Butterfly Messages!

Today, I had an experience that really brought to light a symbol that has been entering my life consistently since moving to Austin. This morning, I had the pleasure of listening to some of Denise Linn's radio show on Hay House Radio. She was talking about symbols and the messages life likes to give to the soul. In Denise's talk, she mentioned coincidences, strange out-of-the-blue occurrences in our lives, as well as the messages given by nature and animals. There was much discussion about birds and what different birds might mean to an individual. I wasn't able to finish the entire show, but the ideas presented stuck with me as I continued on with my day.

Tom and I had some errands to run, so we hopped in the car and headed over to Kinko's, a copy store in the area. As we were driving, I started thinking about a turkey that had flown over my car about a year ago, back when I was in Binghamton, NY. I was still stuck on the idea of birds and the symbols they might represent. My mind continued to meander, and I thought, "Man...a symbol like that could REALLY get your attention if it just hit your windshield!!". (Not meaning to be morbid...but that really would catch your attention!!) Just as I had that thought, a butterfly caught it's wing underneath the windshield wipers on tom's car. It was stuck there for about 30 seconds, as we rounded a corner. Then, once we slowed down to stop, the butterfly again regained it's ability to maneuver itself and flew away! (I hope he was okay!!)

Now, to me, that was an amazingly synchronistic occurence!! I was thinking about symbols landing on the windshield, and here was a beautiful and delicate butterfly showing up right before me. I almost dismissed the event, but instead I spoke aloud to Tom what I had been thinking just as the butterfly got caught on his car. We both had an "Aha!" moment, as this was most definitely a symbol I was meant to pay attention to!

Since first arriving in Austin, I've actually had many run-ins with butterflies! The first time, we were out for lunch with some friends and a couple of butterflies kept landing on me. They'd fly away and come back. I was surprised and delighted by their presence. This happened again when I was working on my 28 day Soul Coaching program, taking a day to connect with the earth. I sat in a tree and a number of butterflies continued to visit me while I was there. They'd land on my legs, walk around a bit, untwirl their long tongues and just kind of hang out. I loved their company!! When I went on a vision quest just a few weeks ago, I again noticed butterflies, but dismissed them, as I was hiking in nature and simply expected them to be there.

butterfly on my vision quest

I've now come to the realization that my dismissal of the presence of butterflies came too soon! It is interesting to note, that the amount of energy I've been giving to my soul's journey, coincides with the frequency and intensity of my butterfly experiences here in Austin. I've been losing some of my focus recently, but today, after listening to Denise Linn's show and contemplating a bit about the journey of the soul in relation to symbolism, the message rang loud and clear. The butterflies I've been encountering definitely had something to teach me! So, when I got home from a long day of errands, I typed into my computer "butterfly symbolism". This is what I found...

Most obviously, the butterfly is a symbol of "transformation". From larvae, to cocoon, to magnificent butterfly, incredible transformation takes place, to the point where the butterfly is completely different and unrecognizable at the end of it's lifespan. The butterfly goes through immense change throughout it's short life, and it does so with amazing grace and unwaivering faith. It accepts the transitions in it's life, understanding and knowing that undergoing such metamorphosis is for it's own good. The butterfly embraces the call of nature, and in the end is gifted with the ability to fly!! Another symbol of the butterfly in relation to these circumstances is "resurrection". After the earth chomping larvae goes to sleep in it's cocoon (a type of tomb), it then comes back to life (a spiritual resurrection) more glorious than ever before!

Many cultures also recognize the butterfly as a symbol for the "soul". This representation really stood out to me, as it is directly connected to my life's path as a Soul Coach. I believe all beings are on a soul journey. Throughout our lives, we go through countless experiences that shift our perceptions and change our circumstances, bringing us ever closer to our soul's most authentic way of being. As we follow our spiritual path with grace and acceptance, our soul's grow lighter and lighter. Just like the butterfly, we grow and change, until ultimately our spirit's are able to rise above in lightness of being. The butterfly is a grand example of just how to approach these changes and metamorphoses throughout life. Through patience, acceptance, and the ability to change with grace, our soul's will ultimately be lighter so that we can soar to higher planes of understanding and existence.

