The Texas Storm of the Season

I must say, there is something deliciously refreshing about an ice-covered day. Especially the first of the season.

Yesterday afternoon as the weather overtook North Texas, people hurried home to escape the threatening conditions. I was committed to an appointment after work, so when I finally did head towards home, there were few people still out and about. What a thrill it was when I first emerged into the brisk weather to discover ice covering my little Honda. Before jumping in to start the defroster, I laughed with glee at the crystallized world surrounding me. You can tell I’ve been down south too long, because I was disappointed the layer of ice did not require use of my handy ice scraper. Truly a calamity…

When I did safely arrive home, it was so enjoyable to curl up in the reading room with a book, a blanket and the insistent pelting of ice on the windows. It transported me back home to the days of anxiously anticipating a snow day off from school.

This morning the outside world again happily startled me when I saw the glinting foliage and my breath instantly transformed into white puffs. Apparently I miss a true winter season more than I realized. With the sun shining brightly and the city delaying its daily awakening, it was the perfect start to an otherwise ordinary Dallas day.

And for those of you up north, this is all it takes to shut down a city in Texas…



Happy, happy day!

Ushering In a New Era

Inauguration Day. What an overwhelming occasion. With each passing year and election, I find myself increasingly interested in the politics and causes of the day. While I may not speak out nearly as often some, I do hold and guard my politics and views rather fiercely.

Living in Texas especially introduced me to some opinions that I don’t always agree with or even appreciate. In fact, too often I observe conversations and comments that distress my core beliefs. That established—it is truly inspiring to watch the one-time unknown and then underdog address the nation as #44. This man who today took the reins as leader of our great nation has bridged gaps and encouraged disinterested Americans to again stand up for causes they long since fought for. I pray this experience is one that reverberates throughout future elections and generations.

Friends, continue standing. Join forces as we embark on this exciting new era. Regardless of your politics, I hope you can respect the democracy we reside in, the ability to voice your opinions and the peaceful exchange of our leaders that many individuals will never witness firsthand.

Stand together today in support of the country you call home. Look to each other for encouragement and answer the call of your new leader. Remind yourselves of the passion, loyalty and selflessness that built the foundations of this country. Stand tall, speak out and share the responsibility of being a United States citizen.

God bless this happy day!