Howdy from the tip of Texas!
I want to tell all my friends in California that I am doing fine. In fact, I'm doing great! We are all settled in and life is taking on a routine, and the land here is amazing. It is full of life, all at a slower, more patient pace. We miss a few things, but for the most part, we love the space and the freedom we now have, and life is completely different. We didn't just move to another place, we moved into another dimension, a whole other lifestyle: from city to country, fast to easy, frenetic to relaxed, closed-in to wide-open. Having lived in California for 29 years, most of my life, I look back now and see that I was never really a "Californian". I have slipped back into my Texas skin - the original.
As for me, I could not be happier. I am truly "home". I enjoyed California and loved the weather, the beaches, the myriad amenities, and more than anything, my friends. Missing my friends is the one thing that causes sadness and longing. :'( It has taken me seemingly forever to get this blog off the ground, but this is my chosen means of keeping you informed of my life. I HATE facebook. Don't get me started on that - and many of you know that the only reason I'm on facebook now is because it was necessary to fight an all out war against an evil institution. Something keeps halting me from deactivating my page (future battles?) but perhaps in time.
Happiness is being with my parents, my siblings, my cousins, and new friends. Happiness is a home in the country that is quiet and full of peace. Happiness is horses. Happiness is 4-wheeling in the desert. Happiness is dark nights full of stars, bright nights lit by a full moon, the changing moods of the Guadalupe mountains, pecan orchards, freshly mown hay, toads, trains, and happy, active children. Happiness is a life that has slowed just enough for me to enjoy special moments with family, and especially with God. Happiness is God!
Which brings me to the crux of all things. There is nothing more wonderful than to wake up and know that my Father loves me! I sometimes come across the thought: what if Jesus had not called me to Him? What if I was still living without God? Blackest of thoughts! Most desperate of prospects! Nothing could sadden me more than the thought of life without God. I am so blessed and so grateful to know, love, and serve the Lord of Lords, the King of Heaven!
Pictures are sometimes the best storytellers, so here are a few for you: my dear, dear, loved ones whom I miss. Please subscribe to my blog so I can keep you updated on my life, and I want keep up with you and hear from you! All my love!
Dead-Eye takes aim at the practice range.
The Guadalupe Mountains in Mexico, with the border fence in the foreground.
These mountains are the quintessential background of our beautiful landscape views.
Campion joyfully runs out to meet The Elf and Hot Rod as they arrive.
Dead Eye and The Elf with game wardens at hunter orientation training.
The Elf, Dead Eye, and myself at the beautiful Sierra Blanca ranch after hunter orientation training.
The Elf shoots at clay pigeons at a local shooting contest. Her team took first! Yay! Note the characteristic henna tattoos;-)
Dead Eye shows off.
This is not at all unusual during monsoon season. The skies are unbelievably dramatic. Sunrises and sunsets here . . . words cannot describe.
The Elf poses with her conquest.
Hot Rod on a horse of a different color.
The Millionaire shovels . . . uh . . . stuff, away from the horse corrals.
The Millionaire is the love of my life!
Hot Rod puts Keno through her paces on the farm.
