My Heart Feels Full Today

Happy Monday, friends! I have sooooooooooooooooooooooo many daily celebrations to report today. However I also have a ton of photos to post of various events I have had the privilege of attending and participating in. So let's get to it........


Two Thursdays ago (does that need an apostrophe? T. Camp...let me know, please) Jace', Christine, Danica and I made our monthly trip to The Children's Bereavement Center to provide the families with dinner. We provided our standard meal of pizza, salad and every dessert Jace' could find in the greater San Antonio area.
Last week I officially became a "Friend of the Bereavement Center" and was invited to be on their board! I am so excited! My first "board." I have been wanting to move forward in my commitment to charity work for a while. I can't think of a worthier cause. Below are some photos of us in the kitchen visiting with one another while the staff and families enjoyed our dinner. We also officially asked to provide meals the first Thursday of every month. The staff was so appreciative they gave us all gifts! Now we have matching blue bags that we can take with us on our next weekend getaway.

It MUST be mentioned Jace' is excitedly holding her BRAND NEW iPhone! She had just purchased it minutes before. Note the extra huge smile on her face.
The following Thursday I was invited to Mi Tierra to celebrate Julian Castro's victory with the campaign staff and fellow volunteers. It was a wonderful evening! It was nice to see everyone dressed up, in regular, non-tee-shirt-regulation clothing! Thank you to the campaign staff for including me in this celebration. And thank you for the collage! I can not wait to receive it....signed by our new mayor. I really appreciate you all thinking of asking me to join in this special celebration and for including me and "la tejana" on the collage. I don't know if you guys know how much your invitation means to me. And I had a blast sitting next to Christian and Sherry. The following photo isn't terribly great.....BUT it does include Christian and Julian. However I am including it for the "hazy element." That was immediately after the sizzling fajita plates were placed on the table. I took the photo and wondered, "What's on my lens?" Then it occurred to me! It was the smoke.
A photo of Rowland, political director extraordinaire, and I......
Christian Archer, campaign manager extraordinaire, and I......
Milagro, "field something" extraordinaire, and I. Sorry, doll.......I know a word goes behind "field" and maybe even before it...but it escapes me right now. Whatever it is...you did it well!
Ben, "field something" extraordinaire. Again....I don't remember what immediately precedes or comes after the word "field" but you were also wonderful! So pleasant and so easy to get along with! This is a silly photo. Apparently someone told Ben he looked like Giselle Bundchen. YOU DON'T! But we thought we might take a Giselle-like photo. Blue Steele and Magnum. Zoolander.....
Two nights ago I attended the wedding of Vanessa Peche and Robert Gleason. I met Vanessa YEARS ago. I met her in 1997...the day after my graduation from college. Our families had become friends so my family, her family (Bill, Nancy, Billy and Vanessa) and Carl's family (Carl, Gina and Damon) all rented a HUGE villa in Puerto Vallarta for a week. Vanessa was my room mate and had to listen to me complain and complain and complain about the iguanas that were lazing about our porch! (For those of you who don't know I am deathly afraid of any and all lizards....this trip was torture for me!) A few years ago we were able to celebrate her brother's wedding in Paris. Last weekend we were also privileged to be invited to Vanessa's wedding. She is a lovely woman from a wonderful family and I couldn't be happier for them! Here is a photo of Dad and I. My date was unable to join me because he was not feeling well. Again...the trend continues....Patty gets stood up or bailed on! Karma must be really upset with me. And to top it off...Karma got me good because there was another woman there in the EXACT SAME DRESS! Oh yes, every woman's nightmare!
This picture warms my heart! This is dad and Carl. Carl is one of my father's oldest and dearest friends. Carl has seen me grow up! There is not a time in my life where I don't remember Carl being a part of our family. He has always made me feel so important and so special. He is so, so, so very dear to us all!
Mom and I in the courtyard of Club Giraud. You can't tell but the river is running right behind us. It was a perfect evening to sit outside and enjoy downtown San Antonio.
All dressed up and nowhere to go....Mom and Dad dropped me off at Soho. I had some more of those fantastic dirty martinis....yum....while my friend Lutfy entertained his patrons and studied new drink recipes. I texted and texted and texted!
As I mentioned earlier I have many things to celebrate today. First I got word that a very close friend (and life guide, mentor, confidant, mother figure, colleague) has been officially cancer free for a year! I love you and I am so happy to hear your good news. I am so proud of your strength and your resolve. You handled this situation in such an inspiring way. I am most grateful for your good news. I would also like to celebrate the touching telephone conversation I had today with Najla. Thank you, friend. I wish I could have been there for you when you needed to have this conversation with me....but one of us had to grow up first, right? I am glad that you are my guide. And I KNOW that baby is coming sooner than you think...so get ready! I would also like to celebrate a separate telephone conversation I had today. It was not an easy one, but one that was a long time coming. We both handled ourselves with the grace and dignity that always defined our relationship and friendship. My heart goes out to you in your time of need. I will always be here for you. Never doubt that! Finally, I would like to celebrate a personal goal that I met today! I met my Weight Watchers goal today! I am officially on "maintenance" for 6 weeks. I also received my very cool "met your goal" charm to hang on my 10% goal key chain I received in late February. I am hoping I can meet my "maintenance" goal and become a lifetime member. That's the tough part....because it costs ya money if you go two pounds over or under your goal! Money is a great motivator isn't it? Thanks to all of you who have supported this undertaking. I started this journey on December 8, 2008. There were days I wanted to give up. But reading inspirational stories, receiving motivating words from fellow active and lifetime members and having the support of my family and friends has helped me immensely! In return...for those of you on program now....I am happy to help. I have lots and lots and lots of tricks up my sleeves.
What I am lovin' right now is the good fortune of my friends. I am so proud of those of you who have been recognized for your hard work and talent. Each of you knows who you are! Know that it does my heart good to know that the universe is taking care of you. I am proud to know all of you. And there are a lot of you who I KNOW...one day...I will be smilin', bright eyed, saying, "I knew them when....."
Luke: Where are we going?
Lorelai: To funky town.


