Random Photos Need Home

I have so many photos that need to be shared! I figured I would take this lazy Monday to upload all these photos and share them with you all.

Valerie's special birthday lunch at Sea Island. Jace' picked up this mini-cake for her.

Maria also celebrated her birthday in June. Her son, Logan and her husband, Rick hosted a special event for her at SoHo. The cake was unbelievably good! (Nadler's Italian Creme)

Logan cutting Maria's birthday cake.

Jace' and Maria celebrating Maria's 4oth Birthday! ;)

Jace' and Logan.

Rock Star on the Fourth of July. Aidan on drums, Patty on bass, Jace' on guitar and Julie on vocals.

Did you know that you play much better when you have properly stretched and warmed up?

Christine and Jace' single-handedly saved the Fourth of July BBQ. That's a large fire, ma'am.

Julie, Christine, Danica and Jace' at Christine's Fourth of July celebration.

After the second Chupacabra's softball win at Wetmore Bar. In this photo are Brian, Cyndi, Larry, Christine, Rico and Alma.

Larry, Christine and Rico lovin' the sweet joy of victory.

Celebrating at Wetmore Bar...Me, Julie, Christine, Alma, Cyndi.

Motz, Christine and Larry at softball park.

Rico and Sara at softball park.

Deep thoughts from the dugout. (Is that one word?)

Me and my girl....Ainsley!

Girls Night Out at Brasserie Pavil with Yvonne, Gloria, Rupa, Sangeeta and Katalina.

"Patty Posing" quincanera style at Sara and Rico's "Singles Party."

Sara and Rico graciously hosting us all in their lovely home.

Danica and Jace' at the "Sul Ross End of the School Year Bash." Jace' is an honorary staff member.

Enjoying the summer night at Christine's.

Beautiful ladies....Jace' and Christine.

Matthew, Danica and Sara.

Sara, Christine and I at the end of the year bash.

One of my favorite gals...Tracie Camp and I at end of the school year party.

I have been finding Tessie in this pose quite frequently lately! Seriously? Very un-lady like.

Phew....I feel so good having unloaded all those photos that were just begging to be posted!

Have a great week, friends!

Corn Stars and Crimes of the Heart

As my friend Jace' would say, "MAN ALIVE!....This week has been a tough one!" In any case this blog is about finding what is "right" with this week...instead of focusing on what is "wrong." So without further delay allow the celebrating to begin.....

Months ago I was involved in an email exchange with my friend Johnny Seale (you will no doubt recall his "Top Ten Songs to Groove By.") In fact, the email exchange was regarding the layout of this blog. Not only does Johnny do layout production for a living, he also was just born with a really good "eye" and impeccable taste. During our email exchange he mentioned that the publication he works for, Cowboys and Indians, would be writing an article about Papa Dean's Popcorn for their July issue. I remember thinking, "Hmph...and this is relevant to me because...?" As it happens, Papa Dean's is located in the Sunset Ridge shopping center in Alamo Heights. I immediately went to their website and was blown away! This website is authentically kitschy, wackishly western, vivaciously vintage with sexy popcorn humor thrown in for good measure! (Oh yes...I am dying for a tee shirt with "Corn Star" emblazoned across my chest!) Beyond that, the story of how this local popcorn shop came to be, and continues to thrive today is warm, heartfelt and one of human triumph. Read the story on the website...and of course the magazine. Their story will remind you that there is room in our hearts for everyone and the more people you allow in, the more enriched your life will be. It is true....no one can have too many loved ones! Again....I must digress.

After reading the website I could NOT WAIT to visit Papa Dean's and sample each and every one of their unique flavors. I told Johnny I would be swinging by Papa Dean's on my way to campaign headquarters (very close in proximity). He asked me to take my camera and shoot as many photos as I could. He said the magazine might be able to use some! (To be perfectly honest I felt he was giving me a "project" at one of the lowest points in my life! Like any good friend, I figured he knew I would enjoy getting out, visiting somewhere genuinely good and vibrant, doing something fairly arts-y and ultimately allowing me something "else" to focus on! If that is the case....thank you, friend! It worked!)

The day I visited I met Katherine. Words can not describe the genuine happiness and joy this woman exudes. She is gifted with the unique ability to make you feel as if you have known her your entire life. She asked if I could come back on Saturday so that she might look "cuter!" (Not that she wasn't absolutely precious that day!) I agreed and thought I might bring "my gals" with me! Jace' and Christine agreed. (I believe Danica was out of town.)

