Prospero Ano Nuevo

Franklin
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder

Mood: Content

Happy New Year! I borrowed Franklin from my friend for my first 2005 blog and hope that he'll bring good luck in the new year. Prospero Ano Nuevo translates to "Prosperous New Year" and besides health, happiness and love don't we also want more Franklin's in our wallet for prosperity. I'm not talking about wealth above and beyond our means but just enough to make life a little easier on us all. So here's to 2005!

In and Out

Music: Waiting 4 Stars 2 Fall, Ottmar Liebert
Mood: Sentimental

Well, here we go...another year in and another one out. Why is it the older you get the faster they go? I remember being in school and the days never went fast enough and now that I'm out of school I don't know where they go...they seem to travel at the speed of sound. Just today, my niece and I were talking about Y2K. lol
Here it is...New Year's Eve-Eve and driving home from my brother's I was doing an assessment of sorts of what was lost and gained in the past year and what will be in an out in the coming year. Here are just a few of the thoughts that came to mind.

Lost
-20 pounds: (yeah) Finally! Still have another 20 to go--although I feel as if I've gained 10 these past two weeks.
-a few friendships: some that I thought were close but in the end I realize it was me always reaching out. There is one that I'm puzzled about and need to find a way to reach out to this person again. I don't want to throw away 30 years even though he might be ready too.
-another year w/o a house: it will be at least another year living in an apartment but this is my choice...I have a chance to travel to Spain this summer and well...the house can wait.

Gained
-a new job/promotion: (yeah) Finally!!! After 10 years in the same department it was time to make a move and it's been a perfect match. I'm enjoying my new job and my co-workers. No regrets! Just a time for New Beginings!
-a new car: traded in my lease and finally bought...well making payments on a car that will be mine for quite some time to come-I hope! I love my Santa Fe.
-a blog: quite frankly this has been the 2nd nicest surprise of the year. I'm enjoying my blog and meeting other bloggers who I consider my special friends abroad and I want to thank them for making my world a little nicer.
-digital camera: another nice surprise/investment that has paid off tenfold. The magic of technology never ceases to amaze me.
-new hair color: finally, I did it! My hairdresser was so happy.

There is so much more to be thankful for and regretful for at the same time just as there is much to be sad and happy about. Sad about the current affairs in SE Asia, the needless war in Iraq, another four years of a Bush WhiteHouse and a few other things that I'll keep secret for now. Financially, I'm doing better but still a few major bills that need to be taken care of in order to secure that house I want. Luck, please be a lady in 2005...by letting me win that lottery. Of course it would help if I went out and bought a ticket! I'm not greedy...I don't have to win the big one...I'd be happy with 10K. :-)

Here are a few things that I hope will be in and out with the new year...

Ethan's Cancer-OUT

A baby for Michelle-IN

A new boyfriend-IN

Maria's wedding-OUT (she's too young)

In the meantime, as the midnight hour on the 31st draws near, I will be looking to the night sky waiting 4 stars 2 fall and making wishes as well as a toast that there continue to be more gains than losses for myself, friends, family and loved ones.

"My Buddy Hippo"

Ethan
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

This is just the cutest lil baby (Ethan) w/his stuffed Hippo. I'm posting here w/o his parents consent but I hope they won't mind. He's the son of one of my coworkers. He's been ill and has been diagnosed with cancer but he's being a trooper and if you believe in prayer he and his parents as well as I would be appreciative.

XmasHeaven

Heaven
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Look what Santa left under my Christmas tree?! ONLY in my DREAMS!

Sharp Dressed Girl

Sharp dressed girl
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

New Ug boots from Aunt Luz.

JingleChulo

JingleChulo
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

All tuckered out from too much Christmas excitement.

AlbinoXmastree

AlbinoXmastree
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

My mom's latest, ugly Christmas tree but hey 20 years ago the aluminum trees were considered ugly and now they are a collectors item selling on Ebay for between $400 to $1000 dollars.

ChristmasEve

ChristmasEve
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
Mood: Happy

Look what Santa brought for the very first time to Houston on Christmas Eve? Yeah, I know it's not much but still it was pretty to see and beautiful to hear the snow falling. I kept pinching myself thinking I was dreaming but it was real!!

Warmth

From thousands of miles away

A stranger reached out

And placed tears in my eyes

And a gentle hand

Upon my shoulder.

