November 22, 2009

Not Your Grandfather's Closet

"Love is an exploding cigar we willingly smoke." -- Lynda Barry

November 21, 2009

Art Crawl

Today was one of the first free Saturdays we've had in a long time, so we spent the afternoon at Houston's annual Art Crawl. Saw lots of wonderful art and some that was questionable. Best of all, we met quite a few fun and interesting artists.

This was a palette on the table in one of the studios. Art in and of itself, I thought . . . but then YOU might question my taste too. And that's alright.

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
Henry Ward Beecher, Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit, 1887 -- US abolitionist & clergyman (1813 - 1887)

November 16, 2009

Mustang Fight Never Dies

One final football picture for the year. Losing this weekend's playoff game was a bitter defeat, especially for our seniors who played their hearts out. -- This scene makes me weep.

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battles or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit” -- John Fitzgerald Kennedy (American 35th US President (1961-63), 1917-1963)

November 16, 2009

Mustang Fight Never Dies

One final football picture for the year. Losing this weekend's playoff game was a bitter defeat, especially for our seniors who played their hearts out. -- This scene makes me weep.

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battles or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit” -- John Fitzgerald Kennedy (American 35th US President (1961-63), 1917-1963)

November 14, 2009

Final Note

The last game of the season is always hard. Tears, hugs, and emotions flow as seniors mark their last night on the field with friends they have grown up with and come to know, love, and trust. Band members, football players, cheerleaders, drill team members, and parents push past that lump in their throats as they bravely exit the stadium together.

Yes, they'll all be back again -- but it will be different. A very sweet chapter has ended, leaving volumes still to be written.

“ If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." -- Charlie Parker -- Jazz Musician and Band Leader (1920-1955)

October 6, 2009

Next Stop -- Playoffs

Sometimes you just know you got it -- and it feels great.

"Victory belongs to the most persevering." -- Napoleon Bonaparte - 1769-1821

November 9, 2009

Fifty Years Ago Today

My favorite bride and groom! My parents got married on November 7, 1959. Even though we lost Daddy about 18 years ago, it's still a day to celebrate. Mom is having a big get together with her mother, sister and brother this weekend in Midland. She's pretty excited -- said something about lots of food, wine and Tuna Christmas. The kids will all get together with her over Thanksgiving. And yes . . . we do give Thanks.

November 4, 2009

Cafe del Sol

We call it our other kitchen. Everyone needs a place to pop in for a quick comfortable meal, and this is ours. We've been enjoying suppers at this little Mexican restaurant for so long that we feel like it's just an extension of our home. No need to look at the menu. It's like opening our own refrigerator. We already know what's in there.

The second table from the end on the left as you walk in? That's ours. The staff knows us so well that they can start bringing our drinks before we even order. They ask about our kids, and we ask about theirs. Jenny and Jaime tease Mike about his order because it's always the same. We all laugh together.

No fuss. No frills. Just plain old Tex-Mex food. We feel like part of the family here. That's why we keep coming back.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” -- James Beard

October 28, 2009

We Otter Have a Good Time
Houston's Downtown Aquarium has the most amazing carousel. Instead of horses, children of all ages ride on otters, seahorses, dolphins, and alligators.

After covering an event in their ballroom the other day, I took a walk through the park area and couldn't go past this guy without finding a way to take him home with me. He reminded me of my youngest son who, when he was little, could always find a way to play -- wherever he was. Just like an otter.

I miss those days. I really really miss those days.

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." -- Albert Einstein 1879- 1955

October 27, 2009

In Every Game -- Proud and Ready to Win -- Americans All

This is a composite panorama, constructed from six separate photographs. It looks awesome if blown up large enough to see the details, and the original is well over five feet long.

This weekend our team played on the visitor side of the stadium, and for a while the sun shined brightly on our boys in blue. They gave the powerhouse state champions quite a run for their money. Mustangs, your day will come. As a team you've got what it takes. Discipline, honor, class, leadership, talent, and determination. You will win on the bigger field-- be that the playoff field or the field of life.

“Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn't give a hoot and hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor ever lose a war.” - General George S. Patton 1835-1945