Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011: Greatest Losses and Gains

This time last year, I wouldn't have believed that in February, I would lose my two beloved Siberian Huskies, Zoe and Scout. 
my sweet girls
Although they were 15, and perhaps I should've been prepared for it, because they had just been such a great part of our lives for so many years, I never imagined they'd ever have to leave us.

But they did.  And both on the same day. 

What a terrible day that was-- February 21, 2011.  What a huge, huge loss for Fermin and me.  We came home to a quiet house, and it nearly drove me crazy.

What I didn't know on that terrible day, was that just a couple of weeks before that, February 8 and February 12, two little angels had made their way into the world...
...and they were just waiting for me to find them.

And the best thing about the year was that I did find them! 
So Cheers, on the New Year's Eve, to the unexpected, and to the eventual joy...

Thursday, December 29, 2011

CareBear in Hibernation

My brother has called me CB, short for CareBear for as long as I can remember. 

Lately, the name seems especially appropriate.  Not because I identify strongly with the CareBears, but because I've sort of gone into a self-appointed hibernation period. 

I don't have any gigs scheduled until mid-January.  I'm just spending a lot of time at home.  Perhaps a dangerous amount of time.

Because instead of feeling like this break is doing wonders and I'm feeling refreshed, I'm instead thinking I never want to leave my house again!

I know we all go through it from time to time.  That feeling of, "WHAT in the world am I doing with my life?"  I'm feeling it.  It may also be a little bit of post-holiday blues.  It's a funky time of year.  

All I know is that I look forward to feeling like I'm ready to get back out, and I'm a little worried I won't ever get to that feeling.

For now, I'm just in hibernation.


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Are You F-ing Kitting Me?


I love Hello Kitty.  And it seems that many people know that.  And so, I get lots of Hello Kitty products as gifts.  One of my sweet friends even found a Hello Kitty iPhone charger!!!  Who knew a phone charger could bring me so much happiness?!?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Winter SolstiCelebration Coming UP!

I read just the other day that the Winter SolstiCelebration coming up here in Dallas this weekend is the biggest in the nation.  Or maybe even the universe?  I can't remember for sure.  My husband asked me, "Why is this one so big?" and I answered, "Because Amy Martin is awesome and she's been working hard on building this thing for the last 19 years!" Yes, 19 years!  I think it's grown every year, and she has found lots of other very dedicated people that help her plan and run the show each year.
The Cathedral of Hope
Anyway, not only is it big...it's going to be inspiring!

I've been inspired already as I sat through rehearsals earlier this week.  There are all sorts of great performances-  musicians, poets, dancers, magicians, and even some folks who refer to themselves as "Circus Freaks".

And on this 19th year, I get to join in on the fun and contribute a couple of songs...  The photo below is my friend, Cornell and I rehearsing my song "Balance" just last night.
Cornell and Me
I also get to perform my song "Sum of All the Parts" immediately following what I think is one of the most beautiful moments of the show!  (But I won't give it away!)

I feel honored to be included as a performer on this very special night.  If you live in or near Dallas, you should definitely get some tickets and come out to see this show.  And if you get your tickets in advance you save a little bit of cash, so get 'em now!  Here's a link to do that: Winter SolstiCelebration 2011

Below is a little more information about the evening. 
19th annual
Winter SolstiCelebration: Our Human Journey 

December 16 and 17, 2011
Friday and Saturday
same service each night

7 to 9 pm
doors open at 6 pm ~ Yule Fest 9 to 10 pm
5 to 7 pm: meditation & tours of Interfaith Peace Chapel
Sat. 5 to 7 pm: tours of Interfaith Peace Chapel

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs, northeast corner of Inwood, Dallas, Texas 75235
best access through Ford dealership on west-bound Inwood, or turn on Nash  (1 block east of Cedar Springs)  

$15  ~ $12 in advance at website ~  $8 children & seniors

www.EarthRhythms.org ~ 214-261-5599 

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Xxx

A new show called "Virgin Diaries" just began airing on TLC this week.
It features different virgins of different ages.

On the first show, there was a group of friends- all 3 of them were nearly 30 year old virgins.Altho one had already had sex 7 times with past boyfriends, and said she was a reclaimed virgin. I think reclaimed virgin means "I wanted to be on TV with my girlfriends!"

All three of these ladies talked about how they couldn't wait to meet a guy (soon!) and lose their virginity.  So it didn't seem they were doing it for meaningful reasons.  Or maybe they were at some point, but now, they are just ready for to get it on!

This episode also featured a 35-year old man that had never had sex.  He told his his mom that some friends had suggested he hire a prostitute.  She seemed to think that probably was a good idea, but he decided to instead just try getting hammered at a bar with friends and hopefully meet his first conquest.  So again, his reasons for being a virgin were never really explained.  He didn't seem to be happy about his "condition".

And then, there was a couple-  I'm not sure if they revealed their ages or not, but emotionally, they seemed to be about ten years old.  On the show, they were soon to get married, and up to that point, hadn't even kissed each other! We got to see their first kiss and oh... my... God.  Painful.


We got to hear a little from them on the morning after.  I don't think fireworks went off.  They said it isn't like in the movies.  That it's actually painful.  With kisses like theirs, that's not surprising.

Anyway, I'm not sure what the point of this show is.  Just weird entertainment I guess.  It's definitely not making a strong case for why someone would chose to be a virgin.  In fact, if a virgin was to watch this show, they might end up rethinking their position.  They don't seem to be in very good company.

Monday, December 5, 2011

A Little Bit of Everything!

This is the signage for a new store going up in one of my favorite areas of town.  

It's a little funny.  A little offensive.  And just a little fabulous. 

Friday, December 2, 2011