where did the marfalous go??

I love living in Midland. It gets me close to the west Texas mountains, has cool nights even when the days are hot, and is infused with the west Texas spirit, friendship, and qualities of life. I moved here hoping it would let me get away to Marfa as often as I pleased - it's close enough to head to the little town I love for even just one night. Heck, I could get up early and come home late if i just had one day free! And, since August, I have only been one time to Marfa. What the heck?? This is unacceptable.

I have a lot of reasons why, I guess. Let's see if they justify my absence. 1) I got a new job that does not leave me completely spent at the end of the week. It is much more interesting, positive, and flexible than the previous job. 2) The holidays hit right after my last trip to Marfa in November - Thanksgiving, family cruise, Christmas, New Years. 3) After all those weekends away, I needed to stick around and enjoy my new house, boyfriend, and church group that I have grown to anticipate attending every week. 4) I have been taking some online classes this semester. This not only takes up time after work during the week but most of my weekends require me to spend time on the classes as well. Let's just say, this is my first and last semester of this...at least for now. Much more of a c

ommitment than I had anticipated.

All this to say, I guess I have had enough stuff going on in my life to justify my absence both from Marfa and my blog spot here. The sad thing is that I have plenty of down time to watch TV shows

(The Voice, anyone??), read, and now take care of my new rescue puppy. Her name is RJ after RJ Machinery where Travis' dad found her. It's not the spiffiest of names but she seems to respond to it (assuming I call her the right name...) and it certainly is unique. All in all, she is sweet, playful, and joined me in a jog yesterday. I don't know which one of us was closer to collapsing from the very short distance we went! What a refreshing change to have company on my afternoon jogs.

As the school semester comes to a close in the near future, I have already

been planning weekends in the little town that stole my heart. The Paisano's patio and Padre's are calling my name. I am so ready to see, hug, and love on all my people out there. It has been far too long to be separated and I truly feel the distance on my heart and mind. Marfa refreshes my spirit, brightens my eyes, and revitalizes me for the next marfa-less stretch. The friendships, ambiance, culture, and food in that town have established a home for me. In just a few weeks, I will be dancing back into town ready for porch time at the house, a margarita at Jett's and fellowship with my sweet friends. My friends here in Midland won't know what happened to the marfa-less Abby when I get back, refreshed and Marfalous once again.

Just FYI, today is Thursday...this means tomorrow begins the weekend. Everyone hoot and holler over that great news!

xox,

ac.

Long over due...

For those of you who still remember this blog...who have held out any amount of hope that I would return...who actually read what I write...I'M BACK!! It has been far too long to not keep up with my blog. I have some excuses...but, let's be honest, an excuse is exactly that: an excuse! I will catch up soon but just wanted to pop in and say hello, are you there, and get ready to read. Once the next few busy weeks are over, I fully intend on hoping back onto this bandwagon called blogging, refresh the marfalous look of my page, and get typing.

My oh my, I have missed this.

xox,

ac.

Draw Near

In the past few weeks, I have been more susceptible and open to God's voice. Campmeeting this year was very different than last year - it was NOT the first year without John, I was NOT dating someone who also goes to CM, and I am in a much healthier, stronger, and more lovely place than I have been in the past. Campmeeting, being different and new for me, was very much anticipated by myself for the spiritual renewal and connections that traditionally occur in the sacred campgrounds. Being surrounded by life-long friends whom I see as family, my own family as well, and the glory of God all around makes it difficult to not see and taste the love of God.

This summer was a great one - filled with new people, new experiences, and getting settled in. This weekend was the first chance I have had to just BE here in Midland - no agenda, just relaxing and working on my GRE preparations (yes, I am taking the GRE...PRAY!). It was not until this weekend that I realized how exhausting my summer was! Being new in town and working all week and going out of town on weekends and establishing new relationships - all of these things are good and fun but wear down the body. I used the past three days to recover and refresh myself. I had a few good, strong cries (do NOT see "The Help" if you are not in a cry mood...you will fail), dug into the Word a bit, cleaned house, and had some time to sport my swimsuit - FINALLY!

In Bible Study yesterday, we discussed James 4: draw near to God and He will draw near to God. God is just like any of us in the fact that He wants us to show need and affection towards Him. Haven't you ever been in a relationship where you felt that you were the initiator of time and attention, so much so that you pull back until they clue-in and share the role of initiator? God is similar - He wants and hopes for us to draw near to Him, to share our thoughts and worries and plans and tears and laughter. He created us to worship and love Him - He in turn loves and protects us. It is only you and the Spirit that truly KNOW you...and manytimes only the Spirit KNOWS you because he knows what you have yet to see and experience in yourself. Seek the face of God. Listen to his direction and words. Soak up His Grace and Loyalty.

