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HANDMADE

HOLIDAY

BLUE

HITTING THE

Finding

[Spring, TX],

Soud Twal, a top national realtor, and his wife, Tiffany, chose to settle in Mueller for its positive energy and sense of community.

18 Give the Gift of Handmade

Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a wish come true for gift shoppers.

22 Hitting the High Notes

Grammy-winning soprano Hila Plitmann is embracing fearlessness, reinvention and joy in Mueller, her new home.

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE A Season to Savor

8 WHAT’S NEW Events and Attractions

10 MEET ME AT THE MARKET Hackamore Ranch

28 LOCAL TASTES A Sandwich With Flair

30 PERSPECTIVES Poem by Sara Puiglaas

32 PHOTO OP Day’s End

Realtor Soud Twal and his wife, Tiffany, chose Mueller as the ideal place to raise their family.

Photograph courtesy of Soud Twal

As a real estate professional and proud resident of the Mueller neighborhood, I love being a part of this vibrant, close-knit community. With its mix of modern homes, green spaces, and walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special. Living here gives me an inside perspective on the area’s unique market and lifestyle, which I use to help clients make informed and confident decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the neighborhood, I’m always happy to share my expertise and enthusiasm for this amazing place we call home.

Soud Twal

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

512.787.8617

soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soudtwal.com

MAGAZINE

nA SEASON TO SAVOR

NOVEMBER IS SUCH a special month. The holiday season is in full swing with all the excitement it brings, yet the pace still feels just a bit slower. It’s a chance for us all to pause, soak in the season, and enjoy the calm before the hustle truly begins.

This month, we meet Soud Twal, a local realtor, family man, and proud Mueller resident who shares his family’s journey to our community

and why Mueller has become such an important part of their lives.

We also had the joy of speaking with Grammy Award–winning opera singer Hila Plitmann, who shares her incredible talent, light, and inspiration with us.

To kick off the holiday spirit, we take a look at the history of the beloved Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Just down the road on Airport, this Austin treasure is the perfect spot to find unique, local gifts for the season.

And in Meet Me at the Market, Carmen Gray introduces us to the husband-and-wife team behind Hackamore Ranch. From beef and lamb to natural skincare, their market booth is a true must-visit.

The holidays are a magical time in Mueller. From twinkling lights along our streets to festive events, neighborhood shops, and eateries offering seasonal delights, there’s so much to enjoy. May this upcoming season bring you joy, connection, and a chance to savor it all.

Liz Reingold Publisher

Editor & Publisher

Liz Reingold

Writers

Carmen Gray

Cristina Tangredi

Photographers

Margarita Garcia Acevedo

Marketing Coordinator

Alexandra Garcia

Social Media and Content Intern

Nicole Higgins

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

Rosemary O’Connell

Executive Editor

Elaine Quilici

Associate Editor

Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

DIRECTORY OF SPONSORS

Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them Mueller magazine sent you!

Crane & Holtzman

Crane & Holtzman is a boutique, full-service accounting firm providing tax, consulting and accounting services to individuals, businesses and trusts.

512.215.0057 | www.craneholtzman.com

Dish Society

Dish Society is a Mueller neighborhood favorite for locally sourced food, everyday feel-good meals, good vibes, and great company

512.623.1498 | www.dishsociety.com @dishsociety

Honest Mary’s

Honest Mary’s fuels the Mueller community with life-giving fast food—clean, chef-crafted bowls made fresh and fast. Perfect for families, busy professionals, and active lifestyles.

512.375.3906 | www.honestmarys.com @honestmarys

Origin Hotel

Discover Origin Hotel Austin, blending Texas charm with modern comfort, stylish rooms, and all-day dining from Blue Lacy right in the heart of Mueller. 512.861.1140 | www.Originhotel.com @origin_austin

Texas Mutual

As the state’s leading workers’ compensation provider, Texas Mutual Insurance Company is dedicated to protecting employees, supporting local communities, and fortifying the state economy.

