Confession

I have a confession to make. I have been having a love affair with another continent for the past year.

Australia

I was seduced by its big blue skies and rugged landscape; the bronzy, dusty terrain- crystal clear waters, infinite stars- a surprise, a challenge at every corner. The newness and allure of something unknown sucked me in and before I knew what was going on I was hooked, blinded, brainwashed. I didn't feel like I was missing anything, I was happy where I was, Texas felt like a dream.

On June 29th, 2014 5:39pm I woke up.

As we turned onto Park Circle I was greeted by the rich greens that only a heavy June rain can bring- lingering water in the ditch, the nostalgic aroma of rotting leaves, fresh cut grass, salt water and honey suckle- HOME. And just like that, Texas embraced me in its heavy humid blanket- it was like I never left.

I've lived away before you know! I went to college in Virginia- but I was never away from the warm brown waters of Galveston bay for more that a few months. I liked Norfolk, alas home was always on the calendar. A different kind of commitment comes with a move to Australia- this go I was an eager volunteer.

Que the background...
Mom got sick two weeks after I graduated from college. I limped along on a very generous set-up from Chicago Yacht Club until it was no longer feasible for either of us.  I gave up a dream job, in a kick ass city, that contained a best friend and moved home to manage her care. In Houston I stumbled on a job via a friend and settled there for a while. At that point I gave up my trajectory and did the responsible thing.

Time passes, I'm good at work, I meet the best guy ever through a lifelong friend, we get married, build a house, live in Kemah, have babies...I'm turning forty, the cement has set, we are here, this is it.

Then......Australia comes up...this amazing choice-chance-dream. It was hard not to be swept away- my second go landed at my feet and thank goodness I embraced it.

Yes, Texas I cheated on you. I traded your TexMex for Beef Pie, your Miller Lite for Creatures Pale Ale. The transition was as tough as it was rewarding. We are all better for it, BUT....

You will never know the joy of being back in the loving arms of the Great State after a year in country. SUV's, cheap sneakers and GOOD hamburgers; it was a Fourth of July Americana binge- followed by long, hot nights spent with the best people on earth. Thank you! For the cold beer, Crab Maison, Whataburger Taquitos, boat rides, magic window, dirt road, bike riding mecca.

Like a junkie getting their fix I over indulged, boarding the plane with swollen hands and puffy eyes- full to the brim of chili powder and fun and bug stuff and laughter. I thought I had done it- managed to complete the perfect visit...

But that bastard Texas did this the night I left.

So you see I'm torn. The comfort and security of an old lover or the excitement and unknown of a fling. Work dictates my path for now. But my heart knows true love and I cannot imagine staying away long- the compass of my life always points to the bay.

It's the dead of winter here, the skies are grey blue, the air is crisp; but still there is a deep pull inside me to go down the pier and drop a line in the water....

You never know what you might catch?