After reflection on the symbolism of butterflies, I can definitely see and feel what messages were in store for me. In my current life, I feel that my soul is going through immense change, though at the present time I feel static and stifled. I feel that I've come so far in my spiritual evolution, yet I have so much farther to go. I am transforming internally now, and it's a slow process. My soul is in transition. I can see on the horizon though, a glorious life, helping others as they embark on their own soul journeys. I am gathering that this is a time for me to rest, like the larvae rests in it's cocoon before releasing itself to the universe as a beautiful butterfly!! The message now is to take each moment with patient knowing. I must accept my current circumstances and go with the flow, having faith that all will turn out beautifully, as I know it will.

I am on the verge, once again, of resurrecting myself into a new way of being. I am excited and happy for this transformation. I welcome change and look forward to my future. For now, I will wait for my moment in stillness and acceptance. I ask for grace to guide me as I transition into my new life. Thank you butterflies for the awareness you've given me, as it keeps me centered and feeling like I'm on the right track!! One motto I and my fellow Soul Coaches learned from Denise Linn while in California this past September was that "It's happening!". I think that is exactly what the butterflies are trying to tell me. If I continue with faith and patience, I too will emerge like a beautiful butterfly!! Thank you for the messages meant for my soul.

127 Hours

Last night, Tom and I saw the movie "127 Hours". I loooooved it!! The story touched me very deeply. The main character's experience was intensely traumatic, and I felt a kinship and relation to his story, having been a "survivor" of my own traumatic experience in the past (my accident). The courageous strength and will of Aron Ralston to survive his predicament is incredibly inspiring! I was absolutely blown away. And his reflection on family and appreciating the people in one's life, reminds us all to do the same, while we have the chance!! Here's the trailer.....

Hair and Beyond

When I was younger, one of my first friends was a girl named Stacy. Her mom and my mom were best friends as teenagers, and in 1974 they both graduated from high school together. Before they knew it, adult life took over causing them both to go their separate ways. My mom stayed in Binghamton, New York, married to my father, while my mom's friend, Annette, moved to California with her military husband. They stayed in touch, and it wasn't long before both young women found themselves pregnant! Unbeknownst to each other at the time, both my mom and Annette chose the same name for their soon to be born baby daughters. As it would turn out, I was to be "Stacey" (with an "e") and Annette's daughter would be "Stacy" (no "e"). We grew up calling her Stacy Lynn, and I was Stacey Jean!!

That's me, with Stacy Lynn to the right.

My first memories of Stacy Lynn go back to when I was about 4 years old. My family had traveled to California on a vacation to visit. We went to Disney Land, Universal Studios, and the beach. Though I was little, and despite distance, I felt a kinship to Stacy Lynn and her family. Throughout the years, they would travel back to Binghamton to visit their extended family, and our mom's would make a date to take us to both Chuck E. Cheese's and the carousel at Recreation Park. Eventually, when I was in the third grade, Stacy's family moved back to upstate NY and we became close friends. Our mom's often hung out when we were little, so Stacy and I did almost everything together.

Annette, Stacy Lynn's mom, was a hairdresser, as was Stacy's grandmother. After a few years of being back in New York, I remember their family building a house with their very own beauty parlor attached to the front. One thing Stacy Lynn and I would do together was spend hours in the shop, playing with mannequins and doing their hair. I also remember playing Barbie dolls with Stacy, and while I would just brush and braid their hair, Stacy Lynn thought nothing of cutting it right off! Doing hair was in her blood, and years later, Stacy Lynn also became a hairdresser just like her mom. Eventually, Annette opened her own shop called Hair and Beyond on Robinson Street in Binghamton, and once Stacy was able, she became co-owner.

Hair and Beyond Salon

Fast forward many many years, and here we are now in 2010. The salon is still going strong, with a loyal clientele. Despite their success, Stacy Lynn and Annette have endured some trying times over the past couple of years. As a respite to all that was going on in their personal lives, they decided to focus some of their energy on an uplifting activity. They entered a national contest called Matrix Mannequin Mania . Again, Stacy Lynn found herself playing with mannequins! With the help of her co-workers, she created some fantastic designs. Her mannequin entitled "The Widower" actually became a finalist in this national competition! With lots of hard work, prayer, and intense rallying for votes, Stacy and Annette's hopes for winning were high! And lo and behold, they WON!!! Now, Hair and Beyond is known nationally, while Stacy Lynn and Annette, the shop's owners, are $25,000 richer!! I'm incredibly happy for them! They deserve it!!

Spirals on the wall!

