Midland Mornings.

Not only is it Hump Day (Wednesday for those who don't know...) and wedged between two weekends in Marfa, I did not have to go into work today until noon. Because we work long hours throughout the week, each of us has a "flex day" to sleep in or leave early. Not only does it keep our hours at a decent level but it keeps us from getting burnt out, allows errands to be done, and catch up on leisure time to refresh ourselves. I don't mind the longer days knowing that one morning that week I can NOT set my alarm, work out if I want to (ha!), go out for breakfast, get things done, etc.

Today I opted for sleeping in, getting dressed for the day, and spending a few hours at a cafe I have been reading about. Harvest Caffe sits among boutiques, yoga salons, looming trees and older Midland. It is a quaint area that reminds me much of a bigger city - maybe even Dallas. I have read and heard of Harvest so opted to spend my free morning with my trusty laptop, a good book, and an iced coffee by my side. I love this place already. The walls are painted in deep, rich colors with italian art and overstuffed, rich furniture. The muffins and treats look just as delicious as my coffee really is and the food menu has won me over without even trying anything! There is ample table space for various groupings, good lighting for comfort and working, and - my favorite part - a sitting area with a wood fireplace as the focal point. Beautifully decorated, this little caffe will see my face many times in the future - especially as it cools off and the fire calls out to me.

A group of women, all in their fifties I am thinking, has been sitting a few seats down from me. I must keep my grin and chuckles to myself as they remind me, in a BIG way, of what my mom and her friends must be like together. I guess they just left the yoga studio as their attire is cute but practical workout gear. Not to mention they are discussing a great need for a shower as they have dried sweat on their skin. Lovely - and so hilariously real. I now know of more than one random child, grandchild, new fiance, and upcoming family vacation for these women. How fun to have a group of girlfriends to get together, celebrate friendship, and chatter (probably even brag as well...) about their families and joys of life. My mother can't help but come to mind as I listen and observe these women. I can only hope for such community and fellowship when I too am 50 years old. What a blessing and gift in life.

This little town continues to capture my heart. I am still greatly on the lookout for social outlets other than work but the other things, not just a need for people to know, have won me over. This caffe and it's entirety for one. Then there is the community gathering at each Rockhound Baseball game. Missy and I went to the game on the Fourth of July and watched as the communities of Midland, Odessa, and surrounding towns gathered to support their minor league team, enjoy celebratory fireworks, and honor those from the area who have both given their lives and continue to serve overseas for the sake of freedom. What a great experience to be a part of. Not to mention having one of my best girlfriends share in the delight of bursting firecrackers, baseball popcorn, and cute baseball players.

Well, I am having the Dallas in me come out as I need to go poke through the nearby boutiques. There are some beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories just waiting for this twenty-something to let the City in her come out for a moment. I might love my small town lifestyles but I can't help but appreciate some quality shopping! Enjoy today - it is the middle of a good, holiday week and a beautiful day. Let the love and blessings of the One who gives us such goodness shine today.

Marfa means...a place where I get to be with people who KNOW me. It is a place of emotional refreshment for me time and time again.