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.