This blog post is not about growing up or my small Texas town; it’s about the results. I was in Texas for several days, and I planned the trip with the precision of a cartographer. Nine days. Seven hundred miles. It was a whirlwind trip, so I wanted to share the highlights with you.

First Stop the Airport: Sorry We Can’t Help You

Thanks to the airlines, I hit a bump in the road before I left the house. I’d packed, booked my first night at the airport hotel, turned on my laptop to check in, and put my boarding pass in my virtual wallet. Almost two hours later, all I had to show for my persistence was an apology from the airline for screwing up my reservation. I’d have to get my boarding pass at the airport. But not to worry; I had a seat, and I could verify that at the gate. Do you see the conundrum here? How could I get to the gate without a boarding pass? Long story short, I managed to get a boarding pass at the airport. Relief washed over me like a tsunami. I tucked the pass into my actual wallet and checked into my hotel. Early the next morning, I got ready to leave and checked my boarding pass. It was stamped “stand by.” I called the airlines, and they told me I could straighten it out at the gate. Almost twenty-four hours later, I had a bona fide boarding pass. On my way to the gate, I couldn’t let go of my annoyance over the incident, so I stopped at a Starbucks and bought four gift cards to give to the flight attendants.

Lesson learned: Patience, persistence, and gratitude led to peace.

Second Stop Liberty Hill, Texas: Halloween Evolution

I landed in Austin at 3:30 pm and planned to be at my nephew’s house in Liberty Hill as soon as I ran an errand in Austin. I calculated it would take a little more than an hour. Austin travel is not what it used to be. Three hours later, I pulled into my nephew’s driveway. Now, the fun started. I celebrated Halloween with my great-niece and half the folks in the neighborhood. My nephew, Chase, his wife, Kim, and my great-niece, Abby, and I dressed up as Wizard of Oz characters. Chase went as the Scarecrow, Kim as the Wicked Witch of the West, Abby as Dorothy, and me as the Tin Man. Their Kevin the dog was transformed into the Cowardly Lion. For almost two hours, we cruised the neighborhood on golf carts. The kids filled their sacks with Halloween booty. Halloween has evolved since I was a kid. Some of the houses we visited offer liquor shots for the adults. We abstained.

Lesson Learned: Fun with the family is a blessing, even if your costume itches.

Third Stop Hallettsville, Texas: You Did What?

My family was in Hallettsville to attend my other nephew’s wedding. Being with my family is always a blast. Being with my family at a wedding is explosive. We cried happy tears; we danced, we feasted, we enbibed. As the evening passed, my nephew and his best man jumped in the pool. Then, a bodiless voice shouted in my ear, urging me to follow suit. I said no, but it wouldn’t shut up. I said, “Okay, as long as my sisters joined me.” They said, “No.” I slowly wore down their reserve. A few minutes later, we kicked off our shoes and removed our jewelry. Holding hands, we jumped in. Now my new dress smells like chlorine.

Lesson Learned: You’re never too old to take a risk.

Fourth Stop Rockport, Texas: No Cranes, But a Great Friend

I’d planned to go to Galveston for two nights, but I discovered that the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally was taking place. Word was out that over 500,000 people and more than 250,000 bikers would descend on the island, and I had to go with Plan B. I headed for Rockport, where I’d hoped to spot a few whooping cranes, only to learn that they hadn’t yet arrived from Canada. What was better than seeing the cranes was seeing a dear writer friend, Karen Casey Fitzjerrell, who was there working on her manuscript. It had been thirteen years since we last saw one another, but it felt like no time had passed. Karen is a fellow Texan and an award-winning writer, and we have so much in common. Our time together reminded us of the importance of friends and how they enrich our lives. Learn more about Karen and her novels: Karen Casey Fitzjerrell

Lessoned Learned: Friends are a true blessing.

Fifth Stop Palacios, Texas: A Book Signing Sell-Out

I was in Palacios for two nights, and there was so much to write about, but I’ll keep it short for now. When I arrive in this tiny coastal town, any anxiety, frustration, and travel stress that tags along with me instantly disappears. I was there for another book signing at Old Main Street Bookstore, owned by my friend Jan Pierce. I checked into my B&B, and I stopped by the store to say hi before the event the next day. The bookstore is the social hub in town, and I joined the locals for coffee, cake, and conversation. Three hours later, I left with a smile on my face and a warm heart. The book signing the following afternoon was a resounding success. I met the mayor and several folks who helped save the Luther Hotel from being torn down. Afterward, we got to know one another over dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Palacios Mexican Restaurant, known simply as PMR. I plan to return to celebrate the hotel’s reopening and to visit my new friends.

My new friend, Karmen. She’s one of the “Save the Luther,” heroines.

To read more about saving the Luther, check out the article from Texas Monthly: Saving the Luther

Lesson Learned: Small-town life is a comfort.