In the interest of brevity...which I seemed to be HIGHLY concerned with all of a sudden...here's how the story plays out. I take the photos, Jace' and Christine hang with Katherine and sample the various flavors and then I fall in love with Dill Pickle popcorn! Okay...I am leaving out a few very important elements. First you are seated at an old fashioned, antique bar and you are served a sample of any popcorn you like. The popcorn containers are lined up just like fine bottles of liquor. The bar stools are old saddles...yes, you have to straddle so don't wear a dress...unless you are skilled in "side saddle." You may purchase a tin and bring it in for refills! They also provide smaller bags of customized popcorn for special events. There are so many flavors of popcorn and some of them are uniquely blended to reflect the cultural fabric of San Antonio like "Fiesta" and "Chile Limon." And finally, it is truly like "Cheers!" You walk in there once and from that point forward "everybody knows your name."

Undoubtedly at this point you are wondering: a) where are the damn pictures and b) what is there to celebrate? Pictures are approaching henceforth AND Johnny emailed to say not only did one of my photos make it into the article (I have NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO training...it really was total randomness and probably good photo editing) but several photos also made it onto the Internet. YAY! Click here to see the photos. The first few are mine. The super cute boots and food are not; though I wish they were because that is a precious idea.

Johnny has informed me the issue is poised to hit the news stands on July 21. Please, please, please pick one up! And consider a subscription. This is a gorgeous publication with tremendously interesting content! And there is always some rough and weathered hottie on the cover like Robert Redford, Sam Elliot, Tommy Lee Jones.....

Here are some of the other photos I took. These are not edited at all....so forgive some of the flash reflecting, non cropping, etc!

At the end of the "photo shoot" we all just enjoyed Katherine's company and the myriad flavors. Jace' loved Snickerdoodle, Christine enjoyed watermelon, and I loooooooooooooved Dill Pickle and White Cheddar! Thank you to Papa Dean's Popcorn, Katherine, Jace', Christine, Cowboys and Indians and most of all Johnny! (PS....the shirt I am wearing in the photo above is from Johnny's wife's store...The Gypsy Wagon....another shameless plug! When you are in Dallas you MUST visit The Wagon!)

As a side note....this is the day I decided to start collecting vintage cowboy boots....for obvious reasons! Katherine told me exactly where to go......

Last night I went on a first date....sort of! Not really. My mom has a Pilates client named Donna who she has been dying for me to meet. Donna is a retired English teacher who does a lot of freelance writing now. She loves the arts; particularly theater. Mom mentioned to her that I also love the theater but don't know much about the scene in San Antonio and often find myself attending shows alone. Donna told mom there were several shows running this weekend she thought I might like to attend. So she called me up and I accepted! (See...just like a date!) We had a lovely evening at the Jump Start Theater at The Blue Star Arts Complex. We watched "Crimes of the Heart" by Beth Henley and directed by Diane Malone. The performance was put on by The Renaissance Guild which is a theater company founded in 2001 by Latrell Bright, Danielle King and Paul Riddle, Jr. This not for profit organization "is dedicated to the examination, preservation, and celebration of the Black experience through theater; providing educational outreach programs to the San Antonio community and surrounding areas and providing opportunities for artistic expression to people of color." The Renaissance Guild is just completing it's 8th season and is proud to be open to people of all ethnicities who seek to bring the company's vision to fruition! The show is running for three more weeks. Check it out and enjoy and lovely evening of female emotional turmoil flipped upside down showing how laughter very often accompanies tears!

This was especially interesting to me because I performed a piece from this play for my "Intro to Acting" class my senior year in college. I chose a piece written for the character Meg. At the time I read the play and watched the movie! (Great film...amazing performances!) It was nice to see it again with 13 more years of life beneath me. I appreciated it in an entirely different way.

This is being silly again and I can't move the graphics around! So I must sign off here.

Have a wonderful weekend friends. I need to get this day started! I have been lazy waaaaaay too long today!

Sweet Surprises

As long as I have known myself....which is a pretty damn long time.....I have tried to control things....people mostly.....so as to save myself pain. The notion that people will ultimately cause me pain is an interesting one and one that likely deserves hours and hours of analysis. But I digress. I wasn't raised this way. This was not a value instilled in me. As a child I didn't expect painful conversations. I certainly didn't witness them with any frequency. Neither of my parents ever backed down from painful conversations. In fact, in that respect they are both eloquent and graceful role models. However, as a child I do recall trying my best not to disappoint and to stay far away from confrontation. If I had hurt someone's feelings or perceived I had disappointed someone I was riddled with guilt for what seemed like days. I was always keenly aware of my actions and how those actions ultimately affected people. I wanted nothing more than to make everyone happy. That desire has followed me throughout my life.