Goodnight.....

Pink Martinis, Dirty Martinis, Martinis Everywhere I Go

I apologize! It has been days since I have posted an entry. I have THOUGHT about it everyday but have been exhausted, plain lazy or expected elsewhere and haven't had enough time to devote to a lengthy post. The next few entries are not in chronological order. I have had a lot of moments to share and celebrate over the last few days. I am sort of throwing them on the blog wily-nily. So please know they have not taken place in order, one after the other! And if they did I would be so exhausted I wouldn't even be able to turn on my computer much less press the keys that make the words appear.

Admittedly this week has been a tough one. I haven't felt much like "celebrating" anything. I have had a mild, low-grade funk fever...or as my friend Ciara likes to call it, "I have been bit by the nasty bug!" I realize that is counter-intuitive to the nature of the blog. And perhaps there is a twisted symbiosis there.....I haven't blogged thus have been funky? Who knows! But I had a very dear friend lay it all on the line for me yesterday. He identified all the great things in my life and basically said, "Get over yourself! And yes, I am here to do the reflecting for you!" So, thank you! You know who you are and I don't think you are reading anymore which saddens me beyond belief...but your loss! Tee-hee.
My first daily celebration is my new phone. I FINALLY got a phone with a full keyboard thingee. It is pink, with flowers and all the numbers and letters on it...and they each have their very own button! Imagine that! My friends have been relentlessly pestering me to join the rest of the world and upgrade. Now, let's make no mistakes about it...this gadget does not hook up to the internet or throw photos around the globe. It just helps me text more quickly. However, now that I can use both hands to text, my texting dexterity has been knocked down about 85%. I suppose it will just take some getting use to.

