Challenge Entry for April 2026
(Asked by my friends Carol Williams & Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400)
There are a lot of things about living in Flower Mound I love. Flower Mound keeps me grounded. I don’t need loud music or to spend money to be entertained. Honestly, I don’t miss running around showing houses anymore, or paying for hotels, transportation, food, and conference fees to be involved in real estate committees. Those are days I do not miss. Whether I choose to be in the fast lane, slow lane, or somewhere in between, I choose what I want to do.
I’ve found a suburban balance, a kind of calm and I don’t need to be involved in big-city life. The bar scene was never my style. What brought me to North Texas was a job relocation from Abbott Laboratories in March, 1997. Flower Mound is right between Dallas and Fort Worth, which means concerts like the Dallas Trio Crowley Chamber Music, Andre Bochelli, Glass Blowing, and Art Galleries which I enjoy. The DFW International Airport is about 17 miles from Flower Mound, which is one of the reasons why it's such a transient area for pilots and many Fortune 500 Companies.
What I appreciate the most is the nature factor. The Town where I live feels like home because it has more open spaces. Also, it is not as populated as Dallas or Fort Worth. There was a time when I spent long hours after work mountain biking on off-road terrain, such as dirt trails, rough, and daring hills around Lake Grapevine – but I don’t do that anymore. Today, I’m in the slow lane sticking to Flower Mound. It is not a cookie cutter community. I’ve learned to respect the groups I belong to that keep me educated and learning. For the past several years I’ve been a Member of Wise Women with Words. We read all kinds of books and meet once a month to discuss different topics. I am the third youngest member in a group of scholarly older women who have traveled extensively abroad.
Flower Mound, has a highly educated population, with over 85% of adults having pursued post-secondary education. Roughly 66-68% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, far exceeding state and national averages, with approximately 21-22% possessing a graduate or professional degree. I hold a graduate degree from the University of Dallas, a professional degree as a Paralegal, and I was licensed in Real Estate in January 2003. Currently, I am a life-long learner attending Ollie/UNT.
I used to be in a local Writer’s Group. Today, I meet as often as I can with only one member. We talk about politics, religion, old world history, including ancient history. I learn a lot from Lisa who is several years younger than me. She has the highest I.Q. I never knew anyone smarter who I could talk to with ease. Lisa went to Law School at the same time her husband went. He became a Lawyer; Lisa did not. Recently, I joined a Circle of Women who discuss Aging, Living & Dying and mostly Care Giving – this is a compassionate group. And of course, I’m a member of Olli/UNT learning – constantly learning about subjects that pique my interest. I especially love the men I associate with in my community – the Philosophers and those with PhD’s. We can talk for hours. There is nothing I enjoy more than getting inside the head of a man who I can leave speechless.
The quality of life is another big win. Flower Mound consistently ranks high for safety, clean neighborhoods, and well-kept parks. Places like Green Acres Memorial Park is a quiet go at your own pace kind of place. There I do a lot of thinking when I just want to breathe a bit and write by myself. I don’t miss big city life from Chicago at all! But I have easy access to DFW Airport, Dallas, and Fort Worth. If I get an invitation from my daughter or son, I will drop everything and get on a plane.
I’ve gotten to know many students from Flower Mound. I ask them questions and they open up to me. You’d be surprised how much they crave having someone listen without judging them. The schools are highly rated, the infrastructure is solid, and there’s a strong sense of community. But what I noticed missing is dialogue between parents and their teenagers or young adults.
That said, it's fair if it sometimes feels "too quiet," or like a sleepy town that lacks big city life excitement. But what I appreciate is the space I get, safety; from Police, Fire Department, and First Responders. I prefer safety from people I trust. Mostly, I love flowers, butterflies, birds, trees, and wildlife. They all speak to my soul. I am not a wall flower or a wilting flower who needs to be on the go to breathe new life into me. And that's why I love Flower Mound.
I am the woman in black below the "P" and the Police Officer
from the 2023 Flower Mound Police Academy
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