SA Blogging Scene

Last night between catching up on thank you notes, addressing Father's day cards and messing with my new (not really...just "new" as in "fresh out of the box") Crosley turntable I managed to squeeze in a little blog surfing.  One of my favorite blogs, Not Going Postal, which I know to be local, shared about the SA blog community's trip to play with sting rays at Sea World earlier in the day.

"What," I grumbled.  "I want in on the SA blog community sting ray day of fun!"  I immediately wrote a message to the author of Not Going Postal and she responded very quickly!  Yay!  She included me in their Facebook group and I introduced myself, and Fete, to them last night.  The group has been most welcoming and it looks like everyone works together for the greater good of the San Antonio community!

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For my mommy friends...check out this San Antonio Mom Blogs!  Not only is there a host of suggestions on a variety of mom-topics, there is a comprehensive list of other local bloggers whose focus is often on parenting and specific to our local community!

I am extremely excited to participate in this community and meet other like minded individuals...who like "living out loud," sharing what they know and casting their musings across the seemingly infinite space of the world wide web.  

Lorelai: ...just make sure you wait for the  right moment.

Rory: Oh the right moment is now.  The right moment arrived in a big pink hat full of feathers, screaming, "Notice me, because I am here!"

Lorelai: Well, if it was wearing a hat....

I've been spending some time down town lately and I have parked in the P-A-R-K Lot (as my friend, Jace' lovingly refers to ALL lots with the work "park" in them) across the street from the bus stop and catty corner (?)/kitty corner (?) from Bill Miller BBQ.  In the elevator lobby areas on each level...this is the art work adorning the floor.  I love it!  The moment I saw it...I heard Steven Tyler SCREAM in my ear..."Well just give me a kiss...LIKE THIS!"  

I love these little cultural gems!  Despite living in this town since 1997...I have never had the pleasure of coming across this quirky adornment to a rather benign structure.  Makes me happy to park and not at ALL upset that I had to write an 8 dollar check to the city for two hours worth of parking!

Happy Sunday, friends!  Off to vacay tomorrow.  Depending on the level of energy...I may or may NOT post for the week!

Ruby Anniversary

 To 40 years....you've made it look so easy.  Congratulations....

With my deepest respect and admiration.  May you enjoy this day and celebrate each and every moment of the last 40 years.

Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful
As that of the rain soaked purple
Of the white birch in the spring?

Have you ever felt more fresh or wonderful
Than on a warm fall night under a mackerel sky
The smell of grapes on the wind?

Well, I have known all these things
And the joys that they can bring
And I'll share them all for a cup of coffee
And to wear your ring

Have you ever had the pleasure of watchin'
A quiet winter's snow slowly gatherin'
Like simple moments addin' up?

Have you ever satisfied a gut feelin'
To follow a dry dirt road that's beckonin' you
To the heart of a shimmerin' summer's day?

Well, I have known all these things
And the joys that they can bring
And I'll share them all for a cup of coffee
And to wear your ring

And I don't know how I survived those days
Before I held your hand
Well, I never thought that I would be the one
To admit that the moon and the sun shine
So much more brighter when
Seen through two pair of eyes than
When seen through just one

Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful
As a face in a crowd of people
That lights up just for you?

Have you ever felt more fresh or wonderful
As when you wake by the side of that boy or girl
Who has pledged their love to you?

Well I have known all these things
And the joys that they can bring
Now every mornin' there's a cup of coffee
And I wear your ring
And I wear your ring


-Cowboy Junkies
Lyrics by: Michael Edward Timmins

The Eyes of Texas

 Thank you, Richard Linklater and Skip Hollandsworth!  Thank you, thank you, thank you for providing me an experience worth leaving my house.

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Are you from 'round here?  Have you been to Texas?  Have you breathed in the direction of Texas?  Have you ever thought of visiting Texas?  Then, my friend, this movie is for you.  It smacks of Pineywoods, East Texas honey covered, intrigue with just a hint of "somethin' ain't right, here."  Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey (and his momma) turn in award winning performances.  But the real stars are the REAL citizens of Carthage, TX perfectly cast as your lovable, Methodist, God-fearing, well intentioned loving people.

A proud, life long Texan, I am feelin' just a little bit more sassy this evening!  Go see this...before it leaves your local art-house cinema.  (San Antonio...it is currently at The Bijou.)

Speaking of The Pineywoods of Texas....

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I am about a quarter of the way done with this memoir.  You know...it is a rare thing to actually KNOW the author of the book you are reading.  It really is something to look them in the eye and ask them the questions that led them to paper.  I, currently, have this privilege.

