Bragging

Plumeria, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

ok so something I don't do often is brag about myself but sometimes I surprise myself with photos I take! Made an awesome dinner earlier and it was quite tasty if I say so myself! ;-)

Let the crawfish feast begin!

Let the crawfish feast begin!, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

Spent a wonderful afternoon in Hardin, Texas eating some awesome crawfish and drinking some awesome Corona-ritas celebrating Cinco De Mayo with Jose Cuervo & friends! ;-)  Thanks, Cheryl for the recommendation of mixing some Jose Cuervo margarita mix with Coronas.

Feed Me!

The Scent of Light, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

A question was posed today on twitter, "What feeds your soul"? I kept asking myself the question all day. Well here is what feeds my soul in no particular order...
music,
nature,
wine,
His light,
family/friends
photography
a burning candle and/or incense
peace of mind
massage
the north wind

So what feeds your soul?

Ceremony-Here Comes the Bride!

Ceremony, a set on Flickr.

Finally finished editing and putting together photos from the wedding of my niece Erika. I love a good ceremony for they are moments that we do not celebrate often enough. Beautiful ceremonies run in our family-first with the 50th Wedding Celebration of my parents, second with the 25th Wedding Anniversary of my brother Arnold and his wife Theresa. So here's to the next ceremony for our family. Martin's High School graduation ceremony in June. Still waiting for a College Graduation ceremony from the rest of our family. I don't want to be the only one who has had the honor of two college graduation ceremonies. Hint, hint! ;-)

Butterfly Kisses (Country Version)

Fell in love with this song all over again as it was the song my brother danced with his daughter last night at her wedding. This was their song and I can tell you that the tears just flowed watching the two of them last night. His wife and I stood their holding each other and crying while watching the two of them. It was such a sweet tender moment watching Erika rub her daddy's back and letting him savor that moment. As he walked off the stage he came over to the two of us and gave us hugs. I was never so proud of my brother for giving his daughter away on such a beautiful day. Our family is indeed blessed. All through out the ceremony dark black clouds were swirling along with winds blowing but just then I looked up into the night sky and saw a star twinkling down on us. Erika never looked happier as her new husband walked up to dance with her. Congrats to the new couple. Here's to Erika & Rey and the new life they begin.

Going to be a G kind of day!

Going to be a G kind of day!, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

One of my niece's cute motifs for her big wedding day today. At sunset Erika Rivera becomes Mrs. Rey Gutierrez. Congratulations Erika & Rey.

Moon Fragrance

Moon Fragrance, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

listening to new Ottmar Liebert cd, Dune. This is the one of the first blooms from my magnolia tree and the fragrance permeated my living room/dining room. I love this tree but it took a hit from the drought last summer and has taken on a fungus making alot of the leaves to fall off. I hope the tree recovers as the tree in one of the main reasons why I bought my house, which as of last month made for 4 years of ownership. Everyday when I pull my car into my driveway, I count my blessings and the tree is one of the first reminders.

The Miracle of Life!

The miracle of life!, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

Word of the day: metamorphosis
Music: This Spring Release 10,000 Butterflies, Ottmar Liebert
mood: happy
in my glass: bubbles-Riven Rock to be exact

So this morning before heading to work I decided to step out onto backyard-something I usually don't do but for some reason I felt something calling my name. Lo and behold it was one of my babies emerging from its cocoon. I stood there in awe and amazement at the transformation happening right in front of me. I've seen such things in photos but not in real life and not in my backyard on a plant that was specifically planted to attract such butterflies. Just a few short weeks I noticed there were three caterpillars hungrily feasting on the passion vine plant. I was afraid there wouldn't be anything left of my plant after they finished. Finally they moved over to the pergola and began to weave their new home from which to emerge.

I soooo wanted to stay and watch this beauty spread its wings and fly but don't think my boss would've understood the reason for my absence.  I hope the butterfly returns for a visit.  Today was symbolic for various reasons and after the gloomy weekend I had I needed a some joy in my life.  I found it without searching for it and the miracle of life continues.  While there were no 10,000 butterflies released from my backyard I felt the 10,000 blessings that were bestowed on me today.