Stacy Lynn's success inspired this post! As it is, a few years ago, I had the opportunity to give a little of myself to their shop, Hair and Beyond. Annette had opened the salon in the mid 80's, so the decor needed a little bit of a makeover. I was available and more than happy to help out. I spent numerous nights painting decorative work on the interior walls. Hot pink, black, and white were Stacy and Annette's colors of choice. I thank them for the chance to do a little artwork for them. I got a lot of positive feedback for my work, and wanted to take a moment to share. :)

Abstract Florals!

Checkered!

My photos aren't of the best quality. I had always hoped to take some more professional looking shots. But, you get the idea! I had alot of fun painting at Hair and Beyond, and hope to do some similar work in the future!! Wish me luck! Maybe some of Stacy Lynn's and Annette's good fortune will drift my way. :)

My Ten Year Anniversary!!!

Today marks ten years since I was in a near fatal automobile accident. TEN YEARS!! I feel like I've been waiting for this day to make it's appearance for quite some time now. I feel this is "the end" of an era in my life, marked by both horrific grief and tremendous growth over the years. This decade entered my life a long time ago, and now it's time for it to say it's goodbyes.

Ten years ago, I was traveling with a New Jersey pop-punk band called Midtown. My boyfriend at the time, Alex had already traveled with them a bit, selling merchandise and helping out with their tours over the previous summer. As the fall rolled by, and they were preparing to leave yet again for another tour in November, they realized they would need an extra hand. I had nothing of importance going on at the time, as I had recently graduated from college and was "in-between", not really knowing what to do with my life, so I volunteered myself to go. After a little apprehension on Midtown's part, because I was "a girl", and because I was Alex's girlfriend, they agreed to have me on board!! I'd be the "merch-girl", selling t-shirts, CD's, and stickers to eager 16 year olds, as we made our way across the US, touring with other bands such as Reel Big Fish, Bloodhound Gang, Dashboard Confessional, and A New Found Glory.

I was excited to go. What an amazing opportunity to do some traveling, and being surrounded by music made it even better!! I'd really only driven along the East Coast, so I was looking forward to checking out more of the country. We left early on election day in November of 2000. I remember saying goodbye to my mom and Alex's family quite vividly that morning. The air was crisp, but the sun was shining! Midtown picked us up at Alex's home. Our parents made acquaintance with the guys in the band, and then it was time for us to pack up and say our farewells. We then loaded ourselves into a 16 passenger van with a trailer on the back. Repeatedly, my overly protective mother kept saying, "Be Careful!!!" and "Wear your seatbelt!!!". Annoyed and aggravated, I kept saying in return, "Don't worry, mom!" and "We'll be fine!!". It was time for us to go!

The first week or so of tour was great. I was starting to get to know the guys better, as I was proving myself to be a a valuable part of the team. I never backed down, as a "typical girl" might have, from doing any of the grunt work. Loading and unloading the trailer was part of my job. I was grateful for the opportunity to tour, and appreciated being given the chance, so I was willing to help out in any way. I enjoyed creating a display for Midtown's t-shirts and CD's each night, and it was a pleasure to meet fans as we toured from city to city. We made our way to St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Chicago and a few other places before heading back east to Springfield, NJ where we took a break for a couple of days before heading up north to Boston.

November 15th was the day we started our journey. We began by driving up 95 North, past New York City, and into Connecticut. I remember getting McDonald's for lunch. A vegetarian version...a burger with no meat, just cheese, and french fries. (One of the requirements in being able to tour with Midtown was keeping a vegetarian diet. I had always wanted to try this, and now I had to do it. I thank Midtown for launching my vegetariansim!) After eating, we loaded back into the van, got situated for our drive, and were on our way. I was feeling sleepy, so Alex went to the back of the van, so I could have one of the longer seats to myself. I laid down for a nap, covered myself with a blanket and propped my head on a pillow. I did NOT put on my seatbelt. None of us did when we were sleeping in the van.

The next thing I remember was waking up to the van swerving violently. I stood up straight in my seat, and then the scene goes black. Apparently, a deer had run out into highway traffic on 95, and Gabe, the lead singer of Midtown, who happened to be driving at the time, instinctively swerved so as to miss it. In that moment, control of the vehicle was lost, as the trailer jack-knifed, and the van skidded across the highway. With momentum, the van and trailer flipped, landing on it's side and upside down respectively. Once everything stopped, I was told that everyone inside the van looked around, making sure everyone was all right. They had all been alert enough to grab onto something and brace themselves, as the van swerved out of control. My boyfriend had hit his head pretty bad, but outside of that, everyone seemed okay. Right away though, they noticed I wasn't there! Heath, one of the guitarists, lept through a window of broken glass to find me. Apparently, I had been thrown approximately 40 feet, landing with my head between two rocks. It must've been a bloody scene, as my head had been scalped by the glass of the van's window, when I had been propelled from the van.

