From a Bucket List Dream to Reality: Our Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Adventure! 🎈

Ever since I started volunteering at the Plano Balloon Festival and listening to all the amazing stories from the balloon pilots, it became a bucket-list dream of mine to experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for myself. Hearing about the incredible number of balloons, the breathtaking morning ascensions, and the unforgettable atmosphere made me want to see it all with my own eyes someday. And guess what?! This October, we finally made it happen! While this trip was originally supposed to be a 30th birthday adventure, Mom and I eventually decided, “Why wait? Life is too short!” And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. Sometimes you just have to take the trip, make the memories, and enjoy the adventure while you can instead of waiting for the perfect occasion. Originally, Mom’s boyfriend, Ed Dees, was supposed to join us. However, after a recent medical emergency scare and with his daughter’s wedding coming up around the corner, he decided it was probably best not to make the trip. Which meant one thing… GIRLS’ ROAD TRIP!

Tuesday morning, Mom and I packed up the car, hit the road, and officially began our adventure toward New Mexico! Now, I’m not going to lie, a good chunk of that drive consisted of flat land, dust, and more flat land. But hey, we were on an adventure, and sometimes the journey is just as memorable as the destination! Our first stop was Bowie, Texas, where we got to see the WORLD’S LARGEST BOWIE KNIFE! Naturally, I couldn’t resist having a little fun with AI and creating photos of Mom and I getting “stabbed” by the giant knife. Because why settle for a normal tourist picture when you can turn it into a crime scene?! After getting our ridiculous pictures, we continued toward Amarillo, where we checked into our first Airbnb. The house had a really cool artistic vibe, and it was a nice place to settle into for the night. The only downside? The toilet was so short that every time you sat down, you practically felt like you were falling into a hole! I swear, I wasn’t prepared for that kind of experience. Who knew a toilet could become one of the highlights of a road trip story?! Later that evening, we made a quick Walmart run to pick up a few things before heading out to Slugbug Ranch, where we got to spray-paint old cars covered in colorful graffiti. Nothing like legally vandalizing old vehicles for the sake of art and memories! After we finished exploring and adding our own little touches to the cars, we headed back to the Airbnb, heated up our frozen pizzas, and called it dinner. Honestly, after a long day of driving, exploring, and making stops along the way, a cheap pizza and a comfortable place to put your feet up were exactly what we needed. It was a simple first night, but our adventure was officially underway! Wednesday morning, we were back at it! We headed over to Cadillac Ranch, another one of those quirky roadside attractions where visitors can leave their mark by spray-painting the famous row of partially buried Cadillacs. Naturally, we couldn’t resist adding a little more color to our collection of road trip memories! After that, we hit the road again and continued toward Belen, New Mexico, where our next Airbnb awaited us. And for all you Breaking Bad fans out there, we even stopped at the Owl Cafe, a filming location associated with the show, along the way! We were squeezing in the sightseeing wherever we could. After all, if you’re going to make a road trip out of it, you might as well enjoy a few extra stops! By the time we finally arrived at our Airbnb in Belen, we were absolutely wiped out. Between the long drive, all the exploring, and the stops along the way, we were more than ready to unpack, relax, and recharge before the big Balloon Fiesta adventures began. Little did we know that our Airbnb would soon become the setting for one of the funniest and most unexpected moments of the entire trip!

Thursday brought some company! Our friends Jeff and Tracey arrived in their RV to join us for part of the adventure. They got settled in, set up their Starlink for Wi-Fi, and before long, the conversation took a funny turn. They casually asked me, “Isn’t it your birthday?” I looked at them and said, “Nooo, my birthday was back in August!” Mom immediately chimed in with, “Well, it’s kinda her birthday trip!” And just like that, apparently, I was getting the full birthday-trip treatment whether I asked for it or not! Next thing I knew, they were talking about grilling dinner for us. And when I say dinner, I mean SALMON, STEAK, AND SHRIMP KEBABS! Somebody tell me how I got so lucky! We spent the day enjoying the gorgeous Albuquerque weather, leaving the doors and windows open to let in the fresh air. Sure, we had a few flies buzzing around here and there, but nothing too crazy. We didn’t think much of it at first. Then evening rolled around, Jeff started grilling dinner, and we were all going in and out of the house again. At one point, we actually thought to ourselves, “Well, at least the flies aren’t bothering us anymore!” Ummm… Famous. Last. Words. We eventually came back inside, ready to wind down for the night, when we looked up and discovered that the ceiling was absolutely coated in flies! I’m talking a whole family reunion up there! Apparently, every fly in New Mexico had received an invitation to our Airbnb, and they all rsvp'd yes! There were so many that it looked like they had decided to make themselves permanent residents. Mom and Tracey immediately armed themselves with fly swatters and went to absolute war with these things! I don’t know what was funnier: the sheer number of flies or watching the two of them trying to reclaim control of the house. Needless to say, this was not how I imagined ending our evening in New Mexico! And the best part? I only had a few hours to sleep before our lovely little 1 AM wake-up call. Yep, you read that right. One. In. The. Morning. Because when you’re going to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, apparently, sleep is optional, and your alarm clock becomes your worst enemy!

