Post Op-Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty got put back together again on Monday

and more importantly the damage to my knee was not as

bad as previously thought, which is definitely good news.

Still, I don't see myself running marathons anytime soon

--not that I ever did!!!

Walking around on crutches is not fun--I almost fell yesterday and

going up the steps at my mom's was a task!

I have to remind myself to walk slow.

Thus, SLOW is the new word of the week!

Friends and family have been quick with well wishes and offers for help,

which is much appreciated. I've got nearly everything I need

...a few good books to read, a warm bed, an iPod full of music and a laptop from

which to connect to the internet. I have a bunch of DVD's I had rented

to watch but just found out this laptop isn't DVD friendly. :-(

Boris...if you're reading this I'm anxiously awaiting pictures of your NYC adventure

and meeting up with Ottmar! C'mon make Humpty Dumpty's day! :-)

Daylight Melody

Agua Bella
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

...with the passing of night comes daylight and it's own melody of sights and sounds. Whenever, I hear water it makes me pause and soothes my soul. It's an elixir, an opiate that massages the senses.
Next to my bed I have this half moon like object that plays nature sounds and mine is always set to water. Each night I press the button and the water sounds lull me to sleep and becomes my nighttime melody.

Happy Thanksgiving

Destination...
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

a thank you for family, friends, loved ones far and near, the gift of life, the gift of sight and all the other senses. I'm off to Corpus Christi for the holiday...we haven't been home for Thanksgiving in about 15 years, so this will be an interesting trip back home to see family. By the way the forecasted temperature will be around 80 degrees. YUCK...eating turkey with the air conditioner on! :-(

Nonetheless, a safe journey for others who are traveling as well.

One

One
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Music: Silence: No More Longing, Ottmar Liebert

Mood: Serene

While hiking this past weekend I was in a sea of beautiful trees all dressed up in their fall colors. There were more green and golds than there were reds but no matter. Each seemed to beckon me to capture their beauty in a photo.

Trees, leaves, birds, squirrels, rocks, cliffs, canyons, caves, trails, hills, waterfalls, ponds, and streams were just a small sampling of sights, sounds and scents that invigorated my soul. I was inspired by the serenity of nature and reminded by mother earth that if we stop to breathe her essence and beauty we can all become one...just floating through time.
...PS-ONE month from today I'll be floating....at Ottmar's concert. :-)

Nature Beckons...

Yellow Wildflower
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

...I'm off this weekend on another camping adventure and looking forward to getting out of town for the weekend. The chaos of the city won't be missed. I'll be in search of lots of nature photos and just taking in the scenery and listening to nature instead of the noise of living in the city.

Score!

score!
Originally uploaded by mRio.

Music: Winter Blue, Ottmar Liebert
Mood: Happy and Sad

Thanks to Mario for scoring two front row tiks to Ottmar's concert next month...that's the happy news. The sad news is that I will be having surgery on my knee on November 28th (Arthroscopic). Thus, I may be on crutches but one way or another, I'm going to that concert--even if I have to crawl or scoot down to the front row!

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

In honor of

All Souls Day...

my makeshift altar for

Dia de los Muertos.

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See flickr for other detail of

altar.

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A real altar would be elaborately detailed

with several layers of decorations,

which would include photos, flowers, drink,

and other favorite foods or items

that belonged to the deceased.

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It is believed that the departed soul returns to visit their loved ones and thus in their honor altars are displayed at the home. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, cemetaries are elaborately detailed and adorned in anticipation of their return from the other side. This day is a national holiday and is one of celebration that mocks death. For death is a part of life and not feared as in other parts of the world. Now, I'm off to drink a good tequila.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

courtesy of

Houston Arboretum

& Nature Center

It's a Beautiful Day!

U2 Concert @ Toyota Center, Houston

...ok, so the picture is blurry but no matter! It was a beautiful day and night with U2 and company in concert in the city of blinding lights! My ears are still ringing. Next, Ottmar Liebert!

...the Houston Chronicle reported that "The stage, with its beaded curtains of shimmering lights, lit up the arena like a giant Lite-Brite". :-)

A Dedication...

