Sometimes I wonder how others view Texas when they come here to visit. Scrub and brush and dry, cracked earth as far as the eye can see for so much of the year. I’ve come to love and appreciate the state’s hearty nature, its “against all odds” stamina, and I find beauty in places I never would have dreamed.

Today, I saw the most stunningly beautiful sight. On South MoPac, near the wildflower center, in fact, are miles and miles of amazing ephemeral golden grasses that were all like waves in the wind today. Sheets of silk shimmered and caught the sunlight, and waved at me as I drove by. I simply couldn’t stop staring. I’m so glad I live here.