Happy New Year ~ 2011

Counting down to the new year ~ 2011

Reya recently asked the question: "Do you make new year's resolutions?" and today there was an article by the editor of our local paper titled: "End of year resolutions?". It seems that our editor makes a resolution or two and by the end of that year she is still wanting to make the same resolution for the next year. She may want to be a better person, dress prettier, and have a softer laugh. In fact she feels more comfortable in jeans & tennies, snorts when she laughs, & wonders if her dog even cares if she is a better human. It was a cute article.

As I thought about resolutions I realized that I think about making one or more resolutions. My thoughts of resolutions generally revolve around losing 5 to 10 pounds, get more exercise & try to keep myself & the G-man healthy. In fact, I just tend to be thankful that I've made it to the beginning of a new year & my intentions are to make the new year a good one. I suppose the question is how do I make the new year good?

The old saying is resolutions are meant to be broken; so if that is the case, why bother? I say be thankful for who we are and if we feel compelled to make 1 or 2 or more new years resolutions then make them achievable. We shouldn't set ourselves up to fail. Think outwardly as well as inwardly. Think about making our planet a better place and think about making healthy decisions. Be positive, be hopeful, be thankful.

The following Irish blessing I wish upon each of you:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
~ an Irish blessing

Happy New Year from me & my family to you & yours.

Big Bend National Park - Along the Back Roads

For years I have wanted to drive through the
back roads of Big Bend and didn't have
the time or the right vehicle to do so.
On this trip time & auto was right,
but what the hell are two old people doing
driving through the badlands?!?

The first view after getting off the main road
is the back side of some of the Chisos Mountains.

As you can see the day was perfect.
It was clear and cool.
No chance of heat stroke if we get into trouble.

This is spectacular country... in every direction.
However, even a chigger couldn't make a living out here.
Desolate.

We did happen upon one patch where a seep or perhaps
a spring exists where small trees grow along the gully.

A previous traveler left this mark.

Glenn Springs Road

Rough, wash-board, rutted roads.
We were forced to travel at 5 to 10 MPH (miles per hour)
most of the day.
It took the better part of 3 hours to travel 30 miles.

Finally we reach civilization at Rio Grande Village.
Here folks camp along the Rio Grande
where the Daniel's Ranch once stood.
Grass and cottonwoods were planted by the settlers
which made this a livable area.

Silhouette

The mountains in the distance are part of
Boquilles Canyon.

Coyote visiting the area
he knows where food can be found.

The Rio Grande in the distance at Boquilles Canyon.

Only a few years ago people visiting this part of the park
could wave at the townspeople of Boquilles, Mexico.
They would then come over in a flat boat and take the
visitors across the river to their village.
It was special, but no one knew how special until now.
Now the park department buys wares such as walking sticks
from the villagers and sells them at the shops
because it would be illegal to buy from the villagers.
See the attached link to visit Boquilles
and a tradition that is lost.

To be continued...

Driving into Big Bend

Of these four photos this is my favorite.
I love the road going over the hill & disappearing
into the mountains.
As Ellen at stuff from ellen's head said:
"pictures don't do it justice".

The spaciousness of the country is breath-taking.
Even though the land is desolate it is beautiful.
Each season brings a different look to the area.

The plant life is prickly.
One has to be careful where one steps
because something will attach itself to a shoe or pants.

This cactus attacked the G-man's foot.
At least during this time of year the weather is cool
enough that we didn't have to worry about
running into snakes.

Interesting rock formation.
Lots of erosion from wind and rain.

Ocotillo plants appear dead but are only dormant.
As with many cactus-like plants the leaves are small.

Tessa Edwards

Tessa Edwards
Fly high fair friend!

"Human beings are made of body, mind and spirit.
Of these, spirit is primary,
for it connects us to the source of everything,
the eternal field of consciousness."

and that....

"Each of us is here to discover our true Self...
that essentially we are spiritual beings
who have taken manifestation in physical form...
that we're not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences
that we're spiritual beings that have occasional human experiences. "
... Deepak Chopra

I knew Tessa through her blog, An Aerial Armadillo, and long for more. She had wonderful insight into life; she loved her Africa and depicted it meaningfully through her art and her words. She was a humanitarian and I believe knew her true Self and lived life to the fullest. According to her banner mantra was:

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and yelling joyously .... "WOOO HOOO what a ride!"

My condolences to those Tessa loved, to her family and friends. Please know that she was well loved around the globe and is terribly missed.

"Have the courage to live. Anyone can die."
... Robert Cody

Tessa had the courage of which Cody speaks. Adieu, dear Tessa.

Preview of West Texas Trip

Day One
Marathon, Texas

Day Two
Driving through the southeastern part
of Big Bend National Park

Day Three
The Basin & southwestern part
of the park

We should be home tomorrow and I shall post
more photos of our trip.
It has been delightful.
We think Gertie knows we are on the way
home because she has a definite
new spring in her step!
She has wondered what the hell
we've been doing bouncing over miles
of dirt roads.

Christmas is around the corner

Last weekend we were in The Woodlands
(new Houston) visiting friends.
Market Street had lovely decorations.
On Friday night a choral group performed
in this square.
Hundreds of people were there to enjoy
the music and the lights
plus get a little shopping done.

