Kitschy, Kitschy, Kitsch!

While I did not get to Round Top this spring (sniff-sniff) I DID manage to visit Uncommon Objects on South Congress in Austin! I could spend hours snaking in and out of the coordinated vignettes marveling at all of the eye candy. The challenge is to sift through all the items and focus on one or two ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVES that are begging me to take them home with me. I found this piece of marvelous kitsch within the first 30 seconds of my visit. I walked around for about 30 minutes before returning to "Hula Hula" Lady and claiming her as my own. My first thought was to find a place for her in the nude bathroom; however upon further reflection she does not work in there. I haven't landed on a permanent spot for her. Right now she is holding up Mastering The Art of French Cooking. I hope Julia would be proud!

Goodnight friends! Best wishes to all my friends who are involved with TAKS testing tomorrow.

Road Trip Part I

On the way to slay the dragon I had to pick up some "power pellets" in the form of love, laughs and good times with sweet friends! I stopped off in Austin on my way to Dallas. Ciara and Ryan hosted me in their home...AGAIN! Unfortunately Ella Bella was with her "Gigi" that evening. However that did allow Ciara and I to meet Jen and Jaclyn for dinner at Sago.

Below is a photo of Jen and Ciara.
Below is a photo of Jaclyn and me. Please pardon the "cheese factor" for a moment. In my sorority Ciara is my little sister and Jaclyn is her little sister. So we are ADPi family! I won't go into any more detail. It is far too silly!
The photo below is funny. The table was really tall and we all felt like Alice in Wonderland. The glass was also rather large. Ciara couldn't help but snap a picture of how small I looked in comparison to the scale of the furniture and glassware!
Ciara, Jen, Jaclyn and I. We had a lovely evening catching up and making plans for a girls weekend in San Antonio! Ladies....let's make this happen. And Cara is in, too!
Ciara thank you for helping me through the following day. You are such a calming, gracious force in my life. You always take me as I am and you honor whatever space I happen to be in. When you need to point something out to me you have the most beautiful and authentic way of allowing me to see where my processing might be flawed or over processed or over thought. You have always helped me to forgive myself which is a huge difficulty for me. I love you so much, friend! People like you are what convinces me of God's grace!

As a sidenote....the dragon came to tea. But then I had to banish the dragon from my table because the dragon was just plain rude! But wouldn't you know....there is another dragon in the cave! Now...that dragon is available to tea anytime and a most gracious guest. What can I say....some dragons are just better than others. Thank God for well adjusted dragons!!!!!

Next post will include fun photos from Dallas! And you will all get to meet Miss JoJo Holmes! Goodnight!

Cowboys, Indians and ME!

Ha! I am so excited today. Cowboys and Indians hit the stands. I purchased a number of copies. (I will not ever admit how many I purchased!) The Papa Dean's Popcorn article is wonderful! San Antonio is so well represented and the photo on page 141 ain't too shabby either! Pick one up at your local bookstore and enjoy this beautiful publication!

I am also excited because I am embarking on a road trip tomorrow. I will be headin' north for a few days! I am spending tomorrow evening in Austin with Ciara, Ryan and Ella. We have dinner plans with Jaclyn and Jen and I can not wait to spend time with them. Thursday I am driving to Dallas. I will be descending upon Casa Holmes and hoping to visit with so many old college friends! Sunday I will be heading back through Austin and Monday I will be home! I am taking my computer and hoping to blog and upload photos.

Have a wonderful week and I hope to keep up with you all! Good luck Chupacabras! I am with ya in spirit!

Weekend in Austin: Part Three-Hotel San Jose

Today was the last day of school for our students! (I still have 8 more to go. But thankfully, I have a wonderful job that allows me two months vacation time in the summer so I can NOT and will NOT complain.) As I was walking to my car I realized this was my 10th last day of school. I was struck by how the time has flown by and I wondered how many more "last days of school" I will complete.

