Real Happiness....

Real happiness lies in that which never comes nor goes; but simply is.

A Hot Cup of Tea

My lenten promise is simple. One cup of hot tea a day for the next forty days. (Well...subtract the last six days and I am left with 34 cups of hot tea.)

I labored over what my lenten promise would be this year. In years past I have committed to a daily Bible reading over the forty day period. And while the attempt was valiant, I am almost shamed that I ONLY made the promise for a period of forty days when there are 325 more opportunities to receive God's word. I am proud, and at the same time humbled, to say that scripture has become a part of my daily life through God's grace and His gentle, guiding hand which led me to Bible Study Fellowship. (Thank you, Melanie!) I thought about what I could "take away" from myself in order to better understand "sacrifice." However, the more I thought about the Upper Room Discourse I am currently studying I thought of what Jesus asked us to do. He asked us to "love." (More specifically love one another...but I am focusing on the "love" part!) I decided to do something everyday in a show of "love" and "kindness" towards myself. A hot cup of tea is reward, ritual, rest and respite. And they come with simple sayings as well! Here is one I would like to share with you all...

"You will feel fulfilled when you do the impossible for someone else."

May you each have a blessed evening and consider treating yourself to a quite cup of hot tea. Love yourself a little....we so rarely do! Goodnight....

Fat Tuesday

Today is Fat Tuesday and even though Todd's flamingos live in Dallas they are nonetheless celebrating with masks, beads and Bloody Mary's. Happy Fat Tuesday, friends. I am not sure I know what the true meaning behind Fat Tuesday. I do know it is alway held the day before Ash Wednesday. Perhaps "one last hoorah" before taking on a lenten promise? Whatever the case may be....I hope each of you had an amazing, celebratory day. I know I did! Though simple and routine, today held an equal amount of grace, beauty, kindness, generosity, support...and even a little good news. (Do not ask, I am not at liberty to divulge, yet!) Once again, I was reminded of the many blessings in my life. I am an incredibly lucky woman! God is great!

I am going to sign off because I have MAJOR Olympic fever and I just want to shut down and zone out!

Goodnight, friends!

Happy Valentine's Day....

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

This the card I made for Mom and Dad this Valentine's Day.

Wishing you all the sweetest celebration of love...in all it's forms!

Intentions....

My intention was to scan in ALL the Holiday cards/photos I received during the season. I think I speak on behalf of EVERYONE when I say the holiday season can sometimes be crazy and the very best intentions sometimes do not always come to fruition. The plan was to spend Christmas Eve holed up in my house scanning and blogging. But....the best laid plans, right?

In the very early hours of Christmas Eve a storm blew in and left some pretty bold gusts of wind for most of the day. As a result, I lost power at roughly 1:30pm and it was not restored until 7pm. Needless to say there was to be no scanning, no blogging, no television, no heat, no light...just me, Julia Child, some candles and a tiny little book light that was of precious little assistance. Once the power was restored I threw my overnight bag into the car and drove to mom and dad's, lest I fall victim to the powerlessness again and once again be "trapped" by an incredibly heavy garage door. (That was my only real obstacle.) Oh...and there was the small stomach bug that surfaced in the midst of "lights out!" A great Christmas Eve, to say the least! I kept looking towards the heavens and then towards the earth and saying, "Which one of you is responsible for this? Whomever it is...you've got an interesting sense of humor!"

This is all the light I had to read by. I was growing increasingly more flustered with each passing, powerless, moment. I wondered, "What have we devolved towards? People lived like this for ages and I can't even live like this for 6 hours?!?!?!?"

Here's the thing....the urge to scan and upload has passed! Sorry friends...it was a great idea but rather arduous and laborious in execution.

Today I celebrate my mother's birthday! Happy birthday, mom! As many of you know dad and I hosted a surprise party for mom last week. It was so wonderful to see friends and family all gathered together to celebrate my mother....an amazing woman! And I think she was really surprised! (Despite several close calls....my Tia Velma saved the day!)