My next daily celebration is PINK MARTINI! I LOVE PINK MARTINI! I have rearranged the play list so I believe the first 8-10 songs you are listening to are all by Pink Martini. They were in San Antonio last night and, again this evening playing with our symphony. This WAS my mother's day gift to mom. We both love them very much and have seen them perform before. However, she bailed on me (are we seeing a pattern with me and concerts?). Thank you to my dear friend Jace' who agreed to join me. It was a lovely evening that felt like it was straight from another era! Below is a photo of Jace' and I with the symphony warming up behind us. I know they look like candles, but that is actually the light reflecting off their instruments.

The following image and excerpt is from http://www.pinkmartini.com/. I loved the photo and felt only they could capture their spirit appropriately. So, I borrowed.....(I think it's okay if I identify the source!) Both times I have seen them they have mentioned San Antonio feels like their second home and they appreciate how well they have been treated by the city and the symphony. They were most appreciative of our mayor, city council and city manager. In fact, our mayor, Phil Hardberger (NOT Julian, yet) was asked to come up on stage and dance in their final song of the evening, Brazil. He was very cute in his seersucker suit, even though he has no rhythm. Sorry, Mayor!

Pink Martini is like a romantic Hollywood musical of the 1940s or 50s – but with a global perspective which is modern,” says founder and artistic director Thomas M. Lauderdale. “We bring melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is new and beautiful.”

The Portland, Oregon-based ‘little orchestra’ was founded in 1994 by Lauderdale, a Harvard graduate and classically trained pianist, to play political fundraisers for progressive causes such as civil rights, the environment, affordable housing and public broadcasting. In the years following Pink Martini grew from four musicians to its current twelve, and has gone on to perform its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Canada and the United States.

Lauderdale met China Forbes, Pink Martini’s “diva next door” lead vocalist, when the pair was at Harvard. He was studying history and literature while she was studying painting, English literature and theatre. Late into the night in their college dormitory on the Harvard campus, Forbes would sing Verdi and Puccini arias while Lauderdale accompanied her on piano, and their creative collaboration blossomed. Three years later, Lauderdale called Forbes who was living in New York City, where she’d been writing songs and playing guitar in her own folk-rock project, and asked her to join Pink Martini. They began to write music and lyrics together for the band, and their first song “Sympathique,” or “Je ne veux pas travailler” (I don’t want to work) became a huge hit in France.

The ensemble made its European debut at the Cannes Film Festival and its orchestral debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1998 under the direction of Norman Leyden. Pink Martini has since performed with symphony orchestras across the country including four night nights with the Boston Pops in 2005, multiple concerts with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in 2000, two nights with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on a co-bill with Sergio Mendes in 2002 and two nights headlining with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2005. Other prestigious appearances include the grand opening of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s new Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, with return sold-out engagements for New Year’s Eve 2003 and 2004; the opening party of the New York Museum of Modern Art, the Kennedy Center and the William Morris Agency’s 100th birthday celebration with soul legend, Al Green.

Pink Martini’s debut album, “Sympathique,” was released independently in 1997 on the band’s own label Heinz Records (named after Lauderdale’s dog) and quickly became an international phenomenon, garnering the group nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Best New Artist” in France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards. Seven long years later the high-anticipated follow-up, “Hang on Little Tomato,” was released and climbed to #1 on Amazon.com’s best sellers list.

If you do not know Pink Martini, pick up one of their three albums, put on your favorite fancy, slightly vintage outfit and have your friends over for appetizers and drinks. Play them softly in the background and watch your party transform into a time when men wore suits to dinner, lit cigarettes at the end of a lady's gloved hand (not advocating smoking), when men drove long, black Cadillacs and dinner was accompanied by a live, big band!