512.224.3800 | www.texasmutual.com @texasmutual

Kuper Sotheby’s

A distinguished real estate advisor and proud Mueller resident, offering expert guidance whether you’re buying, selling, or exploring the neighborhood. 512.831.6577 | www.sotheybysrealty.com @soud_twal

SANTA

CATARINA

Mexican Restaurant

Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is a boutique family restaurant with homestyle cooking from South Central Mexico. Our bar features 100% Agave tequilas and Mezcales. All of our juices are homemade: no sugar added. 512.291.7154 | www.santacatarinarestaurant.com @santacatarinatx

The Herb Bar

The Herb Bar, Austin’s oldest apothecary, has served the community for nearly 40 years with teas, tinctures, organic body products, and holistic workshops focused on wellness and connection. 512.444.6251 | www.theherbbar.com @theherbbar

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop offers expert cuts, shaves, and color for EVERYONE—set in a fun, familyfriendly space with our iconic poster wall and lively music.

325.268.5906 | www.Floydsbarbershop.com @floyds99atx

Mueller Silent Market

Since 2008, the Mueller Silent Market Team has specialized in Mueller and Central Austin real estate, offering expert guidance on both public and private listings.

512.913.8642 | www.muellersilentmarket.com @muellersilentmarketteam

St. Austin Catholic School

Since 1917, St. Austin has partnered with families to form Christ-centered, academically strong, moral community leaders through faith, service, scholarship, and a nurturing Catholic environment. 512.886.1756 | www.Staustinschool.org

The Salty Sow

At Salty Sow, we serve up bold, farmsourced Texas comfort food with a Southern twist—bringing people together for unforgettable meals and good times.

512.391.2337 | www.saltysow.com @saltysow

Thinkery

Thinkery, a nonprofit children’s museum and home to Little Thinkers Preschool, sparks joyful, play-based STEAM learning so ALL children cultivate a lifelong love of learning. 512.469.6201 | www.thinkeryaustin.org | @thinkeryatx

Vaura Pilates

Vaura Pilates fuses reformer precision with athletic training in a sensory rich studio. Energize your body, elevate your mind, and awaken within. 512.481.2795 | www.Vaurapilates.com | @vaura-mueller

VIO Med Spa

Feel great, look amazing at VIO Med Spa. Our medical professionals specialize in skin rejuvenation, Botox, cosmetic injectables, skin care, weight loss and body contouring. 521.900.1051 | www.viomedspa.com | @viomedspa.mueller

In the Neighborhood

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Kick off the holiday season on November 29 with Small Business Saturday! Celebrate the shops and businesses that make our community unique. Every gift you buy local spreads cheer twice, once to your loved ones and again to the small businesses that keep Mueller thriving.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!

We would love to hear from our readers to find out what you love most about the magazine and what you might like to read about in the future. Be a part of our community project! Send your thoughts to hello@muellermagazine.com.

V/O MED SPA, CHEERS TO 3 YEARS!

Join Mueller’s favorite go-to for all things aesthetic and get glowing as the spa celebrates its 3-year anniversary November 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy event-only specials on all services, free consultations with the skin/ body/wellness experts, raffle prizes, sips, and light bites the red carpet. first 50 guests. Street, Suite 120, 512-900-1051

LEARN MORE

The Mueller Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit building a strong, inclusive and connected community through events, activities, advocacy and outreach. To learn more about Mueller, visit www. muellerneighborhood.org.

MOZART’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Mozart’s 2025 Lake Austin Festival of Lights will host a multi-million-dollar family-friendly Christmas rock concert that tells the story of the nativity with live professional performers, narration by actor Kevin Sorbo, choreographed light works and animations on giant LED screens, and a live performance by David Gaschen, known for his role as the Phantom in Broadway’s “The Phantom of the Opera.” December 12 through 20. Priority seats are limited, and tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.mozartscoffee.com/pages/festival-of-lights.

TOWER LIGHTING

Come join your neighbors for Mueller’s favorite holiday kick-off event, the Mueller Tower lighting. December 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Intentional RANCHING

Hackamore Ranch is a small, ecologically minded operation that offers beef, lamb, and natural skin products.