As an adult I have noticed a pattern in my behavior. I don't want to hear negative things....who does, really? And I certainly do not enjoy entering confrontational, debate-like conversations. This is just not a place of comfort for me. Similarly, when I need to be heard (which isn't until I am absolutely frayed) I employ a sort of "knicker knocking" technique. I say what I want to say, demand not to be responded to and then run like the dickens. Today I realized that was unfair and that child-like approach benefits no one, least of all myself.

I entered into a challenging and difficult conversation today. I didn't want to have it because I was largely afraid of what I would hear; or rather what I wouldn't hear. However, this person is so dear to me that it would have been an offense of the highest degree had I not allowed this person's voice to be heard. And so with butterflies in my stomach, a lump in my throat and a heartbeat so loud I could hear it in my ears, I listened.

I want to celebrate this conversation...for so many reasons...not the least of which was that I stood there (or sat there) and actually had the conversation. I want to celebrate the fact that two people who deeply respect one another can have a beautifully decent, honest conversation that doesn't necessarily conclude with any tangible resolution. I want to celebrate the fact that people can surprise you. I realized if I hadn't been so busy trying to control what might or might not be said or how things may or may not have played out I wouldn't have heard some very important and kind sentiments. I realized certain conversations need to be had...as much as I don't want to have them...because in the end I may come away from them feeling far more relieved than I could have possibly imagined!

My friend....I celebrate you! I celebrate our friendship that I know will last a very long time! You have shown me how to be a different sort of person...a better version of myself. And it is largely...because of you and your strength that I was inspired to summon up my feeble, tiny, infantile strength and initiate our conversation. My prayers are with you. Tonight I offer you the mantra that gets me through every day.....

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Goodnight dear friends! I am very sleepy and I want to finish my book tonight!

All Good Things Must Come To An End

I have never been known for brevity. In fact...I have just joined Facebook and I have already received several complaints about my extensive posts. Apparently you are to keep your thoughts as brief as possible. Another reason I think this world is going to hell in a handbasket! What happened to the beautiful art of letter writing? No....it's been reduced to statements like, "LOL....WTF....LMAO!" Sadly...I know what all that means.

Tonight's post will be brief. I am tired and largely emotionally drained.

My grandmother left today. I was very sad to see her go. We had a lovely 9 days together. I loved the structure. I took her far outside of her comfort zones and she took me outside of mine. This week was filled with pure, dear memories that will live in my heart for the rest of my life. I will forever cherish the time we spent together. My grandmother is such a special woman who spent the bulk of her adult life suffering. I truly feel she has found peace in her old age. Unfortunately for the rest of us that has resulted in a much quieter version of herself. I feel she now spends a large part of her day resting from the difficulties of life and in deep introspection. While it is hard for a grand-daughter to witness....as an adult grand-child I can understand. My mother and her sisters work tirelessly to make this time of her life the most pleasant time possible. I applaud them for that. The way they love my grandmother is an inspiration to me....and really makes me think about the way I treat my mother! (Yes mom...that was one big, huge, blanket apology for my sassy mouth!)

It is so quiet tonight and I feel very lonely and without purpose. I am sure I will feel more normal as the days press on. But for tonight...the melancholy of her absence has set in deeply. I hope she now knows she is welcome here anytime....and that she can seek comfort and solace in my home. As I have mentioned before...every woman needs "that" place! ( Ciara....you know your house is "my" place!)

Below are a few photos from the week. Mom, grandma and I on the Fourth of July.
The one and only event that garnered ANY excitement from my grandmother.....my friends' softball game! She enjoyed the gentle breeze and the cold beer! And...The Chupacabra's spanked the other team...so badly the game had to be "called!" (Good luck this week. I know it is the big game. Unfortunately I will be unable to attend...but I am there in spirit!)
And the final, beautiful photo. Every morning after coffee we sat outside. I was able to catch up on my Texas Monthly magazines while she sat silent in prayer. I snapped this photo and thought it was absolutely beautiful. I love you grandma...and I miss you very, very, very much already!
Goodnight friends! Hug your families extra hard tonight. These are the people in this life that you can trust. It is such a beautiful thing......

Happy Fourth of July.....

Happy Independence Day! Plans for the day include sipping on Lavender Margaritas...because after all...red, white and blue DO make lavender....with my girls! Grandma will not be in attendance. Instead she has asked to spend the day with Mom and Dad grillin' in the sweltering heat! I am not sure she completely understands what she is missing. The Lavender Margaritas are refreshing and delicious!

