Our Story: The Creative Spark Abroad
When we first arrived in Querétaro, everything felt new, fast, and overwhelming. But as the days have passed, our perspective has shifted. What once swept us up in a whirlwind is now beginning to feel familiar and peaceful.
The sounds of the market, the hum of engines as cars weave through the streets, even the constant shifts in weather—all of these have become staples of our daily life. This newfound sense of peace has also sparked a wave of creativity. Photography and videography, which once felt like work and a way to make a living back home, are now reconnecting us to that original spark. The spark you feel when you first pick up a camera—the one that pushes you to see the world differently, pause in the moment, and truly experience it.
Everyday Surprises
Querétaro has a way of surprising us every single day. Hardly a day goes by without us stopping to take photos on our errands, pointing out small details to one another, or coming home to laugh about something silly we noticed at the mercado.
The other day, for example, I was walking through the aisles of Mercado La Cruz, hunting for salty snacks and scanning the stands for bulk items. Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks. Was that a parrot? Sure enough, a bright green parrot was perched casually at one of the shops. I stepped closer, and there I was—eye to eye with the bird. That’s not something you’d stumble across in the States.
It’s moments like these that fine-tune our creative eye. The energy that once felt overwhelming now drives us to notice the countless little stories unfolding around us every second.
Beauty in the Details
The joy isn’t just in the grand moments—it’s in the small details. Seeing a parrot in an unexpected place brought us laughter and wonder, and we both realized how much we had been missing that sense of awe back in the States.
Just last week, we wandered through the city to see the decorations for Independence Day. Streets were lit with colorful lights, massive Mexican flags draped across government buildings, and a glowing “¡Viva México!” sign invited people to stop and take photos.
It was a Sunday night, and the city was alive. Vendors sold festive decorations, kids darted through the crowds with inflatable balloons, couples strolled hand in hand, and fathers chased their children while mothers called out for them not to wander too far. We stood still, soaking it all in—watching people live, laugh, and connect in the moment.
We looked at each other and said, “You don’t get this in the States.” Back home, we were conditioned to always be productive, to always generate value for someone else. Here, people are simply allowed to exist in joy, and it feels both foreign and refreshing.
Slowing Down, Opening Up
We only had to leave the U.S. to rediscover our creativity and excitement for daily life. Things aren’t perfect—there are plenty of challenges that come with living abroad—but we’d take these struggles any day over a life where simply existing felt out of place.
The slower pace of life here has opened up space for us to think, feel, and create. In Texas, that space felt weighed down by constant busyness. Here, it feels expansive.
We came searching for a different way of life, and every day in Mexico reminds us to slow down and look closer. Inspiration is everywhere—it just takes being open to it.
As we continue our journey, we invite you to join us. Follow along on YouTube and Instagram for more glimpses into the everyday moments that are shaping our story. Sometimes, it’s the little things that turn out to be the most beautiful.