Sandy Foster Morrison came into my life two weeks ago...for a reason.  The word "synchronicity" was made for experiences like these.  

Going to her homepage will reveal my relationship to Sandy...and I am okay with that.  I am not a person of secrets...never have been...never will be.  Just like this photo...Sandy is holding me up...in a rather infantile state and guiding me with knowledge and wisdom granted to her by God, The Goddess, The Universe...call it what you will....she is a gifted author, a gifted therapist, a gifted woman and a powerful human being.  

I choose God...really Jesus...and His path led me straight to Viva Books and what I thought would be a "lecture" on intuition.  Few experiences have changed my life.  That Saturday afternoon at Viva Books....was one of them.

Look for information, via Fete and Facebook, for further workshops offered by Sandy!  When I think of Sandy...one word comes to mind...Sass-a-frass!  And that, my friends, is a compliment of the HIGHEST degree!

"I will dance, I will sing and my life shall be gay....but I long to see him and regret the dark hour...he's gone and neglected his pale wildwood flower." -June Carter Cash

A Nip and a Tuck...And a New Special Feature

Look who got a face lift?  Yep!  Fete, did!  Now you FINALLY know who those legs and margarita belong to!

So...let's get the housekeeping out of the way first!  The photograph is compliments of my cousin, Marisa Quinn, who infused my life last year (at a time when I really needed it) and saw something in me that I didn't...and it came through in this photo.  This photo has a lot of meaning for me...it signifies rebirth and transformation.  Thank you, sister.  You ALWAYS see in me...what I sometimes don't.  

This blog was originally born out of a very broken heart...which, as it turns out, may have been more of a bruised ego.  Oh yeah, y'all know what I am talking about!  I had developed an Internet friendship via etsy.com with Amber Schmidt of Announcing You.  I was so impressed with her professionalism, ultra speedy turn around time and her kindness I KNEW she was the person to gently bring my blog design idea to fruition.  Once again, Amber has helped me transform Fete...just a little bit...because this moment is all about transformation!

Thank you, ladies!  You both inspire me and I have to admit, when I see an email in my "inbox" from either of you...my heart smiles just a little bit because I know it is going to contain nothing but pure goodness.  

 

Take a look at Fete's newest feature.  (Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know I am behind the times; but better late than never, correct?)  If you click on this image up on the right hand corner (not here) you will be taken directly to Fete's NEW FACEBOOK PAGE!  According to ME...not only can you "Like" me on Facebook...you can actually "Aqua Heart" me on Facebook!  Who else can say that?

I would ABSOLUTELY WELCOME all the "aqua hearts" I can get from my little readership!  My motives for this are simple:  I want to provide another e-space for goodness and celebrations people can visit when they need respite from this (often) harsh world.  (And then there is the added benefit of my growth as a human being and frustrated writer...but that's my gig...not y'alls.)  That's it.  Nothing more, nothing less.

This isn't a forum...not yet, at least.  That would take way more brain-iacal-ness that I simply don't possess...not yet, at least.

This is just a space where I write and share and you read and enjoy.  A self-proclaimed tender heart...the rule is to be sweet and mindful with your responses; both to me and to other friends of Fete. 

NOW...GET TO CLICKING AND SHARING, FRIENDS!!!!!!!

Anyway

Introducing two new topics this evening.  Fete is evolving...look for more changes to come!  Snakes have been crossing my path.  Apparently this suggest rebirth and transformation...why not start here?

 People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway. 

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway. 

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.     

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway. 

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

 

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

         

These words are attributed to Mother Teresa and there is some suggestion they were written on the wall of her bedroom.   However, there is some information to suggest it is based on a composition by Kent Keith.  Thank you, Glennon, at Momastery, for posting.  

Best Friends Forever

God knows I need to laugh!  And The Universe sent BACK Best Friends Forever last night...not once...but TWICE!  Yes friends, now that I have empty weekends and way too much time to think, it was like He heard me, He heard my question..."Where in the heck did Best Friends Forever go?  That was a great show catering to my EXACT demographic.  What?  Thirty-something BFF's don't bring in ratings unless they are dripping in diamonds, laden in hair extensions and hurling mean accusations at each other?"  

(Full disclosure:  That last statement is haughty and filled with hubris.  Yes, I too have fallen victim to The Real Housewives Guilty Pleasure Syndrome.  In my defense, it is only Orange County and New Jersey....)

BOOM!  Friday night, two weeks, to the day, post-apocalyptic breakdown (okay...that might be a squeak of an over-embellishment) I was granted permission to laugh!

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This fast paced exchange was delivered with such elegant female humor...they really believed this to be true...of course they did!  That was the best part.  I had not laughed this hard in weeks!  I LOVE this show.  Of course....the second episode was the season finale.  Booooo!  I sure hope this one gets considered to be picked up again.

