Amore....Austin, TX.

I have hinted one too many times on the blog that I am in love with Austin, TX.  And I just wanted to share a bit more about why I am so intrigued.

After several years of staying put in Chicago, IL., I had the opportunity to experience Austin, TX. for a long weekend.  I knew nothing about Austin, TX. prior to my arrival and I had only previously heard about Austin's music scene & diverse artist scene. 

And my short time spent there was enough to influence me to come back for more. 

While I don't think Austin is a place I will ever call 'home' (although I will go wherever God leads me & my one day fam), the city certainly has aspects that appeal to me:

The summer heat is something that I am really drawn to. This girl right here lovessss humidity.  I genuinely thrive in HEAT - wearing minimal makeup, floral sundresses, hair piled high in a messy bun and no concern for 'fashion'.  I find this freeing!!! And I find that the absence of 'being on trend' leaves me to focus on what really matters which is relationships and the activities we are engaging in with those we care about.

I am so drawn to the number of wooded nature reserves, featuring sink holes and caves.  They are everywhere (so I am told & I am about to find out pronto).  How life giving to being able to grab your family and friends to explore a cave before making a big healthy organic meal?!?!  After a long day, there is an endless number of hiking & bike trails to discover as well.  Being surrounded by so much 'green' is calming & peaceful for me.  I love nature so much.

I am learning that Austin is very family friendly with a unique 'community feel' meaning that people are really into communal living which is quite rare (and wonderful)!  I am going to get to experience this.....nightly group dinners, potlucks, evenings grilling with numerous families, new friends, etc.

And you may not understand this unless you have lived in a larger city (like me) for years but Austin is a bit more cozy & simple vs. living in...say.... New York, LA or Chicago.  I immediately relax when I am here. My heart is still in & with Chicago though so don't led me fool ya (smile).  I love the city of Chicago very much but I appreciate being able to experiencing other parts of the United States. 

Austin has numerous farmers markets, Whole Foods (yay) and organic grocers.  And they are all within a short number of miles so you can walk everywhere.  They are on the cutting edge of the health/wellness movement & this year alone, Austin, TX. has hosted the largest Paleo & Vegan conference in the states! Go Austin! This is incredible!

Finally, I have a heart for Austin New Church.  It's a grassroots Christian community led & created by Jen Hatmaker & her husband. The community is intimate and engaging.  If you have never heard of Jen Hatmaker, check out her book, Interrupted.  It's heart provoking. 

Austin, TX. holds a special place in my heart. I think my experience with coming to Austin, TX. is teaching me not to underestimate God's surprises in our lives.  I never - in a million years -would have thought that I would even visit Austin...ever.  So, when we give God control of our path, He will heal us through experiences, people and places that we may not have necessarily seen coming.