And knowing that someone's

Thinking about me

Makes the world

A little less colder.

from Lone Pen

Right back at you at Lone Pen...for your words have brought a tear to me just as I have to you.

Christmas Bloom

Christmas Bloom
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Here it is December and temps have been on the cool breezy side although expected to warm up today. However, there is a very cold spell expected on Thursday. I still can't believe it's December and the end of another year. Leaves have fallen off the trees and the north wind is a blowing. Birds have flown south which reminds us that December is a hazy shade of winter. Yet, there is one flower/plant that blossoms in December and reminds us that there is still life out there in the cold. I'm not sure of the exact name of this beauty but I have two of these plants in my balcony. They are just beautiful when they bloom and I tried to capture that beauty on camera.

Arbolito #1

Arbolito
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Fom Texas for a Christmas Night
by Tish Hinojosa
Mood: Glowing

"Arbolito que brillante estas! How familiar is our yearly talking. Every year leaves its traces of dreams and embraces of Christmas' past. Laughter, friends and relations, and noche de paz..." Tish Hinojosa is a singer from Texas who lives in Austin and one of my top 5 artists. When I first heard her song of Arbolito and some of the lyrics above it felt like she was writing about my Christmas' past. Every year I embrace my arbolito and yes we have our yearly talking.

Arbolito#2

Christmas04
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Navidad 04

Navidad04
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Finally bought my usual Charlie Brown Christmas tree! All that's missing is the icicles! Remember those days back when? However, if I had to choose between icicles and flocked trees then I would choose icicles. Time to brew some hot tea, put on Ottmar's "Christmas + Santa Fe" and dream. Dream of a world with no war, only peace. Dream of a baby born in a manger on a cold winter's night. Dream of a world with no "haves" and "havenots". Dream of a warm fireplace and snow falling outside...a winter wonderland.

B Mood

Music: Barcelona Nights
Mood: Blue

B is the letter of the day....

B is for blogging
B is for the blue mood I'm in
B is for baffled
B is for bewildered
B is for blah
B is for Mr. Bluejay that I saw today
B is for the baby I wish I could hold in my arms
B is for my bleeding heart
B is for the bone I have to pick with someone
B is for the boyfriend I wish I had
B is for my bruised ego
B is for boredom
B is for bemoan
B is for the beloved of my dreams
B is for the begotten
B is for the burger I want to stuff my face with
B is for Bono (and Borya), who can eat cake off my plate anytime
B is for bogus
B is for the broom I need to sweep all the bad B's away
B is for Barcelona Nights by Ottmar Liebert
B is for bedtime
B is for all my blessings that I seem to have forgotten about today.
B is for my foolish blundering
B is for bye, bye.

Brotherly Love

Greg&Erika
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Realized that it's been a while since I posted a picture. This pic was taken in November @ the Hard Rock Cafe where my nephew celebrated his 18th birthday. Erika is 15 and it's rare to get a picture of these two together as we know how siblings can be at this age. Nonetheless, it's become one of favorite family pictures.

For Women...

Meditations
For Women Who Do Too Much

What I am looking for is not “out there”. It is "in" me.

Solitude is not a luxury. It is a right and a necessity

It is sometimes frightening to trust my intuition.
It is always disastrous not to trust it.

Knowing when to quit may be my greatest victory.

It is not possible to live a rich, full life without friends.
I have to be one to have one.

Sometimes we just think too much.

No one else will arrange any quiet time for me.
I have to see to it myself.

When we see how funny we are,
We see how dear we are.
by Anne Wilson Schaef

I came across this some years back and actually it's on a framed poster in my office. Admittedly, when I first bought it some 15 years ago I didn't buy into the whole poem but over the years, I finally got it! Many women and men go searching for others to make their life complete. Well, my life is complete but I would like to have a partner who will complement my life. I don't think that's asking too much. Solitude is one of my biggest luxuries these days and I almost feel guilty when I hear other women who yearn for it. Knowing when to quit has become my greatest assett. After earning my Master's, I'm always asked if I will pursue my Ph.D., the answer is no. My Masters degree continues to be my sweetest victory I have earned and I'm content with that memory and seeing my name on my diploma when I walk into my office every work day. I am so thankful for my friends for they have pushed me and believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I have a small circle of friends that I treasure and they know who they are but with the upcoming holiday season I will make it a point to thank them again.

