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They say friends are the family you choose. Well, most of my chosen family AND God-given one live in the great state of Texas, so I try to make it back there as often as I can. So on my most recent vacation, I trekked back home to the Alamo City. I missed it so much. Not so coincidentally, right outside my hotel was a big reminder of the state I'd been away from far too long! 

I wasn't born in Texas (I'm a New Orleans native), but I spent ten years there building my businesses and raising Gabby before moving on to my ultimate dream of being a QVC host. In that decade I developed the deepest, strongest friendships I've ever had. I call them my "Zuzu's Petals," named after the rose petals George from "It's a Wonderful Life" carried with him as a reminder of the love of his family.

My best friend in the Universe, Kim. We met when I needed a last-minute photographer for one of my boutique's grand openings. Who knew I was also interviewing for a sister?! 

Lori, the first person I hired at my first boutique. She's one of the calmest, kindest gals I've ever met. 

Philippe, restaurateur extraordinaire. He hosted one of my first fashion shows in San Antonio. That seems like a lifetime ago! 

And at the end of my trip, one large gathering of friends new and old. My chosen extended family. 

I did a lot of things in this trip. Went to see my San Antonio Spurs open their season with a victory, revisited the Alamo, and scouted colleges for Gabby (yikes!). It was all so fun and I can't wait to do it again. But visiting my supportive, loving friends and family is the real reason I come home. They remind me why I do what I do, why I wake up every morning, what my life's purpose is.....

As I walked the streets of downtown for the hundreth time, I came across something I'd never seen before. A large blackboard with a bucket of chalk, a single unfinished question written on it waiting to be answered by passers-by. More energized than ever by this trip, I wrote my answer on the board with more enthusiasm than I could have ever written it before: 

Thank you, Texas, for my friends, my family, and good times. I can't wait to see you again soon, cheers!