Why it took me so long to get to Austin, Texas, I will never know.
It didn’t matter that it rained. Or that I couldn’t eat the delicious-smelling barbecue that permeates most of the city.
There was good beer to be had and great friends to visit. Art to see and Mexican food to shovel into my mouth.
A man made balloon animals at brunch. I watched entrepreneurs design and sell. An artist let me into his space and asked for my thoughts.
With the drain of Charlotte and the toxic political season becoming more and more difficult from which to recover, Austin was a most welcomed respite.
I have been absent. From this blog. From your blogs. From the news. From life.
But, I’m feeling refreshed. Thank you for waiting.
Joshua
21 February 2012 at 13:01
Yeah for beer sampler!!
Smedette
21 February 2012 at 13:01
Breakfast of champions.
amykefauver
21 February 2012 at 13:12
Loved to hear you were refreshed — Austin sounds like a perfect antidote to the news these days!
Smedette
21 February 2012 at 13:14
A relaxed city with a baffling amount of live music and great beer and food. What’s not to love?
J (@RedHeadedWriter)
21 February 2012 at 14:29
Sometimes you just need to leave to find your center again.
I almost never eat it, but I crave barbeque so badly sometimes it’s weird.
Smedette
21 February 2012 at 14:37
There is something so primal about meat and fire. Even this vegetarian loves the smell of BBQ.
RedShoes51
22 February 2012 at 00:46
LMBO!!! I like this comment!
~shoes~
John
21 February 2012 at 14:47
We will always be around when you come back . . . but you have been missed.
And now I’m thinking about shoveling Mexican food and beer into my pie hole. Mmmmmmmm. We need to get together sometime. For reals.
Smedette
21 February 2012 at 14:49
No shit!
And I’ve been dreaming about this roasted pepper stuffed with cheese and rice goodness since leaving Austin. With fresh tomatillo sauce. And a “margarita” which was basically a large glass of tequila with a lime wedge.
BamaTrav
21 February 2012 at 15:16
If you could pick your family, would you wipe them under the seat?
captain dumbass
21 February 2012 at 16:22
I love happy bacon too.
Smedette
21 February 2012 at 16:30
I wish I had a better picture of that sign.
But, it’s probably a fair representation of my vision knowing how much beer and tequila I just had with lunch.
injaynesworld
21 February 2012 at 17:22
Welcome back to the blogosphere. It’s good to take breaks and rejuvenate those creative juices. And speaking of juices, pass the Corona.
Smedette
21 February 2012 at 17:24
Yes! And thank you.
RedShoes51
22 February 2012 at 00:45
Is Austin, TX not the coolest place?!?!? I’ve only been once, and SO want to go back!! SXSW (South By SouthWest) is a fun time to be there… I so want to go back! The music scene is incredible!!
Oh, and to San Antonio too!!
Politics is exciting.. I just wish it hadn’t become so hateful and mean. I like to discuss politics with my friends at work… and een though we all seem to have different viewpoints and favorite candidates, we seem to be very mature about it and respectful of the others.
I wish our national media and their pundits would pick up on that… blah…
Thank you for your kind words you left…
Always…
~shoes~
Smedette
22 February 2012 at 06:55
LOVED AUSTIN.
Next time we’re there, I’d like to go down to San Antonio to see The Alamo. I cannot imagine what the city is like during SXSW – it must be crazy.
Politics can be exciting, but I fear most of the excitement is lost in the vile and hate for the opposing side. It just makes me sad.
promenadeplantings
22 February 2012 at 07:45
Good to see you back, and what a wonderful selection of images!
Smedette
22 February 2012 at 07:49
Thank you. There was so much to see and do in Austin. Already planning my return trip.
ohkeeka [The Type A Housewife]
22 February 2012 at 19:14
Before we settled on moving to NC for my husband’s career, Austin was one of the places we considered moving to. I’ve heard it’s such a cool city. Your pictures are awesome!
Glad you’re feeling better. Travel always helps, no?
Smedette
23 February 2012 at 13:46
It’s such a different city than Charlotte.
Kimwithak
27 February 2012 at 11:39
I’m jealous. Austin is totally one of those places I need to visit. I should make a list.
Smedette
27 February 2012 at 12:44
Yes – make a list! Travel is definitely my drug of choice.