NBC Nightly News

Tom Brokaw signs off humbly, with gratitude.

On Wednesday, NBC evening news anchor-Tom Brokaw signed off with his last broadcast. I'm not much for news but when I did watch the only channel I turned too was NBC. As I sat and watched his last broadcast, I was teary-eyed as were other millions of TV watchers across the country. I was awed by his closing remarks, which were done with grace & eloquence. Certainly important passing words for our generation:
"Brokaw said he learned "more than I have time to recount this evening, but the enduring lessons through the decades are these: It's not the questions that get us in trouble, it's the answers. And just as important, no one person has all the answers...He cited his long-standing admiration for the World War II generation, subject of two of his books. They did not give up on the idea that we're all in this together. We still are."

Christmas Wish List #1

Music: Poets + Angels by Ottmar Liebert
Mood: Festive

Now that the Christmas season is upon us I'm going to do something that I've never done in the past...blog my first ever Christmas wish list. I realize that very few of these gifts will be brought to my Christmas tree by Santa (he always seems to fly past my house anyway) but no matter it's just something to have fun with...BUT if there are any RICH sugar daddy's out there passing by my blog please don't hesitate to contact me by email!! :-)

1. U2 Ipod http://www.apple.com/ipod/u2/gallery/u2front.html
2. The complete U2 boxed set http://www.apple.com/ipod/u2/boxset.html
3. Tickets to the Los Lonely Boys concert @Verizon Wireless theatre-12/29
http://www.loslonelyboys.org/
4. Fender Stratocaster guitar (why not-since it's just a wish list)
http://www.fender.com/products/show.php?partno=0264900
5. Dell LCD TV & Pocket DJ w/Laptop too
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/brand/oft?c=us&l=en&s=gen
6. Roundtrip tickets to Santa Fe, NM for me and my Fanmenco buds to dine @ Maria's
(OL fav. restaurant) w/concert by Otmar and Luna Negra of course, AND an autographed set list as a memento...since I couldn't get one from the last concert OL performed here in Houston.

Well that's about it for now....I don't think it's asking too much. (Remember, it's only a Christmas Wish List).

Thanksgiving Toast

Just a few minutes before midnight and the official end of another Thanksgiving. One last toast to give thanks for blessings received and there have been many. The gift of family, friends and loved ones, the gift of life. Little things such as a pillow and a bed to sleep on, a roof over my head, a warm jacket, hugs, and kisses, laughter, tears, a new friendship, babies breath, freedom, serenity, music, puppy dogs, and a full moonlit night. About the only thing missing today was snow and a crackling fireplace. Nonetheless, today was a day of "thanks" and "giving". A giving that comes from the heart, irregardless of $$ and conditions. For it is in giving that we are taught we are blessed.

Blowing Smoke

Music: U2-How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Mood: upbeat

A few blogs back I talked about "Crunch Time" well now that we're in the month of November, it's "smoke time". Fortunately, this kind of smoke is not dangerous to your health unless it's below freezing. I'm talking about the smoke that comes out of one's mouth in cold weather. Can you feel it? I finally did-tonight! Oh, what a feeling as I walked my dog this evening...I took in that first breath of cool, crisp cold air and breathed out--gleefully "blowing smoke" from my mouth. FINALLY, tonight was cold enough. In the past few weeks that it's been cold, there wasn't any smoke coming out. :-( Thus, I waited and waited while others like Boris and Kym and Ottmar blogged about their cold winter experiences of 1st snows of the season and warm crackling fires in the fireplace. I could only hope that my time would arrive soon. Appropriately, it did arrive on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday and with a full moon in the night sky. Unfortunately, living in the south the cold weather doesn't last for long but for tonight and the next few night's, I'm thankful for blowing smoke and for another moment that took my breath away.

Book of Secrets

Music: Book of Secrets-Loreena McKennitt
Mood: Secretive

If you've never listened to the Books of Secrets CD by Loreena it really is a beautiful piece of work for all you music lovers out there with a taste for ecclectic music. She has always been one of my favorites. The perfect CD to play on a day like today here in HTown where rain is the current forecast. I started thinking about my own book of secrets and there are many. Some that are dying to be told but shall remain within my soul until the right time of disclosure--if ever. Some weeks ago, I divulged a secret to a friend and I was apprehensive about my disclosure but it was heartening to know that she embraced my fraility with open arms. It brought us to a deeper understanding of one another. While I won't share that secret with you, I realize I may have invoked some curiosity for some of you readers out there and so I will disclose another secret.