Moonlight Serenade-Repost

a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

Repost from a year ago

ok, not a photo of a moonlight serenade but title is from a Frank Sinatra song.

I stand at your gate and the song that I sing is of moonlight...the roses are sighing a moonlight serenade...the stars are aglow and tonight how their light sets me dreaming...

Better yet, hear the song on

YouTube

one of my favorite songs by Old Blue Eyes.

Pecados y Milagros

International Women's day was last week and the divine Lila Downs sings of her roots as well as mine and yours-no matter what race or religion. Vuela libra paloma blanca!

Dune - Ottmar Liebert

on a rainy winter morning w/coffee in hand-before a massage later in the day.  Nice way to start off a Saturday!  Thankfully, my sore throat & ear infection are behind me thanks to some antibiotics.  Ear aches are the worst and I don't wish that pain on anyone.  Pain kept me in bed for three days.

Dune - Ottmar Liebert

Fallaste corazón- Lila Downs.wmv

La Divina Lila Downs!

My Papoose!

My papoose!, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

This month is Chulo's birthday. He came into this world in March of 2001. He was a gift from one of my student's. 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's been the same ever since! ;-) He is my little man who has 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 does fit him! Chi's are one of kind dogs and now I get it-why owners are so head over heels for Chi's.  Chulo you rock my world and Happy Birthday!

Pretend

Lucky elephant, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

My new bud, who just brings a smile to my face. Been a while since I won something. Maybe I should go and I buy a lottery ticket and see if my luck continues-wouldn't that be schwwweeet! BTW, am listening to the incomparable Nat King Cole and his beautiful song Pretend who sings, "remember anyone can dream and nothing's as bad it may seem, the little things you haven't got could be a lot if you pretend...pretend you're happy when you're blue" or in this matter pink like the ears of my lucky elephant.

No Te Rindas

No Te Rindas, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

listening to Drama y Luz, by Mana.

Title and meaning of song means to not give up, sleep knowing there's another day when the sun will rise.

It's Electric

It's Electric, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

It's Electric/City Lights...sweet music from Stephen Duros whose new CD, "Urban Flamenco" has been in repeat mode for quite some time.

A Poem -About Love

I want to love you without clutching,

appreciate you without judging,

join you without invading,

invite you without demanding,

leave you without guilt,

criticize you without blaming,

and help you without insulting.

If I can have the same from you,

then we can truly meet and enrich each other.
― Virginia Satir

My Funny Valentine

My Funny Valentine, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

yes, a recycled photo of Chulo on this Valentine's Day.

Ashes and Wind

Ashes & Wind, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

title inspired by song I am listening to from Stephen Duros CD, Urban Flamenco. At the end of December into January my patio was extended giving me a second oasis. The extended patio was given another unique design of significant meaning and beautiful craftsmanship by Dan Axton. Concrete blocks and flagstone pavers were carefully selected and inspired from Kundalini. Kundalini, which literally means coiled and thus the a/c is the mechanism or sleeping serpent if you will. Kundalini is described as being coiled up at the base of the spine and through meditation awakens and travels through the chakras. The progress of kundalini through the different chakras leads to different levels of awakening and mystical experience. There are seven chakras and thus in the design of my patio there are seven flagstone pavers. I asked for four corners of white concrete blocks to pay homage to the four elements of earth, fire, water, air and/or four directions of east, south, west and north. Sacred red dirt from Chimayo along with a special flower from my altar were burried as a thank you for blessings given to me since I've owned my house.

STEPHEN DUROS - LOCARNO

Just a small snippet of new music from Stephen Duros from his CD Urban Flamenco. The cd has been on repeat mode between house, car and work. I had the pleasure of meeting him some years back and he couldn't be any nicer and so happy to speak with new fans.

Adele - Set Fire To The Rain (Live at The Royal Albert Hall)

CANNOT get enough of this song and her voice. Just ordered CD/DVD
Live from Royal Albert Hall. I just love this song and the lyrics! She rules!!

...but there's a side to you that I never knew...and all the games you'd play
you would always win...but I set fire to the rain...

kind of makes you want to start a big bonfire in the rain!

Cannot wait to see her at the Grammys and I hope her voice is bigger
and better after her surgery.