I do not think a parent can possibly love a child anymore than my mother loves me! As Diane Keeton says in "Because I Said So"...."It is an impossible kind of love." It is a love that I do not understand and so I often think I fall so short of holding up my end of the relationship. I suppose that is why parents are often so eager to become grandparents....RETRIBUTION!

To you on your very special day, Mom....

Mom and her special birthday dessert....

Mom and I celebrating her birthday at The Grill @ Leon Springs.

Mom celebrating with her dear friend, Elsa Jasso.

There are MANY "to-do" things on my "list." I prefer not to call it a "bucket list" because I find that term cliche' (but that is another issue entirely.) Perfecting the art of pie making is something I fully intend to realize before my "time is up." This has long been a goal of mine but I was too afraid to actually attempt the task. Being a bit of a perfectionist I knew that the first few hundred attempts would likely result in failure; and I simply do not attempt activities where I might fail. (That is the perfectionist part of me taking over.) However....yesterday I decided to put one foot in front of the other and tip toe over the "starting line."

First of all let me set up the scenario....I was upstairs practicing Pilates...rocking it out, really! I was feeling strong and warm (despite months of near lethargy). I mean...sure I was a bit "tight" but it wasn't anything I hadn't worked through before. Moving into "spine stretch forward" I was feeling good, connected, and accessing all the "right muscles"...keeping it small rather than "showy" considering it had been a while. Then I decided to treat myself with a full stretch forward. I was moving and breathing through the stretch when I heard and felt a "pop" in my low back; like a rubber band snapping. I immediately knew this must have been important because I couldn't move and was stuck on the floor for a few minutes. I couldn't figure out how to "get up." I felt QUITE OLD in that moment and figured "movement" had sought vengeance for my laziness. I managed to get up and called mom who suggested a few "opposite direction" movements. From that moment forward I could stand, lay flat on my back, flat on my belly or kneel. In other words....spine needed to be "straight" (and I use the term "straight" VERY losely!) So....since I couldn't sit down, I decided to face my fear and bake a pie!

I improvised...a bit...because the only Crisco I had was grossly expired. As a result this is an all butter crust. I also think I used the wrong blade in the food processor. The butter never got "beat" into pea-size balls and thus the dough was clumpy and impossible to roll out. I kept using more and more flour to "un-stick" the dough from my rolling pin and my counter tops and I have since learned that will "over-process" the dough and result in a chewy texture. Sure enough...it did. The pie is just as ugly as can be. However....it smelled DAMN good while it was baking. I opted for an apple filling and tossed in some bourbon for good measure. I will say the inside is very tasty, if not a tad too "liquid-y." (Bourbon needs to be better portioned out...)

Overall...I am happy with my first attempt. I faced a big fear, I am on my road to warming the hearts (and tummys) of my loved ones and I have a "pie expert" coming over in two weeks to give me a tutorial. (Shout out Meredith Jones!) My goal is pear pie with Gruyere baked in the crust and some sort of deliciously fresh strawberry pie!

Here is my little pie....my first little pie....(I am throwing it out because I won't eat it and it is pretty tough. But I might toss a piece Jace's way. She is like "Mikey" with the sweets!)

Before you roar, please take a deep breath.

Goodnight, dear friends! If I do not blog before the New Year (which is a VERY distinct possibility) allow me to wish you and yours the happiest of celebrations! May His grace bless you all with another prosperous New Year!

And The Rush To The Mailbox Begins....

And so it begins. A task I normally dread, usually ignore, becomes the highlight of my day! The daily rush to the mailbox has officially kicked off. Today I received my first two Christmas cards of the year. Each year I read each card and examine each picture with joy. And each year I think, "What am I going to do with these? How shall I display them? How will everyone know what beautiful messages and photographs I receive? How can I possibly share the pride and love I have for each of these families with all my loved ones?" (Since I NEVER have anyone over, nor do I have any mantle space left, the odds of anyone seeing them are pretty low.) Problem solved! Blog them all! (And hope that no one minds. It is always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, anyhow.) So...here we go...

