In the city, we see millions of lives represented in the windows doors, and many floors of each building. We see excitement and the glories of civilization. But no matter how much those who follow Tao may enjoy the city, they understand the need for retreat into nature.
In the countryside, they find the nurturing quality of freedom. They can see new possibilities and can wander without societal impositions. In the past, pioneers saw the open prairies and were filled with dreams of dominating nature with the glories of man. Now we know different: We must preserve the wilds for our very survival.
We need time to lie fallow. If you cannot leave the city just find a little quiet time each day to withdraw into yourself. If you are able to walk in fields or in the hills, so much the better. But none of us can maintain the fertility of our beings without renewal.
I've had the "Renewal" by Tao on my refrigerator at home, my office and my lake house for the last three years, and thought it was fitting to accompany my pictures of the magnificence of one of God's most lovely gifts to us...Texas Wildflowers. Marchel and I came up with this contest when we first took over the Texas Real Estate group back in February 2008, and I've wanted to share it with all of you for a long time. I hope you enjoy the little show I've put together for you. My sister, Sandra Parker and I love flowers and nature, a trait we got from our Mother. We go look at the bluebonnets and wildflowers every year. The pictures were taken on our annual pilgrimage to Round Top, Texas from our homes in Katy, Texas. Our route was planned to also take advantage of phenomenal display of antiques along the way to Round Top, Texas.
This is a feature unto itself, every spring you can follow the bluebonnet trail to Texas' AntiquesWeek. From Warrenton to Round Top TX on Hwy 237 and beyond there are thousands of booths and antique dealers lining the highways in this area, selling everything from vintage wicker / clothes to advertising memorabilia. It will blow your mind, so it you've never made the trip, plan on doing it next year. One area is Marburger Farm Antique Show, it host over 300 dealers from around the world...and that's just ONE of the of the exhibitor areas! It has five football-field-size tents + a village of restored Texas buildings that house other exhibitors alongside the tents. For more information on this visit http://www.roundtop-marburger.com/. The two pictures of my dear friend Missy with her gem of a daughter Madison were taken just outside Waco on Hwy 84 east. I set my slide show to the music of Willie Nelson, enjoy!
This post is dedicated to my sister Sandra. We share the love of Texas, flowers, life, and Willie, we have always been there for each other and always will be.
To my sister Sandra with Love, Liffy
Steve...I am a Texan through and through, Daddy's family settled in East Texas in early 1800's, so thanks! I'll be featuring your post and doing the top ten today or tomorrow. L
Missy, thanks wish I could be in the contest :), thanks for being our judge, L
Don, you can't pick bluebonnets because they are our state flower and we want them to spread, which they do after they go to seed. They time the mowing of our highways around the blooming of the wildflowers...this is TEXAS!
Hi, Carl & Mrs. BMP, glad you enjoyed it...this is what I've been working on. L
Ms. Judi, thank you Mame :) L
Hi Cheri, that's my baby, Mr. Rhett Butler, he is a great dog. Wasn't real fond of poseing in the flowers for me, but he did it. Thanks, L
oh I just love these pics and the very cool slide show! It seemslike there were so many more wildflowers around in the 70's... that's when I lived in CO and learned not to pickthe beautiful columbines (their state flower). thank you for so much joy!
Liz: In answer to your question, I left the voice mail at (713) 824-9044 and Yes I pulled the post since the info on that vote was bogus (I was soooo embarassed - and should have let you know - I am sorry that I didn't!). You asked if I had seen this one (look at the top comment - I was here first! LOL) Thanks for your willingness to promote that post on the Homestead thing. So sorry that is was not good information. The title company that spread it to me has heard from me!
Good Ole Willy!@!!!! I saw him at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth years ago and he was pure greatness - just like the Bluebonnets!!! Great post...I'm always a fan!
Liz, I'm so proud of you! This is beautiful! I loved the music and the slide show and your theme of renewal...just wonderful! Thank you for this! I'm sending a copy of this to Scott and bookmarking it for times of comfort when I need renewal!
Happy Spring, my friend! Rhett is darling. Later in the rain~Deb
Steve, no problems, and you got to see my slide show twice :). L
Julie, thanks for the pretty picture. L
Nathan, glad you liked it, and thanks for being a fan :). L
Marchel, how embarising, sorry guess I was so frustrated after spending so much time trying to make my first slide show I forgot the right tag for the contest. Oops...fixed it. L
Duane, I like that word, "refreshing", thanks. L
Debra, thanks young lady, it means a lot coming from you. Rhett says, kiss, kiss, yum, uum. L & Rhett Butler
Sandra, hope that means you liked the show? I dedicated it to you with lots of love. Liffy
Liz, This was beautiful!! I loved the pictures. Your little dog is adorable. We are getting a puppy this summer... never had a dog before, and I am so looking forward to it! Have a wonderful day. Thanks for this beautiful post!
Carol, thanks...I made it where the music comes on automatically, so I get to listen to it while responding to comments :). Hope that does not bother people, but Willie is pretty mellow :). L
Susan, good to hear from you again. I went 5 years without a dog with I lost my other poodle years ago, and I'll never do that again. They are total unconditional love. Enjoy your new puppy. L
Liz-What a beautiful post! I loved the photos and dedicating it to your sister was also beautiful. What a nice, thoughtful and loving person you are. I'm enjoying the music while I comment.
Incredible post! Just like you Liz. I love the music, the pictures, the words, the spirit of the post and most of all the love between you and your sister. Kiss Rhett for me. Have a great renewed weekend, your friend Ricki :)
Hi Elizabeth, I love it when you come by, I get to type my "real" name :). That's why I set the music to play on auto, and loop. Glad you enjoyed it. L
Jason my friend, yep,me and you both...I can listen to Willie all night long. You too, L
Ricki, you had not seen this? Will do, you too my friend. L
Liz, you did a great job with this post. The pictures, the music, and your write up are all top notch. What will stick with me is your words. You stess the importance of preserving wild places and for having places to retreat to. Renewal is so vital to our souls.
I feel very honored that my wildflower post was selected to be #3. Yours was right up there with the top two. I'm sorry you couldn't enter, but you did make the contest fun for all of us.
You know I love this. I told you I listen to it in the mornings when I'm up putting on my face. I start with a cup of coffee and my pooter. Go figure. Thanks for brightening our day! Later in the rain~Deb
Sondra, I love it so much it in on my fridge door here and at my lake house, I've had it for years. It's so true! Yours was very deserving, and I don't mind that I can't win my own contest, as long as yall have fun and we continue to be such a great group. We will meet at the next AR event. Liz
Gena, glad you liked them...I'm still mad at those people for doing that to you! I'll call you soon and catch up. Liz
Deb my friend, what time do you get up and start your coffee routine? I'll do another post with more Willie for you :). Liz
Yvonne, wow nice compliment, thank you very much. Liz
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doors, and many floors of each building. We see excitement and the glories of civilization. But no matter how much those who follow Tao may enjoy the city, they understand the need for retreat into nature. 
Warrenton to Round Top TX on Hwy 237 and beyond there are thousands of booths and antique dealers lining the highways in this area, selling everything from vintage wicker / clothes to advertising memorabilia. It will blow your mind, so it you've never made the trip, plan on doing it next year. One area is Marburger Farm Antique Show, it host over 300 dealers from around the world...and that's just ONE of the of the exhibitor areas! It has five football-field-size tents + a village of restored Texas buildings that house other exhibitors alongside the tents. For more information on this visit 
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