Hands of Love

Hands of love, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

my niece Erika took this photo today and it's one of my favorites of the two of them. Parents have been married 55 years and one of the sweet things I remember is that mom & dad always held their hands together-in good times and in bad. If you ask the two of them how they stayed together after all these years they will telll you it was their faith in eachother and in God.

Happy 55th Wedding Anniversary

Happy 55th Wedding Anniversary, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

to my mom and dad. Such a gift of honor and pride you have given to our family over the years. I can't believe it's already been 5 years since the 50th anniversary celebration. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Our family is truly blessed!

$20.12 for 2012 on 1-2-12

$20.12 for 2012 on 1-2-12, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

good sign or
good numbers or
good year

Wabi-sabi

Wabi-sabi, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

is the word of the day... "the aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete".

Happy 2012

Untitled, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

Lots to rant and rave about with the closing of 2011 & the beginning of 2012. Naysayers spell doom (financial or otherwise) for 2012 but I am always optimistic that His light will be the beacon even in our darkest hours. The past few years have been like walking in a fog at times blinded by mistrust, miscommunication & misconceptions. One word that comes to mind for me and my hope for 2012 is CLARITY. Clarity in the path I walk along. Happy New Year to your and yours.

Christmas love

Christmas love, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

Merry Christmas to your and yours. Enjoyed a wonderful Christmas eve with the family in Katy. My dad loved his Christmas gift hat. He wore it to church last night with his new sweater mom gave him. I am blessed to have such a dear family. As for my sister-in-law, we missed you and hope you get better from the flu soon.

Anima

Anima, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

...soul life on this the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year-Winter Solstice. Anima "refers to the belief that non-human entities are spiritual beings, or at least embody some kind of life-principle".

Winter bloom

Winter bloom, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

Winter Beauty
Winter Song
Winter Vacation
Winter Thank You
for grace, beauty, family & friends and
Winter blessings to you and yours.

Camelia

Camelia, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

Sometimes

Happy 80th Birthday to my dear dad, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

Happy 80th Birthday to my dear dad

Sometimes, not often enough
We reflect upon the good things
and those thoughts always center
around those we love and
I think about those people
who mean so much to me
and for so many years have made me
so very happy and I count the times
I have forgotten to say thank you
and just how much I love them.

music from the Carpenters

Solanaceae

Solanaceae, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

just because and a post for 1-11-11

De Repente

Words and music the late Soraya. Such a great talent who died so young!

Mil ojos mirando hacia mí
De los tuyos no puedo huir
Tu mirada me tiene encantada
Si te dejo entrar, estaré equivocada
Otras manos lo han intentado
Sólo las tuyas me ha encontrado
Ya no puedo esconder
El querer sentirte al amanecer

De repente en mí vida
Hay algo que me tiene confundida
No lo puedo evitar, puedo intentar
Conservar el asombro hasta el final

Mil palabras ya he oído
Solo las tuyas no han desvanecido
No puedo escapar de sus sonidos
Estoy hipnotizada en un sueño contínuo
Otros corazones no han tenido miedo
Solo el tuyo es el que quiero
Haré todo para cuidar tu amor
Quizás será una tontería, no tengo temor

De repente en mí vida
Hay algo que me tiene confundida
No lo puedo evitar, puedo intentar
Conservar el asombro hasta el final

Mil veces quise estar sola
Vivir sin tu amor aunque sea una hora
Cada vez vuelve el llanto
Regreso a tí, es que te quiero tanto
Mil pensamientos giran a mi alrededor
Hacen que se sienta paz interior
Al pensar el porque de esta situación
En tus besos encuentro la solución

De repente en mi vida
Hay algo que me tiene confundida
No lo puedo evitar, puedo intentar
Conservar el asombro hasta el final

I want, I want...

bear with me as my long list of I wants is typed here.

I want...

Chinese food

I want...

it to rain all day

I want...

to feel cold air

I want...

to stomp around gleefully on acorns

I want...

to know his name

I want...

passionate kisses

I want...

the Texas Rangers to win the World Series

I want...

to devour another green chile cheeseburger in Santa Fe

I want ...

my new iPhone to get here

I want...

it to rain all day

I want...

a convertible car

I want...

and need a great workout in the days & months to come

I want...

a cup of Illy coffee in the finest Italian cafe

I want...

to pay off all my bills

I want...

too much but it doesn't hurt to dream

Rumor Has It

I so love Adele. She rocks and sad to hear of her having to cancel her U.S. tour. Godspeed and here's to a speedy recovery.

