Hope for the Holidays

In November of 2013 I began a solo driving trek to Texas. Traveling brings me joy. Traveling with my camera even more so. This journey was a little different. Two weeks were planned with stops to visit friends and see some sights along the way. The biggest reason for the adventure was to pick up my furever friend. I would say rescue her, but really she rescued me. I won't get in to all the specifics, but the road to Texas led me to Austin (the place and my princess poochie). During my travels, I stopped to see the Biltmore and The USS Kidd. Upon arriving in Austin, I was greeted with a shy waggy tail and hugs from friends! I took a week to get acquainted with Austin before we would begin the journey to her new forever home. During that week, I was shown all the cool murals. We stopped by a place that had a lot of graffiti art. It was ever changing I was told.
This was a space for many to express and to be inspired. When I visited, art was being created right in front of me. It was amazing to watch other creatives immerse themselves in this joy. Sharing their gifts.
Years have passed since I was at this place, which now no longer stands. Austin grows old with me, no longer a puppy running through the yard. She is actually curled up sleeping next to me as I type. The impact those walls held ran deep. It was a creative outlet, a safe space, hope. Sometimes hope whispers. Sometimes it is a furry tail wagging when you arrive home. Sometimes hope is the mist that suurounds your finger tips in the form of paint.
Hope is light needed at the right times. It evolves. It pushes us on. Helps us grow. As I mentioned, the space I visited so long ago is no longer there. Hope, however, is still finding it's way onto walls in a new space. The Hope Outdoor Gallery has recently opened. It is free to the public. May we all have a little hope for the holidays and into the New Year.

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