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!

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!

School's Out For Summer

Who is the laziest, most irresponsible blogger on the planet? That would be me. I am not too proud to own it....I willingly accept the title! Last week was crazy! And last weekend wasn't much better. However, as of noon today, I am officially on summer break! I know you are all dying to know how I celebrated.....I went to Best Buy and I made my official purchase. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen.....I bought a Macbook Pro (with a little help from my friends...thank you)! I will collect it bright and early tomorrow morning. And it gets even better....because I was too afraid to make the purchase two weeks ago and I waited and procrastinated...I was able to purchase a BRAND NEW model that was launched only last Tuesday....for $100 dollars less! The light was shinin' down on me...kind of like the day I bought my first pair of vintage cowboy boots!

I have a ton of photos to share.....I hope to be a much more diligent blogger in all my free time! (These are not necessarily in chronological order....although I will try to blog "in order of occurrence" as best I can.)

So the other day I caught my children "in the act." Toilet paper is...by far...the most fun toy in this house. I can NOT keep the roll on the roller/dispenser thingee. I have to keep all rolls stored in cabinets at all times. Sounds like a tight plan, doesn't it? Not so much. My children can pull it off of and out of any cabinet. I just never figured out who the culprit was. Looks like I caught the ring leader and I have to say...I was pleasantly surprised. I assumed all mischevious actions were Lola's idea. Nevermind who hatches the plan the bottom line is I spend more money on toilet paper than anyone I know. This is a weekly occurrence!



Lola simply joins in because she can not refuse a party.

There are times these cats drive me insane. But then...for about 10 minutes...they are all calm, cuddlin' with me in my bed...and I am so happy they each found me. I am happy to waste money on toilet paper as long as they continue to keep me company. Some days it is much needed!
As most of you know I am terribly afraid of lizards. It is an irrational fear and is not based in any solid traumatic experience from my childhood. It just IS...period! I have been afraid of them for as long as I can remember. My mother...on the other hand...thinks they are precious and often thought it was quite funny to let them into the house to torment her daughter! (No one ever called the authorities on that one!) Dad often had to referee and remove them from the house. There were times the lizards put up quite a fight and his fingers caught the brunt of their frustration.

Anyhow...I am really trying to get beyond this fear because it limits my backyard activity and annoys people that have to be outside with me, go to the zoo with me, go to Cozumel (or any tropical area) with me, etc. Saturday morning I was heading out for a road trip when I found this little one sunning him or herself in my back patio. I got in super close....then zoomed in with the camera...and here is what I got. Not so bad...kinda cute...as long as there is safe distance between us!
Are you proud of me, mom? Immediately prior to boarding my first international flight (to London for my study abroad program) she gave me a plastic lizard. She knew I was very nervous about the flight as there had recently been a tragic plane crash out of New York City. She said, "This plastic lizard is to remind you to boldly face your fears. Hold onto it for the duration of the flight!" For eight hours I gripped the lizard tightly. It travelled in my fanny pack (oh yes...I said fanny pack....it was a very safe way to keep my belongings close to me while on trains and subways) the entire semester. That lizard has made at least four international flights since...and has accompanied me on every "scary" situation...in my pocket (I tossed the fanny pack long age). I think that more than makes up for the torture my mom poured upon me in my childhood by allowing them in the house.

Today I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Rowan Landry Gragg. Rowan was born on January 3o, 2009 to Roger and Dinah Gragg. Dinah and I went to college and graduate school together, completed all our graduate assistantships together and now we work together. Dinah has become a very dear friend to me. And it must be said...Roger is one of the funniest people I have EVER met. They are such a lovely couple and I am so happy for their new blessing.

I love you baby Rowan! And I am so sorry I made you a little fussy today. However...Mommy made it all better by singing. And as many years as I have known your Mommy...I had no idea she could sing so well! Congratulations Dinah and Roger. He is beautiful!

This is a new addition to the blog. Today is the inauguration of "My Friend's Top Ten." The idea behind this is to get my friends involved in the blog. And, honestly, I am only as interesting and unique as the people I know. Each one of my friends is a tiny little expert on "something!" I want to celebrate that.


For the inaugural post I went straight to one of the coolest people I have ever known. I met Johnny Seale one of the first nights of college. My dorm had to play a very stupid game with his dorm. (Embarassing, I know.) Anyhow...we became good friends throughout college and Johnny was always incredibly kind to me....when other boys were busy being rude and uppity....Johnny always treated everyone with an equal amount of respect, open-ness and grace. I had not had the opportunity to keep up with him since we graduated...but I would often hear he was doing well and enjoying life in Dallas. About two years ago I started visiting Dallas more frequently and had the opportunity to catch up with him again and get to know his incredibly hip and sassy wife, Carley (who owns my favorite store in the entire world...The Gypsy Wagon). Johnny helped me with the basic design idea of this blog...so thank you friend. (Check out the rest of his brilliant design ideas at Cowboys and Indians magazine!) PS...the "spacing" is not cooperating here. So sorry.....this is driving me insane right now.