After the concert Jace' and I walked to Soho Wine and Martini Bar. (Let me tell you about the wind storm we had to endure to get from point A to point B. For some reason we were caught up in what felt like hurricane force winds. I had on a long dress and the wind kept sweeping it to one side, taking me along with it and I must have resembled a human flag. Our hair was ALL OVER the place! BUT....it was nice to take a leisurely walk through down town crossing over and and under the river and enjoying the sounds of the city.) My dear friend, Lutfy, works at Soho. We like to visit him for the obvious reason....he is, by far, the best bartender in town! (And we like him a lot, too!) He elevates it to an art form and is constantly working to come up with creative approaches to the fine art of mixology! In fact, last night he allowed us a taste of his most recent infusion. Now, keep an open mind.....brisket and date infused bourbon! It was a feast in a glass. The bourbon was oak-y, the brisket allowed for nutty buttery-ness and the dates rounded it out with the perfect amount of sweetness. Lutfy, you have done it again! Completely blown my mind. And the dirty martinis you make me are like no other. There's a little somethin' special in there...I just can't figure it out. And I don't want to! Gives me a perfect excuse to continue patronizing your lovely establishment! This is a photo of Lutfy and I. We have been friends for YEARS and do not have one photo! And yes...he is always this serious, brooding and mysterious. I suspect he was just born that way!

Another HUGE reason we visit Soho is to see, and hear, our friend Logan Keese! Jace' and I work with his mother and have become friends with him through his mother, but also through his association with Lutfy and Soho. Logan plays live every Friday night at Soho. Again, run, do not walk, to see Logan! Logan plays trumpet. San Antonio is lucky to have this jewel living among us. Logan primarily plays jazz....deepening my enormous crush on him! He is such a talented young man. He plays with the passion and experience of an old, old soul sent back here from another time and place. His music sounds "far away" in more ways than one. Beyond that, he is an incredible young man. He is kind and gentle and is completely humble despite his overwhelming gift. I feel like one day we will lose Logan to the big jazz city! Or at least the big music conservatories, so catch him now, order a martini and again....trasnport yourself to another time and place. (Seeing a theme here?) Below is a photo of Logan.

Below are photos taken of Jace' and I listening to Logan and Paul. Paul is playing with Logan. He is from New Orleans and is a piano guy. And, it must be said, he has the sweetest little drawl since Harry Connick, Jr. He and Logan are both lovely gentlemen and live the values evocative of the music they play!

Logan and I posing for a blog photo......
What I am lovin' right now is Elegy. (Image from http://www.celebritywonder.com/.) Months ago I watched Charlie Rose interview the cast and director of this film. I was instantly fascinated. I knew this was the type of film I would enjoy. I knew it would leave me thinking for days. I also knew it would be a difficult film for me to watch and that I should likely wait for it to come out on DVD so I could watch it alone and cry as much as I needed to without the constraints of a public theater. (And I certainly was correct about all those points.) I highly recommend this film. However, there is nothing funny about this film. This is not a light, breezy date movie. This is a very serious movie about the human condition, choices we make and the consequences of our decisions.

Below is a brief synopsis from http://www.imdb.com/.

Driven by Isabel Coixet's (My Life Without Me) visually assured and deeply observant direction, ELEGY charts the passionate relationship between a celebrated New York college professor, David Kepesh (Kingsley) and a young Cuban-born woman, Consuela Castillo (Cruz) whose beauty both ravishes and destabilises him. As their intimate connection transforms them more than either could imagine a charged sexual contest evolves into an indelible love story. With humanistic warmth, wry wit and erotic intensity ELEGY explores the power of beauty to blind, to reveal and transform.With extraordinary performances by Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz, the film is based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roth's short novel The Dying Animal. On the one hand a shattering, heartfelt romantic drama, ELEGY is also a complex, intelligent and unflinchingly honest meditation on lust, mortality, family, male friendship, intimacy and commitment. Its a refreshing film in its ability to deal with adult issues while remaining an invigorating cinematic experience

Luke: Do you want to know the problem here?

Lorelai: Actually, no. I don't like problems. I avoid them when I can and I don't like people pointing them out to me.

Goodnight friends. I need to start getting ready for a very special wedding! I am going for the total Carrie Bradshaw look. I promise to take tons of photos so you might see if I achieved success.