This card was sent to me by my Grandma Olga (via my mother). I love the simple message on the inside...."From the humblest of places came the greatest of joys." In this crazed season of gifts and lights and ornaments and toys and paper and parties and cookies and stresses the message often gets lost. I adore the simple sentiment and graceful picture of this card. I am moved to tears, brought to my knees, when I think of the completely simplistic circumstances under which our Saviour came into this world. This card exemplifies that. Oh.....Hallmark! I couldn't have said it better myself!

And look at this angel! This is my Ella! I love, love, love this photo. I think it captures her spirit perfectly.

The inside of the card made me smile even more! Ryan, Ciara and Ella Bearden....

A Visit from the Flamingos....

All the way from Dallas, Texas.....Todd's Flamingos! I have missed them. Apparently they were not keen on dressing up for Halloween. I wonder why? Anyhow...enjoy! And many thanks to Todd for always sharing his photos.

Be safe as you all travel today. I am hoping to be able to post from my "remote location" but have not asked about the wireless capabilities, yet.

Thanksgiving-ness

This weekend the priest challenged the congregation to each reflect on something that happened this past year that we were not at all thankful for. He asked us to go home and silently reflect on how we might, instead, become thankful for God's grace in handing us something that might have otherwise seemed terrible. I, immediately, knew what this meant to me. I sat in the pew, looked up and smiled. There is NO DOUBT that my challenges this year have led me to a far, far, far greater place than I could have EVER imagined and saved me (and others) ultimate heartache in the future. In that sense....the purpose of this blog has been fulfilled. I have come full circle....and I am ever so grateful and thankful.
Today was my November weigh in! I have been struggling with these three to four pounds that are (relatively) new. I was CERTAIN I was going to owe Weight Watchers 13 dollars for the month of November. Nevertheless, I faced my fears, walked in, shed my boots and jumped on the scale. As I anticipated...I was over. I was over by .6! .6! Seriously? 13 dollars for 6 ounces? The receptionist suggested I run to the restroom and "relieve my bladder." I took her advice...and ultimately saved 13 dollars! My advice for today....eliminate before your weigh in! You never know how much it will make a difference. On the flip-side...I've got some work to do....at the WORST time possible!

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Dining Well

I had the pleasure of meeting my mom, dad, Grandma Olga and Tia Velma for dinner last night. We ate at The Grill at Leon Springs. Delicious...as always! Here are a few photos from our dinner.

One can not think well, sleep well, love well if one has not dined well! -Virginia Woolf

Happy Saturday, friends. It is a gorgeous day. I am getting ready to run a number of errands and then wind my way down to La Tuna Bar to celebrate my friends Sara and Rico's engagement. Enjoy.....

Happy School Psychologist's Week

Again...apologizing for the absence! Life's duties have gotten the better of me yet again and I find that I am often scrambling to get things done in the evening. Unfortunately the blog has taken a back seat to various other commitments. Don't get me wrong...I am so happy to be officially "over-committed" and find an enormous amount of joy in my "extra-curriculars," however I am sad I have not more time to devote to the blog.

Miss Vela made "the marquee!" Yes, indeed, I am the Miss Vela referenced. (Notice I have top billing? The science fair has nothin' on me!)

This week is National School Psychologist's Week. Who knew? Well...my entire department AND school apparently know. I was driving off campus today and happened to look in the direction of the marquee and I was so happy (and humbled) by this kind show of appreciation. I have been at Sul Ross Middle School for 10 years! All along I have felt this campus is more of a "family" than a "place to work." Today I celebrate my job (as much as it makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes) and the unbelievable people I have the pleasure of seeing everyday! Thank you all....