Johnny chose to share his Top Ten favorite songs to "groove by." I was able to add about five of them to the blog playlist. They should be the first five songs you hear. And I have been doing some serious groovin' in my rocking chair (what am I....a groovy grandma?) listening to these tunes. I have NOT edited Johnny's content. So....if your eyes don't like bad words....skip right on through. However...Johnny is a very witty and creative guy...so you might want to enjoy his unique commentary. In addition...he has been kind enough to provide the YouTube link to each of these. Oh yes...friends of future topics to come...he totally upped the ante!
OK: here's my 10 songs. They don't necessarily blend together, but I suppose they could. You'll maybe tell that I like Afro-cuban beats, foul language, and raves.

1) Up From The South by The Budos Band- There's a scene in "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" where John Slade walks down the street, and there's a full music section following him as he struts confidently through Jack's ghetto. Jack asks: "Who are these guys?" and John replies: "My theme music... Every good hero should have some." True dat, Slade: my music would be anything by Brooklyn's Budos Band. Video, includes 'Eastbound': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqyXgFaf1-4

2) Let's Start by Fela Kuti- King of Afro-beat is sure to make it wiggle more than a little. In 1970's Nigeria: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-SQH94Pifc

3) Velvet Pants or Take California by The Propellerheads-Good grief, I still cannot believe these guys only put out one album "decksanddrumsandrockandroll." Excellent driving music, if you can handle spazzing out a little while behind the wheel. Someone's short video scored to Take California:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8bMSVrLIBM No video here, but you can get a listen to Velvet Pants:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y8dqBag3gk

4) D.A.R.E. by the Gorillaz- When you listen, does your butt starting movin' front-back-and-side-to-side? Hey white people: feel that overbite comin' on? It's coming up / It's coming up / It's DARE! Neat-o sidenote: the backing vocals are from the lead singer of The Happy Mondays. If anyone knew how to get a party started, it was the Mondays. Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCy928QJCDE

5) Golden Age by TV On The Radio- More dudes from BKYLN, throwin' down sound for your mound. "Oh, here it comes like a natural disaster / Oh, blowin up like a ghetto blaster/ Oh, here it comes, bring it faster!" Fun video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0gghjczAt0

6) Star 69 by Fat Boy Slim- If you want to turn your party into a full-on, butterfly-wings-and-glow-sticks rave, put this song once everyone is fully primed. Holy shit, I may have sweat my body weight out freaking out to this jam. Here's Norman Cook f*ckin in heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkm422Blpk4

7) Can You Feel It? by The Jacksons- Ah 1980: Disco was not dead yet, and Michael had yet to release Thriller. When people say they like "Off The Wall," many times this one gets left out of the conversation. Jane Fonda used this song in her aerobics tapes. Trippy video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1fXL3s7bk

8)Hollywood Freaks by Beck- Absurdity. Genius. Tooty-Fruity. Automatic Biz-ootie. Make all the lesbians scream, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIIJHiKhIRE

9) Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? by Boy George & The Culture Club- Was Boy George terribly misunderstood? Attention Adam Lambert: I triple-dog-dare you to outdo the career of this man. Plus, the dance moves in this video are off the pork pulley:

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

10)Pumping On Your Stereo by Supergrass- They may be from the UK, but when I listen to Supergrass, I can only hear California. I love the first several records by these guys. Checkout "In It For The Money" for the peak of their sound, in my opinion. Official video for Pumping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXL_Xb0zT5g

Everybody say thank you to Johnny for making all your parties that much more fun! I hope he considers joining us again for another installment of "My Friend's Top Ten." I am hoping his presence increases my male readership from three to maybe five? Maybe next time you can rank your top ten favorite Cowboy hail mary passes of all time (you all know I have no idea what I am talking about). Jace'...you are up next. (By the way....it MUST be asked...how does Johnny know about Jane Fonda using "Can You Feel It?" My mom worked out RELIGIOUSLY to that video and I have NO recollection of this.)

I have no official transition here. Just wanted to share a few photos from Christine's birthday party at Silo. We went specifically to hear Delta House....the best cover band EVER! We had an amazing time! Enjoy the photos.....

Christine, Jace' and Danica......

Christine and the lead singer. She requested "Pour Some Sugar on Me." He said the didn't know it. What cover band does not know this song? Jace' has HORRIBLY disappointed they didn't know her theme song. Holla! Instead he sang "Ring of Fire." A far cry from her original request.
Christine decided to give "Coach John Pena" some hair. We still aren't sure why or what prompted this action. But he was a very good sport.

Christine and I.......(why didn't I crop any of these? Too late now.)

Jace' and Danica.......

This night was so much fun! We all stayed out until "last call." Thanks for organizing your own party, Christine! Despite all the venue confusion....we ALL had a great time. Next year...third annual Silo birthday party? We can't break with tradition.

Just a reminder....the Stella and Dot trunk show order will be open until Wednesday, June 17. If you still have not made your purchase or you want to add to your order click here. Click on "Can't make it to party. Find my hostess." Then enter in "Patty Vela." Most of the trunk show guests have already received their purchases and are raving about their products! Check out the goods...you won't be disappointed!

Goodnight friends! Have to wake up super-fly early to collect my newest, shiniest toy. I am grinnin' from ear to ear as I type these words! What? Of course I will take a photograph!