If you’re looking for a new adventure, how about starting with something we all remember how to do — riding a bicycle. If you’ve got balancing on two wheels down, let’s upgrade from that big-box store bike to a more dependable mountain bike. Here’s a few specialty cycling stores to browse in the Dallas-Fort Worth area: Bicycles, Inc., Richardson Bike Mart, Transit Bikes, and Bonzai … Continue reading Off-Road Riding in the Heart of the Metroplex

All photography captured by JL Smith Can you remember the last time you paused and sought a moment to reflect on life? Its beauty? Its heartache and joy? How about taking a stroll down memory lane? When was the last time you allowed yourself to feel inspired or feel anything? The magic of poetry captures this all. I can say this assuredly because I write … Continue reading Poetry – Still Packing an Emotional Punch

All photography captured by JL Smith When’s the last time you picked up a book instead of your phone? Or connected with an old friend over a cup of coffee after browsing albums of your favorite musician? When was the last time you listened to live music? Yeah, it’s been awhile for me too. The world seems to be spinning faster these days and we’re … Continue reading Don’t Judge a Bookstore By Books Alone

After I turned 30, I promised myself I would dedicate the next decade of my life to adventure. Tasting new foods, traveling into uncharted territory, utilizing my kitchen in an attempt to cook and jumping out of an airplane two miles above ground at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. Yes, skydiving. Not solo, of course. Your first experience skydiving is a tandem jump, … Continue reading Thriving Thirties — Jumping into Adventure

ARIZONA (March 2017) – Apparently, my memory lagged as my older brother reminded me it had been longer than three years since I visited him in Phoenix. He made it clear, it had been five years. *rolls eyes* My one and only trip to Arizona was in the spring of 2012 visiting him while attending the Cactus League spring training for ball games and autographs. … Continue reading Just a Big Hole in the Ground (Part 1)

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (December 2016) – I remember the text message I received from my supervisor asking me to meet him for lunch one day in October. This couldn’t be good, I thought. Any time this happens, I’m usually bribed by my favorite sushi into a heavier work load. However, much to my surprise, as I was unsuccessfully attempting to stuff an Ahi Tower into my … Continue reading West Coastlines and Christmas Carols