I love this glitzy present and...

I would like to find this inside it
or just under my tree
or in my driveway.

While I'm wishing I think I would
like one of each of these little numbers.
Definitely my favorite colors!

This little girl is (not so patiently)
waiting to have her photo made with Santa.
Before we left the street was lined
with moms, dads, and little ones
just waiting their turn.

Pretty little burro sculpture in the square
but I have no idea what it signifies.
Maybe it is in search of the manger
(oh that was tacky!)

Adios to The Woodlands!

Just a Walk in the Park

All of these photos are taken from the

south-side of the Colorado River.

It's another beautiful day in Austin
and we have such a wonderful park
along the Colorado River to enjoy.

At the end of the walkway is a statue of
Stevie Ray Vaughan,
legendary Austin blues musician, guitarist & songwriter.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

This particular area along the river is designated
as a "no leash" area therefore many people
bring their dogs to romp & play.

This is also part of a 13-mile jogging, walking, biking area
that loops from south of the river to the north
and goes right through the downtown area.

Because it is in such close proximity to downtown businesses
many people take advantage during their lunch break.

Midday view

Beautiful Austin Skyline

View at dusk

Eliza Gilkyson - Live Today at The Armadillo

As many of you know one of my favorite things to do this time of year is to go to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin, TX. The bazaar is what remains of the world famous Armadillo World Headquarters. It is a signature Austin event. Great art, crafts, and funky stuff. All us old hippies and hippie wanna-bees go. It was packed today. At 3:30 Eliza Gilkyson performed and rocked the house with the following song, "The Dark Side of Town". Hope you enjoy the tune.

Eliza told the story of playing this song last summer along a river in Colorado to a bunch of motorcyclists from Canada. These guys (about 20 or so) were at the same hotel she was staying in and one night they lit a bonfire down by the river & were playing guitars. She & a woman she was traveling with went to listen and somewhere along the way mentioned they could play so the guys gave them a couple of guitars & this is what she sang. (Eliza & her friend had a couple of days off from a gig in Colorado & were just hanging out resting.)




(Eliza Gilkyson at Common Fence Music: Dark Side of Town)


She said she was much more nervous singing in front of these 20 guys than to all of us today. She sang with her head down looking at the guitar when she realized the moon had risen & was reflecting off the guitar. When she looked up all the guys had out there mobile phones pointed at her & she heard a woosh as photos were sent to the folks back home.

Needless to say she & her friend knocked their socks off with her music!

A Surprise at the Mall via Email

Today I received this in my email from a friend here in town.
I don't know where it was filmed but it is delightful.
After madly rushing around the mall,
having a seat for a quick meal,
these folks had a wonderful treat.

Beautiful voices and seemingly spontaneous
(but of course it was well planned).

Enjoy!

Paris Baubles

Printemps Store in Paris
(Stated on the window)

A visitor from Recollections of a Vagabonde told me my banner photo is possibly from Printemps Department Store in Paris. The shot above is from the sidewalk outside the store & just today I noticed the name of the store is on the window: Printemps!

I have been meaning to take photos from around our town but for some silly reason I haven't gotten out at dusk to take photos. Hopefully tomorrow. The courthouse is decorated with white lights and the light poles, tree and gazebo have colored lights. Then there is another lovely gazebo at someone's home that is brightly decorated and looks like it belongs in fairy land. Well, maybe not REALLY, but it DOES look magical.

Even though I am not particularly religious nor do I like the commercial aspect of this time of year, I do love the celebration and camaraderie that takes place. I love the lights and the festivities. After 60+ years I of trying not to insert myself into familial situations where I am uncomfortable, the G-man and I (who are like-minded) take off during this time of year and enjoy just being together. After-all I believe the closeness and love between people is the essence of the season. Our little family leaves for west Texas just before Christmas and return just after.

I hope each of you have the experience that you most enjoy during this season, that it is relatively stress free, and most of all filled with love.

Le Chocolate Shoppe

Roscar's Chocolates
and Holiday Teas

Bon bons

Beautiful handmade chocolates
from right here in
Bastrop, TX

Truffles

I should have taken a photo
of the exterior of the log cabin
where the chocolates are made.

The woodwork is lovely.

Photos with my iPhone

Feliz Navidad, Y'all!

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Año y Felicidad.

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Año y Felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart.

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/j/jose_feliciano/#share

Armadillo World Headquarters: Austin, TX

DOWNTOWN: As Austin As It Gets
There are many videos of and about
Downtown Austin at this site.
If you love Austin as I do or are just curious
this site is the definitive one about
downtown living in Austin.
Damn, I miss living in the center of all this!

The video below is the history of
Armadillo World Headquarters
that began & defined the
Austin music scene.

Tomorrow: Austin Christmas Bazaar!

I hope you enjoy the history.
It take a bit of time to watch it, but this is a bit of history
of the music origins of Austin.

Refocusing...

Yesterday afternoon was sunny and chilly here, quite like it is today. The outdoors beckoned and I lit a fire in the chiminea on the patio. It is an easy way to burn pine needles and small branches without starting a huge fire that I have to watch over for hours.

