Escape With Me

When the journey seems long and the road littered with obstacles, take a break and escape with me.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls/Escape

One perfect Spring day, fate led me and my family to an amazing place called Mckinney Falls State Park. A place where nature bestowed so much of its richness and beauty. A place where one can find an escape from all troubles of life. Though it only gave me a few hours of refuge and joy, it was more than enough to comfort my restless soul.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls/Escape

When worries cloud your mind and tires your heart, escape with me.

The falls, surrounded by beautiful old Cypress trees reminded me of a Japanese Zen garden. The cascading waters gracefully drops into a peaceful emerald pool. Nearby, there’s a man waiting for a fish to bite his bait. At another corner, another man looked as if he was day dreaming and being one with the moment. Oops! That was me staring at my water reflection.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When your world seems getting smaller and you need a room to breathe, escape with me.

The water though cold, felt so good. Refreshingly good!

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you want to reconnect with pieces of yourself and the many adventures you often dreamt but never ventured, escape with me.

Parents watched their kids closely as they play in the water. It was slippery and I had to hold my son’s hand really tight. After seeing a mom fell flat on her buttocks, there was no way I’m letting my boy glide into the algae covered rocks like he’s wearing ice skates.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you wish to find the inner child in you and once again feel that unrestrained, pure happiness, escape with me.

I sat on the log as I took more pictures. Unknowingly, my wife took one of me. She said, “You looked like you’re totally being one with nature.” I smiled like a little kid and said, “I was.”

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls/Escape

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you want to celebrate ”You” and the people who brings sunshine to your day, escape with me.

One of the kid was pushing the floating log while the other excitedly rode on it. My son on the other hand decided to add more props to the magic by blowing bubbles into the air. A little boy next to him kept jumping to pop the bubbles. Laughter filled the air mixed with voices of anxious parents calling their kids to stop going into the deeper waters. My wife being one of them.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you wish to see Nature and everything around you with fresh eyes, escape with me.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you want to find love, rekindle love or celebrate the love of your life, escape with me.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you decide to let go and run free or just slow down and enjoy what life has to offer, escape with me.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you decide that it’s time to follow your own dreams and not the dreams others made for you, escape with me.

After an exhilarating, fun time at the falls, we flew a kite on a field of Bluebonnets. I can’t forget my son’s excited voice as his kite went way up high into the sky. He kept yelling, “Dad, dad, look at me. I did it!”

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

When you hope to make minutes of laughter into a lifetime of joyful memories, escape with me.

That day, it was not just my son’s kite that soar and flew above the ground. My heart flew as well as I captured each beautiful and unforgettable memory.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

I wish there is an escape to everything. I wish there is an escape to every tragedy that befalls us everyday. Sadly, there are many events that there are none. These are situations beyond our control. Situations we need to face with courage, hope and faith.

Island Traveler/Mckinney Falls State Park/Escape

As the horror and devastation of the Oklahoma Tornado unfolds, me and my wife felt a heaviness in our chest as we tried to hold back tears. So many have died, many of which are children trapped inside schools and buildings they thought would shield them from the deadly tornado.

I dedicate this post to the victims and their families in Moore Oklahoma and its surrounding neighborhood. To let them know that the world grieves and cries with them. That constantly, they will be in our thoughts and prayers. That as one, unified community we will support them in whatever way we can. That they have someone to walk with and hold on to as they face the aftermath of this unimaginable calamity. Perhaps we can not escape certain events but we do have a choice on how to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding our lives all over again.

Thank you for escaping with me today. Though it was short, I hope it inspired you to follow the things that makes you happy.

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The Many Patterns at Wimberley

Everyday, we all experience many patterns in our journey in life. Some patterns lead to places of adventure and discovery. One such place for me is the beautiful town  of Wimberley. A little piece of paradise at the scenic Hill Country of Texas.

Island Traveler/Texas/Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

A month ago, we ventured on a different route on our way back to Houston. I was getting sleepy and needed to stop. I told my wife, “I badly needed some coffee. I wonder if there is a coffee shop somewhere in this town.” Unknowingly, we were in for a treat way better than coffee. Sorry, fellow coffee lovers. It was more invigorating than our caffeine rich favorite beverage.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

The Many Patterns Of Life And The Roads We Take

Some patterns leads to something delicious and refreshing. Our first stop was The Old Mill. A shop of many sorts. Souvenirs, ice cream, coffee, home decor, Art works and more. You name, they got it!

