Saturday, December 29, 2007

Azulito


Azulito
Originally uploaded by Nieve44/La Luz
Music: Our Last Farewell, Dan Fogelberg
Mood: tired and blue

I just got back from a quick trip to Corpus Christi. Driving at night can take a toll on you. I think though it was because we (my parents & myslelf) left with heavy hearts. Before we leave Corpus, we almost always stop at the cemetary to visit my brother and grandmother. This blue flower was at the tombstone of my grandmother. I found it laying by a tree all by itself and happily placed it on the tombstone. Afterwards, we walked across to the other side where my brother is and this is where the sadness comes in. We could not find his tombstone. We searched aimlessly for half an hour but to no avail. It seems the heavy rains shifted the soil and weeds and grass have taken over. My parents were so upset as was I. I ran over to the office, which was about to close. The woman promised that on Monday they will have the groundskeepers locate the tombstone and raise it. We hated to leave but it was getting late. So, tonight I am blue because I felt like we left him solito-all alone since we couldn't find him. I know it's just a tombstone we couldn't locate but still our hearts ache. Just so you know, I never really knew my brother (Armando) as he died at birth but he is the twin to my brother Arnold.
Still, he has always been in my heart. We didn't even tell Arnold what happened as he would be beside himself. Thank goodness he doesn't read this blog.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Aerial Boundaries



Originally uploaded by :Eureka:
Some years back, I was introduced to the music by the late Michael Hedges. I had misplaced the CD but came across some of his music again on iTunes and have been playing it (Aerial Boundaries) regularly. I'm hooked. Another artist that we lost much too young. See him play title song live here. I wish I could've seen him play live.
Photo by Eureka/Erika

