Be Merry

I think this is my favorite Santa of all time--just love the face!! He leads into photos from my first ever Christmas party on 12/21/2014, "Christmas Around the World".  Much joy, merriment, and cheer was shared with neighbors and friends from as far away as Central America, China, Pakistan & Turkey.  It really was a wonderful party and many compliments were received as the food, and decorations were really a knockout! Special appreciation for the roaring fire--inside and out! ;-) Thanks to all who came and to Michelle, Annie & Ugur for their creative input, bar-tending by Nima, and the out of the world Tres Leches cake by Jane!!! Till next year-Be Merry!!

Joy

Joy from Ohio to Texas.  When I was in Ohio back in October Kim and I bought these ornaments at the county fair.  I wanted the white one which reminded me of the color of snow and I bought her the red one. We wrote a special message on the back of each-others ornament  Thus, on this month of December-the last month of the year finding Joy in our friendship and in the beautiful music by George Winston and his beautiful cd, "December", which can be heard in its entirety on YouTube... www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5qGUhWPi6w

Finally, Today is 12/13/14 the last sequential date in our lives:

1/2/3 2/3/4 3/4/5 4/5/6 5/6/7 6/7/8 7/8/9 8/9/10 9/10/11 10/11/12 11/12/13 12/13/14

as posted on the website... www.fightforthefuture.org

Quietrainmoss

In my glass: Vino-red
Mood: Happy (on vacation) & rainy Saturday night @ home & my new bud Cosmo playing with his toys.
Music: Ottmar Liebert of course and title from CD, "Three-Oh-Five"
Photo: from Ohio, at Dawes Arboretum and yes there was a quiet rain falling-thus post title.

Where has time gone--seems like just yesterday I was at Barcloud!  Here we are at another holiday season approaching--not ready for them but so glad to be off from work.  Go back on the 1st for three weeks then another two week vacation.  This is why I'm in education--a career that came to me completely by accident back in 1994!

Ok, play time, time for some dinner then more cleaning/tidying up so I can enjoy the rest of my vacation--lots to do & many errands to run as well as try and catch up with some old friends.

Barcloud

Back from Ohio, Somerset to be exact!  Lots of photos to upload.  Beautiful fall colors, and winding country roads full of beauty in the light of day and darkness of night.  So nice to get a true taste of fall--especially the cooler weather! I finally gave my friend the autographed CD "three-oh-five"by Ottmar Liebert and we played the CD quite a bit and thus I borrowed the title from the last song on the album and the music was perfect for the occasion.  The above barn belongs to the neighbors across the road from my friend. So many of these around that I wanted to stop and take photos of many as they just add to the beauty of the countryside.

Luz de Luz

Yep, took this the morning of 10/8 after getting out of the shower!

Luz de Luz at 55-hard to believe!!

Lines no so much but definitely noticing more dark spots. 

 I think I'll look into indulging in a facial as it's been awhile.  

As for the hair-well not yet ready to go all natural and partly because of my job.

Don't want to seem old to students I work with.  Most think I'm in my 40's 

and I kind of like that! ;-)

Although, I am liking the shorter hair and I'm ready for another hair cut!!

55

55 is just a number, just like ...

25

44

10

8

1

65

70

4049

2001

1994

1978

1957

1960

2

202

3

0

60

30

46

100k

1,000,000

32

Add them, divide them, subtract them, multiply them and all in all you still come up with zero or is it infinity? Either way I am blessed and thankful and ask for forgiveness for that which I have taken for granted. 

Josh Groban - Awake [Live]

Awake at midnight but not this kind of awake.  Been listening/watching videos on YouTube a lot lately and this song has long been one of my favorites.  A dear, sweet soul of a person passed away Friday-he was a young 42.  R.I.P. Wilbur.

Neil Young - Harvest Moon

Have never been a big fan of Neil Young and while I love his other hit song, "Heart of Gold",  this song is sweeter to me for various reasons.  So no Harvest Moon next month while in Ohio but I'll settle for a Hunter's Moon on October 8th and should be breathtaking under a wide open country night sky.  ;-)

Favorite Color

My favorite color, my favorite month, my favorite season!  I've waited all summer long to awaken from my stupor and begin my happy dance.  Thus feeling alive and invigorated and looking forward to my upcoming trip to Ohio to get a true sense of what autumn feels like and looks like.  

photo courtesy of Mitch Tillison Photography and taken in New Mexico-my favorite state to visit! ;-)

The Snakecharmer

Finally August 1st got here--normally I don't look forward to August because of the awful summer heat but since Ottmar was performing last night--it was a special day! Yes, the Snakecharmer was in the house!  I'm not a fan of House of Blues for an intimate concert performance by such an artist and I would've preferred to catch the concert in San Antonio at the newly remodeled Aztec Theater but the beautiful sounds from the band exceeded my expectations.  In speaking with Ottmar after the concert he was pleased to hear that the sound was exceptional this time as he commented how the band really tried to fine tune & work with the various stage elements within the venue--especially on the more intimate performance of "Bare Wood" sounds coming from Jon's upright bass and Chris Steele's hybrid percussion kit.  Needless to say, Ottmar's guitar really takes center stage in a concert that after listening to his music on cd's/mp3--there's no comparison.  Note to self--get a hold of some loss-less FLAC downloads! Attached photo is the cover from the new CD, "Three-Oh-Five".

