Welcome to the Journey
Thank you for your interest in my journey to visit all 88 Texas State Parks.
I started this quest back in February as a way to reset, slow down and get out into nature more. Creating a book from these visits was not in the original plan, but it gradually became something I literally felt drawn to do. I have gained so much through visiting these parks and I wanted to share some of that with others.
Right Here All Along follows my first 16 Texas State Park visits through sketches, reflections, songs, videos, trail notes, quiet moments, and quotes to carry with you.
About the Book
This book began as a quiet practice: visiting Texas State Parks, sitting still long enough to notice, and sketching what asked to be remembered.
Each park chapter includes a sketch made at the park, a reflection from the visit, “Further Down the Trail” notes about the place itself, QR codes to songs and videos, a quiet moment, and a quote to carry with you.
This is not just a book about parks. It is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and discover what may have been right here all along.
What’s Inside
- A sketch from the park
- A personal reflection
- Songs inspired by the visits
- Videos from the trail
- Notes about the park and where I sketched
- A quiet moment you can practice anywhere
- A quote to take with you
Parks Featured in the Book
Cedar Hill State Park • Bonham State Park • Purtis Creek State Park • Lake Tawakoni State Park • Huntsville State Park • Brazos Bend State Park • Galveston Island State Park • Sheldon Lake State Park • Sea Rim State Park • Fort Boggy State Park • Tyler State Park • Lake Bob Sandlin State Park • Martin Creek State Park • Daingerfield State Park • Lake Whitney State Park • Fort Parker State Park
Trail Essentials
A curated collection of Susan’s favorite take-along products for park days, road trips, camping weekends, and everyday nature resets.
Trail Essentials
- Solid shampoo bars
- Lip balm
- Bugs Away
- Lotion bars
Woodsy Soaps
- Walk in the Woods
- Fir & Cedar
- Peppermint & Tea Tree
- Lemongrass
Stay Connected
Join my email community for park reflections, book news, trail updates, and nature-inspired notes from the journey.
From Susan’s Soaps to the State Parks
For more than 26 years, I’ve handcrafted natural soaps and skincare inspired by essential oils, botanicals, and simple living. This book grew from that same love of nature — the quiet beauty, small details, and simple moments that help us feel grounded again.