Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

It is hauntingly quiet in here today. I have made a concerted effort to turn off the television lately. As a self proclaimed TV junkie this is rather difficult for me. I usually turn the TV on for background noise. Instead I have opted for the gentle comfort of silence. I turn on the television when I have time set aside as "TV time" and I catch up on the shows that I have waiting to be viewed. Otherwise I am trying to be alone with my thoughts on a much more frequent basis. It feels eerie a lot of the time. But like anything...it will just take getting used to.


Today I CELEBRATE my mom and dad as they CELEBRATE their 37th anniversary. There isn't much I can say that won't sound trite or overused. I could say, "Wow! 37 years! That is amazing." But in truth...I (obviously) haven't even been alive for 37 years so I can't imagine doing ANYTHING for that long! I could say, "Wow! Marriage is so rewarding and yet truly hard stuff." But in truth...I can't comment on this either as I have no experience in this particular domain. All I can say is that I love you both very much. Your relationship has been a model for me. Not only is it something I aspire to....it has also taught me how I want to function in relationship to other people...not only a spouse, but family, friends, loved ones, colleagues, etc. The amount of genuine respect you give to one another inspires me to treat EVERYONE in a similar manner. The integrity with which you have chosen to conduct your married life has shown me how I want to conduct my own life. The devotion to each other...and as a result to your child...has shown me how I should, and can, devote myself to others. The manner in which you have chosen to face adversity has taught me that with the right people in your corner there is nothing you can not face and I will never have to face adversity alone. Even though you are apart today, I know you will both be reflecting upon the joys and sorrows, the good times and the tough times, the young years and the not so young years, my entrance and my continued presence, your young love and your more recent love, today. Here's to many, many, many more years! Congratulations!


I have adjusted the playlist to play a song for you called "Anniversary Song" by The Cowboy Junkies. I first heard this song when I was about 20 years old. It left a deep impact on me....even though I could hardly even imagine such a concept back then. I hope you take the time to listen to the words and celebrate your wonderful day! I think it captures the spirit of a solid partnership and really "celebrates" the joy of having a partner for life. How lucky you both are to have found one another and to have continued growth in the same direction. Thanks for never giving up on each other or on me.


I also want to celebrate some of the fun moments I have had over the last few weeks. Last Thursday Jace', Heather, Sangeeta, Rupa, Nick and I enjoyed tapas, sangria and Logan Keese at Carmen's de la Calle Cafe. I am ashamed to admit this...but I ALWAYS forget Carmen's is here. And every few years I have the opportunity to visit this unique cafe. And every time I sit there I think to myself, "Wow. This place is so great. Why don't I come here more often?" Now I think we will have a good reason to frequent Carmen's with more consistency. I believe Logan Keese will be playing more often. He plays at Carmen's with a larger band than just the duo he usually plays with at Soho. The vibe of the music feels a little bit different...I dare say a tad more modern...but my ear is completely untrained so I really have no idea what I am talking about! However, his mother told me today that the evening we saw Logan at Carmen's, the band played about five songs Logan had composed! I recorded about 30 seconds of a solo Logan played that evening. It is really dark and you can hardly see a thing...but you can hear it! And that is what is most important! So....enjoy the next few photos and then scroll down, pause the music, scroll back up and press the arrow....! You know the drill by now.

I was playing around with the different settings on my camera and took a ton of photos of the sangria pitcher and sangria glass. It was like Kool-Aid, my friends! Dangerous, but delicious!

A black and white photo of Logan playing his trumpet.

Rupa and her husband, Nick.

Heather, Jace' and I......

A photo of the band. And I hate to admit this but their name escapes me right now. I need to ask Logan again so that you can keep an eye out for their next gig.

And now for a little sound of heaven.....Logan's solo. Enjoy......

The following Saturday I made plans with Rupa, Nick, Sangeeta, Nisha and Jordy to play by the pool. Afterwards we went back to their house and grilled yummy steaks. (Okay, "we" didn't grill the steaks...Nick did. And they were amazing! He does this thing with coffee grounds as a steak rub. Delicious!) Here are some pictures from the pool. This is Sangeeta with her nephew, Rupa and Nick's son, Jordy. He has the most beautiful eyes and some heavenly long eye lashes. He bats them at you and smiles and your heart immediately belongs to him.....

This is Nisha. She is Rupa and Nick's daughter. She is the definition of "sass!" This child is funny! She has an authentically original sense of humor and I could just sit and listen to her for hours and be completely entertained! She really enjoys life and it is so lovely to see a little girl with such an amazing sense of self and undeniable confidence. I hope she never loses that side of her. She is precious! And did I mention, funny?

Geeta, Jordy and I enjoying ourselves by the pool.

Jordy had NOT had a nap that day. This picture was taken about 3:30 and he could barely keep his sweet eyes open. He fell into a very deep sleep the second we got in the car and drooled all over Auntie Patty's shoulder when she took him out of his car seat! No matter....sweet slobber!