George Winston - Colors/Dance

Music is such a window to the soul for me and this beautiful piece by George Winston is one of my all time favorites of his from his gorgeous album, Autumn which is my favorite seasons of the year. There's just nothing like the chill of an early fall to wake me up from my slumber of hibernation as we say goodbye to the dog days of summer and the dreadful heat of the latter days of July & the whole month of August. Some people go into depression mode as winter nears but not me--I get into my depression stage around this time of year as I feel the walls closing in with no escape near.  I long for the Colors/Dance of autumn and look up into the stars, the moon to see their dance as the seasons change.  Summer is a time when most head to the sea but for me I love the sea in cooler months.



Around the first time I first heard this piece by George Winston was just before the fall in the early 1980's when I was at a retreat and walked the beach for endless miles and a journey that would change my life onto another course.  Back then I had an old cassette tape of this music and I wore it out then. As I type this post, I'm downloading the album again from iTunes and come to find out the 20th edition was released back in 2001.   I think the following fall after the album was released was when I went to see George perform at Jones Hall.  He was so low-key walking out and playing with socks.  His music then as is now is tranquilizing! Just what this depressed soul needed to hear tonight to get me through the next 1/2 of summer with a longing/love for Autumn when I can emerge from my cocoon happily gazing at the colors/dance of life.

Andrea Boceli - Romanza 4º álbum 1997

I literally wore this album out when it first came out.  Haven't listened to it in a very long time.  I forgot what Romanza is like. Love Andrea Bocelli!! Think, I'll pour a glass of wine and light a candle and feel the beauty in the burning fire glow, while saying a little prayer for hope. Quiero vivere!

Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA - Full Album (1984)

Loving YouTube that has full albums on video for one's listening pleasure.  Of course I had to listen to this one tonight given the 30th anniversary.  Jeez where did 30 years go!  Yes, I was Dancing in the Dark then and kind of still am!  This gun is still for hire! ;-)

My Sweet Lord

Listening to my favorite song by George Harrison.  Just love the guitar intro and the Hare Krishna mantra...

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama

In his 1980 autobiography, I, Me, Mine, he would explain that the blending of gospel "hallelujah"s with chanted "Hare Krishna"s was intended to show that the two phrases meant "quite the same thing", as well as to get listeners chanting the Maha mantra "before they knew what was going on!"^[20

I really, really want a poster of the LP!

Chi-Wahwah Beauty

Just an update to the blog--not much to say since Easter came and went as well as the month of April.  Ok, well lots to say but some things are better left unsaid.  Actually, I was glad to say goodbye to April since the passing of my sweet & dear Chulo.  I had looked forward to the month starting then but it hit me so hard and sent me to my knees.  Slowly been picking myself up and was going to give myself till the end of May when I was on vacation to look into getting a new dog but then came the email last Thursday--letting me know that a chihuahua puppy was left to fend for herself near a busy intersection and if I was interested in fostering her--with an option for adoption.  So to make a long story short --I got her on Friday.  Lord, what did I get myself into I told myself as I was driving home and the pup was crying up a river of tears in the back seat!  It's been a long while since I've had a puppy around--much less clean up after her endless pooping and peeing!  Potty training is not fun nor is the endless biting and chewing she is into!!! I quickly realized how spoiled I was with Chulo.

Does she have a name yet?  Not officially--still debating and there are a lot of if's too!  Have I fallen madly in love with her?! NO!!!  Not yet, but we are slowly getting to know one another. She's been through a rough time having been abandoned and me having lost my last chi.  This week as I go back to work will be an adjustment for both of us.

In the photo, she is playing with one of Chulo's toys-Tiger and she's taken quite a liking to him. Dad asked me if I was going to name her Chula--which is the female version of Chulo and I've pretty much ruled that name out.  For now, she's called Teeny or mama but I'll have to do some talking to the moon in the next few evenings but till then she's still a Chi-Wahwah Beauty! ;-)

Title taken from song by Ottmar Liebert on his cd Opium.

Happy Easter

Rejoice for HE has Risen!

Talking to the Moon

Chulo & Jeanna-hope you two are having lots of fun playing, running, chasing the sun and talking to the moon.  Know that your mommies miss you and love you and can't wait to see you again when it's our time.  

Jeanna belonged to my neighbor's-Holly & Elyse and Jeanna was always smitten with Chulo.  Chulo had many loves--his first love was Chela and then there was ChaCha.  Of course his other love was Kim-one of my former students who begged me to take him. 

I can honestly admit,  I never wanted a Chihuahua because I thought they were just too yappy for a dog. Much less a dog that would have to be kept inside. But after a little insistence from Kim, I finally decided to take this dog as my own and nothing was the same ever since! He was my little man who had been my loyal companion and I cannot imagine how my life existed before. I'm not sure how or why I came up with his name but it sure did fit him! Chi's are one of kindest dogs and now I get it-why owners are so head over heels for chihuahua's. 