BY CARMEN GRAY

WITH SO MANY choices for farm-fresh meats at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Sundays, one in particular drew me in: Hackamore Ranch, owned by Albina and Cody Fowler. Their booth, which you’ll find inside, features artisanal soaps and jars of affordable skincare products arranged on a burlap-topped table. It turns out they offer natural skincare products made from beef and lamb tallow, in addition to the food products they sell.

I picked up a jar of the whipped tallow balm on a whim, and I’ll be buying more for those dry January days when my hands and face need an extra boost of protection. The rich, luxurious soaps and balms are handcrafted in small batches, many infused with locally sourced herbs and essential oils.

Albina, who hails from a beekeeping family in Uzbekistan, was there to sell

me the balm along with some ground lamb. She told me, “Our best-selling products are ground beef and ground lamb, followed by steaks. Then comes everything else.” She added, “We sell out every week. Customers love all the cuts, and they love to experiment. They get ribs, shanks, and roasts.”

I wasn’t surprised to hear this, as the line of customers kept her busy during the few minutes I was there.

I learned that Albina met Cody, a native Texan raised in the cowboy tradition of the Big Bend region, in Afghanistan while working in international development. Their unique backgrounds bring a blend of rugged independence and sustainability practices to Hackamore Ranch. In 2019, the couple purchased land in Thorndale and began transforming it into a working ranch nestled on approximately 800 acres.

BLENDING OLD AND NEW

Hackamore Ranch is a family-run operation that blends old-world traditions with modern regenerative agriculture. The ranch is not just a livestock producer. It’s a combination of diverse heritage, environmental stewardship and local food accessibility.

From the beginning, their goal was to create a self-sustaining ranch that raised high-quality meat while restoring the land through regenerative techniques. They started by dividing the land into pastures, planting native grasses, digging ponds, and installing fencing and shelters. Their work has created a habitat that supports not only livestock but also native wildlife and plant diversity. This practice goes beyond sustainability by actively working to restore and improve the health of the land. The ranch uses rotational grazing techniques that mimic natural grazing patterns, allowing grasses to recover, preventing erosion, and enhancing soil fertility.

By focusing on soil health, Hackamore Ranch also contributes to carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. They avoid synthetic inputs and chemical fertilizers, opting instead for a natural cycle that enhances biodiversity and supports a balanced ecosystem.

Lamb is one of their specialties. Their Dorper lambs, a cross between the Blackhead Persian and Dorset Horn breeds, are prized for producing meat that is tender, mild, and slightly sweet. This is ideal for people typically turned off by the gaminess of traditional lamb. I noticed the difference in the lamb I bought from them: it was mild and tender, and I’m choosy about lamb. The way they care for their animals really shows.

The animals are raised without antibiotics, growth hormones, GMOs, or animal by-products. Similarly, their Wagyu cattle are managed on pasture and finished with care to yield highquality marbled beef.

Albina and Cody Fowler, owners of Hackamore Ranch

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

The emphasis is on quality, not quantity. Hackamore Ranch aims to raise healthy animals in humane, natural conditions, believing that ethical treatment and clean pasture translate to better meat for consumers.

It’s no wonder Hackamore Ranch is a favorite among marketgoers looking for clean, local meat with transparent sourcing. They also make their food more accessible by accepting SNAP benefits at the market. This allows families using food assistance to purchase high-quality, nutrient-dense meat that is often out of reach in conventional stores.

Additionally, Hackamore Ranch offers online preorders for market pickup, and has launched a homedelivery service, bringing their pasture-raised products straight to customers’ doors. This emphasis on direct-to-consumer sales supports the local economy and shortens the supply chain, giving customers more confidence in the origin of their food. It also allows the ranch to maintain quality control and strong customer relationships, something increasingly rare in the commercial meat industry.

In a world where industrial agriculture often dominates the narrative, Hackamore Ranch truly

stands out as a reminder that small, intentional, ecologically minded operations can thrive and enrich both the land and the community.

