Remember That Time...
The Lone Star State | 2021 © Alicia Kae Miller
Hankering for an in-person connection, I took the scenic route over the weekend and met up with my friends, who live not too far outside of San Antonio.
As I bounced along the country roads, I thought about the last time we were together. On that meet-up, in August 2020, we hiked Enchanted Rock, a magical place just outside of Fredericksburg, a historic gem in the Texas Hill Country.
From a distance, "The Mountain" appears to be a rolling hill. Once you commence with the climb, you realize that what you are in for is a surprising pink granite vertical challenge. Heart palpitations aside, once you reach the top, the 360° views are sublime.
If you have not been to either location, the next time you find yourself in Central Texas, I encourage you to factor in a day or two to get a feel for this special place in storied Texas history.
Spring In Our Step
Outside of the much cooler weather, not much had changed since we last met up.
As we strolled the streets of the once cotton-producing community of Gruene, I exhaled and thought about how nice it was to be out and about instead of sheltering in place, which is something that I do most of the time.
Beyond being grateful for "we" time, the laughter of friends, live music, and chatter from fellow tourists was enough to lift our spirits and help us to push through yet another weekend amid a pandemic.
As we perused antique shops and discussed push-button phones, eight-track tapes, and record players with our young companion, I smiled and breathed in this irreplaceable moment.
Good Is Great
Ah! The good old days.
Speaking of the past, my mind shifts to "back in my day" when we spun Jackson Browne's Running on Empty over and over, and call-waiting was considered high tech.
Hmph! We now use biometrics to zip through airport security, and Mr. Browne plays out in real-time via our computer screen. What a world, what a world!
Isn't this how everyone feels as they age? In my most craggy voice, I hear, "things were so much simpler back then."
As I listen to the red bird’s chirp and watch the clouds float by, I recognize that great is also right here, right now.
Until we meet again, take cues from nature, and be inspired by moments of solitude. ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
January 27, 2021