Oh, the places I've been...

"You're off to Great Places!  Today is your day!  Your mountain is waiting, So...get on your way!" -Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!


Dr. Seuss was a genius.  His books are not only filled with truth and imagination, but ways in which you can grow and love.  I love him.  I love all that he created.  And I love all that he gave to the world. 


Children not only have learned through his art, but so have adults.  And I am one of those adults who have learned through his words, just what kind of life I want to lead and who I want to be in this crazy world. 


I haven't traveled many places in my lifetime.  But of all the places I have been and seen, I've fallen in love with each of them.  From Florida to Louisiana and Georgia to California, life and happiness exists all around.  


This year I was able to travel to Chicago for the first time and saying that the windy city blew me away, is quite an understatement.  When you get to travel alone it can be cathartic and invigorating.  However when you travel with people you love, you are able to create lifelong memories and new adventures together.


Chicago was exquisite.  From the architecture that makes the city to the tulips that scatter the land, I fell in love.  And I fell in love hard.  The Bean was fun and marvelous and Navy Pier was so beautiful, I really wished I could have swam in the water had it not been 50 degrees out.  If you've never been to Chicago, make it a priority on your bucket list.  It's a place I hope to visit again before I die. 

Chicago's beautiful tulips

The Chicago Water Tower, closeup

Us in the Bean 

Overlooking Navy Pier

California is my third home away from home.  It is there that I find more peace than any other place I've ever been present in.  Every time I am lucky to go back, I fall more and more in love with the state than I was before.  Maybe it's the air or maybe it's the land.  But California, for me at least, is heaven on earth.  Far away from the hustle and bustle of L.A. and the busy traffic, Agoura Hills is the place I long to get away to and it soothes my soul so beautifully when I'm there.  Magical is what I call it. 

Zuma Beach, California 

On our way to the beach 

Of course living in Las Vegas has its pluses.  There's always something happening, something to do, and places to go.  However what most people forget or don't know about the bright light city, is that far away from The Strip lies beautiful scenic views of the mountains that keep it all together.  It's in those mountains where writing comes easily, where I feel at one with nature and the universe, and where I find comfort.  I love being able to look out my windows and see the mountains that surround me.  And in my eyes, it is a far more beautiful picture of what Vegas has to offer. 

Death Valley

Death Valley 

And at the end of it all, there is that one place I don't get to often enough.  The one place where I began and where I left and where my life changed for all the better.  I could never forget about Texas.  The big and almighty state that exudes immense amounts of pride and love for its independence.  Though I may be a tad less enthused as many, I still praise and acknowledge the fact that I will always be a small town gal from Texas.  It's in my blood and in my heritage, and that in itself is what makes being from Texas meaningful to me.  I miss my family every day.  I miss the food.  I miss the land.  Those things I can't get in Vegas.  But I carry those with me every day I live.  I remember where I came from and I hold on gratefully to just that.  A Texas girl in the Vegas lights, who is utterly grateful for the journey I've been on.  And all the places I've been.  And I thank Texas for helping me grow. 

Texas land 

Neighborhoods with stories to tell 

And trains!

I never forget.  I always remember.  And I'm always so thankful that I've been to places that have captivated my life and essence to live.  Never forget where you come from, it's important to your character.  I love every ugly, horrific, heartbreaking moment.  I forgive them all and in doing so, I bring peace to my life and comfort to my heart.  And with the people in my life who make it all the more merrier, I am in place.  Right. Where. I. Want. To. Be.