While I was in Austin over Memorial Day weekend I received a long awaited text from my friend Sara. It simply read, "I am engaged, chica!" Sara and I work together (and while neither of us have any recollection of this we grew up on the same street in Brownsville and KNOW we must have played together from time to time). Rico and Sara have dated since December, 2001; although they have known each other since high school. I am absolutely thrilled for you both. Through the last 7 years I have seen your relationship grow and I know this natural progression was something you were both looking forward to for a very long time. I have seen you both be true to one another and always lean on each other during tough times. You make each other and your families your priority. I think you two are certainly soul mates and each other's perfect match! Congratulations and best wishes and I WILL BE in Cabo next June. And thanks for offering to feed us, Sara! I knew you would change your mind. In celebration.....Rico and Sara.......
While Ciara and I were strolling around South Congress we tucked into the entrance of Hotel San Jose. I knew about the charming, eclectic and soulful hotel because Ciara and Ryan retired there after their wedding celebration. I have also passed it hundreds of times because they once lived seconds from hotel's location. However, I had never entered the front gate. As we were walking and talking she said, "Hey, let's go in there. I want you to see it. You would love it here!" Immediately upon entering the gates we found this little bird completely LUXURIATING in this zen like fountain. We both stood there, silently watching this bird continue to bathe. The bird must have spent AT LEAST three minutes splashing around completely unaware of our bizarre, voyeuristic fascination. I figured I might as well pull out my camera and capture whatever I could. I took a ton of pictures and this bird was NEVER disturbed by our presence. It was the embodiment of "singularity of purpose." Of course when the bird was done it flew straight towards a woman who had a fear of birds. I laughed a little then remembered my "iguana thing" and imagined one coming towards me in a similar fashion. Suddenly it wasn't so funny anymore!

Today, in honor of this little bird, I celebrate luxuriating in a bath! My evening bath is very often THE highlight of my day. I can not think of a better way to end my day and prepare for slumber. Hot baths have always been most restorative for me and I consider a hot bath the panacea for any and all physical and emotional ailments. When I am feeling down...for whatever reason...that is the first place I can be found. Lights off, candles lit, music on, bath salts dissolving....that is one of my life's simple luxuries. I am sure I am at the top of the water conservationist movement's "most wanted" list....but I do my part in other ways! I wash my own dishes....no dishwasher for this girl! So I think that makes us just about even.

As for Hotel San Jose....I can not wait for a good excuse to treat myself to an evening or two at this well known establishment. I imagine drinks in the courtyard, dinner at the Italian restaurant down the way, dancing at the Continental Club, a hot bath, deep sleep, drawn curtains, waking up late, coffee in my terry cloth robe, fish tacos at Guero's and shopping along South Congress. That sounds like a perfect weekend! Yummy and delicious!

A footnote to my Austin trip....I spoke with Ciara two days ago and she said Ella transitioned to her new school with overwhelming ease. She acted as though she has been in attendance for years and her teacher is very proud of her "potty progress!" Only pull ups for this girl! Way to go Elly Belly.....I am so proud of you!

Right now I am lovin' my new shoes. What I love EVEN MORE is that they only cost me 27 dollars! Oh yes...ladies...I said 27 dollars! You know that feeling....victory! Of course...they are just a tad too large but for 27 dollars I can throw some inserts in there and go on with my evening! Personally, I have found my shoes set the tone for my entire mood. If I am feeling sassy in my shoes I tend to also feel sassy from head to toe. A few weeks ago Isaac Mizrahi was a guest on The Splendid Table. In addition to being a designer he is also somewhat of a chef. When Lynne Rossetto Kasper asked him what the most important elements of a good dinner party were he said aperitifs and dessert. When she asked why he said it was like good fashion. What is important is what is happening with your hair and jewelry and your shoes....everything in the middle is just incidental. He said people will remember the drinks you serve when they walk in and the dessert they are sent off with. Again everything in the middle is simply incidental. I couldn't agree more! I knew I adored this man for a reason!

Additionally, I am currently lovin' my new nail polish. It is called "Hunger" by NARS. I got what might quite possibly be the last bottle in San Antonio. A special shout out to my "hook up." He never lets me OR my mother down! This color is part of their summer line called "Vintage Nails" and is in apparently very high demand. I feel very privileged to have it on my toes! It is the perfect shade of orange. (Yes...I did, in fact, take this many...and more....photos of these shoes on several separate occasions!)

