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......

Red, White and Blue Equals Lavender

I received very nice responses to my Father's Day blog! The overwhelming consensus is that my mother's letter was extremely touching. I had several people tell me they cried....and these are not the typical "cry-ers!" So, nice job, Mom! To be honest...some of the elements of the letter were a surprise to me. It was really sweet to read about their special memories...memories that actually did not include me. (Hard to imagine but apparently there was a time my mom and dad did not have me in their lives!)

Here is a photo of mom, dad and I at The Grill at Leon Springs. We celebrated Father's Day with a late lunch. Once again I was most pleased by this restaurant. Once October rolls around I can not wait to have happy hours on their new patio! In addition, they have "Economic Stimulus Wednesdays" where they offer about five to six meals for roughly 11 dollars each. I know the reviews are mixed but I have always enjoyed my meals at The Grill and I highly recommend it.

Several weeks ago I picked up the latest edition of Scene in SA magazine. (I'll admit I like to thumb through the periodical from time to time to check out all the "party pics" of various social events in San Antonio.) I noticed the Lavender Festival in Blanco was fast approaching. I immediately sent a text to my "Sandbar '08/Round Top '09" crew to see if we might add "Lavender '09" to our ever growing list of weekend debacles, fiascos and getaways. Miraculously we were all available and agreed to leave very early as the mercury is SERIOUSLY rising and FAST! We arrived in Blanco at about 10am. Parking was tricky but we find a semi-shady spot and a very nice gentlemen picked us up in his John Deere golf-cart-like vehicle and dropped us right at the front gate! The girls made me ride shotgun. I am still unsure how I won that distinct privilege. They asked me to take their photograph. I was happy to oblige but I was quite afraid I was going to fall out of the cart. It was a major contortionist act to grab this picture. Not bad, huh? Immediately upon arrival we purchased "Lavender Lizzies!" Think mimosa...but with lavender margarita mix instead of orange juice. They were tasty!

Unfortunately Jace's "Lavender Lizzie" went straight to her head and she ended up in a bit of legal trouble.....

About twenty minutes into our lively lavender libations we realized the heat was unbearable. Each one of us kept quiet about it until we couldn't stand it any longer. We were quickly in agreement. We would sprint through the Blanco town square, find a cool place for lunch and then suffer through a tour of one of the various lavender farms in the area. We simply were not going to leave the lavender festival without visiting one of the participating farms. Despite our well developed plans we still tucked into the courthouse. It was the only place with air conditioning. And we got a chance to sit down for a bit.

Ironically we chose to eat at a bar-b-que joint just off the town square. Guess what....air conditioning was BARELY functional and the smoke was so thick we could hardly see each other across the table. But I digress. We headed out FM 165 to Heron's Nest Herb Farm. Lavender, echinacea and various other herbs are grown here. Guests of the festival were invited to tour the entire farm...including the owner's home and private gardens.

This is a photo of the private gardens off the farmhouse.

The owner had various pieces of metal art displayed throughout her private gardens.

I realize the following two photos are VERY similar, however I wanted to post them both to showcase just how lovely the private garden was.

Part of the festivities included making our own lavender products to take away with us. Each one of us made a "mister" with lavender as our base essential oil and then layered various other oils on top in order to create different aroma combinations that also serve specific restorative functions. We also created a sea salt scrub for our friend Valerie. We thought it would be a perfect birthday gift for her.

Below are various photos I took of the grounds.

This was a wonderful festival. HOWEVER it would be a more pleasant experience in ANY OTHER EARLY JUNE or in early spring or late autumn. As it turns out this is the "harvesting" season of lavender and the festival MUST take place during this time of the year. If you "can stand the heat" then by all means check it out next year. If you do not like to be hot and sweaty then this festival is not for you! Grab a lavender soap bar and lavender candle instead!

I actually have been loving these two Wes Anderson films for quite some time. I JUST scanned these graphics in so I am sharing them with you now. I love, love, love, love, love these two films...and to a lesser extent...The Darjeeling Limited and Rushmore. The merits and attributes of these films are extensive and I can hardly list them all right now. I will share the "top three reasons I love these films:" 1) the overall visual asthetic of these films very much appeals to my eye (I do not know how he achieves this), 2) the soundtracks (especially of The Royal Tenenbaums) and 3) Bill Murray (who I believe has made AT LEAST one appearance in all Wes Anderson's films except Bottle Rocket.) I am not a fan of watching movies over and over....but I could watch these two movies time and again and laugh out loud each time. If you like "quirky" then pick these up. If you don't....then do not waste your time. You will HATE these! And then you will tell me and I will be very upset and have to yell at you and defend the movies and really...do we want to go there?

Rory: I am sure you will have fun at your Cotillion.

Charlotte: I am looking forward to it.

Lorelai: Oh, don't get too excited. Cotillions are not fun parties. They are boring rituals to train a whole new generations of snobs.

Emily: And how exactly would you know? Lorelai never attended a Cotillion.

Lorelai: You don't have to jump off the Empire State building to know it is going to hurt.

Goodnight friends!

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!