If you plan meals with beef or lamb, or you want to try a rich, natural skin product, I suggest you stop by their stall inside the pavilion.

Learn more at www.hackamoreranch.com and follow the ranch on social media @hackamoreranch.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author and freelance writer.

Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3-5) through 8th Grade Excellence without exclusivity, a place to excel!

Finding Home

Soud Twal, a top national realtor, and his wife, Tiffany, chose to settle in Mueller for its sense of community, warmth and energy.

WWHEN SOUD TWAL and his wife, Tiffany, met over a decade ago as college students in New York, they couldn’t have predicted how far their journey would take them, or how this journey would eventually lead them to Mueller. They were inseparable in college and married soon after. Now part of a family of four, including two daughters, one a newborn, Twal feels like he has finally found home.

Moving to Mueller is a decision the couple made with purpose, driven by both personal dreams and a deep understanding of long-term investment. “We moved here for the lifestyle and the community,” says Twal. “As a dad, that means everything. Mueller strikes the perfect balance of warmth and energy. You just feel it.”

Before launching his real estate career, Twal spent five years in the fast-paced world of software sales in Manhattan. That part of his career sharpened his business mindset and negotiation skills. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

Roughly six years ago, he made the move to Austin and pivoted into real estate. “I wanted to combine my love of people, property, and the strategy behind long-term investing,” he says. The gamble paid off. Now with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, Twal ranks in the top 1% of agents in Central Texas and the top 1.5% nationally.

But despite his success, his business remains deeply personal. “I bring a full service, concierge-level approach to every client,” he says. “Whether you’re buying your first condo or selling a million-dollar home, I want you to feel like you’re my only client.”

PEACE AND CONVENIENCE

The decision to settle in Mueller wasn’t just about real estate. It was driven more by lifestyle. They were looking for a neighborhood that felt safe, diverse, vibrant, and walkable. Mueller checked all those boxes and more, offering suburban peace in the middle of a major city.

With Mueller’s trails, tranquil parks, and a strong sense of community, the neighborhood quickly became more than a backdrop. It became a part of their family’s story. “We love seeing neighbors at the park, walking to dinner, and supporting local businesses. There’s a true sense of connection here.”

While the Austin market continues to shift from the frenetic pace of the record highs of recent years, Twal believes Mueller holds a unique

position. “We’re seeing higher inventory and the highest interest rates in a decade,” he explains. “That’s making buyers more intentional. They’re taking their time, doing the math, and only moving on homes that are priced right and offer real value.”

Still, Mueller continues to outperform many other parts of the city. Because of the home types and square footage available here, the demand stays strong. Wellpriced homes don’t sit for long. That hyperlocal distinction is one of the biggest lessons Twal has learned in his real estate career. “People talk about the ‘Austin market’ like it’s one thing, but real estate is truly neighborhood specific. What’s happening in one zip code can look totally different from another just a few miles away.”

A BRIGHT FUTURE

He credits the interest people have in Mueller to both the design of the community and its ongoing commercial development. He feels that as more people discover Mueller, and as new restaurants, shops, and offices continue to open, demand will only grow.

Looking ahead, Twal sees a shift toward balance and sustainability. “The frenzy may have cooled, but that’s a good thing. We’re moving into a more

normalized pace of appreciation and growth. Success is all about proper pricing and partnering with the right agent and brokerage. When you get those things right, you’re setting yourself up for a great outcome.”

Beyond market trends and sales figures, what drives Twal most is the opportunity to help other families plant roots. Whether working with buyers, sellers, or curious neighbors, he’s passionate about being a resource and advocate for the neighborhood.

“This is a long-term investment in both lifestyle and community for us. I plan to be here for the long haul and to help others make Mueller their forever home too.”

Outside of real estate, you can often find Twal walking the trail at Mueller Lake Park, chasing his daughter through one of the area’s many playgrounds, or grabbing coffee from a local café.

“I’m proud to live here,” he says. “This is where I’m building my life, and I want to help others do the same.”

Above, left to right: Chris Coakley, Kevin Collins, Dana Younger, and Rory Skagen, founders of The Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Give the Gift of Handmade

Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a wish come true for gift shoppers.