Post Election Day Blues

I know I promised an entry yesterday. Quite frankly....I was still too tired (and slightly still hungover from Saturday night! Oh yes....now it takes two days to completely recover as opposed to the four hours and a hamburger and Mobil coke in my early 20's.) However, I am happy to report............
Julian Castro won the Mayoral race with 56% of the vote! Below Julian is addressing a crowd of over 250 people at his victory party. He is standing with his lovely wife, Erica and his twin brother, State Representative for District 125, Joaquin Castro. What a lovely moment for this family. This a long sought after dream realized for the Castros. I felt privileged to volunteer on this campaign and even more privileged to be present at the victory party. (In the background you can see former Mayor Henry Cisneros and Senator Leticia Van de Putte.)


Immediately prior to Julian taking the stage his mother, Rosie Castro, addressed the crowd. She mentioned that it was of particular significance that this victory should arrive on the eve of Mother's Day; not only because she was so proud of BOTH her sons, but because it warms a mother's heart to feel her children are truly supported by those that love them and believe in them. She has long been a pillar of this community and a critical piece of San Antonio's political fabric. I can only imagine the pride she must feel to see her son lead this city, the city she has been organizing for so many years, the city she tirelessly worked to improve for her children.
Mom and Dad arrived early with cookies and wine in hand! Both were a hit and the cookies were gone in seconds. (Thank you to Paula at Bear Moon Bakery on Main Street in Boerne! Your pastries and cakes are ALWAYS a hit! And we really, really, really like you, too!)

At roughly 7:10 Christian Archer, campaign manager, jumped out of his office and let out a scream. The room went silent as he yelled out "56% of early voting!" The room erupted! This was a very, very, very good sign for Julian! The staff all wore faces of excitement blended with relief coupled with an early feeling of heady success. (I am pretty sure I saw several eyes tear up.) Of course, it would still be a few hours before 100% of the polls would report the results.) As you can imagine the room was stuffy....so we packed up our wine and food and headed outside.



Milagro joined mom, dad and me outside. Mom instantly took a liking to him. I knew she would! He also agreed to give me a ride home so that I could enjoy myself properly.....with beer!
This gentleman kept bummin' wine off mom! As it turns out he was my father's English teacher at Central Catholic High School. It took them a while to figure out....guess they don't look the same anymore?
After three beers this bike was of incredible interest to me. It's owner was a gentleman from Brooklyn. We chatted and I remember thinking, "What are we talking about? I am completely lost in this conversation. Somebody save me." I am still not sure who he is, where he rode this bike but I can tell you it is a 1948 model.

Matt and Milagro.........................
What is a celebration without cake? These cakes were beautiful and when they were delivered the entire room smelled of sweetness. Unfortunately, it was all gone before I was able to grab a bite but I understand they were delicious!

At the end of the evening I stole a photo of Rosie and Carina Victoria (Julian and Erica's daughter). I was also able to congratulate her. She was beaming with pride.
After the victory party a few of us headed downtown. A gentleman named Mr. Covey (I believe) was kind enough to share his champagne. Rowland and I toasting to victory. (And to his very, very, very hard work!)
Ben, William (I think) and I at Zinc. I was very excited to have something else in my hair! (You all know how much I love to decorate my head!) Christian stole this gerber daisy and I grabbed it from him and threw it in my hair. Again....any excuse to accessorize!

The evening wound down VERY early the next morning. I was exhausted! I slept most of Sunday.