Doorbell ringing!

Early this morning around 6ish, I heard a doorbell & wondered if someone was at the front door but I didn't hear Chulo barking so I went back to sleep. Just a dream that means....

Sharpstown Shopping Center: 50 years later

Sharpstown Shopping Center: 50 years later Bayou City History a Chron.com blog

Nice article with photos about a once very popular mall here in town and where I spent a good portion of my childhood. It was some kind of place and I do remember the History clock and for the longest I thought it was whimsically magical. I don't remember the grocery store mentioned in the article but I do remember the eating place at the Walgreens and seeing fireworks over the 4th of July.

Another funny story, when my brother & I were very young, I used to convince him to hide from my parents all the time until one night they decided to get us back by conveniently getting lost themselves. Of course they had talked to the security guard and he was in cahoots with their idea of teaching us a lesson. He was saying that if they didn't come and get us by the time he finished locking up the place he would have to take us downtown. Naturally, the panic mode kicked in and then my brother started bawling and told the cop it was my stupid idea in the first place to play hide & seek with my parents. The smarty pants in me though grabbed my brother by the hand and walked out to see if the car was still there to which it was and so they got busted or rather we got busted and I learned my lesson.

Forward now to the present and I cannot tell you the last time I went to that mall. Of course, sadly the area has changed and has become downtroadden. Still, there are many wonderful memories.

Grand Central Station

a wonderful tribute

of a true story and worth reflection

on the 10th anniversary of the tragic day.

Beautifuly written by Mary Chapin Carpenter.

My Point of View-Part 2

Unofficially tagged by Desert Diva and my take-revised from original post 8-31-2008


What is your favorite word?

• 
  
  Unbelieveable!

What is your least favorite word?

• 
  
  Overdraft!

What turns you on (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)?

• 
  
  The first north wind of the Fall season!

What turns you off? (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)

• 
  
  Ignorance! My mom always says, "it's ok to be poor but don't be ignorant"

What sound or noise do you love?

• 
  
  Music, water, cardinals chirping, acorns falling and then crunching under my shoes.

What sound or noise do you hate?

• 
  
  People smacking gum!

What's your favorite curse word?

• 
  
  Gotta love the F-word!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

• 
  
  Professional photographer!

What profession would you not like to do?

• 
  
  Plummer!

What is your favorite color?

• 
  
  Blue

What is your favorite food?

• 
  
  Anything he wants to cook for me!

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

• 
  
  "No, you're eyes are not deceiving you, yes you made it" .

AMEN!

POP

POP, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.

Petals
on the
Plant

...Crepe Myrtle petals fallen onto plant below

title inspired by

Petals
on the
Path

from of course Ottmar Liebert of whom most of you all well know I am a die hard fan of and who is performing tonight at Dosey Doe in the Woodlands. Yes, a bit of a chuckle because one wouldn't normally associate flamenco fusion with country but this is a nouveau cafe/concert venue if you will! ;-) Frankly, I've lost count of the many times I've seen him perfrom from Houston to Austin, to New Mexico, to Portland, Oregon and to Seattle. There are many more places I would love to travel and catch one of his performances across the country and globe for that matter.

With this endless, scortching heat & humidity, I really haven't ventured out much other than to work, visiting the family and such but looking forward to a lovely evening out and some wonderful music.

You can find more about POP ...music and the inspiration for the CD title.

...here it is Sunday morning having just gotten back from the Woodlands and I am tired but not sleepy. Still in a dreamy state of mind after seeing the Snakecharmer perform. A magical night of music. I was transported into another dimension and lost track of time. Seeing Ottmar brought back memories from Seattle and Santa Fe and meeting some of the other "fanmencos" for the first time and seeing Ottmar perform. Kym & I immediately bonded and became sisters! I fully believe that in another lifetime we were! Right, sis! ;-)

Boom!

Boom!, a photo by Nieve44/La Luz on Flickr.