Today I celebrate freedom! I celebrate this country and the freedoms I am allowed on a daily basis. I celebrate the individuals who make my freedoms possible. I celebrate our military, our veterans, our policy makers, our elected officials, our dear President. I celebrate our systems....as broken as some people may consider them....they are still the systems that are the foundation of the greatest country in the world. I celebrate the fact that I have the right to vote, the right to worship, the right to press these keys on this keyboard which allow me to share my thoughts, opinions, viewpoints, celebrations. While I very rarely...if ever..."gather" whether it be in support of or in protest of something...I celebrate the fact that I have the right to do so. Today I celebrate freedoms I don't even realize are freedoms because I take My American Life so terribly for granted. I mean...I should probably be celebrating the fact that I often lament over which brand of toothpaste might suit my needs best or which big box store is less annoying than the others. I celebrate that this country which allows my tiny, little, insignificant voice to be heard! I owe this country a great deal....and I know that I fall terribly short of my responsibilities as a citizen. However this year has been one of great shifts in paradigms...and I have realized my civic duty goes far beyond my employment in the public school system! I am challenging myself to be more pro-active in giving back to my community. And I expect you all to remind me of, and hold me to, this challenge. Deal? Cool!

And today...I celebrate the fact that my friend Todd has the freedom to express himself in his front yard by dressing up his flamingos for yet another holiday......

And he has yet to be kicked out of the neighborhood! Thanks again for sending me what is the equivalent of your "kid's photos!"

This quote is particularly relevant today...for a number of reasons. While I did not come over on the Mayflower (and I am fairly certain NONE of my relatives did either), and I did not witness the colonization of this country and I certainly was not in attendance at any important meeting in 1776...I can assume our founding fathers were operating on this basic assumption. Similarly, Joseph H. Pilates, born in Germany, came to this country to be the architect of his own happiness. He was a visionary and he knew that his vision could only be realized in this great nation. It is simple and direct....much the way I believe (and have heard first hand) Joseph H. Pilates delivered his knowledge and wisdom.

For some reason I am unable to scoot this graphic up....so I will say goodnight here! Happy Fourth of July! Stay safe and stay cool!

Play It Again, Sam

Happy Tuesday friends! The last few days have been heavy with laze. But that is okay. Yesterday was the first day since school let out that I didn't have something pressing to do. It was nice to relax. I woke up early, completed a piece of copy that needed to be written for Pictoric Media Group (thanks again Ciara) and then spent the day on my own terms....well, sort of....

My grandma is here! And having a "lazy Monday" was ENTIRELY her idea. I asked her what she would like to do and she said, "Nothing. I want to have a lazy day!" I said, "Okay! I have been dying for a lazy day for weeks!" So yesterday we did nothing...and today wasn't much more productive (although we did manage to get her to the salon for a wash and blow dry). She has been resting quite a bit. My theory is my mom and my aunts tired her out last week with shopping, late night bar-b-ques, primping, packing, etc. I think she is recovering here! However that all ends today. Mom is at the helm tomorrow and I can assure you she will not be so indulgent. She intends to take grandma to the mall while I am at a meeting for the Bereavement Center Silent Auction.

We have had a brilliant time together so far. It is so wonderful to host my grandmother in my home for the week. I cherish and value this time together. It is rare that she and I are ever alone together. I know this week will forever be a precious memory...for the both of us! I intend to pick her brain and probe into all those stories I think she might be ready to part with.

This is my favorite picture of my grandma. As I write this she is looking at the photo. She can't remember quite how old she was but she remembers it was taken in Laredo, TX when she was enrolled at Holding Institute. She says it was a finishing school and had various programs for women. For instance they trained you to be a secretary and things of that nature. She laughed at how curly her hair was in this photo. She says she achieved the look with pink foam rollers....ladies you ALL know those! My mother would put them in my hair EVERY Sunday evening and I would sleep in them all night. Monday morning I sported a beautiful mane and a terrible crick in the neck! I will forever contend....beauty is, in fact, pain!

We just finished watching Casablanca. She said she did not want to watch a "current movie" because often she didn't understand the content. I suggested a classic film. We purchased it "on demand." I, shamefully, have NEVER seen this film! She says she has seen it more times than she can count. However, she remembered the first time she ever saw it was at The Majestic Theater in San Antonio with her father and step mother. I thought that was a particularly sweet coincidence because that is, by far, my favorite place in San Antonio. It is a truly regal, historical building. It is the theater where I saw my first musical, Les Miserables. I think my love of theater grew in large part out of the grandeur of that building! (Not necessarily the musical!)

