Art in Progress: Watercolor Wonders
I’m still deep into my watercolor series of historical building portraits. This month, I finished the downtown Rockwall County Courthouse—a piece I’m excited to unveil fully at my upcoming art show. For now, I’ll tease you with just a glimpse of the first stage of the painting. Any suggestions for my next historical subject? I’d love to hear your ideas!
Coffee & Community Vibes
One morning, my husband and I popped into La Casita for a Turkish latte and an Americano coffee. This cozy spot is exactly the kind of gem I’d love to see more of in our community. I wrote all about it—check out my full experience here: La Casita Coffee: A Cozy Gem in Rowlett, Texas.
Date Night Done Right
For date night, we headed to The Revel in Frisco to listen to our friend rocking out in an INXS tribute band, followed by a U2 tribute set. The seafood platter and ham sandwich from the grill hit the spot, and the venue’s clean, organized vibe—complete with reserved tables for ticket holders—made it a stress-free evening. No mosh pits here, just good music and great company. I belted out the classics with my husband, and the stellar customer service sealed the deal. Highly recommend!
Binge-Worthy Pick: The Residence on Netflix
If you’re craving a murder mystery with a twist, The Residence is your next binge. Uzo Aduba shines as Cordelia Cupp, delivering stares that could crack a safe. The eight-episode series blends Clue-style whodunit with a dash of Agatha Christie flair. The entire cast nails their roles—perfect for a cozy night in. Who do you think killed AB in The Residence?
Hip Hop & Pizza: Mother-Son Dance
Corban and I hit the Mother and Son Dance, themed around hip hop this year. Picture pizza, cookies, neon glow bracelets, and a DJ spinning jams under swirling lights. I’ll admit, some lyrics left me clueless, but when “It’s Raining Tacos” dropped, I was front and center. Line dancing to the Cupid Shuffle was a highlight—though I’ll leave the breakdancing to the pros. Big thanks to the PTA for bringing in a Dallas Hip Hop team. Two-stepping’s still my groove, but I loved sharing the dance floor with my little man.
Spring Break Adventures
Spring Break was all about getting the kids outdoors. We tackled park trails, despite some initial grumbling. Squabble Creek surprised them with its biking and walking paths—definitely worth a visit. Harry Myers Park’s trails, though, still need post-storm cleanup. Windy days nixed disc golf and kite-flying, but the fresh air was a win.
Our Spring Break finale? A morning ride on the Grapevine Vintage Train. First-class tickets landed us in Victorian coaches with flip-around seats (and we got to visit the dining car that transforms the coach seats into tables—genius!). Rolling along the historic Cotton Belt Route, we enjoyed live entertainment from a cowboy and cowgirl duo sharing history and leading sing-alongs. Other trips offer a stop at the Fort Worth Stockyards for the cattle drive, but we opted for Harvest Hall post-ride.
Harvest Hall & Hot Chicken
Harvest Hall, a European-style food hall, wowed us with its eight chef-driven kitchens, craft coffee, and cocktails. The architecture—exposed trusses, soaring ceilings—felt like a grand train station, perfect for a quick bite or a private event. We devoured lunch at Firebawks Hot Chicken: giant, juicy chicken sandwiches on buttered brioche with pickles, slaw, and a zesty ComeBawk sauce (think Southern mayo with a chili kick). The kids’ burgers were massive—next time, we’ll split one. Sweet potato fries? Delicious.
Afterward, we strolled to the Holder Dane Art Gallery and peeked into Vetro’s glass-blowing studio. The gallery’s paintings begged for a closer look, and Vetro’s sculpted pieces—like the group of glass penguins—left me in awe. They even host glass-making events! Too far for me, but if you’re nearby, sign up. I’m itching to learn this craft—it’s mesmerizing.
Perot Museum Field Trip
Chaperoning my son’s 4th-grade trip to the Perot Museum was a first for us. The interactive exhibits on the brain and weather stood out as especially intriguing. There was so much more to explore! We would’ve loved to catch the films, but our schedule didn’t allow it. The bird and gem collections, tied to Rockwall’s local treasures, were fascinating for all ages.
New Recipe To Try
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites: Try this zesty dish with creamy potatoes or sautéed veggies. Find a recipe and make it your own!
Local Politics: Election Season Heats Up
Rockwall County’s political season is in full swing, with candidates vying for trustee and council seats. Dive into the issues—traffic, density, and more—in my latest mayoral race article, Rockwall Needs Steady Leadership, Not Buzzwords, featuring Rock 30 podcast guests.
Running takes guts—hustling to connect with voters is no small feat. Just the other day, I read about a City Council candidate campaigning to “fix the traffic.” Love the passion, but it’s clear they don’t grasp who actually handles traffic issues and emergency services. No council in this county opposes funding first responders or equipment—yet the relentless developer-bashing continues, ignoring where the money flows. Blaming developers for school overcrowding, an entirely separate jurisdiction, is another head-scratcher. I would be curious to ask that candidate if they voted in favor of the VATRE and Bond Propositions? Candidates like this mean well, but are unprepared, trying to jam a circle into a triangle. I commend anyone stepping up locally, but knowing the job before announcing? That’s the key. Stay informed, folks!
