Advice to self for 2025:

1. Learn something new

2. Believe in my talents

3. Go for it--dream big!

4. Laugh more

5. Move to Paris
 

Beach Life

I'm back home.  This beach has consumed my senses and stolen my heart, it has become my happy place and I'm thrilled the rest of my family feels the same.  It is a rare thing to have such a joy, a place you love and long for and to be able to revisit whenever you need it.  My greatest pleasure comes from sharing my home and everything that means with family and friends.  I love filling the walls of this place with the energy of everyone who visits...my sister and her family, my mom, my dad, my dearest friends and my dogs.  Life is good.

For more beachy goodness look here:  
www.kms-photography.smugmug.com

Red Poppies

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.  Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
in Flanders Fields.

Take up your quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

John McCrae

I was delighted to find fields upon fields of these gorgeous red poppies in Georgetown, Texas this weekend.  I had no idea they were so plentiful and was fascinated by the history of these little gems.  Please check it out for yourself!  

https://mainstreet.georgetown.org/visit/history-and-historical-tours/red-poppy-history/

Ginger in the Blue Bonnets

Here's our little ginger among the beauty of the Texas blue bonnets.  What a glorious sight!  Love my little mini-me so much.

A walk with my dog

There's no better therapy than taking a walk with my dog on a clear morning.  I think it makes her just as happy as it makes me, which brings me even more pleasure.  As she lays beside me while I type or follows me around the house (my shadow), she gives more love than I'm capable of giving.  If you ever had a pet you loved, you know this feeling...it's a pretty wonderful gift.

My sister says good-bye to one of her old friends today and my heart is heavy for her.  I know the razor sharp pain of this loss all too well and I hate that her family is experiencing it now too.  The only thing that comforts me is the image of our dogs playing together across the Rainbow Bridge and then probably sitting beside our dad at the end of the day.

Mellow Johnny's

My favorite people in front of the coolest bike shop/coffee shop in Austin.

Bracelet Factory

A successful leader has mastered the art of empowerment, clearly, Siena has accomplished this by age 7.  Dad has been here for less than 48 hours and she already has him working in the bracelet factory while she enjoys a cinnamon roll and a movie.  Not too shabby, Little Girl.