Tomorrow we don't have anything going on in the morning so we can sleep in, have our coffee and breakfast, spend some time outside while she prays to Jesus and then prepare her for the mall. No doubt she will be exhausted by the time my mom gets done with her. Thursday we will visit with Najla and Gianna as well as attend a softball game. She seems particularly excited about that. Friday she is being treated to a facial by Rene at Healthy Skin. Oh...the pampering! She deserves it!

Today's Top Ten List is courtesy of Jace'. Jace' has this insane ability to watch a movie once and not only memorize the most poignant lines; but recite them on command. While she and I have rather different taste in films...I do appreciate her unique talent. She has a particular penchant for what I call "stupid movie quotes." When I suggested the topic she took some offense. What I should have said was, "Hey Jace'...can you provide me with a list of your top ten favorite comedy film quotes?" By no means do I think these movies are stupid...well...no, no, no. I won't comment. I haven't actually seen all of these. When Johnny provided the YouTube links to his favorite songs to groove by, Jace' said she WOULD provide the same service. She would simply NOT be outdone!

Jace' and I at Maria's birthday party. I am playing with black and white and blurring of edges.

1) Airplane! 1980

This had me cracking up when I was in elementary school!! It’s a classic!

Rumack: Can you fly this plane, and land it?

Ted: Surely you can't be serious.

Rumack: I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZPVw-Vl1ow

2) Wedding Crashers 2005

Mediation Scene This is too funny. Every time someone is talking to me and I don’t want to listen I just say this….

soon to be ex-wife: "You shut your mouth when you're talking to me!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C85tJflYb4s

3) Pineapple Express 2008

Saul and Dale about to light up a joint.

Saul: “Just sit back and get ready to enjoy some of the rarest weed known to mankind...

It's almost a shame to smoke it. It's like killing a unicorn... with, like, a bomb.”

4) Grandma’s Boy 2006

This movie is HANDS DOWN one of my all time favorite movies! It’s hilarious! It’s so funny that there is not just one or two quotes that stand out, but since I couldn’t put the entire movie on the blog here is what I came up with.

After he beats Bobby in Dance, Dance Revolution, this is how Jeff reacts:

Jeff: “Uh-Oh? High Score? What does that mean? Did I break it?”

Jeff is about to loss his virginity to one of Alex’s grandma’s friends. This is their pillow talk in bed. Oh, and Jeff is only about 25 in the movie.

Jeff: “So, I mean, what’s it like being old? It’s gotta be weird, right? I mean you saw a lotta stuff go down. World War I, World War II, the automobile, Tupac…”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsEuOw3ihbs

5) Caddyshack 1980

This movie needs no explanation, it’s still funny! The link is to the Caddyshack theatrical trailer.

Al: “Oh, this your wife, huh? A lovely lady. Hey baby, you must've been something before electricity.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrTqenN1SqQ

6) Role Models 2008

This movie has a few very funny quotes, but I have to include the Ben Affleck quote for my girl Patty!

Danny is this little 9 year old black kid that Ronnie and Wheeler have to be “Role Models” for (along with McLovin) so they don’t go to jail.

Ronnie: Suck it, "Reindeer Games!"

Danny: I'm not Ben Affleck.

Ronnie: You white? Then you Ben Affleck.

7) Friday 1995

This is another movie that needs no explanation.

Smokey: I got mind control over Deebo. He be like "shut the f**k up." I be quiet. But when he leave, I be talking again.

8) Office Space 1999

Bob and Peter are chatting about Peter’s lack of motivation.

Peter: “The thing is, Bob, it's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care.”

The link below is the video of Peter “not caring” in the gangsta scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eniw_S8JaJM

9) Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy 2004

This is when Brian is talking about his special cologne called Sex Panther…it’s made with bits of real panther…

Brian: They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time, it works every time.

10) Dumb and Dumber 1994

There are entirely too many from this movie, so I’ll just say this…

Guy in restaurant: “Kick his ass sea bass!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUvV0BOiE6E

A special "thank you" to Jace'. I absolutely adore this crazy talent of yours. You keep us all laughing all the time! Even if "some of you" don't believe she really saw a chupacabra at that bar-b-que joint!

Here is another card from Quotable Cards. I love the sentiment of this celebrated quote. I often think I need to abide by this gentle suggestion on a much more frequent basis. This one is tough for me. I keep it right next to my desk to remind me.

Goodnight friends! Grandma has fallen asleep as I have been finishing this up. Unfortunately I am going to have to wake her up to get her ready for bed. She does not enjoy this! Who can blame her?