Alan O'Day -1977- Undercover Angel

For Ken.  R.I.P.  I shall miss your yearly phone calls on my birthday.  Heavy heart on this Sunday.  I remember this song well back in the summer of 1977 and the weekend treks to Astroworld to watch the fireworks.  ;-) 53 is too damn young.

Integrity

For Corinne whose visit I enjoyed this weekend. When we were roomies I was the messy one but you taught me that it was ok to not fit in a box or stay between the lines. That integrity was something to not take for granted or play around with and that loyalty was of utmost importance. Through the ups and downs of our friendship & lives and the miles in between Texas & New York we've remained friends for almost 30 years and I treasure your loyalty. Safe travels home Chica. Take care of you. 

Life exams

Making Sense

On this 1st day of August -a month I loathe because of the heat, long hours at work & what seems like a never-ending summer!! 

Maná - Vivir sin aire [En vivo]

Great concert Tuesday night by the Mexican rock group -Maná at Toyota Center.  So much pride in the band from Mexico and you can bet there was a kick ass song and words about Donald Trump!  Y chinga tu madre puto Trump porque "Somos Mas" cabron!!!



Video above of course was sung Tuesday night and one of my favorites from the band and is dedicated to MJ--for this too shall pass but I can understand your heartbreak and wanting to break free.  Many times, I've wished the same ...



... poder vivir sin aire, (live without air),

... poder vivir sin agua,  (live without water)

... me encantaria querete poco menos, (wish I could want you less)

... poder vivir sin ti, (live without you)

... pero no puedo, siento que murero (but I can't, because I would die)

... estoy hogano sin tu amor (I'm choking without your love)

... como quiseria calmar mi afflicion (I wish I could calm my affliction)

... me encantaria parar mi corazon (I wish I could stop my heart)



y como siempre sigue el Drama y Luz!

Jesse Cook - Havana

Appropriate title song as yesterday it was announced that the U.S. & Cuba have agreed to open the embassy in Havana, Cuba!  Happy to hear this as my travel posse is making plans to possibly visit Cuba in December.  Hoping that everything falls into place as this would be such an exciting adventure!!

It is so ordered

A joyous day in American history! Happy for friends & family & their fight for equality!  #Lovewins

Entre Dos Aguas

Above video is a beautiful tribute song by Tomatito playing the song titled above.



Last day of the month and all I can say is good riddance as the storms and rain were such a heartache to so many who lost lives and valuables by way of the loss of homes and/or cars.  Thankfully, all I lost was sleep especially last Monday night when the big storm hit.  It was said that in May alone- we got enough rain to fill the entire state of Texas with 8 inches of water!   The first week of June looks to be filled with less rain water but it also marks the start of Hurricane season and while I don't live in a flood zone I'm not taking any chances and I went ahead and bought flood insurance!



Now that May is ending and summer begins with the start of June (IMO) so begins the onslaught of the heat, humidity, mosquitos and the endless noise of the cicadas of which I heard already night before last.  UGH!!!  I loathe that sound!!!  What I'd give to escape summer here in Texas and take flight up north somewhere.  So, time for my usual hibernation of retreating indoors. Well at least the next two weeks or so will be busy watching basketball and hockey playoffs!

Islands in the Stream

I

Stopped by Willow Waterhole in the early evening yesterday & I fully believe that flood waters from yesterday's storms were held at bay thanks these new retention ponds at the back end of my neighborhood. Felt great to take in a walk at the waterhole & there was such a nice breeze and as you can see walk was cut short as the two bridges were impassable-more like islands in the stream.

Me either!

Do You Really Wanna Know?!

Never watched the show but I did like the theme song and Fox Mulder was a fox indeed and I always wanted to join the FBI and yes, inquiring minds really wanna know! ;-)

Simple Minds - Don't you Forget About Me (The Breakfast Club)

Dear Mr. Vernon:

We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain... ...and an athlete... ...and a basket case... ...a princess... ...and a criminal.

Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club

I was a BIG fan of the movie, The Breakfast Club and can't believe it's been 30 years since it came out. The directing was genius and the acting was brilliant.  This song became the anthem of a generation and definitely a cry out song in the 80's and even now some 30 years later.  I could listen to song endlessly and watch the movie over and over.  If you've never seen the movie -by all means reach out and rent it!!