Right now I am very much at a place of NEEDING to listen to and hear from God. Life plans are changing, I am growing, and I am needing direction from the One who knows me best and has the Big Plan for my life. Are you open to and aware of God's voice and direction in your life? Let us each pray for open eyes and open ears, for open arms to the presence of our Father.

Marfa means...I need to get back out there! My soul is ready for some Marfa refreshing!

Since my last post, much has happened and I have stayed delightfully busy. I have made four trips to Marfa since moving to Midland, gotten settled into my apartment, overcome the initial exhaustion from a fulltime job, and have even started meeting some new people. There have been a few nights out, many new restaurants tried, and community events attended like the local baseball games and concerts. So far, so good.

If anything, I know that I am exactly where I need to be, doing what I need to be doing at this point in my life. Will this job be my lifetime career? Who am I to say this early on. Am I involved in the community and socializing like I did in LUbbock and Dallas? That will take more time than six weeks. But, the important thing is that I feel good, strong, and know I am where I need to be. From here, things will fall into place and, hopefully, God will show his desire and plan for my life incrementally along the way.

Here are a few things I already love about Midland:

- My friends around town at the various body shops and dealerships we work with. Gus is my favorite. He works at the store where we get oil changes on a very regular basis...I think he has a crush on me.

- Open skies. Driving to work each morning on the loop allows me to see the openness around my new town. The sun is always creeping up as I drive to work and is a bold, vibrant orangey pink color. When there are clouds, which is not too often, they color the sky in hues of pink, orange, and blue as the sun beams through. This is not something one sees in the big city where skyscrapers and telephone lines spot the sky. Only a place open and separated from most of civilization such as Midland can offer such a view.

- Community. Midland, though a "city" in lay-man's terms, remains tightly knitted like a larger town. There are many community events and opportunities to see, taste, and feel the local culture. To not take part in the various experiences would be a loss as there is a large variety - baseball games, music in the park, Saturday morning farmers' markets, festivals, and local restaurants.

- Trucks, boots, and perfectly fitted jeans - need I say more?

- Dry heat - I can't STAND humidity.

- and a big one: being centrally located to all of my family. Already, I have gotten to attend a funeral, birthday party, dinners with the grandparents, and have my family stay the night with me because I am close enough to West Texas and am on the way to West Texas. I am perfectly placed to see my family as they head out to Marfa for a weekend. I am conveniently close to my grandparents and my people out West if something should happen or they might need me.

This post is strange but, I realize more and more, that I too am strange. I just missed writing and have not had much free time to sit down and type away - a blessing and a curse perhaps? I will now continue to pass the evening with a goblet of vino and a good book. Let's just hope I do not doze off too soon...

Marfa means...the grand central station for my family at large.

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.

my new surroundings

Well, I made it. I have moved out of the house in Lubbock, into the much smaller apartment in Midland, and have even gotten all my boxes and bags unpacked. It's not totally done as the wall hangings are gonna have to wait - I need a break for a few days! But, I am settled and comfortable in my new digs. The last time I lived in an apartment, there were four girls in one little place. Though we all had our own rooms and bathrooms, it was tight quarters with many personalities at their max strength! This new one is all mine, has a lovely and spacious balcony, and a working fireplace. It makes me a TEENY bit okay with the cold weather that will embark eventually.

Living by myself is a catch-22. While I have my own space and can do what I want, when I want, I miss living with someone. It is weird to come home at night and know that I will not be seeing anyone until the next day. It is weird to know that I CAN walk around sans-clothing or watch whatever movies I want or not clean the dishes if I just don't feel up for it. There is something dramatically comforting and peace-bringing about having another body with you at night. I miss you, Rachel!! You and I lived so well, so healthily, so smoothly together. I knew I could never have a new roomie because they would only ever disappoint compared to how well we lived together.

Started my job today at the branch I will be working for the next while in my life. I had a great time, we stayed busy, and I am excited to get to know these people I will be working with for the coming months - maybe even years. There is an energy with the corporation and the individuals that I work for, and with. It will be a wild few weeks as I get situated and comfortable with the job but lots of energy, lots of new experiences, and hopefully lots of fun.

Alright, just needed to get in a quick update here. I have a summer project I am working on so I must proceed for my daily dose of project-work. Hope you all are enjoying summer and soaking up the sun!