Gosh...I feel like I am NO authority on this topic this week! I have had the major munchies this week. And....like any human being I have indulged (some of) these cravings and temptations. However, I have also been introduced to a new product this week. Who loves Pop-Tarts (or poop tarts as I like to call them) but feels terribly guilty putting all those empty calories into their bodies? Fiber One is producing a VERY similar product! I have purchased the Strawberry and Brown Sugar flavors; but have only tasted the Strawberry as of today. They are a very good approximation of the real thing. They are a tad too sugary but a hot cup of coffee cuts right though that! One serving is three points. (However two servings come in the foil wrapper...so be careful.) And, they are oddly filling. They are also filled with fiber...which we know is an EXCELLENT thing! Enjoy....

Happy Wednesday.

Creed~And No, Not Creed From "The Office"

Yesterday I received an e-newsletter from the current president of The Zeta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. (Southwestern University.) I am an Alpha Delta Pi and was an active member from January 1994 to May 1997. The newsletter informed me of what was happening in the chapter and prompted me to visit the new website. I was immediately excited to visit the site and hoped for a stroll down memory lane. (Just the night before I had a dream of my freshman dorm and revisiting it as an adult. In the dream I visited my old room and nothing had changed....down to the telephone! In the dream I cried tears of joy. I think it is a symbolic dream of re-birth....in many different capacities...a longing for my youth and also excited anticipation of re-visiting the campus for Homecoming in two weeks!) I digress....I clicked on everything that could possibly be "clicked" on. I had a great time remembering the Greek alphabet, the letter's various meanings, the symbols central to ADPi, etc. Then I clicked on our Creed. We each received this lovely document as a part of our membership. We each recited this Creed by heart. We each heard it as young women going through RUSH on the third night. (After the cheesecake and ice water!) I remember my little sister, "diamond," Ciara was assigned to me on the last night of RUSH. She asked me a simple question, "Why should I want to be an Alpha Delta Pi?" At the tender age of 19 I am sure I gave some ridiculous answer that probably had more to do with beer and boys than with friendship, womanhood, fellowship and leadership. (Sorry Ciara....you joined anyhow!) Some 15 years later this Creed is of infinitely MORE relevance to me now than it was then. I was really taken aback by the words of the Creed. I would like to share the words of the Creed on today's post. Rest assured, this Creed can be read by everyone, lived by everyone and exemplified by everyone. There is a popular quote in ADPi: "ADPi is not something you become, it is something you already are." Reading this Creed yesterday really made me flip that notion upside down. The woman described in this Creed is not someone I already "am" it is someone I strive daily to "become!"

I believe in Alpha Delta Pi. I believe that my sorority is more than a ritual or a symbol; that it is a way of life. I believe that the principles established by our founders in 1851 are enduring attributes exemplifying the highest ideals of Christian womanhood. I believe that our motto, "We live for each other," expresses the true spirit of fraternity; and that by living this motto my life will be enriched by true friendships and unselfish service to mankind. I believe that the privilege of membership in Alpha Delta Pi brings the responsibility to do my best in whatever I undertake, always remembering that leadership requires confidence tempered with humility and courage blended with tolerance. I believe that I must strive to become a well-balanced person by following the dictates of the four points symbolized by our diamond-shaped badge; first, strengthening my own character and personality; second, watching my attitudes towards my fellow human beings; third, recognizing the value of high educational standards; and fourth, developing faith and loyalty. I believe that these four guide-posts, guided by the stars and friendly hands clasped in the Adelphian bonds of fellowship, will lead me to achieve a rich and useful life. - Caralee Strock Stannard

Ciara, I can tell you now, THESE reasons, THESE ideals, THESE notions that we still talk about all the time are the reasons you became and ADPi and are the reasons our friendship has endured these 15 years. You always hold me accountable to these standards. We are becoming "this" woman together...still! How privileged I am to have had you by my side this entire time.