Four/IV/Quadri

Ok, so there are five of us that make our newly formed women's group that we call the Chino-Latino Posse.  We are new travel buds and this was our first get-together after our European trip last month. We're already making plans for next series of trips that could include India, and Cuba just to name a few places.  I am so happy to have met these four special women who are educated, talented and beautiful with such diverse backgrounds.  One from Chile, one from China and two from Mexico. Except for Yan we are educators with a zest for exploring and experiencing various cultures from around the globe.  

I always did like the number four and even more so now.  Some things about that magic number that I found on Wiki...

• Four is the sacred number of the Zia, an indigenous tribe located in the U.S. State of New Mexico.
• in Buddhism there are 
• Four Noble Truths
• Dukkha – The Noble Truth of Suffering
• Samudaya – The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering
• Nirodha – The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering
• Magga – The Noble Truth of the Path leading to the Cessation of Suffering

There are four great elements that have special meaning to me and it exists in my backyard  and there are four corners of white concrete blocks that pay homage to the four elements of earth, fire, water, air as well as the four cardinal directions of east, south, west and north.

Four primary elements[edit]

In canonical texts, the four Great Elements refer to elements that are both "external" (that is, outside the body, such as a river) and "internal" (that is, of the body, such as blood). These elements are described as follows:

• Earth element (pruṭhavī-dhātu)
  Earth element represents the quality of solidity or attractive forces. 

• Water (or liquid) element (āpa-dhātu)
  Water element represents the quality of Liquidity or relative motion.

• Fire element (teja-dhātu)
  Fire element represents the quality of heat or energy. 

• Air (or wind) element (vāyu-dhātu)
  Air element represents the quality of expansion or repulsive forces. 

Thus, it is no wonder that I feel a special bond for my four friends.  Of special note there are...

Fifth and sixth elements[edit]

In addition to the above four elements of underived matter, two other elements are occasionally found in the Pali Canon:^[11]

• Space element (ākāsa-dhātu)

• Consciousness element (viññāṇa-dhātu)

 The fifth element is also important as in the photo linked above in the text- my sis Kym (twin sisters of different mothers) is pictured as she joined our possee last month while traveling to Holland and Germany! Thus four became six and our consciousness element was enlightened.  I am forever grateful for the light they each give.  

Turning the page!

Buddha's Flower - 4 My Sister

Title appropriately borrowed from song by Ottmar Liebert



So on day two in Holland, I met up with my fanmenco sis Kym.    We trekked by train and bus to get to Keukenhof where this photo was taken by some Asian sisters who asked that we take their photo for them.  I wonder where they were from?  Our boots were made for walking and after Keukenhof we hopped a train and spent the afternoon in Utrecht.

Needless to say my trip had come full circle in that meeting up with Kym was the intent of my return to Europe.  Kym and I go way back and Ottmar Liebert is the reason we became friends back in 2004 and we met up in Seattle in Spring 2006 for an Ottmar Liebert concert. She's been to Houston twice and so I promised a trip to Holland as I had been looking for a reason to return to Europe.  Last summer a co-worker and I began talking about traveling to Europe in summer 2015 but summer is peak travel season and thus Spring become the next option.  Also, our travel group quickly grew to five--the more the merrier!  Originally, I only wanted to travel through Holland and Germany for a ten day trip but we got such a bargain money wise for our trip and all the planning beforehand came to fruition in our seven days of travel.   I convinced Kym to join us in traveling to Cologne, Germany and six of us gals laughing, drinking and sightseeing not to mention partaking in the wonderful food was such a blast.  Blessed to have such great friends/sisters near and far and thankful such wonderful memories from our trip.

Netherlands - Dan Fogelberg

I was totally obsessed with Dan Fogelberg way back when!  He was just so dreamy with his poetic music and such a talent!  I didn't know that the album title is a play on Nederland, Colorado, the location of one of the studios used to record the album. Nederland is the Dutchname for the country known in English as the Netherlands.  Seems like everything is coming up Netherlands these days! ;-)

Transcendental Reunion

Transatlantic Sessions 6 - Mary Chapin Carpenter - with Aoife O'Donovan ...

from twenty thousand feet high, I saw the lights below me twinkling just like Christmas. 

 We descended slowly and the curve of the world passed 

with all of that flying above a mighty ocean and now we all are arriving. 

 Grab the carry on baggage and join the herd for the mad line 

to take our place-but where does everyone come from?  

Now I'm stamped and waived through and say my prayers and sing a hymn to the faithful...  

Finally, the tears and embracing that leap over hemispheres 

toward that transcendental reunion where all borders vanish, 

we are all travelers traveling, we are gypsies together, we are going and coming

 and we are  just finding our way to our next destination from night into day. 