When I was a young kid about 5 I was caught at a Woolworth's stealing marbles and stuffing them into my brothers pockets. We almost got away with our loot except that one of the pockets had a hole and so marbles started falling everywhere, which of course drew the attention of a sales lady. The next thing I know, there's a hand reaching out to me and in a deep voice, she said, "young lady come with me". BUSTED!!! They took us to the front of the store and booked me!!! Just kidding. My parents were called on the intercom and they were so embarrassed then and probably would be now if they knew I was divulging this secret. To this day, everytime I see a bunch of marbles I chuckle and check my pockets for any holes.

Smooth!

Music: Smooth by Santana
Mood: Rockin

I'm listening to music by Carlos--he ROCKS. No wonder OL is such a fan of his and with good reason. Just like Ottmar his guitar playing is so distinctive. I love the song Smooth on SuperNatural...I still can't get enough of that song and that CD. Just like Santana and Ottmar, Rob Thomas is so smooth. If you look up the definition for smooth you can find the following descriptions: even or gentle in movement, pleasing to the taste, having an easy, flowing rhythm or sound, polished, soothing. Another artist that I've become a big fan of is Chris Botti and his music is so smooth. Finally, Bono from U2--there's just something about him! So, I'm wondering who some of you might think is smooth as my list can go on and on? Boris, I think you're smooth too! :-)

KatheWolf/Connections

KatheWolf
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Blue Dreamdrops/Ottmar Liebert
Mood: Pensive

My blogger pal-Boris got me thinking and looking back. Some 20 years ago I took a trip to Europe and visited Italy, Austria, Germany & France. Quite frankly, it was an amazing trip that changed my life and my way of thinking, still to this day. I met some amazing people that I will never meet again but yet we made a connection. I made a connection with Kathe Wolf...we stayed in her house for a short two days and upon leaving I took this picture of her outside her home that she so graciously opened to tourists. She was a gregarious woman who owned a beautiful german shepherd. I wish I could remember the dogs name! Anway, tonights blog is about connections...I think in today's hectic world, we dont make enough connections. I've never met my blogger friends...Boris & Kym but I have a sense of connection with them that goes beyond our love of Ottmar Liebert's music. In my line of work at the college I get the joy of making some lasting connections with some of my students. I know I've made a difference in their lives and little do they know they have made a difference in mine. So thank you to Boris, Kym and to Kathe Wolf for their lasting connections albeit far or near, past, present or future or through the magic of the internet.

Fallen Hero

Fallen Hero
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Cpl. Tomas Sotelo Jr. Houston, Texas

Music: The Sound of Silence, Mood: Somber

"In the eyes of his superiors, Cpl. Tomas Sotelo Jr. was a guiding light for his unit. Sotelo, 22, of Houston died June 27, 2003, in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Iraq. He was the son of Tomas and Benancia Sotelo". He was the first Houston casualty of the Iraq war.
I wanted to give honor to our vets on this Veterans Day. While I never met Tomas, I knew his mother who was one of my students in the past in college. I haven't spoken to her since her son died partly because I'm not sure what to say and it's been years since I've seen her. Nonetheless, my heart aches for her loss and the loss of all vets and their families who have served our country. May we never forget that some gave all!

Evening Glow

Houston Sunset 2
We had a wonderful weekend weather wise...although a bit warm for fall but I guess I shouldn't complain too much. Nonethess, this was a moment that took my breath away and I didn't have to go and look for it. It just came to me and I'm just glad I that I had my camera in the car to capture it.

Houston Sunset 

Next 2 Naked

Next 2 Naked
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Everybody say ahhhhhhhhhh! Yep, that's me on a hot summer day in the summer of June 1960 some 4 months shy of my 1st birthday. BTW, the person in the pic is my uncle and to our family he name was simply "uncle". He was my favorite uncle and he died much too young.

Halloween2

Dollywood
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Dolly Parton (in my head)
Mood: Wacky

Found this the other day. Another one of those moments some years ago for a Halloween Party. Dolly Parton eat your heart out. BTW...my cousin on the right was Elvira and can't remember what my other cousin was supposed to be.

