Rejuvenated

A few weeks back after enduring a busy season at work, I decided it was time for a little getaway for some R&R. Ideally, the introvert in me would like to hole up in a secluded bed and breakfast in a really small town (like Round Top) and read for about a week. But that didn't fit into my schedule. I opted instead for an overnight trip to Austin.

And decided to try out this new place.

After brunch and much people watching at Austin Java, I headed to Luxe Apothetique to get my "hair did" by the fabulous Martha Lynn Barnes. After a quick change, I had dinner at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill with these sweet friends, whom I met in Austin fifteen years ago.

As much as I love the view of Austin in the daytime, I also love this:

After such a full day, it was time to take advantage of

and this

and to enjoy this

Beautiful accomodations!

The best part was the free full breakfast at the hotel's restaurant Trace. After that, I made my way around street closures due to a race and headed to worship at The Austin Stone. I grabbed brunch at Santa Rita with another sweet friend (we failed to snap a picture), and then I hit the road back to pick up this sweet gal from her retreat:

After this trip, I've learned that one of my love languages is retreating to a nice hotel. Gary Chapman might need to add that to the five that he came up with.

Happy Labor Day!

Not much laboring going on here.

Just sunbathing.

Laughing.

Birdwatching.

And preparing to head back to work tomorrow.

Sensory Overload

Last weekend, I spent eight hours running errands. The bulk of those related to Christmas. I shipped packages, bought things, returned things, and bought some other things. When I returned home, I felt worn out, as if I had put in more than a full day at work.

Throughout all that driving around, I saw tons of lights, decorations, and people; heard many bells ringing and Christmas carols playing; and fought lots of traffic. It was sensory overload for this minimalist.

Our Advent devotionals last week focused on getting prepared for the holidays so that we can rest in Christ. I am not finished with all my holiday preparations, but I chose to start my rest a little early. And so this week, I've focused on the natural beauty that God has on display every day. Gazing on things like the fall leaves helps the season feel much less hectic. It was the type of rest my sensory overloaded brain needed.

Restful Sunday

(This pic is from my cell phone, so the quality isn't that great, but hopefully you'll get the idea.)