Overall, this campaign was an amazing experience. I guess it helps immensely that the Castro campaign emerged victorious. However, I have to admit, (a bit embarrassingly) that I feel a little sad. First of all, what will I do with all my evenings? Second, I won't have the opportunity to see the people that had become a part of my life over the last two months. (I will miss some of them greatly. But that's life a lot of the time isn't it? People come into your life...for whatever reason...often for a short period of time. And luckily, you are never the same again because they have influenced you so positively!) Finally, my new friend Milagro will be leaving and that makes me feel sad! BUT.....I am certain we will keep in touch....right, friend? I asked him today if there is such a thing as "post election blues" or is it just bad because my first campaign has ended. He said both but assured me "your first" is always the one you remember most! No longer am I a campaign virgin! I look forward to aligning myself with another volunteer opportunity and both Castro's can count on me anytime. They have BOTH done so much to help the school I am assigned to. It is the least I can do to repay them.
To be honest my heart has been very heavy the last few days for various reasons. I have been throwing a MAJOR "pity party, party of one" over the last two days. It's been a grand celebration.....trust me....I would make all of you proud. I was not looking forward to another day in the dumps. And, as if the universe was reading my mind, Christine called to remind me today was the Special Olympics bowling tournament! I told her I needed to run up to an elementary school to finish assessing a student but that I would meet our students at the bowling alley shortly thereafter! Federal law prevents me from posting any photos. But I really wish I could. The students in our Adapted Learning Environment (for severely and profoundly disabled students) were so happy to be bowling! They were competing against other students from other schools in the district. It was the happiest, liveliest, most honest experience I have had in ages. I needed it! Special Olympics Bowling is my daily celebration today. The students in that particular classroom allow me a daily celebration every time I walk in there....which is almost every day! I often walk in feeling down. I always walk out feeling ecstatic! Thanks to Julie, Michelle and Elizabeth for always welcoming me and including me in your class activities. It does my heart good!

Lorelai has just proposed marriage to Luke.

Lorelai: I mean, we're getting married, Luke. Married. You and me. Luke "table for one" Danes and Lorelai "I'm sorry, can I get an industrial forklift for my emotional baggage" Gilmore are getting married.

Goodnight friends.....Hope to blog tomorrow evening. I have a lot of other things waiting in the wings....good, fun, photos and new features to add to the blog.

Happy Mother's Day

While I have many photos and stories to share with you regarding yesterday's election those are simply going to have to wait! Today's blog is 100% devoted to my mother and all the mothers I know and love.

This is my beautiful mother. I grabbed this photo of her the other day. It struck me as I went back and reviewed them. She is making the exact same expression as an old black and white I have of her when she was in college. She has the same far away look in her eyes that leaves me wondering what she might be thinking about. I know that look, I know it well. Mom's life has been tough at times and I think behind that mysterious expression is a world my father and I can hardly claim to know.

My mother (oh, this is hard....I am starting to cry....thank goodness I am writing and not speaking because I would not be able to get this out) is beautiful. She is beautiful in every sense of the word. When my mother walks in a room it goes silent. Her beauty and her presence turns heads. People are taken aback by her. And that is all before she has even said a word!

But beyond the outer beauty, my mother is the most beautiful because of the woman, wife and mother that she is. My mother is the glue that holds us together. She is the backbone of this family. My father and I are nothing without her. My mother learned some very difficult life lessons early on; lessons my father and I will never know or understand. I often marvel at how my mom drew from the positive aspects of her experiences and infused our family with her hard learned joy.

In my mother's eyes everyone is equal. I have NEVER witnessed my mother treating anybody any differently than she would like to be treated herself. Her kindness and compassion is inspiring....and hopefully contagious. Mom believes the best in people, even when they let her down. And my mother forgives....she truly forgives. I know some of the most difficult people to forgive have been people I have brought into her life. And it kills me that I have done that to her. When I hurt, she hurts deeply. I can't even imagine the pain a mother feels when their child hurts. But she has always been able to pray for those who have hurt me and I find that kind of grace hard to understand...but I try to follow her example.

On this day, I celebrate you, Mom. I adore you and I am so proud to be your daughter. As I have said before.....God gave me to the two most amazing people on the planet. There is not enough I can do to repay the universe for sending me to you. All I can do is take the very best parts of you and try to live them everyday. You are such a magical role model for me, Mom. Thank you for my life. Thank you for your love. Thank you for keeping this family together when I am sure there were times it felt like we were coming apart at the seams. Thank you for showing me that life and people aren't perfect, but you are measured by how gracefully you choose to handle yourself in the midst of turmoil.

You are the very definition of the word "grace." I love you mom. Happy Mother's Day!

I have decided to open up my blog to guests. I thought it only fitting that I invite this special first guest on Mother's Day and that I ask my father to share his thoughts about my mother on this special day. Thank you, Dad........