BY CARMEN GRAY

MMAYBE YOU’VE NOTICED the unique Blue Genie sign hovering above the Brewtorium on Airport Boulevard, across from the ACC Highland campus. Or perhaps you’ve even had a chance to pop into the bustling space during the May or holiday markets. And if you’re a longtime Austin resident like me, you might have ventured into The Blue Genie Art Bazaar when it was housed in Marchesa Hall, where the Austin Film Society now resides.

But let’s go further back in time— back to 1999, when warehouses in the undeveloped parts of town were affordable, and a group of creatives came together with their art and big ideas.

Flashback to the ’90s: A creative entrepreneur named Dana Younger stumbled upon artists in Vermont sculpting gargoyles. This, along with a UT sculpting professor, James Glaven, from whom he took a class, inspired him. Younger and fellow Black Mountain Arts member Kevin Collins began making their own sculptures and selling them at markets. But it was grueling work for sometimes low customer turnout. Despite this, they were tenacious and focused their energy on building their dreams.

Together, with the help of fabrication and mural business owner Rory Skagen, they merged into a service based in a 10,000-square-foot warehouse behind where Canopy is now. In that warehouse, they created

all sorts of sculptures. Younger’s Black Mountain Arts evolved as the trio named their new business Blue Genie Art Industries. They specialized in all kinds of art fabrication, including murals, and eventually added Chris Coakley as a partner.

Lots of notable Austin landmarks passed through their shop, including the six giant concrete bas-relief panels found at the front of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Other iconic Austin works of theirs include the “Baby Devils” for Torchy’s Tacos and lobby fixtures for Alamo Drafthouse.

FROM FUN TO FRUITFUL

Back in the early days, they threw fun parties, invited art friends, and put art

on the walls for these events at their warehouse on Springdale Road. It was all just a lot of fun, until a Christmas party in 2001, when people began buying the art.

“That Christmas was truly our very first Blue Genie Art Bazaar,” Younger says. “And after that art show, we kept up the tradition at our shop. But it grew so big that we had to shut down fabrication for two weeks during the show. We knew we had to take a big leap.”

It was indeed a leap of faith to move their annual art show to a different venue. Renting a space would cost money. Would they attract enough customers to make it worthwhile?

They took a deep breath and decided to move the show into Marchesa Hall

at Lincoln Village. The new location made the show more accessible and easier to find, and it grew exponentially. They remained at Marchesa Hall for nine years, and the Blue Genie name circulated widely in the community.

“You have to check out Blue Genie for fun holiday gifts. It really gets you into the holiday spirit!” I remember telling friends. It was uniquely Austin, and free to enter.

A SPEAKEASY VIBE

Eventually, when Austin Film Society took over the space at Lincoln Village, Blue Genie had to find a new home once again. After some searching, they landed at their current location on Airport Boulevard.

“It’s been an amazing space, a great

location, and we are so grateful to be here,” Younger explains. “It retains that funky warehouse-speakeasy vibe of our original shows.”

And it still remains free to enter, which is a real blessing in Austin, where so many special events come with a price tag.

“One thing that’s always been important is that we are accessible,” Younger adds. “We want to ensure that people can find handmade items at affordable prices.”

A CURATED SHOW

Selecting vendors for The Blue Genie Art Bazaar has always been a curated process. In the early days, they simply invited artist friends to showcase their work. But somewhere along the way,

they started an application process, allowing artists to submit their work for consideration.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar aims to ensure that customers can find a handmade item for $25 or less, though you’ll also find plenty of items at higher price points. The show has evolved over time.

“At the beginning, there were more paintings on the wall. Now it’s more of a handmade gift show,” Younger reminisces.

This fall, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar will open on November 14 and run daily through December 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on Christmas Eve when the bazaar closes at 6 p.m.

If you can’t catch the holiday show, keep an eye out for the 5th Annual May Market, a springtime event featuring

gifts for occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation. It runs on weekends (Friday–Sunday) throughout May, and has become increasingly popular by word of mouth.

