Texas

I spoke in Longview Texas on Friday -- what a great crowd. But what I also enjoyed was the drive through the piney woods of East Texas. I have lived in Texas over 20 years and it seems that through CLE speaking opportunities, I get to discover more and more beautiful places in this great state.

Longview is awesome. Although, I think in a showdown, Comstock might win out.

There's something about the harsh landscape of West Texas. You have to work to love it. Like so many things in life.

Quote of the day ...

"I don't look at happiness as being a great goal. A sense of peace, definitely, but it's like the seasons. I think we're meant to have a spring, summer, autumn and winter. I'm not looking for a perpetual summer because that would be a flat line." Joely Richardson.

I know I am not in summer ... maybe the Autumn of my life. ... And where are you, faithful readers?

Why I am the lawyer I am ..

Friends, I got an email today that Judge Baird was retiring at the end of his term. I am stunned. I was his staff attorney at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals from 1997 to 1998. Those two years were difficult and demanding and intellectually challenging on every level. But I had the good hand of Judge Baird to guide me and teach me about doing the right thing.

When I was assigned my first opinion to write (my first day of work!), I vividly remember standing in his office, holding the shuck, and asking him how it was supposed to come out. He looked at me quizzically and said, "The law will determine the outcome." And the law did. He challenged the law when it was wrong and honored precedent like no other jurist.

I am trying to write this and reflect upon my years with him and I keep tearing up. Maybe more later ... but the people of Texas are losing not just an intellectual giant, but a kind, decent, caring public servant who never forgot who he worked for.

Thanksgiving

I am on vacation -- and while I have been checking emails, I have no cell phone. Reason One - cost. But the real reason is that I am with my son and my mother. The two people I worry about the most and for whom I am most thankful, are with me.

I am very thankful for the job that I have. I am thankful for the people who entrust their loved ones fate with me. I know this time of year must be so hard on all my families. Those who cannot be together during the holidays suffer.

I look forward to my return to "normal" life -- work, working out, and eating right. Vacations can be too much fun packed into one week. But I am thankful we could all be together.

Meaning

Today I was moved. I am not sure if it was because of the extreme number of hours I am working or some sort of universal karmic grace ... but I made a connection with a human being today and might never be the same. I was driving from work, my head full of law and to-do's and places I needed to be and a homeless man stopped in front of me. I smiled because that is my automatic response and he turned his head ever so slightly and smiled at me. A real smile with a crinkle in his endless blue eyes. For at least several seconds, we connected and were engaged. The light turned and I drove off, inexplicably sad. That man saw me. That man graced me with a smile. That man with nothing chose to give me what he had -- kindness, grace, and a soulful look. As crazy as this sounds, that song ran through my head ... What if God was one of us ..." I have been touched today.

The impossible

I have heard - but never had anyone actually tell me - that it must be great to be a defense lawyer because you work half a day and you are done. If it were only true. I am working now - after working all day yesterday and there is really no end in sight. My good friend Mac was at the office yesterday and the only view I had of what looked like a lovely Saturday was out the window of my office.

I am NOT complaining. I am NOT sorry I worked. I do what I do because I love it. It's not easy and it's time consuming -- but it is the greatest joy to know you are working to right a wrong.

I am grateful my mother is here to help me with my son and the laundry and the dog and in general, run the house.

And I'll end with a quote that is going to inspire me in my work today!

"There is no use in trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things."

"I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." -- Lewis Carroll

Back to believing in the possible and working and defending! Happy Sunday, friends.

To Dallas

Today, I am heading to Dallas to speak about how to write a brief in a capital case. I have spoken at many seminars and felt confident writing the paper. And then, realizing the gravity of the assignment, I started second guessing myself. I think that is inherent in appellate lawyers. We deconstruct every element of a trial to try and find reversible error. We do the same in our own lives, as well.

To assuage my fears, I started calling people. I called Judge Cochran of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. I called the Court's attorney, Sian Schilab, who worked in the death penalty section almost two decades before her well-deserved promotion. I called Jan Morrow - a prolific and incredibly thoughtful appellate attorney. They were all gracious with their time and incredibly helpful in ideas and also confirmed that I was OK. Their help thoroughly solidified my paper and their insights will be invaluable in sharing today.

It will be a good day - I should be home by 3:30 to get in some work for my clients who really need my help too!