Friday morning was finally the big day! After what felt like approximately five minutes of sleep, Mom and I dragged ourselves out of bed in the middle of the night and made our way to the park-and-ride location for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. We arrived around 4 AM after standing in line, and from there, it was finally time to experience the event I had been dreaming about for so long! But before I get to the breathtaking balloons, we need to talk about something Mom and I learned the hard way. Mom forgot her jacket! Yes this jacket she had bought before our trip at Half of Half, a thrift store! She had found it while shopping before we left, I had even sent pictures of it to my older sister to get her opinion. Well, when Mom and I got to the park-and-ride location, she announced, “I don’t need my jacket! I stood on the front porch, and it wasn’t cold!” And I looked at her and said, “Okay!” in that high-pitched tone that basically translates to, “Alright then… if you say so!” Well, Let me tell you something. Standing on the front porch and standing out on a massive open field are apparently two very different experiences! Once we arrived at the Fiesta, the temperature was around 52 degrees, and that wind was absolutely no joke. Mom and I were freezing! We were so cold that we nearly considered spending $90 on a fleece blanket just to survive out there. Thankfully, we managed to find a smaller blanket for $25, because there was no way we were making it through the morning without something to keep us warm. Lesson learned: Never underestimate the New Mexico morning chill, and always bring the jacket! And don’t even get me started on the food prices! Guess how much a breakfast burrito cost? $14! And a turkey leg? $15! Excuse me?! At those prices, you’d think they were serving us a five-star gourmet meal instead of a burrito and a turkey leg! I understand that big events have vendors and operating costs, but goodness gracious, those prices definitely made us stop and think before buying anything else! But despite the cold, the expensive food, and our severe lack of sleep, we were finally there. And Oh. My. Goodness. After years of hearing the balloon pilots’ stories at the Plano Balloon Festival and imagining what it would be like to see Albuquerque’s famous mass ascension, I was finally  standing there watching hundreds of balloons fill the sky! We witnessed the breathtaking sight of around 500 balloons taking flight, with colorful shapes and patterns rising into the morning sky as the sun came up. Everywhere we looked, another balloon was being inflated, lifting off, or drifting gracefully above the field. There was so much happening all around us that it was almost impossible to know where to look first. One moment, you’d be watching a balloon rise into the sky, and the next, you’d notice another colorful balloon floating overhead. It was one of those moments when you stop what you’re doing, take it all in, and think, “Wow… I’m really here!” Was the 1 AM wake-up call brutal? Absolutely. Was freezing our tails off worth it? A million times yes! It’s hard to explain just how incredible it feels to finally experience something you’ve had on your bucket list for so long. What started as a dream inspired by the stories of balloon pilots at our local festival had officially become a memory I would cherish forever. Sometimes the best adventures begin with a dream, a little spontaneity, and the decision to finally make it happen.