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

While I was waiting for my brewed coffee, my son together with his mom were busy selecting the flavor of ice cream to eat. My son was being thoughtful and left me a few spoons worth of  left overs. As they say, “Sharing is loving.” Ice cream and coffee together? Yum-yum!

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

My wife decided to check a local jewelry store. While waiting for her, me and my boy decided to find treasures of our own. We found a Gum Ball machine and won a few treats.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Remember those good old days when simple toys like marbles rock our world? Well, this place has lots of them. I was surprised that Lego boy found them fascinating. He got really excited when we bought him 20 pieces of marbles.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Instead of eating the gum balls, we decided to play with them as we do with marbles. After several hits, they broke into pieces.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Some patterns remind us of the good old past. Of the things that brought a smile to our day. Of the things that we shared growing up with our family and friends.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Wimberley has lots of Antique Stores. It gave us an instant trip down memory lane.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

This metal knight reminded me of the days when I imagined myself as part of King Arthur’s knights of the round table. Today,that legacy lives on through my son and his generation.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Like pages taken from a CountryLiving magazine, Chic-A-Dee exudes that warm and welcoming country charm. I can totally see myself living in it. Yes, for real!

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

In one of the stores, I heard my wife’s excited voice, “Hey, check out these books. I used to read them as a kid.” I told her, “Me too.” We bought one so we can share the magic of these books to our son. Plus, it will help us recollect the childhood memories we long forgotten every time we read the book with him.

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

My wife has been collecting tea cups lately. Imagine her joy when she discovered these vintage gems. She got herself two. With a wink she said, “Thanks Hon.”

Island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

Some patterns enrich the heart. Patterns that bring us happiness. Patterns that become a part of our most cherished memories. Memories that reminds us of  unforgettable times we had with family.

Island Traveler/Wimberley Texas/Weekly Photo Challenge:Pattern

We saw a painted hand on a wall. Its finger was pointing towards a wooden pathway. Below the hand was a description that says, “A little bit of Heaven.” 

Island Traveler/Wimberley Texas/Weekly Photo Challenge:Pattern

It did feel like we had a bit of heaven as we enjoyed the beauty and serenity of Cypress Creek. My son gave me a sweet smile as he played with the other kids. He looked so happy. The very same look I used to have when I was his age playing with my siblings and cousins along the creek next to my house. There was even an old Guava tree next to it that I used to climb to pick fruits, rest or dream.

Island Traveler/Wimberley Texas/Weekly Photo Challenge:Pattern

It was getting late. We were having so much fun that we forgot for a moment that we still have  to drive a few hours to reach home. I swear, for a second, I thought it was home. Too bad I had to wake up from my day dreaming.

island Traveler/ Wimberley Texas/Weeklyphotochallenge:Pattern

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My son asked me, “Dad, can we stay longer? Can we also eat in a restaurant? I am hungry.” Next to the creek was Ino’z. It looked like a perfect spot for a taste bud adventure. We chose a table next to a huge tree. I was literally sitting next to its trunk. While savoring the delicious Tilapia Fajita, I noticed a face on the trunk staring at me. Then I looked around me and saw more faces on the old giant cypress trees. Hmm? Cypress Creek is a mixture of enchantment and mystery as well.

Island Traveler/Wimberley Texas/Weekly Photo Challenge:Pattern

Some patterns inspire us to create and use our God-given talents. Seeing the kids catched fish using materials they saw along the creek, my son also made an improvised fishing pole. He found a broken tree branch and a yarn while I found a metal wire which I shaped into a fish-hook.

Island Traveler/Wimberley Texas/Weekly Photo Challenge:Pattern

Some patterns makes us realize just how lucky we are to be alive. To be given moments that make us see the goodness within us and around us. To be given chances to experience events with the people we care about.

Everyday we will meet many patterns and cross roads. Among the many patterns we will make in this lifetime, we should choose the ones that will bring meaning and joy in our life. 

What pattern do you wish to follow today? What pattern did you follow that brought you to your dreams? Whatever they are, cherish them always.

Thank you for being a part of this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge titled “Patterns‘ and thank you for sharing your friendship with me day after day. Friendship is another pattern that will give us many reasons to smile and be thankful for.

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