EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens lights up for Christmas.
This is the twentieth year that locals and tourists are welcome to
meander the paths through the spectacular lights
and displays of holiday joy, wonder, imagination, and whimsy.

"The mission of the EmilyAnn is to reinvest in the dignity of the human spirit through the performing arts, the beauty of nature and community fellowship.
The EmilyAnn was founded in 1998 to celebrate the life of Emily Ann Rolling by providing a permanent home for Shakespeare Under the Stars,
a program in which Emily excelled as an actress and costume designer."
(EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens Website)

Click the button to discover the inspirational story of Emily Ann. 
Learn about the treasured Butterfly Festival and other attractions.
Check out the schedule for theatre productions and
a list of entertainment features during the Trail of Lights.

Stroll along the trails and be enchanted as you view
nativities, angels, peace symbols, Minions, Grinches, snowflakes,
snow people, patriotic flags, dinosaurs, a longhorn and so much more!
​All exhibits are designed and fashioned by
local churches, schools, businesses, organizations, and families.
Stop by the the roaring fire pit to roast marshmallows and
grab a cup of hot chocolate or a snack from from the concession stand.
There may be a movie playing. Or a band. Or cloggers. Or donkeys.
(Check the website for entertainment schedule.)
Shop the two stores. Borrow a book. Ride the train. Buy a raffle ticket.
Visit Santa!
Climb the steps to the Veterans Memorial Plaza and
listen to the breeze ruffle the flags.
Interact on the ginormous chess board or in the musical garden.
Take photos.
Slow down and experience every nuance of the Trail of Lights.
​
Free parking and admission, but donations are appreciated.
Now through December 28 
6-9 pm  Sunday - Thursday
6-10 pm  Friday - Saturday

Trail - path, course, route
Light - the removal of darkness, the first work of the Creator, 
symbolically represents goodness, favor, and truth.

This season I hope to sprinkle a trail of lights through my actions.
Offer a word of comfort to strengthen the weary.
  Remember to be kind always.
 Proclaim my gratitude for what is good.
Bestow favor to the unfavored.
Speak truth with love.

How can you a create a trail of lights?

A chapel in the Yucatan jungle, illuminated by candles,
is where Angeline Redfern faces life-changing truth in my novel
All In For Life.

Grateful for His blessings; thankful for His grace.
Grateful for the loving hearts gathered in this place.

May this be my mantra going into the Thanksgiving week.

Gratitude is a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Gratitude is a relationship-bonding emotion. 
Gratitude promotes our immune and cardiovascular health.
Gratitude sparks the area of the brain related to connecting with people.
Gratitude dwells in the heart.

For the last two Novembers, I've attended Empty Bowls -
an international project to fight hunger.
Artisans, including professionals and young students,
donate handcrafted pottery bowls.
Attendees select bowls from a vast selection,
(I buy green ones)
contribute a set donation fee for each bowl,
and then enjoy delicious soups prepared by local chefs 
while listening to live music.
I've made this a Thanksgiving tradition.
Guests in my home are served soup in these green bowls as part of the feast
and then given the bowl to take home as a reminder
to be grateful for the food they have and to give to those who do not.

​This concept was preached to me my whole life.
I asked my mama once how she and my daddy 
made ends meet in their early years of marriage on so little.

"We had enough for what we needed and some to give to those who had less."
Words to live by.

There have been times when I've not been so grateful.
Either I didn't like my situation or I took it for granted.
To cultivate an attitude of gratitude I do this simple exercise.
I go through the alphabet and name something or someone
for which I am grateful.
It may sound like a punishment for a petulant child throwing a fit because
he doesn't want Cheerios he wants blueberry pancakes
or a spoiled teenager whining that she has to have the newest whatever
or she shall surely die. 
After compiling the list of 26, people of all ages can feel a little less
ungrateful, dissatisfied, envious, or critical.

So, as we gather around
fancy tables, picnic tables, card tables,
or in community centers for Thanksgiving,
let's be grateful for what we have and
remember to give to those who have less.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Y'ALL!

Here's a fabulous recipe if you need one more crowd pleasing dessert
​to bake for your holiday gatherings.

I am grateful for all who have purchased or will purchase my novel
All In For Life. 
Thank you!

Common Grounds:
Coffee. Other hot and cold drinks. Various food items.
Friendly service. Plenty of seating. Optional to-go cups or mugs.
​Social Media presence.

Personal Perks:
Three inviting color stories. Unique settings and views.
Two have latte artists.
The other one has a drive-thru.

First up, Cactus Coffee at the Junction.
A single mom started this company with a fierce vision.
Zero waste. Organic and vegan options. Local sources.
She. Did. It. All.
The roasted coffee beans, fresh baked goods, and delightful coffee cards
are from Wimberley entrepreneurs.
Cactus Coffee is also super kid friendly with healthy snacks,
books, toys, and games, and a dedicated play area upstairs.
The large second floor space is available for gatherings and 
offers beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country.
My favorite drink: Cowboy Coffee (espresso, coconut milk, and chocolate)

Sip! On the Square.
Location. Location. Location.
Sip! occupies a corner of Wimberley Square and is visible
while traveling both directions on Ranch Road 12.
As a shopper, you can pop in one door, grab a frothy designer latte,
and pop out the other door to shop the square or
settle into a seat on the dog friendly porch.
Sip! also serves fresh baked goods from a local bakery. 
I asked about the dinosaurs lined up in the window sill.
"They're for the kids!"
Favorite drink: London Fog (Earl Grey tea and steamed milk)

 Indigo Brew Coffees and Smoothies is the newest coffee shop
since taking over and remodeling another coffee space.
The fresh decor is sophisticated, cozy, and simply a pretty place
to read a book or visit with friends while sipping a hot or cold beverage.
Several charming seating areas are appointed with
jewel toned furniture, metallic decor, colorful art, and
​mosaic stained glass windows created by the owner and an employee. 
Reading material is available on a dark wooden shelf
that speaks back to the modern wooden high tables and chairs.
Indigo Brew will soon be serving lunch. Yay!
​Favorite drink: Chai Latte - Hot or Iced

Coffee shops are people connectors.
Get-to-know-you dates. Job interviews. Committee meetings.
Event planning. Social gatherings.
My favorite TV fictional coffee shops/diners/cafes are:
Luke's - Gilmore Girls
Cafe Nervosa - Frasier
Central Perk - Fiends
Monk's - Seinfeld
Characters rarely sat in these places alone with a cup of coffee. 
They connected with people.
The next time you need a jolt of caffeine,
invite the new mom in your neighborhood to Cactus coffee shop 
or settle into a comfy couch with your tribe at Indigo Brew
or stop by Sip! while shopping the square with your family.
Connect with Coffee. Wherever you are.
​

Fall in love with Kregg, a laid back Austin coffee barista with long hair, dimples, and a crush on Angeline, who wants nothing to do with him.
Or does she?
Find out in my novel, ​All In For Life