Category Archives: Travel

“Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning. ”

― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Saturday morning, I woke up earlier than I would’ve liked to go get my oil changed. For some reason I brought my camera. Who brings a camera to get their oil changed?! Maybe it was a premonition. The plan was to go out to west Fort Worth, get my oil changed then come home and finish unpacking my new apartment and work on my horrendous, unending to-do list. If you know me, you will not be surprised that I ended up finding some back country roads and taking a lot of pictures. Surprise, surprise.

A couple years ago, I was given a book with weird, roadside stops in Texas. I keep it in my car because I don’t really plan things out (read above) and just end up going places. So while waiting for my oil change, I looked up what was nearby.

Stop #1 involved Peter Pan. I was in!
Peter Pan is one of my favorite cartoons / stories growing up. (Have you watched Finding Neverland? One of my favorites!) I find it pretty important to always be a kid at heart (hence you will see me busting out a move at inopportune moments to try to get people to relax – I don’t care if I look like an ass, it’s a good time)!

I had known about this little pit stop for a while but I’m glad I finally got to check it out!

If you ever find yourself near Weatherford, Texas, head on over to the library. It’s right off the highway and really easy to find. Outside, you will find the Peter Pan statue. The story of Peter Pan has nothing to do with Weatherford, however the actress that played Peter Pan did.
Mary Martin played Peter Pan in the Broadway production of Peter Pan until she was in her 50’s. She also earned a Tony Award for her role and was a Kennedy Center Honoree in 1989. The story goes, as a child she was obsessed with Buster Brown and she had her haircut in a short “pageboy bob” and refused to ever wear a bow. Funny how she ended up playing Peter Pan! If you want to realize how small the world really is, she is also Larry Hagman’s (from the TV show Dallas) mother.
In 1976, Ronald Thomason created this life-sized bronze statue of Martin in the signature Peter Pan pose. The status can be seen at the library along with some memorabilia inside (I wish I would’ve read that in the book before I left the library). In 1990, Mary Martin passed away and is now buried in Weatherford as well.

If you’re a fan of Peter Pan, swing on by. It just takes a minute. While I was there, two kids came running out of the library and couldn’t wait to get a picture with Peter Pan. It was pretty cute. We can all be big kids too folks! 🙂

“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”
― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Check back in on Wednesday to see what else I came across on my Saturday travels!

Fort Worth Stockshow

Every year, Fort Worth holds the Stockshow and Rodeo which attracts people from near and far. It lasts for three or four weeks every January and early February. If you are looking for a true taste of Texas, I’ll suggest checking out this event. It’s one of my favorites!

Because I love this event so much, I’m going to break this up into two posts. Today, we’ll focus on the Stockshow.

The Stockshow is basically shopping central and livestock. In a large exhibit hall you can find anything from tractors, artwork, cowboy hats, furniture, jewelry, heck you name it. You can even see a celebrity or two. Can anyone name this guy to the far left below?

Tractors are fun to drive!

I have to share this. In the hall of one of the buildings, they were showing local art work of some students. Seriously, can you believe these? All under 18 years of age. It’s amazing!

Now, my absolute favorite part of the Stockshow are the animals! I LOVE farm animals and would love to have some someday. I think I left the Stockshow saying I was going to teach yoga, become a photographer and raise cows! (Those who really know me probably wouldn’t be surprised at this at all!) So here you go – way too many photos of cows!

Growing up, we actually raised a few of these Herefords ourselves back in good ole Vermont!

I wanted to pet every cow I saw, although I wasn’t sure if I was allowed since so many people were nearby so I just stuck with petting this little guy!

He’s a beast!

I can do without the chickens on my farm.
Have I mentioned how much I love cows?

These are the barns that the livestock are held in and where the animal shows are held. Massive barns! In the back (behind me) you can see the Will Rogers Coliseum where the rodeo is held.

I found an unattended cow…. I was petting this one for a good five minutes! What a great day!

You can take a girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl!
Princess of the Panhandle

28 in 28, 6 Month Update

So today marks the six month mark since turning 28. I thought it would be a good time to revisit my 28 in 28 list to see how I’m doing! Apparently, I’m not doing too well…. I’ll be picking up the slack in the coming months! I’ve got plenty of time!
Here’s the update!

1. Get Christmas cards out on time! (Does December 18th count?)
2. Visit one new place each month.
August: Gruene, TX
September: Bardstown, KY
October: West End, Dallas, TX
November: Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX
December: Grapevine Christmas Wine Train and Farina’s Cafe
January: Random Trip to Austin (Austin in a new way)
3. Sign up / walk for Alzheimers Walk. (Completed)
4. Let’s go for 12 crafty projects. (0/12)
5. Start a private blog for my niece. (In Progress)
6. Save money. (Tax Return?)
7. Get this wardrobe together. (In Progress)
8. Revisit music scene. (It’s coming up – look at the schedule!)
9. Run 5k.
10. Get blog to 6,000 views per month. (Getting closer! Come on folks!)
11. Hike Enchanted Rock.
12. Try one twelve new recipes per month. (3/12)
Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Brisket
Chicken Enchiladas
Broccoli Rice Casserole
13. Organize recipe book.
14. Find a new, more challenging job.
15. Lose 10 pounds. (Completed)
16. Start etsy shop and sell some photos.
17. Get my picture taken in the blue bonnets!
18. Send one 12 handwritten notes per month. (Check your mailboxes.) (3/12)
19. Get a dog or pet (I’m going to say sea monkey’s count). – (This was the plan in August but I’m going to say this is probably out the window.)
20. Get a watch.
21. Get a new phone. (Completed)
22. Find and attend one Texas antique car show. (Completed)
23. Do something out of the ordinary, on a whim.
24. Write one children’s book.
25. Go horseback riding / visit a ranch.
26. Go canoeing / kayaking.
27. Keep on traveling! (In Progress)
28. Focus on me. (In Progress)