You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.

I had flown down to Santa Barbara for a much needed vacation. I had been here before for United, a photography conference, but last October I booked a hotel, rental car, and plane ticket for 10 days. Just me. Just the beach. To refuel and breathe.

You see, I knew Andrew through PASS (my oh-so-awesome company based here in SB that provides custom galleries for ya’ll) but never really had the opportunity to connect or get to know him or his wife Kimmy outside of work related meet-ups or conferences.

I forget how it happened, if went by after a group dinner or just stopped by. But I remember walking in their door and being welcomed wholeheartedly into their home; their lives. I remember sitting on their couch and just hanging out. I remember feeling comfortable, at home right away and loved how low key it was. For this girl, that does not happen often. You see, these two are the definition of hospitable. Actually.

Kimmy definitely brought that southern hospitality with her from Texas because whether I was stepping off the plane at Santa Barbara airport for a couple months or a week, they have welcomed me “home” with open arms.

The Barlows have become family. And today, as I am sitting on the couch watching the Thanksgiving parade celebrating with them here in America, I am oh-so-thankful.

Love you guys.