 In giant birds belly, I flew over the ocean and from twenty thousand feet high

 and how the lights were glowing toward that transcendental reunion.

The last weekend of March ended with a bang as on Friday, I traveled to Galveston with a friend to see one of my favorite performers- the incomparable Mary Chapin Carpenter perform at the beautiful Opera house.  She sang this song (video linked above) which she wrote when she was traveling to Europe.  The past few years or so, I've been wanting to return to Europe and visit a dear friend and finally all that planning came to fruition on Monday, 3/30/15.  Thus, in a giant bird's belly, (KLM 747) I returned to Europe some 30+ years later and landed in Amsterdam just after 6:30 a.m. (Holland time)  and 11:30 p.m. Houston time.  I was a traveler once again travelling to a far away country with four girlfriends and the adventure began! 

Lakmé, Act I : Flower Duet - Fifty Shades of Grey : The Classical Album ...

One of the greatest pieces of classical music around and no, I didn't discover it because of the book or the movie as I had heard of this piece previously.  Yes, I read the book and saw the movie and while it was interesting it was the music I enjoyed the most.  I downloaded the soundtrack to the movie as well as the classical album released just after the book came out and created my own playlist which has  been on constant replay mode.  Again some really beautiful pieces.....



Spem

Marcello

Bachianas Brasilerias -Aria



Pour a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy!

Pi Day!

This will be the greatest Pi Day ever in the American history, spread the word! pic.twitter.com/am1fdrmZyu
— SciencePorn (@SciencePorn) March 6, 2015

Sugar

Yes, please!!!  This is such a cool song and video by Maroon 5 and just love Adam Levine!  Yes, I need a little sweetness in my life, so come and put it down on me! ;-)

Rise

I remember when this song came out--I was obsessed!  Just magical music and on this song it's all about that BASS!!  ;-)  I've always been a fan of Herb Alpert especially when he played with the Tijuana Brass.

I will not....

Powerful statement indeed!!!

Sara Bareilles - Cassiopeia Lyrics (HD)

Cannot get enough of this song--such beautiful imagery and lyrics put into a song with such a wonderful voice from Sara--just love her!!

Yo Te Amo (Do I Love You)

For the two passengers on bus #8 -it was destiny and may your love continue to grow.

Selena - Si Una Vez (HD)

Still can't believe she's gone--she was gonna be a star!!!  Making plans to attend the Fiesta de la Flor in Corpus Christi in April commentating the 20th anniversary of her passing.  

My Fire

Still learning but getting closer to my fire!

Como Han Pasado Los Años

Sweet memories from this beautiful Spanish song which was played at my parents 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary in Corpus Christi eight years ago on this date.  Back then they were still in their prime and it was a special day for our family and friends who came. What I would give for a piece of that amazing cake from that day!  I will never forget the two of them dancing together and the tears flowing that evening.   It was such an honor to plan that day for them that was two years in the making and God willing, I'm going to start planning for their 60th Wedding anniversary here in Houston in 2017.  My thanks to all who those who played a special part to make that day so special.

For those that don't speak Spanish the title of the song means something like this...

My how the years have changed

How things have changed and what a different world

but we are still here side by side like two young lovers

Feels like just yesterday that we stood side by side dancing 

and saying "I love you"and we promised that nothing would separate us.

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!

Für Elise

Rayas del sol, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

on this warm & rainy Winter Solstice morning. Enjoying a great cup of coffee/eggnog latte that I made at home thanks to my new Bodum Chambord frother. Thank you Elyse & Holly for my wonderful Christmas gift.

So this is Christmas and I took some early time off from work to give myself a nice 13 day vacation of which I so needed. My batteries were on E for EMPTY & they are slowly being re-charged. I really have not been in the Christmas spirit but I made myself put some decorations up around the inside of my house to lift my mood up. Thank you Michelle for your creative assistance.

Music inspiration for the season by
Vince Guaraldi-A Charlie Brown Christmas 
Ottmar Liebert-Winter Rose/Poets & Angels,
Tish Hinojosa/From Texas for a Christmas Night,
George Winston/December,
Season's Sernade/A Classical Holiday Collection.

Merry Christmas/Gloria In Excelsis Deo

Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

She said tonight, "come on, come on collide & see what a fire feels like..."