Lennon: It was so good to see Ken.  I felt like I was in my 20's again.

Jessica: Europe in the late 90's...that was just a magical time.

Lennon: And what it was for me, really, was that I first felt like a real woman.

Jessica: Well, we were.

Lennon: I mean men were noticing.

Jessica: Lennon, WE WERE WOMEN!

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Sadly, I closed the back cover last night.  I read the last forty pages...one setting at a time.  I did not want this magical journey to end.  I didn't want to say good bye to the strong characters who kept a delicate circus alive.

It is a rare sentiment, indeed, for a book to grab me in such a manner.  This book will live in my heart forever.

And a debut novel!  Well done, Miss Morgenstern.  I can not wait for your next endeavor of enchanting magic and mystery to touch paper....

Second Story Window

With help, I took three deep breaths and I learned that my organic, free, joyous life is just outside the window from my own heavy stone imprisonment and I am not sorry for what I want.  I am not sorry at all. 

"Oh yes...that is what I do when I really like something; I cut it out of my life completely."-Michele

It's All in the Eyes Today

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God don't make no junk, right?  That sweet sentiment notwithstanding....sometimes I feel my appearance could use an, ahem....enhancement sometimes, maybe...all the time, probably.  I digress.  

While I am no "junky monkey" as God would suggest...I was born with rather short, sparse little eyelashes.  I have used lash enhancement before and it has had moderate effects.  LiLash...on the other hand...has literally worked a follicle miracle!  

Had I known the lash length I would experience I would most definitely have had the foresight to do some "before" and "afters."  

I have used LiLash since Christmas and I am beyond pleased with the results.  I have experienced no bizarre side effects...just long lashes that make me want to bat them ever so coquettishly as often as I possibly can.

Rory:  It comes in waves, you know.  Big ones, really close together.

Lorelai:  Well the waves will get smaller, I promise, you just have to give it time.

Merle=Time for Bed

I am too tired to pretend.  I am too tired to be smiley.  Merle is on.  40 greatest Merle hits....this one hits me particularly this evening.  I am looking for one song in particular and I can't find it.  I'll find it one day and listen to it 25 times before bed....

Admitting you're to blame won't heal my wounded pride.  It's too late to be ashamed, I've already stepped aside.  Just let me live again and please don't come around.  If you never loved me then.  You'll never love me now.  

You fooled me all the way.  Each time you held me tight.  But when darkness turned to day, then I finally saw the light.  When I really needed you, that's when you let me down.  If you never love me then, you'll never love me now.  

Just let me live again and please don't come around.  If you never loved me then, you'll never love me now.  

-Merle Haggard

Amazing stuff....amazing.  Remember friends, when Merle comes on...it's time for bed.

By the way...last night Loretta told us she and Merle and working on a collaboration.  Classic history at it's finest.  

Lessons Hard Learned

Luke: You know, I am sorry, too.  Now that I've had April...I've learned a lot.  I was crazy to think I had to fix everything in my relationship with April before I could really be with you.  That's just not how you fix things.  Things just don't stand still; they are always changing.

Lorelai: Yeah

Luke: I guess I was compartamentalizing, if that is what you call it.  I should have opened my compartments.  I should have gotten your help.

Lorelai: I wanted to help.

Luke: I know, and I am sorry. And I am sorry, also, because I think I kind of used April to push you away.

Lorelai: You did, huh?

Luke: Yeah, I think so.  I was afraid.  And I am so sorry.

Lorelai: It's really okay.

Luke: I'm glad.

Lorelai: Me, too.

This One is All About the Ladies

Hang on to your hats, friends.  This one is going to be a long one. 

This week has been a challenge; both physically and mentally.  Despite my present discomfort God....(and The Universe) have sent me a number of gifts that I would like to share with you, my readership of less than 100!  Granted, I have shared most of this on Facebook.  But, in the very rare and troubling event that YOU are not on Facebook...allow me to share these precious little gems of goodness and grace.

 Little known fact:  I am the Research and Communications Liaison for Monarch Media Productions.  

Who knew that?  

Had I mentioned it?  This brain is 100% on overload.  

Well, I am.  And proudly so!  

Today, Monarch Media Productions launched the trailer for Sweet Mary & Jane.

Why is Monarch Media Productions relevant, diverse, ground breaking and just plain bad a**?  

Well...it was created by Marisa Quinn, my "little"...but more importantly Monarch Media Productions is driven by a singular mission:

 "By challenging traditional stereotypes within all races, cultures, and lifestyles portrayed in Film, Television, and New Media, Monarch Media Productions is committed to generating innovative content that will seek to honorably represent and realistically portray the rich diversity of modern American society."-www.monarchmediaproductions.com

Take a look at the trailer for Sweet Mary & Jane....

