Samplejournalofimages-Best of Both Worlds

Journal of Images -- “Best of Both Worlds”Debra Renee' SampleFall 2008Introduction to the Visual Arts 1301Austin Community CollegePaula King, Professor

“The Best of Both Worlds”

I feel privileged to be able to have the best of both worlds when living right outside of town. Being out of the city limits and in a more country like setting as many rewards. I can enjoy all the country side has to offer and still be able to pop into town for the things I need and enjoy. I get to wake up to birds singing rather than the noises of the city, like buses, honking horns and sirens from the emergency vehicles. I can enjoy shopping at the Outlet Mall, going to plays at Texas State University and participating in functions in town when living near town as well as enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer like hiking, boating and just exploring the peaceful countryside.

Living close to town I get to shop at the Prime and Tanger Outlet Malls that are located along IH35 in San Marcos, Tx. There are many great shops at the mall and I only have to drive about fifteen minutes to enjoy them. I also get to enjoy plays at Texas State University like two I recently had the pleasure of seeing, “Company” and “Dearly Departed,” that my best friends son was in. They were both great plays. “Company” was performed at the Glade Amphitheater and “Dearly Departed” was performed in the Theater building on campus. I enjoy participating in many things in San Marcos and giving back to my community. I have the opportunity in participating in many things such as being in the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association that recently participated in the Veterans day Parade in San Marcos. We also go and do fingerprinting for the kids anywhere someone would like us go and participate. I believe that participating and giving back is one of the most rewarding things someone can do for their community. I also get to enjoy the many sculptures one of our family friends, Jason Scull, has done for the City of San Marcos and Hays County. One sculpture that he's done is one of John C “Jack” Hays for whom our county is named. He is one of many talented artists in the San Marcos area that I get to enjoy. Living outside the area I get to enjoy what San Marcos has to offer without having the hassles of living right in town. No trains, no sirens, no honking horns and no loud college parties to wake me up at night!!

Only a thirty minute drive from my home I can enjoy the beautiful peaceful countryside and Canyon Lake. Along the way on RR 32 you can stop at the rest area at Devil's Backbone and enjoy the view. It is also an awesome spot to take coffee and tacos and watch the sun rise which I have done on many occasions with friends. Anywhere in the Texas Hill Country is great to just relax and soak in the goodness that nature and God has to offer. Canyon Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery or let loose and have some fun. It's a great place to go boating and fishing or hike along one of the many trails to explore and see what you can find. As I drive through the hill country on the many back roads to Canyon Lake I enjoy the scenery and splendor of what nature has to offer. The rolling hills and water give a tranquil and calming feel to the area. It gives me time to reflect and think about anything that may be on my mind and helps me relax.

It is wonderful to be able to have the best of both worlds. It is nice to be far enough out of the city to not have to deal with the hassles of everyday life in town but close enough to enjoy what it has to offer. It's great not having to deal with the everyday hassles living in town can bring and at the same time I am not so far out that it's a hassle to get to town but also enjoy all the elements of nature and what the Texas Hill Country has to offer. So if your thinking about wanting the best of both worlds, I say, “just move right outside of town and soak it all in!”

LineOn the way to Canyon Lake you can enjoy the line of Fountain Grass which is just one of the many things to be enjoyed as you drive through the Texas Hill Country.

Fountain Grass Taken along FM 484, Canyon Lake, Tx on October 19, 2008

ColorAs the beautiful color of this Begonia Flower attracts even the smallest of creatures,

like this bee, it can be found planted most anywhere, in town or out in the country.

Begonias Taken on Palomino Lane, San Marcos, Tx November 9, 2008

ShapeLiving near town one can enjoy the chiseled out shape of Texas and the

paintings inside while one drives along the excess roads of IH35 in San Marcos.

Taken at the I-35 excess Road and Centerpoint Road, San Marcos, Tx , November 8, 2008

MassJust a hop, skip and jump from the bustling town life, one can enjoy the mass of water at Canyon Lake, off of FM 306, in the Texas Hill Country.

Taken at Potter's Creek at Canyon Lake, October 19, 2008

ValueWhen so close to town, one can enjoy the plays at the many

theatres like this outdoor amphitheater on the Texas State Campus. Showing the play at night adds value to the brightly lit stage.

Set of the musical “Company” at the Glade Outside Theatre on Texas State University Campus on October 18, 2008, San Marcos, Tx

TextureYou can find moss growing on rocks, as this example of texture,

even in your own backyard when you live out in the country!

Taken on Palomino Lane, San Marcos, Tx. October 20, 2008

SpaceThis sculpture of John C “Jack” Hays by local sculptor and family friend, Jason Scull,

shows an example of space under the stomach and between the legs of the horse. Being able to appreciate and see sculptures like these is one advantage of living in an Urban area.

Taken on the square at the Hays County Courthouse in downtown San Marcos, Tx October 30, 2008

UnityWhen you live close to town you can enjoy people coming together like Blue Santa

and McGruff the Crime Dog seen here in the Veterans Day Parade in San Marcos, Tx. Coming together to honor those who have fought for our country and our freedom.

Taken at the Veterans Day Parade in San Marcos, Tx November 8, 2008

VarietyWhen living on the outskirts of an urban area people can shop at

the variety of busy shops like these at the San Marcos Prime Outlet Mall.

Taken at the Prime Outlet Mall in San Marcos, Tx November 8, 2008

BalanceBeing able to enjoy the best of both worlds can bring balance to one's life like

the balance of this liriope which can be found in the city or in the country. If one lives in the city it can feel like one has brought a little country to the city.

Taken on Palomino Lane, San Marcos, Tx. November 7, 2008

EmphasisHere looking out from a rest area along RR 32 one can see how El Rancho

Cima has cleared around this tree to give it emphasis. It is called “The Lone Tree” which can be enjoyed just a few miles outside of San Marcos.

The “Lone Tree” at El Rancho Cima Boyscout Ranch Taken from the rest area along Devil's Backbone on Ranch Rd 32

on the way to Canyon Lake.

ScaleWhen living on the outskirts of town one can enjoy basic plants like these

large elephant ears and still enjoy the beauty of the country side in the background.

Taken on Palomino Lane, San Marcos, Tx. October 6th, 2008

RhythmOne can live close to town and still enjoy the rhythm of an old fence like this one that is built of boards laid one after another.

Taken at the Millican Ranch entrance on Country Estates Drive, San Marcos, Tx. November 4, 2008

MovementA thirty minute trip to Canyon Lake from San Marcos one can see the spectacular movement

along the shore line like this taken at dusk along the waters edge at Canyon Dam.

Taken from Canyon Dam at Canyon Lake, Tx. October 19, 2008