🌼 It's happening for you, not to you

Hey, pumpkin spice Mamas,

Y’all would not believe what is going on at my house today. There are men and trucks crawling all over our property getting it ready for tomorrow, when my husband Matt, and a production crew of thirty people will shoot a commercial for Bobcat, the heavy duty machinery company. Machines are purring outside my window while they prep each scene for the perfect shot.

I could have never imagined such a thing just a few short years ago. My husband and I were looking for our first home of our own and it seemed nearly impossible.

We looked for two years while the market climbed higher and inventory went lower. We were getting hammered by out-of-towners with fat cash offers. We almost bought a couple different properties but each time, I got cold feet over the extremely poor condition of the house. We often questioned our own sanity.

We had just about given up; I didn’t even want to go look at the house we eventually purchased because we were hanging out with my parents the day it came on the market. I wanted to go to dinner with my folks instead of getting my hopes up again. Enchiladaaaaaas, I whined. But Matt insisted. And here we are, almost two years later, having a wild time in our front yard!

Of course, this quick story glosses over all the trials and tribulations that we traversed to get here (shoutout to Ann & Jill, our patient and resilient realtors who became our first local friends, 10/10 recommend). But it reminds me of something I often forget: we cannot even imagine how perfectly things will shake out for us, if we just let ourselves hope.

If you are going through a trying or tiring time (and you’re a mom, so yeah) allow me encourage you: what you are experiencing is happening for you, not to you. This uncomfortable moment is a gift, the pressure forming you into the person who can receive something you once called a silly dream.

However you might describe it—the Universe conspiring in your favor, God making your path straight, or simply chance unfolding kindly—there is an ineffable force of Love preparing for your inevitable success.

So hang in there, Mama. Your dream is taking shape.

With a breath of fresh fall air,
Elise

Events in Bastrop County this week

It’s FALL Y’ALL! And Festival season is upon us. This week is a soft onramp to the absolute onslaught of festivities that are upon us in our fun little towns. We might need to put together a whole fall guide!

If you have an event you would like to submit, you can always respond directly to this email ([email protected]). Just give me the name of the event and a link, and I will do my best to include it!

For Mamas:

Sit with Sylvia Carillo, Bastrop’s City Manager at the Bearded Baking Company and discuss whatever is important to you. Tonight 6:30 pm.

If you’re going to the Bastrop Music Festival, start Friday with Hannah, who hosts a monthly Bastrop Mom’s Night Out. Meet at Bastrop Beer Co. at 6:30. You’ll need a festival pass.

Mama Crafternoon at Smithville Community Gardens, Sunday 4-6. Infants are welcome but kiddos are not allowed. It’s mama time!

For the family:

Daytime Playtime for ages 0-6 at Texas Aces Tumbling and Cheer. 9:30-11 Tues & Thurs. $7/child.

Smithville Community Gardens offers Garden Kids Fridays 10:30-noon and Homeschoolers Open Studio Friday 1-3pm.

Willie Wonka the Musical starts this Friday evening at the Bastrop Opera. Multiple dates including Fri and Sat 7:30 pm. $25/ticket.

Jazz band Take 9 will play at Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center’s monthly Music in the Museum. Let’s groove. Sat 12-2 pm. Free.

Bird City Bastrop hosts its monthly BIG SIT at Fisherman's Park - Boat Ramp Area. Learn from more experienced birders in this casual, friendly birdwatching circle. Sat 8:30-10 am. Free.

End of Summer River Party at Fisherman’s Park. All are welcome. Sat. Free.

Hispanic Heritage, Bastrop Roots’ Exhibition celebrates the legacy of Hispanic citizens in Bastrop County at the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center. This one looks really well done. Daily except Sun from 10-5. Free.

Wow, you made it this far! Will you share this newsletter with a local Mama who you love?

Thank you for your support, and see you soon!

Love,
Elise

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