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is one of those beloved Austin traditions that deserves to be treasured and supported. When the holidays arrive, my adult kids love dropping in and browsing for gifts at the same place they once strolled through with us as children. It’s a tradition.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author and freelance writer.

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar includes a curated selection of vendors who offer a wide variety of handcrafted gifts. Photos on the opposite page are from the bazaar’s new location on Airport Boulevard; those on this page are from its previous location at Lincoln Village.

Hitting the High Notes

Grammy-winning soprano Hila Plitmann is embracing fearlessness, reinvention, and joy in Mueller, her new home.

WWHEN GRAMMY-WINNING soprano Hila Plitmann speaks, it feels like poetry. Her words feel like a song, much like the music that has defined her life. Now a proud resident of Mueller, Plitmann is entering a new chapter of her life, grounded in creativity, connection, and courage.

Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Plitmann grew up in a family of intellectuals and artists who were a loving mix of science and spirit. Her father, a professor of botany, brought the family to Austin for a sabbatical when she was just seven years old. This adventure changed the trajectory of her entire life.

“I barely spoke a word of English when we arrived,” she recalls. “But by the time we left, I was a fullfledged Austinite. Something about this city just touched my heart. Even at that age, I felt a spark here, like it was the place I was meant to be.”

That early taste of Austin left a permanent mark. Though she returned to Israel for her schooling, the memory of that magical year stayed with her. By that time, music, too, had found its way into her heart.

“I was always a screamer and a singer,” she laughs. “Very dramatic, center of attention kind of kid. I started piano at six, joined my first children’s choir at nine. It was always music. There was no question.”

A YOUNG LEADING LADY

At 13, Plitmann landed a three-month lead role in a production of “The Turn of the Screw” with the Israeli Opera. That performance turned out to be life changing. Leonard Bernstein came to one of the shows. That encounter had a huge influence on the arts in Israel. And on Plitmann.

By 18, she had performed with the Israeli Philharmonic, singing a Bernstein piece. Her journey then took her across the world, when American vocal coach Daniel Ferro encouraged her to audition for Juilliard. With help from her beloved

grandmother, her angel and greatest supporter, she landed a spot and moved to New York City.

“Juilliard was intense and magical. I did both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees there,” she says. “It was a world of endless possibility.”

From there, Plitmann’s path became one of serendipity, talent, and collaboration. She married and moved to Los Angeles, where she dove deep into the world of contemporary classical music. Working closely with living composers became her niche and her passion.

‘THAT MOMENT CHANGED EVERYTHING’

One of those composers was David Del Tredici, a Pulitzer Prize winner and Juilliard professor. The two formed a musical kinship. When he was commissioned to write “The Spider and the Fly” for the New York Philharmonic, he recommended Plitmann for the soprano role. Though the orchestra initially passed on her, fate intervened. Two weeks before the premiere, the original singer dropped out, and Plitmann stepped in.

“I was 25, and that moment changed everything,” she says. “It was

Left: At 13, Hila Plitmann landed a lead role in an Israeli Opera production of “The Turn of the Screw,” where she met Leonard Bernstein, who attended a performance.

Opposite page, left: Plitmann and her partner, Todd Boss

the launching pad of my career.”

Another career-defining collaboration came in her early 30s with composer John Corigliano. He had written a piece for another soprano, but when she turned it down, he sought out Plitmann instead. The result was “Mr. Tambourine Man: Seven Poems of Bob Dylan,” which Plitmann premiered with the Minnesota and Buffalo Philharmonics. The recording won multiple Grammys including one for Plitmann for Best Classical Vocal Performance.

Her second Grammy came in 2018, working alongside fellow Austin based artist and soul sister Sangeeta Kaur. The collaboration was led by composer Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, and though the second album in the series (“Mythologies”) didn’t win, it earned another Grammy nomination.

AT HOME IN MUELLER

After years of performing on world stages, Plitmann found herself drawn back to the place that first sparked

her dreams, Austin. In April 2024, she moved back full time. By August, she had landed in Mueller, where she instantly felt at home.

