Y’all may not know this but I have been on a bit of a postage stamp binge these past two years. New and vintage. I’m now the person who walks into the post office just to ask what new stamps they have.

I’ve been following printmaker Lili Arnold on Instagram for a while now and am so excited by these new U.S. postage stamps that she designed.

Speaking of postage, people always grumble when postage prices increase. This video by comedian Kathleen Madigan sums up my feelings about this perfectly.

This video will have you reaching for the Kleenex.

Sacramento, California employs some old school, and super cute, fire-control methods.

Texas Mountain Laurel are blooming now… they smell like grape Bubble Yum.

The care and love that the Elgin community has shown to those affected by Monday’s tornados has made me even happier to live in a small town. I’ve had many friends that live elsewhere ask how they can help. The Elgin Chamber of Commerce has created a webpage to assist anyone wanting to help.

As a teenager Veronica Ortuño cut her teeth as an artist in the underground music and art scene. She is founder and creative director of interior design firm Casa Veronica, and Las Cruxes, a creative services platform that supports creatives with the unique perspective Veronica cultivated through years of performing and creating art. She lives in Elgin with her husband and daughter.

1. Why did you move to Elgin?

The affordability and quality of life compared to Austin, where I lived for nearly 20 years. We’ve met some wonderful people within the Elgin community and cherish being able to slow down and be more present.

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

I feel fortunate that my chosen career in ceramics and interior decorating fosters creative expression. I’m constantly brimming with ideas, so having these outlets and avenues for learning fuels my contentment & fulfillment. As a new mother, it was important I not lose my creative voice and maintain some semblance of autonomy aside from parenthood. While I’ve only just started ceramics two years ago, I’m learning so much and am tapping into something deep within myself. I appreciate that it has been both challenging and therapeutic in many ways.

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

A few that stand out: 1.) gratitude & acceptance; 2.) how overwhelming, complex, and beautiful parenthood is; 3.) the importance of simplifying my life

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I’m reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and “Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior” by Chogyam Trungpa. Both illuminating and highly recommended.