The G-man was shooting hoops, Gertie was snooping and I had my latest mystery novel. When not reading but staring into the fire I mulled over the situation that a friend is going through. I am not as good a friend as I should be. Maybe as we get older it is more difficult to reach out to a person in need. I fear I am more self-centered than I would like to be. I seem to be wrapped up in my own little life with the G-man & the Gert.

Maybe I spend too much time online or writing & reading or just goofing off and am not making the time for my friend. I have no way to help except to listen; however, sometimes listening is difficult. The problem never changes, there seems to be no solution, and I have never been one to handle helplessness. I should learn to handle it because there are some things that one just has to accept; some things can't be changed; some events occur over which there is little control and it is unlikely there will be a satisfactory outcome.

Recently we parted on tenuous grounds with me having said something she didn't want to hear and her becoming angry because I said it. We will most likely get through this little upset. I will have to remind myself to stand back, listen, and not offer unsolicited comments. I always want to be the fix-it person but being able to fix something is not always possible.

I have left a message of apology which will be heard and hopefully will help to soothe hurt feelings. Now I think I'll cook or bake something to refocus my mind. It is too pretty a day to be sad. Refocusing...

Walk Through the Tears - Possible Dreams International

Dr. Maithri Goonetilleke of Australia published this video on Dec 1, World AIDS Day.

A connection to his blog, The Soaring Impulse, is here: http://www.soaringimpulse.com/

Through his blog and on Facebook I follow Dr. Maithri Goonetilleke and the amazing work performed by him and his team in Swaziland. I am a bit late posting this as World AIDS Day was a couple of days ago, but better late than never.

I find it incredible that Maithri at the young age of 25 took to this land and these people. The last link on this page is of an interview with him explaining how he was affected when in 2005 as a medical student from Australia he worked in a small hospital in Swaziland. It was then that he became anchored to these poor, helpless but beautiful people.

The interview from 2005 here: http://www.inspirationpeak.com/interviews/maithri.html

and the Possible Dreams site is here: http://www.possibledreamsinternational.org/

Amazing stuff!

Life Plan - Contingency Plan

Austin Skyline by Night

I cannot take credit for this photo and I do not know to whom to give credit for it but it is beautiful. The photo was taken from the south shore of Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake). It exemplifies the beauty and energy of this city. I think in the coming weeks as the new Austin City Limits music venue comes online this may be what the world sees. At least it will be similar I hope.

For as much as I love Austin and enjoy going to the downtown neighborhood where I lived for 20 years, my trip there yesterday was anxiety ridden. My friend from those years had routine outpatient surgery... at least it began as routine. I met her at the clinic at 7 AM and by 10 we were having breakfast in a neighborhood cafe. I stayed with her until about 2 PM and felt, as did she, that everything was fine. I talked to her at 3:30 when I got home; still okay. Knowing she was going to take a nap I didn't call back until 7 PM when I discovered she had some complications. She contacted her doctor who wanted her to go to the hospital. I called my ex-husband who still lives next door to her & he took her to the emergency room. (Bless his heart.) She was to spend the night, receive a transfusion & blood platelets and hopefully will be fixed.

The G-man & I are so thankful for the good health that we have and that we have each other. It is not like my friend who has no one close who lives in Austin. She has 4 or 5 brothers & sisters and a myriad of nieces & nephews, but no one she can call on for help. She is in a precarious position and one which I am unlikely to be able to assist. What happens to folks when they have no one to help them either by choice or circumstance? It seems to me that she needs a plan, but I know that she has not one.

I hope this will be a lesson learned... develop a plan. Make that plan flexible. Living in a big city has definite advantages... there are taxis to call for transportation, hospitals nearby, family doctors and specialists available. I always thought I had a plan for city life, but small town life is different. The logistics are more difficult. We think we have a plan, but one never knows what twists and turns life may take. The best laid plans may not be enough or the right plan.

Sunday Morning Walk

It is a balmy day
and after having breakfast
at a local cafe

the G-man, Gertie & I
went for a walk along the Colorado
river walk just one block off Main Street.

Amazingly I did not disturb
this tiny lizard sunning on a piece of bark.

The walkway curves along the river
and as it turns out there are
other reptiles taking advantage of the sun.

Above a lone turtle
and below a line-up of the critters.

The Colorado runs underneath the highway
which is busy on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
The traffic will only get worse as the day progresses.
Our town has hundreds if not thousands
of people who pass through traveling between
Austin, Houston, or College Station.

The girl and me.
Gertie does love our walks.
Right now I am battling an injured heel.
It is probably plantar fascitis
and I need to really stretch my Achilles tendon
before I stand up after sitting for a while.
I also need to wear shoes that raise my heel
at least one inch above the rest of my foot.

This tree (and I don't know what it is) has beautiful color.
(Per ellen, it is a rain tree.)

We end our walk back in the downtown area.
This little house overlooks the Colorado.
I should have taken a photo of the back
because it has a lovely patio & balcony
(you can see the corner of said balcony to the left)
that juts out over a sloping lawn that
runs down to the trail.