What?! I know. This trip was legit two-three months ago and I'm barely getting around to pictures. TRAGIC! It's going to sound weird, but I was actually intimidated. I was afraid to look at these pictures. Not because I thought they'd be terrible, but because I didn't want them to shatter the idea I still have of Seattle. It was love at first gloomy pine trees sight. That was our first view, the shadowy pine trees as we drove into our place. The weather was gorgeous for us Houston girls. We're used to heat, humidity, and our state mascot, the mosquito. So we were eating up every bit of chill winds and raindrops. Seattle, we loved you entirely, from the food to your energy, and everything you offered in between. Until we meet again!
Talk Soon,
Bree
It is exactly the kind of town that makes you ask yourself, "Where the fuck are we?" But it is the perfect place for a birthday weekend getaway with friends.
The drive to West Texas was not as bad as the numbers made it seem, a total of 18 hours and 1,204 miles. We made sure to prep with enough snacks, podcasts, and tunes. The first impression was most definitely... small. It's a small quiet desert town. But what it lacks in chain restaurants and stores, it makes up for in art and charm.
To be completely honest, this was also the first trip that my friend Syl and I didn't plan to every detail. Every other trip we've taken, we are super organized, have an itinerary and schedule we religiously abide by. But this trip was different. I'll admit we each had our bits of stress in life since the last time we took a trip together so this weekend was absolutely NECESSARY. My friend turns a year wiser next month but due to work, a month early was the best we do to get away. So we take what we can and I went ahead and booked a teepee for a birthday weekend getaway. We feasted like kweens, I spent too much on soap and books, and of course, we visited some art exhibits. And I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't cry when I laid on the floor and stared out into sky. It was absolutely stunning and breathtaking. The bright stars, the quaint town, the mix of old and new, and even the odd store hours, seriously Marfa, what's that about? I'd be back in a heartbeat, better yet, I didn't want to leave to begin with.
Talk soon!
Bree
P.S. Fair warning, too many pictures below from around town!
I once went out with a man who had what I considered to be a strange habit of stopping during a walk to admire the buildings we were passing up. Now of course, I never said anything about it, you know, to each their own. I stop to look at trees sometimes or graffiti on walls and some might stop to look at buildings. I never appreciated the reason behind it or bothered to admire the same buildings. But I get it now!
This past weekend was spent in San Antonio with my mama and I actually found myself stopping to admire the buildings around us. It's a shallow observation but I could not get over how pretty the structures were. I appreciated the use of color and texture for reasons I couldn't explain other than they were aesthetically pleasing. So the long line of pictures below are of those things. From the colorful walls at the market to the weathered walls at the San Jose Mission.
We spent our time at Hotel Valencia right on a quiet part of the riverwalk mainly laying down, reading, and watching tv until it was time to eat. Although, Friday evening mom did her own thing and went to a show while I showered, took a nap and watched a few episodes of Modern Family. I know, you're probably thinking how lame to waste hours like that, but I felt in dire need of some quiet time. Once mom's show was over, I turned off my phone, left it in the room, and met her up for huge margaritas the size of my head (believe me I have a big head) on the riverwalk.
The next day we were able to squeeze in some hours at Mission San Jose. I've visited the Alamo before so I felt it necessary to expand our history tour to other missions. Now, I'm not saying the Alamo isn't great to visit, but Mission San Jose felt less congested, bigger and more open, and the guy playing the piano in the church really added a great touch. I actually sat in there for about six songs and pretended to be on the set of Pride and Prejudice. Obviously not the correct setting, but the music alone made me feel very 1800's.
I mean, tell me these structures aren't just beautiful?! Till next time San Antonio!
Talk soon!
Bree
As we wrap up the summer, birthday celebrations are rolling in and this weekend was by far one of my favorite. Syl and I made our way to Austin to begin our friend Birdie's birthday weekend. And if anything set the perfect mood for the days that were to follow, it was the sunset we saw on our way. Friday night, we were welcomed with warm hugs, cold drinks, yummy snacks, and guys, the most beautiful smelling apartment I think I've ever walked into. Mind you, it was Birdie's weekend, but she truly made it feel as if it was all our weekend as well.
The next morning we made our way to coffee and started the ride to Johnson City to visit Lyndon B. Johnson's White House. What can I say, this girl likes her history tours. We saw his old school, his cattle (don't forget we're in Texas), and his beautiful home. The entire property made me want to kick off my shoes, sit out on the porch in my prairie dress, and sip on some sweet iced tea.
Walking/driving around really made us hungry which could only be satisfied by the schnitzel's we had in Fredericksburg. We didn't do a lot of shopping, but y'all, I cannot stress enough how hot it can get in Texas (103 degrees as I type). So what better way to fix that than to go for a wine tasting. We stopped at Becker Vineyards on our way back to Austin and it was everything I'd imagined. A beautiful venue, large fields, and a load of wines that I knew nothing about but felt very compelled to taste...all of them. I wanted to taste all of them.
But I didn't! Because we still had dinner plans and I live on a budget. A lovely dinner followed and then later more drinks. I know, it sounds like I was probably shitfaced by this point. But I promise you I wasn't, hydration is key here!
All good things come to and end though so we said our goodbyes Sunday after brunch and drove back to our sweet city of Houston were I was greeted with all the humidity and a strange man waaaaay too close for my taste on the road. Seriously y'all, had my window been open, I'm certain I would've smelled his breath. But Houston, I love you!
Talk soon!
B