I am so proud of all the individuals who came together to make this possible.  Now...on with the show. Chat at me about film festivals!  

 I am "literally" loving Kat Edmonson's new album, Way Down Low!  A fellow Texan, which makes me love her even MORE, I was first introduced to Kat Edmonson when she teamed up with, my man, Lyle Lovett on three Christmas songs.  Her voice is a perfect mix of pixie quirk and throwback hauntings.  I love the vibe of this album and feel inspired to bathe in vintage and take myself out for a Sidecar, Slow Gin Fizz or a classic Martini.  BUY IT, NOW!

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 I have been unable to face scouring my house...for one reason or another.  I never really got to the source of the fear and blockage...but I honestly didn't delve all that deeply into the root cause.  Perhaps because I was afraid of what I might find.  

Domestic Divas told me it was okay to leave "the dust to them."  And so, I took them up on their offer! According to their founder, Nikki Jefferson, it is okay to feel like I can't possibly keep up with the demands of my life AND keep a clean house.  Of course, what Nikki does not know is that I have no children and no husband.  I live alone and have no excuse....other than pure laziness....for not cleaning this house on my own.

Thank you, Nikki, for your understanding nature!  It is not lost on me.  And...good for you for finding your niche!  I HIGHLY recommend Domestic Divas.  

For information about menu and pricing visit www.domesticdivas.net.  Let them know I referred you, pretty please!

HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL:  I do not even know where to start on HOW MUCH I found this blog a source of total comfort this week.  I am not even going to try!  Just go to www.momastery.com.

Yes, this is a "mommy blog" and NO, I am not a "mommy."  But...that does not mean Glennon's story did not completely resonate with me, inspire me, break me down, build me up.  I experienced a range of emotions while I navigated through this lovely "e-space," meeting up with like minded individuals along the way.  It is a forum for "yourself-ness" and thank you Glennon for allowing a space like this to exist!  I love, love, love when God uses the internet for His good graciousness.  THIS is one of those places.  Go there...NOW!  And...become a "monkee!"  

Rory: Wait.  Where are you going?

Lorelai: I am gonna drive in a circle really fast to reverse the earth's orbit.

Ahhhh.....I feel much better now!  Much, much, much love....

Second Friday at SAMA

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Yet another event I will be unable to attend...however I thought it was worth mentioning.

The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting a happy hour the second Friday of every month.  Each month a specific exhibit at SAMA will be highlighted.  Music and specialty cocktails inspired by the art will be offered, as well.

The event is free with admission to the museum, however bring extra cash for the cash bar.

This event is a collaboration between the San Antonio Museum of Art and KRTU Jazz 91.7 FM.  

For a list of each month's event specifics click here.

Sunday Jazz at The Witte

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It's that time of the year again!  April ushers in Sunday Jazz at The Witte.  Grab your favorite picnic blanket, lawn chair, sunglasses, hat and head down to The Witte this Sunday, April 8, from 4-7pm and enjoy the sweet, sweet sounds of UIW's Jazz Ensemble.  

For a complete schedule of the 8th Annual Jazz at The Witte series click here.

Admission is free for members of The Witte and KRTU.  Non members can enjoy the concert for the price of admission to the museum.  

Food and drinks are provided by Picante Grill so make sure you arrive with some extra cash in your pocket.  You won't want to miss out on the frosty and delicious margaritas!

Unfortunately I don't think I can attend this inaugural show; but I do intend on marking the rest of the shows in my calendar.  I always have a wonderful time and love to watch families bring their young children...introducing them to jazz at an early age!  

A Whole Lotta Enchilada

Go ahead.  Believe the hype.  It's true.  

Pinners don't lie.  These are THE BEST white chicken enchiladas!  Thank you to Joyful Momma's Kitchen for posting this delicious recipe.

I made a few, minor changes: 

1) I bought home made corn tortillas instead of the 10 soft taco shells.  (I am not even sure what "soft taco shells" are!)

2) I used low sodium chicken broth so I could control the salt.

3) I used the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for baking chicken.  (It NEVER fails me!)  

4) To the chicken/cheese mixture I added onions, salt and pepper.

5) I chopped up cilantro and sprinkled it on top of the enchiladas.

6) I doubled the recipe and managed to make 22 enchiladas fit in two 9x13 Pyrex dishes.  ( I way overestimated.  One pan fed roughly 10 people.)

Serve with rice, beans, guacamole and margaritas and you've got a party!