Howdy friends! I had quite the week with some unexpected things popping up but sometimes that turns out to be a lot more interesting!
This is a color combination I don’t normally lean towards…But, I have to say, I actually quiet like this! Unexpected color choices made for an interesting little doodle.
An unexpected visitor in my bathroom. Don’t worry, we safely relocated this little scorpion outside.
Unexpected photo of my doggy Jake, which makes me smile. I love it, he looks so silly!
guests from out of the country
Last week my 10 y.o. stepson had a soccer camp that he was attending. The weekend before the camp started, the person in charge asked the parents if anyone would be willing to host the coaches to give them a more interesting, international experience. My husband Kevin asked if we could host since we have room, and this would give our kiddo a fun opportunity to get to know them a little more. I agreed, not knowing exactly what to expect, but being excited about a chance to meet some new people from another country. My husband and I both have both traveled to different parts of the world, so we could understand what it’s like to visit some place new and also culture shock.
Beef ribs!
Our guests were Gabby and Finley, from the UK and they were lovely! Gabby traveled around and she’s been in Texas before, and this was Finley’s first time here. Honestly it was so wholesome to see someone experience Texas things for the first time. Kevin made sure to introduce Finley to good ole’ fashioned Texas BBQ, including brisket and beef ribs (which he loved!).
We went out to shoot some pool and play darts. This was so much fun!
We had so many good conversations. It was really wonderful to connect with people who also felt similar about the state of their country (and the world) and what we do and how we live our lives. We also laughed a lot too, and learned about slang and other sayings each of us have. I know we’ve made lifelong friends with these two. :)
We liked this bar so much we came back to play darts and pool another night.
I am so grateful! Gabby and Fin brought out a lot of FUN out of us. At the house, we even busted out Just Dance, which I haven’t played in years. We ate lots of good food and had some very deep conversations.
Austin
I love how there are so many fun things to look at in parts of Austin just walking down the street. The buildings are all different, lots of murals and art and funky decor. Even looking down at the ground, you find things you woulnd’t expect!
We took a quick trip to Austin on Saturday. While the guys went to try out some BBQ, Gabby and I walked down the street to Bouldin Creek Cafe.
There was so much art to look at here! I should have taken more photos!
Art by https://www.instagram.com/ripleylarue/
Art by https://www.instagram.com/ripleylarue/
Being in this space, felt so comfortable. It was something else I didn’t expect. I’m a queer woman in a happy marriage with my husband, but also is no longer part of her own community and feel like that part of my identity misses being seen. Being in roller derby for over 10 years gave me a community full of so many amazing people from all sorts of walks of life. It allowed me to be me in a way I am not anywhere else. I don’t know if that makes sense. Ah, I have to make a blog post about this topic sometime. ANYways, back to Austin.
This picture doesn’t do this meal any justice. I had a stirfry, she got a vegan burger and we had a chipotle pecan dip that was sooooo good, and I am dying to figure out how to recreate it myself. There’s so many yummy vegan and gluten free options here. I really loved the decor and overall vibe. I'd be here ALL The time if I lived closer.
I’m not sure if this place is open but I had to snap a pic of the mural.
I couldn’t find this artist
this rad mural by Mr. Doodle that he did during SXSW this year . https://www.instagram.com/mrdoodle/
I finally got to try Voodoo Donut! I got a voodoo doll donut to-go, which did not look as cute after being wrapped in paper lol. But this place was so cute too.
I love the whole idea of Space Cowboys.
Such a beautiful mural!
Gabby sent me this on her way out of town but I wanted to include it here!
So that was a little recap of my week. Sometimes the universe throws things your way and you just go with it and things go way better than expected. I’ve written this down as more proof that the universe has my back and everything is always working out for me. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Thanks for reading!