It might be bold to say that my latest trip home to Texas was the best ever, but I could.  I really think I could say just that.  How can a person go wrong if they hit up Cheatham Street, Luckenbach, and Gruene Hall in one weekend?  Impossible.  It could have also been my amazing time with family and friends coupled with music….my favorite kind of music.  The kind where you get lost in the songwriters words and lose the pace of the world around you.  It felt good to feel like I was on a whirlwind trip and yet at a crawl where I caught every smell of ever grass blade and took in the view of every hillside I drove over.  It was that kind of weekend.  The kind where my words will never do it justice. If you have never ventured into any of these music venues then you are missing out!  Feel bad…feel very bad.  Just kidding!  Hope my story inspires you to visit one day…

Thursday was a complete whirlwind!  I arrived into San Antonio around noon, kidnapped my mom and forced her to walk with me (I needed to stretch my legs!)  The humidity did not even bother me, instead I was captivated by the coming storms…clouds were forming.  Then I dashed off to Lake McQueeney to await my bff [partner in crime] Kelly.  The night was unfolding around Bud Light and a gorgeous drive to San Marcos.  We met up with Jodi & Judy for dinner and I can’t quite remember where we ate…pretty good, not that exciting (hence no memory of the name–>ladies feel free to chime in and remind me!)  Ahhh, and then came Cheatham Street to see an acoustic set by Cody Canada, Seth James, and Jason Eady.  I’m not sure if it was the beer or the music but eyes were fogged over and I felt like I was in a trance as the boys sang.  Acoustic is my favorite…the emotions behind the artist and their guitar…moves me. I think I was smiling all night long!  Who wouldn’t smile when you heard these boys play?

The night had an uneventful finish that included me and the bed! I had a great time…

I’m sure I remember crawling into bed…I do remember waking up and thinking, “oh shoot, I have appointment & there is no coffee in this house!”

The meeting included a traffic jam on I-35 and me cringing at the thought of being late. Worse yet, arriving to the appointment without coffee!  I made it, met with John Dickson of Dickson Productions and then dashed off to Austin to meet a ton of good friends for lunch at Chuy’s!  Needless to say, they all watched what I ordered and were fearful to eat in front of me–ha!  Please note, I eat….I love food…I don’t judge! Although, no way in hell do I want to sing in front of any of these folks.  The musical talent around me…enough said! [just realized...I did not take a photo of my food, I think that is a first! I was happily distracted with conversation over eating!]

Thanks Bart Crow, Eryn, baby Townes,  Adam & Meagan Von O’dor, Jason Eady, and my sis Robyn for a fabulous lunch.  It was a very happy and special moment for me.  Be still my heart, I have such great friends!

After enjoying the great Mexican food of Chewy’s my sis and I headed over to the Greenbelt and Barton Springs!  Instant wave of nostalgia.  Many afternoons of my youth were spent at the springs or hiking on the greenbelt.  Instantly I felt 20 years younger!  The water is still as cool and refreshing as ever and it felt great to jump in!

The night ended with my sister, niece and I heading out on the town…she’s growing up!

Next day I snuck in a run & hike with my niece, then trying on a dress at Meagan’s home…oh yes, she is an amazing designer!  Check out her website here! 

The night ended at the Seguin Rodeo celebrating Ken Tondre’s birthday with my bff Kelly and enjoying a fabulous show by Kevin Fowler.  Rodeos make me smile…not sure if it’s the show in the arena or in the stands. Hate that I left my camera in the car…we were worried about the storm brewing!

And then came Sunday…

My bff Kelly is such a great sport!  The weather was fierce and full of energy!  We could barely see as we drove out to Luckenbach.  The skies parted and the land looked so fresh and kissed with rain.  Instantly my heart smiled….you know that open feeling where warmth jumps in and lights up your eyes.  I felt that way all day.  All day and all night.

This show was so moving that I felt my eyes get misty during many songs– lost in the moment, lost in the words, and lost in the cool air that felt so heavenly as my body warmed to the music surrounding me.  Watching Walt Wilkins, Adam Hood, and Jason Eady play was a treat.  Adam’s new album came out this week and we got a chance to enjoy so many off his new album. The entire album is worth downloading!  It was a very special day.  Take a look…

Two things made the trip even more special…watching Tina Wilkins perform and the song game.

Bff Kelly had to head home for a work day and I was very thankful that Adam and Jason let me tag along out to Gruene Hall.  I left my camera in the car and headed inside to enjoy Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bleu Edmondson, & The Departed!  The night was long and enjoyed at a friend’s home listening to folks sing out on the back porch. It ended perfectly, full of many sweet memories of home. I was not ready to leave this trip.  I’m ready for my next trip home already!  Thanks for following along.  I hope you journey down to the hill country someday soon, too.

Go buy Adam’s album~

Just Wendy Jo

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