Tahoe Holga Photos

I am ridiculously tardy!  Our Lake Tahoe trip was in July and I JUST took my Holga photos to be developed last week.  I collected them today and with as much patience as a 4 year old on Christmas morning I tore open the envelope to see what I had gotten! (That is the best part of the Holga...you NEVER know what you are going to get!)  I used color film on this trip and I played with the number of exposures.  Some of these have been cropped.

Pine cones, pine cones EVERYWHERE!  (Apparently they hurt when they land on your head.)

 Our fearless tour guide mapping out our bike route.

 View from back porch.

The chalet is owned by Texans. 

 Another view from back porch.

 I love the wispiness of the tree tops...I think I clicked the shutter twice on this one.

 What are you thinking about?

And because today is the final day in our week long celebration.....

Richard: Say, are you and Rory "wireless?"

Lorelai: Oh no, we're pretty wired most of the time.

Richard: Emily, I am going to "google" you.

Emily: You most certainly are NOT going to "google" me!

To figure out EXACTLY what happened you'd have to dig up Freud himself and have him work on me full time. -Lorelai

Jason: Crystal is just a friend.

Lorelai: A friend named CRYSTAL!  Who are you, Hugh Hefner?

Friends!  It is THAT time of the year again!  Silent Auction time!  Talk to me.....people!  If you know me, like me, love me....you WILL participate in some form or fashion.  So...what will it be...item donation?  Volunteering for the Gala, prior to the Gala....?  I just came home from a very productive meeting and I have the major GALA EXCITEMENT BUG!  I will keep you all VERY posted.  But...for now you can help in the following way....

This will be an ENORMOUS help to Silent Auction.  Thank you to Christina Welch for supporting Silent Auction and CBCST again, this year!  If there is a piece of Stella & Dot that you just can't live without...here is the perfect opportunity to adorn yourself for a good cause!  Directions are included above and please note the online party is open from today until October 19!

Sweet dreams, dear friends!  This week is flyin' by and I am lovin' it!

Quick Detour....Rest Stop Ahead

Right now I am lovin' Stella & Dot's Fall Line! My dear, dear, dear friend, Rupa Crow, has become an Independent Stella & Dot Stylist. Tomorrow night is her first official trunk show and open house. I am so excited for her and know that she will be an outstanding success! Best wishes on your new endeavor, friend.
Above are The Garden Party Chandelier Earrings. These stunning earrings are available for 54 dollars. I am excited to say they will soon be making a home in my jewelry box. If you are interested in these earrings...or any other piece....click here to be redirected to Rupa's webpage. If you can not make the trunk show click on "Can't Make Party: Find a Hostess" and enter in "Rupa Crow" then order away.

Long day and I MUST turn in so I can be fresh for the Trunk Show tomorrow evening! Goodnight, friends!

Family Vacation Part I

Dear Jace',

Thank you for giving me the strength I needed to approach the blog again today. And thank you for the reminder that my blog is not "too good" for Office Wisdom. My blog and I do heartily apologize for our inconsiderate and insensitive treatment of your Office quotes. My blog and I know you spent many a long, long, long hour compiling the quotes and we sincerely appreciate your efforts. In an attempt to make you happy...AGAIN....we have included one of OUR favorites at the bottom of this post. We promise to never ignore you or your efforts again. (That's what he said...but I think he was lying!)

Love always....Patty and her blog.

Tonight I will begin to chronicle the summer vacation I took with my parents. Many thanks to Mom and Dad for extending the invitation to me. This vacation was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered for ALL OF US! It was a lovely trip....

However it must be said...as a general rule when my family travels together we put the Griswald's to shame. This family vacation was no different! There is only a slight difference...I do not have a brother, my father would have no clue if Christie Brinkley drove up next to us and we are Mexican-American. THAT'S IT!

Here we are...or rather there "they" are. The two heads of the Griswald family. We arrived in Jacksonville, Florida because that is where Southwest flies. From there we took a healthy road trip in this black mafia car my father rented! To his credit, it was comfortable and got some excellent gas mileage. (The fog on the camera is due to the ABSOLUTE SWAMP LIKE WEATHER in Jacksonville. My cold camera met the 100% humidity and fogged up the lens. I am not sure why I expected anything other than swamp like humidity...but I did. Silly girl!)