Luckily for all of us, traveling behind our van was a nurse. He ran over to us, and apparently stabilized me as best as he could. Soon, the ambulance came, and I was taken to William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT. I was immediately treated for internal injuries and extreme bleeding. I had lost two thirds of my blood and required a transfusion. My lungs had collapsed, so tubes were inserted under my arms. My liver had been lacerated, and my stomach and spleen had both ruptured, so surgery took place right away. On top of that, my neck and right shoulder blade had been broken. I had lost so much blood, and my body had experienced so much trauma, that hospital staff didn't think I would live through the night.

My family was of course notified as soon as possible. They raced across landscape and time to reach me five hours later in Connecticut, from Binghamton, NY. They waited in anticipation of my condition, in what I could only imagine was horrible anguish. My uncle, a retired Fireman and Ambulance worker, tried to prepare my mom for the worst, as his hopes for my survival were pretty low. That night, a priest read me my last rights, prepping my soul for it's transition to the spiritual realm. I can't even imagine what my family must have been going through. In later years, my parents and friends have described to me their experiences and emotions during this time, and it breaks my heart. In a way, that time was easier for me, as I don't even remember it.

As it turns out, I deceived all odds, and actually survived this traumatic event in my life. I was considered "the miracle child" in the hospital. Though there are a few days that I don't remember at all right after the accident, time and light did start to slowly fade back into my consciousness. I remember my mom asking me questions, and me squeezing her hands. She asked if my grandma jo had been there with me at the time of the accident, and I apparently indicated "yes". I couldn't talk, because of all of the tubes down my nose and throat, but I do remember trying to write out answers with a pencil for her and the rest of my family. Interspersed in that time, I vaguely remember people visiting me, giving me their love. Old friends, extended family, and a few unexpected. Their presence was appreciated in more ways than they will ever know!

Eventually I was a little more aware and I was in a condition to speak. First, I remember my dad being in the room, and asking him what had happened. He assured me that everyone else, including Alex, was okay. Then he told me about the accident and about my condition. I wanted to see what I looked like, so my dad graciously brought me a mirror, but not without warning me of what I'd see. My long hair had been chopped, in order to rid myself of the twigs, glass, and blood that had made their home there, and I had a gigantic sewn up gash and bump across my forehead, reminiscent of frankenstein. I didn't look like myself, but I accepted it rather easily in my condition. What else could I do?

At this time, I also expressed to my dad what my first memories were following the accident. I told him that I could visualize Alex standing in some grass, away from me, with his hand on his forehead (where, unknowingly to me at the time, he had bumped it!). He was shaking his head and said "I love you, Stace!". This memory was so incredibly clear and fresh and pristine in my mind's eye. I can only make sense of it by declaring that it was an out of body experience I was having, when I envisioned him. As soon as Alex said he loved me, my soul came crashing back into my body. I felt it!!! And then there were flashing orange and blue lights around me, like stars circling my head and body. That's when I came back into human consciousness. I could hear the paramedics speaking to me, telling me what they were doing. And then I was on the gurney being transported into the ambulance. And I remember wailing "It huuuuurts!!" out loud, as I could feel my insides falling apart, and my chest heavy because I couldn't breathe. This is where my memory again fades to black........

Later on, Alex was able to confirm my memory of him standing in the grass. I was, and still am, absolutely confident that my spirit lifted into another realm, what I now refer to as "the spirit world", for a short time, shaking itself loose from the bodily trauma that I was experiencing. I don't ever remember questioning my will to live, while I was out of my body, but I do honestly believe that if Alex hadn't said those loving words when he did, my chances for survival might've been slimmer. I will always be grateful to him for "saving my life". I really believe he did.

I stayed in the hospital in Connecticut for about three and a half weeks. It was then decided that I'd be transported to Binghamton, in order to make things easier for my family and loved ones. Alex's dad slowly drove me home in the freezing cold in their minivan where I could be situated somewhat comfortably for the long ride. It was awful. And the coming months, healing at home, were awful. I was in ridiculous amounts of pain. And I was severely depressed. I was eventually referred to a therapist, who after talking to her about my out of body experience, told me to read a book by Dr. Brian Weiss called Many Lives, Many Masters. Reading that book changed my life!!