After our early morning adventure, Mom and I headed to the nearest iHop once we made it back to the park-and-ride location. We were both walking zombies at that point, but a stack of pancakes sounded like the perfect way to reward ourselves for surviving the early morning! Once we returned to the Airbnb, Jeff and Tracey were hard at work. We exchanged quick hellos before heading inside, and Mom and I immediately crashed for some much-needed naps. We were exhausted, but our hearts were full! After waking up, we couldn’t stop telling Jeff and Tracey about everything we’d seen. We talked about the incredible colors, the beautiful morning sky, and how amazing the entire experience had been. We might have exaggerated a little in our excitement, but honestly, can you blame us?! We’d finally checked off one of my biggest bucket-list dreams, and we were still buzzing from the experience! Saturday morning began on a much more civilized schedule, thankfully! We all woke up to Jeff making a delicious breakfast of eggs, biscuits and gravy, and bacon. After our previous morning’s 1 AM adventure, having a proper homemade breakfast felt like an absolute luxury. Once we’d eaten and gotten ourselves ready, we hit the road to see what other adventures Albuquerque had in store for us. Our first stop was a neat combination of a thrift store and a coffee shop, which sounded right up my alley! Mom had some fantastic luck and scored a pair of green pants, combat boots, and a long-sleeved shirt. I, unfortunately, didn’t have quite the same shopping success. I did manage to find a gift for my friend back home in Dallas and some stickers for my junk journal, though, so I didn’t leave completely empty-handed! Sometimes the best thrift-store finds are the ones you weren’t even looking for, and other times you leave with nothing but a few little treasures. Either way, it’s always fun to see what you might discover! After shopping, we headed to Sadie’s for some authentic New Mexican-style Mexican food. Let me just say that my enchiladas were covered in so much cheese that I’ll probably be bloated for the next three business days! And no, that is not an exaggeration. The food was delicious, though, and it was nice to sit down, enjoy a meal together, and take our time before heading back out for an evening at the Balloon Fiesta. This time, Jeff and Tracey would be joining us for the evening festivities! We made our way to the park-and-ride location, boarded the bus, and eventually arrived back at the Fiesta. We found our seats, enjoyed the nice breeze, and took some time to wander through the vendor areas. There were so many things to look at, and it was nice to experience the event again without the same frantic feeling of waking up in the middle of the night! However, as the evening progressed, the weather became the biggest topic of conversation. Officials were monitoring the winds out on the field and keeping an eye on potential incoming showers. There was a storm nearby, and because ballooning is so dependent on safe weather conditions, everyone was watching closely. Rain and nearby storms can make balloon operations unsafe, so the weather ultimately determines what the pilots can and cannot do. Unfortunately, the sustained winds on the field meant they couldn’t carry out the full glow as originally planned. We got to experience a candlestick glow, where the balloon pilots fired up their burners, sending bursts of bright flames shooting into the night sky. Even though the balloons themselves weren’t illuminated like they would be during a traditional balloon glow, it was still an incredible sight to witness! There was something magical about watching the flames shoot upward into the darkness and hearing the powerful roar of the burners echo across the field. Although it wasn’t the full experience we’d originally hoped for, it was still a memorable moment and a unique way to experience the Fiesta! Even when things don’t go according to plan, the Fiesta still manages to create some memorable moments. Russell Dickerson, a country music artist, was scheduled to take the stage at 7:30 PM, followed by the drone show and fireworks. The later entertainment had been pushed back, though, and since modern country music isn’t really my thing, we decided to head out after the glow rather than wait around for the rest of the evening. Our main priority was avoiding the massive crowds trying to make their way back to the buses. Unfortunately, what should have been a straightforward ride back to our park-and-ride stop turned into an experience none of us were expecting. Let me just say that our bus ride back was an adventure in itself, and not the good kind! The bus driver smelled strongly of alcohol, and the cigarette smell was overwhelming. That alone made us uncomfortable, but things became even more concerning once we got onto the highway. As we were driving, the bus appeared to drift across two lanes! Like, Excuse me?! We were just trying to get back safely! Between the smell and the way the bus was moving, we were all nervous and concerned about the ride. We couldn’t help but wonder what was going on, and it definitely wasn’t the peaceful journey back we’d hoped for after an otherwise incredible evening. Thankfully, we made it back to the car safely. That experience was a sobering reminder that even a wonderful trip can have a few moments that leave you shaken. We were relieved to be back in our own vehicle, and once we were settled, we started talking about our favorite songs, movies, and TV shows to take our minds off the situation. Sometimes a good conversation with people you trust is exactly what you need to decompress after an uncomfortable experience. By the time we returned to the Airbnb, we were exhausted all over again. It had been a long day of exploring, eating, watching the balloons burner’s, and dealing with unexpected situations, and we were more than ready to call it a night.

