of liriope, light grading work, and fixing the stone path, I finished by seeding with shade-friendly grass and wildflower mixes....
I started running again recently. After taking a solid eight month break after successfully running my first 100 miler last November I no longer felt great in my body. And I felt my thought patterns sliding back into a time in my twenties where I was surviving through life rather than fully living. No thank you. I don’t care much about surviving by itself. That shit is soul-suckingly boring. Life is for the living....
I’ve spent so much time working away from home the past couple of months as it’s hard for me to concentrate on anything at home while living in the midst of renovations. Native Coffee Co is one of my favorite places to sit and work because the coffee is delicious (I almost always drink black), it’s close to the house, and … well, it’s comfortable … the vibe is good....
As children we found ways to protect ourselves from vulnerability, from being hurt, diminished, and disappointed … now as adults we realize that to live with courage, purpose, and connection—to be the person whom we long to be—we must again be vulnerable. — Brené Brown, Daring Greatly Aluminimum Man, 2020 Aluminimum Woman, 2020
I rode my bike to the park today to work for a few hours and enjoyed 27 acres of beautifully maintained park largely by myself. Craziness, especially given that we are having badass weather lately. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Until we can receive with an open heart, we are never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help....