Austin is the capitol of Texas AND the "live music capitol of the world!" Yes, really, it is. On any given night, Austin has more live music than any other city in the world apparently. Pretty incredible, isn't it? Austin is also in the Hill Country region of the Lone Star state, which means lots of rolling hills and my new favorite, fields of amazingly beautiful wildflowers in Spring! I took my first spring time scenic road trip to North Padre Island (NPI) and I must have been driving at 35 MPH just "ooohhing" and "aahhing" at the huge fields of Bluebonnets (the state flower) and Indian Paintbrushes, and the poor little armadillos on the road (the state animal, although I didn't know what they were but since we were in Texas, I figured armadillo was a safe guess). I mean, just crazy splashes of vibrant blues, reds, yellows and whites along the side road. It was definitely breathtaking and I wanted to just go run in the fields and lose my breath some more! Actually, on the way back, my friend and I couldn't resist stopping several times to pick ourselves a nice bouquet of wildflowers.
One of my favorite things about Texas besides the hot weather and wildflowers is, the warm friendly people. And they say sweet things in their sweet Texas twang like "Bless your heart!" I just love that, for some reason. Anyway, I believe there is a strong correlation between warmer weather and warmer people. *Travel Tip* Go to places where the average daily temperature is at least in the high 70s and you'll be guaranteed a more friendly and relaxing trip, seriously.
Ok, back to the heart of the story. I was sitting on a bench inside the Wal Mart in Seguin next to a properly dressed Texan man, in a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, of course. He looked healthy and no more than 80 years. He was very friendly and asked me how I'm doing and if I'm from the area. I said, "no," and he went on to tell me that he's 90 years old, from Stockdale (roundabout 30 miles from Seguin), survived all his 9 siblings and he was the third oldest. I listened respectfully while he detailed who died in which year, etc. (I'm used to this because my dad does the same thing.) He wasn't being depressing or morbid but rather grateful and happy to be alive. I told him how impressed I was that he was 90 years old and still healthy and alert to be shopping with his daughter at Wal Mart. He even told me how he took the car and drove to the store the day before even though he wasn't supposed to!
(This is the reason why I wanted to tell this story.)
In response to me, he said, "I'm just lucky to be here." And I nodded in agreement.
One of my favorite things about Texas besides the hot weather and wildflowers is, the warm friendly people. And they say sweet things in their sweet Texas twang like "Bless your heart!" I just love that, for some reason. Anyway, I believe there is a strong correlation between warmer weather and warmer people. *Travel Tip* Go to places where the average daily temperature is at least in the high 70s and you'll be guaranteed a more friendly and relaxing trip, seriously.
Ok, back to the heart of the story. I was sitting on a bench inside the Wal Mart in Seguin next to a properly dressed Texan man, in a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, of course. He looked healthy and no more than 80 years. He was very friendly and asked me how I'm doing and if I'm from the area. I said, "no," and he went on to tell me that he's 90 years old, from Stockdale (roundabout 30 miles from Seguin), survived all his 9 siblings and he was the third oldest. I listened respectfully while he detailed who died in which year, etc. (I'm used to this because my dad does the same thing.) He wasn't being depressing or morbid but rather grateful and happy to be alive. I told him how impressed I was that he was 90 years old and still healthy and alert to be shopping with his daughter at Wal Mart. He even told me how he took the car and drove to the store the day before even though he wasn't supposed to!
(This is the reason why I wanted to tell this story.)
In response to me, he said, "I'm just lucky to be here." And I nodded in agreement.
I was secretly hoping he'd share some profound wisdom or advice for me after 90 years of life experience, but what he said to me was so simple. Yet, I contemplated it for the next 4-hour drive and then some. As I chilled on the beach, breathed in the fresh ocean air, listened to the waves, felt the ocean breeze in my face, and cozied up to the fire, I thought about how lucky we ALL are to be alive. No matter what trials and tribulations life throws at us, we should all be able to enjoy all the simple and beautiful things that life has to offer - the beach, jellyfish, flowers, rain, sun, moon, stars, clouds, kite-flying, etc....and especially, ambient beach camping with the company of friends and fellow beach lovers. Awww yeah!!
And another reason why I love Texas - While passing through Stockdale on the way home, I nearly drove right into an old man (I don't think this was the same old man at Wal Mart) on this antique 3-wheel scooter just scooting across a wide 4-lane highway. He saw me coming but apparently it was HIS town so he decided to cross right in front of me in the middle of the road anyway, at 5 mph! I was totally laughing and thinking, ONLY in Texas would I witness such a site! And the wind must have blown away his cowboy hat.
And another reason why I love Texas - While passing through Stockdale on the way home, I nearly drove right into an old man (I don't think this was the same old man at Wal Mart) on this antique 3-wheel scooter just scooting across a wide 4-lane highway. He saw me coming but apparently it was HIS town so he decided to cross right in front of me in the middle of the road anyway, at 5 mph! I was totally laughing and thinking, ONLY in Texas would I witness such a site! And the wind must have blown away his cowboy hat.
Ambient Camping with DJs spinning retro 80s ambient music! Total ambient awesomeness!
Malaquite Beach, NPI
I love FIRE! Luckily I always keep matches in the car, yay!
Jellyfish, they're huge! Is everything really bigger in Texas, you ask? YES!! I weigh my heaviest now bc of the large portions of food and the State of Texas government work life. btw, I think this is a Cannon ball jellyfish.
a beautiful field of Indian Paintbrushes!!
