Holidays spent in Texas

When I left Canada for Texas in late October, my focus was simply on horses, experiencing Texas and being fiercely independent. The NCHA Cutting Futurity was calling, and I was ready to immerse myself in the heart of the cutting horse world. What I didn’t expect was for this trip to take a turn that would alter my plans a touch.

In the midst of the long days and late nights at the Futurity, I met someone who completely shifted my perspective. We clicked instantly, and suddenly, my Texas experience wasn’t just about chasing my horse dreams - it was about new friends and possible experiences too. Before I knew it, I found myself invited to their family Thanksgiving, my very first American Thanksgiving.

Let me tell you, Thanksgiving in Texas was something else. Southern hospitality is real, and this family embodied it in every way. The food was incredible, but one dish stood out: sweet potato mash with cinnamon, brown sugar, and toasted marshmallows on top. At first glance, I thought, “Is this a dessert or a side dish?” But one bite and I was hooked. It was sweet, savory, and everything I didn’t know I needed on my plate. That dish alone could have won me over, but the kindness and warmth of the family truly made it unforgettable.

As Thanksgiving passed, I found myself longing for more time in Texas. On a whim, I booked a flight to return for Christmas. It was a spontaneous decision, but one that felt absolutely right. The excitement of coming back to Texas and spending the holidays with this newfound connection outweighed any second thoughts. That said, it did mean my goodbyes to my Canadian friends were rushed. I barely had time to process leaving them behind. But every cloud has a silver lining, and I knew this new chapter was worth embracing.

Before I knew it, I was back in Texas, greeted in the best way possible: with Crumbl cookies. My return was everything I hoped it would be and more. I experienced a Texan Christmas and was spoiled far beyond what I could have imagined. I am incredibly grateful for every moment. Over the last six weeks, I’ve created connections with the most amazing American family, and I can now proudly say I feel like part of them.

New Year’s Eve was spent at the Stockyards - a night filled with bucking bulls, broncs, country music, and so much more. It was a true celebration of cowboy culture, and I loved every second of it. The energy, the spectacle, and the people all fueled my growing passion for the rodeo and the cowboy way of life. There couldn’t have been a better way to ring in the New Year.

As some of you may have read in my previous blog, one of the key things I knew I would miss about Canada was the snow. And guess what we had unexpectedly in Texas? SNOW! Almost nine inches of it. We spent the day making snowmen and driving the side-by-side, pulling a wakeboard-like contraption through the snowy fields. It was so much fun, and my heart felt full of love. The following day, I got to experience hunting, which was another new adventure for me. The snow-covered forests were stunning, and while I won’t delve too much into the details of hunting itself, I will say that I found the experience fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed the serene beauty of nature.

We also took a quick trip to Austin, where we listened to live music, indulged in copious amounts of delicious food, and soaked in the city’s unique vibe. Walking through Austin’s bustling streets, I found myself enchanted by its quirky charm and vibrant energy. As I browsed through various stores, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the beautiful clothing and boots on display. However, the bittersweet sting of reality hit every time I turned over a price tag and had to walk away. Despite that, the experience of exploring the city, its music, and its culinary delights left a lasting impression on me.

All in all, my time in Texas has been better than I ever could have imagined. To have come away from it with a connection that was beyond unexpected makes me feel incredibly lucky. I’ve not only found incredible people but also ones who allow me to be unapologetically myself and fully support my extravagant travel plans. Despite these amazing connections, my odyssey to traverse the world continues. Who knows? Maybe a companion will join me along the way here and there.