Sunday morning arrived, and it was officially time to start making our way back toward Dallas. As much as I’d enjoyed New Mexico, I was beginning to feel that familiar road-trip exhaustion creeping in. We’d spent days driving, exploring, getting up early, and trying to fit as much as possible into our time away. Before leaving the state, we stopped in Roswell, New Mexico, because how could we pass through a town famous for its alien connections without at least making a little detour?! We grabbed a meal at Cowboy Cafe and then stopped so I could take some photos at a mural. Friends and family had recommended that we spend more time exploring Roswell, checking out the alien-themed attractions, visiting the shops, and really leaning into the whole UFO experience. And honestly, under different circumstances, I probably would have enjoyed doing more of that! But by this point, I was simply ready to be home. I was running low on energy, and the thought of adding even more sightseeing to an already long trip wasn’t particularly appealing. Sometimes you have to listen to yourself and recognize when you’ve had enough adventure for one week! We took our little Roswell stop, got some photos, and continued on our way. Since we still had quite a drive ahead of us, we searched for another Airbnb where we could spend the night before finishing the journey home. Our destination? The little town of Snyder, Texas! And when I say little, I mean it. According to my Google research, Snyder didn’t exactly look like the liveliest place in the world, but at that point, we weren’t looking for entertainment. We just needed somewhere to sleep! Once we arrived, Mom and I were completely wiped out. We ended up sitting on the couch, doom-scrolling on our phones, and barely having the energy to do anything else before eventually making our way to bed. No sightseeing. No exploring. No grand adventures. Just two exhausted travelers, our phones, and the beautiful prospect of sleeping in a real bed for a few hours before the final stretch home. And honestly? That was perfectly fine with me! Monday morning, we woke up knowing there was only one thing left to do. Get. Home. At this point, nothing was stopping us! We’d had an amazing trip, checked off a major bucket-list dream, explored some quirky roadside attractions, eaten plenty of good food, and collected enough stories to keep us laughing for years. But we were ready to return to our own beds, our own routines, and the comforts of home. We packed everything into the car, hit the road, and made a pit stop at Jack in the Box in Mineral Wells for brunch. With only about an hour and 36 minutes left before home awaited us, we were so close! Both Mom and I were practically walking zombies by this point. The excitement of the trip had been replaced by that particular kind of exhaustion you only get after several days of traveling, sightseeing, and sleeping in unfamiliar places. Still, there was something satisfying about knowing we were finally on the last leg of the journey. No more searching for Airbnbs. No more packing and unpacking. No more wondering what our next stop would be. Just the open road, some food, and the promise of home. And now? We're finally home! As I write this, it’s 8:46 PM, and I can finally stretch out in my own bed, get comfortable, and start easing back into my normal routine. As much as I didn’t want the trip to end, I have to admit that there’s no feeling quite like coming home after a long adventure. Looking back, this trip was about so much more than seeing hot-air balloons. It was about finally doing something I’d dreamed about for years. It was about spending time with Mom, sharing the open road, laughing at ridiculous situations, and making memories with friends along the way. From taking AI-generated crime-scene photos with the world’s largest Bowie knife to discovering the most enthusiastic fly convention in our Airbnb, from freezing in the New Mexico morning air to watching hundreds of colorful balloons rise into the sky, this trip gave us a little bit of everything. We had beautiful moments, exhausting moments, unexpected detours, delicious meals, questionable Airbnb experiences, and a few situations that definitely weren’t part of the original itinerary. But that’s what makes a road trip memorable, isn’t it? Things don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes the weather changes, the attractions don’t work out exactly as expected, the bus ride gets a little concerning, and your mother forgets the jacket she specifically bought for the trip. And sometimes, those are the very stories you end up telling over and over again! Most importantly, I finally got to experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta after years of hearing about it through my volunteering at the Plano Balloon Festival. Seeing those balloons fill the sky in person was every bit as special as I’d hoped it would be, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it with Mom. Would I go back someday? Absolutely! I’d love to experience the Fiesta again, hopefully with a little more sleep, warmer clothing, fewer flies, and maybe a slightly less eventful bus ride! Until then, I’ll have my photographs, videos, and memories to look back on whenever I want to relive the adventure. So here’s to bucket-list dreams, spontaneous road trips, questionable Airbnb toilets, frozen pizza dinners, $25 emergency blankets, expensive breakfast burritos, wonderful friends, and making memories with Mom that we’ll be laughing about for years to come! New Mexico, thank you for the memories. We had a blast, and hopefully, this won’t be our last adventure! And to anyone reading this who has a dream trip sitting on their bucket list, consider this your little reminder that you don’t always have to wait for the perfect time or the perfect occasion. Sometimes you just have to pack your bags, hit the road, and make it happen. Life is too short not to chase the things that make you happy.

Coffee and Curiosity

My favorite thing to do on a day off is go for coffee and watch the world go by. There’s something oddly mesmerizing about sitting in a café, sipping something cold, and noticing the little details about the people around you—the way they tie their shoes, the colors they choose, even the subtle expressions on their faces. One of the most unforgettable people I’ve ever seen was at work once. A couple walked in, and immediately, they turned heads. Both had wild dreadlocks that bounced with every step, and their faces were painted in vivid, almost theatrical patterns, the kind you’d see at a juggalo show. Every inch of exposed skin seemed to carry a piercing—eyebrows, lips, noses, ears—like their bodies were covered in tiny, glittering constellations of metal. Their presence was bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. I couldn’t help but stare, fascinated by how much personality they carried in their style alone. Moments like that make coffee breaks feel like a front-row seat to life’s little curiosities.

A Weekend Before “I Do”