“There’s something so thoughtful about how this community was planned,” she says. “Between the farmers market, the lake, and the colorful social scene. It’s so vibrant and inviting. But what I love most is the people. There’s this grounded, open energy. I didn’t expect to feel this sense of connection so quickly.”

That spirit of connection has also blossomed in her personal life. In 2019, she met her partner, Todd, who she describes as “falling from the sky right into my heart.” Their relationship is rooted in intention, reflection, and a shared love of creativity. She’s even become the executive producer of his podcast.

“This is a season of discovering myself in new ways,” she says. “I’ve started writing my own pieces, coproducing, and learning to speak from a place of self-power that I didn’t

always recognize.”

And while her professional accolades are remarkable, Plitmann says her greatest accomplishment is the joy she feels witnessing her son live his own authentic, thoughtful life. “I’ve done a lot of work on myself “she reflects. “I have begun releasing control, trusting in the essential goodness of life, and finding the sacred in the everyday,” she says. “Seeing those values reflected back in my son is the most gratifying thing I’ve experienced.”

Now, as she enters this next chapter in the city that once captivated her seven-year-old heart, Plitmann is embracing fearlessness, reinvention, and joy.

“There’s been a charmed quality to my life,” she says, “and I don’t take any of it for granted. I continue to practice gratitude every day. I’m learning to try new things, to see the beauty in what I once overlooked. There’s so much more to come. I feel like after all these years, I have finally found my voice.”

A Sandwich With Flair

This prosciutto and Brie sandwich is the kind of meal that looks impressive but comes together in minutes.

BY HANNAH ZIMMERMAN

WITH JUST A HANDFUL of ingredients, this prosciutto and Brie sandwich delivers big on flavor and texture. The creamy Brie pairs perfectly with the salty prosciutto. Arugula adds a peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, while fig jam gives a touch of sweetness. It’s simple, satisfying and just a little bit fancy.

This sandwich works well for a quick weekday lunch, a weekend picnic, or a casual get-together. It doesn’t need sides to feel complete, but it pairs well with a handful of chips, a simple salad or even a cold glass of white wine.

Prosciutto and Brie Sandwich

Time: 10 minutes

Makes 1-2 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 small baguette or ciabatta roll

• 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced

• 4–6 slices of prosciutto

• 1 tablespoon fig jam

• ½ cup loosely packed arugula

• Optional: ¼ cup microgreens

• Optional: ¼ teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the bread in half and toast it if you want it crispy.

2. Spread the fig jam in an even layer on the top half of the bread.

3. On the bottom half, layer the arugula, then fold on the slices of prosciutto.

4. Add the Brie slices over the prosciutto.

5. If using, sprinkle on the microgreens and a bit of black pepper.

Hannah Zimmerman is a food photographer, recipe developer and founder of Bite Sized Studio. She creates vibrant, crave-worthy imagery for CPG brands, restaurants and publications. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes and Eater. Find more information on her Instagram @bitesizedstudio.

6. Close the sandwich, press it down gently and cut it in half to serve.

This recipe is completely customizable to fit your taste preferences. Try using crumbled goat cheese instead of Brie for a different flavor profile, or substitute baby spinach if you don’t have arugula on hand. For a spicier twist, swap the fig jam for hot pepper jelly or some Dijon mustard. Whether you keep it classic or mix it up, the basic formula always delivers.

PERSPECTIVES

The Five R’s to live by

BY SARA PUIG LAAS

RespectI will show respect for everyone and everything in the universe

\ RightsI will claim my rights, always. I will have the courage to stand up for my rights and those of others

Responsibility –All rights create responsibilities. I will act responsibly— for myself—my family—my community—our planet . . .

ResilienceWhen life throws rocks at me — and it will I will rise again. I will rebound

RecognitionI will give thanks to all who help in any way. I will let no one be invisible

Laredo, Texas, native Sara Puig Laas has loved the diversity of people, cultures and activities in Mueller since 2016. Her website is www.sarapuiglaas.com.