i was reminded yesterday, as i took a drive deep into the country, exactly why i moved back to texas. my soul has been craving these wide-open spaces, miles upon miles of green and trees, fresh air, peace and quiet, friendly faces, slow-paced life, front porch sitting and heart-warming smiles for quite some time now.

my time in the backwoods this weekend consisted of all those things and more.

i remember, as a little girl, feeling the emotion behind songs that talked of love and life, as if i were an 80-year old woman with a past full of wild adventure and heart-wrenching pain. here are a few artists (along with some of my favorite albums by them) that gave me my first taste of music.

kathy mattea

 the definitive collection (2006)

earl thomas conley

 the essential earl thomas conley

kt oslin

 this woman & 80s ladies

trisha yearwood

 inside out & greatest hits

chicago

def leppard

i leave for texas today, as a chapter in my book ends and a new one begins.

the past four and a half years in san diego have included some of the most unforgettable moments of my life because of the people in it. regardless of where i go, it is the relationships i develop that make my time so precious and, without a doubt, memorable. i have loved and been loved by some of the most amazing, inspiring creatures on earth and i feel forever grateful for those beautiful souls who have made such an impact in my world.

 life is a journey, an unpredictable, wild ride that keeps going no matter what choices we make. i have learned that it is the love we give and continue to share that brings true happiness to the heart. 

my dear friends, sara and will, threw a texas-style shindig this weekend as a going-away gift, complete with southern dishes including fresh fruit salad, the best pulled pork i’ve ever tasted, amazing baked mac ‘n’ cheese and out-of-this-world blackberry cobbler that begs to be eaten right out of the pan.