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The Film

Quote from one of my favorite movies...
~~~~~~~
Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will...
~~~~~~~~
Dancing's just a conversation between two people. Talk to me.
~~~~~~~
Can you name the film? Hint: it floats! One of my favorite scenes is the house that Justin is building. OMG, I want a house like that in the country. He ain't too bad of a dancer either! He could talk to me all he wants! My other favorite scene is the dance hall. Guessed the film yet? You can read about it here. I'm ready to take a roadtrip to Smithville!

Nice soundtrack as well, which I was listening to earlier. Yep, a cheesy way to spend Christmas evening
.

Christmas Auld Syne


Christmas Auld Syne
Originally uploaded by Nieve44/La Luz
Good Morning on this Christmas holiday. I just finished enjoying a cup of tea and an almond croissant. A relatively quiet morning here with Chulo but parakeets are chirping in the next room. I fed the birds outside as well as my extended family of two squirrels. Listening to some holiday music, which is nice but I've gotten to where I prefer the instrumental music more. Need to get moving here and make some Green Bean casserole as we (parents and I) are heading to my brothers of which I"m looking forward to. I am so thankful for my family and thoughts go out to those whose families are far or distant.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Winter Rose


Winter Rose - Front Cover
Originally uploaded by o2ma
In case you're looking for that last minute Christmas gift, this CD by Ottmar Liebert is a must have of wonderful holiday music. Perfect for sitting by a fireplace or by candlelight as I did earlier tonight. Even better if your driving around and sitting in holiday traffic, which by the way has been brutal these past few days. Thankfully, I'm done with my shopping. One last trip to Starbucks for coffee for a friend and to pick up some scratch off lottery tickets which is a tradition in our family.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Same Old Lang Syne

I just learned of this singer's passing! So sad!
I used to have the biggest crush on him!
His album, The Innocent Age is brillant
and certainly ranks in my top ten of must haves!
Lord, knows I wore it out!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Winter Rose 2007


Winter Rose
Originally uploaded by Nieve44/La Luz
She's back! My winter rose has come alive with color and beauty. :-) I finally got a chance to sit outside, bask in the cool air and take in her beauty.

Monday, December 10, 2007

An Erika Moment....

from my niece for my niece....

vs.
...we were talking about a new jam that I bought, with tabasco
and her reply was, "ewwww"!
She could'nt believe I would think to put tobacco jam on my bread,
THEN she realized what I was referring too!
Thus, an Erika moment!

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Munked

I cannot wait for this movie to come out!
My niece and I have a date to go and watch this movie on the 14th!
I just downloaded the "Witch Doctor" song from iTunes
and been jamming in my room!


Friday, November 30, 2007

Inner Fire


In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

Title and photo by BlueEyes5.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Uranus Direct

Astro Alert:

Uranus turns direct on November 24, triggering a powerful time known for change and surprising events. With Uranus, planet of liberation and freedom from earthly bonds, straightening out its course just hours before the full Moon, your need for independence and freedom will be heightened. Remember to honor your emotions, but keep the feelings of others in mind as well. While change is in the air, remain flexible as you ride out this roller coaster of a transit. Now is the time to break free of routines and patterns that no longer fit, trusting that the new pieces of your life will settle later.

...Proof it's in the stars!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Blue

Your true color is Blue!


You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!



As I sit here entering this blog I am listening to Winter Blue by Ottmar Liebert from his Winter Rose cd and it's one of my favorite pieces of music. Thanks Desert Diva for the link to the test. She writes, I shamelessly “snagged” this color test from fellow blogger “Fleur-de-Lisa.”, and I'm just adding to the shame! ;-) If you to want to take the test see Tickle.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Frisbeetarianism

Word of the Day: Frisbeetarianism
Music: Thira, Stephen Duros
Mood: Laughing at the word of the day. I was sad earlier because another house slipped my fingers again. I'm starting to feel like a frisbee....getting stuck on a roof BUT not my roof!


Frisbeetarianism (n.),
The belief that, when you die, your soul flies up
onto the roof and gets stuck there.
Thanks, Teddy I needed to laugh!

Monday, November 05, 2007

Caffe Medici


Coffee the way it should be made!
When in Austin be sure
to enjoy a cup.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Happy Halloween


Mike
Originally uploaded by ggtem

He looks more like a Mikey with that snaggle tooth gleam! Photo courtesy of Erika. Design inspiration by Erika. Carvings by Luz & Erika. She wanted a happy face pumpkin and not a scary face pumpkin for her first pumpkin carving.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Awaken the soul


Instantly awakens the soul
Originally uploaded by
ggtem

It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity.
-Dave Barry

From my niece! I crack up everytime I read this!

BTW Erika, we DO need to go back to Central Market

and grab that coffee we saw!

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Transition

Music: George Winston, Montana: A Love Story
Mood: Blah
Libra Horoscope: 10/20/07

Like a brand new sponge, your brain is eager to soak up everything in sight today! You always thought learning was fun, but today you will have so much fun learning something new that you may need a few days to recover! Get ready for a shocking revelation, intriguing announcement or delightful declaration to stir up your imagination and make your energy level skyrocket. There is some extremely good news coming your way, and it will involve a major transition.

Update: 10/24/07... I'm still waiting for the shocking revelation/good news to come my way! I need something to snap me out of this downward spiral I've been feeling of late. I have my moments when I think it's happening but then something snaps and I'm back where I started...taking one step forward and two steps backwards. It seems that this whole year (2007) my life has been in transition. ;-( One thing for sure, I need a vacation! I've been pretty much stuck here in H-Town except for a few quick excursions to Corpus Christi and Lake Charles. While a vacation may not be in order soon one thing I AM VERY much looking forward to is my massage on Saturday! It's been more than a month and this Humpty Dumpty is very much in need of being put back together.

Monday, October 08, 2007

#48


Hello Kitty
Originally uploaded by nieve44

My one-a-month,

and a birthday present from my niece

--for a wild and crazy girl!

;-)

Monday, October 01, 2007

Precious Time


Precious time #3
Originally uploaded by nieve44
Precious Time

They’re calling up numbers now
Try to hide but how
Close your eyes, just pretend we’re runaways
How many boys and men…women and (pets too)
Will it take to win
And how many wish they could be runaways
How many tomorrows do we have
How much precious time

Pick a lucky star
Be it near or far
Just pretend on the long nights…
I can see it too
And wish the same as you

How many tomorrows do we have
How much precious time.


The past few days I’ve learned about the passing of two very dear people and one very special cat and this song by Darden Smith came to mind. John was my first crush from middle school and we went out a few times. I thought he hung the moon! I’m sure he’s chuckling now. I ran into him at the grocery store some years back. He recognized me at first and we caught up with one another in that “precious time” next to the produce isle. As I learn more about his tragic death, I wished now we had exchanged phone numbers/email, something—instead of “see you around”.

Just last month I ran into my student in the hallway and shared “precious time” by saying “hello”. I wish I knew then what I know now…I didn’t know she had been ill with cancer. When I met her some years back, she had just recovered from open heart surgery. She was just at work last Monday and died this past Saturday and leaves behind a young son. She had just completed her degree and came so far from where she began when I first met her.

The shock of John’s death was just passing when I learned of Chyna’s untimely death as well. My very tender womb opened up again and just this evening the tears finally flowed freely. I couldn’t hold it back anymore. Their passing had a profound impact on me as they hit very close to home. Sadly, I missed John’s memorial service and not sure if Chyna will have one but if I can I will be sure to attend. As soon as I can, I will look up into the night sky and pick three lucky stars…for John, Chyna and Duffy too!