I still had a long road ahead of me though. I didn't work for six months. And my depression didn't leave me for years. Still, I had the support and love of so many around me, and I will forever be grateful for that. My vulnerability allowed for the deepening of some of my relationships. And I was able to encompass so much more compassion for others, due to my own experience. I realized that I wanted to do more in my life than paint upholstery patterns (what I went to college for). Instead, I wanted to dedicate my life to helping people. So, that became my mission. I wasn't sure how I'd get there, but I knew I would. My twenties were a time of growth, and my accident at the age of 22 was the true catalyst. I've changed my mind, as to my soul's purpose, many times over the years. But, here I am now, a Certified Soul Coach and Past Life Coach.

It's amazing, how going through the most traumatic events in our lives can sometimes bear the biggest blessings. I would never wish my accident with it's physical and emotional scars on anyone. Yet, I am so thankful for having lived through it myself. I am a better person because of it. I am kinder, more loving, stronger, and more courageous than I ever could have been. Though I suffered from Post Traumatic Stress and depression for a long time, thanks to my experience, my aptitude for Joy and Love and Thanks is so much deeper.

Ten years!! I am so thankful for all that I have learned, and processed during this time. Now, I am ready to flip the pages and start a new chapter. Today is a new beginning, and I am so thankful for that. Thank you to all of those that have been by my side through the years. I love you more than I can say.

Trusting the Universe...

Over the past couple of years, I've really learned the value of having small short-term "goals". It started when I needed a new computer, about two years ago. That became my main focus! I had other more lofty goals too, but nothing that I felt was completely attainable for me at the time. I was monetarily broke and heartbroken, at a low point in my life. My goals felt like whimsical dreams, and I had no idea how I would ever pursue them. They seemed so radiant and far away. I felt helpless in ever getting anywhere, and needed a way out. That's when I decided to take action by starting small! Putting one foot in front of the other, with patience, was the only way I felt I could accomplish anything. So, I focused on getting that new computer....not such a smalll task, as I could barely pay my bills, living off the wages of a hospital's registration staff.

Making that decision, to manifest a new computer in my life, when I had no financial means, changed my life. Simply put, this was the moment I began to trust in the Universe! As soon as I declared to the Universe, what I needed, at that moment life started to play along! Now, my new computer didn't just appear, out of thin air. Even before I was able to declare my intention, the Universe was working in my favor. Earlier that year, I had cleared all of my debt and learned a thing or two about budgeting my finances. I was living paycheck to paycheck, almost to the dime, but at least I had it under control! I had reclaimed my power financially, and knew that I was responsible for what I had, whether I had a little or a lot! Once I made the decision to get that new computer, I knew that nothing could stop me. I was doing my best, with what was available to me then. At that point, I also made the decision that I would never find myself in such a low place again, and therefore knew that the only way I could go now, was UP!

Still, I didn't quite know how I was going to get from point A to point B. How could I ever afford a new computer? I had just enough money to keep with the status quo of every day life. This was the time when I decided to let go of my control, so that I could simply TRUST! I put it out there! I stated that I needed a new computer, and I wanted it by the end of the year! I didn't know how my computer would come to be, but I KNEW that it WOULD happen, somehow!

In the end, manifestation took place when both of my parents committed to giving me some money for Christmas (I am so blessed!). Around this time, I also acquired another job, thanks to the powers of synchronicity. Though I had toyed with the idea of getting another job, I had yet to put in the time and energy needed to make that a reality. Despite my lack of effort, the universe pulled through for me, putting me in the right place at the right time. My ideal job, a perfect means for additional income, came to me one night, when I was out to dinner with my mom. A family friend from my childhood happened to be the bartender. My mom mentioned, loudly and in passing, that I was looking for another job (I was slightly embarrassed at my mom's big mouth at the time...haha!). But this opened the door, and our friend basically got the owner to hire me as a server, on the spot, that night! Such a gift! All I could do was say, "THANK YOU UNIVERSE"!! In knowing that I'd have the money from my parents, as a beginning payment, and then having the confidence that comes from knowing I'd have more income from a second job, I allowed myself the freedom to purchase the computer that I wanted, the one that I happen to be typing on right now.