I could not survive without 100 calorie sweet snacks! Admittedly, I do not have much in the way of a sweet tooth. However, every once in a while I want something sweet alongside a hot cup of coffee. I have found that a 100 calorie snack pack of chocolate cupcakes (with the cream filled center) and coffee cake cupcake snacks do the trick EVERY time! They are individually packaged so there is little temptation to indulge beyond the serving of three. In addition, they travel quite nicely. And best of all they are low in points! Very low! I don't know the names of any brands. I just recognize the boxes. You can find them with their better known, less friendly, more venomous cousins, Twinkies, Ho-Hos, Ding Dongs, etc! Happy snacking. (PS...This stuff comes in really handy during the ever so sweet holiday season officially kicking off this Saturday!)

Goodnight, friends. Happy Hump Day. I look forward to the end of this week and spending time with old friends and family.

'Bout Time!

My behavior is inexcusable! This is the longest period of time I have gone without updating the blog! For shame, Patricia. However, this is a blog about celebration and not condemnation so I will politely forgive myself and hope you, the reader, might forgive me, too!

Today I celebrate being busy! Of course I am celebrating it....for it is the reason I have not blogged for such a long time. A poor excuse...to be certain...but THE reason, nonetheless. As you all may recall I started this blog as a means to an end. Well, that end has long come and gone (thankfully) but in the process I have taken on a number of responsibilities, projects, self-improvement activities, etc. I think it is safe to say I have COMPLETELY overbooked myself. However, all of the activities I have become involved in bring me an inordinate amount of joy. As a result, I can hardly complain about my "busy-ness"; rather celebrate the work I have been called to do and the people I have been called to meet. I often feel as if these projects really aren't "my" plans; instead I honestly feel they are "His" plans for me and I am but the vessel! And in that case...I am happy to do what is kindly asked of me without hesitation.
As I have mentioned one of the projects I have become involved in is The Friend's Of The Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas Board. This year I am the Co-Chair of the Silent Auction. Our solicitation letters went out on Monday, October 5, 2009. The immediate response has been overwhelmingly positive. I am moved by the generosity of the people of this community; especially during tough economic times. Through this assignment I am reminded of the goodness of people, the kindness in their hearts and the sad (but very real) fact that no one escapes grief. Hearts and wallets open when the mission of this organization is explained. Everyone has a story of grief. Loss takes so many forms; grief takes so many forms. How blessed this community is to have a center where families can go to make sense of their grief. And through the benevolence of the business men and women of this community the center is able to provide these services for free and for as long as someone feels they need the assistance. Hope and healing are amazing! I am please to be a tiny part of helping someone find their peace and understanding. If you feel called to make a donation to this wonderful organization please visit The Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas website by clicking HERE to learn about all the ways you can help! There is a week left in The Brown Challenge....become a "Friend of the Center" for 50 dollars (which sponsors a child for one session of group therapy) and Jenifer Brown will match the donation UP to 500 dollars! (And lest we forget this organization was founded by a Southwestern University graduate! Pretty amazing people come out of that school! Wink, wink!)
So, Facebook! I know....I was entirely opposed to Facebook! I didn't want to be found. Period. Now I can't stop "wanting to be found!" What joy it brings me to reconnect with friends from years gone by. Of particular importance are the relationships I have been able to re-cultivate with my friends for McAllen Memorial High School...Home of the Mighty Mustangs!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of a mini-reunion/girls weekend in Houston with Ramsey Kay, Gena Lee and Kelley Renee! What a blast from the past. I was overwhelmed with joy as I spent the weekend with these AMAZING women. I am so proud of each of these ladies and how far they have come. You are all very obviously women of quality, women of grace, women of fierce independence and mothering nurturance. What a gift that I was in your presence for the weekend and that you are all back in my life. I look forward to spending more time with you all and including Lisa and Eleanor into the fold! (Major Hint Hint.)