Just a quick reminder.....my Stella and Dot party will be Thursday, June 11 at 6pm. It will be held at Soho Wine and Martini Bar. Please feel free to drop by, throw back an exquisite drink and shop the hippest, cutest, most affordable jewelry I have seen in a long time! If you can not make it...or you live out of town....click here to start shopping. Click on the link titled "Can't Make It To Party: Find Your Hostess" and then enter in "Patty Vela." Orders need to be in by June 11. This jewelry is very unique and whimsical. The nice thing about the line is there are a lot of different styles for various tastes. Additionally they have a men's line for that special guy in your life. I can't wait to see you all there and may I suggest the "Dirty Sour Martini" and the "Carrot Cake Martini!" You will NOT be disappointed!

Lorelai has just been ditched by her eccentric employee for a Celine Dion concert instead. She is in desperate need of an escort to a wedding. She is so frustrated with his last minute bailout. She screams, "FRACKIN' CELINE DION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I believe many of us understand the sentiment.

Goodnight friends. I have a ton of things to do this weekend and that means of ton of pictures to share!

Weekend in Austin: Part Two-South Congress

I am feeling a little under the weather this evening. I found out yesterday I have a calcification, or "stone" in one of the salivary gland/tube like structures that leads to the duct in my cheek. The site on my cheek became very inflammed and I had no idea why. I didn't remember biting myself or burning myself so I was really at a loss. As the days passed I started feeling worse! My cheek was sore, the area around it was raw, my ear hurt and burned, my throat hurt, my teeth hurt, my gums hurt, my head hurt! It was just uncomfortable to talk! Thank goodness for my parent's neighbor, Jim Burke, a professor of dentistry who saw me Sunday morning at his house and encouraged me to see my dentist if I didn't feel better soon. I visited my dentist's office...without an appointment....and he suspected I had a stone. He took some x-rays and sure enough you could see the stone clearly! He said it would pass...just like a kidney stone...but prescribed me Amoxicillin for the infection. I asked him if I could have the pink, liquid, refrigerated version from my childhood. He laughed and asked if I wanted graham crackers and chocolate milk, too! (I got it in pill form. Sad, sigh!) My mouth feels better today but I feel the "cold like" symptoms have persisted. And to top it off.....I turned my ankle today three times! Twice was one step after another. Very odd. And yes....friends....it is the foot I can't really feel! Yikes...scary stuff. Tomorrow....NO HEELS! So...let my story be a cautionary tale...if you don't remember biting yourself and you have an odd inflammation inside your cheek do not blow it off and be careful in heels! Now....Austin Part Two as promised.

The following day Ciara and I woke up early and attended a service at her church, First United Methodist Church of Austin. The church is situated downtown and the building is historic. It is beautiful and hearkens back to a time when a church resembled a theater of sorts. It is surrounded by simple, understated stained glass windows and origami birds hang from the ceiling. They each have a prayer request written on them by church members and will be up for the rest of the Easter season. The pastor is the same pastor who married Ciara and Ryan. (Apparently he was the pastor of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church for a number of years before moving to Austin.) His message was simple…he reminded us that not only are we the face of Christ but we also reflect Christ back onto others…much like a mirror. He simply asked, “Do you really look like your picture?” He left us both with a lot to consider and we discussed his sermon from the church to lunch. Our friend, Jen, met us for lunch at Guero’s on South Congress. (My fish tacos on whole wheat tortillas were OUT OF THIS WORLD!) I always enjoy eating there. It reminds me I am in the heart of Austin and I can feel the city’s vibe….