Happy Halloween04

Halloween04
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Boo to you from Scooby Doo and Sleeping Beauty. Yep, this is what Halloween is for for. BTW, when they came to my door I had a whole basket of candy and let these two pick out what they wanted. I thought they would grab a whole handful of candy but they only picked about 2 pieces each. Had they asked, I would've given them the whole basket! Nonetheless, I threw in a few extra pieces into their bags.

Sleepy-eyed

Sleepy-eyed
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Need I say more!!!

ADOPTION

Kraig&Michele
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: In the Arms of Love-Lullabies 4 Children + Adults by Ottmar Liebert
Mood: lullabied

Friends of mine-Kraig & Michele have just updated their online adoption website http://www.parentprofiles.com/profiles/db13646.html. Just hearing what they've been going through in order to adopt has been heartwearming. How can it be that every year so many women choose abortion over adoption when there are so many couples seeking babies? Some of this hits close to home as I too am unable to have children and I've pretty much come to terms with it but I still have my moments. Moments like this when tears will well up in my eyes as the bandaid across my heart tears open and exposes the void in my heart. Over the years, I've filled this void by becoming a mentor and being blessed to be an aunt 3 times over as well as being bestowed "honorary aunt"! It sure would be nice to add one more to my list. So here's to you Kraig and Michele and the new bundle of joy that I pray will be at your doorstep very soon. BTW...I already know what gift to buy for the joyous event--which is the music I am listening 2 at the moment.

Santa Fe 04

My other BD present

Magical Carrousel

OLVerizon
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Magical Carrousel

In the LE boxed set of La Semana, Ottmar wrote a small intro about the song, Carrousel..."What a great loaded word...Carrousel of life comes to mind, carrousel of love, carnival, freak show, excitement, out of the ordinary, sweets, escape...etc..." Ottmar's concert here in Houston was all of the above...minus the freak show. I had perfect seats--4th row dead center, which made for a perfect view. Some of the best seats, I've ever had for any concert and well worth the price. I'm not a fan of Verizon Wireless theatre as the venue is not an intimate setting that compliments OL and the band. Nonetheless, the concert was magical and it ended all too soon. The eight o'clock hour could not come soon enough but then finally the band walks on stage and the magic begins.

Hearing OL play the guitar live is simply stunning and while the music on CD is great his music is so much more enjoyable in person. There were many highlights throughout the show but my favorites included, "La Luna", "Querencia", "Snakecharmer", "Santa Fe" & "Ballad 4 Santana". My new favorite is "Cocteau", which in the past had been my least favorite song from La Semana. Of course the Drum Duet was exceptional and Jon's bass was incomparable. I finally bought his Transit CD which I totally love. The icing on the cake was meeting Ottmar outside his bus and having him sign my La Luna postcard from the box set. We exchanged a few words and he was gracious as always.

The only disappointment was not being able to get a copy of the setlist to which I had requested twice and had been turned down from two band members after the concert. :-( The setlist would have been another wonderful memento from the evening to add to my box. As mentioned earlier, I'm not a fan of Verizon as they do not allow pictures to be taken. For once I had the perfect seats/view but could not capture the evening with a camera. Regrettably, my camera phone was not working either. I did notice some flashes going off during concert to which I was shocked and silently yelled, "no fair", but after the show I rushed to my car and grabbed my camera and perfectly timed Ottmar before he boarded his bus. He was in a hurry to get inside the bus and afterwards I noticed he blogged immediately thereafter.

While browsing the website, I came upon his blog from Integral Naked to which he wrote and I'll close this blog with..."Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away". Sunday evening surely took my breath away.

OLAutograph

OLAutograph
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Another memento for my Semana box!

OLHouston

OLHouston
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Blinded by the light! Or closing my eyes thinking I was dreaming! Figures...the one time I get a photo op I close my eyes! Oh well the brief experience/encounter and exchange of words was worth it. The concert was great and will post more later.

OLtik

OLtik
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

My birthday present to myself!!!! Three hours and counting!!!

THEBUS!

THEBUS!
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

This is it!!

BUSx2

BUSx2
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Wonder what's in the trash bag?!

Lots of Pretty Colors and Balloons!!! 

Happy Birthday to Me!!! 

Laughter...