The weekend started with a car full of laughter, music, and the kind of excitement that only comes when a big life moment is just around the corner. Eight girls, overnight bags stuffed with outfits and snacks, and one very special reason for the trip—we were heading to New Braunfels to celebrate Viktoria’s bachelorette weekend. The drive itself already felt like part of the adventure. Between missed turns, one of us always asking if we were “almost there,” and spontaneous sing-alongs to songs we only half remembered the lyrics to, the energy in the car never faded. When we finally arrived at the Airbnb, the place immediately filled with life. Bags were dropped, rooms were claimed, and everyone scattered around the house exploring like kids on a field trip. Julia had done an amazing job booking the place—it was cozy, welcoming, and perfect for a weekend of chaos and celebration. Once we settled in, the first adventure of the weekend began almost immediately. Before the sun dipped too low, Viktoria, Adrienne, and Julia decided to head out for a canoe ride on the river. It was the kind of peaceful Texas evening that makes you slow down for a moment. The water moved gently, the sky slowly changing colors as the sun lowered toward the horizon. While the rest of us stayed back at the house to decorate, they got a quiet moment on the water—one last calm adventure before the full bachelorette festivities really kicked in. And once the sun went down, the night officially began. After getting ready and piling into cars, we headed out to Moonshine & Ale, where the energy of the weekend really came alive. The music was loud, the dance floor was full, and the whole place felt like it was buzzing with excitement. Viktoria looked absolutely glowing the entire night—laughing, dancing, and soaking in every second of it. There’s something special about watching your best friend celebrate a moment like that. It wasn’t just a night out—it was a celebration of everything leading up to the biggest day of her life. By the time we made it back to the Airbnb later that night, the energy hadn’t slowed down much. Conversations carried on in the kitchen, people were still laughing about things that had happened at the bar, and the whole house felt alive with the kind of joy that only happens when a group of friends are completely comfortable around each other. Saturday brought another round of adventures. One of the highlights of the weekend was visiting Natural Bridge Caverns. Walking down into the cave felt like stepping into another world. The air was cool, the ceilings stretched high above us in winding stone formations, and every corner revealed something incredible carved by time. Some of the girls decided to take on the ropes course nearby, while Allison and I explored the caves and took everything in. Later that afternoon, we went to dinner at The Gristmill. Sitting out on the patio overlooking the river felt like the perfect Texas afternoon. The food was great, the conversation even better, and when a light sprinkle of rain started to fall, the staff kindly moved us under better cover. Instead of ruining the moment, it made everyone laugh as we shuffled around and continued our conversations like nothing had happened. But honestly, some of the best memories of the weekend happened late at night. The spontaneous Whataburger run. Half the group was exhausted while the other half somehow still had energy left. We piled into cars, laughing about the night and grabbing burgers and fries like we hadn’t eaten all day. Back at the Airbnb, the night continued with Cards Against Humanity, which quickly turned into the kind of laughter where everyone is trying to catch their breath between rounds. Those were the moments that made the weekend unforgettable. Not just the planned adventures. But the quiet river before sunset, the dancing at Moonshine & Ale, the caves, the late-night Whataburger run, and the ridiculous card game jokes that somehow kept getting funnier. By Sunday, none of us were quite ready to leave. Bags were packed a little slower, hugs lasted a little longer, and everyone kept saying the same thing: “We have to do this again.” But this wasn’t just another girls’ trip. It was the weekend before Viktoria says “I do.” And being there for those memories—the loud ones, the quiet ones, and everything in between—was something none of us will ever forget.

Letter to Future Me: October Evenings and Growing up

Hi, it’s yourself, Zoe. You’re writing this at the age of 26, and when you eventually find this, you’ve probably forgotten all about it — written on a quiet Tuesday night, October 14th, 2025, at exactly 8:42 PM. Your laptop’s screen is glowing softly, your blog is open in another tab, and you’re staring at the cursor like it’s supposed to hand you inspiration. You’ve hit that weird crossroads where adulting is finally starting to feel real. You traded in your old car for a brand-new one — something most people your age only dream of, considering how impossible it’s become to afford anything lately. The cost of living is through the roof, but you’re still at home, and that’s okay. Because there’s comfort here. There’s your grandma teaching you how to cook “the proper way” and your mom who matches your silliness beat-for-beat when you both start laughing at the smallest things. It’s a time where AI is everywhere — videos, art, writing — and ChatGPT has basically taken over the internet. Who even uses Google anymore? You’ll probably laugh reading this, thinking about how you used to ask it for everything from story ideas to life advice. (Let’s be honest, it helped more than a few times.) Driving around, you’ll still see those ridiculous CyberTrucks — big gray beasts trying to look futuristic but somehow missing the mark — and those round Tesla “Eggs” that you and Caroline can’t help but nickname every time one drives by. You’ve fallen into a new rhythm lately — reading romance and fantasy novels, of all things. Younger you wouldn’t believe it. The same you who once said, “I can’t focus on books,” now has a growing stack on the bookshelf. Your guitar still sits in the corner, quietly collecting dust, like a patient friend waiting for you to pick it up again. But that’s okay, because you’ve found your rhythm elsewhere — behind the camera, capturing live music, editing band footage, and feeling most alive when the lights flicker across the stage. You’ve learned that your passions evolve, that it’s okay to change directions and let go of what no longer fits. You’ve grown more confident — not always loud, but quietly sure of what makes you happy. Oh, and yes — your fear of bugs? Still there. Probably forever. Let’s just accept that one. If you’re reading this years later, I hope you still chase that feeling — the one you get when the world feels big, and you feel small in the best way. I hope you still take photos, still write when inspiration strikes, still laugh with your mom, and still find magic in the everyday chaos. And if things ever feel uncertain again, remember this version of yourself — 26 years old, typing under the soft light of a laptop screen, dreaming of what’s next. You may not have it all figured out, but you’re doing just fine.

