What I'm Reading This Month

Taking a relaxing trip to Magnolia Market and The Silos in Waco, TX. Picked up a wonderful, new book written by Chip Gaines.

In this month of August, I took a Saturday Sabbatical with my sister-in-law. We both needed a break and a new environment; if only for the afternoon. She suggested a trip to Waco, TX. and Magnolia Market. I've wanted to visit since we moved to Fredericksburg, but something has always stopped me. This time I let nothing get in my way. I had just spent the week going through the motions (and emotions) as my three boys started school. To say we had a hectic first week back would be a gross understatement. I could just feel the need for a mental break gnawing at me.

“You're a good person with a good heart. You will see many things in your lifetime.” - A Special Someone Trying to Encourage Me After a Huge Setback in my Life

The entire outdoor space is like something out of my childhood dreams of owning a home. I was born in Texas and raised on a farm in rural Oklahoma. The presence of Magnolia is a sweet, short track to a simpler time in America with a hint of modern flair. Throughout, you will see nods to our southern agricultural roots. Growing up as a farm kid this was bittersweet and brought memories of my late Grandpa whom I miss dearly. I played softball throughout my entire adolescence and so with seeing the baseball diamond came more cherished memories for me. It could not be at a more perfect time, either. I just watched MLB and Kevin Costner bring one of my favorite movies, Field of Dreams, to life. Even the concession stand brought back memories of spending time with my Ag teacher bagging up popcorn to help raise money for our local FFA chapter.

And then there was, in my opinion, the pièce de résistance. The last area I visited on the Magnolia grounds took my breath away. A little white church standing above all else like a stalwort soldier, whose only purpose was to beckon me that day. As I walked inside, I immediately recognized that peaceful silence. That silence was calming to a mother who is trying to raise three boys to become exceptional men in a chaotic world. It was reassuring to a doubtful woman just starting her second business now that all three of those boys are in school. It was a beacon of light to a person who has had both difficulties and traumas, but has survived every step. He will not let me falter. Now I understand why I was never able to make it to Magnolia until this day in his perfect timing.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

So, here's what I'm reading right now. A little souvenir of my time at Magnolia Market.