That was just the beginning. In the past two years, I feel that anything I have set my mind to (or has been for my highest good, unbeknownst to me), has come to fruition. Nothing has happened overnight, but with set intention and trust in the Universe, these smaller short-term "goals" of mine have simplified themselves, to the point of becoming reality. Nothing has felt off limits. I got a new apartment on the east side of Binghamton, affordable and perfect, just as I was at my wits end with my place downtown. I was able to purchase some nice velvety brown couches for my new place! I met a guy, that was smart and sensitive and open to my independence, just when I though that might be impossible. I traded in my green stationwagon for a (new to me) midnight blue hyundai elantra!! I was able to give up my job at the hospital, in order to focus on my financial growth at Moxie, the restaurant I worked at. I was trusting the Universe that this was the best decision for myself at the time. And through hard work and the strength of my integrity, I was able to work my way to the top of the line, at my job! This allowed me to save the pennies I needed for a small vacation with my mom, for my Soul Coaching classes in California, and ultimately for my move to Texas this fall! When I think of all that I have accomplished in (less than) two years, I am blown away. I know I couldn't have done it all so well and so quickly, if I hadn't been able to trust in the powers of the Universe to fulfill my dreams.

This all brings me to now. I still have so much I want to accomplish. But, my mind has been foggy with the stresses of moving to a new place, being far from home, and getting settled. I haven't been trusting so much. I've been fearful and apprehensive. I've lost my patience, wanting my perfect life to manifest right this minute. Writing about all of this, brings back into focus, where I need to get myself once again. I need to let go. I need to trust. The Universe has gifted me with so much, and I can not forget the power that the Universe has! I am blessed to know this and to have experienced it! So, here I go.... I am handing over my control. I need a little help, and together with the power of the Universe, I hope to manifest all my dreams, one goal at a time. One foot in front of the other has worked for me in the past. Here I am, taking that first step. :)

Times in Texas.

Tom and I have been in Austin for just about a month now, though it feels much longer. I guess that's probably a good sign, as I feel quite comfortable here. Austin is a nice town, not as big of a "city" as I thought it'd be. But, there's a lot going on here!!

Downtown seems to be a hoppin' place, though Tom and I have really only gone out, down and around 6th street, a couple of times. Most recently, we went to the Beauty Bar here in Austin, to see a band play. It wasn't really my scene, but still we enjoyed ourselves, listening to the music as I slowly drank my Sea Breeze cocktail. Ha!

We've mostly stayed over on the South side of town, enjoying the vegetarian dining options available to us! Austin is great for vegan food!! Our favorites so far are Kerbey Lane Cafe (awesome breakfast options!!!) and Mr. Natural (we enjoyed the most amazing, mint cream filled chocolate cucakes there...YUM!). Both of these places are pretty casual lunch type eateries, and both reasonably priced. Most of our dinners out have centered around Mexican food, as it is extremely abundant here, especially along South Lamar, where we live. One of my best friends works at a place called El Chile, so we've been there more than once. :) I've been loving the enchiladas with verde sauce. Mmmmm...

Austin is also blessed with many green spaces, some really closeby. We've most frequently visited the Barton Springs area, located in Zilker Park, right down the street from us. This is a natural pool fed from springs underground. It's really quite beautiful, and big! Apparently, it's the largest natural swimming pool in the United States. We've also enjoyed some of the wide open spaces in the park, just relaxing, enjoying the sunshine and the company of butterflies! There's also a large section near the park called the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Tom and I have only begun to explore this area. And it seems that there are many more greenbelts to seek out as well! Tom thinks he's going to start rock-climbing. I just want to get a bike!! :)

Outside of our love for good vegetarian food and nature, it's worthy to mention that there's a lot of good shopping around town, if you've got the time and money to spend! Fair trade options, consignment shops, thrift stores, half-priced books, antiques, record stores, etc. I love it, and can't wait to be settled in a job and monetarily stable, so as to be able to enjoy what's available. I'm not a HUGE shopper, but I do enjoy the occasional "fun" purchase once in awhile.

In between our mini-Austin explorations, Tom and I have just been relaxing at home, cooking more often, enjoying each other's company in the peace of our new place. We've also been trudging along, getting our lives in order, looking for profitable work, while at the same time trying to follow our dreams. It's hard for me to believe we've only been here for a month. WOW! I'm thankful to be here, in this NOW, with Tom. We have so much to look forward to, as we embark on this adventure together. Though I miss my friends and family terribly, I know that opportunities exist for me here, that I need to take the time to explore. I hope to enjoy all that Austin has to offer! Here's to living for today, and taking it all in, one Texan experience at a time!!