Monday, October 31, 2005

Dia de los Muertos


Dia de los Muertos
Originally uploaded by nieve44.
In honor of
All Souls Day...
my makeshift altar for
Dia de los Muertos.
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See flickr for other detail of
altar.
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A real altar would be elaborately detailed
with several layers of decorations,
which would include photos, flowers, drink,
and other favorite foods or items
that belonged to the deceased.
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It is believed that the departed soul returns to visit their loved ones and thus in their honor altars are displayed at the home. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, cemetaries are elaborately detailed and adorned in anticipation of their return from the other side. This day is a national holiday and is one of celebration that mocks death. For death is a part of life and not feared as in other parts of the world. Now, I'm off to drink a good tequila.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Happy Halloween


Happy Halloween
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

courtesy of

Houston Arboretum

& Nature Center

Friday, October 28, 2005

It's a Beautiful Day!


U2 Concert @ Toyota Center, HoustonPosted by Picasa

...ok, so the picture is blurry but no matter! It was a beautiful day and night with U2 and company in concert in the city of blinding lights! My ears are still ringing. Next, Ottmar Liebert!

...the Houston Chronicle reported that "The stage, with its beaded curtains of shimmering lights, lit up the arena like a giant Lite-Brite". :-)

Monday, October 24, 2005

A Dedication...

Music: Kora/River of Stars by Ottmar Liebert
Mood: Sadness and tears
Dedication: for Michele J.
(while your star didn't come your way today as planned may there be a river of newborn stars from which to choose in the near future).
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Maya Angelou said this:

I've learned that no matter what happens,
or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person
by the way he/she handles these three things:
A rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not
the same thing as "making a life.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life
with a catcher's mitt on both hands;
You need to be able to throw some things back.
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something
with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day
you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Astros Fever


Astros Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by jaseone.

...I came across this photo on Flickr and loved it. Kudos to Jaseone for the picture and carving the pumpkin with the Astros logo. Finally that Astros star is shining ever so brightly. In light of what the Astros have done, I would like to thank Andy Pettitte for making all this happen. He chose to leave NY and play in his hometown and without Andy, we wouldn't have Roger. These two were the glue that made the team stick! Plus, it sure helps that Andy is a hunk! ;-)

Tuesday, October 18, 2005


Calvin is so COOL!!!! Posted by Picasa

Friday, October 14, 2005

I'm in love....


Winter Rose - Front Cover
Originally uploaded by o2ma.

...borrowed title and blog from Adam. This amazing CD came out on October 11th and can also be found on the Listening Lounge. I too am in love and have been entranced by the music. I have my three faves...


Westcoast

Kora/River of Stars

LeCafe (Snow).

Winter Rose is music inspired by the holidays but THIS is not your usual holiday CD and one that can be listened to year round. Ok, time to chill out and fall in love again and again.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Winter Rose


HELC Bouquet
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

...borrowed title from the newly released CD by Ottmar Liebert. Tomorrow evening I plan to download the CD to my new Ipod (thanks Mario) and kickback with a glass of wine.


Through my job, I serve on a committee to raise scholarship money for needy students and tonight was our annual gala. For a $20 dollar donation, I brought these home tonite. Hopefully, we raised around $80K.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Numbers...

...today's blog is about numbers such as
6:13 a.m.
10/8/1959
10/8/2005
46
on today's post
@
12:00 a.m.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Quote of the Day...

Music: It's Impossible, Perry Como
Mood: Retrospective
You must do the things
You think you cannot.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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Several months ago, I downloaded the above song as it's one of my mom's favorites. I love some of these classics and I can remember her singing some of these songs whenever she is cleaning or washing the dishes. She has a beautiful voice that I wish I could record. Anyway, I was listening to this song when I came across this quote on my calendar. I was turning the page to October, which is my favorite month of the year. It signals a change in season's (although you don't really feel it here in Houston) and the turning of a page. Daylight gives way to nightime earlier which bring about the North winds. I feel a change within coming from the north wind, which may take me on a path of unfamiliar territory. Part of me is thinking that I cannot but then I turn a page and I am reminded that I can.