March 8: Marfa, Texas: Amazing, Inspiring, Creative

March 8: Marfa, Texas: Amazing, Inspiring, Creative:

Marfa (https://visitmarfa.com/visit) a tiny, middle of nowhere west Texas town, that has, starting with the work of Donald Judd in 1979, become a creators mecca that is populated by galleries, and friendly and welcoming locals. It is a place that seemed to be manifested through the dreams of its own citizens.

Typical of the folks we met was the counter person at Aster Marfa, A patio cafe (with indoor seating) counter service place with incredibly good hummus and sour dough bread tucked in a building across the street from the local courthouse .

A tall, pretty, woman, she engaged us in conversation, including one about different attitudes about retirement. She enriched our lunch experience 100 fold -- just the sort of experiences we’ve sought in retirement and I’m sad I didn’t ask her name.

The Piasano hotel: also very worth seeing -- one of those old gorgeous hotels that just don’t exist any more. While we love our Baby Beluga!, it would be an adventure to stay there, too..

We remembered this quote from Margaret Mead when we were in Marfa: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

And then .. Luck of all luck -- we took an online chance and scored a cancellation campsite in Big Bend National Park for $8.00, so took the 2-hour detour (ain’t retirement permissive and great!) through the desert and into the gorgeous Chisos mountains landscape in Big Bend Texas. Greeted by a group of Javelinas, and just in time to make our dinner in our Baby Beluga kitchen. (ha! A lie -- we had pre-prepped Mason Jar Salads!).

Retirement Lessons Learned: Time isn’t infinite, but it is flexible! Not living on the clock is highly recommended!