Laughter
Music:Silence
Mood: Retrospective
Sometimes it can feel like life is clobbering us and so how do we fight back? Simple...with laughter. I've been in a retrospective mood these days leading up to my 45th birthday and sometimes we can get too contemplative and possibly retreat from the world around us. Last night I was reading my magazine from Curves and came across the article, "Laugh Out Loud". I found myself asking, how many times do I laugh out loud? I can tell you that it's not enough. Studies have shown that laughter is an aerobic mental workout of sorts and that it can enhance problem solving and creativity, ease relationships and protect our sanity. Hence, "she who laughs, lasts." I remembered that I had this picture from my trip to New Orleans and for the life of me I can't remember what I was laughing at...at the time. No matter, but I want it to serve as a reminder to take life a little less serious and instead find ways to add laughter into my life.

Crunch time

Music: "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones
Mood: Sleepy

Today is October 1st, which is one of my favorite months for various reasons. 1): it signifies the end of Summer and the beginnings of the Fall season, 2): it's crunch time...when acorns are falling like tiny little bombs from the trees above, when they explode onto the ground and split apart and lay in abundance on the ground. I love to take walks during this time and hear the crunch of the acorns underneath my shoes. It's the dance of the fall season in my own little house of fun where I dance in every direction gleefully be it night or day just to hear that crunching sound. Now, whenever you come across a bed of strewn acorns feel free to join in the fall dance. If you're not sure where to find them, follow the north wind which will surely bring you to your fun-filled destination.

Sharp Dressed Man

Greg
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

MUSIC: ZZ Top/Sharp Dressed Man
Mood: Goofy

Who is this sharp dressed man that is wearing a T-shirt...well it's my nephew!! Greg is always dressed cool and he always smells good...wears cologne but it doesn't make me melt like when other guys wear cologne. He's 17 and he has all the girls at school chasing him. Oh to be so young again!!! Those were the days...Clean shirt, new shoes or silk suit, black tie...no matter cause they come runnin' just as fast as they can...black shades, lookin' sharp and lookin' for love...here comes that sharp dressed man...and all the girls just SCREAM!

aramis

aramis
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Ottmar Liebert/Nouveau Flamenco
Mood: Smiling
The other day, I was walking down the hallway where I work when suddenly I stopped dead in my tracks as I picked up the scent of Aramis, which is one of the most wonderful men's cologne that is out there. Suddenly, I was floating on an ultracloud in the heavens!! Thank goodness I didn't catch who was wearing this powerful scent as I would've followed this person home! Chrome, Drakkar, and Oscar de la Renta are other colognes that stop me dead in my tracks. Here's a hint for guys reading this blog...cologne can be one of the ultimate turn on's for a woman. So guys, make my day and let me what cologne you're wearing. For you women out there feel free to affirm this statement by dropping a line and letting guys out there know which cologne sends you up to an ultracloud.

Water

NOLA Riverside Fountains
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Nature's Beauty/Raindrops
Mood: Upbeat

I couldn't capture the rain this morning so this picture of the New Orleans water fountain will have to do. I woke up this morning to the sound of rainfall and though the morning was dark and dreary I could not complain for it's bringing a mild cool front and some much needed lower temps to Houston. Lots to do today with errands and minor chores and it's midmorning but wanted to do a quick post to give thanks for the rain and the beauty of God's majesty. As I go about my day, I will make an extra effort to notice HIS presence in the leaves of green, the sky of gray that is now turning a bright blue and the flowers of bright colors.

colors

Music: Smooth Stroking by Vick "Nash" Espinoza

Mood: Fuzzy blur

colors
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Today was a blur...the colors of the day just seem to run together and make the memory of today fuzzy...kind of like the photo. The colors on the photo are a bit blurry too but yet they seem to create a calming effect and I added the picture to my screensaver. Now all I need is a running water fountain or better yet, the pitter patter of rainfall and a tall glass of something cold to kick back and unwind.
It's been awhile since we've had a good rainfall. Somehow after a rainfall the colors of the day seem brighter, bolder and beautiful.
Tomorrow is the first day of autumn and time for another change in season. Time to reflect on the past summer and get lost in the true colors of the day and not get blinded by the blurred colors that come with the daily stresses of work.

punked

punked
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Here is an old photo that's hanging in my bedroom wall to remind me of a time way back when. This was taken in my late 20's on Halloween. My roomate at the time dressed me up. What a riot! Still cracks me up when I see this. She must have used a whole jar of gel to get the spike just right and then she painted it blue. Thanks CNA for showing me how to step out of my shell from time to time. I'm nearing my 45th birthday and will have to think of something to top this! Hmmmmm!!!

