Disappointed

It's easier to break the news this way--en masse and without the emotion of the phone call. I did not get accepted to the Masters of Fine Arts, Creative Writing program at UNT. The form letter arrived yesterday.

Of course, I am disappointed. This is one of those moments in life where my "plan" isn't working out like I concocted. Bryan and I are not exactly sure what next step to take . . . we need to gain more information about other MA possibilities. Yet, I am fixed to trusting God, knowing His path is the best path--although this "detour" wasn't on my radar.

If you are so inclined, I'd appreciate prayers for the ability to turn my present grad courses into audits. That would be a much needed relief.

We Had a Happy Halloween!

Although little Lucianne is a sad, little kitty in this picture, we had a GREAT Halloween in Fort Worth! The weather was perfect--high 70s. Bryan and I sat on our front porch for two hours passing out candy to various fairies, pirates, ninjas, monsters, and Hannah Montannas. We gave out 98 pieces of candy and five special Halloween cookies (for our next door neighbors).

Our favorite costumes were as follows: a toddler dressed like Elvis who became VERY excited when you gave her candy. We also thought the troop of Pink Ladies was clever. Jack, one of our neighbor kids, dressed in all white, gauze included, and said he was a "Nobody" for Halloween. And of course, the CUTEST kid we saw all night was Lucianne. Although she was tired by the end of the evening, she still was too precious! (See her little kitty tail coming off her diaper?)

Death to the Desk

No, I'm not working in the new office yet. And this is the reason--the cursed desk. After searching high and low for a desk with all the necessary drawers, etc, I settled on a particle board jewel from Office Depot. The only thing "off" was the color; Bryan reassured me he could paint it black. Several sandings and 15 coats of paint later, the black Rustolem was still peeling off like paper. And when he put it together, the drawers didn't exactly work well.....and more and more scratches meant more and more paint coming off. This picture is a memorial for the desk taken just before it was carried to its final resting place--the city dump.

Remember the Alamo

While on our anniversary trip, we made a visit to San Antonio. I had never been, so it was fun and interesting to see new territory. Of course, we checked out the Alamo. It was a lot smaller than you'd think (common reaction, right?), but provided plenty of history and information. The museum boasted impressive artifacts, especially Davey Crockett's gun and personal items.

We also strolled down the river walk. It is soooooo great; maybe my favorite part of the city. It is amazing to realize the river is a natural river and not a man-made attraction because it is so neatly kept. We took the boat ride too, which helped me understand the development of the city around the river, etc. It was also a very beautiful ride with waterfalls, duckies, and great views of detailed architecture.

Our San Antonio day came to an end in the Market Square--an hispanic flea market of sorts. We did find a Christmas gift or two! And we enjoyed buying pastries from an authentic Mexican bakery. Mmmmmm, smelled so good!

Like I said, I had never been to San Antonio before, so I was a bit entranced by the double-decker highways. The land area was not wide enough for them to create four lanes (on one side) for traffic, so they make two lanes below and two lanes above, but it is all the same highway!!!! Ah, the Texas roadways....always tricky. :-)

Palo Alto Creek Farms

Palo Alto Creek Farm, we miss you! Bryan and I just returned this evening from our anniversary trip to Fredericksburg, Texas, where we stayed at the Palo Alto Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast.

It was such a treat! The farm was settled by Germans in the 1800s. It has four separate "houses" on the farm for guests. We stayed in the barn! As you can see from the pics, it wasn't exactly hay and horses. However, the walls were original limestone and the wood beams made it feel rustic--in a good way. In the barn was a living area, kitchen, dining area, fireplace, king-sized bed, and a super bathroom (take a look at that tub!). Also, notice the gorgeous two dozen roses my wonderful hubby had waiting on me. Every morning we sampled (er, consumed!) the tasty breakfast. We had tasty pastries which Bryan liked. Personally, I think the sausage burritos were out of this world.

The outside was just as lovely as the inside. Being five miles from town, the country quiet and fresh air was thoroughly enjoyed! I particularly fancied the herb garden with its abundant butterflies.

Butterflies were not the only wildlife around. The farm housed plenty of cute, cuddly cats. (In fact, one cat demanded to be petted...constantly!) In addition to the felines were goats and longhorn cattle. More along the lines of "wild" animals were a large flock (is that what a group of turkeys is called?) of wild turkey, who got out of dodge before we could take a picture. But my favorite....(drum roll, please) were the deer who came out each evening to eat corn. So b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. And there was even a little baby..... At the farm next door, we were excited to see they raised elk. Every evening you could drive by and see these elegant creatures chowing down on hay; not to mention we heard their "cries" in the evening.

While at the barn, we had such a fun, relaxing time. We read. We ate year old wedding cake. (And yes, it actually tasted yummy!) We splurged on a massage and facial from the professional hands at the European Day Spa. (They came to the farm for the pampering session. I had my spa treatment in the old smokehouse!) We enjoyed watching the deer from the tree swing. We sat by the fire. We watched Breakfast at Tiffany's. We soaked in the heavenly tub (Calgon....). We HAD A GREAT TIME!

Happy Anniversary

Today is the day we celebrate our wedding anniversary--our first. I keep thinking, what was I doing one year ago at this time? Of course, it's an excuse to relive the day I married Bryan--truly the most wonderful man I've ever known. The last year has been a blessing to me.

We have both said this first year together was relatively smooth, unlike some horror stories of first years I've heard. At the same time, we jokingly are waiting for the bottom to fall out. :-) We have enjoyed learning more about each other as we learned to live together. We enjoy just hanging out at home, acting silly together. We enjoy working on our house and yard together, making it our own. We enjoy shopping together, groceries and all. In other words, we just enjoy being together no matter what we're doing.

Although our first anniversary isn't ideal--I've got classes from 3-9:30 p.m.--we are looking forward to a week away in Fredericksburg, Texas. We are visiting the Palo Alto Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast. I'm super excited because I've never been to a B&B. It looks fabulous, and I'm praying that's what I find when we arrive! I'll post pictures when we get back. But until then....

Happy Anniversary to us.

More Babies

Not only does the Fort Worth zoo have three new tiger cubs; they also just put four new lion babies on exhibit. Aren't they cute? Come visit and we'll go see them!