Chapters of Friendship

Recently, I’ve gotten back into reading thanks to my best friend Caroline. For those new to my stories, let me backtrack a little. Caroline and I instantly became friends when I first started working at Cinemark in May of 2022. We were both ushers, scheduled to clean theaters together, and quickly realized we shared the same sense of humor—that’s what sparked our forever friendship. Fast forward to now, every week we plan around our busy work schedules to hang out. Our routine usually involves grabbing lunch—most often McDonald’s, sometimes Chick-fil-A if we’re craving a change—then browsing books before heading back to my house, where we sit at opposite ends of my room playing games on our Nintendo Switches. It’s become a running joke that as soon as we set a hangout date, one of us asks, “Are we feeding our addiction today?” If the answer is yes, we hit a bookstore with the best intentions of limiting ourselves to one book each. But of course, we always end up breaking that promise and leaving with armfuls. For me, romance and fantasy have become my go-to genres. Caroline first introduced me to Laurie Gilmore, a New York Times bestselling author known for her small-town romance books. Her debut, The Pumpkin Spice Café, even won TikTok Shop’s “Book of the Year” in 2024. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk and charming, rugged men, and I’ve been hooked ever since. So, when I saw Laurie post on Instagram that she’d be touring to promote her newest release—with book signings included—I immediately told Caroline we had to go. We marked the date on our calendars and counted down the days. Last week, that moment finally came. We pulled into the parking lot of Half Price Books, both of us quietly panicking over the fact that we were about to meet our favorite author. It honestly felt surreal, like we had stepped into one of her novels. Inside, we joined a few girls from our book club and waited for the event to begin. Sitting through the Q&A, I felt like my feet were gliding—I kept thinking someone would have to pinch me to bring me back down to reality. Finally, it was our turn to meet her. Standing there with our books in hand, ready to be signed, it hit me just how far this little “addiction” of ours had brought us. What started as fast food lunches, bookstore trips, and late-night gaming had led to this incredible moment—one we got to share together. And that’s the best part: no matter how many books we read or how many games we play, the real story is the friendship Caroline and I continue to write, chapter by chapter.

Sparks of Inspiration

When I think of a truly creative person, I immediately think of my mom. Inspired by both family and herself, she decided to take a welding class at our local community college—just for fun! She’s 62 and deals with arthritis pain every single day. Most people in her shoes would shy away, complain, or regret the idea altogether. But not her. She simply told herself she wanted to learn, and she did. One evening, while listening to music, our longtime friend Patricia Verrall described my mom’s approach to welding and her hilarious artwork as “balls to the walls, very out there.” Then looked at me and said I was “quiet and reserved.” Honestly, both descriptions couldn’t be more accurate. Patricia has known my mom for years—long before mom ever thought about taking seven-year-old me out to live music shows. To put it into perspective, here are some of her creations. She made me a small bird sculpture I call “Butt Bird.” It’s a freestanding, stylized bird with simple, sturdy legs and oversized flat feet—complete with a bubble butt. It’s playful, almost cartoonish, and I proudly display it on my bookshelf. Then there’s her Abstract Swirl Plaque—a square piece covered in dense swirls, waves, and dotted textures. It’s one of the family favorites. Another standout is her Fish Sculpture, which she mounted on a rock base and named Old Man Angler Fish. With its fierce, wide-mouthed expression, bulging eyes, detailed fins, and a teal ball dangling from a wire, it’s equal parts lively and fantastical. She even crafted a replica of her own spine, reflecting her arthritis and surgeries. Mounted on a wooden base, the “bones” fan outward like branches or leaves—turning her pain into art. In our garage, a red Devil Sign grins down from the pegboard, horns and tail in full display. And on the fireplace sits her heavy metal razor. Anytime guests visit, Mom insists they try to lift it—usually to their surprise at just how heavy it really is. Each of these pieces tells a story—not just of her creativity, but of her resilience. My mom takes her challenges and transforms them into something bold, funny, and inspiring. She’s proof that passion doesn’t fade with age, and that creativity can spark even in the face of pain. For me, she’ll always be the definition of a creative spirit.

Laughter Lockdown

Someone who endlessly makes me laugh is my Uncle Ty. I don’t know what it is about the two of us, but whenever we end up in the same room, we’re constantly cracking jokes and laughing until we’re nearly in tears. It’s the kind of contagious energy you can’t help but love. I’ll never forget one holiday at my grandma’s house. The whole family was gathered in the living room, and Uncle Ty and I were doing what we always do—goofing off, making each other laugh, and being totally over-the-top. Eventually, we got so out of hand that my grandma had enough. She sent me to her bedroom, shut the door behind me, and told me I wasn’t allowed to come out until I calmed down and “learned my lesson.” At the time, it was a shock—but that only made it funnier. Uncle Ty and I pointed at each other and laughed like, “Ha! Look what you got yourself into!” It’s still one of those moments we look back on and laugh about to this day. But as much as we love joking around, I’m also incredibly grateful for the big help he is to our family. He knows his way around mechanics—cars, motorcycles, you name it. Anytime someone in the family has an issue, he’s the one we call. Recently, my brakes were on the verge of giving out—honestly, I was probably on the verge of giving out too—and he stepped in without hesitation. Not only did he help me put on the new brakes, but he took the time to teach me as we worked on it together. That’s just who Uncle Ty is—funny, generous, and always ready to lend a hand. I wouldn’t trade that bond for anything.