Nisha and I.

A short film of Nisha for your entertainment. We aren't quite sure what this "dance" is called but you can hear her mom in the background commenting on how the dance just took my blog from a "G" rating to a "PG" rating.

I had a lovely evening with my dear friends. I am so happy for Rupa and Nick! Their children are absolutely beautiful. You have created a wonderful life for your children. I am so pleased you are all back in San Antonio and I get to be a part of your lives again. I am also so privileged to watch your babies grow! I can NOT wait to see the young adults they become. With parents like you the possibilities are limitless. Thank you for always graciously hosting me in your home. I absolutely love the time I spend with you all! And Geeta I am so glad you are able to visit your sister so often and for such long periods of time. However...I am still hoping for a trip to Denver in the late fall, okay?

Just wanted to send out another reminder about the Stella and Dot party this Thursday at Soho Wine and Martini Bar. The party starts at 6pm. I hope to see you all there! Also, if you are unable to attend but want to place an order please click here. Once at the web page you need to click on "Can't Attend Party. Find Hostess." Enter in "Patty Vela" and happy shopping!

Today's quotable comes from ANOTHER one of my magnets made by Quotable Cards. It is from a popular children's book called Alice in Wonderland. I love the message Lewis Carroll sends here and I find it most fitting in relationship to a series of conversations I have had with Najla over the last two days. Again...thank you friend for the wisdom of your experience! And let's always instill this message in Gianna as we watch her grow from a baby into a woman.....

"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

Lorelai and Rory have decided not to "talk" because things in their lives are so serious. They want to find an activity where they do not have to talk. They figure they might try a sport. They ask Lorelai's snooty, French, sexually ambiguous, employee Michele what types of sports he plays.

Michele: Well, Pilates, of course.

Lorelai: What?

Rory: It's like yoga with cables and wires.

Lorelai: Sounds dangerous.

Goodnight friends and, once again, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Weekend In Austin: Part One-Lake Austin

Finally, as promised, photos of Memorial Day celebrations on Lake Austin. Ciara and Ryan's friends Zach and Carley hosted a pre-Memorial Day party at Zach's parents home located on the banks of Lake Austin. Their home is directly across the lake from Mt. Bonnell. Unfortunately, the day was gloomy and the rain came in, moved out, came in, moved back out again. There were hopes of a leisurely ride up to the dam and burgers on the way back at a restaurant (the name escapes me) where you can pull up to the dock and eat in your swimsuit. All of those plans were derailed by the weather. However, a valiant attempt was made. I have most of it documented in photos and one short film. However, after two drinks of grapefruit Izze's and vodka I gave up the camera and Ciara took hold of it (which she tends to do after two grapefruit Izze's and vodka...I get lazy, she gets productive!) Enjoy the photos.......

Ciara and I shortly after arriving............

Leslie and Beverly.......

Ciara sitting on the dock. This is a perfect picture of her. When I think of her I think of THIS EXPRESSION....joyful, loving, laughing, radiant.....

Ciara and I sitting on the dock as we are waiting to get on the boat. Behind us is Mt. Bonnell....unfortunately you can not see it in the photo. Notice the choppiness of the water. I am not a lake person.....I am more familiar with the beach. I was shocked at how choppy the water was. Of course a lot of it seemed like the wake created by ALL the boats...and there were MANY! (And a lot of them were painted Ed Hardy style. That troubled me.)

Ciara started playing around with my camera fairly early and was trying to help me understand the different settings. (This setting apparently softens up individuals in the photo. I don't know...judge for yourself.)

Matt and Leslie. Matt is a friend of Ciara and Ryan's from high school. Leslie is his girlfriend. I REALLY enjoyed talking with her. She and I found we were alike in many ways! Two days later she participated in a triathalon....and not a mini one...a full on Olympic style one. Congratulations Leslie! Ciara and I are fascinated....but decided on our way home we were not cut out for a "thon" of any kind! However we are very proud of you and hope the event went well.

Zach, Carley and John.....


Ryan stealin' a kiss from Ciara....

Another smiley photo of my sweet friend......

We finally took the pontoon and ski boats out. The sun was shining. We felt relatively safe. Carley and I posing for a photo with John sitting behind us. I had met Carley a few times before but had never had the opportunity to sit down and chat with her. I REALLY enjoyed my conversations with her as well. Carley was THE life of the party. She is so much fun to be around and she tells really great stories!

Carley and I were so busy talking we didn't realize it was starting to rain. Perhaps the beverages had also dulled our senses? Yummy....! Anyhow....we were weaving in and out of various coves and underneath tiny, ivy covered bridges. The guys decided we were in for a serious down pour so they pulled in underneath one of the bridges. Seconds later another boat (of strangers) pulled in and we all sat there for what seemed like an hour. Carley and I continued to talk and were of absolute no help at all!

In order to stay in place the boys had to keep hold onto the underside of the bridge. I think an anchor was eventually dropped...but I can't say for sure. Again....senses dulled!