Roseanna,

For almost 37 years now you have been the center of my life along with the daughter that you blessed us with that wonderful August day. You have been my quiet strength and guidance. Always there to support me, guide me and counsel me through the good times and the trying times. Through it all I have admired your grace-filled fortitude, strength and determination to be the very best you could be as a child of God, wife, soul mate, daughter, sister, friend, educator and above all, Mother.

As a wonderful Mother you have given Patty the unending love, guidance, compassion, unyielding support, understanding and motivation that have made her the beautiful free spirit that she is today. (Not to mention the true gift of shopping as well!) Always there no matter what, always anticipating no matter the situation to ensure that Patty experienced the very essence of life and what it had to offer her and how best to experience life to its fullest.

Thank you for being who you are and for being the very best and loving Mother and Wife a daughter and a husband could ever be blessed with.

Happy Mother’s Day

Love and Kisses

David

Finally, I would like to celebrate all mothers! May you all spend a wonderful day with your families. And remember, mommies come in all forms! Mommies to kitties, mommies to puppies, mommies to humans.....all are celebrated on this blog on this day! I would like to celebrate each of my friends that are mothers. It has been a beautiful thing to see you all transform into your new role. You have all done it so beautifully and I often sit back and watch you all with awe. I hope, one day, to know your joy! So....to Ciara, Cara, Holly, Dinah, Valerie, Rupa, Julie...Happy Mother's Day. And to Najla.....the transformation has already taken place! A special mother's day to you as you anxiously await the arrival of baby Gianna and continue to extend your love, compassion and understanding to Blake.

Good afternoon, friends! Enjoy.........

Window Shopping with Ros Russell and Ava Gardner

Tomorrow is Election Day! I will be busy assisting at headquarters with whatever task needs to be attended to. Probably making sure keys don't get locked in cars, cell phones don't go missing, computers don't grow feet and walk away, chargers don't get lost, lists get completed, names get remembered, etc. (That was funny!) I will have numerous photos to post on Monday. I am hopeful for a victory. This has been such an amazing experience for me. I wish I would have known how much fun campaigning could be. I would have gotten involved much sooner.

I have several daily celebrations today. First of all I would like to celebrate my dear friend Ciara on her birthday. Ciara and I have been friends since my sophomore year of college. She was a year behind me. I met her standing around a keg at the Kappa Alpha house! (Not hard to imagine since I was always there and there were always kegs!) We became friends and by January she had become my “diamond” or little sister in Alpha Delta Pi. We formed a very close friendship over the next three years and we have been close ever since. Ciara lives in Austin with her husband Ryan and her precious daughter Ella James. Ryan and Ciara have always been so gracious in allowing me to spend A LOT of time in their home. They hosted me EVERY SINGLE time I was in Austin attending Pilates weekend classes and logging over 500 practical hours to complete my comprehensive Pilates program! They have also always provided me a soft place to land during difficult times. Their house is truly a place of respite and comfort for me. (I sleep BETTER in their home than I sleep anywhere else!) I will forever appreciate their kindness and support (and great bedding) and I can not wait for my next visit! Happy Birthday Ciara. Your friendship means so much to me. You are the person I turn to when I need to hear “what I need to hear!” You have always been a source of strength for me. You have shown me unconditional love and acceptance. I am so blessed to have you in my life and to be a part of your life! I love you, friend.

I would also like to celebrate my shopping day with Mom and Grandma Olga. We began our day of leisure with lunch at Neiman Marcus. That is always such a lovely treat. Grandma enjoyed a pepper steak sandwich with a Pepsi! We then took her shopping for pants and tops at New York and Company. She also found three pair of comfortable shoes at Easy Spirit. In fact, she walked out of the store wearing her new scoots! After all that shopping she was ready to sit in the shade and have some banana nut ice cream. Needless to say she was ready for a nap by day’s end. We spent over 6 hours at La Cantera Mall. I was exhausted and I am 50 years her junior!