Shells, Scampi, and a Side of Laughter

While it wasn’t exactly something new, last week I cooked Shrimp Scampi with my grandma—Nonnie—and every time we do this, it feels like I’m learning something fresh. We have a little tradition where we pick a meal and make it together. It’s our thing. This time, Nonnie showed me—again—the proper way to clean the shrimp. Most people skip that part and go for the pre-shelled stuff, but Nonnie says by saving the shells to use for the sauce. It’s a little gross, not going to lie, but once you smell the way it deepens the flavor, you get why she’s stuck with it all these years. One of these days, I’ll probably try the easier route just to compare, but for now, I’ve found that the longer process really does make the dish taste richer. Cooking with her is always fun. We laugh, we mess up, we multitask like it’s a cooking show in fast-forward. I’ve finally figured out where most of the tools are, and I’m learning how to move faster so nothing burns while we’re goofing off. She keeps me on my toes, and somehow we still make it all work. When everything’s done, we both set the table together—plates first, forks next, and that quiet little moment before we dig in. It always feels rewarding to see the meal we made sitting there, still steaming, ready to be shared. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the time, the teamwork, and the memories tied into every bite.

This is what the meal looks like, so delicious!

A Weekend at the Dallas International Guitar Festival

Friday morning, I was buzzing with energy—The kind of electric, can't-sit-still excitement that only happens when something big is about to go down. The Dallas International Guitar Festival was finally here, and my camera was fully charged, ready for whatever magic the day had in store. I left the house early, making a quick pit stop at Walgreens. The night before, I’d bought everything I needed to create my own business cards—And today was the first time I’d be handing them out. A small act, maybe, but for me? A huge leap. It felt like I was finally putting myself out there, promoting not just what I do, but what I love. The skies were gray, but I wasn’t worried. I figured I had plenty of time to get to the venue, cards in hand, before the rain hit. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. As I pulled up to Dallas Market Hall, it started to sprinkle. I thought, “If I move fast enough, I can make it inside without getting soaked.” Wishful thinking. I made it to the security tent when—Boom! The sky opened up like a waterfall. It poured so hard, it felt like the rain gods had unleashed a full-blown storm just for fun. But in the chaos, something beautiful happened. A kind stranger with an umbrella noticed my drenched, camera-bag-carrying self and offered to walk me to the entrance. Just like that, I was reminded that good people still exist—And that not even a downpour could wash away my excitement. Once inside, the rain shuffled plans around. Bands were moved indoors, time slots were all over the place, and the echoey acoustics made filming a nightmare. But despite the curveballs, there was still something magical about being there. Even soggy and slightly disoriented, I felt proud—Of the moment, the cards in my pocket, and the boldness it took just to show up. This Friday was one for the books. After a rain-soaked Friday full of surprises and soaked sneakers, Saturday arrived with clear skies and a promise of better things. The sun was out, the weather was perfect, and the bands were finally back outside where they belonged. You could feel it in the air—That electric buzz of excitement that only live music and good weather can create. And me? I was glowing right along with it. But this wasn’t just another day at the Dallas International Guitar Festival. This day was special. My mom and her boyfriend were coming to see me in my element—Camera in hand, surrounded by amps and guitars, doing what I love most. There’s something deeply powerful about being seen doing what lights you up inside. It’s vulnerable, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The morning began with me helping out at the booth, keeping busy and soaking in the energy building around the grounds. Before long, I made my way outside to catch my good friend Rockin’ Robert Tomberlin as he took the stage for his set. Things didn’t go exactly as planned—The sound system had technical issues that ate up most of his time. But in true Robert fashion, he turned it into a moment of connection, calling out friends in the crowd, thanking them for their support. To my surprise, I was one of those people he mentioned. Slightly embarrassed but touched, I shrank into the crowd, trying to blend in—But also silently beaming. It meant a lot. Once the music finally kicked in, the rhythm of the day swept over me, and I got lost in it. When my mom arrived, I lit up all over again. I couldn’t wait to show her everything—The energy, the talent, the joy of it all. I practically dragged her from one end of the venue to the other, wanting her to see every spark of what made this place feel like home to me. Her smiling face, watching me work and capturing moments on camera, filled me with a pride I can’t quite put into words. It was more than just support—It was understanding. She saw me. Sunday brought that same vibrant energy, but with a new twist: my boyfriend was coming for the first time. When he arrived, I could tell it was a bit overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to take in — guitars for days, music pouring out from every direction, and me in full-on excited mode trying to drag him everywhere at once. But as we wandered, the awe started to settle into appreciation. I watched his face light up with every performance, every interaction, every wild and wonderful detail. He was experiencing my world — and loving it. It was like I got to fall in love with the festival all over again through his eyes. We walked hand in hand, laughed between sets, and I got to share the heart of what I do with someone I care deeply about. Even though he couldn’t stay as long as I would’ve liked, just having him there was enough. It meant everything. And so, with tired feet, a full heart, and memory cards packed with moments frozen in time, I wrapped up the final day of the festival knowing I had captured more than just photos — I had captured a piece of myself in the process. The weekend reminded me not only of why I do what I do… but who I am when I’m doing it. 