My celebration today is the conversation Ciara, Jen and I had at lunch. It was one of the most open, vulnerable, real conversations I have participated in for a very long while. A lot of poignant, relevant, difficult questions were asked and very real, human, candid, emotional answers were given. Each one of us focused on something that has recently transpired in our lives. Some of the topics were more serious than others…but all were very palpable, charged, adult situations that we could have never anticipated when we first met over 15 years ago. I marveled at how far each of us has come and some of the life experiences Jen and Ciara have accumulated as adults. They are both incredibly strong women who have dealt with deep, sorrowful loss and have also experienced some of life’s ultimate joys. Ciara reminded us that sometimes an individual can become so angry with God (or whatever higher force you wish to subscribe to) for things that do or do not happen in life. She reminded us that we can spend a very long time in that place. However she said it is easy to forget God is also saddened by our trials. Much like an earthbound parent, sometimes there is little God can do other than to shake his head in sadness and desperation for the tribulations His children are subjected to…sometimes through absolutely no fault of their own. Her thoughts reminded me VERY much of a passage I read in a book (YEARS AGO) called Coming Down the Mountain. It was given to me after I made my first ACTS retreat and is often suggested to “retreatants” immediately upon their first day back in the “real world” after completing their ACTS or Emmaus journey. It was the story of a woman who had experienced deep trauma during her childhood and held onto her anger with fierce intensity for many, many years. The realization was that God didn’t “allow this to happen to her,” rather he hung his head in sadness at the fact that another one of His children could harm her in such an abhorrent way. She realized God could offer to carry her, and probably had been carrying her, through her anger and pain…and in the end that was comfort enough for her. She was able to release her anger and resentment and move forward in her journey to know Christ. Of the 6 weeks worth of daily reflections offered in that book….this story is THE ONE and ONLY that has consistently resonated with me and the only one I honestly remember. Sorry for the tangent….back to my original celebration….I celebrate my wonderful lunch with two very dear friends who have known me a very long time! I am so blessed to count you both among my friends. You are both solid, strong, bold, courageous women. I can’t wait to see where we all are after another 15 years! Undoubtedly we will still be meeting up at Guero’s for fish tacos on a Sunday morning after church. (Ella will be graduating from high school in 15 years time! Goodness…)


What I am lovin’ right now is these photos Ciara captured. After lunch Ciara and I walked around South Congress shopping at some of the unique and eclectic shops and boutiques. In addition to shops, restaurants, hotels and live music venues, quite a few vintage RVs now dot the landscape. Each one serves a different food item and are generally decorated to advertise their goods. For example one RV had a huge cupcake on it, the other had a large sign that read, “Flavored Popcorn,” etc. As you all know I have a deep fascination and appreciation for Airstreams! I want to own one so badly! I don’t know what it is….my eye just loves the aesthetic value…and my spirit likes what they represent. (I am certainly not a camp-y type of a girl….but I could definitely criss-cross the nation in one of these…re-imagined and re-invented, of course! The inspirations are a hula girl lamp, oil cloth covered metal chairs, aqua and yellow paint and big, bold floral patterns....with the requisite pink flamingos and vintage bar-b-que out front!) Imagine my excitement when we happened upon this Airstream selling crepes. (Funny something so French vended from something so American.) Ciara asked if I wanted a picture with the Airstream. I shrieked in delight and was like a kid in a candy store. We didn’t even realize another iconic American figure lurked in the foreground of the picture….old Coca-Cola bottles. Ciara took a photography class in college and I was her model (I use that term VERY loosely). Little has changed all these years later. I am still posing for her black and whites!

Today I needed to pick up a new journal. I intended to stop into the book store, pick up a journal and be out within minutes. I have to embarrassingly admit to my annoyance at the short, but painfully slow, line at the check out counter. As I waited, silently seething, I noticed my favorite magnet line prominently displayed next to the entrance to the check out counter. The line is called Quotable Cards and they manufacture cards and magnets with various inspirational quotes. I have purchased MANY of their cards and magnets as gifts to myself, family and friends! I found this quote to be of particular relevance to me and my life right now. I couldn't help myself...I had to purchase it. I knew I had to add it to the little magnet boards that flank my multi-purpose desk. Upon further research I have learned the author of this quote, Christian D. Larson was an influential New Thought leader and teacher and prolific writer of New Thought books. This passage is from Larson's book Your Forces and How To Use Them written in 1912. It has since come to be known as "The Optimist Creed" and was officially adopted by the Optimists International as their creed in 1922. I am not sure how this creed has managed to escape me all these years...but often things fall into our lives when we need them most! I hope you enjoy reading it for the first time or re-reading it and finding new value in it.

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best.

Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!

I feel this sums up the purpose, mission and ultimate goal of this blog. I am so grateful this magnet dropped into my life today! Goodnight friends......

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.