Grandma really fought us on the purchase of shoes. She said there was no need to purchase shoes for an 84 year old woman. She insisted we should, instead, purchase shoes for ourselves! Interesting how she found not one, not two, BUT THREE pair of shoes.

My grandmother is absolutely adorable. I love her so much. My earliest memories of my grandmother consist of her singing “Skip to my Lou” for hours while my cousins and I literally skipped around in a circle. She would care for me everyday after kindergarten. She would have lunch prepared for me and she and I would watch Search for Tomorrow together while my little cousin Marisa (who was a baby) would take a nap in her crib. My grandmother has this amazing gift. I am not quite sure how to explain it other than to compare it to the parable of Loaves and Fishes. My grandmother can take a small amount of food and when she is done preparing it you would swear she could feed an army. She loves to start her mornings praying in the backyard, singing to Jesus and feeding the birds. She once told me God has never denied her a request so if there was anything I really needed all I had to do was ask her. My grandmother loves to make people happy and meet all their needs…as she perceives them. For instance, if she thinks my cousin Marisa is in need of a new sauce pan she will take the sauce pan from my house that she figures I no longer need and give it to Marisa. Very often we have to call each other if something has gone missing. After a few phone calls the item usually turns up. My grandmother can also be very, very, very sassy! I think this is my favorite quality of hers. She has a wonderful sense of humor but do NOT upset her and do NOT slight anyone of her family members. She has never been known for keeping her opinions to herself. It’s rather entertaining to see her get worked up. She’s such a tiny little lady but she sure can pack a big punch. As far as grandmothers go….I think I’ve got one of the best ones out there! I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to get to know her as an adult. And I am also thankful she has had the opportunity to see me grow into a woman. I love you grandma and Happy Mother’s Day. (One of you please show this to her! Thanks....)
I am lovin' Bridget's Sexiest Beaches on the Travel Channel! I have been lovin' Bridget since the first episode of The Girl's Next Door. Bridget has now joined the Travel Channel line up and is globe trotting in search of the world's sexiest and most beautiful beaches. The hour long show, hosted by Bridget Marquardt, highlights various beaches and local customs, attractions, cuisines, etc. Ever the happy bubble girl, Bridget brings her unique brand of cheeriness, joy and friendly, laid-back nature to the show. (Image from http://www.forum.zomgstuff.net/ .)

You can't help but smile while watching this show. Not only does Bridget transport you to some of the world's most famous beaches she does so with a sort of tongue in cheek sense of humor. She is able to laugh at herself and can often be seen falling down on rocks and slipping in slimy ponds. She is also up for adventure. Clearly she is an adrenaline junkie and it is fun to watch her attempt the things I would never consider taking part in like diving with sharks, para-sailing (well...I might consider that), flying through the air in various contraptions, etc.

My favorite episode is Croatia. I had NO idea! I mean....honestly....my geographical skills are poor, at best. I don't think I even knew Croatia had a coastline. (Embarrassing admission!) Not only was the water beautiful, the cities, villages and islands she visited are full of history and extraordinary character. I can not wait to make this trip! (I am hoping it might be my honeymoon destination! The romance factor seemed incredibly high! And if I never get married I will take myself there! Anyone want to come along?)

I am lovin' this dress Bridget wore on the episode. I can't seem to access the website...sad for me! (Images from http://www.travelchannel.com/.)

Above is a photo of Bridget and Sarah Underwood on a boat ride along the Croatian coast. (Image from http://www.pantylinepress.com/ .)

If you have not caught any of the first run episodes I am certain the Travel Channel is airing previously broadcast episodes. Take an hour out of your day, lay down, and imagine yourself with an exotic drink in hand, smelling the ocean, listening to the crashing waves and feeling the sun dancing on your skin! Yummy magic!

Lorelai and Rory are sitting in Lorelai's Jeep avoiding a very important and difficult conversation.

Lorelai: We're having a bike race. A bike race through town. First one ever. Taylor is really excited. Maybe Sheryl Crow will come.

(Image from http://www.flourishministry.com/.)

Goodnight, friends. One last reminder...if you haven't voted...tomorrow is your day!