Ramsey and I watched the TX vs OU game at Lucky's Bar with the Houston Texas Exes. I have to admit...I have never seen Ramsey jump up and down in excitement over anything. But she surely does for her Horns. Unfortunately, there wasn't much jumping because it was quite an ugly game...but the Horns eeked out a win nonetheless.

We spent most of the weekend on Ramsey's front porch. This is her wonderful home! I am so proud of you Rams....

This was a very dog oriented weekend! Below is a photo of Gena's dog, Henri.
And this is Ramsey's dog Chico Jankowski. (Yes, a mexican-polish dog! Love it!) Chico and Henri chased each other all weekend. Reports indicate they were both exhausted by Sunday evening.

Kelley joined us on Saturday evening. It was her birthday...she turned 21! It was lovely to see her. Kelley and I lived about a block away from one another in McAllen. I can not count the number of times I walked to her house and endured abuse from her 7 year old brother, Kevin! Kelley is now married and has three adorable children. Mott, you haven't changed a bit...thank goodness! You are the very definition of the word, "sass-a-frass" and I adore that about you! I am so pleased we spent time together. Let's not allow 13 years to pass again...promise? Good, I promise, too!

Gena, Ramsey, Kelley and I at dinner on Saturday evening. This photo mimics...almost exactly...the seating chart of our Senior AP English class with Mrs. Laverne Johnson. We laughed and laughed recalling the ENORMOUS project she gave us that year. We worked in pairs and we were to write Cliff's Notes on a book that didn't already have Cliff's Notes; but was sure to be a classic at some point in the future. Kelley and I wrote Cliff's Notes on Sula by Toni Morrison. I can't believe it was all printed on a dot matrix printer! That ages us, doesn't it?

As I drove away on Sunday morning (a gorgeous Sunday by the way) I had tears in my eyes. On the one hand I was crying because I didn't want to leave; on the other I was crying because it was such a joyful weekend. Again, I can not express to you ladies enough how proud I am of each of you. No longer are we the little girls in Mrs. Johnson's English class; rather we are women, living our respective lives with grace and dignity. What a gift it is for me to have been witness to such unbelievable growth! This MUST be a quarterly (if not more often) reunion.

In the true spirit of a Road Trip...I left Houston and headed to Austin for Ella's Peter Pan Birthday Party. So....I am not going to make any bones about this...I GOT LOST! I have never had occasion to drive from Houston to Austin and I do not have a GPS thingee-system in my car...so don't ask me why I didn't just turn on "the system", okay. I now know all about Brenham, Sommerville, Rockdale, etc. Once I saw the sign for Taylor I knew exactly where I was. (I was just south of Georgetown and I am most familiar with the backroads in and around Southwestern University.) I was about an hour late to the party...but I made it.
Ciara and Ryan made a "bouncy house" available for the kiddos. However, it must be said, Ciara talked about bouncing all week. How fun is this picture? There was so much movement of course it was going to turn out fuzzy....but you can still feel the excitement, can't you?
Ella, or rather Tinkerbell, and I in the bouncy house.
Ciara and I.....
Ella enjoying her cupcakes. Captain Hook arrived just in time to deliver the cupcakes. Odd....he very much resembled her daddy, Ryan. Coincidence? Hmph?
Last night Dad and I participated in The Lukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk in loving memory of our dear friend Gina Collazo. She valiantly and graciously fought lymphoma for a very long time. Her battle ended during the summer of 2008. Gina is greatly missed; but her sweet memory lives on in her husband, family and friends.
Happy Sunday, friends. I have a lot to do today and I best get started! I vow to be a much better blogger!

PS...Freddy Fender inspiration thanks to my old friend, Carlos Gutierrez. He celebrated Freddy at a Conjunto Festival yesterday and shared on Facebook. I was inspired to include Freddy on the playlist today. Thanks, B.