Chulo's World Pt. 2

Chulo
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

It's late and not much to say but I'll close the evening talking about my lil buddy. Isn't he a cutie? Quite a stud that he is. Right now he's burrowing in his bed trying to find that perfect spot. Alas he finds it and so it is time for me to burrow in my bed and find that perfect spot from which to drift off into la la land. Goodnight to all from Luz and Chulo.

Opium...

Opium
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

by Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra. One of my most prized possessions along with my autographed Opium poster. One of my favorite CD covers. That face,
those eyes, those lips, that guitar, that sound and that music! No, I am not obsessed but just mesermized by the music that is not spoken but instead beckoned to be heard. "Viva" was the first CD purchase and "La Semana" the current release. However, Opium will always hold a special place in my heart and allows me to be wide-eyed or dreaming. Thank you OL.

Sep11

Sep11
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

...and no words this morning. Just silence to mark this solem occassion.

Footnote...I found this photo a few weeks back.....http://http://flickr.com/blog.gne?photo=566438

August 2004 

Chulo's World

...the end of the month here. Just now realizing that I hadn't posted in some weeks. Busy few weeks with my new job. I wanted to add one last blog for the month and was searching for a title and then it came to me. Chulo is the name of my 4 year old chihuahua. He is my baby and wish I could post a picture but still trying to learn how to post one to blogger. Never in a million years did I think that I would own a chi as they are commonly refered too. He was a gift from a friend--for free and he came with papers. I had never owned a dog who came with papers as in the past our family just had mutts and strays aka Heinz 57 specials. Chulo was the first indoor dog I would ever have and wasn't quite sure how this situation was going to work out. Thankfully, he and I have adjusted quite well to one another...so much so that I can't imagine my world before he came into it. His name is perfect for him which is spanish and means pretty boy and indeed he is a pretty boy. Quite a handsome stud with velvet black short hair and patches of brown around his feet. Chulo's world has become my world. Thanks Chico Chulo Rivera, III for bringing joy to my world and for being the loyal friend that you have been.

Music is a universal language

It's earlly Friday evening and it's been a long week. I'm playing on the internet to unwind and launch yahoo radio which starts blasting through my Infinity Speakers on my computer. Great speakers by the way. At Yahoo Radio, one can search an artist and I search for one of my favorites which is Ottmar Liebert. Alas, his name appears and there is an Ottmar Liebert station that I can save which not only plays his music but others like Enya, Lorena McKennitt, Gypsy Kings, Diana Krall and Norah Jones. I love all of these artists. Great music!
Slowly the music takes me to another realm beyond the contraints of my physcial body and I begin to loose track of time and all else. Music therapy is such a high for me. I could sit here all night and listen to music. Several years ago, I remember reading a caption that said, "music is a universal language"...hence the reason for my title today. I love music but can't play a single musical intrument. :-( No matter, I have artists such as those mentioned above that I can thank for making their music and sharing it with the whole world.

Crystal Clear...

Title just came to me by way of the name of the flavored bottled water that I am drinking. Today was the first day of a new beginning and it became cyrstal clear that I am where I was meant to be. I have arrived at my destination and this was made crystal clear when I saw my business cards with my name and new title. I wondered if I would have regrets at leaving my old position but again it was crystal clear that my previous job had moved on without me and it was time for me to put both feet forward and walk the path that I am on right now and move in my new direction of life. How lucky I am to be given this opportunity.

La Semana....

I'm borrowing the title from the great new age guitarist Ottmar Liebert and his wonderful new CD that bears the same title and thus I want to give credit where it's due and most of all thank him for the inspiration. I chose La Semana as today is Sunday, which signifies the beginning of the week...la semana. Today is August 15th and will mark the beginning of a new milestone as I will begin a new position where I work. Accordingly, this milestone will bring changes and new beginnings. This new path is similar to the path I walked previously but with new surroundings, faces/people. As I begin this new path, I am am nervous, anxious and happy all at the same time. It has taken me ten years to get to this point and as I look back on the past I am reminded of a quote...querer es poder....to want is to do. My new job is something I wanted to do back then and now I will be doing it!! Yes, indeed dreams do come true!!! So here's to la semana and the next ten years!!