It's Better in Texas...apparently.

The degree to which I love making Texas earrings astonishes me.

    

I just cannot stop making them. I love how recognizable the shape is. When I see that shape, I can taste sausage and cheese kolaches, Whataburger onion rings, tamales from a van on the side of the road, and good refried beans. I can feel saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico drying on my arms and warmth on my skin. I remember many days applying aloe vera to sunburns, playing kickball in 90 degree heat and humidity, and the constant sheen of summer sweat, even in my scalp. I know to avoid 610 and 59 in Houston at any time of the day and the purple jellyfish balloons on a Texas beach. I miss crawfish boils (I've been to many) and quinceañera parties (even though I've only been to one). I miss seeing Texas flags everywhere, cowboy hats and cowboy boots.

I suppose I will always be a Texas girl, through and through, to my core. I was made in Texas. I grew up in Texas. I will die in Texas (hopefully, and not too soon!).

Fini.