Marfa means...I get to be there in less than 3 weeks!!!!

You know that feeling we all have as Christmas approaches? The one where you anticipate this particular holiday ALL year long, plan parties and meals and outfits, think about how much each member of your life means to you...? And then, do you know the feeling that you get on December 26th when you wake up and realize that it's all over? All the planning and partying and socializing and wrapping has reached it's purpose and is over for the year? It's a feeling of near defeat when you realize that all you have planned and thought and hoped towards has been accomplished...

Graduation was similar to this feeling. Although, unlike Christmas, there will not be a renewed cycle of all the planning, paperwork, anticipating and goodbyes in 365 days. You get one college graduation to look forward to and then you are set off into the real world to see what it's really like out there. I reached my ONE college graduation. It was a great weekend full of family and friends, excitement, celebrations, good food and some good wine. With all the fun comes some interesting emotions, thoughts, and feelings towards this turning point in my life.

When a student graduates from high school, everyone tells them how they are all grown up, they are entering the "real world", and that things will be different from now on. Personally, I find this to be pretty much completely untrue. College is very similar, socially, to high school - only better. For the most part, you choose your schedule based on when you do or don't want to go to classes. You are expected to first and foremost be a student - even when there is a job or other responsibilities involved. You live with friends and create your life around them and your social desires. It really is the life. It is not the "real world" - it is the "ideal world." Being in college was a blast and similar to a little bubble around my reality and how I wanted it to be.

The real change is AFTER college. For the first time in my life, I got to CHOOSE what comes next. It is a very surreal moment when you realize that there is really no norm for what to do next. After high school, there are two "norms" to choose from: college or get a job. After college, the opportunities are endless: travel the world, join the military, veg on mom and dad's couch til they kick you out, get a job, get an internship, continue with further education, don't graduate and get another degree...There are MANY options and they all work in today's society. Yes, people want to hear that you have a job and when you will be starting. But, there is no longer a force driving you to choose between limited options - there are so many options that you must decide for yourself what is the best and where you want it to take you. It is this freedom, and lack of guidance, that seems to be the most difficult feeling for my graduated peers and myself to grasp. We have total control over where we go next. For the first time, we get to...and we have to...choose for ourselves how to begin this next era. Strange. Surreal. Invigorating. Scary. Call it what you want but it is a sense of freedom - whether good or bad - that any graduate from college receives along with their diploma.

Yes, I am very excited and ready for this next phase. I am so ready for my job and new little life to start that I made the odd request to start as soon as possible instead of requesting one more summer vacation period. Maybe I will regret this in a few months, maybe not. But, for right now, I know that the job I chose, the town I chose, and the time to start that I chose are all right for me at this point in my life. It is a very freeing feeling to know what you want and to be sure in the big decisions you have made. I hope that my younger friends are able to feel the same security and decisiveness that I have experienced throughout the process of figuring out what to do next. It is important to be both honest with yourself and those around you on what you expect out of your post-college life. What hours do you want to work? Where do you want to live? Is it important to have standard work weeks and holidays or is that not so important as a fun, exotic job title?

Along with the excitement of moving on has come a huge feeling of loss. I have hidden this pretty well - it is much easier and more fun to be excited about the next phase of your life. However, I love my life in Lubbock. I love the grocery store I frequently shop at and eat at...my landlord who has taken great care of me for two years...my mentor and friend Sally who's loving and vivacious spirit has blessed me for three years...my life coach and friend, Gabi, who's office and guidance I will greatly miss...my best friend and roommate with whom I live so well and have such a great system of just living together...my tres amigas group that lifts me up and makes me laugh on a regular basis...my ADPi babies who bring so much love and joy to my life. There are just so many people and places I have grown to love and expect to be a part of my daily life. It is not that I think the relationships are over - it is that I know they will now be different and we will need to figure out our connections within the changes.

But, with a garage full of all my packed belongings and an apartment in Midland awaiting my arrival, I will embrace the new places that will soon become my regular places, new friends to drink wine with, and a new routine to fall in love with. I will always love my peeps from Lubbock and will strive to maintain our love and trust within the friendships. That is a no-brainer - afterall, I am just not good with goodbyes. There were no goodbyes, only farewell until our next encounter.

And now, we are off to Scotland!! Ten days in Scotland to celebrate many things within our family. Think of this Marfa gal and her family as we travel trans-Atlantic to see our ancestoral homeland.

Marfa means...only 2.75 hours from Midland!!!