Why is it so hard to meet new people as an adult?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I want to build more friendships, spend my days off more meaningfully, and simply have someone to talk to or go out with. It sounds so simple—yet putting yourself out there can feel like climbing a mountain when you’re naturally shy or anxious. I stumbled across a local book club on Instagram, hosted by a girl who also shares book content on TikTok and YouTube—an influencer of sorts. When I saw they had an in-person event happening at a coffee shop just a few minutes from my house, something in me lit up. “This is my chance,” I thought. I even offered up my work shift to make sure I could go. When it got picked up, I had no excuse. I was going. Fast forward to Thursday afternoon—I was dressed, ready, and sitting in my car outside the venue. And then... I froze. My nerves kicked in so hard I seriously considered turning around and going home. I gave myself five minutes to breathe and calm down. Just walk in, order coffee, take it from there, I told myself. Eventually, I did it. I walked in, ordered a drink, and joined a group of around 20 other women, most in their 20s to 40s. Everyone was talking books, sipping lattes, and getting to know one another. At first, it felt a little cliquey—many already knew each other. I sat back and observed, trying to feel out the energy. But after a while, I started chatting with two girls next to me about the books they’re reading, their jobs, their lives. Just casual conversation—but it meant a lot. For someone as introverted as me, this was a huge deal. Younger me would have never done this. But stepping outside your comfort zone, even in small ways, can change your world. There’s a quote I love that says, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” And today, I think I took one brave little step in that direction.

April 11th - Off to Houston for the Art Car Parade

We kicked off the weekend early, waking up to get ready for the road trip to Houston. Spirits were high and the car was packed—but of course, no road trip is complete without some kind of obstacle. Ours came in the form of three solid hours of traffic. We whined, complained, and watched the clock tick painfully slow. Just when we thought we couldn’t take another minute of crawling on the freeway, we hit 4:00Pm… and what do we see? Construction workers calling it a day and heading home. The traffic suddenly started to break up, as if the highway was just messing with us the whole time. We finally made it to our Airbnb around 6:00Pm. Honestly, not bad. The place was pretty nice—even if the bathtub was so slick that Nonnie said she had to cling to the wall as if she were Spider-Man just to avoid wiping out. The ice cubes in the freezer trays? Absolutely massive—like frozen bricks. And the backyard, while advertised as a charming hangout spot, turned out to be so boring the family agreed there wasn’t a single reason to step foot out there. Saturday morning, we fueled up at a tiny coffee shop that screamed “aesthetic vibes only.” The drinks and food were pricey, definitely aimed at the Instagram crowd more than the hungry traveler. From there, we embarked on a mini journey—about a mile hike through a park to reach the parade route. It sounded easy enough until we were halfway through and realized we had to drag our wagon up the stairs of a bridge. By the time we got to the stairs, Nonnie and Ed Dees were practically crawling, clinging to the wagon and each other for dear life. We made it, though—because we had to. The Houston Art Car Parade? Absolutely epic. Words can barely capture the creativity on display. There were cars with animatronic creatures that somehow all moved in perfect sync. One guy drove a cardboard robot car that looked straight out of a sci-fi film—and even cooler, when he talked from inside the vehicle, the robot’s mouth moved with him! We also got some unintentional entertainment: one car featured a live band that was so offbeat, none of the other musicians bothered to perform with the drummer. Right behind them was an attempted karaoke bus—emphasis on attempted—with singers so tone-deaf we were all trying not to laugh. After the parade, we decided to take a detour down to Galveston to feel the sand beneath our toes. But by that point, Nonnie and I were so drained that we stayed behind in the car while Mom and Ed Dees wandered down to the sand. When it was time to find dinner, we quickly realized that everyone in the area had the same idea. Every restaurant had an insane wait time. We finally came across one where the line practically spilled out the door—and to top it off, the air vents inside were so powerful that napkins were flying off the tables. We had to pin them down with our glasses just to keep them from being blown away. On the drive back, Ed Dees made it his personal mission to cook us a homemade breakfast. Unfortunately, the nearest “grocery store” was a gas station, where he managed to find only eggs and plain white bread. He was determined, though—until the next morning when we all realized that without butter, seasoning, or literally anything else, the eggs and bread were basically pointless. So, we ditched the breakfast plan and headed out instead. We made a quick stop at another gas station that looked a little sketchy (cue the jokes about the nearby Huntsville prison museum), then finally found a Tex-Mex restaurant down the road. On the way, we passed two houses with a  boot and cowboy hat on the roof. Classic Texas. All in all, it was an unforgettable trip. From the chaotic traffic to the hilarious car displays, the over-the-top iced coffee to the questionable band performances, I loved every second of it. Even if I’m going home a slightly burned lobster, I honestly don’t want this trip to end.