Music: Kora/River of Stars by Ottmar Liebert

Mood: Sadness and tears

Dedication: for Michele J.

(while your star didn't come your way today as planned may there be a river of newborn stars from which to choose in the near future).

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Maya Angelou said this:

I've learned that no matter what happens,
or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person
by the way he/she handles these three things:
A rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,

you'll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not
the same thing as "making a life.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life
with a catcher's mitt on both hands;
You need to be able to throw some things back.
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something
with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day

you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom.

Astros Fever

Astros Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by jaseone.

...I came across this photo on Flickr and loved it. Kudos to Jaseone for the picture and carving the pumpkin with the Astros logo. Finally that Astros star is shining ever so brightly. In light of what the Astros have done, I would like to thank Andy Pettitte for making all this happen. He chose to leave NY and play in his hometown and without Andy, we wouldn't have Roger. These two were the glue that made the team stick! Plus, it sure helps that Andy is a hunk! ;-)

Calvin is so COOL!!!! 

I'm in love....

Winter Rose - Front Cover
Originally uploaded by o2ma.

...borrowed title and blog from Adam. This amazing CD came out on October 11th and can also be found on the Listening Lounge. I too am in love and have been entranced by the music. I have my three faves...

Westcoast

Kora/River of Stars

LeCafe (Snow).

Winter Rose is music inspired by the holidays but THIS is not your usual holiday CD and one that can be listened to year round. Ok, time to chill out and fall in love again and again.

Winter Rose

HELC Bouquet
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

...borrowed title from the newly released CD by Ottmar Liebert. Tomorrow evening I plan to download the CD to my new Ipod (thanks Mario) and kickback with a glass of wine.

Through my job, I serve on a committee to raise scholarship money for needy students and tonight was our annual gala. For a $20 dollar donation, I brought these home tonite. Hopefully, we raised around $80K.

Numbers...

...today's blog is about numbers such as

6:13 a.m.

10/8/1959

10/8/2005

46

on today's post

@

12:00 a.m.

Quote of the Day...

Music: It's Impossible, Perry Como

Mood: Retrospective

You must do the things

You think you cannot.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

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Several months ago, I downloaded the above song as it's one of my mom's favorites. I love some of these classics and I can remember her singing some of these songs whenever she is cleaning or washing the dishes. She has a beautiful voice that I wish I could record. Anyway, I was listening to this song when I came across this quote on my calendar. I was turning the page to October, which is my favorite month of the year. It signals a change in season's (although you don't really feel it here in Houston) and the turning of a page. Daylight gives way to nightime earlier which bring about the North winds. I feel a change within coming from the north wind, which may take me on a path of unfamiliar territory. Part of me is thinking that I cannot but then I turn a page and I am reminded that I can.

Word of the Day...

...is Shiteria.

Dedicated to my roomate

who works in an elementary school

and hates cafeteria food.

Simple...

Simple...
Originally uploaded by portseye.

Mood: Quiet
Music: 0509041022 by Ottmar Liebert

Sometimes in the quiet glow you can get a sense of what matters in life! In life we need rain, wind, sky, fire and a deep breath of fresh air from within the breath of one's soul.

The Eyes of Texas...

For those who are...
Originally uploaded by portseye.

...and the rest of the nation are upon Beaumont and the surrounding areas who are dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Once again, it's time to reach out to our neighbors in need. Thanks to Philip for his wonderful photo.

Safe and Sound...

...the day after the storm and happy to report that Houston faired pretty well. My family is all fine thank goodness and better yet no loss of power. Some friends of mine have lost power and I feel for them. The past few days have been filled with anxiety and have been very stressful. I haven't had a good night's sleep and hoping that tonight I can catch up on some. Thanks to all who stopped by and sent their thoughts and prayers our way. I have a favor to ask though...please send them to our neighbors in Beaumont/Port Arthur & the Louisiana/Texas state line area as unfortunately, they bore the brunt of the storm. The pictures we have seen have been dismal as once again mother nature has shown us who is in charge.