I've been asked if I'm going to get another dog and my answer is yes--when the time is right.  I don't plan to actively search for one for Chulo came to me and my next dog will have to come to me as well. When and if she does, I will name her Luna.  After I moved into my house, Chulo and I would often sit in the patio talking to the moon! Now I sit alone, talking to the moon, knowing he's out there--albeit far away.  

Update- 4/10/14

Chulo was cremated on 4/3/14 and today I brought him back home. I placed him on the sofa for a bit--it was one of his favorite spots.  Earlier this evening-- I brought him outside to the patio and sat in silence talking to the moon while burning incense. I've been asked if I planned on having a service of any kind and for now I don't plan on it. I remember now that, his brother Blue passed away in January of this year. They were not the best of friends the years later when they met but I hope now, they are being nice to one another. I've been slowly putting away some of Chulo's things and will make a donation to a local Pet Rescue but will hold onto one of his toys-Buddy. In fact, I bought three of them several years ago.  I will give one away, save one next to Chulo's remains and whenever I get another dog, it will be one of her first toys.  

It is said that when pets die they cross the Rainbow Bridge where they are happy and content, except for one small thing they miss someone very much.    And when it's our time and they spot us we are reunited, never to be parted again. Thus, we cross the Rainbow Bridge together.  So for now Chulo, run, play and be happy.  Everyday til then, I'll save all my kisses for you and hold them in heart while talking to the moon.  

Chulo's life in pictures.  I plan on framing one of them but not sure which one yet.  

Lila Downs, Niña Pastori, Soledad - La Raíz de Mi Tierra

Beautiful new song by the incomparable Lila Downs along with Nina and Soledad and the lyrics hit home....



Busco de donde vengo

Que me perdi

Busco de donde vengo

Que sera de mi, si no estas ahi

Vengo como un sueno

Que siempre crei... 

Clarissa Serna Audition: "Zombie" (The Voice Highlight)

So I usually don't watch these kind of shows BUT this a hometown girl from Corpus Christi, Texas and my cousin (Andrew) whom I'm sure doesn't remember me plays percussion in her band back home.  It's about time a Latina rocks the Voice and wins it all! Plus, she really nailed this song version from the Cranberries and you can even download her version on iTunes!   So if you watch the show be sure and root for Clarissa.

How About Them Cowgirls

How About Them Cowgirls, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

Ok, so we're missing our cowgirl hats but the George Strait cap makes up for ours!

Yes, that's right this Texas gal flew to Ohio to see the Texas cowboy in the dead of winter over President's day but only for the King of Country and his last tour was the trip worth making. Well that and it gave me chance to visit with my dear friend Kim and see SNOW! Boy, did I see snow!!!

I was like a kid in a candy store with so much white! For me it was such a novelty to see but for those living there they are plain sick of snow-all 51+ inches of the white stuff this winter. The entire state was practically covered in snow!! Yes, it was cold since the weekend that I was there the temps never rose above freezing but I was bundled up with boots, hat, scarf, gloves, thermals and winter jacket.

Seeing George was such a treat as I haven't seen him perform in several years and this was about my 6th time to see him. We had great seats and George and the audience were super excited--there was so much electricity in the venue. So yes, flying to Ohio was so worth it for this cowgirl at heart!

Title borrowed from the song by George Strait of which he sang that night and it's always been on of my favorites...

How about them cowgirls, boys aint they something. They sure are some proud girls... She's trying hard to fit in in some city but her home is beneath that big blue sky and the northern plains and those big wide open spaces.... She don't need you and she don't need me, she can do just fine on own two feet but she wants a man who wants her to be herself... treat her right and she'll love you like no one else. Yeah, how about them cowgirls?

Kudos to Kim for her new life. She got engaged, bought a new car, and getting ready to move to her dream house in the country with a pool on 6+ acres. Hills and long winding country roads that take you to some wide open spaces galore. All under a blue clear sky with falling stars galore in the evening sky--of which I can't wait to go back and experience one summer to escape the dreary summer heat. So, yes I plan to go back soon and often.

Bobby Caldwell - What You Won't Do for Love (with Lyrics)

Been hooked on this song thanks to the car commercial.  Just downloaded the album too.  Not sure how I missed that jewel.

Wristed Development

Wristed Development, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

Yep, I just made that word up. So nearly 4 weeks later wrist is about 85% healed going from my fiberglass blue cast to a brace. Brace will be worn for another 3 weeks then I go back to the doctor in mid February for the final -all clear sign. So glad to have the worst behind me.

Coming home from the ER my arm above my elbow was in a protective splint which was very cumbersome and limited my mobility. The wrist was swollen for several days and I had to make use of ice packs several times a day.

A great big "thank you" to friends and neighbors who were so helpful to me--especially during the first two weeks. From driving me around the first week, bringing me some necessities from the store, to not only cooking but cleaning my house and helping me wash my hair in the sink! You truly learn who you can count on when you're in need!  Your kindness was truly appreciated, that "thank you" seems like nothing.  One cannot imagine what we take for granted with the use of one hand! Try washing your hair with one hand!  Try tying a shoe lace with one hand! Try opening a zip lock bag with one hand!