I’m like, Hey, what’s up? Hello.

– Fetty Wap, Trap Queen

Before this photo was taken (in October 2019 – 3 years ago, when I was sick with an unusual respiratory cold and fever after a work trip to a children’s hospital in Seattle a week prior…and didn’t pay it much attention other than the fact it took forever to be able to breath well again, which was actually the instigation for voice lessons in 2020), the last time I had been in downtown Houston and wearing these boots and bag was I think for a Fetty Wap concert… the concert was quite unexpected as friends and I had gone to dinner, and he happened to be playing next door, and given our affection for his new hit – Trap Queen, it was 2015 – we obviously went…

What I adore most about my native Houston, is the energy. The possibilities. The city’s soul is palpable, and good. Structured, and positive. Pragmatic, and organized. Corporate, and glamorous. It is a city of innovation, of creation. It is a diverse melting pot of backgrounds, ideologies, religions, and cultures, and while in some cities that breeds division, here it cultivates cohesion and comradery. Not only are we Texan, we are Houstonians.

I’ve spent considerable time traveling, with a lot of exposure to different cities around the country, and in some parts of the world, and as a result, you become attuned to cities different energy and pulse – you grow sensitive to what resonates and what doesn’t. And while other cities with lots of energy feel manic, Houston never has, because its focus is always forward.

So, after 6 months and a few days spent reintegrating into life here – I am so grateful to have Houston as home base (and I’m trusting the Astros are getting plenty of time with home base right now too!).

While I haven’t spent much time in corporate attire since these photos were originally taken three years ago – Global pandemic + my focus these days has shifted a bit while prioritizing new ventures I’m working to launch (coming soon!) – I have spent considerable time in cowboy boots, which are always permitted.

In Texas, and anywhere when you are Texan – you can wear dress cowboy boots… and I’ve taken absolute license with this unwritten rule and have worn these boots on so many work trips, and on occasion to meetings. They are my absolute favorite shoe option when traveling as they protect your feet, are exceptionally comfortable, and still look put together. Plus, when you’re living far away from home – they offer a much-needed grounding tether to your origins.

As I sit upon a rooftop many stories in the sky with a big Texas view, by a pool in shorts watching another gorgeous and spectacular October sunset – I’m in love. In love with this city. In love with how it sounds, its scent, how it feels, the vibrant hum it emits when you stand directly on its earth, how it presents possibilities. Grateful to be home. Grateful to be writing again. Grateful to all who take the time to read and engage.