I love astronomy and took this photo the other night of the telescope at the observatory in Brazos Bend State park that looks like something from outer space.  Right after taking the photo I went over to another telescope and viewed the constellation of Cassiopeia and was immediately reminded of the beautiful song by Sara Bareilles.  It's just like heaven or as close as you can get to it.  Note to humanity-- we are but a grain of sand in this world!

Serenity On Ultracloud

Driving into work this morning I was listening to this and being thankful for the blessings in my life on this special day.  Early this morning I couldn't sleep and did some meditation and I am usually floating up on Ultracloud.  

Repost-Spirit of Saladin

Trio-lite, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

from Under the Rose

-an investment in peace

and a stunning musical CD-FREE

Read about Saladin.

Via Flickr:

Hello Major Tom!

4, 3, 2, 1.... Hello Major Tom, Houston calling!  Space!  That vast darkness up above us.  I'm soo looking forward to seeing the movie Gravity but until then I'll have to use my imagination.  ;-)

City of Angels

City of Angels has been playing on cable past two weeks and yes, its cheesy but I love it and believe in the spirituality in the movie.  I'm not a fan of Nicholas Cage but still liked the movie nonetheless and it also had one of my favorite songs playing--Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls where you "bleed to just to know you're alive"!  If you've never seen the movie, here's a clip from the trailer.  Free Will vs. One?! I love that scene and all of a sudden this glutton wants pancakes!!

Fifth Ward Jam

Fifth Ward Jam, a photo by Nieve44/Luz on Flickr.

Just saw that this photo has had over 4000 views! Photo taken from bike ride back in 2011. Nice! Thanks to Yahoo Editorial and Art Houses of Houston!

With Dreams in My Head -Goodnight

As I was changing my bed sheets earlier I was reminded of this beautiful song...

Don't Need Much To Be Happy

Don't much to be happy, four walls and a roof overhead
books and food in my belly and cool sheets upon the bed...
Sometimes it's hard to remember how tough we are to please

All in good time, somehow I find the days that still shine with the light
All in good stead I"m safe and fed with dreams in my head-goodnight
the feel of my hand being taken....and a breeze on a warm summer evening

a friend to soften a fall, and something to show for my labors,
after all, I had to learn to be grateful, I had to learn how to see
mistakes that might have proved fatal are gifts I now receive.

and so with dreams in my head, I say goodnight.

The Inner Light

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

so August came and went but it had me seeking the inner light and water seemed to be the driving force. Goodbye August and die you must for in the new month of September, I hope an autumn wind blows chilly and cold and draws me even closer to another inner light.

Title borrowed from the late George Harrison & his beautiful song...

Without going out of my door
I can know all things on earth
Without looking out of my window
I could know the ways of heaven

The farther one travels
The less one knows
The less one really knows

Without going out of your door
You can know all things on earth
With out looking out of your window
You can know the ways of heaven

The farther one travels
The less one knows
The less one really knows

Arrive without traveling
See all without looking
Do all without doing

In Another's Arms

Been listening a lot to the new In Time cd by the Mavericks-hence above title and some beautiful music from some talented musicians and Raul Malo is dreamy! .  How I wish I could see them in October in Austin but tiks are all sold out.  :-(

So here we are at the end of another month--another long hot month and one more to go till summer is behind us.  Wish I could be in Oregon, Eugene to be exact!  Just saw tonight's temp around the low 60's! How I wish I could snap my fingers and be in two places at the same time.  If only the miles were not so far.  Eugene will always hold a special place in my heart.

Been debating on whether to delete/kill my blog as posts have been latent and need to re-design so for now just a small change.

♥ Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini"

I love classical music and this Rhaposody theme by Rachmaninoff is an absolute beauty and complements one of my all time favorite movies, "Somewhere in Time".  If you've never seen this movie by all means see it and be enchanted.  Christopher Reeve was at his best in this classic.

June will change her tune

Read this tweet this morning.  Yes, so sad to see May go.  Somehow Mother Nature just seems to  know to kick up the heat in June--for on this first day it already feels like 100+.

Goodbye May.Lilacs. Bike rides. Planting. Sandals. Sweaters. You started cold, ended hot, just like my heart and I'm sad to see you go.
— Kathleen Edwards (@kittythefool) June 1, 2013

Also reminds me of one of my favorite songs by Simon & Garfunkel from one of my favorite movies the Graduate-

April Come She Will

April come she will when streams are ripe and swelled with rain
May she will stay resting in my arms again
June she'll change her tune ....

Yes, June will change her tune and it's going to be a long hot summer for sure! :-( With this heat bike rides may be few but sandals will be worn for sure!