Below Mom is preparing for one of our flights....

Mom and Dad attempting to pack the mafia-mobile again....

From Jacksonville we drove to Savannah, Georgia. I had long wanted to visit Savannah. Well, ever since I saw Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil as I suspect is the case with many of Savannah's tourists. The trip was roughly two hours; most of which I spent creating a music playlist I thought would please the parents. Once we entered the city limits I was transfixed! I simply did not have enough eyes to take it all in.

We checked into our hotel The Mulberry Inn (Holiday Inn). This hotel is centrally located and perfectly charming! From our window we could see the Savannah river. The hotel has high tea at 4pm daily and a lovely Sunday brunch; both complete with entertainment. It is ideally situated in the Historic District. From here you can walk to a number of points of interest and it is incredibly close to many excellent restaurants. For it's perfect location and left over charm I highly recommend this hotel.

Unfortunately we ran into a good bit of rain. We actually got stuck in this restaurant...which was fine because it had a very unique vibe. (We never thought to take umbrellas with us because we no longer are familiar with the concept of rain.) This restaurant is called B. Matthew's and is located right along Bay Street. The FIRST thing we ordered was fried green tomatoes. I forgot to take a photo...but I did manage to take a picture with my completely normal, not southern, salad! However, it was damn good! I adore goat cheese and it adorned every salad I had on this trip. (And you all know that was many, many, many a salad!)

Below is a photo of Mom and Dad waiting for the cab to take us to dinner.

Above is a photo of Mom and I waiting for the cab to take us to dinner. Note the fantastic Stella & Dot jewelry set I am wearing!

Dinner was at Vic's on the River. Here is a photo of our second round of fried green tomatoes. (Yes...we DID order them every opportunity we had!) I had scallops and risotto and they dish was OUT OF THIS WORLD! If you are ever in Savannah...and everyone should be at some time in their lives....you MUST eat here!
Unfortunately we were only in Savannah for roughly 24 hours. That is a shame because there is so much to see. However I am certain I will get back there many, many, many more times! I loved it. Below is a photo of Mom and Dad outside one of the cemeteries.
Below are some photos I took at the cemetery. Morbid...I know. But JUST WAIT for the Charleston photos! Head stones and grave markers galore! I like this photo because I was able to capture bits of the moss that grows on all the trees. Makes me feel spooky!
I played with color and shading on the photo below. I like the way it turned out and am thinking of having this one framed.
Mom and Dad in the cemetery. Dad is frowny faced! It is very hard to capture a likeness of him a)looking at the camera, b)with his eyes open, c)smiling and d)appearing as if he is enjoying himself! God love ya, Daddy!
This entire brick wall was covered with these tablets that sit flush up against the wall. This was the best angle I could get without catching the other people hoping for a similar picture.
I convinced Mom and Dad to drive by Forsyth Park just before we left town. I HAD to have a photo of the fountain that Ms. Chablis is walking towards when she is talking about her "Kickin' Chicken" recipe. This fountain was created in 1858. It is located in Forsyth Park. The park extends from Gaston Street to Park Avenue along the Bull Street corridor.
Below are some close up photos of different parts of the fountain. The park is truly lovely. Again, if you are in Savannah this park is a MUST SEE.

From Savannah we moved onto Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Bet you all can't wait until the next post?

Just a final note....The Vela family had a total "Big Ben, Parliament, Big Ben, Parliament" moment. The only difference is now there is GPS and instead this annoying female voice just kept saying, "Recalculating. Recalculating. Recalculating," over and over again! Oh...technology!

It's good to be paranoid. People need to be more paranoid. Case in

point, JFK. If I had been JFK, I would've seen all three gunmen. I
would've pulled out my concealed Luger and fired first. Man in book
depository, boom! Grassy knoll, boom! Fake Jackie, boom! Then I'd shoot
myself, so I don't change history and create a paradox, boom! But right
at the last minute I twist out of the way of the bullet. Nice try,
history. Better luck next year. -- Dwight

Goodnight, friends. Family Vacation to be continued....

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!