Again....we were of no help. We just kept chattin' and taking photos. This one felt very "Girls Next Door." I call Bridget......

Beverly doing her part by holding onto the bridge.....

Ryan and Zach.......

The boys relaxin' as we wait out the rain.....

Eventually the rain passed and it was time to head back home. HOWEVER...the ski boat would not turn on. So the pontoon boat had to tug the ski boat back home. Which was fine until it was time to dock. Then the ski boat had to be "swum" into place. Ciara had the camera and captured it on film.

Again....important note....if you are hearing music....scroll down to the bottom, press pause, scroll back up and press play (the arrow, Dad) to watch and hear the film.......

Lake Austin was a blast despite the uncooperative weather. A big thank you to Zach and Carley for generously hosting us. I can NOT wait to go back when the sun is out, there is no threat of rain and we can head to the dam and jump into what is apparently some seriously cold water then get back in the boat and head for some of the best hamburgers (according to Ciara) in town.

I am lovin' Ella Bella and Toby! Ella is Ciara and Ryan's daughter. She is two and half years old. She is currently between schools but will be starting a new school this week. Her interests include Dora the Explorer, coloring, chalk, taking off all the blankets from freshly made beds, playing dress up, having books read to her, spending time in her new playhouse and playing with Toby. She enjoys goldfish crackers, graham crackers, yogurt covered pretzels and various juices. She has a penchant for shiny, girlee shoes even though her mom really wants her to wear closed toed shoes to school (for safety). She is currently mastering the fine art of potty training. It is a celebration when all goes as planned! She enjoys a nap around 1:3o every day and really enjoys wearing her hair down...unencumbered. She collects treasures such as berries, shells, buttons, rocks, coins, etc. and is allowed to carry treasures in her pockets or stored away in her special treasure bags.

Together Ella and Toby bring me so much joy. It is very hard to leave them. They make my heart feel better and after this last visit I found that I missed them both very much. Ciara told me that Ella said, "It smells like Patty in here," after I had left. Of course several days later Ella was watching Oprah and said, "That's Patty." Hmph.....? If only I had Oprah's fortune?

I love you Ella and Toby. Big hugs....Auntie Patty will see you soon!

I recently (in Austin) ate Chinese food. I received the following fortune and I liked the fortune so much I decided to host a new segment on the blog. So every time I eat a fortune cookie I will report the fortune. This is one of the best fortunes (from a cookie) I have ever received.

Your principles mean more to you than any money or success.

Lorelai and Christopher (Rory's father) are meeting for lunch to discuss something "big and important."

Christopher: I don't know how you do it. You always look amazing!

Lorelai: Yeah, well, I got the girls from the "Wash 'Em Brush Up Company"from the Wizard of Oz working for me now.

Goodnight, friends. Have a wonderful week and the next post will be Part Two of my weekend in Austin.

THIS Is Why I Should NOT Play Softball!!!!! (Some of you were wonderin')

Happy Memorial Day! I am still in Austin. I am dreading leaving because I have had so much fun and will miss Ella Bella! As always, Ryan and Ciara have graciously opened their home to me and I have had a wonderful visit. Thank you guys! I know I talk about them a lot...and have never posted a photo. I grabbed this photo from Ciara's photo library. This was last week at Ella's school performance. It was her last day at this school. Next week she starts a new school or "camp" as she is preferring to call it. Rupa...it is the Goddard School! They just opened in Austin.

I have so much to post but I will do all that throughout the week. However, Ciara captured some fun moments with Ella and I and I want to post them before I leave...mostly because between the two of us we aren't savvy enough to send these mini-films to me through e-mail. So here we go....let's see if this works......fingers crossed....

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY.......


Scroll down to the bottom and press PAUSE on the music option so that you can hear. (Mom and Dad....that means click the button with the two vertical lines!)

(Marisa....It always amazes me how much I feel we sound alike and have very similar mannerisms. Since I was born first I am going to go ahead and take all the credit. Anyhow...you know what they say...imitation is the highest (or sincerest) form of flattery!)

I think I can upload a few of Ciara's photos from yesterday's backyard outing. She also has a Mac (hint-hint) and I am not too sure of how to move things around. And they all made their weekly grocery store trip so I am on my own here!

Ella and I in her new playhouse. It has a doorbell and a walkway and a pretty pinwheel in her front yard. She also has a telephone which she is holding in her hand.

As it started to rain on us Ella decided to water her plants.....

Oh! It MUST be said....this is INFINITELY easier to do on a Mac than a PC! Or my PC! Double, Triple, Quadruple HINT-HINT! Okay...I am headin' out! The sun is shinin' and I can listen to my favorite radio station of ALL TIME from here to about Loop 1604! 107.1 KGSR.....

Hope you are all well.....blog will be back to usual format tomorrow. Geeta...I will see you very, very, very soon. Maybe tonight or tomorrow night? So glad you are "home" for a few months!